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Former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has said no to a central contract for the second time in a row. The batter instead will be signing a casual contract which frees him up for the T20 leagues around the world. The announcement came as New Zealand Cricket revealed the list of centrally contracted players on Tuesday (June 3) which did not include Williamson's name.“Just a work in progress and New Zealand Cricket have been great with working with that and I've been fortunate throughout,” Williamson had said about his casual contract in a press conference last month.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-african-wicket-keeper-batsman-heinrich-klassen-retires-from-international-cricket-1748857686371">South African wicket-keeper batsman Heinrich Klassen retires from international cricket</a>The former Kiwi skipper is currently playing county cricket in England for Middlesex and is expected to miss two-Test tour of Zimbabwe next month which may end up clashing with his county commitments. He will also take part in The Hundred for London Spirits.Last year, Williamson had played nine of 13 Tests played by New Zealand and had scored more than 1,000 runs. He is considered one of the greatest to ever play for the Blackcaps with 9,276 runs in 105 red-ball games at an average of nearly 55 and 33 tons as well.Williamson is also one of the Fab Four - modern day great batters - along with Aussie Steve Smith, Englishman Joe Root and India's Virat Kohli who retired last month.New Zealand Cricket, meanwhile, has included four new faces in the central contract list including a replacement for veteran bowler Tim Southee who retired in December last year.“The contracts with Mitch, Muhammad, Adi and Zak reflect the incredible talent coming through our system,” New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink said as reported by news agency PTI.“These players have shown they can compete at the highest level and their hunger to represent the Black Caps is exciting. We're thrilled to see this group drive our team forward,” he added.

Last year, Williamson had played nine of 13 Tests played by New Zealand and had scored more than 1,000 runs. He is considered one of the greatest to ever play for the Blackcaps with 9,276 runs in 105 red-ball games at an average of nearly 55 and 33 tons as well.

Former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has said no to a central contract for the second time in a row. The batter instead will be signing a casual contract which frees him up for the T20 leagues around the world. The announcement came as New Zealand Cricket revealed the list of centrally contracted players on Tuesday (June 3) which did not include Williamson's name. “Just a work in progress and New Zealand Cricket have been great with working with that and I've been fortunate throughout,” Williamson had said about his casual contract in a press conference last month. Also Read - South African wicket-keeper batsman Heinrich Klassen retires from international cricket The former Kiwi skipper is currently playing county cricket in England for Middlesex and is expected to miss two-Test tour of Zimbabwe next month which may end up clashing with his county commitments. He will also take part in The Hundred for London Spirits. Last year, Williamson had played nine of 13 Tests played by New Zealand and had scored more than 1,000 runs. He is considered one of the greatest to ever play for the Blackcaps with 9,276 runs in 105 red-ball games at an average of nearly 55 and 33 tons as well. Williamson is also one of the Fab Four - modern day great batters - along with Aussie Steve Smith, Englishman Joe Root and India's Virat Kohli who retired last month. New Zealand Cricket, meanwhile, has included four new faces in the central contract list including a replacement for veteran bowler Tim Southee who retired in December last year. “The contracts with Mitch, Muhammad, Adi and Zak reflect the incredible talent coming through our system,” New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink said as reported by news agency PTI. “These players have shown they can compete at the highest level and their hunger to represent the Black Caps is exciting. We're thrilled to see this group drive our team forward,” he added.

Last year, Williamson had played nine of 13 Tests played by New Zealand and had scored more than 1,000 runs. He is considered one of the greatest to ever play for the Blackcaps with 9,276 runs in 105 red-ball games at an average of nearly 55 and 33 tons as well.

Ex-Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson declines to sign central contract for New Zealand - Here's why

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl">Indian Premier League</a> (IPL) will find the new owner of its coveted trophy as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rcb">Royal Challengers Bengaluru</a> (RCB) and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pbks">Punjab Kings</a> (PBKS) will face off in the summit clash on Tuesday (June 3) in Ahmedabad. Both teams had a terrific season and will be looking to end the 17-year trophy drought.&nbsp;Earlier in the season, RCB beat PBKS in Qualifier 1 and cruised into the finals. Whereas, PBKS had a second bite at the cherry as they outplayed Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2 to book the final berth.&nbsp;Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2025-final-pbks-vs-rcb-head-to-head-records-playoff-stats-and-iconic-performances-details-inside-1748933723438">IPL 2025 Final | PBKS vs RCB: Head-to-head, records, playoff stats and iconic performances</a>&nbsp;It will be a big moment for the team that lifts the silverware. However, the franchise on the losing side won't go empty-handed as every team in the playoffs will receive the prize money from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci"> BCCI</a>. Along with the franchises, the players who turned out to be exceptional performers will also receive a certain amount of prize money.&nbsp;The team which&nbsp;ends up as a champion of IPL 2025 will receive a whopping $2.4 million (INR 20 crore) while the runners-up will also get&nbsp; $1.3 million (INR 13 crore). Apart from that, the team which ended up in the fourth place will receive $783 K (INR 6.5 crore) while the team losing the second qualifier, MI, will take home $843 K (INR 7 crore).&nbsp;Talking about the individual performances, the BCCI will also distribute the prize among the players for bagging the Orange Cap (most runs) and Purple Cap (most wickets). Both these winners are set to earn $12K (INR 10 lakh). Additionally, the Emerging player of the season will bag prize money of $24K (INR 20 lakh). Apart from that, the player with the highest strike rate, most sixes, most valuable player and the game changer of the season will get $12K (INR 10 lakh each).

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Category</td><td>Prize Money (USD)</td><td>Prize Money (INR)</td></tr><tr><td>Winner</td><td>2.4M</td><td>20 crore</td></tr><tr><td>Runners-up</td><td>1.5M</td><td>13 crore</td></tr><tr><td>Qualifiers 2&nbsp;</td><td>843K</td><td>7 crore</td></tr><tr><td>Eliminator</td><td>783K</td><td>6.5 crore</td></tr><tr><td>Orange cap</td><td>12K</td><td>10 lakh</td></tr><tr><td>Purple cap</td><td>12K</td><td>10 lakh</td></tr><tr><td>Emerging player</td><td>24K</td><td>20 lakh</td></tr><tr><td>Most valuable player</td><td>12K</td><td>10 lakh</td></tr><tr><td>Super striker</td><td>12K</td><td>10 lakh</td></tr><tr><td>Maximum sixes</td><td>12K</td><td>10 lakh</td></tr><tr><td>Game changer player</td><td>12K</td><td>10 lakh</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

The team which ends up as a champion of IPL 2025 will receive a whopping USD 2.4 million (INR 20 crore) while the runners-up will also get 
USD 1.3 million (INR 13 crore). 

The Indian Premier League (IPL) will find the new owner of its coveted trophy as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face off in the summit clash on Tuesday (June 3) in Ahmedabad. Both teams had a terrific season and will be looking to end the 17-year trophy drought. Earlier in the season, RCB beat PBKS in Qualifier 1 and cruised into the finals. Whereas, PBKS had a second bite at the cherry as they outplayed Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2 to book the final berth. Also Read | IPL 2025 Final | PBKS vs RCB: Head-to-head, records, playoff stats and iconic performances It will be a big moment for the team that lifts the silverware. However, the franchise on the losing side won't go empty-handed as every team in the playoffs will receive the prize money from BCCI. Along with the franchises, the players who turned out to be exceptional performers will also receive a certain amount of prize money. The team which ends up as a champion of IPL 2025 will receive a whopping $2.4 million (INR 20 crore) while the runners-up will also get $1.3 million (INR 13 crore). Apart from that, the team which ended up in the fourth place will receive $783 K (INR 6.5 crore) while the team losing the second qualifier, MI, will take home $843 K (INR 7 crore). Talking about the individual performances, the BCCI will also distribute the prize among the players for bagging the Orange Cap (most runs) and Purple Cap (most wickets). Both these winners are set to earn $12K (INR 10 lakh). Additionally, the Emerging player of the season will bag prize money of $24K (INR 20 lakh). Apart from that, the player with the highest strike rate, most sixes, most valuable player and the game changer of the season will get $12K (INR 10 lakh each).

The team which&nbsp;ends up as a champion of IPL 2025 will receive a whopping USD 2.4 million (INR 20 crore) while the runners-up will also get&nbsp; USD 1.3 million (INR 13 crore).&nbsp;

IPL 2025 Final: Check price money for the winning team, orange cap, purple cap and more. Details revealed

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) could be handed a major blow ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) final as Tim David and Phil Salt are doubtful for the clash on Tuesday (June 3). Playing in their fourth final in the IPL, if the reports are confirmed it will be a major blow considering RCB are bidding for their maiden title. They face Punjab Kings in the summit clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium with the opponent also buying for their maiden title.<h2>RCB set to face blow ahead of final?</h2>According to a report from prominent cricket site Espncricinfo, RCB are facing a crunch decision ahead of the final against Punjab Kings as David is suffering from a hamstring issue. If he fails to pass the fitness test then he could be forced to withdraw in the key match of the season. He has played in 12 matches in the current season, scoring 187 runs with a best of unbeaten 50. However, it is presence in the field and ability to bowl that makes the difference for RCB.&nbsp;&nbsp;On the other hand, a report from India Today states that Phil Salt might be away from the team with his wife set to give birth to their first child. In case he is away it will be a major blow for the three-time runners-up in the IPL.&nbsp;&nbsp;He has scored 387 runs in 12 matches with a best of 65 and has given a perfect start to RCB with Virat Kohli. He also has four fifties with the bat, showcasing his importance in the side.&nbsp;<h2>RCB vs PBKS, IPL 2025 final: Path to the final</h2>Royal Challengers Bengaluru finished in the top two of the league stage having amassed 19 points from a possible 28. With nine wins, they finished level on points with PBKS but missed out on the top spot on net run rate (NRR). RCB had an impressive away record in IPL 2025 as they won seven away matches. Their path to the final was a one-off contest having beaten PBKS by eight wickets in Qualifier 1.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) could be handed a major blow ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) final as Tim David and Phil Salt are doubtful for the clash on Tuesday (June 3).

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) could be handed a major blow ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) final as Tim David and Phil Salt are doubtful for the clash on Tuesday (June 3). Playing in their fourth final in the IPL, if the reports are confirmed it will be a major blow considering RCB are bidding for their maiden title. They face Punjab Kings in the summit clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium with the opponent also buying for their maiden title. RCB set to face blow ahead of final? According to a report from prominent cricket site Espncricinfo, RCB are facing a crunch decision ahead of the final against Punjab Kings as David is suffering from a hamstring issue. If he fails to pass the fitness test then he could be forced to withdraw in the key match of the season. He has played in 12 matches in the current season, scoring 187 runs with a best of unbeaten 50. However, it is presence in the field and ability to bowl that makes the difference for RCB. On the other hand, a report from India Today states that Phil Salt might be away from the team with his wife set to give birth to their first child. In case he is away it will be a major blow for the three-time runners-up in the IPL. He has scored 387 runs in 12 matches with a best of 65 and has given a perfect start to RCB with Virat Kohli. He also has four fifties with the bat, showcasing his importance in the side. RCB vs PBKS, IPL 2025 final: Path to the final Royal Challengers Bengaluru finished in the top two of the league stage having amassed 19 points from a possible 28. With nine wins, they finished level on points with PBKS but missed out on the top spot on net run rate (NRR). RCB had an impressive away record in IPL 2025 as they won seven away matches. Their path to the final was a one-off contest having beaten PBKS by eight wickets in Qualifier 1.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) could be handed a major blow ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) final as Tim David and Phil Salt are doubtful for the clash on Tuesday (June 3).

IPL 2025 final: Tim David, Phil Salt doubtful for crunch finale for RCB - Report

India’s D Gukesh added another feather to his already impressive hat as he beat chess great Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 on Sunday (June 1). The win came as a huge achievement for the Indian Grandmaster who last year won the World Chess Championship. However, after the win a fan slammed the organisers Norway Chess Federation as one of the comments on the winning moment attracted racial abuse.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Can I ask Why isn’t <a href="https://twitter.com/NorwayChess?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NorwayChess</a> moderating its TikTok account, despite repeated racist comments targeting Gukesh? These comments are visible, liked by thousands, and consistently appear at the top. <a href="https://t.co/gxVrc26n5Q">pic.twitter.com/gxVrc26n5Q</a>&mdash; Meru (@MeruBhaiya) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeruBhaiya/status/1929474104777679176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What was the incident?</h2>After beating Carlsen in an epic battle, Gukesh’s winning moment went viral on social media including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok (banned in India). While there were many congratulatory messages, there was one comment that caught everyone’s eye. One of the fans wrote, "Magnus was distracted by the curry sent (scent).”&nbsp;The comment did not go well with a social media user who slammed the Norway Chess Federation. He wrote "Can I ask why isn’t @NorwayChess moderating its TikTok account, despite repeated racist comments targeting Gukesh? These comments are visible, liked by thousands, and consistently appear at the top."&nbsp;While there has been no reaction from the Norway Chess Federation, many have now come out in support of Gukesh and his fans.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 delivered exciting games across all boards. In the standout game, Gukesh beat World No. 1 Carlsen in a long game where he seemed to have the upper hand, a critical mistake in time trouble allowed the Indian Grandmaster to turn the tables and secure a remarkable win.&nbsp;The two remaining classical games, Yi Wei against Arjun Erigaisi and Fabiano Caruana against Hikaru Nakamura ended in hard-fought draws. Erigaisi and Caruana triumphed in their Armageddon games, earning the crucial extra points.&nbsp;Gukesh received huge praise from the fans while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took notice of his achievement.&nbsp;&nbsp;“An exceptional achievement by Gukesh! Congratulations to him for triumphing over the very best. His first-ever win against Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 showcases his brilliance and dedication. Wishing him continued success in the journey ahead. @DGukesh,” wrote Indian Prime Minister Modi.

India’s D Gukesh added another feather to his already impressive hat as he beat chess great Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 on Sunday (June 1).

India’s D Gukesh added another feather to his already impressive hat as he beat chess great Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 on Sunday (June 1). The win came as a huge achievement for the Indian Grandmaster who last year won the World Chess Championship. However, after the win a fan slammed the organisers Norway Chess Federation as one of the comments on the winning moment attracted racial abuse.

India’s D Gukesh added another feather to his already impressive hat as he beat chess great Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 on Sunday (June 1).

Fan slams Norway Chess Federation as racial comment goes viral after D Gukesh beats Magnus Carlsen

The Indian Premier League (IPL) season 18 will drop curtains on Tuesday (June 3) as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) play Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in the summit clash. With a guaranteed new winner, fans will be eager to witness either Virat Kohli or Shreyas Iyer lift the trophy in Ahmedabad. However, that equation will depend on weather gods as Ahmedabad, the host city for the final has seen rain play spoilsport. So what happens if rain plays spoilsport in the IPL 2025 final between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru?&nbsp;<h2>What happens if rain plays spoilsport?</h2>As things stand, if rain plays spoilsport there is a provision of adding an extra 120 minutes to the Playoff clashes. This was the case for the Qualifier 2 contest between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings where the match started at 9:45 PM local time without overs getting trimmed.&nbsp;&nbsp;So if this is the case, no overs will be trimmed until 9:56 PM local time. However, it will be from this point when the overs will start getting trimmed to constitute a match. The least a match can constitute is a five-over per side match and the cut-off point for this is 11:56 PM. Meaning if no ball is bowled until 11:56 PM, then the match will move into reserve day.&nbsp;<h2>Is there a reserve day for IPL 2025 final?</h2>Yes, unlike the earlier Playoff matches, there is a provision of reserve day for the IPL 2025 final. So if there is an incomplete match or no ball is bowled on June 3, then the match will move into reserve day of June 4.&nbsp;<h2>What happens if there is no result on reserve day?</h2>The rules for the reserve day remain the same as the original day, with a cut-off time of 9:56 PM for a 20-over per side match and 11:56 PM for a five-over per side match. However, if no result is possible on reserve day as well then Punjab Kings will be declared champions on technical superiority in the league stage. Punjab finished above Bengaluru in the league stage and this will see them crowned IPL 2025 champions.

As things stand, if rain plays spoilsport there is a provision of adding an extra 120 minutes to the Playoff clashes. This was the case for the Qualifier 2 contest between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings where the match started at 9:45 PM local time without overs getting trimmed. 

The Indian Premier League (IPL) season 18 will drop curtains on Tuesday (June 3) as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) play Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in the summit clash. With a guaranteed new winner, fans will be eager to witness either Virat Kohli or Shreyas Iyer lift the trophy in Ahmedabad. However, that equation will depend on weather gods as Ahmedabad, the host city for the final has seen rain play spoilsport. So what happens if rain plays spoilsport in the IPL 2025 final between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru? What happens if rain plays spoilsport? As things stand, if rain plays spoilsport there is a provision of adding an extra 120 minutes to the Playoff clashes. This was the case for the Qualifier 2 contest between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings where the match started at 9:45 PM local time without overs getting trimmed. So if this is the case, no overs will be trimmed until 9:56 PM local time. However, it will be from this point when the overs will start getting trimmed to constitute a match. The least a match can constitute is a five-over per side match and the cut-off point for this is 11:56 PM. Meaning if no ball is bowled until 11:56 PM, then the match will move into reserve day. Is there a reserve day for IPL 2025 final? Yes, unlike the earlier Playoff matches, there is a provision of reserve day for the IPL 2025 final. So if there is an incomplete match or no ball is bowled on June 3, then the match will move into reserve day of June 4. What happens if there is no result on reserve day? The rules for the reserve day remain the same as the original day, with a cut-off time of 9:56 PM for a 20-over per side match and 11:56 PM for a five-over per side match. However, if no result is possible on reserve day as well then Punjab Kings will be declared champions on technical superiority in the league stage. Punjab finished above Bengaluru in the league stage and this will see them crowned IPL 2025 champions.

As things stand, if rain plays spoilsport there is a provision of adding an extra 120 minutes to the Playoff clashes. This was the case for the Qualifier 2 contest between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings where the match started at 9:45 PM local time without overs getting trimmed.&nbsp;

IPL 2025 final, RCB vs PBKS: What happens if rain washes out summit clash, is there a reserve day? - Check details here

The Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season will drop curtains on an epic season as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings square off in the summit clash on Tuesday (June 3). With high expectations from both camps, the contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium will crown a new IPL champion as both Punjab and Bengaluru are yet to taste victory in the coveted tournament. So who has the edge as we analyse the chances?<h2>RCB vs PBKS, winner prediction</h2>Going on a head-to-head record won't make any difference for the sides with both Punjab and Bengaluru holding even odds. Both teams have won 18 matches each in a head-to-head contest with no draws. This means their IPL history won’t separate them heading into the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.&nbsp;&nbsp;When it comes to the league form, both teams were again inseparable as both Punjab and Bengaluru finished with 19 points each in 14 matches. They both won 9 matches each with a draw meaning only net run rate saw PBKS finish above RCB.&nbsp;&nbsp;When it comes to the head-to-head matches in the league stage, PBKS and RCB were again on parity. PBKS won in Bengaluru while Rajat Patidar’s side emerged victorious in Mullanpur.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, it was the Qualifier 1 clash that got them separated as RCB beat PBKS by eight wickets. On the other hand, RCB have an impressive record away from home as they won all seven matches on their travels.&nbsp;<h2>RCB vs PBKS, IPL 2025 final: Path to the final</h2>Royal Challengers Bengaluru finished in the top two of the league stage having amassed 19 points from a possible 28. With nine wins, they finished level on points with PBKS but missed out on the top spot on net run rate (NRR). RCB had an impressive away record in IPL 2025 as they won seven away matches. Their path to the final was a one-off contest having beaten PBKS by eight wickets in Qualifier 1.&nbsp;Punjab Kings on the other hand had an impressive campaign as they finished in the Playoffs spot for only the third time. They secured the top spot in the league stage with a similar record to RCB having won nine and drawn one match. They suffered an embarrassing defeat in Q1 having been bundled out for 101 on their home turf. However, they did create history in Q2, becoming the first team to beat Mumbai Indians after the five-time champions had set a total of more than 200.&nbsp;Prediction: Considering RCB’s away form and dominance in Qualifier 1, we predict the South Indian side will beat Punjab Kings.

The Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season will drop curtains on an epic season as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings square off in the summit clash on Tuesday (June 3).

The Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season will drop curtains on an epic season as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings square off in the summit clash on Tuesday (June 3). With high expectations from both camps, the contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium will crown a new IPL champion as both Punjab and Bengaluru are yet to taste victory in the coveted tournament. So who has the edge as we analyse the chances? RCB vs PBKS, winner prediction Going on a head-to-head record won't make any difference for the sides with both Punjab and Bengaluru holding even odds. Both teams have won 18 matches each in a head-to-head contest with no draws. This means their IPL history won’t separate them heading into the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. When it comes to the league form, both teams were again inseparable as both Punjab and Bengaluru finished with 19 points each in 14 matches. They both won 9 matches each with a draw meaning only net run rate saw PBKS finish above RCB. When it comes to the head-to-head matches in the league stage, PBKS and RCB were again on parity. PBKS won in Bengaluru while Rajat Patidar’s side emerged victorious in Mullanpur. However, it was the Qualifier 1 clash that got them separated as RCB beat PBKS by eight wickets. On the other hand, RCB have an impressive record away from home as they won all seven matches on their travels. RCB vs PBKS, IPL 2025 final: Path to the final Royal Challengers Bengaluru finished in the top two of the league stage having amassed 19 points from a possible 28. With nine wins, they finished level on points with PBKS but missed out on the top spot on net run rate (NRR). RCB had an impressive away record in IPL 2025 as they won seven away matches. Their path to the final was a one-off contest having beaten PBKS by eight wickets in Qualifier 1. Punjab Kings on the other hand had an impressive campaign as they finished in the Playoffs spot for only the third time. They secured the top spot in the league stage with a similar record to RCB having won nine and drawn one match. They suffered an embarrassing defeat in Q1 having been bundled out for 101 on their home turf. However, they did create history in Q2, becoming the first team to beat Mumbai Indians after the five-time champions had set a total of more than 200. Prediction: Considering RCB’s away form and dominance in Qualifier 1, we predict the South Indian side will beat Punjab Kings.

The Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season will drop curtains on an epic season as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings square off in the summit clash on Tuesday (June 3).

IPL 2025 final, RCB vs PBKS Winner Prediction: Who has the edge as Bengaluru-Punjab square off in summit clash?

A new Indian Premier League (IPL) champion will be crowned on Tuesday (June 3) as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the summit clash. A clash set to take centre stage at the Narendra Modi Stadium will be no less than a spectacle for neutral fans as one of the two teams will have their hands on the trophy for the first time.&nbsp;&nbsp;RCB might have the mental edge having beaten PBKS in Qualifier 1, but Shreyas Iyer and Co will look to go shoulder-to-shoulder after impressing in the Qualifier 2 clash against Mumbai Indians.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 🔥 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗵𝘆 🏆 The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Final?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Final</a> act begins tonight 🎬 Who conquers <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLastMile?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLastMile</a>? 🤔 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvPBKS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvPBKS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PunjabKingsIPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/VpTJpQRkkO">pic.twitter.com/VpTJpQRkkO</a>&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1929727236749611051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>RCB vs PBKS, IPL 2025 final: Path to the final</h2>Royal Challengers Bengaluru finished in the top two of the league stage having amassed 19 points from a possible 28. With nine wins, they finished level on points with PBKS but missed out on the top spot on net run rate (NRR).&nbsp;&nbsp;RCB had an impressive away record in IPL 2025 as they won seven away matches. Their path to the final was a one-off contest having beaten PBKS by eight wickets in Qualifier 1.&nbsp;Punjab Kings on the other hand had an impressive campaign as they finished in the Playoffs spot for only the third time. They secured the top spot in the league stage with a similar record to RCB having won nine and drawn one match.&nbsp;&nbsp;They suffered an embarrassing defeat in Q1 having been bundled out for 101 on their home turf. However, they did create history in Q2, becoming the first team to beat Mumbai Indians after the five-time champions had set a total of more than 200.&nbsp;<h2>RCB vs PBKS, IPL 2025 final: Head-to-head record</h2>Tuesday’s meeting will be the 37th encounter between the sides and arguably the biggest head-to-head contest in the history of IPL. Nothing separates the two teams in the previous 36 meetings as the spoils are shared with 18 wins all. No contest between the sides has been washed out, so it will be interesting to see what happens in the IPL 2025 final.

A new Indian Premier League (IPL) champion will be crowned on Tuesday (June 3) as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the summit clash. 

A new Indian Premier League (IPL) champion will be crowned on Tuesday (June 3) as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the summit clash. A clash set to take centre stage at the Narendra Modi Stadium will be no less than a spectacle for neutral fans as one of the two teams will have their hands on the trophy for the first time. RCB might have the mental edge having beaten PBKS in Qualifier 1, but Shreyas Iyer and Co will look to go shoulder-to-shoulder after impressing in the Qualifier 2 clash against Mumbai Indians.

A new Indian Premier League (IPL) champion will be crowned on Tuesday (June 3) as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the summit clash.&nbsp;

IPL 2025 final, RCB vs PBKS Preview: New champion in waiting as Bengaluru-Punjab square off in Ahmedabad

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani led the tributes to Japanese baseball legend Shigeo Nagashima following his death on Tuesday aged 89.&nbsp;Known as "Mr. Pro Baseball", Nagashima starred for Japan's most popular team, the Yomiuri Giants, winning nine straight Japan Series titles from 1965 to 1973.&nbsp;He formed a lethal partnership with Sadaharu Oh, who holds the world record for hitting the most home runs, and the pair are credited with cementing baseball's status as Japan's favourite sport.&nbsp;Their batting exploits captivated a Japanese public enjoying new economic prosperity out of the ruins of World War II, with families tuning in to watch games on black and white TV sets.&nbsp;Nagashima's outsized personality and easy charisma made him a popular public figure and symbol of a confident new Japan.&nbsp;He hit a dramatic walk-off home run to seal a win for the Giants in the first professional game ever attended by Japan's emperor in 1959.&nbsp;"May your soul rest in peace," Ohtani wrote on Instagram to his 9.5 million followers.Nagashima retired in 1974 after a 17-year playing career during which he won the Central League batting title six times and was home run king twice.&nbsp;He played in 2,186 games and hit 444 home runs.&nbsp;Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary said Nagashima was "a sunny person".&nbsp;"He left so many brilliant records in the world of professional baseball for many years, and gave bright dreams and hopes to society as a national star," he said.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Known as Mr. Pro Baseball, Nagashima starred for Japan most popular team, the Yomiuri Giants, winning nine straight Japan Series titles from 1965 to 1973.

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani led the tributes to Japanese baseball legend Shigeo Nagashima following his death on Tuesday aged 89. Known as "Mr. Pro Baseball", Nagashima starred for Japan's most popular team, the Yomiuri Giants, winning nine straight Japan Series titles from 1965 to 1973. He formed a lethal partnership with Sadaharu Oh, who holds the world record for hitting the most home runs, and the pair are credited with cementing baseball's status as Japan's favourite sport. Their batting exploits captivated a Japanese public enjoying new economic prosperity out of the ruins of World War II, with families tuning in to watch games on black and white TV sets. Nagashima's outsized personality and easy charisma made him a popular public figure and symbol of a confident new Japan. He hit a dramatic walk-off home run to seal a win for the Giants in the first professional game ever attended by Japan's emperor in 1959. "May your soul rest in peace," Ohtani wrote on Instagram to his 9.5 million followers. Nagashima retired in 1974 after a 17-year playing career during which he won the Central League batting title six times and was home run king twice. He played in 2,186 games and hit 444 home runs. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary said Nagashima was "a sunny person". "He left so many brilliant records in the world of professional baseball for many years, and gave bright dreams and hopes to society as a national star," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Known as "Mr. Pro Baseball", Nagashima starred for Japan's most popular team, the Yomiuri Giants, winning nine straight Japan Series titles from 1965 to 1973.

Shohei Ohtani leads tributes as Japanese baseball legend Shigeo Nagashima dies at 89

Jannik Sinner fired a warning sign to his French Open title rivals as he romped to a comprehensive victory over Andrey Rublev in the French Open last 16 on Monday.Russian 17th seed Rublev appeared to pose a tricky test on paper for Sinner, but the world number one instead cantered to a 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 win in the night session on Court Philippe Chatrier.&nbsp;"Things can go very quickly in a bad way, especially best of five, it can go very long," said Sinner.&nbsp;"I'm very happy to finish it in three. These night sessions in Paris are very special."The Italian, who returned from a three-month doping ban in May in Rome, will next face unseeded Kazakh Alexander Bublik in the quarter-finals.&nbsp;Sinner holds a 3-1 winning record against Bublik in their head-to-head, but did lose their last meeting in 2023 on grass in Halle.&nbsp;He is aiming for a third consecutive Grand Slam title in Paris after winning last year's US Open and taking his second successive Australian Open crown in January.&nbsp;Sinner gained a measure of revenge on Rublev for a last-16 defeat at Roland Garros in 2022, when he had to retire injured in the third set.&nbsp;He was in clinical form on Monday, firing five aces and 25 winners past a bewildered opponent.&nbsp;"Inside there's a storm going on but tennis is a very mental game and you don't want to show anything to your opponent," Sinner said of his calm on-court demeanour.&nbsp;"In my young career, the storm was also outside not only inside."&nbsp;The 23-year-old, who lost to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 semi-finals, saved two break points in the opening game of the match.&nbsp;But it was all one-way traffic from there as he powered into a 5-0 lead and clinched the opener despite missing one set point for a first-set bagel.&nbsp;Sinner broke for a 2-1 lead and wrapped up the second set when Rublev dropped serve again.&nbsp;With the crowd firmly behind him, 10-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist Rublev upped his level in the third set.But his only break point since the very first game came and went as Sinner remained rock solid on serve, before the top seed took his first match point when a Rublev forehand clipped the net and spun wide.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Jannik Sinner fired a warning sign to his French Open title rivals as he romped to a comprehensive victory over Andrey Rublev in the French Open last 16 on Monday.

Jannik Sinner fired a warning sign to his French Open title rivals as he romped to a comprehensive victory over Andrey Rublev in the French Open last 16 on Monday. Russian 17th seed Rublev appeared to pose a tricky test on paper for Sinner, but the world number one instead cantered to a 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 win in the night session on Court Philippe Chatrier. "Things can go very quickly in a bad way, especially best of five, it can go very long," said Sinner. "I'm very happy to finish it in three. These night sessions in Paris are very special." The Italian, who returned from a three-month doping ban in May in Rome, will next face unseeded Kazakh Alexander Bublik in the quarter-finals. Sinner holds a 3-1 winning record against Bublik in their head-to-head, but did lose their last meeting in 2023 on grass in Halle. He is aiming for a third consecutive Grand Slam title in Paris after winning last year's US Open and taking his second successive Australian Open crown in January. Sinner gained a measure of revenge on Rublev for a last-16 defeat at Roland Garros in 2022, when he had to retire injured in the third set. He was in clinical form on Monday, firing five aces and 25 winners past a bewildered opponent. "Inside there's a storm going on but tennis is a very mental game and you don't want to show anything to your opponent," Sinner said of his calm on-court demeanour. "In my young career, the storm was also outside not only inside." The 23-year-old, who lost to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 semi-finals, saved two break points in the opening game of the match. But it was all one-way traffic from there as he powered into a 5-0 lead and clinched the opener despite missing one set point for a first-set bagel. Sinner broke for a 2-1 lead and wrapped up the second set when Rublev dropped serve again. With the crowd firmly behind him, 10-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist Rublev upped his level in the third set. But his only break point since the very first game came and went as Sinner remained rock solid on serve, before the top seed took his first match point when a Rublev forehand clipped the net and spun wide. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Jannik Sinner fired a warning sign to his French Open title rivals as he romped to a comprehensive victory over Andrey Rublev in the French Open last 16 on Monday.

French Open: Jannik Sinner crushes Andrey Rublev to reach quarterfinal

French world number 361 Lois Boisson sent shockwaves through Roland Garros on Monday by knocking out third seed Jessica Pegula to become the first home quarter-finalist since 2017, with Coco Gauff and Mirra Andreeva also reaching the last eight.&nbsp;Boisson, 22, came from a set down against last year's US Open runner-up as the wildcard recipient completed an improbable 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 win to prolong her dream run on her Grand Slam debut.&nbsp;She is the first French singles quarter-finalist in Paris since Caroline Garica and Kristina Mladenovic made it to the same stage eight years ago. Mary Pierce was the tournament's last French champion in 2000.&nbsp;"I really don't know what to say," said Boisson, who was roared on by the home fans on Court Philippe Chatrier.&nbsp;"To play on this court with such an atmosphere was incredible. I was confident before the match and knew I could do it even if she was really strong.&nbsp;“I gave everything I had and it worked, it's incredible.” Boisson missed last year's French Open after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee a week before it started.&nbsp;She goes on to face 18-year-old Russian rising star Andreeva on Wednesday for a place in the semi-finals. Sixth seed Andreeva moved through in straight sets as she cut short an attempted fightback by Daria Kasatkina to advance 6-3, 7-5.&nbsp;"It was a hell of a match," said Andreeva. "Honestly I'm so so happy I won, I hate playing against her, we practice a lot and even practice is a torture for me."&nbsp;Andreeva is through to her second major quarter-final, having reached the last four at Roland Garros 12 months ago when she knocked out Aryna Sabalenka.&nbsp;World number two Gauff brushed Russian 20th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova aside 6-0, 7-5 to step up her pursuit of a first Roland Garros crown, and second Grand Slam title.&nbsp;"It was tough. The whole match I think I played well to be honest," said Gauff, a losing finalist in Paris in 2022.&nbsp;Former US Open champion Gauff will play reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys in an all-American quarter-final.&nbsp;Eighth-ranked Keys saw off unseeded compatriot Hailey Baptiste 6-3, 7-5.<h2>Sinner, Djokovic target last eight</h2>Alexander Zverev took his place in the men's quarter-finals when Dutch opponent Tallon Griekspoor retired with an abdominal injury while trailing 6-4, 3-0.&nbsp;The German third seed is still hunting a first Grand Slam title. He lost last year's final to Carlos Alcaraz and then finished runner-up to Jannik Sinner in Melbourne.&nbsp;Sinner will seek to light up the night session as the top seed clashes with Andrey Rublev, and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic will renew his rivalry with Cameron Norrie.&nbsp;Italy's Sinner will look to continue his quest to make it three Grand Slam titles in a row when he takes on Russian 17th seed Rublev.&nbsp;The pair have met nine times in their career with Sinner holding the edge with six wins to three, but the former world number five emerged the victor in their only previous meeting at Roland Garros at the same stage in 2022.&nbsp;Djokovic, a three-time French Open winner, will have the chance to rack up 100 victories at Roland Garros when he faces Britain's Norrie.&nbsp;The 38-year-old Serb sits on a 99-16 win/loss record at the major where he has enjoyed the least success in terms of titles.&nbsp;"Just that stat alone for me in terms of longevity, something that particularly in the last maybe five to seven years, I was looking forward to try to extend my career," said Djokovic.&nbsp;"To try to be playing on the highest level for as long as I possibly can, regardless of the age. And that's what's happening, so I can't be happier than that."&nbsp;Djokovic beat 81st-ranked Norrie in three sets earlier this month on the red dirt in Geneva on his way to securing a century of ATP titles.&nbsp;Norrie's compatriot and men's fifth seed, Jack Draper, can extend his best run at the French Open by beating a rejuvenated Alexander Bublik.

French Open 2025: Lois Boisson upsets Coco Gauff, Andreeva advances to quarters

French world number 361 Lois Boisson sent shockwaves through Roland Garros on Monday by knocking out third seed Jessica Pegula to become the first home quarter-finalist since 2017, with Coco Gauff and Mirra Andreeva also reaching the last eight. Boisson, 22, came from a set down against last year's US Open runner-up as the wildcard recipient completed an improbable 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 win to prolong her dream run on her Grand Slam debut. She is the first French singles quarter-finalist in Paris since Caroline Garica and Kristina Mladenovic made it to the same stage eight years ago. Mary Pierce was the tournament's last French champion in 2000. "I really don't know what to say," said Boisson, who was roared on by the home fans on Court Philippe Chatrier. "To play on this court with such an atmosphere was incredible. I was confident before the match and knew I could do it even if she was really strong. “I gave everything I had and it worked, it's incredible.” Boisson missed last year's French Open after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee a week before it started. She goes on to face 18-year-old Russian rising star Andreeva on Wednesday for a place in the semi-finals. Sixth seed Andreeva moved through in straight sets as she cut short an attempted fightback by Daria Kasatkina to advance 6-3, 7-5. "It was a hell of a match," said Andreeva. "Honestly I'm so so happy I won, I hate playing against her, we practice a lot and even practice is a torture for me." Andreeva is through to her second major quarter-final, having reached the last four at Roland Garros 12 months ago when she knocked out Aryna Sabalenka. World number two Gauff brushed Russian 20th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova aside 6-0, 7-5 to step up her pursuit of a first Roland Garros crown, and second Grand Slam title. "It was tough. The whole match I think I played well to be honest," said Gauff, a losing finalist in Paris in 2022. Former US Open champion Gauff will play reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys in an all-American quarter-final. Eighth-ranked Keys saw off unseeded compatriot Hailey Baptiste 6-3, 7-5. Sinner, Djokovic target last eight Alexander Zverev took his place in the men's quarter-finals when Dutch opponent Tallon Griekspoor retired with an abdominal injury while trailing 6-4, 3-0. The German third seed is still hunting a first Grand Slam title. He lost last year's final to Carlos Alcaraz and then finished runner-up to Jannik Sinner in Melbourne. Sinner will seek to light up the night session as the top seed clashes with Andrey Rublev, and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic will renew his rivalry with Cameron Norrie. Italy's Sinner will look to continue his quest to make it three Grand Slam titles in a row when he takes on Russian 17th seed Rublev. The pair have met nine times in their career with Sinner holding the edge with six wins to three, but the former world number five emerged the victor in their only previous meeting at Roland Garros at the same stage in 2022. Djokovic, a three-time French Open winner, will have the chance to rack up 100 victories at Roland Garros when he faces Britain's Norrie. The 38-year-old Serb sits on a 99-16 win/loss record at the major where he has enjoyed the least success in terms of titles. "Just that stat alone for me in terms of longevity, something that particularly in the last maybe five to seven years, I was looking forward to try to extend my career," said Djokovic. "To try to be playing on the highest level for as long as I possibly can, regardless of the age. And that's what's happening, so I can't be happier than that." Djokovic beat 81st-ranked Norrie in three sets earlier this month on the red dirt in Geneva on his way to securing a century of ATP titles. Norrie's compatriot and men's fifth seed, Jack Draper, can extend his best run at the French Open by beating a rejuvenated Alexander Bublik.

Boisson, 22, came from a set down against last year's US Open runner-up as the wildcard recipient completed an improbable 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 win to prolong her dream run on her Grand Slam debut.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pbks">Punjab Kings</a> (PBKS) are set to lock horns in the IPL 2025 final on Tuesday (June 3) in Ahmedabad. Both teams are on a quest to earn their maiden <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl">IPL</a> title.&nbsp;The Bengaluru-based franchise will be playing their fourth IPL final, whereas Punjab will be playing their second summit clash. Earlier in the season, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rcb">RCB</a> entered the final by thrashing PBKS in Qualifier 1 on Friday (May 29). PBKS, who had lost the battle but had a chance to feature in the title-winning clash, defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2 to book their final berth.&nbsp;As the stage is all set for the high-octane clash, rain threatens over Narendra Modi stadium. The weather in the capital city of Gujarat doesn't seem fine with rain interruptions predicted.&nbsp;Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-african-wicket-keeper-batsman-heinrich-klassen-retires-from-international-cricket-1748857686371">South African wicket-keeper batsman Heinrich Klassen retires from international cricket</a>&nbsp;As per the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/imd"> Indian Metrological Department (IMD)</a>, light to moderate thundershowers are predicted during the course of game.&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier, the IPL final was scheduled at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. However, the BCCI had shifted the venue citing the weather conditions in the City of Joy.&nbsp;Speaking on the eve of the final, RCB skipper<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rajat-patidar"> Rajat Patidar</a> was quoted saying, "Expectations come naturally, especially when you're leading a team like RCB in a final, but I always focus on what’s in my control and try to stay in the present. This captaincy journey has been a great learning experience for me. We’re here to play our best cricket. Facing Shreyas again is a nice coincidence, but the challenge is new."&nbsp;The last time when Ahmedabad hosted a final back in 2023, it was a rain-affected clash where Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had chased down 171 in 15 overs against Gujarat Titans.&nbsp;It would be interesting to see who comes on top and lift that trophy that has been elusive for both the teams. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a> is eyeing his first IPL trophy in his stellar 18-year career whereas Shreyas Iyer, who has previously led KKR to the final and eventually lifting the coveted trophy will be looking to replicate the same this year.

As the stage is all set for the high-octane clash, rain threatens gloom over the Narendra Modi stadium. Weather in the capital city of Gujarat does not seem fine with rain interruptions predicted on the IPL final date.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to lock horns in the IPL 2025 final on Tuesday (June 3) in Ahmedabad. Both teams are on a quest to earn their maiden IPL title. The Bengaluru-based franchise will be playing their fourth IPL final, whereas Punjab will be playing their second summit clash. Earlier in the season, RCB entered the final by thrashing PBKS in Qualifier 1 on Friday (May 29). PBKS, who had lost the battle but had a chance to feature in the title-winning clash, defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2 to book their final berth. As the stage is all set for the high-octane clash, rain threatens over Narendra Modi stadium. The weather in the capital city of Gujarat doesn't seem fine with rain interruptions predicted. Also Read | South African wicket-keeper batsman Heinrich Klassen retires from international cricket As per the Indian Metrological Department (IMD), light to moderate thundershowers are predicted during the course of game. Earlier, the IPL final was scheduled at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. However, the BCCI had shifted the venue citing the weather conditions in the City of Joy. Speaking on the eve of the final, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar was quoted saying, "Expectations come naturally, especially when you're leading a team like RCB in a final, but I always focus on what’s in my control and try to stay in the present. This captaincy journey has been a great learning experience for me. We’re here to play our best cricket. Facing Shreyas again is a nice coincidence, but the challenge is new." The last time when Ahmedabad hosted a final back in 2023, it was a rain-affected clash where Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had chased down 171 in 15 overs against Gujarat Titans. It would be interesting to see who comes on top and lift that trophy that has been elusive for both the teams. Virat Kohli is eyeing his first IPL trophy in his stellar 18-year career whereas Shreyas Iyer, who has previously led KKR to the final and eventually lifting the coveted trophy will be looking to replicate the same this year.

As the stage is all set for the high-octane clash, rain threatens gloom over the Narendra Modi stadium. Weather in the capital city of Gujarat doesn't seem fine with rain interruptions predicted on the IPL final date.

IPL 2025 Final: Rain threat looms over Ahmedabad. Check out weather forecast

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (June 2) congratulated Gukesh for his first-ever win against Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Congratulations to him for triumphing over the very best. His first-ever win against Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 showcases his brilliance and dedication", Modi posted on X.&nbsp;“An exceptional achievement by Gukesh! Congratulations to him for triumphing over the very best. His first-ever win against Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 showcases his brilliance and dedication. Wishing him continued success in the journey ahead. @DGukesh.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-swings-into-pickleball-the-sport-redefining-recreational-play-1748869642805">India swings into pickleball: The sport redefining recreational play</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">An exceptional achievement by Gukesh! Congratulations to him for triumphing over the very best. His first-ever win against Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 showcases his brilliance and dedication. Wishing him continued success in the journey ahead.<a href="https://twitter.com/DGukesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DGukesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/TjxyPzn3uN">pic.twitter.com/TjxyPzn3uN</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1929538936998691151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 delivered exciting games across all boards. In the standout game of the day, World Champion Dommaraju Gukesh beat World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in a long game where Carlsen seemed to have the upper hand, a critical mistake in time trouble allowed Gukesh to turn the tables and secure a remarkable win.&nbsp;The two remaining classical games, Yi Wei against Arjun Erigaisi and Fabiano Caruana against Hikaru Nakamura, ended in hard-fought draws. Erigaisi and Caruana triumphed in their Armageddon games, earning the crucial extra points.&nbsp;&nbsp;With these results, Carlsen and Caruana now share the overall lead in the tournament standings.&nbsp;The Norway Chess Women’s tournament saw another intense day with three Armageddon games after the classical games ended in draws.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anna Muzychuk, Vaishali Rameshbabu and Wenjun Ju prevailed in their Armageddon games. As the tournament progresses, Muzychuk and Humpy Koneru now share the top spot on the leaderboard, promising a fierce battle ahead in the coming rounds.&nbsp;Norway Chess is one of the world's premier chess tournaments, bringing together the top male and female players in a distinctive 6-player double round-robin format.

PM Narendra Modi congratulates Gukesh for his first-ever win against Magnus Carlsen in Norway Chess 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (June 2) congratulated Gukesh for his first-ever win against Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025. "Congratulations to him for triumphing over the very best. His first-ever win against Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 showcases his brilliance and dedication", Modi posted on X. “An exceptional achievement by Gukesh! Congratulations to him for triumphing over the very best. His first-ever win against Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 showcases his brilliance and dedication. Wishing him continued success in the journey ahead. @DGukesh.” Also Read: India swings into pickleball: The sport redefining recreational play

Gukesh pulled off a stunning victory against the former world number one in Round 6 of the ongoing Norway Chess 2025 tournament

PM Narendra Modi congratulates D Gukesh for his first-ever win against Magnus Carlsen in Norway Chess 2025

What began as a modest backyard game has steadily carved a unique space for itself in India’s dynamic sports landscape. Over the past decade, pickleball—a sport that fuses elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis—has evolved from obscurity to a national movement in India, attracting players of all ages and backgrounds.&nbsp;At first glance, pickleball’s appeal lay in its simplicity. Played on a smaller court with a lightweight paddle and a perforated ball, it didn’t demand the power and stamina required by tennis or the precision of badminton. Instead, it offered a social, low-impact alternative that quickly resonated with people looking for a recreational yet competitive outlet.&nbsp;But, despite its rapid rise, challenges remain. Access to quality coaching, limited large-scale infrastructure, and low awareness outside urban centers still hinder the sport’s broader reach. However, momentum is on pickleball’s side.&nbsp;Addressing the issue, Siddhant Jatia, Founder and CEO of Picklebay said, “Using Pickle Bay, we have created like a complete end-to-end ecosystem around the sport. Currently, we're live in six cities. We have almost every pickleball court listed in these six cities on our tech platform. People can actually go there, make informed decisions about where they need to play, what they need to play, what are the sizes of the courts, what are the charges, etc.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, India's No. 8 Avinash Kumar shared his thoughts about the sport and the future associated with it. He said, “I see a good future for pickleball. It is growing very fast. Once people start playing pickleball, they get attracted to it. They always want to play it. They want to continue it. So, the future looks bright.”&nbsp;Aaliya Ebrahim, a former tennis player spoke about what makes pickleball different than other racket sports. She said, “I think pickleball is a more quicker sport. It's more fun. It's more quick and there's a great community for pickleball as well. It's super fun. Pickleball has been growing very tremendously in the West, especially in Europe. It's now catching up in India.”&nbsp;Picklebay is India’s ﬁrst comprehensive pickleball platform, enabling players to discover courts, join tournaments, ﬁnd playing partners, and be part of a thriving community. Now active across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, Picklebay is building a digitally connected future for the sport in India.

India swings into pickleball: The sport redefining recreational play



What began as a modest backyard game has steadily carved a unique space for itself in India’s dynamic sports landscape. Over the past decade, pickleball—a sport that fuses elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis—has evolved from obscurity to a national movement in India, attracting players of all ages and backgrounds. At first glance, pickleball’s appeal lay in its simplicity. Played on a smaller court with a lightweight paddle and a perforated ball, it didn’t demand the power and stamina required by tennis or the precision of badminton. Instead, it offered a social, low-impact alternative that quickly resonated with people looking for a recreational yet competitive outlet. But, despite its rapid rise, challenges remain. Access to quality coaching, limited large-scale infrastructure, and low awareness outside urban centers still hinder the sport’s broader reach. However, momentum is on pickleball’s side. Addressing the issue, Siddhant Jatia, Founder and CEO of Picklebay said, “Using Pickle Bay, we have created like a complete end-to-end ecosystem around the sport. Currently, we're live in six cities. We have almost every pickleball court listed in these six cities on our tech platform. People can actually go there, make informed decisions about where they need to play, what they need to play, what are the sizes of the courts, what are the charges, etc.” Meanwhile, India's No. 8 Avinash Kumar shared his thoughts about the sport and the future associated with it. He said, “I see a good future for pickleball. It is growing very fast. Once people start playing pickleball, they get attracted to it. They always want to play it. They want to continue it. So, the future looks bright.” Aaliya Ebrahim, a former tennis player spoke about what makes pickleball different than other racket sports. She said, “I think pickleball is a more quicker sport. It's more fun. It's more quick and there's a great community for pickleball as well. It's super fun. Pickleball has been growing very tremendously in the West, especially in Europe. It's now catching up in India.” Picklebay is India’s ﬁrst comprehensive pickleball platform, enabling players to discover courts, join tournaments, ﬁnd playing partners, and be part of a thriving community. Now active across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, Picklebay is building a digitally connected future for the sport in India.

Over the past decade, pickleball—a sport that fuses elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis has seen tremendous growth in India

India swings into pickleball: The sport redefining recreational play

A decade may have passed, but some things remain constant. In the Indian Premier League, where players evolve, switch teams, and hone their skills, Shreyas Iyer’s iconic shot against Jasprit Bumrah remains a timeless highlight.&nbsp;Ten years ago, a young Iyer, donning a different jersey, met a rising Bumrah with a signature shot that left everyone in awe. Fast forward to the present IPL 2025 season, and the scene played out again — only this time, with new colors, new stakes, and a more seasoned Iyer.&nbsp;&nbsp;The stance, the elegance, the timing – everything echoed the moment from a decade ago.&nbsp;It’s not just a shot; it’s a story of consistency, growth, and the enduring rivalry of two Indian cricketing giants. It’s a reminder that while jerseys change, the passion for the game remains evergreen.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Shreyas iyer vs bumrah 10 yrs challenge 🥶 <a href="https://t.co/LWdbR8RGaB">pic.twitter.com/LWdbR8RGaB</a>&mdash; CURRY (@chef_curryyy) <a href="https://twitter.com/chef_curryyy/status/1929356510204719386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Punjab Kings cruises in final&nbsp;Coming to the match, there will be a new champion in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025 after Punjab Kings beat Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 in the early hours of Monday (June 2) by five wickets at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Led by Shreyas Iyer, Punjab chased a massive target of 204 with six balls to spare as they now stand a win away from their maiden IPL title. Shreyas played a match-winning knock of 87 runs as Punjab now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 final.&nbsp;Chasing 204 for victory in a rain-delayed last playoff, Punjab rode Iyer's 41-ball knock, laced with five fours and eight sixes, to achieve their target with six balls to spare in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;Iyer hit the winning six as Punjab reached their second IPL final. It will be played at the same venue -- the world's biggest cricket stadium -- on Tuesday.&nbsp;"I love such big occasions," player of the match Iyer said after in the post-match presentation.

#10YearChallenge: Shreyas Iyer’s signature shot against Jasprit Bumrah sparks deja vu among fans

A decade may have passed, but some things remain constant. In the Indian Premier League, where players evolve, switch teams, and hone their skills, Shreyas Iyer’s iconic shot against Jasprit Bumrah remains a timeless highlight. Ten years ago, a young Iyer, donning a different jersey, met a rising Bumrah with a signature shot that left everyone in awe. Fast forward to the present IPL 2025 season, and the scene played out again — only this time, with new colors, new stakes, and a more seasoned Iyer. The stance, the elegance, the timing – everything echoed the moment from a decade ago. It’s not just a shot; it’s a story of consistency, growth, and the enduring rivalry of two Indian cricketing giants. It’s a reminder that while jerseys change, the passion for the game remains evergreen.

There will be a new champion in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025 after Punjab Kings beat Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 in the early hours of Monday (June 2) by five wickets

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl"> Indian Premier League</a> (IPL) is down on the wire with the final to be played between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rcb">Royal Challengers Bengaluru</a> (RCB) and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pbks">Punjab Kings</a> (PBKS) on Tuesday (June 3) at the Narendra Modi stadium. This is the second time where the world's largest cricket stadium will host the cash-rich league's final.&nbsp;On Friday (May 29), RCB cruised in the final after a dominant win over PBKS in the Qualifier 1 game. Even after losing, PBKS had a chance to bite the final cherry a second time as they had finished in the top 2 during the league stage.&nbsp;PBKS secured their place in the final by outplaying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mi">Mumbai Indians </a>(MI) in the Qualifier 2 game on Sunday (June 1). It was captain Shreyas Iyer who led from the front.&nbsp;Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-rajeev-shukla-in-line-to-replace-roger-binny-as-new-bcci-president-report-1748852089012">Rajeev Shukla in line to replace Roger Binny as new BCCI president – Report</a>&nbsp;IPL 2025: Telecast and closing ceremony&nbsp;The live telecast of the IPL final between RCB and PBKS will commence at 5 PM IST. The closing ceremony will begin shortly after this, but the exact timings have not been announced by BCCI yet.&nbsp;Where will the RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final match be played?&nbsp;The PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 final match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;At what time will the toss for the RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final take place?&nbsp;The toss for PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 final match will take place at 7:00 PM IST.&nbsp;What time will the RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final start?&nbsp;The RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final will commence on Tuesday (June 3) at 7:30 PM IST.&nbsp;When and where to watch RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final?&nbsp;The RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final will be telecasted live on the&nbsp;Star Sports Network&nbsp;in India. Also, it will be streamed live on the&nbsp;JioHotstar&nbsp;app and website.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is down on the wire with the finals to be played between RCB and PBKS on Tuesday (June 3) at the iconic Narendra Modi stadium.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is down on the wire with the final to be played between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Tuesday (June 3) at the Narendra Modi stadium. This is the second time where the world's largest cricket stadium will host the cash-rich league's final. On Friday (May 29), RCB cruised in the final after a dominant win over PBKS in the Qualifier 1 game. Even after losing, PBKS had a chance to bite the final cherry a second time as they had finished in the top 2 during the league stage. PBKS secured their place in the final by outplaying Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Qualifier 2 game on Sunday (June 1). It was captain Shreyas Iyer who led from the front. Also Read | Rajeev Shukla in line to replace Roger Binny as new BCCI president – Report IPL 2025: Telecast and closing ceremony The live telecast of the IPL final between RCB and PBKS will commence at 5 PM IST. The closing ceremony will begin shortly after this, but the exact timings have not been announced by BCCI yet. Where will the RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final match be played? The PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 final match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. At what time will the toss for the RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final take place? The toss for PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 final match will take place at 7:00 PM IST. What time will the RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final start? The RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final will commence on Tuesday (June 3) at 7:30 PM IST. When and where to watch RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final? The RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final will be telecasted live on the Star Sports Network in India. Also, it will be streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is down on the wire with the final to be played between RCB and PBKS on Tuesday (June 3) at Narendra Modi stadium

RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final live streaming | When and where to watch, live on smart TV, mobile app and match details. Check inside

Adverse weather conditions and health concerns surrounding the spread of chikungunya disease have forced the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to postpone the second edition of the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup, scheduled to start on June 6 in Sri Lanka. Former PCB chief and current ACC president Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the development on Monday (June 2).&nbsp;“The ACC is committed to providing opportunities for young women cricketers to develop their skills and compete at the highest level. We understand the strategic significance of this tournament in shaping the future of women's cricket in Asia, and we will work diligently to reschedule the event at the earliest possible date,” Naqvi wrote on X.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-rajeev-shukla-in-line-to-replace-roger-binny-as-new-bcci-president-report-1748852089012">Rajeev Shukla in line to replace Roger Binny as new BCCI president – Report</a> &nbsp;Naqvi said that the ACC decided against staging the tournament per schedule after SLC president Shammi Silva wrote to them, seeking to work on a separate window to host this event owing to weather and health concerns in the country.&nbsp; &nbsp;The latest reports suggest that Sri Lanka's meteorological department issued an advisory last week, warning everyone of strong winds and thunderstorms across several provinces in the country. &nbsp;The ACC also confirmed that they will announce the new dates in due course.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/two-time-world-cup-winner-with-australia-glenn-maxwell-calls-time-on-odi-career-1748846353199">Two-time World Cup winner with Australia Glenn Maxwell calls time on ODI career</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, Hong Kong held the inaugural edition of the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup in 2023, where India-A beat Bangladesh-A by 31 runs in the final to lift the trophy. Shreyanka Patil was the player of the tournament, which featured eight teams and staged 15 matches, including the knockouts. &nbsp;Besides, per BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia's earlier statement, the board has not communicated anything yet regarding India's participation in this tournament and the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup, played among six teams and scheduled in India in September this year.&nbsp;

Adverse weather conditions and disease scare forces ACC to postpone Women’s Emerging Asia Cup: Naqvi

Adverse weather conditions and health concerns surrounding the spread of chikungunya disease have forced the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to postpone the second edition of the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup, scheduled to start on June 6 in Sri Lanka. Former PCB chief and current ACC president Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the development on Monday (June 2). “The ACC is committed to providing opportunities for young women cricketers to develop their skills and compete at the highest level. We understand the strategic significance of this tournament in shaping the future of women's cricket in Asia, and we will work diligently to reschedule the event at the earliest possible date,” Naqvi wrote on X. Also read | Rajeev Shukla in line to replace Roger Binny as new BCCI president – Report Naqvi said that the ACC decided against staging the tournament per schedule after SLC president Shammi Silva wrote to them, seeking to work on a separate window to host this event owing to weather and health concerns in the country. The latest reports suggest that Sri Lanka's meteorological department issued an advisory last week, warning everyone of strong winds and thunderstorms across several provinces in the country. The ACC also confirmed that they will announce the new dates in due course. Also read | Two-time World Cup winner with Australia Glenn Maxwell calls time on ODI career Meanwhile, Hong Kong held the inaugural edition of the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup in 2023, where India-A beat Bangladesh-A by 31 runs in the final to lift the trophy. Shreyanka Patil was the player of the tournament, which featured eight teams and staged 15 matches, including the knockouts. Besides, per BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia's earlier statement, the board has not communicated anything yet regarding India's participation in this tournament and the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup, played among six teams and scheduled in India in September this year.

The ACC also confirmed that they will announce the new dates in due course.

Documents published for the first time indicate that medical test results from the 2023 World Championships show Paris Olympics women's boxing champion Imane Khelif possesses male chromosomes.&nbsp; &nbsp;This comes just 36 hours after World Boxing mandated sex screening for Khelif's future eligibility in female tournaments, adding complexity to the controversial chronicle surrounding the Olympic gold medallist.&nbsp;The test results published on 3 Wire Sports website, conducted at Dr Lal PathLabs in New Delhi in March 2023, showed "abnormal" findings saying "Chromosome analysis reveals male karyotype."&nbsp;&nbsp;The laboratory is accredited by the American College of Pathologists and certified by the Swiss-based International Organisation for Standardisation.&nbsp;The documents dispute the assertions made by IOC spokesman Mark Adams, who labeled the results as "ad hoc" and "not legitimate" at a Paris Olympics press briefing&nbsp;IOC president Thomas Bach implied that the outcomes were part of a misinformation strategy orchestrated by Russia, mentioning that the International Boxing Association, under the leadership of Russia’s Umar Kremlev, had lost its recognition from the IOC due to ethical and financial management issues.&nbsp;However, 26-year-old Khelif has maintained a firm stance and expressed intentions to win another Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.&nbsp;World Boxing has implemented new regulations mandating that all competitors over 18 must undergo polymerase chain reaction genetic testing to ascertain their sex through mouth swab, saliva, or blood samples.&nbsp;&nbsp;Khelif, who competed in Paris based on female status, has not provided evidence of female chromosomes since the controversy came into the light.&nbsp;"I don't think I had ever felt like that in my 13 years as a boxer, nor in my sparring with men," said Mexican boxer Brianda Tamara, who fought Khelif in 2022. Italy's Angela Carini, who faced Khelif, reported being punched so forcefully that she feared for her life.&nbsp;The scandal gained additional attention when both Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting won Olympic titles in Paris, despite previous IBA bans for not having XX chromosomes.&nbsp;Alan Abrahamson, an American journalist, first revealed during the Paris Games that the IOC had received warnings about Khelif having male DNA more than a year before the competition.

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is biologically male, reveals leaked medical report

Documents published for the first time indicate that medical test results from the 2023 World Championships show Paris Olympics women's boxing champion Imane Khelif possesses male chromosomes. This comes just 36 hours after World Boxing mandated sex screening for Khelif's future eligibility in female tournaments, adding complexity to the controversial chronicle surrounding the Olympic gold medallist. The test results published on 3 Wire Sports website, conducted at Dr Lal PathLabs in New Delhi in March 2023, showed "abnormal" findings saying "Chromosome analysis reveals male karyotype." The laboratory is accredited by the American College of Pathologists and certified by the Swiss-based International Organisation for Standardisation. The documents dispute the assertions made by IOC spokesman Mark Adams, who labeled the results as "ad hoc" and "not legitimate" at a Paris Olympics press briefing IOC president Thomas Bach implied that the outcomes were part of a misinformation strategy orchestrated by Russia, mentioning that the International Boxing Association, under the leadership of Russia’s Umar Kremlev, had lost its recognition from the IOC due to ethical and financial management issues. However, 26-year-old Khelif has maintained a firm stance and expressed intentions to win another Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. World Boxing has implemented new regulations mandating that all competitors over 18 must undergo polymerase chain reaction genetic testing to ascertain their sex through mouth swab, saliva, or blood samples. Khelif, who competed in Paris based on female status, has not provided evidence of female chromosomes since the controversy came into the light. "I don't think I had ever felt like that in my 13 years as a boxer, nor in my sparring with men," said Mexican boxer Brianda Tamara, who fought Khelif in 2022. Italy's Angela Carini, who faced Khelif, reported being punched so forcefully that she feared for her life. The scandal gained additional attention when both Khelif and Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting won Olympic titles in Paris, despite previous IBA bans for not having XX chromosomes. Alan Abrahamson, an American journalist, first revealed during the Paris Games that the IOC had received warnings about Khelif having male DNA more than a year before the competition.

However, 26-year-old Khelif has maintained a firm stance and expressed intentions to win another Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif is 'biologically male', reveals leaked medical report

South Africa wicket-keeper batter Heinrich Klassen, known for his destructive abilities while batting has announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday (June 2). The batter who represents Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, announced his decision via a post on social media platform Instagram.&nbsp;Klaasen's announcement comes hours after Australia's Glenn Maxwell retired from ODI cricket.&nbsp;The South African player has played 122 international games for his country; that includes four Test matches, 60 one day internationals, and 58 T20Is.&nbsp;In his post on Instagram, he said, “It is a sad day for me as I announce that I have decided to step away from international cricket. It took me a long time to decide what’s best for me and my family for the future. It was truly a very difficult decision but also one that I have absolute peace with.” “From the first day, it was the biggest privilege representing my country and it was everything that I have worked for and dreamed about as a young boy.”

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKZJ2C3CJJb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Heinrich Klaasen (@heinie45)</a></div></blockquote>
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“I have made great friendships and relationships that I will treasure for life. Playing for the Proteas gave me the opportunity to meet great people that changed my life, and to those people I can’t say thank you enough. My road to wearing the Proteas shirt was different than most and there were certain coaches in my career that kept believing in me - to them I will always be grateful.” “To have played with the Proteas badge on my chest was and will always be the biggest honour in my career. I look forward to spending more time with my family as this decision will allow me to do so.” &nbsp;“I will always be a big Proteas supporter and would like to thank everyone that supported me and my teammates during my career.”

South African wicket keeper batsman Heinrich Klassen retires from international cricket

South Africa wicket-keeper batter Heinrich Klassen, known for his destructive abilities while batting has announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday (June 2). The batter who represents Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, announced his decision via a post on social media platform Instagram. Klaasen's announcement comes hours after Australia's Glenn Maxwell retired from ODI cricket. The South African player has played 122 international games for his country; that includes four Test matches, 60 one day internationals, and 58 T20Is. In his post on Instagram, he said, “It is a sad day for me as I announce that I have decided to step away from international cricket. It took me a long time to decide what’s best for me and my family for the future. It was truly a very difficult decision but also one that I have absolute peace with.” “From the first day, it was the biggest privilege representing my country and it was everything that I have worked for and dreamed about as a young boy.”

The Proteas player took it to social media to announce his retirement from international cricket

South African wicket-keeper batsman Heinrich Klassen retires from international cricket

Chess king Magnus Carlsen punched the table in frustration following a crushing defeat to the reigning champion from India, D Gukesh, in the 6th round of the Norway Open in Stavanger on Sunday (June 1). Carlsen’s reaction to perhaps his ‘most painful’ defeats, as described by Susan Polgar, was louder and more dramatic, considering how well he dominated Round 6 of this prestigious event before blundering.&nbsp;Sitting across the table was Gukesh, who failed to direct his emotions into joy and was rather taken aback by the outcome as he lagged for most of this round. As Carlsen was unable to handle his anger, storming off the site in despair, Gukesh was trying to absorb the emotion of this landmark victory over the world number one. &nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-rajeev-shukla-in-line-to-replace-roger-binny-as-new-bcci-president-report-1748852089012">Rajeev Shukla in line to replace Roger Binny as new BCCI president – Report</a>&nbsp;The Indian Grandmaster secured perhaps one of his most crucial wins against Carlsen in his backyard, beating him in classical time control for the first time in his career. Playing with white pieces, D Gukesh didn’t crumble under pressure and instead capitalised on Carlsen’s blunder in the endgame, converting it into a statement victory. &nbsp;Although Carlsen’s first reaction told the entire story, with him quickly realising losing his cool and then compensating with a cold handshake with Gukesh, the Indian superstar got up from his seat in disbelief, wondering what he had pulled off.<h3>Watch Video -</h3>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">OH MY GOD 😳🤯😲 <a href="https://t.co/QSbbrvQFkE">pic.twitter.com/QSbbrvQFkE</a>&mdash; Norway Chess (@NorwayChess) <a href="https://twitter.com/NorwayChess/status/1929257237190443042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Legendary Susan Polgar also described the enormity of Carlsen's loss to Gukesh in a social media post, writing,&nbsp; &nbsp;“Carlsen rarely loses in classical chess, and he rarely commits big blunders. He was playing so well with the black pieces in round 6 in Norway against Gukesh. He had a winning position with more time on the clock. But Gukesh did not give up. He continued to fight, and Carlsen's advantage slowly disappeared. Then when both were in time pressure, he made a huge blunder, which cost him the game.&nbsp; &nbsp;“This has to be one of the most painful losses in his spectacular career. I am sure he is very angry with himself," she said. &nbsp;Meanwhile, it’s for the second in two years at Norway Chess that an Indian teenager has beaten Carlsen in the classical format. Before Gukesh made headlines for topping the home hero with his composure, his compatriot R Praggnanandhaa had defeated Carlsen last year.

Chess king Carlsen punches table in frustration after losing to India’s D Gukesh in Norway Open – Video goes viral

Chess king Magnus Carlsen punched the table in frustration following a crushing defeat to the reigning champion from India, D Gukesh, in the 6th round of the Norway Open in Stavanger on Sunday (June 1). Carlsen’s reaction to perhaps his ‘most painful’ defeats, as described by Susan Polgar, was louder and more dramatic, considering how well he dominated Round 6 of this prestigious event before blundering. Sitting across the table was Gukesh, who failed to direct his emotions into joy and was rather taken aback by the outcome as he lagged for most of this round. As Carlsen was unable to handle his anger, storming off the site in despair, Gukesh was trying to absorb the emotion of this landmark victory over the world number one. Also read | Rajeev Shukla in line to replace Roger Binny as new BCCI president – Report The Indian Grandmaster secured perhaps one of his most crucial wins against Carlsen in his backyard, beating him in classical time control for the first time in his career. Playing with white pieces, D Gukesh didn’t crumble under pressure and instead capitalised on Carlsen’s blunder in the endgame, converting it into a statement victory. Although Carlsen’s first reaction told the entire story, with him quickly realising losing his cool and then compensating with a cold handshake with Gukesh, the Indian superstar got up from his seat in disbelief, wondering what he had pulled off. Watch Video -

The Indian Grandmaster secured perhaps one of his most crucial wins against Carlsen in his backyard, beating him in classical time control for the first time in his career.

Rajeev Shukla leads the race to replace former World Cup winner Roger Binny as the new BCCI president. Binny, who turns 70 in July this year, would be required to step down from his role per the age limit rules applied earlier by the Lodha Committee. Shukla, BCCI vice president, would likely be his successor, per the latest report.&nbsp;Binny was elected BCCI’s 36th president in October 2022, succeeding former India great and captain Sourav Ganguly, who held this post for three years. Before the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September, Shukla, 65, would likely be the board’s acting president for three months before applying his candidature for full-time presidency.<h2>Indian Cricket under Binny’s presidency &nbsp;</h2>Like how Indian cricket shaped up and reached heights under numerous presidents over the years, it excelled under Binny, with the men’s team ending their ICC trophy drought during this tenure; India won two titles in different formats in consecutive years. While Rohit Sharma-led India first won the T20 World Cup last year in the Americas, they put their hands on the coveted Champions Trophy for the record time early in 2025 in Pakistan.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-pbks-vs-mi-qualifier-2-forget-ms-dhoni-indian-cricket-has-a-new-mr-cool-in-shreyas-iyer-1748841971212">Forget MS Dhoni, Indian Cricket has a new Mr. Cool in Shreyas Iyer</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, among other notable achievements under Binny, the BCCI launched the Women’s Premier League (WPL), a women’s franchise cricket league modelled after the success of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL). Its introduction marked a significant step towards the rise of women’s cricket in the country.&nbsp; &nbsp;Besides this, Binny’s tenure saw crucial changes in domestic cricket, including better incentives and improved pay structures for players, alongside encouraging all, including star cricketers, to return to the drawing board and play domestic tournaments. &nbsp;Also, Binny has held other posts at BCCI before this, having served as a member of the selection committee. &nbsp;Coming to his cricketing career, Binny enjoyed success across two formats he played – ODIs and Tests. While he picked up 47 wickets outside of scoring 830 runs in red-ball cricket, Binny was a key member of India’s 1983 ODI World Cup-winning squad. In One-Dayers, Binny featured in 72 matches, scoring 629 runs and returning with 77 wickets.&nbsp;

Rajeev Shukla in line to replace Roger Binny as new BCCI president – Report

Rajeev Shukla leads the race to replace former World Cup winner Roger Binny as the new BCCI president. Binny, who turns 70 in July this year, would be required to step down from his role per the age limit rules applied earlier by the Lodha Committee. Shukla, BCCI vice president, would likely be his successor, per the latest report. Binny was elected BCCI’s 36th president in October 2022, succeeding former India great and captain Sourav Ganguly, who held this post for three years. Before the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September, Shukla, 65, would likely be the board’s acting president for three months before applying his candidature for full-time presidency. Indian Cricket under Binny’s presidency Like how Indian cricket shaped up and reached heights under numerous presidents over the years, it excelled under Binny, with the men’s team ending their ICC trophy drought during this tenure; India won two titles in different formats in consecutive years. While Rohit Sharma-led India first won the T20 World Cup last year in the Americas, they put their hands on the coveted Champions Trophy for the record time early in 2025 in Pakistan. Also read | Forget MS Dhoni, Indian Cricket has a new Mr. Cool in Shreyas Iyer Meanwhile, among other notable achievements under Binny, the BCCI launched the Women’s Premier League (WPL), a women’s franchise cricket league modelled after the success of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL). Its introduction marked a significant step towards the rise of women’s cricket in the country. Besides this, Binny’s tenure saw crucial changes in domestic cricket, including better incentives and improved pay structures for players, alongside encouraging all, including star cricketers, to return to the drawing board and play domestic tournaments. Also, Binny has held other posts at BCCI before this, having served as a member of the selection committee. Coming to his cricketing career, Binny enjoyed success across two formats he played – ODIs and Tests. While he picked up 47 wickets outside of scoring 830 runs in red-ball cricket, Binny was a key member of India’s 1983 ODI World Cup-winning squad. In One-Dayers, Binny featured in 72 matches, scoring 629 runs and returning with 77 wickets.

Binny was elected BCCI’s 36th president in October 2022, succeeding former India great and captain Sourav Ganguly, who held this post for three years.

Two-time ODI World Cup winner with Australia, batting giant Glenn Maxwell, has announced his retirement from the 50-over format with immediate effect. ‘The Big Show’ – as fans called him - featured in 149 ODIs for Australia since his debut 13 years ago in 2012, having scored almost 4000 runs in this format.&nbsp;Maxwell, who continues to manage the leg injury he sustained in a horrific 2022 accident, informed chief selector George Bailey during February’s Champions Trophy that he is unlikely to stretch it till the next ODI World Cup in 2027.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-pbks-vs-mi-qualifier-2-forget-ms-dhoni-indian-cricket-has-a-new-mr-cool-in-shreyas-iyer-1748841971212">Forget MS Dhoni, Indian Cricket has a new Mr. Cool in Shreyas Iyer</a> &nbsp;"I said to him right then and there, 'I don't think I'm going to make that'," Maxwell revealed on the Final Word podcast. "I think it's time to start planning for people in my position to have a crack at it and try and make that spot their own for the 2027 World Cup. Hopefully, they get enough of a lead-in where they can have success in that role." &nbsp;Meanwhile, Maxwell is said to have made up his mind about ODI retirement before suffering a finger injury that ruled him out of IPL 2025. Following his announcement, he now joins the list of several 2023 ODI WC-winning squad members, including David Warner, Steve Smith and Marcus Stoinis, to hang boots from One-Dayers.<h2>What forced Maxwell to announce ODI retirement? &nbsp;</h2>Maxwell spilt the beans on what forced him into announcing his ODI retirement. The 36-year-old said it was during early games in the Champions Trophy 2025 when the thought of quitting ODIs first came to his head. Maxwell said following Australia’s tournament-opener in Lahore, played on a rock-hard outfield, he felt soreness in his body, and despite getting better playing conditions against Afghanistan (on a relatively soft and wet outfield) in the third match, he failed to hit the ground running. &nbsp;That, however, was the starting point when he realised his body was perhaps not fit enough to take the ODI cricket workload.&nbsp; &nbsp;"My decision to retire from one-day international cricket was probably more on the back of the first couple of games in the Champions Trophy," he said, as quoted by Cricket.com.au. "I felt like I gave myself a really good opportunity to be fit and ready for those games. The first game in Lahore, we played on a rock-hard outfield. Post that game, I was pretty sore. &nbsp;"We were lucky enough to have a washout against South Africa, where I had a bit more time to have a bit of rest and get myself ready for the next game. The following game against Afghanistan, we fielded for 50 overs on a really, really wet outfield. It was slippery, it was soft, and I just didn't pull up that well. &nbsp;“I started to (realise) that if I don't have the perfect conditions in 50-over cricket, my body just struggles to get through that. It feels like it's a tiring affair just to get through – and almost surviving – the 50 overs, let alone being at my best throughout that 50 overs, and then going out there and trying to perform with the bat as well. &nbsp;"I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting to the conditions,” he revealed. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Maxwell will continue to play T20Is for Australia and hasn’t called time on his first-class career yet.&nbsp;

Two-time World Cup winner with Australia Glenn Maxwell calls time on ODI career

Two-time ODI World Cup winner with Australia, batting giant Glenn Maxwell, has announced his retirement from the 50-over format with immediate effect. ‘The Big Show’ – as fans called him - featured in 149 ODIs for Australia since his debut 13 years ago in 2012, having scored almost 4000 runs in this format. Maxwell, who continues to manage the leg injury he sustained in a horrific 2022 accident, informed chief selector George Bailey during February’s Champions Trophy that he is unlikely to stretch it till the next ODI World Cup in 2027. Also read | Forget MS Dhoni, Indian Cricket has a new Mr. Cool in Shreyas Iyer "I said to him right then and there, 'I don't think I'm going to make that'," Maxwell revealed on the Final Word podcast. "I think it's time to start planning for people in my position to have a crack at it and try and make that spot their own for the 2027 World Cup. Hopefully, they get enough of a lead-in where they can have success in that role." Meanwhile, Maxwell is said to have made up his mind about ODI retirement before suffering a finger injury that ruled him out of IPL 2025. Following his announcement, he now joins the list of several 2023 ODI WC-winning squad members, including David Warner, Steve Smith and Marcus Stoinis, to hang boots from One-Dayers. What forced Maxwell to announce ODI retirement? Maxwell spilt the beans on what forced him into announcing his ODI retirement. The 36-year-old said it was during early games in the Champions Trophy 2025 when the thought of quitting ODIs first came to his head. Maxwell said following Australia’s tournament-opener in Lahore, played on a rock-hard outfield, he felt soreness in his body, and despite getting better playing conditions against Afghanistan (on a relatively soft and wet outfield) in the third match, he failed to hit the ground running. That, however, was the starting point when he realised his body was perhaps not fit enough to take the ODI cricket workload. "My decision to retire from one-day international cricket was probably more on the back of the first couple of games in the Champions Trophy," he said, as quoted by Cricket.com.au. "I felt like I gave myself a really good opportunity to be fit and ready for those games. The first game in Lahore, we played on a rock-hard outfield. Post that game, I was pretty sore. "We were lucky enough to have a washout against South Africa, where I had a bit more time to have a bit of rest and get myself ready for the next game. The following game against Afghanistan, we fielded for 50 overs on a really, really wet outfield. It was slippery, it was soft, and I just didn't pull up that well. “I started to (realise) that if I don't have the perfect conditions in 50-over cricket, my body just struggles to get through that. It feels like it's a tiring affair just to get through – and almost surviving – the 50 overs, let alone being at my best throughout that 50 overs, and then going out there and trying to perform with the bat as well. "I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how my body was reacting to the conditions,” he revealed. Meanwhile, Maxwell will continue to play T20Is for Australia and hasn’t called time on his first-class career yet.

Maxwell informed chief selector George Bailey during February’s Champions Trophy that he is unlikely to stretch it till the next ODI World Cup in 2027.

For the longest time since MS Dhoni’s emergence on the cricket scene, he remained the calmest-headed man the game has seen; sure, there must have been more with similar traits, but it was hard to find one during his playing days. Although past his prime, this quality of his remains intact even to date. However, we have a new contender running for this title, and he is none other than the Indian batter and Punjab Kings captain in the IPL, Shreyas Iyer.&nbsp;Having led several other IPL teams to finals, including winning one with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last season, Iyer has shown his mettle and appetite to succeed on grander stages. Not disappointing for his new franchise this year – Punjab Kings, Iyer unleashed an array of sixes against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 on Sunday in Ahmedabad to see his team home by five wickets, further helping them qualify for the second IPL final ever.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2025-punjab-kings-pbks-dressing-room-erupts-in-joy-after-captain-shreyas-iyer-smashes-4-sixes-in-an-over-to-complete-historic-chase-watch-1748838826341">IPL 2025: PBKS dressing room erupts in joy after captain Iyer smashes 4 sixes in an over to complete historic chase – WATCH</a> &nbsp;He came onto bat inside the Powerplay and stood his ground till the end, smashing eight sixes and five fours in his match-winning 41-ball 87*. He hit four of those massive sixes in just one over – the penultimate one to left-arm Ashwini Kumar, sealing a historic run chase in IPL playoffs. &nbsp;Sticking to his words following his side’s embarrassing eight-wicket loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1, wherein he said, ‘We have lost the battle, but not the war’, Iyer delivered for his team. &nbsp;"I don't know, to be honest," Iyer said of his demeanour in the post-game chat. “I love big occasions. I say to myself and my colleagues, the bigger the occasion, the calmer you are, and you'll get the best results. Today, I was focusing on my breathing rather than sweating it out.”<h3>Watch Video -</h3>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Keep 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗺, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PBKS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PBKS</a> fans. Your captain is here! ❤ 🎥 🗣 Hear from Shreyas Iyer as he reveals the secret behind his epic knock! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PBKSvMI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PBKSvMI</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Qualifier2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qualifier2</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLastMile?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLastMile</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PunjabKingsIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ShreyasIyer15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShreyasIyer15</a> <a href="https://t.co/LaaSEp4MvO">pic.twitter.com/LaaSEp4MvO</a>&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1929282822960803876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Speaking on how he motivated the group after the Qualifier 1 loss, Iyer said, "All the players need to be assertive. Show intent from ball one. We weren't able to capitalise on the start, but the intent was stupendous. Even for me, when I went out there, I had to take some time, but the batsman at the other end, he was striking pretty well. I know the more time I spend on the field, the better I play, and my vision also gets better." &nbsp;Meanwhile, Iyer’s no-emotion celebration reminded fans of MS Dhoni, who was known for keeping his cool even in tense situations and later getting the job done for the team.&nbsp;Iyer's PBKS will face RCB in the IPL 2025 final on Tuesday (June 3) in Ahmedabad.

Forget MS Dhoni, Indian Cricket has a new Mr. Cool in Shreyas Iyer

For the longest time since MS Dhoni’s emergence on the cricket scene, he remained the calmest-headed man the game has seen; sure, there must have been more with similar traits, but it was hard to find one during his playing days. Although past his prime, this quality of his remains intact even to date. However, we have a new contender running for this title, and he is none other than the Indian batter and Punjab Kings captain in the IPL, Shreyas Iyer. Having led several other IPL teams to finals, including winning one with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last season, Iyer has shown his mettle and appetite to succeed on grander stages. Not disappointing for his new franchise this year – Punjab Kings, Iyer unleashed an array of sixes against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 on Sunday in Ahmedabad to see his team home by five wickets, further helping them qualify for the second IPL final ever. Also read | IPL 2025: PBKS dressing room erupts in joy after captain Iyer smashes 4 sixes in an over to complete historic chase – WATCH He came onto bat inside the Powerplay and stood his ground till the end, smashing eight sixes and five fours in his match-winning 41-ball 87*. He hit four of those massive sixes in just one over – the penultimate one to left-arm Ashwini Kumar, sealing a historic run chase in IPL playoffs. Sticking to his words following his side’s embarrassing eight-wicket loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1, wherein he said, ‘We have lost the battle, but not the war’, Iyer delivered for his team. "I don't know, to be honest," Iyer said of his demeanour in the post-game chat. “I love big occasions. I say to myself and my colleagues, the bigger the occasion, the calmer you are, and you'll get the best results. Today, I was focusing on my breathing rather than sweating it out.” Watch Video -

Having led several other IPL teams to finals, including winning one with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last season, Iyer has shown his mettle and appetite to succeed on grander stages.&nbsp;

Punjab Kings (PBKS) reached their second IPL final in history on Sunday evening (June 1), courtesy of the record-highest run-chase in the tournament playoffs against Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer stole the show with perhaps one of the greatest IPL knocks. He smashed an unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, hitting eight sixes, four of which came in the penultimate over that sealed their place in the summit clash on Tuesday (June 3).&nbsp;After failing to guide his team home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1, Iyer said, ‘his team has lost the battle, but not the war,’ and the PBKS skipper wasn’t wrong about anything. As cool and cold as his celebration was after winning Qualifier 2 for his side, Punjab’s dressing room erupted in joy alongside thousands of fans in attendance at the Narendra Modi Stadium, indicating what this win means to them.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ipl-2025-shreyas-iyer-plays-captain-s-knock-as-punjab-kings-beat-mumbai-indians-to-enter-second-final-1748808189688">Shreyas Iyer plays captain's knock as Punjab Kings beat Mumbai Indians to enter second IPL final</a><h3>Watch Video -&nbsp;</h3>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A 1⃣1⃣ year wait ends... 🥹<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PBKS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PBKS</a> are in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> 2025 Final and who better than Captain Shreyas Iyer to take them through ❤ Scorecard ▶ <a href="https://t.co/vIzPVlDqoC">https://t.co/vIzPVlDqoC</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PBKSvMI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PBKSvMI</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Qualifier2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qualifier2</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLastMile?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLastMile</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PunjabKingsIPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/vILymKxqXp">pic.twitter.com/vILymKxqXp</a>&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1929274325984538962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Chasing a mammoth 204 in a rain-hit game in Ahmedabad, Punjab lost both openers inside the first six overs. Australian Josh Inglis inflicted a beating on ace quick Jasprit Bumrah by hitting him for 20 runs in his first over, including two sixes and as many fours, while Iyer kept the run rate ticking during the middle overs. &nbsp;Considering the chasing record at this venue despite its dimensions, Iyer knew if they could keep wickets heading deep into the game, Punjab could pull off a miracle, which they eventually did. Although Inglis departed soon after, what turned the game on its head was an 84-run match-winning partnership between Iyer and Nehal Wadhera (48 off 29 balls).&nbsp; &nbsp;The left-right combination put MI captain Hardik Pandya and his bowlers under pressure, with the skipper making a similar mistake of not knowing when to complete Bumrah’s overs. While the world’s best seamer made a comeback in his next two overs, he leaked runs in his last and returned wicketless (for the second time this season), with Mumbai ultimately bearing the brunt of it. &nbsp;Meanwhile, the left-arm pacer Ashwani Kumar bowled the 19th over, and with him having over 20 runs (23) to defend, everyone thought the game was well poised. Iyer, however, had different plans.&nbsp; &nbsp;Eager to finish it off inside the same over, the PBKS captain hammered four massive sixes and delivered the knockout punch, winning the game for his team by five wickets and one over remaining. Those four sixes also helped him become the PBKS batter with the most sixes hit (38 and counting) in a season.

IPL 2025: PBKS dressing room erupts in joy after captain Iyer smashes 4 sixes in an over to complete historic chase – WATCH

Punjab Kings (PBKS) reached their second IPL final in history on Sunday evening (June 1), courtesy of the record-highest run-chase in the tournament playoffs against Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer stole the show with perhaps one of the greatest IPL knocks. He smashed an unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, hitting eight sixes, four of which came in the penultimate over that sealed their place in the summit clash on Tuesday (June 3). After failing to guide his team home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1, Iyer said, ‘his team has lost the battle, but not the war,’ and the PBKS skipper wasn’t wrong about anything. As cool and cold as his celebration was after winning Qualifier 2 for his side, Punjab’s dressing room erupted in joy alongside thousands of fans in attendance at the Narendra Modi Stadium, indicating what this win means to them. Also read | Shreyas Iyer plays captain's knock as Punjab Kings beat Mumbai Indians to enter second IPL final Watch Video -

With 38 sixes and counting, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer already tops the list of Punjab players with the most sixes hit in a single IPL season.&nbsp;

World number one Scottie Scheffler captured his 16th career PGA Tour victory on Sunday, joining Tiger Woods as the only players to defend titles at the Memorial tournament.&nbsp;The 28-year-old American took his third triumph in a month, firing a two-under par 70 to finish 72 holes on 10-under 278 at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-oscar-piastri-extends-championship-lead-with-spanish-grand-prix-victory-1748794337899">Formula One: Oscar Piastri extends championship lead with Spanish Grand Prix victory</a>&nbsp;American Ben Griffin, coming off a victory last week at Colonial, was four strokes back in second on 282 after shooting 73, with Austrian Sepp Straka third on 283, one stroke better than Canada's Nick Taylor.&nbsp;"It's always a hard week to play this tournament," Scheffler said. "I battled really hard over the weekend, and Ben made things interesting down the stretch."&nbsp;The triumph marked the ninth consecutive time Scheffler has turned a 54-hole lead into a victory, this one coming at the event hosted by 18-time major winner Jack Nicklaus.&nbsp;"Overall, it was a great week and definitely proud to be shaking Mr. Nicklaus's hand at the end of another good week," Scheffler said.&nbsp;Scheffler won last month's PGA Championship at Quail Hollow for his third major crown after taking the CJ Cup Byron Nelson two weeks earlier.&nbsp;By winning his first 16 PGA titles in just under 3.5 years, Scheffler became the fourth-fastest to go from his first to 16th tour wins after Sam Snead, Nicklaus and Woods, a 15-time major winner who took the Memorial from 1999-2001.&nbsp;The victory marked the first defended title among the nine crowns Scheffler won worldwide last year, having edged compatriot Collin Morikawa by a stroke at the 2024 Memorial.&nbsp;It also ensured Scheffler will be seen as the man to beat in two weeks at the US Open at Oakmont, where Scheffler seeks a fourth career major victory and second in a row.&nbsp;"This is definitely a golf course that's going to expose your weaknesses," Scheffler said of Muirfield Village. "I've got a few things I can practice on next week. Overall, it was a really solid week, did some really good battling."&nbsp;Scheffler sank a par putt from just inside 10 feet at the 14th hole and reached 10-under with a tap-in birdie at the par-five 15th.&nbsp;Griffin, however, reached the 15th green in two and sank a 12-foot eagle putt to pull within three strokes with three holes to play.&nbsp;Griffin then followed with a 27-foot birdie putt at the par-three 16th to pull within two of the lead.&nbsp;Scheffler responded by dropping his approach at 17 just inside 20 feet on the way to a routine par while Griffin needed four shots to reach the 17th green on his way to a double bogey, falling four adrift.&nbsp;Scheffler closed out matters with a seven-foot birdie putt at 18.<h2>Scheffler solid early</h2>&nbsp;Scheffler, who began the day with a one-stroke lead, birdied the first six holes to keep his one-stroke lead while Griffin stayed on his heels by answering bogeys at the first and par-three fourth holes with birdies at the second and par-five fifth.&nbsp;Scheffler left his third shot at the par-five seventh within four feet of the hole and sank the birdie putt to reach nine-under.&nbsp;Scheffler curled in a par putt at the ninth from just inside nine feet to make the turn with a two-stroke lead, but missed a 12-footer for par at the 10th for a bogey that dropped his advantage to one shot once more.&nbsp;At the par-five 11th, Scheffler responded by blasting out of the rough to 14 feet and curling in the birdie putt to restore a two-stroke edge on nine-under.&nbsp;Griffin found a bunker on the way to a bogey at the par-three 12th and never found the fairway at 13 on the way to another bogey that left Scheffler ahead by four with five holes remaining.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Golf: World no 1 Scheffler claims 16th career PGA Tour win, joins Tiger Woods in elite list

World number one Scottie Scheffler captured his 16th career PGA Tour victory on Sunday, joining Tiger Woods as the only players to defend titles at the Memorial tournament. The 28-year-old American took his third triumph in a month, firing a two-under par 70 to finish 72 holes on 10-under 278 at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio. Also read | Formula One: Oscar Piastri extends championship lead with Spanish Grand Prix victory American Ben Griffin, coming off a victory last week at Colonial, was four strokes back in second on 282 after shooting 73, with Austrian Sepp Straka third on 283, one stroke better than Canada's Nick Taylor. "It's always a hard week to play this tournament," Scheffler said. "I battled really hard over the weekend, and Ben made things interesting down the stretch." The triumph marked the ninth consecutive time Scheffler has turned a 54-hole lead into a victory, this one coming at the event hosted by 18-time major winner Jack Nicklaus. "Overall, it was a great week and definitely proud to be shaking Mr. Nicklaus's hand at the end of another good week," Scheffler said. Scheffler won last month's PGA Championship at Quail Hollow for his third major crown after taking the CJ Cup Byron Nelson two weeks earlier. By winning his first 16 PGA titles in just under 3.5 years, Scheffler became the fourth-fastest to go from his first to 16th tour wins after Sam Snead, Nicklaus and Woods, a 15-time major winner who took the Memorial from 1999-2001. The victory marked the first defended title among the nine crowns Scheffler won worldwide last year, having edged compatriot Collin Morikawa by a stroke at the 2024 Memorial. It also ensured Scheffler will be seen as the man to beat in two weeks at the US Open at Oakmont, where Scheffler seeks a fourth career major victory and second in a row. "This is definitely a golf course that's going to expose your weaknesses," Scheffler said of Muirfield Village. "I've got a few things I can practice on next week. Overall, it was a really solid week, did some really good battling." Scheffler sank a par putt from just inside 10 feet at the 14th hole and reached 10-under with a tap-in birdie at the par-five 15th. Griffin, however, reached the 15th green in two and sank a 12-foot eagle putt to pull within three strokes with three holes to play. Griffin then followed with a 27-foot birdie putt at the par-three 16th to pull within two of the lead. Scheffler responded by dropping his approach at 17 just inside 20 feet on the way to a routine par while Griffin needed four shots to reach the 17th green on his way to a double bogey, falling four adrift. Scheffler closed out matters with a seven-foot birdie putt at 18. Scheffler solid early Scheffler, who began the day with a one-stroke lead, birdied the first six holes to keep his one-stroke lead while Griffin stayed on his heels by answering bogeys at the first and par-three fourth holes with birdies at the second and par-five fifth. Scheffler left his third shot at the par-five seventh within four feet of the hole and sank the birdie putt to reach nine-under. Scheffler curled in a par putt at the ninth from just inside nine feet to make the turn with a two-stroke lead, but missed a 12-footer for par at the 10th for a bogey that dropped his advantage to one shot once more. At the par-five 11th, Scheffler responded by blasting out of the rough to 14 feet and curling in the birdie putt to restore a two-stroke edge on nine-under. Griffin found a bunker on the way to a bogey at the par-three 12th and never found the fairway at 13 on the way to another bogey that left Scheffler ahead by four with five holes remaining. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The 28-year-old American took his third triumph in a month, firing a two-under par 70 to finish 72 holes on 10-under 278 at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio.

Carlos Alcaraz fought past American Ben Shelton in a tight four-set match to reach the French Open quarter-finals on Sunday, while Iga Swiatek staged a comeback to defeat Elena Rybakina and keep her bid for a fourth straight title alive.&nbsp;Reigning champion Alcaraz clinched a 7-6 (10/8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory after three hours and 19 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier to book a last-eight berth for a fourth straight year.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-french-open-aryna-sabalenka-powers-into-quarter-finals-after-dominant-win-over-amanda-anisimova-1748799933155">French Open: Aryna Sabalenka powers into quarter-finals after dominant win over Amanda Anisimova</a>&nbsp;Alcaraz will take on Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals, after the 12th seed saw off Australia's Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.&nbsp;"Today I fought against myself in the mind," he said.&nbsp;"In some moments I was mad, I was thinking not very good things. But I'm really happy that I didn't let the bad thoughts play against me... I tried to calm myself down and keep going."&nbsp;The four-time Grand Slam champion saved three set points in a dramatic opening-set tie-break before clinching it himself on his second.&nbsp;He crucially then saved six break points in a marathon first game of the second set, before going on to win it courtesy of a break in the eighth game.&nbsp;American 13th seed Shelton deservedly got a set on the board to extend the match, but Alcaraz quickly bounced back with an early break in the fourth.&nbsp;The second seed saw a match point come and go in the ninth game of the set, but he quickly brought up another one on his own serve and took the opportunity with a trademark forehand winner.&nbsp;Lorenzo Musetti continued his rich vein of form with an impressive 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 success against Danish 10th seed Holger Rune in the night session.&nbsp;The Italian eighth seed, who reached at least the semi-finals in clay-court Masters events in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome, will face Frances Tiafoe in the last eight.&nbsp;American 15th seed Tiafoe booked a place in his first-ever French Open quarter-final with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) win over unseeded German Daniel Altmaier.<h2>Swiatek downs Rybakina</h2>&nbsp;Four-time Roland Garros champion Swiatek, who has been struggling for her best form and has not reached a final since winning the title last year, was in serious trouble when trailing 2-0 to Rybakina in the second set.&nbsp;But the 24-year-old dug deep to clinch a 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory.&nbsp;Swiatek is aiming to become the first woman to win four straight Roland Garros crowns since Suzanne Lenglen 102 years ago.&nbsp;The Pole will next face Ukraine's Elina Svitolina, who knocked out 2024 losing finalist Jasmine Paolini, in the last eight on Tuesday.&nbsp;Swiatek is now on a 25-match winning streak at the French Open and boasts a remarkable 39-2 win-loss record in the tournament.&nbsp;Rybakina had won both of her previous career meetings with Swiatek on clay, and the Kazakh dominated the opening set, hammering 12 winners past her bewildered opponent.&nbsp;"Well, it was tough, you know, first set I felt like I was playing against Jannik Sinner," said Swiatek.&nbsp;"I needed to do something to get back in the game, but with her playing like that, I didn't feel like I had much hope."&nbsp;Rybakina broke in the first game of the second set as she threatened to run away with the match.&nbsp;But Swiatek impressively turned the set around with a run of five straight games.&nbsp;The fifth seed was one game from defeat when trailing 5-4 in the deciding set, but she managed to end Rybakina's resistance and held her nerve to serve out the match.&nbsp;Svitolina made the quarter-finals for the fifth time with a comeback 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1 win over Paolini, saving three match points in a dramatic opening clash on Court Philippe Chatrier.&nbsp;The former world number three, who has never made a Grand Slam final, will be bidding to reach a first Roland Garros semi-final when she faces Swiatek.&nbsp;"I still cannot believe that this match finished my way," said Svitolina.&nbsp;World number one Aryna Sabalenka needed eight match points to wrap up a 7-5, 6-3 win over American Amanda Anisimova.&nbsp;The three-time Grand Slam champion reached her 10th successive major quarter-final, where she will face Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen.&nbsp;"I want to get this win after Rome, so I'm happy to face her (Zheng) in the quarters," said Sabalenka, who lost to Zheng in the Italian Open last eight last month.&nbsp;Zheng secured a quarter-final place with a hard-fought three-set victory over 19th-seeded Russian Liudmila Samsonova.&nbsp;The Chinese eighth seed extended her winning streak at Roland Garros to 10 matches, winning 7-6 (7/5), 1-6, 6-3 on Court Suzanne Lenglen.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

French Open 2025: Alcaraz fights past USA’s Ben Shelton to reach quarters, Swiatek beats Rybakina

Carlos Alcaraz fought past American Ben Shelton in a tight four-set match to reach the French Open quarter-finals on Sunday, while Iga Swiatek staged a comeback to defeat Elena Rybakina and keep her bid for a fourth straight title alive. Reigning champion Alcaraz clinched a 7-6 (10/8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory after three hours and 19 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier to book a last-eight berth for a fourth straight year. Also read | French Open: Aryna Sabalenka powers into quarter-finals after dominant win over Amanda Anisimova Alcaraz will take on Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals, after the 12th seed saw off Australia's Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. "Today I fought against myself in the mind," he said. "In some moments I was mad, I was thinking not very good things. But I'm really happy that I didn't let the bad thoughts play against me... I tried to calm myself down and keep going." The four-time Grand Slam champion saved three set points in a dramatic opening-set tie-break before clinching it himself on his second. He crucially then saved six break points in a marathon first game of the second set, before going on to win it courtesy of a break in the eighth game. American 13th seed Shelton deservedly got a set on the board to extend the match, but Alcaraz quickly bounced back with an early break in the fourth. The second seed saw a match point come and go in the ninth game of the set, but he quickly brought up another one on his own serve and took the opportunity with a trademark forehand winner. Lorenzo Musetti continued his rich vein of form with an impressive 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 success against Danish 10th seed Holger Rune in the night session. The Italian eighth seed, who reached at least the semi-finals in clay-court Masters events in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome, will face Frances Tiafoe in the last eight. American 15th seed Tiafoe booked a place in his first-ever French Open quarter-final with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) win over unseeded German Daniel Altmaier. Swiatek downs Rybakina Four-time Roland Garros champion Swiatek, who has been struggling for her best form and has not reached a final since winning the title last year, was in serious trouble when trailing 2-0 to Rybakina in the second set. But the 24-year-old dug deep to clinch a 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory. Swiatek is aiming to become the first woman to win four straight Roland Garros crowns since Suzanne Lenglen 102 years ago. The Pole will next face Ukraine's Elina Svitolina, who knocked out 2024 losing finalist Jasmine Paolini, in the last eight on Tuesday. Swiatek is now on a 25-match winning streak at the French Open and boasts a remarkable 39-2 win-loss record in the tournament. Rybakina had won both of her previous career meetings with Swiatek on clay, and the Kazakh dominated the opening set, hammering 12 winners past her bewildered opponent. "Well, it was tough, you know, first set I felt like I was playing against Jannik Sinner," said Swiatek. "I needed to do something to get back in the game, but with her playing like that, I didn't feel like I had much hope." Rybakina broke in the first game of the second set as she threatened to run away with the match. But Swiatek impressively turned the set around with a run of five straight games. The fifth seed was one game from defeat when trailing 5-4 in the deciding set, but she managed to end Rybakina's resistance and held her nerve to serve out the match. Svitolina made the quarter-finals for the fifth time with a comeback 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1 win over Paolini, saving three match points in a dramatic opening clash on Court Philippe Chatrier. The former world number three, who has never made a Grand Slam final, will be bidding to reach a first Roland Garros semi-final when she faces Swiatek. "I still cannot believe that this match finished my way," said Svitolina. World number one Aryna Sabalenka needed eight match points to wrap up a 7-5, 6-3 win over American Amanda Anisimova. The three-time Grand Slam champion reached her 10th successive major quarter-final, where she will face Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen. "I want to get this win after Rome, so I'm happy to face her (Zheng) in the quarters," said Sabalenka, who lost to Zheng in the Italian Open last eight last month. Zheng secured a quarter-final place with a hard-fought three-set victory over 19th-seeded Russian Liudmila Samsonova. The Chinese eighth seed extended her winning streak at Roland Garros to 10 matches, winning 7-6 (7/5), 1-6, 6-3 on Court Suzanne Lenglen. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Reigning champion Alcaraz clinched a 7-6 (10/8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory after three hours and 19 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier to book a last-eight berth for a fourth straight year.

There will be a new champion in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025 after Punjab Kings beat Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 in the early hours of Monday (June 2) by five wickets at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Led by Shreyas Iyer, Punjab chased a massive target of 204 with six balls to spare as they now stand a win away from their maiden IPL title. Shreyas played a match-winning knock of 87 runs as Punjab now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 final.&nbsp;<h2>Punjab in IPL 2025 final</h2>Chasing 204 for victory in a rain-delayed last playoff, Punjab rode Iyer's 41-ball knock, laced with five fours and eight sixes, to achieve their target with six balls to spare in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;Iyer hit the winning six as Punjab reached their second IPL final. It will be played at the same venue -- &nbsp;the world's biggest cricket stadium -- on Tuesday.&nbsp;"I love such big occasions," player of the match Iyer said after in the post-match presentation close to 2am local time.&nbsp;"I always say to myself and to my colleagues in the team that the bigger the occasion, the calmer you are, you get the big results."&nbsp;The final will produce a new IPL winner with both Bengaluru, with star batter Virat Kohli, and Punjab hunting their first title in the T20 tournament.&nbsp;Bengaluru secured their berth in the final after they beat Punjab in the first qualifier last week.&nbsp;Punjab lost opener Prabhsimran Singh for six but Australian Josh Inglis set up the chase with quick scoring as he and left-handed opener Priyansh Arya put together 42 runs in 18 balls.&nbsp;Arya fell for 20 and Inglis for 38 after three fours and two sixes.&nbsp;Iyer and left-handed Nehal Wadhera, who hit 48, turned the tide in overs 13 and 14 as the captain smashed England left-arm quick Reece Topley for three straight sixes.<h2>Mumbai 'under pressure</h2>Wadhera departed in the 16th over to raise Mumbai's hopes, but Iyer stood firm as he finished with a masterclass.&nbsp;"The way Shreyas batted, took his chances and some of the shots he played were really outstanding and I think they definitely batted really well," Mumbai skipper Hardik Pandya said.&nbsp;"I think it (the total) was par, but it needed some great execution as a bowling unit which I think in these big games really matters and as I mentioned they were really calm, put us under pressure and I think we were not able to execute the way we wanted."&nbsp;The second qualifier began two hours and 15 minutes late due to persistent drizzle after the toss.&nbsp;Punjab elected to field before rain forced the players indoors for more than two hours. Officials did not cut any overs when play resumed.&nbsp;Five-time champions Mumbai, who posted 203-6, lost veteran opener Rohit Sharma for eight off Marcus Stoinis in the third over but England's Jonny Bairstow took on the opposition bowlers with regular boundaries.&nbsp;Bairstow, who joined Mumbai ahead of the playoffs and played a key role in their win in the eliminator against Gujarat Titans, made 38 in a 51-run stand with the left-handed Varma.&nbsp;Medium-pace bowler Vijaykumar Vyshak dismissed Bairstow, who attempted to play a scoop shot but fell caught behind.&nbsp;Tilak Varma kept up pace with Suryakumar Yadav as the pair put on 72 runs. Both made 44 each.&nbsp;The two fell in the space of three deliveries, but number six Naman Dhir hit an 18-ball 37 to boost the total, which in the end proved insufficient.

There will be a new champion in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025 after Punjab Kings beat Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 in the early hours of Monday (June 2) by five wickets.

There will be a new champion in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025 after Punjab Kings beat Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 in the early hours of Monday (June 2) by five wickets at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Led by Shreyas Iyer, Punjab chased a massive target of 204 with six balls to spare as they now stand a win away from their maiden IPL title. Shreyas played a match-winning knock of 87 runs as Punjab now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 final. Punjab in IPL 2025 final Chasing 204 for victory in a rain-delayed last playoff, Punjab rode Iyer's 41-ball knock, laced with five fours and eight sixes, to achieve their target with six balls to spare in Ahmedabad. Iyer hit the winning six as Punjab reached their second IPL final. It will be played at the same venue -- the world's biggest cricket stadium -- on Tuesday. "I love such big occasions," player of the match Iyer said after in the post-match presentation close to 2am local time. "I always say to myself and to my colleagues in the team that the bigger the occasion, the calmer you are, you get the big results." The final will produce a new IPL winner with both Bengaluru, with star batter Virat Kohli, and Punjab hunting their first title in the T20 tournament. Bengaluru secured their berth in the final after they beat Punjab in the first qualifier last week. Punjab lost opener Prabhsimran Singh for six but Australian Josh Inglis set up the chase with quick scoring as he and left-handed opener Priyansh Arya put together 42 runs in 18 balls. Arya fell for 20 and Inglis for 38 after three fours and two sixes. Iyer and left-handed Nehal Wadhera, who hit 48, turned the tide in overs 13 and 14 as the captain smashed England left-arm quick Reece Topley for three straight sixes. Mumbai 'under pressure Wadhera departed in the 16th over to raise Mumbai's hopes, but Iyer stood firm as he finished with a masterclass. "The way Shreyas batted, took his chances and some of the shots he played were really outstanding and I think they definitely batted really well," Mumbai skipper Hardik Pandya said. "I think it (the total) was par, but it needed some great execution as a bowling unit which I think in these big games really matters and as I mentioned they were really calm, put us under pressure and I think we were not able to execute the way we wanted." The second qualifier began two hours and 15 minutes late due to persistent drizzle after the toss. Punjab elected to field before rain forced the players indoors for more than two hours. Officials did not cut any overs when play resumed. Five-time champions Mumbai, who posted 203-6, lost veteran opener Rohit Sharma for eight off Marcus Stoinis in the third over but England's Jonny Bairstow took on the opposition bowlers with regular boundaries. Bairstow, who joined Mumbai ahead of the playoffs and played a key role in their win in the eliminator against Gujarat Titans, made 38 in a 51-run stand with the left-handed Varma. Medium-pace bowler Vijaykumar Vyshak dismissed Bairstow, who attempted to play a scoop shot but fell caught behind. Tilak Varma kept up pace with Suryakumar Yadav as the pair put on 72 runs. Both made 44 each. The two fell in the space of three deliveries, but number six Naman Dhir hit an 18-ball 37 to boost the total, which in the end proved insufficient.

There will be a new champion in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025 after Punjab Kings beat Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 in the early hours of Monday (June 2) by five wickets.

Shreyas Iyer plays captain's knock as Punjab Kings beat Mumbai Indians to enter second IPL final

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