Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck twice to dismiss two New Zealand players as the host chase 92 runs on Thursday.&nbsp;

Bhuvneshwar first dismissed Martin Guptill for 14 and later picked up the wicket of Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson for 11.

India were all out for 92 in the fourth ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton. The Lower batting order played a better game than the top players as they saved India's pride by taking them past their lowest ever total of 54 runs at Sharjah in 2000.&nbsp;

Yuzvendra Chahal remained unbeaten for 18 and is the highest individual runs scored today followed by Hardik Pandya's 16.&nbsp;

However, he was dismissed by Trent Boult. Boult has clinched five wickets in his 10 overs and gave away just 21 runs. He also bowled four maiden overs.&nbsp;

Earlier, New Zealand dismissed India's top six players in quick succession to dominate the fourth ODI.

At a point, with just 12 overs into the game, India has already lost six wickets and have made just 35 runs.&nbsp;

Put into bat, 'Men In Blue' lost opener Shikhar Dhawan for just 13 runs. Minutes later, stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma also lost his wicket for seven runs.&nbsp;

Both the openers were dismissed by Trent Boult, taking India's score to 23 for the loss of two wickets after eight overs.

But the damage did not stop there as Colin de Grandhomme struck twice to put his side in a commanding position. He first dismissed Rayudu and took Karthik's wickets in two successive deliveries.&nbsp;

Boult struck again to dismiss Shubman Gill, then young sensation who proved his cricketing prowess against Australia in Tests. It is his ODI debut game.&nbsp;

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and invited India to bat first in the fourth ODI on Thursday.

After six overs, India's score stands at 21 for loss of one wicket.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma is leading the team in absence of Virat Kohli, who has been rested for the last two ODIs.

Young Shubman Gill will make his debut for India, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has replaced Mohammed Shami.&nbsp;

MS Dhoni is still not fit and will miss this ODI also. &nbsp;India are 3-0 up in the five-match series.

Teams: 
India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed.

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.&nbsp;

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck twice to dismiss two New Zealand players as the host chase 92 runs on Thursday. Bhuvneshwar first dismissed Martin Guptill for 14 and later picked up the wicket of Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson for 11.

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck twice to dismiss two New Zealand players as the host chase 92 runs on Thursday. Bhuvneshwar first dismissed Martin Guptill for 14 and later picked up the wicket of Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson for 11. India were all out for 92 in the fourth ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton. The Lower batting order played a better game than the top players as they saved India's pride by taking them past their lowest ever total of 54 runs at Sharjah in 2000. Yuzvendra Chahal remained unbeaten for 18 and is the highest individual runs scored today followed by Hardik Pandya's 16. However, he was dismissed by Trent Boult. Boult has clinched five wickets in his 10 overs and gave away just 21 runs. He also bowled four maiden overs. Earlier, New Zealand dismissed India's top six players in quick succession to dominate the fourth ODI. At a point, with just 12 overs into the game, India has already lost six wickets and have made just 35 runs. Put into bat, 'Men In Blue' lost opener Shikhar Dhawan for just 13 runs. Minutes later, stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma also lost his wicket for seven runs. Both the openers were dismissed by Trent Boult, taking India's score to 23 for the loss of two wickets after eight overs. But the damage did not stop there as Colin de Grandhomme struck twice to put his side in a commanding position. He first dismissed Rayudu and took Karthik's wickets in two successive deliveries. Boult struck again to dismiss Shubman Gill, then young sensation who proved his cricketing prowess against Australia in Tests. It is his ODI debut game. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and invited India to bat first in the fourth ODI on Thursday. After six overs, India's score stands at 21 for loss of one wicket. Rohit Sharma is leading the team in absence of Virat Kohli, who has been rested for the last two ODIs. Young Shubman Gill will make his debut for India, while left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has replaced Mohammed Shami. MS Dhoni is still not fit and will miss this ODI also. India are 3-0 up in the five-match series. Teams: India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed. New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.

IND vs NZ, 4th ODI: Bhuvneshwar dismisses two in New Zealand's 92-run chase

Jasprit Bumrah is India's resident yorker specialist but in his absence, the team management has entrusted the task of firing in the toe-crushers on his new-ball partner Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Bhuvneshwar was seen bowling in the nets keeping a shoe at the base of the stumps in order to perfect his yorker ahead of the second ODI against Australia here Tuesday.

The UP seamer, who rarely bowls yorkers like Bumrah, is trying to add the delivery in his repertoire in order to avoid getting hit in the slog overs. &nbsp;

"The skills (required to bowl yorkers) are also different. I was practising bowling yorkers at the shoes, and I was practising for the end (slog) overs to take wickets or block some runs," Bhuvneshwar told media persons here.

"This (keeping shoes on the pitch) is something that I have been doing for some time," he added.&nbsp;

The seamer said that he wasn't practising yorkers as he wasn't playing Test matches and also because the delivery is rarely used in longest format.

"I didn't practice that for almost a month now because in Tests, we hardly needed that. And I didn't play a match. Going into an ODI or T20I series, you need that (yorker) thing. So I was practising that," he said.

The yorker becomes all the more necessary in the death as blockhole deliveries or slower ones work with old balls (two new balls being used in ODIs).

"The skills needed are totally different (with new and old balls). You are trying to swing the new-ball and take wickets. With the old ball, you are looking to bowl yorkers or slower balls. But they are both difficult.&nbsp;

"When you are bowling with a new-ball, there are only two fielders outside the circle. With the old-ball, batsmen don't care how many guys are outside the circle."

Jasprit Bumrah is India's resident yorker specialist but in his absence, the team management has entrusted the task of firing in the toe-crushers on his new-ball partner Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Jasprit Bumrah is India's resident yorker specialist but in his absence, the team management has entrusted the task of firing in the toe-crushers on his new-ball partner Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Bhuvneshwar was seen bowling in the nets keeping a shoe at the base of the stumps in order to perfect his yorker ahead of the second ODI against Australia here Tuesday. The UP seamer, who rarely bowls yorkers like Bumrah, is trying to add the delivery in his repertoire in order to avoid getting hit in the slog overs. "The skills (required to bowl yorkers) are also different. I was practising bowling yorkers at the shoes, and I was practising for the end (slog) overs to take wickets or block some runs," Bhuvneshwar told media persons here. "This (keeping shoes on the pitch) is something that I have been doing for some time," he added. The seamer said that he wasn't practising yorkers as he wasn't playing Test matches and also because the delivery is rarely used in longest format. "I didn't practice that for almost a month now because in Tests, we hardly needed that. And I didn't play a match. Going into an ODI or T20I series, you need that (yorker) thing. So I was practising that," he said. The yorker becomes all the more necessary in the death as blockhole deliveries or slower ones work with old balls (two new balls being used in ODIs). "The skills needed are totally different (with new and old balls). You are trying to swing the new-ball and take wickets. With the old ball, you are looking to bowl yorkers or slower balls. But they are both difficult. "When you are bowling with a new-ball, there are only two fielders outside the circle. With the old-ball, batsmen don't care how many guys are outside the circle."

IND vs AUS: In Jasprit Bumrah's absence, Bhuvneshwar gets down to perfecting yorkers

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Wednesday was not included in the XII for the first of the four-Test game against Australia at Adelaide Oval.

Despite that, the death-over&nbsp;specialist had a smile on his face as a fan group Bharat Army dedicated a song to him. The same group had welcomed the Indian cricket team at Adelaide airport.

The fan group got a surprise visit from Bhuvi following which then sang a song praising the Indian pacer.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also shared a video of Bhuvneshwar's entertaining session with the Bharat Army on Twitter, saying: "Bhuvi surprises Bharat Army with a kind gesture at the Adelaide Oval. Watch on as the Bharat Army sings a song for Bhuvneshwar Kumar."

The number one-ranked Indian Test team will start favourites in the gruelling series as Australia are just coming out of a bad phase.&nbsp;

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SPECIAL: Bhuvi surprises Bharat Army with a kind gesture at the Adelaide Oval 
 
Watch on as the Bharat Army sings a song for <a href="https://twitter.com/BhuviOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhuviOfficial</a> 🎹🥁🎷 <a href="https://t.co/9hG3fThrHQ">pic.twitter.com/9hG3fThrHQ</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1070212549470126080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The hosts are missing the services of their prominent batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner, both of which are serving one-year bans for their involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March 2018.

India have never won a Test series down under in 70 years and the pundits see it as a perfect opportunity to claim a series on Australian soil. However, &nbsp;captain Virat Kohli and his deputy Ajinkya Rahane claimed that the hosts are not "vulnerable" without Smith and Warner.

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Wednesday was not included in the XII for the first of the four-Test game against Australia at Adelaide Oval. Despite that, the death-over specialist had a smile on his face as a fan group Bharat Army dedicated a song to him.

Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Wednesday was not included in the XII for the first of the four-Test game against Australia at Adelaide Oval. Despite that, the death-over specialist had a smile on his face as a fan group Bharat Army dedicated a song to him. The same group had welcomed the Indian cricket team at Adelaide airport. The fan group got a surprise visit from Bhuvi following which then sang a song praising the Indian pacer. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also shared a video of Bhuvneshwar's entertaining session with the Bharat Army on Twitter, saying: "Bhuvi surprises Bharat Army with a kind gesture at the Adelaide Oval. Watch on as the Bharat Army sings a song for Bhuvneshwar Kumar." The number one-ranked Indian Test team will start favourites in the gruelling series as Australia are just coming out of a bad phase. SPECIAL: Bhuvi surprises Bharat Army with a kind gesture at the Adelaide Oval Watch on as the Bharat Army sings a song for @BhuviOfficial 🎹🥁🎷 pic.twitter.com/9hG3fThrHQ — BCCI (@BCCI) December 5, 2018 × The hosts are missing the services of their prominent batsmen Steve Smith and David Warner, both of which are serving one-year bans for their involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March 2018. India have never won a Test series down under in 70 years and the pundits see it as a perfect opportunity to claim a series on Australian soil. However, captain Virat Kohli and his deputy Ajinkya Rahane claimed that the hosts are not "vulnerable" without Smith and Warner.

Watch: Fan group sings song for Bhuvneshwar Kumar at Adelaide

India’s match ended in a tie against Afghanistan, with Ravindra Jadeja becoming the 10th wicket to be scalped by Afghanistani bowlers.

Indian fans were extremely disappointed with the way team performed. Among them was this young fan who broke down even as his father tried to console him. &nbsp;

The pictures of the young boy had flooded social media and several cricketers took note of the image.

Harbhajan Singh, who is on commentary duties, took to Twitter and posted a message consoling the young man and giving him assurance that India would win the match in the finals.

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Koi na putt Rona Nahi hai final aapa jittange 🇮🇳🇮🇳😘 <a href="https://t.co/fjI0DWeBoy">pic.twitter.com/fjI0DWeBoy</a>
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1044678887421202434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Not only this, several Afghanistan players paused and got their pictures clicked with the kid.&nbsp;Rashid Khan and Mohammad Shahzad, two stars of the pitch posted the picture, a gesture which is winning hearts all over.

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These Pics making India - Afghanistan Cricket Friendship bond even Stronger <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAFG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsiaCup2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsiaCup2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/x84r2z8ziZ">pic.twitter.com/x84r2z8ziZ</a>
— Abhijeet (@TheYorkerBall) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheYorkerBall/status/1044852446567309312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was rested for the match, called the young man personally and spoke to him to calm his emotions.

Amarpreet Singh, who responded to Harbhajan’s tweet said, “@harbhajan_singh Paaji he is happy now and looking forward to the final on Friday… Really kind of @BhuviOfficial as well to call and console him… We will surely bounce back and it will be our “Fateh” on Friday ?????? Go Team India @BCCI.”

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<a href="https://twitter.com/BhuviOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhuviOfficial</a> 's call 😊 Special moment for Arjan... Thank you Team India 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/Z5S6GgrrRQ">pic.twitter.com/Z5S6GgrrRQ</a>
— Amarpreet Singh (@itsamarpreet) <a href="https://twitter.com/itsamarpreet/status/1044929790141181953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India will now take on Bangladesh in the final of the Asia Cup on Friday.

India’s match ended in a tie against Afghanistan, with Ravindra Jadeja becoming the 10th wicket to be scalped by Afghanistani bowlers. Indian fans were extremely disappointed with the way team performed.

India’s match ended in a tie against Afghanistan, with Ravindra Jadeja becoming the 10th wicket to be scalped by Afghanistani bowlers. Indian fans were extremely disappointed with the way team performed. Among them was this young fan who broke down even as his father tried to console him. The pictures of the young boy had flooded social media and several cricketers took note of the image. Harbhajan Singh, who is on commentary duties, took to Twitter and posted a message consoling the young man and giving him assurance that India would win the match in the finals. Koi na putt Rona Nahi hai final aapa jittange 🇮🇳🇮🇳😘 pic.twitter.com/fjI0DWeBoy — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) September 25, 2018 × Not only this, several Afghanistan players paused and got their pictures clicked with the kid. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Shahzad, two stars of the pitch posted the picture, a gesture which is winning hearts all over. These Pics making India - Afghanistan Cricket Friendship bond even Stronger #INDvAFG #AsiaCup2018 pic.twitter.com/x84r2z8ziZ — Abhijeet (@TheYorkerBall) September 26, 2018 × Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was rested for the match, called the young man personally and spoke to him to calm his emotions. Amarpreet Singh, who responded to Harbhajan’s tweet said, “@harbhajan_singh Paaji he is happy now and looking forward to the final on Friday… Really kind of @BhuviOfficial as well to call and console him… We will surely bounce back and it will be our “Fateh” on Friday ?????? Go Team India @BCCI.” @BhuviOfficial 's call 😊 Special moment for Arjan... Thank you Team India 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Z5S6GgrrRQ — Amarpreet Singh (@itsamarpreet) September 26, 2018 × India will now take on Bangladesh in the final of the Asia Cup on Friday.

Bhuvneshwar, Rashid console young kid who broke down after India-Afghanistan match

Two-time champions Kolkata will host Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens stadium on Friday, May 25 to book a berth in the Indian Premier League 2018 finals.

The winner of tonight's match will meet MS Dhoni-led Chennai in the IPL's finale on May 27 as team Chennai has already through to the finals after defeating Hyderabad in the Qualifier 1.

It's very ironic when the table toppers at the end of league matches, struggle&nbsp;to reach the finals, now call it carelessness or the lack of performance from their middle-order, Hyderabad have lost four straight games, something that will be a cause of concern for Williamson's side in tonight's game.

Although, Hyderabad have the best bowling unit in the presence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma and Rashid Khan. The bowling side will try to take benefits from the Eden Gardens track but it is not easy to face Dinesh Karthik's side&nbsp;as the batsmen coming at the 6th and 7th position have potential to score runs.

In the presence of crazy fans at the Eden Gardens, Dinesh Karthik&nbsp;side definitely has an upper hand against Hyderabad.

In the first Qualifier, when Hyderabad had their match in the pocket with Chennai struggling at 62-6 while chasing 140 runs but the bowling strategy backfired in the death overs when Carlos Brathwaite leaked too many runs.

Also, Hyderabad's problem has been their batting which is heavily reliant on skipper Kane Williamson, the current 'Orange Cap' holder with 685 runs at 57.05 average.

In order to resolve it, Shikhar Dhawan will have to rise to the occasion but it is the middle order that has created problems, Manish Pandey and Yusuf Pathan will have to score in order to help the bowling unit to bowl without pressure.

On the other hand, Dinesh Karthik who will look to go unchanged unless there's an injury in the lineup.&nbsp;

Their biggest strength has been the team's ability to stand up and perform in case someone fails. That we have seen in the Eliminator match when the top batting order was out bowled then middle batting order scored to reach the target.

The clash is going to be very interesting as the result will give another finalist of the tournament.

Watch the preview:

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Playing XI (TBC):

Kolkata: Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik, Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Javon Searles, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna.

Hyderabad: Shikhar Dhawan, Shreevats Goswami, Kane Williamson, Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Shakib Al Hasan, Carlos Brathwaite, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sandeep Sharma, Siddarth Kaul

Two-time champions Kolkata will host Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens stadium to book a berth in the IPL 2018 finals

Two-time champions Kolkata will host Kane Williamson-led Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens stadium on Friday, May 25 to book a berth in the Indian Premier League 2018 finals. The winner of tonight's match will meet MS Dhoni-led Chennai in the IPL's finale on May 27 as team Chennai has already through to the finals after defeating Hyderabad in the Qualifier 1. It's very ironic when the table toppers at the end of league matches, struggle to reach the finals, now call it carelessness or the lack of performance from their middle-order, Hyderabad have lost four straight games, something that will be a cause of concern for Williamson's side in tonight's game. Although, Hyderabad have the best bowling unit in the presence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma and Rashid Khan. The bowling side will try to take benefits from the Eden Gardens track but it is not easy to face Dinesh Karthik's side as the batsmen coming at the 6th and 7th position have potential to score runs. In the presence of crazy fans at the Eden Gardens, Dinesh Karthik side definitely has an upper hand against Hyderabad. In the first Qualifier, when Hyderabad had their match in the pocket with Chennai struggling at 62-6 while chasing 140 runs but the bowling strategy backfired in the death overs when Carlos Brathwaite leaked too many runs. Also, Hyderabad's problem has been their batting which is heavily reliant on skipper Kane Williamson, the current 'Orange Cap' holder with 685 runs at 57.05 average. In order to resolve it, Shikhar Dhawan will have to rise to the occasion but it is the middle order that has created problems, Manish Pandey and Yusuf Pathan will have to score in order to help the bowling unit to bowl without pressure. On the other hand, Dinesh Karthik who will look to go unchanged unless there's an injury in the lineup. Their biggest strength has been the team's ability to stand up and perform in case someone fails. That we have seen in the Eliminator match when the top batting order was out bowled then middle batting order scored to reach the target. The clash is going to be very interesting as the result will give another finalist of the tournament. Watch the preview: × Playing XI (TBC): Kolkata: Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik, Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Javon Searles, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna. Hyderabad: Shikhar Dhawan, Shreevats Goswami, Kane Williamson, Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Shakib Al Hasan, Carlos Brathwaite, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sandeep Sharma, Siddarth Kaul

IPL 2018, 2nd Qualifier: Karthik-led Kolkata have advantage at Eden against Hyderabad

Faf du Plessis' unbeaten 67-run knock helped Chennai team to reach the finals of the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League. Chennai won the first Qualifier by two wickets in a neck-to-neck encounter against Hyderabad. There was a moment when Chennai was 62-6 but South African star batsman Faf du Plessis played a responsible innings and snatched the match from the hands of Hyderabad.&nbsp;

Shardul Thakur's 15-run knock off 5 balls did the icing on the cake and confirmed the victory. Earlier in the match, MS Dhoni had won the toss and opted to bowl at the Wankhede stadium.

Batting first, Hyderabad had a shaky start as Hyderabad team suffered an early jolt in the form of Shikhar Dhawan's wicket on the first ball of the innings but thanks to Windies player Carlos Brathwaite, who played a 43-run knock to help Hyderabad team to set a decent target of 140 runs for MS Dhoni-led Chennai.

Still, the score is a bit less than what it was expected in such a crucial match and that too for a team whose batting unit is massive.

That is what exactly happened but while chasing the target of 140 runs, Chennai's batting line was thrashed in front of the Hyderabad's bowling unit but in the 17th and 18th overs, Hyderabad leaked too many runs.

Apart from Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina and Shardul Thakur none of the batsmen score more than 10 runs.

Chennai's scoreboard

Shane Watson 0, Faf du Plessis 67*, Suresh Raina 22, Ambati Rayudu 0, MS Dhoni 9, Dwayne Bravo 7, Ravindra Jadeja 3, Deepak Chahar 10, Harbhajan Singh 2, Shardul Thakur 15

For Hyderabad, Sandeep Sharma, Siddarth Kaul and Rashid Khan took 2 wickets each that gave a ray of finale hope but efforts went in vain.

Apart from them, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the most economical bowler for the Hyderabad. He gave 14 runs in his 3.1-over spell with 4.42 ecomnomy. Although, he failed to defend the six runs in &nbsp;the last over as Faf hit a splendid six on the first ball of last over to win the match.

Earlier, Deepak Chahar who dismissed Dhawan played an important role in restricting the Hyderabad team. He gave 31 runs in his 4-over spell and took the most impost wicket also of Shikhar Dhawan.

Shreevats Goswami and Manish Pandey scored 12 and 8 runs respectively before losing their wickets to Lungi Ngidi and Ravindra Jadeja.

Skipper Kane Williamson tried to push the run rate but lost his wicket to Shardul Thakur after scoring 24 runs.

Shakib Al Hasan and Yusuf Pathan scored 12 and 24 runs for the team but Dwayne Bravo out bowled both of batsmen.

Carlos Brathwaite salvaged the team as he scored 43 runs off just 29 balls in a very crucial time. 
&nbsp;

Faf du Plessis' unbeaten 67-run knock helped Chennai team to reach the finals of the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League

Faf du Plessis' unbeaten 67-run knock helped Chennai team to reach the finals of the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League. Chennai won the first Qualifier by two wickets in a neck-to-neck encounter against Hyderabad. There was a moment when Chennai was 62-6 but South African star batsman Faf du Plessis played a responsible innings and snatched the match from the hands of Hyderabad. Shardul Thakur's 15-run knock off 5 balls did the icing on the cake and confirmed the victory. Earlier in the match, MS Dhoni had won the toss and opted to bowl at the Wankhede stadium. Batting first, Hyderabad had a shaky start as Hyderabad team suffered an early jolt in the form of Shikhar Dhawan's wicket on the first ball of the innings but thanks to Windies player Carlos Brathwaite, who played a 43-run knock to help Hyderabad team to set a decent target of 140 runs for MS Dhoni-led Chennai. Still, the score is a bit less than what it was expected in such a crucial match and that too for a team whose batting unit is massive. That is what exactly happened but while chasing the target of 140 runs, Chennai's batting line was thrashed in front of the Hyderabad's bowling unit but in the 17th and 18th overs, Hyderabad leaked too many runs. Apart from Faf du Plessis, Suresh Raina and Shardul Thakur none of the batsmen score more than 10 runs. Chennai's scoreboard Shane Watson 0, Faf du Plessis 67*, Suresh Raina 22, Ambati Rayudu 0, MS Dhoni 9, Dwayne Bravo 7, Ravindra Jadeja 3, Deepak Chahar 10, Harbhajan Singh 2, Shardul Thakur 15 For Hyderabad, Sandeep Sharma, Siddarth Kaul and Rashid Khan took 2 wickets each that gave a ray of finale hope but efforts went in vain. Apart from them, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the most economical bowler for the Hyderabad. He gave 14 runs in his 3.1-over spell with 4.42 ecomnomy. Although, he failed to defend the six runs in the last over as Faf hit a splendid six on the first ball of last over to win the match. Earlier, Deepak Chahar who dismissed Dhawan played an important role in restricting the Hyderabad team. He gave 31 runs in his 4-over spell and took the most impost wicket also of Shikhar Dhawan. Shreevats Goswami and Manish Pandey scored 12 and 8 runs respectively before losing their wickets to Lungi Ngidi and Ravindra Jadeja. Skipper Kane Williamson tried to push the run rate but lost his wicket to Shardul Thakur after scoring 24 runs. Shakib Al Hasan and Yusuf Pathan scored 12 and 24 runs for the team but Dwayne Bravo out bowled both of batsmen. Carlos Brathwaite salvaged the team as he scored 43 runs off just 29 balls in a very crucial time.

Faf du Plessis shines as Chennai beat Hyderabad to reach IPL final

MS Dhoni-led Chennai has reached the finals of the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League as batsman Faf du Plessis' unbeaten 67-run knock helped Chennai team to defeat Hyderabad by two wickets in the first Qualifier match on Tuesday at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

There was a moment when Chennai was 62-6 but South African star batsman Faf du Plessis played a responsible innings and snatched the match from the hands of Hyderabad.&nbsp;

For his splendid batting at a crucial time, Faf was given "Player of the Match" award.

"It's nice to make a contribution tonight. I reflected on the games I've played here in Mumbai. It's a stadium I've enjoyed playing," said South African batsman Faf du Plessis.

He also added that he shocked that how the team "win that game."

He praised the bowling attack of Hyderabad's team with a special mention to spinner Rashid Khan.

Although, du Plessis' 67-run knock was the sole reason for Chennai's victory but Shardul Thakur's 15-run knock off 5 balls did the icing on the cake and confirmed the victory. Earlier in the match, MS Dhoni had won the toss and opted to bowl.

Faf du Plessis' unbeaten 67-run knock helped Chennai team to defeat Hyderabad by two wickets in the first Qualifier match

MS Dhoni-led Chennai has reached the finals of the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League as batsman Faf du Plessis' unbeaten 67-run knock helped Chennai team to defeat Hyderabad by two wickets in the first Qualifier match on Tuesday at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. There was a moment when Chennai was 62-6 but South African star batsman Faf du Plessis played a responsible innings and snatched the match from the hands of Hyderabad. For his splendid batting at a crucial time, Faf was given "Player of the Match" award. "It's nice to make a contribution tonight. I reflected on the games I've played here in Mumbai. It's a stadium I've enjoyed playing," said South African batsman Faf du Plessis. He also added that he shocked that how the team "win that game." He praised the bowling attack of Hyderabad's team with a special mention to spinner Rashid Khan. Although, du Plessis' 67-run knock was the sole reason for Chennai's victory but Shardul Thakur's 15-run knock off 5 balls did the icing on the cake and confirmed the victory. Earlier in the match, MS Dhoni had won the toss and opted to bowl.

Don't know how we 'win that game', says Faf du Plessis after Chennai reach IPL final

Hyderabad set a 140-run target for Chennai team in the first Qualifier of Indian Premier League 2018.&nbsp;

The score is a bit less than what it was expected in such crucial matches and that too for a team whose batting unit is massive.

Hyderabad team suffered an early jolt in the form of Shikhar Dhawan's wicket on the first ball of the innings but thanks to Windies player Carlos Brathwaite, who played a 43-run knock to help Hyderabad team to set a decent target for MS Dhoni-led Chennai.

On the other hand, Deepak Chahar who dismissed Dhawan played an important role in restricting the Hyderabad team. He gave 31 runs in his 4-over spell and took the most impost wicket also of Shikhar Dhawan.

Shreevats Goswami and Manish Pandey scored 12 and 8 runs respectively before losing their wickets to Lungi Ngidi and Ravindra Jadeja.

Skipper Kane Williamson tried to push the run rate but lost his wicket to Shardul Thakur after scoring 24 runs.

Shakib Al Hasan and Yusuf Pathan scored 12 and 24 runs for the team but Dwayne Bravo out bowled both of batsmen.

Carlos Brathwaite salvaged the team as he scored 43 runs off just 29 balls in a very crucial time.

Hyderabad team suffered an early jolt in the form of Shikhar Dhawan's wicket on the first ball of the innings but thanks to Windies player Carlos Brathwaite, who played a 43-run knock to help Hyderabad team to set a decent target for MS Dhoni-led Chennai

Hyderabad set a 140-run target for Chennai team in the first Qualifier of Indian Premier League 2018. The score is a bit less than what it was expected in such crucial matches and that too for a team whose batting unit is massive. Hyderabad team suffered an early jolt in the form of Shikhar Dhawan's wicket on the first ball of the innings but thanks to Windies player Carlos Brathwaite, who played a 43-run knock to help Hyderabad team to set a decent target for MS Dhoni-led Chennai. On the other hand, Deepak Chahar who dismissed Dhawan played an important role in restricting the Hyderabad team. He gave 31 runs in his 4-over spell and took the most impost wicket also of Shikhar Dhawan. Shreevats Goswami and Manish Pandey scored 12 and 8 runs respectively before losing their wickets to Lungi Ngidi and Ravindra Jadeja. Skipper Kane Williamson tried to push the run rate but lost his wicket to Shardul Thakur after scoring 24 runs. Shakib Al Hasan and Yusuf Pathan scored 12 and 24 runs for the team but Dwayne Bravo out bowled both of batsmen. Carlos Brathwaite salvaged the team as he scored 43 runs off just 29 balls in a very crucial time.

IPL 2018: MS Dhoni-led Chennai restricts Hyderabad to 139 runs in 1st Qualifier

Australian batsman David Warner has wished the Hyderabad team ahead of the first Qualifier of Indian Premier League 2018 which is against Chennai.

In the previous seasons, David Warner has played the skipper's role of Hyderabad but due to his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, he was subsequently banned from the IPL by the BCCI.

Even though he is not the part of Hyderabad team still, he has always given his support throughout the season.

Just before the first Qualifier, Warner has tweeted, "Good luck to @SunRisers tonight, keep playing well gentlemen. Been simply outstanding and being well lead by The great man himself Kane."

In the absence of David Warner, Kane Williamson&nbsp;is leading the squad and has proved his calibre&nbsp;and leadership skills.

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Good luck to <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SunRisers</a> tonight, keep playing well gentlemen. Been simply outstanding and being well lead by The great man himself Kane ??
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Warner was replaced by an explosive opener Alex Hales of England.&nbsp;

Just before the first Qualifier, Warner has praised Kane Williamson's leadership qualities

Australian batsman David Warner has wished the Hyderabad team ahead of the first Qualifier of Indian Premier League 2018 which is against Chennai. In the previous seasons, David Warner has played the skipper's role of Hyderabad but due to his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, he was subsequently banned from the IPL by the BCCI. Even though he is not the part of Hyderabad team still, he has always given his support throughout the season. Just before the first Qualifier, Warner has tweeted, "Good luck to @SunRisers tonight, keep playing well gentlemen. Been simply outstanding and being well lead by The great man himself Kane." In the absence of David Warner, Kane Williamson is leading the squad and has proved his calibre and leadership skills. Good luck to @SunRisers tonight, keep playing well gentlemen. Been simply outstanding and being well lead by The great man himself Kane ?? — David Warner (@davidwarner31) May 22, 2018 × Warner was replaced by an explosive opener Alex Hales of England.

IPL 2018: David Warner wishes Hyderabad team 'good luck' ahead of first Qualifier

Chennai won the toss and opted to bowl&nbspin the first Qualifier of the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League 2018 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Tuesday.

After winning the toss, MS Dhoni said, "We have chased well in the tournament." He also mentioned that chasing is a bit easier in the second innings.

There is only one change in the Chennai's squad, Shane Watson has been included at the place of Sam Billings.

On the other hand, Kane Williamson said that the Hyderabad team is trying their best to adapt the conditions of Wankhede Stadium.

A few hours back, it was found that there were some wear and tear in the good length area of the pitch, which means spinners will have an upper hand in the match, especially in the second innings.

Pressure is definitely on both the sides as the winner will book a finale berth.

Hyderabad has entered the field with the same squad.

Playing XI:

Chennai: Ambati Rayudu, Shane Watson, Suresh Raina, Faf du Plessis, MS Dhoni(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Harbhajan Singh, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Lungi Ngidi

Hyderabad: Shikhar Dhawan, Shreevats Goswami(w), Kane Williamson(c), Manish Pandey, Shakib Al Hasan, Yusuf Pathan, Carlos Brathwaite, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma

There is only one change in the Chennai's squad, Shane Watson has been included at the place of Sam Billings

Chennai won the toss and opted to bowl&nbspin the first Qualifier of the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League 2018 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Tuesday. After winning the toss, MS Dhoni said, "We have chased well in the tournament." He also mentioned that chasing is a bit easier in the second innings. There is only one change in the Chennai's squad, Shane Watson has been included at the place of Sam Billings. On the other hand, Kane Williamson said that the Hyderabad team is trying their best to adapt the conditions of Wankhede Stadium. A few hours back, it was found that there were some wear and tear in the good length area of the pitch, which means spinners will have an upper hand in the match, especially in the second innings. Pressure is definitely on both the sides as the winner will book a finale berth. Hyderabad has entered the field with the same squad. Playing XI: Chennai: Ambati Rayudu, Shane Watson, Suresh Raina, Faf du Plessis, MS Dhoni(w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Harbhajan Singh, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Lungi Ngidi Hyderabad: Shikhar Dhawan, Shreevats Goswami(w), Kane Williamson(c), Manish Pandey, Shakib Al Hasan, Yusuf Pathan, Carlos Brathwaite, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma

IPL 2018: MS Dhoni opts to field in Qualifier 1 against Hyderabad

The first Qualifiers of&nbsp;IPL 2018 will be played on Tuesday between the two best teams, Chennai and Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

In previous meetings of the ongoing edition, MS Dhoni-led Chennai defeated the Kane Williamson's side.

Both the teams have scored 18 points, but Hyderabad stand&nbsp;atop&nbsp;league's table with a better Net Run Rate (NRR) than Chennai.

So, let us take a look at the players expected to perform in today's big clash.

1. Kane Williamson -&nbsp;The backbone of Hyderabad team and one of the most successful skippers in the ongoing league,&nbsp;Williamson&nbsp;has&nbsp;proved his calibre&nbsp;in the leadership skills. With his team being the table-toppers, he definitely fulfilled his duties as a captain. In 14 matches, he&nbsp;scored total 661 runs&nbsp;including eight half-centuries. Today, it is expected that he will cross Rishabh Pant in the race of 'Orange Cap' and also will outplay Chennai to book a finale berth.&nbsp;

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar -&nbsp;Although, Hyderabad have the best bowling unit in the IPL 2018 and Bhuvi is one of the best options for 'Orange Army' to damage Chennai's batting line-up. In such crucial&nbsp;matches, experience&nbsp;matters a lot and&nbsp;Bhuvneshwar has such potential. So far in nine matches, he has taken eight wickets with an economy of 8.14. He is definitely a player to watch out for in tonight's clash.

3. Lungi Ngidi - South African star pacer has impressed everyone with his economical bowling. His brilliant haul of 4 wickets&nbsp;including prized wickets of KL Rahul and Chris Gayle against&nbsp;Punjab was a reason&nbsp;Punjab's ouster from the tournament. Overall, he has played five matches and took nine wickets. He is definitely a player to watch out for in today's game.

4. Ambati Rayudu -&nbsp;He is an outstanding batsman and has been&nbsp;a consistent run scorer for Chennai in IPL 2018. His presence&nbsp;in today's&nbsp;crucial match will&nbsp;be an&nbsp;advantage for Chennai. He scored 586 runs in 14 games so far. His experience and ability to deplete any bowling attack makes him a player to watch out for in today's game.&nbsp;

5. Shane Watson - Chennai's opener&nbsp;Watson has scored 438 runs in his 13 games so far. He has smashed a century this season and has the potential to give a required start to the team. Watson has also made an important contribution with the bowl by taking important wickets in different occasions. Although he scored just 14 runs off 23 balls in the&nbsp;match against Delhi, still it is expected that he will&nbsp;survive the&nbsp;massive bowling attack&nbsp;of&nbsp;Hyderabad.

As the winner of today's match will directly enter finals, the match promises to be quite a contest.&nbsp;

The MS Dhoni-led team has beaten the Kane Williamson side on both occasions that they have previously met this year in the ongoing league

The first Qualifiers of IPL 2018 will be played on Tuesday between the two best teams, Chennai and Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. In previous meetings of the ongoing edition, MS Dhoni-led Chennai defeated the Kane Williamson's side. Both the teams have scored 18 points, but Hyderabad stand atop league's table with a better Net Run Rate (NRR) than Chennai. So, let us take a look at the players expected to perform in today's big clash. 1. Kane Williamson - The backbone of Hyderabad team and one of the most successful skippers in the ongoing league, Williamson has proved his calibre in the leadership skills. With his team being the table-toppers, he definitely fulfilled his duties as a captain. In 14 matches, he scored total 661 runs including eight half-centuries. Today, it is expected that he will cross Rishabh Pant in the race of 'Orange Cap' and also will outplay Chennai to book a finale berth. 2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar - Although, Hyderabad have the best bowling unit in the IPL 2018 and Bhuvi is one of the best options for 'Orange Army' to damage Chennai's batting line-up. In such crucial matches, experience matters a lot and Bhuvneshwar has such potential. So far in nine matches, he has taken eight wickets with an economy of 8.14. He is definitely a player to watch out for in tonight's clash. 3. Lungi Ngidi - South African star pacer has impressed everyone with his economical bowling. His brilliant haul of 4 wickets including prized wickets of KL Rahul and Chris Gayle against Punjab was a reason Punjab's ouster from the tournament. Overall, he has played five matches and took nine wickets. He is definitely a player to watch out for in today's game. 4. Ambati Rayudu - He is an outstanding batsman and has been a consistent run scorer for Chennai in IPL 2018. His presence in today's crucial match will be an advantage for Chennai. He scored 586 runs in 14 games so far. His experience and ability to deplete any bowling attack makes him a player to watch out for in today's game. 5. Shane Watson - Chennai's opener Watson has scored 438 runs in his 13 games so far. He has smashed a century this season and has the potential to give a required start to the team. Watson has also made an important contribution with the bowl by taking important wickets in different occasions. Although he scored just 14 runs off 23 balls in the match against Delhi, still it is expected that he will survive the massive bowling attack of Hyderabad. As the winner of today's match will directly enter finals, the match promises to be quite a contest.

IPL 2018: Players to watch out for in Chennai vs Hyderabad clash

Hyderabad won the toss and opted to bat at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday.

After winning the toss Hyderabad skipper Kane Williamson highlighted the quality of pitch and said that it has grass and it will stay the same that is an advantage for the Hyderabad team.

As expected, Basil Thampi has been dropped as his performance in the previous game was very poor.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Carlos Brathwaite have been included in the squad for tonight's match at the pace of Alex Hales and Basil Thampi.

On the other hand, Dinesh Karthik mentioned that the pitch might turn a bit and there is only change for Kolkata, Piyush Chawla has replaced Shivam Mavi.

Playing XI:

Kolkata: Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Andre Russell, Shubman Gill, Javon Searles, Piyush Chawla, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav

Hyderabad: Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson(c), Manish Pandey, Shakib Al Hasan, Yusuf Pathan, Shreevats Goswami(w), Carlos Brathwaite, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Carlos Brathwaite have been included in Hyderabad's squad for tonight's match

Hyderabad won the toss and opted to bat at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday. After winning the toss Hyderabad skipper Kane Williamson highlighted the quality of pitch and said that it has grass and it will stay the same that is an advantage for the Hyderabad team. As expected, Basil Thampi has been dropped as his performance in the previous game was very poor. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Carlos Brathwaite have been included in the squad for tonight's match at the pace of Alex Hales and Basil Thampi. On the other hand, Dinesh Karthik mentioned that the pitch might turn a bit and there is only change for Kolkata, Piyush Chawla has replaced Shivam Mavi. Playing XI: Kolkata: Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Andre Russell, Shubman Gill, Javon Searles, Piyush Chawla, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav Hyderabad: Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson(c), Manish Pandey, Shakib Al Hasan, Yusuf Pathan, Shreevats Goswami(w), Carlos Brathwaite, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma

IPL 2018: Kane Williamson opts to bat against Kolkata

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has become a vital cog in the wheel for whichever team he plays, and the India and Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer says experience and superior fitness have made him an improved bowler.

Bhuvneshwar, who made his ODI and T20 debut in 2012, has so far grabbed 90 wickets in 86 ODIs and 28 wickets in 26 T20s and has become the go-to man for skipper Virat Kohli.

"The big change is experience, learning the things. At any stage, initially, you don't know much about those places or that environment, so (when) you keep playing you get to know, what the things are like there. Nothing is easy. So, yes experience - which I have gained over the last two-three years - really improved me as a bowler," the 28-year-old Meerut born player told PTI.

"And the other thing is fitness, the foremost thing which can keep you going for so many years," he said.

Asked whether he got any tips or advice from anybody, he said, "No, nothing, no special thing. I have been working in general, the way you do - match practise, fitness drills and individual skill - there is nothing special."

The swing bowler said there was "commitment to improve my fitness and improve as a bowler".

Bhuvneshwar, who is at ease bowling at the start and even in the death overs in white ball cricket, says that bowling at any point in T20 format is difficult.

"It is difficult to bowl any over, doesn't (matter) whether it's the first six overs or the last four overs. Wherever you bowl in this (T20) format, it is very difficult.

"If you don't do a good planning or if you don't have a good strategy it (will) always be difficult, because there is power-play with only two fielders outside the circle, so good chances of you getting hit for runs. It is all about pure strategy, planning and execution," he said.

He also admitted that things have gone the SRH way in the current edition of the IPL, where they have won three of the first four games.

"So far it's been good. It has been the start of the tournament, almost everything went our way. Of the four matches (played so far), we have lost only one. So far I am pretty confident as a bowler and looking forward to the next (set of) matches."

Bhuvneshwar also praised captaincy of New Zealander Kane Williamson.

"He has always been a good captain, he has captained New Zealand for many years and has been successful. He is a calm guy, so whatever situation comes, he thinks calmly about that and you can see the results in the first three matches. He loves to keep simple," he added.

Bhuvneshwar made his ODI and T20 debut in 2012

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has become a vital cog in the wheel for whichever team he plays, and the India and Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer says experience and superior fitness have made him an improved bowler. Bhuvneshwar, who made his ODI and T20 debut in 2012, has so far grabbed 90 wickets in 86 ODIs and 28 wickets in 26 T20s and has become the go-to man for skipper Virat Kohli. "The big change is experience, learning the things. At any stage, initially, you don't know much about those places or that environment, so (when) you keep playing you get to know, what the things are like there. Nothing is easy. So, yes experience - which I have gained over the last two-three years - really improved me as a bowler," the 28-year-old Meerut born player told PTI. "And the other thing is fitness, the foremost thing which can keep you going for so many years," he said. Asked whether he got any tips or advice from anybody, he said, "No, nothing, no special thing. I have been working in general, the way you do - match practise, fitness drills and individual skill - there is nothing special." The swing bowler said there was "commitment to improve my fitness and improve as a bowler". Bhuvneshwar, who is at ease bowling at the start and even in the death overs in white ball cricket, says that bowling at any point in T20 format is difficult. "It is difficult to bowl any over, doesn't (matter) whether it's the first six overs or the last four overs. Wherever you bowl in this (T20) format, it is very difficult. "If you don't do a good planning or if you don't have a good strategy it (will) always be difficult, because there is power-play with only two fielders outside the circle, so good chances of you getting hit for runs. It is all about pure strategy, planning and execution," he said. He also admitted that things have gone the SRH way in the current edition of the IPL, where they have won three of the first four games. "So far it's been good. It has been the start of the tournament, almost everything went our way. Of the four matches (played so far), we have lost only one. So far I am pretty confident as a bowler and looking forward to the next (set of) matches." Bhuvneshwar also praised captaincy of New Zealander Kane Williamson. "He has always been a good captain, he has captained New Zealand for many years and has been successful. He is a calm guy, so whatever situation comes, he thinks calmly about that and you can see the results in the first three matches. He loves to keep simple," he added.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar credits experience, better fitness for improvement

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-1st-t-20-ind-vs-sa-south-africa-india-virat-kohli-suresh-raina-live-score-33260">India has won the first T20</a> International against South Africa at the Wanderers, Johannesburg by 28 runs to take 1-0 series lead in the&nbsp;in the first of the three-match series.

Earlier, South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl.

The same old problems haunted the South African side as it suffered from inconsistency, poor fielding, bad shot selection and loose bowling which put them on the back foot in the ODI series.

For South Africa, Reeza Hendricks contributed 70 crucial runs and found a determined ally in Behardien but both of them could not stand the attacking bowling&nbsp;of Indian bowlers.

Bhuvneshwar scalped 5 wickets including that of Reeza Hendricks, JP Duminy, Klaasen in his career-best bowling figure.&nbsp;

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4-0-24-5. Career-best bowling figures from <a href="https://twitter.com/BhuviOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhuviOfficial</a>. He also becomes the second Indian to pick up a five-fer in a T20I.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/lvudJkho3A">pic.twitter.com/lvudJkho3A</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/965252846051524609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> win the 1st T20I by 28 runs. 
 
1-0 up in the three-match T20I series.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/60uU74zs8w">pic.twitter.com/60uU74zs8w</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/965254019563376641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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For India, though opener Rohit Sharma lost his wicket early but displayed some mesmerising shots and scored 21 runs off 9 balls before&nbsp;leaving the ground.

In the fourth over, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/comeback-feels-like-playing-first-time-in-indian-jersey-raina-33243">Suresh Raina </a>lost his wicket as he hit the ball with the top edge and the ball went straight&nbsp;up in the air and landed in the hands of Junior Dala but<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-t20-india-vs-south-africa-all-eyes-on-suresh-raina-33237">&nbsp;Raina </a>marked his presence today by playing some lovely shots. He played with a strike rate of 214.29.

Shikhar Dhawan played brilliantly and scored 72 runs to cruise his team to a mammoth score of 203.

Though, Virat got an early lifeline when his catch was dropped but eventually lost his wicket after scoring 26 runs.

Manish Pandey (29) and Hardik Pandya (13) remained unbeaten.

&nbsp;

Bhuvneshwar scalped 5 wickets including that of Reeza Hendricks, JP Duminy, Klaasen in his career-best bowling figure

India has won the first T20 International against South Africa at the Wanderers, Johannesburg by 28 runs to take 1-0 series lead in the in the first of the three-match series. Earlier, South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl. The same old problems haunted the South African side as it suffered from inconsistency, poor fielding, bad shot selection and loose bowling which put them on the back foot in the ODI series. For South Africa, Reeza Hendricks contributed 70 crucial runs and found a determined ally in Behardien but both of them could not stand the attacking bowling of Indian bowlers. Bhuvneshwar scalped 5 wickets including that of Reeza Hendricks, JP Duminy, Klaasen in his career-best bowling figure. 4-0-24-5. Career-best bowling figures from @BhuviOfficial. He also becomes the second Indian to pick up a five-fer in a T20I.#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/lvudJkho3A — BCCI (@BCCI) February 18, 2018 × #TeamIndia win the 1st T20I by 28 runs. 1-0 up in the three-match T20I series.#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/60uU74zs8w — BCCI (@BCCI) February 18, 2018 × For India, though opener Rohit Sharma lost his wicket early but displayed some mesmerising shots and scored 21 runs off 9 balls before leaving the ground. In the fourth over, Suresh Raina lost his wicket as he hit the ball with the top edge and the ball went straight up in the air and landed in the hands of Junior Dala but Raina marked his presence today by playing some lovely shots. He played with a strike rate of 214.29. Shikhar Dhawan played brilliantly and scored 72 runs to cruise his team to a mammoth score of 203. Though, Virat got an early lifeline when his catch was dropped but eventually lost his wicket after scoring 26 runs. Manish Pandey (29) and Hardik Pandya (13) remained unbeaten.

1st T20: Bhuvneshwar Kumar's five-wicket haul helps India to take 1-0 series lead

Former captain Sunil Gavaskar today questioned India&#39;s team selection for the second cricket Test against South Africa, saying opener Shikhar Dhawan&#39;s &quot;head is always on the chopping board&quot;.

India made three changes to their playing XI, with KL Rahul replacing Shikhar Dhawan and Ishant Sharma coming in for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, whose three-wicket burst in the first morning of the opening Test rocked the hosts. 
Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha was ruled out due to a strain and Parthiv Patel was included is his place.

Gavaskar said: &quot;I think Shikhar Dhawan is the &#39;Bali ka Bakra&#39; (scapegoat). His head is always on the chopping board. He just needs one bad innings and he is out of the team.

&quot;I also don&#39;t understand why Ishant came in for Bhuvneshwar when he had taken three wickets on the opening day at Cape Town. Ishant could have replaced Shami or Bumrah but leaving him out, I don&#39;t understand.&quot; 
India were thrashed by 72 runs in the first Test against South Africa at Cape Town.

Virat Kohli&#39;s men had folded for 135 in their second innings while chasing 208 to win the Test.&nbsp;

Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha was ruled out due to a strain and Parthiv Patel was included is his place.

Former captain Sunil Gavaskar today questioned India's team selection for the second cricket Test against South Africa, saying opener Shikhar Dhawan's "head is always on the chopping board". India made three changes to their playing XI, with KL Rahul replacing Shikhar Dhawan and Ishant Sharma coming in for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, whose three-wicket burst in the first morning of the opening Test rocked the hosts. Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha was ruled out due to a strain and Parthiv Patel was included is his place. Gavaskar said: "I think Shikhar Dhawan is the 'Bali ka Bakra' (scapegoat). His head is always on the chopping board. He just needs one bad innings and he is out of the team. "I also don't understand why Ishant came in for Bhuvneshwar when he had taken three wickets on the opening day at Cape Town. Ishant could have replaced Shami or Bumrah but leaving him out, I don't understand." India were thrashed by 72 runs in the first Test against South Africa at Cape Town. Virat Kohli's men had folded for 135 in their second innings while chasing 208 to win the Test.

Gavaskar questions India's team selection for 2nd Test

International cricket legends Allan Donald and VVS Laxman slammed the selectors today for dropping Bhuvneshwar Kumar out of India&#39;s XI for the second Test against South Africa.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/BhuviOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhuviOfficial</a> left out..you are kidding me??????
&mdash; Allan Donald (@AllanDonald33) <a href="https://twitter.com/AllanDonald33/status/952085015826980865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Don&rsquo;t understand how you can leave a bowler out that don&rsquo;t have more bounce than a taller bowler @ImIshant,&quot; tweeted Donald. &nbsp;

&quot;Bhuvi has so much skill and accuracy that he brings. It&rsquo;s like leaving out Vernon Philander,&quot; read his tweet.&nbsp;

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Don&rsquo;t understand how you can leave a bowler out that don&rsquo;t have more bounce than a taller bowler <a href="https://twitter.com/ImIshant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImIshant</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/BhuviOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhuviOfficial</a> has so much skill and accuracy that he brings. It&rsquo;s like leaving out <a href="https://twitter.com/VDP_24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VDP_24</a>!
&mdash; Allan Donald (@AllanDonald33) <a href="https://twitter.com/AllanDonald33/status/952130800065171456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Bhuvi&#39;s omission also left former Indian cricketer, VVS Laxman, surprised.&nbsp;

&quot;I am surprised not to find Bhuvi in the playing XI today. In the first test, he took the most number of wickets (6 wickets)showing skill in using the new ball &amp; batted quite well-showing patience and resilience. Am I missing something here,&quot; tweeted Laxman.

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Iam surprised not to find Bhuvi in the playing XI today. In the first test,he took the most number of wickets (6 wickets)showing skill in using the new ball &amp; batted quite well showing patience nd resilience.Am I missing something here ????
&mdash; VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/952140494519156736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Selections for India&#39;s XI for the 2nd Test against South Africa included other trimmings.

Parthiv Patel replaced wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha as the latter suffered an injury.&nbsp;

Shikhar Dhawan was dropped and replaced by KL Rahul.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Selections for India's XI for the 2nd Test against South Africa included other trimmings as well

International cricket legends Allan Donald and VVS Laxman slammed the selectors today for dropping Bhuvneshwar Kumar out of India's XI for the second Test against South Africa. @BhuviOfficial left out..you are kidding me?????? — Allan Donald (@AllanDonald33) January 13, 2018 × "Don’t understand how you can leave a bowler out that don’t have more bounce than a taller bowler @ImIshant," tweeted Donald. "Bhuvi has so much skill and accuracy that he brings. It’s like leaving out Vernon Philander," read his tweet. Don’t understand how you can leave a bowler out that don’t have more bounce than a taller bowler @ImIshant. @BhuviOfficial has so much skill and accuracy that he brings. It’s like leaving out @VDP_24! — Allan Donald (@AllanDonald33) January 13, 2018 × Bhuvi's omission also left former Indian cricketer, VVS Laxman, surprised. "I am surprised not to find Bhuvi in the playing XI today. In the first test, he took the most number of wickets (6 wickets)showing skill in using the new ball & batted quite well-showing patience and resilience. Am I missing something here," tweeted Laxman. Iam surprised not to find Bhuvi in the playing XI today. In the first test,he took the most number of wickets (6 wickets)showing skill in using the new ball & batted quite well showing patience nd resilience.Am I missing something here ???? — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 13, 2018 × Selections for India's XI for the 2nd Test against South Africa included other trimmings. Parthiv Patel replaced wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha as the latter suffered an injury. Shikhar Dhawan was dropped and replaced by KL Rahul.

Allan Donald, VVS Laxman surprised over Bhuvneshwar Kumar's omission

Despite India&#39;s shameful loss in the Cape Town Test, Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha on Monday created history in the second innings of the first Test match against&nbsp;South Africa.&nbsp;

Saha, who took long strides as wicketkeeper in Test cricket since MS Dhoni retired in December 2014, broke the record of the most dismissals in a Test by an Indian gloveman.&nbsp;

His catch off Bhuvneshwar Kumar&#39;s bowling to get rid of Morne Morkel made him the first Indian wicketkeeper to effect 10 dismissals in a Test.

He surpassed the previous best of Dhoni, who had the distinction of a record nine dismissals against Australia in Melbourne in 2014.

While all of Saha&#39;s dismissals came in the form of catches, Dhoni had one stumping to his credit when he had set the record.

The best of Saha&#39;s 10 dismissals was a sharp catch he took to get rid of Kagiso Rabada in the first innings.

With this record, Saha has joined the list along with England&#39;s Bob Taylor and Australia&#39;s Adam Gilchrist, both who have taken 10 catches each.&nbsp;

Pacer Vernon Philander&rsquo;s six-wicket haul helped South Africa defeat India by 72 runs on Day 4 of the first test.

With this victory, the Proteas go 1-0 up in the three-Test series against India.

Dhoni had the distinction of a record nine dismissals against Australia in Melbourne in 2014

Despite India's shameful loss in the Cape Town Test, Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha on Monday created history in the second innings of the first Test match against South Africa. Saha, who took long strides as wicketkeeper in Test cricket since MS Dhoni retired in December 2014, broke the record of the most dismissals in a Test by an Indian gloveman. His catch off Bhuvneshwar Kumar's bowling to get rid of Morne Morkel made him the first Indian wicketkeeper to effect 10 dismissals in a Test. He surpassed the previous best of Dhoni, who had the distinction of a record nine dismissals against Australia in Melbourne in 2014. While all of Saha's dismissals came in the form of catches, Dhoni had one stumping to his credit when he had set the record. The best of Saha's 10 dismissals was a sharp catch he took to get rid of Kagiso Rabada in the first innings. With this record, Saha has joined the list along with England's Bob Taylor and Australia's Adam Gilchrist, both who have taken 10 catches each. Pacer Vernon Philander’s six-wicket haul helped South Africa defeat India by 72 runs on Day 4 of the first test. With this victory, the Proteas go 1-0 up in the three-Test series against India.

Wriddhiman Saha breaks Dhoni's dismissal record in a single Test

The &quot;genius&quot; of AB de Villiers and a ferocious onslaught from South Africa&#39;s fast bowlers changed the course of the first day of the first Test against India at Newlands on Friday.

India started the day like the world champions they are according to the Test rankings, but their nearest challengers finished on top, with India staggering at 28 for three at the close -- losing skipper Virat Kohli for just five -- after bowling out the hosts for 286.

It was a remarkable turnaround after South Africa had been reduced to 12 for three by Bhuvneshwar Kumar inside the first half hour.

&quot;They are a quality bowling attack and at that stage, I was sitting there wondering how we were going to score a run,&quot; said South African batting coach Dale Benkenstein.

He didn&#39;t have to wonder for long.&nbsp;

Counter-attacking batting, led by aggressive half-centuries by De Villiers and captain Faf du Plessis, and some wayward bowling by India enabled South Africa to make a reasonable total on a lively pitch before the South African fast bowlers struck.

Benkenstein praised &quot;the class and genius of AB de Villiers and the tenacity of the captain&quot;.

De Villiers and Du Plessis put on 114 for the fourth wicket, with De Villiers in sparkling form as he hit 65 off 84 balls with 11 fours.&nbsp;

He showed intent from the start of his innings, hitting four fours off Kumar&#39;s fifth over.

&quot;That one over from AB changed the game,&quot; said Benkenstein. &quot;He made the bowlers worry about their lengths. That partnership got us back in the game and brought belief back in the change room.&quot;

Gave away runs

Kumar, who took wickets in each of his first three overs, finished with four for 87 and conceded more than four runs an over as did fellow seamers, new cap Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.&nbsp;

Only Mohammed Shami was economical, taking one for 47 in 16 overs.

&quot;We gave away 25 or 30 too many runs,&quot; said Kumar, who acknowledged the game-changing ability of De Villiers.&nbsp;

&quot;When AB bats you know you have to bowl well. In some overs, we gave away too many boundaries.&quot;

Kumar said India would have to bat well on Saturday but said he felt the match was evenly poised.

Benkenstein, though, said South Africa were &quot;very happy&quot; after their four-man pace attack was unleashed for the last 51 minutes of play.

Vernon Philander had Murali Vijay caught at gully and four balls later Dale Steyn, playing his first Test match in more than a year, caught Shikhar Dhawan off his own bowling when Dhawan&#39;s attempted pull steepled high into the air.

The biggest prize fell to Morne Morkel, who came on as first change and produced a sharply-lifting delivery which Indian captain Virat Kohli edged to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock after making just five.

Du Plessis said batting first on a well-grassed pitch was a &quot;tricky decision&quot; and his side&#39;s start must have reinforced his misgivings.

Kumar gained appreciable movement off a well-grassed pitch to plunge the South African innings into deep trouble.

Dean Elgar, South Africa&#39;s leading batsman during 2017, edged the third ball of the match to be caught behind by Wriddhiman Saha for nought.&nbsp;

His opening partner, Aiden Markram, fell in Kumar&#39;s next over, leg before wicket for five, before Hashim Amla, on three, edged an attempted back foot drive and gave Saha a second catch.

Saha finished with five catches behind the stumps.

But the rest of the South African batting proved resilient. The De Villiers-Du Plessis partnership was followed by a sixth wicket stand of 60 off 54 balls from Quinton de Kock and Philander, and there were useful contributions from the tailenders.

&quot;Those runs down the order in tough conditions were vital,&quot; said Benkenstein.

The 'genius' of AB de Villiers and a ferocious onslaught from South Africa's fast bowlers changed the course of the first day of the first Test against India at Newlands on Friday

The "genius" of AB de Villiers and a ferocious onslaught from South Africa's fast bowlers changed the course of the first day of the first Test against India at Newlands on Friday. India started the day like the world champions they are according to the Test rankings, but their nearest challengers finished on top, with India staggering at 28 for three at the close -- losing skipper Virat Kohli for just five -- after bowling out the hosts for 286. It was a remarkable turnaround after South Africa had been reduced to 12 for three by Bhuvneshwar Kumar inside the first half hour. "They are a quality bowling attack and at that stage, I was sitting there wondering how we were going to score a run," said South African batting coach Dale Benkenstein. He didn't have to wonder for long. Counter-attacking batting, led by aggressive half-centuries by De Villiers and captain Faf du Plessis, and some wayward bowling by India enabled South Africa to make a reasonable total on a lively pitch before the South African fast bowlers struck. Benkenstein praised "the class and genius of AB de Villiers and the tenacity of the captain". De Villiers and Du Plessis put on 114 for the fourth wicket, with De Villiers in sparkling form as he hit 65 off 84 balls with 11 fours. He showed intent from the start of his innings, hitting four fours off Kumar's fifth over. "That one over from AB changed the game," said Benkenstein. "He made the bowlers worry about their lengths. That partnership got us back in the game and brought belief back in the change room." Gave away runs Kumar, who took wickets in each of his first three overs, finished with four for 87 and conceded more than four runs an over as did fellow seamers, new cap Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Only Mohammed Shami was economical, taking one for 47 in 16 overs. "We gave away 25 or 30 too many runs," said Kumar, who acknowledged the game-changing ability of De Villiers. "When AB bats you know you have to bowl well. In some overs, we gave away too many boundaries." Kumar said India would have to bat well on Saturday but said he felt the match was evenly poised. Benkenstein, though, said South Africa were "very happy" after their four-man pace attack was unleashed for the last 51 minutes of play. Vernon Philander had Murali Vijay caught at gully and four balls later Dale Steyn, playing his first Test match in more than a year, caught Shikhar Dhawan off his own bowling when Dhawan's attempted pull steepled high into the air. The biggest prize fell to Morne Morkel, who came on as first change and produced a sharply-lifting delivery which Indian captain Virat Kohli edged to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock after making just five. Du Plessis said batting first on a well-grassed pitch was a "tricky decision" and his side's start must have reinforced his misgivings. Kumar gained appreciable movement off a well-grassed pitch to plunge the South African innings into deep trouble. Dean Elgar, South Africa's leading batsman during 2017, edged the third ball of the match to be caught behind by Wriddhiman Saha for nought. His opening partner, Aiden Markram, fell in Kumar's next over, leg before wicket for five, before Hashim Amla, on three, edged an attempted back foot drive and gave Saha a second catch. Saha finished with five catches behind the stumps. But the rest of the South African batting proved resilient. The De Villiers-Du Plessis partnership was followed by a sixth wicket stand of 60 off 54 balls from Quinton de Kock and Philander, and there were useful contributions from the tailenders. "Those runs down the order in tough conditions were vital," said Benkenstein.

Cricket: South Africa hail 'genius' of De Villiers

India bowlers are going extra miles to prove their abilities even in adverse conditions. As the day goes on, the South African side is falling apart one by one.

It seemed that the shocker start did not hamper much the middle order batting of South Africa as AB de Villiers and captain Faf du Plessis looked comfortable with the bat even after the failure of the top order but Indian pacers hit soon.

When both the players were trying to give a rhythm then Jasprit Bumrah took&nbsp;AB de Villiers&#39; wicket. He&nbsp;contributed 65 runs of 84 for his team but could not stay longer on the pitch as stunning Bumrah got him with a full length&nbsp;around off stump delivery. ABD looked positive throughout his innings but the South African &#39;stars&#39;&nbsp;are not shining brightly in the first Test match.

Soon after that, in 35th over, Pandya got another important wicket. He took the skipper on a short ball and&nbsp;Saha caught it behind the stumps. A&nbsp;poor and unnecessary shot by Faf du Plessis made him walk to the pavilion after scoring 62 runs.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-india-bhuveneshwar-strikes-early-28618">India vs South Africa Live Updates: F du Plessis falls to Pandya, South Africa in trouble</a>

South Africa won the toss and elected&nbsp;to&nbsp;bat first in the first match of Freedom Series&nbsp;Trophy.&nbsp;As the pitch demanded, Virat Kohli attacked with four pacers Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to tackle the Proteas.

India struck early as in-form&nbsp;Bhuvneshwar Kumar shattered&nbsp;the top batting order of South Africa.

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At Lunch on Day 1 of the 1st Test, South Africa are 107/3. 
 
UPDATES - <a href="https://t.co/XYC5wpnAmX">https://t.co/XYC5wpnAmX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreedomSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreedomSeries</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/jcMetQ5vPK">pic.twitter.com/jcMetQ5vPK</a>
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India&#39;s gamble of playing with four fast bowlers paid off as&nbsp;Bhuvneshwar send the opening batsman Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram back to pavilion also he took the crucial&nbsp;wicket off&nbsp;Hashim Amla.

South Africa was reduced to 12/3 in the first few minutes of the game at Newlands, Cape Town.

&nbsp;

Jasprit Bumrah took?AB de Villiers' wicket whereas Pandya got captain's wicket

India bowlers are going extra miles to prove their abilities even in adverse conditions. As the day goes on, the South African side is falling apart one by one. It seemed that the shocker start did not hamper much the middle order batting of South Africa as AB de Villiers and captain Faf du Plessis looked comfortable with the bat even after the failure of the top order but Indian pacers hit soon. When both the players were trying to give a rhythm then Jasprit Bumrah took AB de Villiers' wicket. He contributed 65 runs of 84 for his team but could not stay longer on the pitch as stunning Bumrah got him with a full length around off stump delivery. ABD looked positive throughout his innings but the South African 'stars' are not shining brightly in the first Test match. Soon after that, in 35th over, Pandya got another important wicket. He took the skipper on a short ball and Saha caught it behind the stumps. A poor and unnecessary shot by Faf du Plessis made him walk to the pavilion after scoring 62 runs. India vs South Africa Live Updates: F du Plessis falls to Pandya, South Africa in trouble South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first in the first match of Freedom Series Trophy. As the pitch demanded, Virat Kohli attacked with four pacers Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to tackle the Proteas. India struck early as in-form Bhuvneshwar Kumar shattered the top batting order of South Africa. At Lunch on Day 1 of the 1st Test, South Africa are 107/3. UPDATES - https://t.co/XYC5wpnAmX #FreedomSeries #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/jcMetQ5vPK — BCCI (@BCCI) January 5, 2018 × India's gamble of playing with four fast bowlers paid off as Bhuvneshwar send the opening batsman Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram back to pavilion also he took the crucial wicket off Hashim Amla. South Africa was reduced to 12/3 in the first few minutes of the game at Newlands, Cape Town.

1st Test: Indian pacers destroy South African batting order

Indian pacers produced one of their best performances in the first Test match against South Africain Newlands, Cape Town.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar took four wickets including three in his first three overs as India&#39;s bowlers gained the ascendancy on the first day of the first Test against South Africa at Newlands on Friday.

South Africa was struggling at 230 for seven at tea despite half-centuries from AB de Villiers and captain Faf du Plessis. Kumar had figures of four for 68.

Du Plessis said batting first on a well-grassed pitch was a tricky decision and a disastrous start must have reinforced his misgivings.

Kumar gained appreciable movement off a well-grassed pitch to plunge the South African innings into disarray at 12 for three.

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Innings Break! South Africa all out for 286 runs. 
 
Updates - <a href="https://t.co/XYC5wpnAmX">https://t.co/XYC5wpnAmX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreedomSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreedomSeries</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/XUDejWE30T">pic.twitter.com/XUDejWE30T</a>
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After some spirited batting by South Africa, Kumar took another wicket shortly before tea to put the world&#39;s top-ranked Test team in a strong position against their second-placed opponents.

De Villiers and Du Plessis put on 114 for the fourth wicket, with De Villiers in sparkling form as he hit 65 off 84 balls with 11 fours.&nbsp;

He showed intent from the start of his innings, hitting four fours off Kumar?s fifth over to launch a South African counter-attack.

De Villiers missed a drive against new cap Jasprit Bumrah and was bowled. Du Plessis went on to make 62 off 104 balls with 12 fours before he was caught behind off Hardik Pandya.

Quinton de Kock (43) and Vernon Philander (23) put on a rapid 60 for the sixth wicket before De Kock was caught behind by Kumar and Philander was bowled by Mohammed Shami.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Bhuvneshwar Kumar took four wickets including three in his first three overs

Indian pacers produced one of their best performances in the first Test match against South Africain Newlands, Cape Town. Bhuvneshwar Kumar took four wickets including three in his first three overs as India's bowlers gained the ascendancy on the first day of the first Test against South Africa at Newlands on Friday. South Africa was struggling at 230 for seven at tea despite half-centuries from AB de Villiers and captain Faf du Plessis. Kumar had figures of four for 68. Du Plessis said batting first on a well-grassed pitch was a tricky decision and a disastrous start must have reinforced his misgivings. Kumar gained appreciable movement off a well-grassed pitch to plunge the South African innings into disarray at 12 for three. Innings Break! South Africa all out for 286 runs. Updates - https://t.co/XYC5wpnAmX #FreedomSeries #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/XUDejWE30T — BCCI (@BCCI) January 5, 2018 × After some spirited batting by South Africa, Kumar took another wicket shortly before tea to put the world's top-ranked Test team in a strong position against their second-placed opponents. De Villiers and Du Plessis put on 114 for the fourth wicket, with De Villiers in sparkling form as he hit 65 off 84 balls with 11 fours. He showed intent from the start of his innings, hitting four fours off Kumar?s fifth over to launch a South African counter-attack. De Villiers missed a drive against new cap Jasprit Bumrah and was bowled. Du Plessis went on to make 62 off 104 balls with 12 fours before he was caught behind off Hardik Pandya. Quinton de Kock (43) and Vernon Philander (23) put on a rapid 60 for the sixth wicket before De Kock was caught behind by Kumar and Philander was bowled by Mohammed Shami.

Watch: How South Africa stumbled on day 1

The extra bounce will be a welcome change but bowling with the red Kookaburra ball &quot;will be a challenge&quot; in the three-match Test series against South Africa, reckons India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

After a two-shift opening practice session yesterday, the Indian team practised indoors today due to wet and windy conditions at the Western Province Cricket Club (WPCC).

The Indian pacers&#39; focus as of now has been on bowling multiple long spells, which they will need to bowl in the series starting with first Test at Newlands from January 5.

&quot;The first thing that comes to the mind when you are touring South Africa is bouncy wickets. But that is no surety of what kind of pitch you would get in the game,&quot; said Bhuvneshwar in a media interaction.

If it is about dealing with the bounce for batsmen, bowlers will have to make the adjustment for bowling with the Kookaburra.

&quot;When it comes to batsmen there is the bounce factor. But that is a factor for the bowlers too. The Kookaburra is the toughest ball to bowl with. It does not do too much after 25- 30 overs, so these are the kind of situations we are trying to prepare for.&quot;

The swing specialist said the pace attack has not yet gotten down to strategising for the game and the focus is on bowling long spells.

&quot;We have not talked so far on the strategy. The focus is on the basics. May be a couple of days before the first Test, we will see how to strategise according to the batsman.

&quot;Yesterday, we did two sessions to get into the Test mode. It is a six-hour day in a Test match so we bowled twice. We wanted to bowl as long as possible,&quot; said Bhuvneshwar.

India have not won a Test series in South Africa but have been playing well over the last two years, reclaiming the number one ranking in the process.

Bhuvneshwar feels the current form give his team a good chance of improving its record in South Africa.

&quot;Everyone is confident. We know there is a chance to win a series in South Africa but to be able to do that we know we have to give our best. We have done well in the last two years and we are confident of doing well in these conditions.&quot;

The pacer said because of the variety in their attack, there is a lot to learn from each other.

&quot;Yes we can pick few a things from each other. I can pick reverse swing from Umesh, Ishant and Shami and they can pick swing from me.&quot;

On bowling in South Africa, he said: &quot;First big change is the bounce. I won&#39;t say swing so much but bounce is something every fast bowler enjoys.&quot;

Asked to comment on the South Africa batting, which has been bolstered with the return of Ab de Villiers, Bhuvneshwar said they are not focussing on just one batsman.

&quot;Anyone (could be a threat). All their batsmen are doing well. For us, it is all about how we do against their batsmen.&quot;

When asked, he did not have much to say on Shikhar Dhawan&#39;s injury.

&quot;I have no update. The physio will tell you that,&quot; he added.

The team practised indoors today due to wet and windy conditions at the WPCC

The extra bounce will be a welcome change but bowling with the red Kookaburra ball "will be a challenge" in the three-match Test series against South Africa, reckons India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. After a two-shift opening practice session yesterday, the Indian team practised indoors today due to wet and windy conditions at the Western Province Cricket Club (WPCC). The Indian pacers' focus as of now has been on bowling multiple long spells, which they will need to bowl in the series starting with first Test at Newlands from January 5. "The first thing that comes to the mind when you are touring South Africa is bouncy wickets. But that is no surety of what kind of pitch you would get in the game," said Bhuvneshwar in a media interaction. If it is about dealing with the bounce for batsmen, bowlers will have to make the adjustment for bowling with the Kookaburra. "When it comes to batsmen there is the bounce factor. But that is a factor for the bowlers too. The Kookaburra is the toughest ball to bowl with. It does not do too much after 25- 30 overs, so these are the kind of situations we are trying to prepare for." The swing specialist said the pace attack has not yet gotten down to strategising for the game and the focus is on bowling long spells. "We have not talked so far on the strategy. The focus is on the basics. May be a couple of days before the first Test, we will see how to strategise according to the batsman. "Yesterday, we did two sessions to get into the Test mode. It is a six-hour day in a Test match so we bowled twice. We wanted to bowl as long as possible," said Bhuvneshwar. India have not won a Test series in South Africa but have been playing well over the last two years, reclaiming the number one ranking in the process. Bhuvneshwar feels the current form give his team a good chance of improving its record in South Africa. "Everyone is confident. We know there is a chance to win a series in South Africa but to be able to do that we know we have to give our best. We have done well in the last two years and we are confident of doing well in these conditions." The pacer said because of the variety in their attack, there is a lot to learn from each other. "Yes we can pick few a things from each other. I can pick reverse swing from Umesh, Ishant and Shami and they can pick swing from me." On bowling in South Africa, he said: "First big change is the bounce. I won't say swing so much but bounce is something every fast bowler enjoys." Asked to comment on the South Africa batting, which has been bolstered with the return of Ab de Villiers, Bhuvneshwar said they are not focussing on just one batsman. "Anyone (could be a threat). All their batsmen are doing well. For us, it is all about how we do against their batsmen." When asked, he did not have much to say on Shikhar Dhawan's injury. "I have no update. The physio will tell you that," he added.

Bowling with red Kookaburra ball will be challenging: Bhuvneshwar Kumar

India`s national selectors on Monday handed a maiden Test spot to promising fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah in a 17-member squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa.

Bumrah, 23, was rewarded with a place in the Indian Test squad, ranked number one in the world, after taking 52 wickets from 28 one-day internationals.

The bowler would boost India`s pace quartet of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav on seamer-friendly tracks in South Africa.&nbsp;

Dashing all-rounder Hardik Pandya returned to the squad after opting out of the ongoing three-Test series against Sri Lanka over workload worries.&nbsp;

Pandya, 24, has become a key member of the Virat Kohli-led side since making his limited-overs debut last year. He has played in 30 of India`s last 33 matches.

Wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel also earned a recall, having last played against England in December last year.

India will play three Tests, six one-dayers and three T20 matches during the tour of South Africa which will kick off with a warm-up game in Paarl on December 30.

Selectors meanwhile rested star batsman Kohli for the three-match Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka starting on December 20, keeping in mind the gruelling tour of South Africa.

India`s Test squad for South Africa: Virat Kohli (captain), Murali Vijay, K. L. Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Parthiv Patel, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah.

India`s squad for T20 series against Sri Lanka: Rohit Sharma (captain), K. L. Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Jasprit Bumrah, M. Siraj, Basil Thampi, Jaydev Unadkat.

Dashing all-rounder Hardik Pandya returned to the squad after opting out of the ongoing three-Test series against Sri Lanka over workload worries.

India`s national selectors on Monday handed a maiden Test spot to promising fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah in a 17-member squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa. Bumrah, 23, was rewarded with a place in the Indian Test squad, ranked number one in the world, after taking 52 wickets from 28 one-day internationals. The bowler would boost India`s pace quartet of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav on seamer-friendly tracks in South Africa. Dashing all-rounder Hardik Pandya returned to the squad after opting out of the ongoing three-Test series against Sri Lanka over workload worries. Pandya, 24, has become a key member of the Virat Kohli-led side since making his limited-overs debut last year. He has played in 30 of India`s last 33 matches. Wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel also earned a recall, having last played against England in December last year. India will play three Tests, six one-dayers and three T20 matches during the tour of South Africa which will kick off with a warm-up game in Paarl on December 30. Selectors meanwhile rested star batsman Kohli for the three-match Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka starting on December 20, keeping in mind the gruelling tour of South Africa. India`s Test squad for South Africa: Virat Kohli (captain), Murali Vijay, K. L. Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Parthiv Patel, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah. India`s squad for T20 series against Sri Lanka: Rohit Sharma (captain), K. L. Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Jasprit Bumrah, M. Siraj, Basil Thampi, Jaydev Unadkat.

Cricket: Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah earns maiden Test call-up against South Africa

The first Test between India and Sri Lanka being played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata has ended in a draw.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankans were wobbling at 75/7 when play was called off due to bad light.&nbsp;

The Indians had declared at 352/8 earlier in the day, leaving the Sri Lankans with a target of 231 to win. &nbsp;

The Lankans lost two early wickets and went into tea at 8/2.&nbsp;

They settled down somewhat after tea -- albeit losing two more wickets -- moving up to 96/4.&nbsp;

Bhuvneshwar Kumar got four wickets, ending with figures of 11-8-8-4.&nbsp;

Mohammed Shami posted figures of 2 for 34.&nbsp;

The first Test between India and Sri Lanka being played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata has ended in a draw. The Sri Lankans were wobbling at 75/7 when play was called off due to bad light. The Indians had declared at 352/8 earlier in the day, leaving the Sri Lankans with a target of 231 to win. The Lankans lost two early wickets and went into tea at 8/2. They settled down somewhat after tea -- albeit losing two more wickets -- moving up to 96/4. Bhuvneshwar Kumar got four wickets, ending with figures of 11-8-8-4. Mohammed Shami posted figures of 2 for 34.

Sri Lanka wobble to 75/7 before bad light comes to rescue, 1st Test ends in draw

Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Kings XI Punjab by five runs in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match here tonight.

Sent into bat, Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 159 for six with skipper David Warner hitting 70 off 54 balls at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

In reply, Punjab were staring at a defeat at 62 for five at the end of 10th over, but Manan Vohra (95 off 50 balls) brought the visitors within striking distance of pulling off an incredible win.

But Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who returned excellent figures of 5/19, had the last laugh as the seamer trapped Vohra in the penultimate over of the match.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PlKPdmNUXVg" width="600"></iframe>

Vohra struck nine boundaries and five sixes during his whirlwind knock.

Kings XI Punjab were eventually bowled out for 154 in 19.4 overs.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, thus, registered their first win after suffering two defeats.

(PTI)

Sent into bat, Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 159 for six with skipper David Warner hitting 70 off 54 balls

Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Kings XI Punjab by five runs in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match here tonight. Sent into bat, Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 159 for six with skipper David Warner hitting 70 off 54 balls at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. In reply, Punjab were staring at a defeat at 62 for five at the end of 10th over, but Manan Vohra (95 off 50 balls) brought the visitors within striking distance of pulling off an incredible win. But Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who returned excellent figures of 5/19, had the last laugh as the seamer trapped Vohra in the penultimate over of the match. Vohra struck nine boundaries and five sixes during his whirlwind knock. Kings XI Punjab were eventually bowled out for 154 in 19.4 overs. Sunrisers Hyderabad, thus, registered their first win after suffering two defeats. (PTI)

IPL: Sunrisers Hyderabad clinch victory over Kings XI Punjab by 5 runs

A devastating spell of swing bowling by Bhuvneshwar Kumar put India in command on the fourth day of the third test against West Indies in St Lucia on Friday. 
 
Kumar ripped through the middle order and tail, moving the second new ball both ways through the air and off the seam to pick up five wickets at the Darren Sammy Stadium in Gros Islet. 
 
Playing his first test in 19 months, he took five for 33 in 23.4 overs as West Indies lost their last seven wickets for 23 runs to be all out for 225 in the first innings. 
 
India then reached 157 for three by the close of play, 285 runs ahead, leaving captain Virat Kohli to ponder the best time to declare on the final day on Saturday.&nbsp; 
 
All of Kumar&#39;s dismissals were achieved with quality deliveries, three caught in the slips, one bowled and one lbw.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;That was a spell of consistent, high-quality swing bowling,&quot; said former West Indies player Jeffrey Dujon on television commentary. 
 
&quot;He gave all the batsmen trouble, swung it in, swung it out, set up Marlon Samuels beautifully and really didn&#39;t move too much from that tight off-stump line.&quot; 
 
Samuels was perhaps Kumar&#39;s most prized scalp, out for 48 when he was beaten by an inswinger that he chopped on to his stumps. 
 
One run earlier Jermaine Blackwood was caught at second slip off Kumar for 20. Opener Kraigg Brathwaite top-scored for West Indies with 64. 
 
Kohli went cheaply in India&#39;s&nbsp;second innings, trapped lbw by Miguel Cummins for four after making just three in the first knock. 
 
Ajinkya Rahane (51) and Rohit Sharma (41) were unbeaten at stumps. 
 
.(Reuters)

Playing his first test in 19 months, he took five wickets for 33 in 23.4 overs

A devastating spell of swing bowling by Bhuvneshwar Kumar put India in command on the fourth day of the third test against West Indies in St Lucia on Friday. Kumar ripped through the middle order and tail, moving the second new ball both ways through the air and off the seam to pick up five wickets at the Darren Sammy Stadium in Gros Islet. Playing his first test in 19 months, he took five for 33 in 23.4 overs as West Indies lost their last seven wickets for 23 runs to be all out for 225 in the first innings. India then reached 157 for three by the close of play, 285 runs ahead, leaving captain Virat Kohli to ponder the best time to declare on the final day on Saturday. All of Kumar's dismissals were achieved with quality deliveries, three caught in the slips, one bowled and one lbw. "That was a spell of consistent, high-quality swing bowling," said former West Indies player Jeffrey Dujon on television commentary. "He gave all the batsmen trouble, swung it in, swung it out, set up Marlon Samuels beautifully and really didn't move too much from that tight off-stump line." Samuels was perhaps Kumar's most prized scalp, out for 48 when he was beaten by an inswinger that he chopped on to his stumps. One run earlier Jermaine Blackwood was caught at second slip off Kumar for 20. Opener Kraigg Brathwaite top-scored for West Indies with 64. Kohli went cheaply in India's second innings, trapped lbw by Miguel Cummins for four after making just three in the first knock. Ajinkya Rahane (51) and Rohit Sharma (41) were unbeaten at stumps. .(Reuters)

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's five-wicket haul puts India on front foot against WI

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