<p>Days before the XIth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starts, Steve Smith stepped down as the captain for the upcoming league due to&nbspthe ball-tampering admission.&nbsp&nbsp</p>
<p>It is still&nbspnot clear whether Smith will play as a player for Royals or not.&nbsp&nbsp</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rajasthan Royals appoint <a href="https://twitter.com/ajinkyarahane88?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ajinkyarahane88</a> as the captain for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2018</a><br><br>“The game is bigger than any individual and we hold this thought close to our heart.”- Manoj Badale , the co-owner of Rajasthan Royals<br><br>Read more: <a href="https://t.co/qBQbgUFb2u">https://t.co/qBQbgUFb2u</a> <a href="https://t.co/iy3sMVWlc1">pic.twitter.com/iy3sMVWlc1</a></p>&mdash Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/978207335674818560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">26 March 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>Meanwhile, in-form Ajinkya Rahane has been handed over the responsibility to lead the side, Royals informed.</p>
<p>Rajasthan, who are coming back in the IPL after ending a two-year suspension, took the decision after consulting their team mentor Shane Warne, who blasted Smith on Saturday when the ball-tampering row erupted.</p>
<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r238nXackJw" width="560" class="includeVideo" style="height: 383.778px"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>
<p>"Very disappointed with the pictures I saw on our coverage here in Cape Town. If proven the alleged ball tampering is what we all think it is — then I hope Steve Smith and Darren Lehmann do the press conference to clean this mess up!" Warne had tweeted.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Rahane was one of Royals’ premier performer before they were banned for two years in the wake of the 2013 spot-fixing scandal.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Rahane was one of Royals’ premier performer before they were banned for two years in the wake of the 2013 spot-fixing scandal.</p>
<p>On Sunday, during a press conference, Smith admitted to ball tampering during the ongoing third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.</p>
<p>Yesterday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) handed Smith a one-Test suspension and docked his full match fees as per its code of conduct.&nbsp<br>
&nbsp</p>

Rajasthan Royals are coming back in the IPL after ending a two-year suspension

Days before the XIth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starts, Steve Smith stepped down as the captain for the upcoming league due to&nbspthe ball-tampering admission. It is still&nbspnot clear whether Smith will play as a player for Royals or not. Rajasthan Royals appoint @ajinkyarahane88 as the captain for #IPL2018 “The game is bigger than any individual and we hold this thought close to our heart.”- Manoj Badale , the co-owner of Rajasthan Royals Read more: https://t.co/qBQbgUFb2u pic.twitter.com/iy3sMVWlc1 &mdash Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) 26 March 2018 Meanwhile, in-form Ajinkya Rahane has been handed over the responsibility to lead the side, Royals informed. Rajasthan, who are coming back in the IPL after ending a two-year suspension, took the decision after consulting their team mentor Shane Warne, who blasted Smith on Saturday when the ball-tampering row erupted. × "Very disappointed with the pictures I saw on our coverage here in Cape Town. If proven the alleged ball tampering is what we all think it is — then I hope Steve Smith and Darren Lehmann do the press conference to clean this mess up!" Warne had tweeted. Meanwhile, Rahane was one of Royals’ premier performer before they were banned for two years in the wake of the 2013 spot-fixing scandal. Meanwhile, Rahane was one of Royals’ premier performer before they were banned for two years in the wake of the 2013 spot-fixing scandal. On Sunday, during a press conference, Smith admitted to ball tampering during the ongoing third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Yesterday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) handed Smith a one-Test suspension and docked his full match fees as per its code of conduct.

IPL 2018: Ajinkya Rahane to lead Rajasthan after Smith steps down as captain over ball-tampering admission

<p>Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh is all geared up to enthral the audience at the opening ceremony of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 on April 7.</p>

<p>The 'Bajirao Mastani' star, who has always set the stage on fire with his insane energy, will be paid a whopping Rs 5 crore for 15-minute performance in IPL’s eleventh edition.</p>

<p>This means Ranveer will be taking over Rs 33 lakh per minute for his performance at the ceremony.</p>

<p>“He will be shaking a leg for about 15 minutes, but the organising team was always clear that they wanted Ranveer as a performer and that’s why he has been offered such a huge amount,” reports said.</p>

<p>“His appeal cuts across cities, age-groups and has an equally big fan following among men and women. That’s why the organisers felt that he is the perfect fit for the performance at this year’s IPL opening ceremony. The organisers are extremely happy that Ranveer has given his nod for the event, the reports added.</p>

<p>On the professional front, Ranveer will be seen in Zoya Akhtar's musical drama 'Gully Boy'.&nbsp</p>

<p>The actor will be seen opposite Alia Bhatt for the first time in a film. However, the two have collaborated for several Television commercials.&nbsp</p>

<div class="bottom-related-block visible-lg bottom-related-block-37134" style="display:none !important">
<div class="support-article-data">
<div class="inside-block-elements-social">
<div class="article-share-data clearfix">
<div class="social-icon-share">
<ul class="clearfix">
	<li>&nbsp</li>
	<li>&nbsp</li>
	<li>&nbsp</li>
	<li>&nbsp</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div class="inside-block-elements">
<div class="row">
<div class="col-sm-4">
<div class="row">
<div class="col-sm-12">
<div class="new-title small">
<h2>Related</h2>
</div>

<div class="new-widget-type-view-5  micro mbl-view clearfix">
<div class="media-holder">
<div class="img-holder">
<div class="img-place-holder"><a href="http://wionews.cloudapp.net/sports/ball-tampering-row-matt-renshaw-added-to-australia-squad-for-final-test-against-south-africa-37234" style="background-image: url("http://s.wionews.com/photos/matt%20renshaw-20180327063710-270x215.jpg")"><img alt="an image" class="img-responsive" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="215" layout="responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/matt%20renshaw-20180327063710-270x215.jpg" width="270" /> </a></div>

<div class="new-icon-overlay">
<p class="icon-links">&nbsp</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div class="content-holder ">
<h5><a href="http://wionews.cloudapp.net/sports/ball-tampering-row-matt-renshaw-added-to-australia-squad-for-final-test-against-south-africa-37234">Ball-tampering row: Matt Renshaw added to Australia squad for... </a></h5>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-12">
<div class="new-widget-type-view-5  micro mbl-view clearfix">
<div class="media-holder">
<div class="img-holder">
<div class="img-place-holder"><a href="http://wionews.cloudapp.net/sports/funny-twitter-reactions-on-steve-smiths-ball-tampering-scandal-37178" style="background-image: url("http://s.wionews.com/photos/steve%20smith%20(5)-20180326052603-270x215.jpg")"><img alt="an image" class="img-responsive" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="215" layout="responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/steve%20smith%20(5)-20180326052603-270x215.jpg" width="270" /> </a></div>

<div class="new-icon-overlay">
<p class="icon-links">&nbsp</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div class="content-holder ">
<h5><a href="http://wionews.cloudapp.net/sports/funny-twitter-reactions-on-steve-smiths-ball-tampering-scandal-37178">Funny Twitter reactions on Steve Smith's ball-tampering scandal </a></h5>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-12">
<div class="new-widget-type-view-5  micro mbl-view clearfix">
<div class="media-holder">
<div class="img-holder">
<div class="img-place-holder"><a href="http://wionews.cloudapp.net/sports/now-mohammed-shamis-wife-wishes-to-stand-beside-her-husband-37177" style="background-image: url("http://s.wionews.com/photos/shami-20180326052228-270x215.jpg")"><img alt="an image" class="img-responsive" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="215" layout="responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/shami-20180326052228-270x215.jpg" width="270" /> </a></div>

<div class="new-icon-overlay">
<p class="icon-links">&nbsp</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div class="content-holder ">
<h5><a href="http://wionews.cloudapp.net/sports/now-mohammed-shamis-wife-wishes-to-stand-beside-her-husband-37177">'I don't want anything bad for Shami,' says wife Hasin Jahan </a></h5>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-12">
<div class="new-widget-type-view-5  micro mbl-view clearfix">
<div class="media-holder">
<div class="img-holder">
<div class="img-place-holder"><a href="http://wionews.cloudapp.net/sports/1st-test-new-zealand-beat-england-by-innings-and-49-runs-37175" style="background-image: url("http://s.wionews.com/photos/boult-20180326045230-270x215.jpg")"><img alt="an image" class="img-responsive" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="215" layout="responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/boult-20180326045230-270x215.jpg" width="270" /> </a></div>

<div class="new-icon-overlay">
<p class="icon-links">&nbsp</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div class="content-holder ">
<h5><a href="http://wionews.cloudapp.net/sports/1st-test-new-zealand-beat-england-by-innings-and-49-runs-37175">1st Test: New Zealand beat England by innings and 49 runs </a></h5>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>


The actor will be paid a total of Rs 5 crore for his act

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh is all geared up to enthral the audience at the opening ceremony of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 on April 7. The 'Bajirao Mastani' star, who has always set the stage on fire with his insane energy, will be paid a whopping Rs 5 crore for 15-minute performance in IPL’s eleventh edition. This means Ranveer will be taking over Rs 33 lakh per minute for his performance at the ceremony. “He will be shaking a leg for about 15 minutes, but the organising team was always clear that they wanted Ranveer as a performer and that’s why he has been offered such a huge amount,” reports said. “His appeal cuts across cities, age-groups and has an equally big fan following among men and women. That’s why the organisers felt that he is the perfect fit for the performance at this year’s IPL opening ceremony. The organisers are extremely happy that Ranveer has given his nod for the event, the reports added. On the professional front, Ranveer will be seen in Zoya Akhtar's musical drama 'Gully Boy'. The actor will be seen opposite Alia Bhatt for the first time in a film. However, the two have collaborated for several Television commercials. Related Ball-tampering row: Matt Renshaw added to Australia squad for... Funny Twitter reactions on Steve Smith's ball-tampering scandal 'I don't want anything bad for Shami,' says wife Hasin Jahan 1st Test: New Zealand beat England by innings and 49 runs

IPL 2018: Ranveer Singh to get over Rs 33 lakh per minute for 15-minute performance

<p>As Virat Kohli and company is gearing up for the all-important tour to England for the Test series post IPL, Kohli is a relieved man for the time being. After all he was able to salvage some pride in recent Test series in South Africa.</p>

<p>Last month, when India lost the second Test match at the Centurion against South Africa, Kohli must have told himself &#39;come what may, the series scoreline will not be 3-0&#39;. After all, the last Test of the series was slated at Johannesburg, the place which has that special bonhomie with Team India for many years. The record remained intact; India not only avoided a defeat but won the Test.</p>

<p>India has never lost a Test here, not even in 1992-93 and 1996-97 when otherwise there was complete decimation. At this ground, Rahul Dravid scored an epic 148 in 1996-97. But above all it&#39;s here in 2007 that India won inaugural T-20 World Cup and MS Dhoni embarked upon a journey to superstardom.</p>

<p>But this is not new, in cricket special relationships between teams/players and grounds have been around since ages, albeit most of the time they are inexplicable.</p>

<p>Have a look at few of such unique relationships.</p>

<p>During Sunil Gavaskar&#39;s debut series in 1971-72, India played two Test matches at Port of Spain. In four innings, Gavaskar scored one double century, one century and two half-centuries. Five years later at the same venue, India played two Test matches and Gavaskar scored two more centuries. So whenever there used to a Test at Port of Spain, bowlers of West Indies knew that little master would come with something special.</p>

<p>But even more interesting is the camaraderie between Mohd Azharuddin and Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Azhar made his debut at Kolkata in 1984-75 and scored a century on debut and his special performance at Kolkata continued after that as well. Overall, Azhar played seven Test matches at this ground and scored five centuries. Eden Gardens played a role of saviour for him. In 1993, when Azhar was under heavy scrutiny, both for his batting and captaincy, he scored a massive run-a-ball 182 in opening Test of the series with England. India won the Test as well. In 1996, Azhar scored a Test century here against South Africa in just 74 balls. The crowd went berserk when Azhar struck five boundaries in a single over of Lance Klusener.</p>

<p>Little do we realise that Dilip Vengsarkar has a unique record under his belt. He was first non-English batsman to score three Test centuries at the iconic Lord&#39;s. During his first three Test matches at the &#39;Mecca of Cricket&#39;, Vengsarkar scored centuries in each of them. He played his fourth and last Test at this venue in 1990 and scored a half-century.</p>

<p>VVS Laxman&#39;s love affair with Sydney Cricket Ground started in 1999-2000 when he played a magnum knock of 167 in a series where Indian batsmen simply capitulated against Australian pace attack. He scored centuries on his next two Test outings at this ground in 2004 and 2008.</p>

<p>Like Johannesburg, Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Australia has been very special for Team India. At SCG, India scored a mammoth 600 for 4 during 1985-86 and Australia somehow saved the innings defeat on last day. India was so dominating that after first day&#39;s play, India&#39;s score was 334 for 1 and first three batsmen scored centuries. In 1991-92 India lost five Test series in Australia by 4-0. The only Test they could save was the one played at Sydney. Ravi Shastri scored a double century and Sachin Tendulkar scored a century. At SCG only in 2003-04, India scored 700 plus, riding on a double century by Tendulkar and century by Laxman. It was last Test match of legendary Steve Waugh and India almost defeated Australia in this Test.</p>

<p>I wrap up this discussion with something very interesting. Some relationships thrive spontaneously and some don&#39;t click even after someone vies for them desperately.</p>

<p>Sunil Gavaskar&#39;s wife belongs to Kanpur. Gavaskar always wanted to score a Test century at Kanpur in front of his in-laws. Ironically he failed in his first eight Test outings there. It was in his ninth Test at Kanpur in 1986-87 during fag end of this career, Gavaskar could score a century there. He was a relieved man.</p>

<p>These tales of typical relationships are beyond explanation but they are immensely interesting. As interesting and alluring as the game of cricket itself is.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


In cricket, special relationships between teams/players and grounds have been around since ages, albeit most of the time they are inexplicable.

As Virat Kohli and company is gearing up for the all-important tour to England for the Test series post IPL, Kohli is a relieved man for the time being. After all he was able to salvage some pride in recent Test series in South Africa. Last month, when India lost the second Test match at the Centurion against South Africa, Kohli must have told himself 'come what may, the series scoreline will not be 3-0'. After all, the last Test of the series was slated at Johannesburg, the place which has that special bonhomie with Team India for many years. The record remained intact; India not only avoided a defeat but won the Test. India has never lost a Test here, not even in 1992-93 and 1996-97 when otherwise there was complete decimation. At this ground, Rahul Dravid scored an epic 148 in 1996-97. But above all it's here in 2007 that India won inaugural T-20 World Cup and MS Dhoni embarked upon a journey to superstardom. But this is not new, in cricket special relationships between teams/players and grounds have been around since ages, albeit most of the time they are inexplicable. Have a look at few of such unique relationships. During Sunil Gavaskar's debut series in 1971-72, India played two Test matches at Port of Spain. In four innings, Gavaskar scored one double century, one century and two half-centuries. Five years later at the same venue, India played two Test matches and Gavaskar scored two more centuries. So whenever there used to a Test at Port of Spain, bowlers of West Indies knew that little master would come with something special. But even more interesting is the camaraderie between Mohd Azharuddin and Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Azhar made his debut at Kolkata in 1984-75 and scored a century on debut and his special performance at Kolkata continued after that as well. Overall, Azhar played seven Test matches at this ground and scored five centuries. Eden Gardens played a role of saviour for him. In 1993, when Azhar was under heavy scrutiny, both for his batting and captaincy, he scored a massive run-a-ball 182 in opening Test of the series with England. India won the Test as well. In 1996, Azhar scored a Test century here against South Africa in just 74 balls. The crowd went berserk when Azhar struck five boundaries in a single over of Lance Klusener. Little do we realise that Dilip Vengsarkar has a unique record under his belt. He was first non-English batsman to score three Test centuries at the iconic Lord's. During his first three Test matches at the 'Mecca of Cricket', Vengsarkar scored centuries in each of them. He played his fourth and last Test at this venue in 1990 and scored a half-century. VVS Laxman's love affair with Sydney Cricket Ground started in 1999-2000 when he played a magnum knock of 167 in a series where Indian batsmen simply capitulated against Australian pace attack. He scored centuries on his next two Test outings at this ground in 2004 and 2008. Like Johannesburg, Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Australia has been very special for Team India. At SCG, India scored a mammoth 600 for 4 during 1985-86 and Australia somehow saved the innings defeat on last day. India was so dominating that after first day's play, India's score was 334 for 1 and first three batsmen scored centuries. In 1991-92 India lost five Test series in Australia by 4-0. The only Test they could save was the one played at Sydney. Ravi Shastri scored a double century and Sachin Tendulkar scored a century. At SCG only in 2003-04, India scored 700 plus, riding on a double century by Tendulkar and century by Laxman. It was last Test match of legendary Steve Waugh and India almost defeated Australia in this Test. I wrap up this discussion with something very interesting. Some relationships thrive spontaneously and some don't click even after someone vies for them desperately. Sunil Gavaskar's wife belongs to Kanpur. Gavaskar always wanted to score a Test century at Kanpur in front of his in-laws. Ironically he failed in his first eight Test outings there. It was in his ninth Test at Kanpur in 1986-87 during fag end of this career, Gavaskar could score a century there. He was a relieved man. These tales of typical relationships are beyond explanation but they are immensely interesting. As interesting and alluring as the game of cricket itself is. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: The special bonds between cricket players, grounds and teams

<p>South Africa routed embattled Australia by 322 runs to win the third Test on a black day for the sport on Sunday which saw Australian skipper Steve Smith banned for ball-tampering.</p>

<p>Set 430 to win, Australia were skittled out for just 107 late on the fourth day at Newlands.</p>

<p>Smith stood down as captain for the remainder of the match earlier Sunday after admitting being the instigator of the ball-tampering plot which rocked cricket.</p>

<p>He was then handed a one-match ban by the ICC for his role in the scandal.</p>

<p>Brief scores:</p>

<p>South Africa 311 and 373 (A. Markram 84, A. de Villiers 63, Q. de Kock 65, V. Philander 52 not out; J. Hazlewood 3-69, P. Cummins 3-67, N. Lyon 3-102) v Australia 255 and 107 (D. Warner 32; M. Morkel 5-23).</p>

<p>Result: South Africa won by 322 runs</p>

<p>Series: South Africa lead the four-match series 2-1</p>

<p>Toss: South Africa</p>


South Africa routed embattled Australia by 322 runs to win the third Test on a black day for the sport on Sunday which saw Australian skipper Steve Smith banned for ball-tampering

South Africa routed embattled Australia by 322 runs to win the third Test on a black day for the sport on Sunday which saw Australian skipper Steve Smith banned for ball-tampering. Set 430 to win, Australia were skittled out for just 107 late on the fourth day at Newlands. Smith stood down as captain for the remainder of the match earlier Sunday after admitting being the instigator of the ball-tampering plot which rocked cricket. He was then handed a one-match ban by the ICC for his role in the scandal. Brief scores: South Africa 311 and 373 (A. Markram 84, A. de Villiers 63, Q. de Kock 65, V. Philander 52 not out; J. Hazlewood 3-69, P. Cummins 3-67, N. Lyon 3-102) v Australia 255 and 107 (D. Warner 32; M. Morkel 5-23). Result: South Africa won by 322 runs Series: South Africa lead the four-match series 2-1 Toss: South Africa

South Africa rout embattled Australia by 322 runs in third Test

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gun-violence-in-united-states-student-led-protests-draw-huge-crowds-36966" target="_blank">Over 1 million Americans pour out onto streets, demand tighter gun control</a></p>

<p>More than a million Americans flooded the streets of cities nationwide for emotional protests demanding tighter gun control on Saturday, protests spearheaded by teenagers from a Florida high school where 17 people were shot dead last month.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/90-rajya-sabha-mps-are-crorepatis-adr-report-36972" target="_blank">90% Rajya Sabha MPs are crorepatis: Report</a></p>

<p>Nearly 90 per cent of the Rajya Sabha MPs are crorepatis while the average of total assets Upper House parliamentarians is Rs 55 crore, says a report.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/granddaughter-of-martin-luther-king-jr-energizes-march-for-our-lives-crowd-36969" target="_blank">US protests: Martin Luther King&#39;s granddaughter leads crowd calling for gun reform</a></p>

<p>The granddaughter of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. energised the crowd in Washington on Saturday (March 24) during the March For Our Lives Rally demanding tighter gun laws, led by survivors of last month&#39;s Florida school massacre which reignited public anger over mass shootings.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-takes-full-control-of-syrias-afrin-military-source-36971" target="_blank">Turkey takes full control of Syria&#39;s Afrin: Military source</a></p>

<p>Turkey&rsquo;s military and its Syrian rebel allies have taken full control of northwest Syria&rsquo;s Afrin region, a Turkish army source said on Saturday, as aid workers distributed food to people in the area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-captain-smith-fights-for-job-as-ca-announce-ball-tamper-probe-36980" target="_blank">Australia captain Steve Smith fights for job</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-captain-smith-fights-for-job-as-ca-announce-ball-tamper-probe-36980" target="_blank"> as CA announce </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-captain-smith-fights-for-job-as-ca-announce-ball-tamper-probe-36980" target="_blank">ball-tampering</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-captain-smith-fights-for-job-as-ca-announce-ball-tamper-probe-36980" target="_blank"> probe</a></p>

<p>Australia captain Steve Smith was fighting to save his job and reputation on Sunday after admitting he was the chief plotter in the ball-tampering scandal which has plunged the game into crisis and sparked a Cricket Australia probe.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Over 1 million Americans pour out onto streets, demand tighter gun control More than a million Americans flooded the streets of cities nationwide for emotional protests demanding tighter gun control on Saturday, protests spearheaded by teenagers from a Florida high school where 17 people were shot dead last month. 90% Rajya Sabha MPs are crorepatis: Report Nearly 90 per cent of the Rajya Sabha MPs are crorepatis while the average of total assets Upper House parliamentarians is Rs 55 crore, says a report. US protests: Martin Luther King's granddaughter leads crowd calling for gun reform The granddaughter of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. energised the crowd in Washington on Saturday (March 24) during the March For Our Lives Rally demanding tighter gun laws, led by survivors of last month's Florida school massacre which reignited public anger over mass shootings. Turkey takes full control of Syria's Afrin: Military source Turkey’s military and its Syrian rebel allies have taken full control of northwest Syria’s Afrin region, a Turkish army source said on Saturday, as aid workers distributed food to people in the area. Australia captain Steve Smith fights for job as CA announce ball-tampering probe Australia captain Steve Smith was fighting to save his job and reputation on Sunday after admitting he was the chief plotter in the ball-tampering scandal which has plunged the game into crisis and sparked a Cricket Australia probe.

WION Morning News Brief, March 25, 2018

<p>Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma seemed a bit upset with his Indian Premier League (IPL) club after it asked their fans on Twitter to be prepared to welcome new faces in the team for the upcoming edition.</p>

<p>The right-handed batsman, who is an active Twitter user, quickly responded, asking the club why they didn&rsquo;t inform him about this update.</p>

<p><strong>Also </strong><strong>read:</strong><strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-heres-the-full-schedule-and-timings-of-all-matches-36524" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Here&#39;s the full schedule and timings of all matches</a></strong></p>

<p>To avoid any further miscommunication, Mumbai Indians club pleaded their skipper to shift the conversation to private messages.</p>

<p>The club managed to take back their skipper into confidence as &nbsp;Rohit replied to the previous conversation saying, he is fine with these new faces and it&rsquo;s really cool.</p>

<p>Afterwards, Rohit initiated a friendly Twitter banter with MI club, wherein all-rounder Hardik Pandya was also trolled for his new hairstyle.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Paltan, an exciting update is heading your way.<br />
<br />
Prepare yourself to welcome new faces in our team. Stay tuned! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketMeriJaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketMeriJaan</a></p>
&mdash; Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/976752845994250240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What do you mean by new faces? Why don&rsquo;t you guys inform me?</p>
&mdash; Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/976760435943858176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Skipper, let us discuss this on DM.</p>
&mdash; Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/976764196028235777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I&rsquo;ve checked my DMs. I am fine with these new faces and it&rsquo;s really cool. But where are my bullets? <a href="https://t.co/Dv783h8lzK">pic.twitter.com/Dv783h8lzK</a></p>
&mdash; Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/976768797532151808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We got you covered skipper. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketMeriJaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketMeriJaan</a> <a href="https://t.co/scoGecT0Xg">pic.twitter.com/scoGecT0Xg</a></p>
&mdash; Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/976769382293454848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And what&rsquo;s wrong with <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hardikpandya7</a>&rsquo;S hair? Why is he on fire?</p>
&mdash; Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/976772222181396481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am always on fire!!! Game On. Emotions On. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketMeriJaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketMeriJaan</a> <a href="https://t.co/aKQNZgjSI0">pic.twitter.com/aKQNZgjSI0</a></p>
&mdash; hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7/status/976773764410216449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mipaltan</a>, what about <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaspritbumrah93?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JaspritBumrah93</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/KieronPollard55?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KieronPollard55</a> and the rest of the boys?</p>
&mdash; Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/976776072518864896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We just got an update that <a href="https://twitter.com/KieronPollard55?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KieronPollard55</a> is taking off for Mumbai. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketMeriJaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketMeriJaan</a> <a href="https://t.co/0YzQXePfVi">pic.twitter.com/0YzQXePfVi</a></p>
&mdash; Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan/status/976779414972149760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Later, it was revealed that Mumbai Indians released the cartoon images of all the players in the squad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rohit is seen standing with guns shooting bullets with both his hands, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya&rsquo;s hair has been set on fire. Pollard has been portrayed as a superman.</p>

<p>Rohit trolled Pandya after the new faces were revealed. He asked on Twitter, &ldquo;And what&rsquo;s wrong with @hardikpandya7&rsquo;S hair? Why is he on fire?&rdquo;</p>

<p>Pandya who is known for his colourful hairstyle, had a fitting reply to Rohit&rsquo;s tweets, &ldquo;I am always on fire!!! Game On. Emotions On. #CricketMeriJaan&rdquo;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The skipper took to Twitter to question the decision

Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma seemed a bit upset with his Indian Premier League (IPL) club after it asked their fans on Twitter to be prepared to welcome new faces in the team for the upcoming edition. The right-handed batsman, who is an active Twitter user, quickly responded, asking the club why they didn’t inform him about this update. Also read: IPL 2018: Here's the full schedule and timings of all matches To avoid any further miscommunication, Mumbai Indians club pleaded their skipper to shift the conversation to private messages. The club managed to take back their skipper into confidence as Rohit replied to the previous conversation saying, he is fine with these new faces and it’s really cool. Afterwards, Rohit initiated a friendly Twitter banter with MI club, wherein all-rounder Hardik Pandya was also trolled for his new hairstyle. Paltan, an exciting update is heading your way. Prepare yourself to welcome new faces in our team. Stay tuned! #CricketMeriJaan — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 22, 2018 × What do you mean by new faces? Why don’t you guys inform me? — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 22, 2018 × Skipper, let us discuss this on DM. — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 22, 2018 × I’ve checked my DMs. I am fine with these new faces and it’s really cool. But where are my bullets? pic.twitter.com/Dv783h8lzK — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 22, 2018 × We got you covered skipper. #CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/scoGecT0Xg — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 22, 2018 × And what’s wrong with @hardikpandya7’S hair? Why is he on fire? — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 22, 2018 × I am always on fire!!! Game On. Emotions On. #CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/aKQNZgjSI0 — hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) March 22, 2018 × @mipaltan, what about @JaspritBumrah93, @KieronPollard55 and the rest of the boys? — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 22, 2018 × We just got an update that @KieronPollard55 is taking off for Mumbai. #CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/0YzQXePfVi — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 22, 2018 × Later, it was revealed that Mumbai Indians released the cartoon images of all the players in the squad. Rohit is seen standing with guns shooting bullets with both his hands, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s hair has been set on fire. Pollard has been portrayed as a superman. Rohit trolled Pandya after the new faces were revealed. He asked on Twitter, “And what’s wrong with @hardikpandya7’S hair? Why is he on fire?” Pandya who is known for his colourful hairstyle, had a fitting reply to Rohit’s tweets, “I am always on fire!!! Game On. Emotions On. #CricketMeriJaan”

IPL 2018: Rohit Sharma annoyed as Mumbai Indians announce new faces

<p>A humiliated England faced scathing criticism from &quot;embarrassed&quot; coach Trevor Bayliss while New Zealand celebrated a performance &quot;beyond our wildest dreams&quot; on the opening day of the first Test in Auckland on Thursday.</p>

<p>Bayliss said he was hurt by a scoreboard showing England all out for 58, inside the first session, and New Zealand 175 for three at stumps, ahead by 117 and with Kane Williamson not out 91.</p>

<p>&quot;It was a very poor effort today, it just simply wasn&#39;t good enough,&quot; Bayliss said after England slumped to their sixth worst Test innings ever.</p>

<p>At one stage they threatened New Zealand&#39;s unwanted world Test record low of 26 before an unbeaten 33 by Craig Overton more than doubled their score in a last wicket stand with James Anderson.</p>

<p>&quot;Whenever you don&#39;t do well it does hurt,&quot; said Bayliss, defending his selections as the best available in England.</p>

<p>&quot;Embarrassed? Certainly, and I probably wasn&#39;t the only one in our change room. It&#39;s certainly not good enough.&quot;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">STUMPS IN AUCKLAND!<br />
<br />
What a day for <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BLACKCAPS</a>! They first bundled England out for 58, and then Kane Williamson struck 91* to take them to 175/3. Can it get any better?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvENG</a> All the details here ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/gs9XvkvSIF">https://t.co/gs9XvkvSIF</a> <a href="https://t.co/cQjrW5k8oU">pic.twitter.com/cQjrW5k8oU</a></p>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/976743387935031296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tom Latham becomes Stuart Broad&#39;s 400th Test wicket. ????<br />
<br />
2nd Englishman after James Anderson (524) and 15th overall to get to the mark. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/sSz9XFPsZ0">pic.twitter.com/sSz9XFPsZ0</a></p>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/976704200787730432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>New Zealand only needed two bowlers, Trent Boult who took six for 32, and Tim Southee, who took four for 25, in an innings that lasted just 20.4 overs.</p>

<p>&quot;It was very enjoyable to get out there to get the ball swinging around,&quot; said Boult who finished with career-best figures.</p>

<p>&quot;Probably not in our wildest dreams did we think we would win the toss and get them out in the first session.</p>

<p>&quot;The main thing was trying to pitch the ball up, trying to get the ball moving as much as we could and giving it the best chance to swing.</p>

<p>&quot;I don&#39;t think it swung that much. The cliche of it just doing enough is pretty much what happened.&quot;</p>

<p><strong>&#39;Footwork mistakes&#39;</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from Stuart Broad taking his 400th Test wicket, it was a bleak day for the tourists, with Bayliss blaming their batting woes on &quot;mistakes with our footwork&quot;.</p>

<p>But for New Zealand, Williamson commanded the Test from the moment he won the toss and opted to bowl.</p>

<p>He featured in the field with a superb diving catch in the gully to remove Broad and ended the day closing in on a new record for New Zealand Test centuries.</p>

<p>He currently shares the record of 17 centuries with Ross Taylor and the late Martin Crowe.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">&ldquo;It&rsquo;s what you grow up dreaming of to one day run out there with a fern on your hat and perform like that&rdquo; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/wUSHfdcOX4">pic.twitter.com/wUSHfdcOX4</a></p>
&mdash; BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/976745071302270977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Williamson went to the middle after the early dismissal of Jeet Raval, when New Zealand were one for eight, and put on 84 with Tom Latham for the second wicket.</p>

<p>Latham had made a patient 26 off 112 deliveries but when play entered the difficult daylight-to-twilight zone he was gone in the first over after dinner to give Broad his milestone scalp.</p>

<p>Williamson had a nervous moment on 64 when Chris Woakes claimed a straight drive from Taylor had deflected off his hand to the stumps, with Williamson backing up out of his crease.</p>

<p>Replays proved inconclusive and the third umpire ruled in favour of the batsman, but Bayliss said Woakes was adamant the ball had brushed his hand.</p>

<p>Taylor never looked completely at ease and on 20 he was caught at mid-wicket by Woakes to give England&#39;s most successful Test bowler, James Anderson, his 525th career dismissal.</p>

<p>Henry Nicholls joined Williamson and was unbeaten on 24 at stumps with the pair putting on 52 for the fourth wicket.</p>

<p>Boult started England&#39;s downfall when he had Alastair Cook out for five in the fifth over.</p>

<p>There followed a steady stream of batsmen going to and from the crease, five of them departing with a duck -- including Joe Root and Ben Stokes -- with only Mark Stoneman (11) able to join Overton with double figures.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Trent Boult - &lsquo;It was nice to disturb the woodwork and put the side in a good position&rsquo; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nzveng?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nzveng</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/findyournight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#findyournight</a> <a href="https://t.co/ItkCvi5VN0">pic.twitter.com/ItkCvi5VN0</a></p>
&mdash; BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/976740681602408450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Kane Williamson England registered their sixth-lowest total in Tests

A humiliated England faced scathing criticism from "embarrassed" coach Trevor Bayliss while New Zealand celebrated a performance "beyond our wildest dreams" on the opening day of the first Test in Auckland on Thursday. Bayliss said he was hurt by a scoreboard showing England all out for 58, inside the first session, and New Zealand 175 for three at stumps, ahead by 117 and with Kane Williamson not out 91. "It was a very poor effort today, it just simply wasn't good enough," Bayliss said after England slumped to their sixth worst Test innings ever. At one stage they threatened New Zealand's unwanted world Test record low of 26 before an unbeaten 33 by Craig Overton more than doubled their score in a last wicket stand with James Anderson. "Whenever you don't do well it does hurt," said Bayliss, defending his selections as the best available in England. "Embarrassed? Certainly, and I probably wasn't the only one in our change room. It's certainly not good enough." STUMPS IN AUCKLAND! What a day for @BLACKCAPS! They first bundled England out for 58, and then Kane Williamson struck 91* to take them to 175/3. Can it get any better?#NZvENG All the details here ⬇️https://t.co/gs9XvkvSIF pic.twitter.com/cQjrW5k8oU — ICC (@ICC) March 22, 2018 × Tom Latham becomes Stuart Broad's 400th Test wicket. ???? 2nd Englishman after James Anderson (524) and 15th overall to get to the mark. #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/sSz9XFPsZ0 — ICC (@ICC) March 22, 2018 × New Zealand only needed two bowlers, Trent Boult who took six for 32, and Tim Southee, who took four for 25, in an innings that lasted just 20.4 overs. "It was very enjoyable to get out there to get the ball swinging around," said Boult who finished with career-best figures. "Probably not in our wildest dreams did we think we would win the toss and get them out in the first session. "The main thing was trying to pitch the ball up, trying to get the ball moving as much as we could and giving it the best chance to swing. "I don't think it swung that much. The cliche of it just doing enough is pretty much what happened." 'Footwork mistakes' Apart from Stuart Broad taking his 400th Test wicket, it was a bleak day for the tourists, with Bayliss blaming their batting woes on "mistakes with our footwork". But for New Zealand, Williamson commanded the Test from the moment he won the toss and opted to bowl. He featured in the field with a superb diving catch in the gully to remove Broad and ended the day closing in on a new record for New Zealand Test centuries. He currently shares the record of 17 centuries with Ross Taylor and the late Martin Crowe. “It’s what you grow up dreaming of to one day run out there with a fern on your hat and perform like that” #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/wUSHfdcOX4 — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 22, 2018 × Williamson went to the middle after the early dismissal of Jeet Raval, when New Zealand were one for eight, and put on 84 with Tom Latham for the second wicket. Latham had made a patient 26 off 112 deliveries but when play entered the difficult daylight-to-twilight zone he was gone in the first over after dinner to give Broad his milestone scalp. Williamson had a nervous moment on 64 when Chris Woakes claimed a straight drive from Taylor had deflected off his hand to the stumps, with Williamson backing up out of his crease. Replays proved inconclusive and the third umpire ruled in favour of the batsman, but Bayliss said Woakes was adamant the ball had brushed his hand. Taylor never looked completely at ease and on 20 he was caught at mid-wicket by Woakes to give England's most successful Test bowler, James Anderson, his 525th career dismissal. Henry Nicholls joined Williamson and was unbeaten on 24 at stumps with the pair putting on 52 for the fourth wicket. Boult started England's downfall when he had Alastair Cook out for five in the fifth over. There followed a steady stream of batsmen going to and from the crease, five of them departing with a duck -- including Joe Root and Ben Stokes -- with only Mark Stoneman (11) able to join Overton with double figures. Trent Boult - ‘It was nice to disturb the woodwork and put the side in a good position’ #nzveng #findyournight pic.twitter.com/ItkCvi5VN0 — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 22, 2018 ×

1st Test: New Zealand batsman Williamson shines as England dismissed for 58

<p>Two army helicopters were employed on Wednesday to dry out the rain-hit wet pitch and outfield before the second eliminator to be played between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi at Lahore&#39;s Gaddafi Cricket Stadium.</p>

<p>In the match, Kamran Akmal knocked a quickfire half-century to take defending champions Peshawar Zalmi into the Pakistan Super League final with a 13-run victory.</p>

<p>The 36-year-old scored a 27-ball 77 studded with eight well-timed sixes and five boundaries to lift his team to 170-7 in a 16-over-a-side game following a rain delay.</p>

<p>Peshawar Zalmi will now meet former champions Islamabad United in the final in Karachi on Sunday.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Second helicopter makes its way to GSL to help dry the wet outfield. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DilSeJaanLagaDe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DilSeJaanLagaDe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKVPZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKVPZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/UZh6RgC9x0">pic.twitter.com/UZh6RgC9x0</a></p>
&mdash; PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) <a href="https://twitter.com/thePSLt20/status/976440459882098688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><em>Watch the video here:</em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Reporting for duty...pakha kidder lana?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/psl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#psl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/helicopter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#helicopter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/livefromGaddafi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#livefromGaddafi</a> <a href="https://t.co/y4abbWGeMY">pic.twitter.com/y4abbWGeMY</a></p>
&mdash; Abdul Ahad (@Abdul88Ahad) <a href="https://twitter.com/Abdul88Ahad/status/976506958151856129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Helicopter being used to Dry the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore - Eliminator 2 Match - PSL 3 <a href="https://t.co/ZFb4dMOHlF">pic.twitter.com/ZFb4dMOHlF</a></p>
&mdash; ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? (@MaimoonaSherazi) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaimoonaSherazi/status/976594472149635073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Helicopter being used to dry Qaddafi stadium for today&#39;s match after heavy rain!<br />
<br />
Edit: To those criticizing, PSL is a business, it&#39;ll be a bigger loss not having a match. Kitnay liter petrol laga hoga? <a href="https://t.co/QR5v0gcujv">pic.twitter.com/QR5v0gcujv</a></p>
&mdash; Haris (@Harisali303) <a href="https://twitter.com/Harisali303/status/976493922477277184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Level of PSL.<br />
<br />
Helicopter used to dry the Rain Water from Qaddafi Stadium Lahore before 2nd Eliminator Match of HBL PSL 3<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKvPZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKvPZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QaddafiStadium?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QaddafiStadium</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HBLPSL3?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HBLPSL3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PCB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/preperations?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#preperations</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarachiKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarachiKings</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PeshawarZalmi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PeshawarZalmi</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q1gRyWnYvx">pic.twitter.com/Q1gRyWnYvx</a></p>
&mdash; خرم سلیم (@KhuramKTS) <a href="https://twitter.com/KhuramKTS/status/976464798467706886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Kamran Akmal inspired Peshawar Zalmi into the Pakistan Super League final with a 13-run victory

Two army helicopters were employed on Wednesday to dry out the rain-hit wet pitch and outfield before the second eliminator to be played between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi at Lahore's Gaddafi Cricket Stadium. In the match, Kamran Akmal knocked a quickfire half-century to take defending champions Peshawar Zalmi into the Pakistan Super League final with a 13-run victory. The 36-year-old scored a 27-ball 77 studded with eight well-timed sixes and five boundaries to lift his team to 170-7 in a 16-over-a-side game following a rain delay. Peshawar Zalmi will now meet former champions Islamabad United in the final in Karachi on Sunday. Second helicopter makes its way to GSL to help dry the wet outfield. #DilSeJaanLagaDe #KKVPZ pic.twitter.com/UZh6RgC9x0 — PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 21, 2018 × Watch the video here: Reporting for duty...pakha kidder lana?#psl #helicopter #livefromGaddafi pic.twitter.com/y4abbWGeMY — Abdul Ahad (@Abdul88Ahad) March 21, 2018 × Helicopter being used to Dry the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore - Eliminator 2 Match - PSL 3 pic.twitter.com/ZFb4dMOHlF — ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? (@MaimoonaSherazi) March 21, 2018 × Helicopter being used to dry Qaddafi stadium for today's match after heavy rain! Edit: To those criticizing, PSL is a business, it'll be a bigger loss not having a match. Kitnay liter petrol laga hoga? pic.twitter.com/QR5v0gcujv — Haris (@Harisali303) March 21, 2018 × Level of PSL. Helicopter used to dry the Rain Water from Qaddafi Stadium Lahore before 2nd Eliminator Match of HBL PSL 3#KKvPZ #QaddafiStadium #HBLPSL3 #PCB #preperations #KarachiKings #PeshawarZalmi pic.twitter.com/Q1gRyWnYvx — خرم سلیم (@KhuramKTS) March 21, 2018 ×

Watch: Pakistan uses military helicopter to dry wet pitch at Gaddafi Stadium

<p>Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administration (CoA) has given clean chit to Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/not-investigating-cricketer-mohammed-shami-for-match-fixing-coa-35761">match-fixing allegations</a>.</p>

<p>Neeraj Kumar, the former Police Commissioner of Delhi and head of the BCCI&#39;s Anti-Corruption unit was investigating Shami&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/not-investigating-cricketer-mohammed-shami-for-match-fixing-coa-35761">alleged cash dealing</a> after reports emerged that Shami was allegedly involved in match-fixing.</p>

<p>Neeraj Kumar submitted his confidential reports to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/not-investigating-cricketer-mohammed-shami-for-match-fixing-coa-35761">COA</a> clearing Mohammed Shami from all &quot;cricket related allegations&quot;.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BCCI to proceed with offering a Grade &lsquo;B&rsquo; annual retainership contract to Mohammad Shami, no charges of match fixing (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/PaPWm7TK0j">pic.twitter.com/PaPWm7TK0j</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/976802054277607426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>According to the conclusion derived from the reports, it is quite clear that no further actions or proceedings under the BCCI anti-corruption code are required in the matter.</p>

<p>BCCI may give a Grade &#39;B&#39; annual retainership contract to Mohammed Shami which was due for a couple of weeks before reports of match-fixing surfaced in the media.</p>

<p>Recently, Shami&#39;s wife Hasin Jahan had levelled serious allegations including adultery, match-fixing and even attempt to murder on Shami.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammed-shami-marital-controversy-who-is-hasin-jahan-35753">Mohammed Shami marital controversy: Who is Hasin Jahan?</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


BCCI will give a Grade 'B' annual retainership contract to Mohammed Shami

Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administration (CoA) has given clean chit to Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami over match-fixing allegations. Neeraj Kumar, the former Police Commissioner of Delhi and head of the BCCI's Anti-Corruption unit was investigating Shami's alleged cash dealing after reports emerged that Shami was allegedly involved in match-fixing. Neeraj Kumar submitted his confidential reports to the COA clearing Mohammed Shami from all "cricket related allegations". BCCI to proceed with offering a Grade ‘B’ annual retainership contract to Mohammad Shami, no charges of match fixing (file pic) pic.twitter.com/PaPWm7TK0j — ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2018 × According to the conclusion derived from the reports, it is quite clear that no further actions or proceedings under the BCCI anti-corruption code are required in the matter. BCCI may give a Grade 'B' annual retainership contract to Mohammed Shami which was due for a couple of weeks before reports of match-fixing surfaced in the media. Recently, Shami's wife Hasin Jahan had levelled serious allegations including adultery, match-fixing and even attempt to murder on Shami. Mohammed Shami marital controversy: Who is Hasin Jahan?

BCCI gives clean chit to Mohammed Shami on match-fixing

<p>Australian captain Steve Smith has criticised the decision to overturn a ban on South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada for making physical contact with him.</p>

<p>Smith said ahead of Wednesday&#39;s pre-Test press conference that a &quot;line in the sand&quot; had been drawn regarding physical contact and said he was surprised he had not been asked his opinion during the appeal hearing.</p>

<p>Having been banned for the remaining two Tests in the series for brushing against Smith&#39;s shoulder after taking his wicket in the second Test, Rabada was cleared to play in the third Test starting Thursday after a successful appeal.</p>

<p>Australia spin bowler Nathan Lyon had said the team had &quot;no dramas&quot; with the decision, but Smith has told cricket.com.au website: &quot;I certainly think he (Rabada) bumped me a little bit harder than it actually looked on the footage.&quot;</p>

<p>Although Smith claimed &quot;it didn&rsquo;t bother me too much,&quot; he went on to say, &quot;they&rsquo;ve obviously decided what&rsquo;s deliberate contact and what&rsquo;s not and apparently it wasn&rsquo;t.</p>

<p>&quot;The ICC have set the standard, haven&#39;t they? There was clearly contact out in the middle.</p>

<p>&quot;I certainly won&#39;t be telling my bowlers to go out there and after you take a wicket go and get in their space. I don&#39;t think that is on and part of the game. But the standard has been set.&quot;</p>

<p>Rabada was initially given three demerit points for the incident in Port Elizabeth by match referee Jeff Crowe, triggering an automatic two-Test ban.</p>

<p>But judicial commissioner Michael Heron said he was not completely satisfied that the contact was deliberate and reduced the charge to acting against the spirit of the game, imposing a one-point penalty, which took Rabada one point below the threshold for the ban.</p>

<p>He will, therefore, line up for South Africa as they seek the edge in a series tied at one match apiece.</p>

<p>Smith said it was &quot;interesting&quot; he had not been asked for his version of events and said Crowe had reason to be annoyed about his judgement being questioned.</p>

<p>&quot;The way he handled both sides throughout the two Test matches, I thought he did a terrific job. I&#39;d be feeling a bit annoyed if I was him, to be perfectly honest.&quot;</p>

<p>Smith said he and senior Australia players Lyon and David Warner had spoken to incoming match referee Andy Pycroft, who will handle the remaining two Tests of what has been an often bad-tempered series.</p>

<p>He said the referee would also speak to South Africa captain Faf Du Plessis &quot;just to ensure that the series is continued to play in pretty good spirit.&quot;</p>


Australian skipper Steve Smith said that he was surprised because he had not been asked his opinion during the appeal hearing

Australian captain Steve Smith has criticised the decision to overturn a ban on South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada for making physical contact with him. Smith said ahead of Wednesday's pre-Test press conference that a "line in the sand" had been drawn regarding physical contact and said he was surprised he had not been asked his opinion during the appeal hearing. Having been banned for the remaining two Tests in the series for brushing against Smith's shoulder after taking his wicket in the second Test, Rabada was cleared to play in the third Test starting Thursday after a successful appeal. Australia spin bowler Nathan Lyon had said the team had "no dramas" with the decision, but Smith has told cricket.com.au website: "I certainly think he (Rabada) bumped me a little bit harder than it actually looked on the footage." Although Smith claimed "it didn’t bother me too much," he went on to say, "they’ve obviously decided what’s deliberate contact and what’s not and apparently it wasn’t. "The ICC have set the standard, haven't they? There was clearly contact out in the middle. "I certainly won't be telling my bowlers to go out there and after you take a wicket go and get in their space. I don't think that is on and part of the game. But the standard has been set." Rabada was initially given three demerit points for the incident in Port Elizabeth by match referee Jeff Crowe, triggering an automatic two-Test ban. But judicial commissioner Michael Heron said he was not completely satisfied that the contact was deliberate and reduced the charge to acting against the spirit of the game, imposing a one-point penalty, which took Rabada one point below the threshold for the ban. He will, therefore, line up for South Africa as they seek the edge in a series tied at one match apiece. Smith said it was "interesting" he had not been asked for his version of events and said Crowe had reason to be annoyed about his judgement being questioned. "The way he handled both sides throughout the two Test matches, I thought he did a terrific job. I'd be feeling a bit annoyed if I was him, to be perfectly honest." Smith said he and senior Australia players Lyon and David Warner had spoken to incoming match referee Andy Pycroft, who will handle the remaining two Tests of what has been an often bad-tempered series. He said the referee would also speak to South Africa captain Faf Du Plessis "just to ensure that the series is continued to play in pretty good spirit."

Steve Smith criticises ICC on Rabada ruling

<p>The prince of Kolkata Sourav Ganguly is in the news again. His autobiography &ldquo;A Century Is Not Enough&rdquo; is out.</p>

<p>As far as the title of the book goes, it seems that he was inspired by ex-diplomat Kunwar Natwar Singh, who released his autobiography a few years back with the title &ldquo;One Life Is Not Enough&rdquo;. But barring title it is a different stuff altogether.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Sourav Ganguly has been one of the most impactful players in the Indian Cricket in the recent decades.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Sourav Ganguly has been one of the most impactful players in the Indian Cricket in the recent decades." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>Though, I still have to read the book but have read many reviews of it and got to know about it to the considerable extent. As I read in one of the reviews of the book, you may love Sourav or despise him but you have to accept that he has been one of the most impactful players in the Indian Cricket in the recent decades.</p>

<p>Sourav Ganguly is the man with strong conviction &ndash; &ldquo;I am like this only, leave me or take me&rdquo; sort of. When Ganguly is telling the world about his life and career through his book, for someone like me who had followed his career from end-to-end, it becomes quite important to recall salient moments of his career.</p>

<p>When Ganguly was selected for the tri-series in Australia in 1991-92, all we thought that he was a budding cricketer, son of an influential Cricket administrator who was pushed to international arena quite prematurely.</p>

<p>Since he was with the side for the months (remember each side played eight group matches in that series), he was given a chance in an ODI (his debut match for India) against West Indies. It was a forgettable show; Ganguly was dropped and forgotten.</p>

<p>We hardly noticed him for the next 4 &frac12; years, until his name was announced (rather unexpectedly) for the tour of England in the summer of 1996. He and Rahul Dravid grabbed the places vacated by Vinod Kambli and Sanjay Manjrekar in the middle order with both the hands.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>One thing Ganguly established right in the beginning of his career that he was extremely fluent batsman; the god of offside as he was described once.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=One thing Ganguly established right in the beginning of his career that he was extremely fluent batsman; the god of offside as he was described once." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>Sourav Ganguly scored back to back centuries and attained cult status instantaneously. Over the next few years, he pipped Rahul Dravid for the claim of captaincy as Ganguly was an undisputed member of ODI team as well, which Dravid wasn&rsquo;t during 1997-98.</p>

<p>One thing Ganguly established right in the beginning of his career that he was extremely fluent batsman; the god of offside as he was described once. He along with Tendulkar was one of the most successful ODI opening pairs in the history. He played many great knocks in ODIs but the one at Taunton (he scored 183) against Sri Lanka in a World Cup match deserves a special mention.</p>

<p>Ganguly had a dream run as Indian skipper during 2000-05. True that he had batsmen like Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman at his disposal but still plenty of credit for the resurrection of the team goes to the fearless and aggressive leadership of Ganguly. During his period at the helm, Ganguly was handling both veterans and newcomers quite well.</p>

<p>Remember Tendulkar was almost seven years his senior in Test seniority. Ganguly was audacious. He has admitted that one of the toughest tasks for him was to tell Anil Kumble during an overseas tour once that Kumble was not making the cut into the playing eleven. Ganguly must be in an awkward situation considering Kumble made his Test debut six years before Ganguly.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Ganguly played a major role in shaping career of Sehwag, Harbhajan and Zaheer Khan in their initial days.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Ganguly played a major role in shaping career of Sehwag, Harbhajan and Zaheer Khan in their initial days." target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>Ganguly has praised MS Dhoni unequivocally in his book and very subtly took the credit of given Dhoni to the nation. As such the claim Ganguly has made is correct. It was Ganguly who put the final stamp on Dhoni&rsquo;s inclusion in team India in 2004 and he promoted him up in the batting order in that famous Vizag ODI against Pakistan.</p>

<p>Dhoni slammed a century and rest is history. During his last Test match in 2008 against Australia, as a mark for respect, Dhoni asked Ganguly to lead the side when India was fielding. Ganguly has well acknowledged that goodwill gesture in his book.</p>

<p>Apart from Dhoni, Ganguly handled newcomers very well. He played a major role in shaping career of Sehwag, Harbhajan and Zaheer Khan in their initial days.</p>

<p>In his book, Ganguly had given sufficient coverage to his feud with Greg Chappel. It was a forgettable episode of Ganguly&rsquo;s career. Ganguly has mentioned that he had some other impression of Chappel (a positive impression) when he met him in Australia but things were entirely different when Chappel joined team India as the coach.</p>

<p>Sourav is free to have his take on the episode but he could have probably handled the whole issue is the more mature way. The spat went dirty beyond limits, which affected Ganguly&rsquo;s career as well.</p>

<p>But this is the way Ganguly has been, outspoken and with great conviction about his actions. In later years, he teamed up with Shahrukh Khan for KKR when IPL started in 2008. But partnerships fell flat soon. Ganguly has covered this well in his book.</p>

<p>Sourav Ganguly had a roller coaster career during 1996-2008 for India and for IPL thereafter for few years. His autobiography must be a good read for Cricket freak and hope it is as slick as his batting used to be.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Sourav Ganguly had a roller coaster career during 1996-2008 for India and for IPL thereafter for few years

The prince of Kolkata Sourav Ganguly is in the news again. His autobiography “A Century Is Not Enough” is out. As far as the title of the book goes, it seems that he was inspired by ex-diplomat Kunwar Natwar Singh, who released his autobiography a few years back with the title “One Life Is Not Enough”. But barring title it is a different stuff altogether. Sourav Ganguly has been one of the most impactful players in the Indian Cricket in the recent decades. × Though, I still have to read the book but have read many reviews of it and got to know about it to the considerable extent. As I read in one of the reviews of the book, you may love Sourav or despise him but you have to accept that he has been one of the most impactful players in the Indian Cricket in the recent decades. Sourav Ganguly is the man with strong conviction – “I am like this only, leave me or take me” sort of. When Ganguly is telling the world about his life and career through his book, for someone like me who had followed his career from end-to-end, it becomes quite important to recall salient moments of his career. When Ganguly was selected for the tri-series in Australia in 1991-92, all we thought that he was a budding cricketer, son of an influential Cricket administrator who was pushed to international arena quite prematurely. Since he was with the side for the months (remember each side played eight group matches in that series), he was given a chance in an ODI (his debut match for India) against West Indies. It was a forgettable show; Ganguly was dropped and forgotten. We hardly noticed him for the next 4 ½ years, until his name was announced (rather unexpectedly) for the tour of England in the summer of 1996. He and Rahul Dravid grabbed the places vacated by Vinod Kambli and Sanjay Manjrekar in the middle order with both the hands. One thing Ganguly established right in the beginning of his career that he was extremely fluent batsman; the god of offside as he was described once. × Sourav Ganguly scored back to back centuries and attained cult status instantaneously. Over the next few years, he pipped Rahul Dravid for the claim of captaincy as Ganguly was an undisputed member of ODI team as well, which Dravid wasn’t during 1997-98. One thing Ganguly established right in the beginning of his career that he was extremely fluent batsman; the god of offside as he was described once. He along with Tendulkar was one of the most successful ODI opening pairs in the history. He played many great knocks in ODIs but the one at Taunton (he scored 183) against Sri Lanka in a World Cup match deserves a special mention. Ganguly had a dream run as Indian skipper during 2000-05. True that he had batsmen like Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman at his disposal but still plenty of credit for the resurrection of the team goes to the fearless and aggressive leadership of Ganguly. During his period at the helm, Ganguly was handling both veterans and newcomers quite well. Remember Tendulkar was almost seven years his senior in Test seniority. Ganguly was audacious. He has admitted that one of the toughest tasks for him was to tell Anil Kumble during an overseas tour once that Kumble was not making the cut into the playing eleven. Ganguly must be in an awkward situation considering Kumble made his Test debut six years before Ganguly. Ganguly played a major role in shaping career of Sehwag, Harbhajan and Zaheer Khan in their initial days. × Ganguly has praised MS Dhoni unequivocally in his book and very subtly took the credit of given Dhoni to the nation. As such the claim Ganguly has made is correct. It was Ganguly who put the final stamp on Dhoni’s inclusion in team India in 2004 and he promoted him up in the batting order in that famous Vizag ODI against Pakistan. Dhoni slammed a century and rest is history. During his last Test match in 2008 against Australia, as a mark for respect, Dhoni asked Ganguly to lead the side when India was fielding. Ganguly has well acknowledged that goodwill gesture in his book. Apart from Dhoni, Ganguly handled newcomers very well. He played a major role in shaping career of Sehwag, Harbhajan and Zaheer Khan in their initial days. In his book, Ganguly had given sufficient coverage to his feud with Greg Chappel. It was a forgettable episode of Ganguly’s career. Ganguly has mentioned that he had some other impression of Chappel (a positive impression) when he met him in Australia but things were entirely different when Chappel joined team India as the coach. Sourav is free to have his take on the episode but he could have probably handled the whole issue is the more mature way. The spat went dirty beyond limits, which affected Ganguly’s career as well. But this is the way Ganguly has been, outspoken and with great conviction about his actions. In later years, he teamed up with Shahrukh Khan for KKR when IPL started in 2008. But partnerships fell flat soon. Ganguly has covered this well in his book. Sourav Ganguly had a roller coaster career during 1996-2008 for India and for IPL thereafter for few years. His autobiography must be a good read for Cricket freak and hope it is as slick as his batting used to be. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: How Sourav Ganguly led team India from one victory to another

<p>Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to meet Mohammed Shami&#39;s wife on March 23, 2018.</p>

<p>Three days back, Mohammed Shami&#39;s wife Hasin Jahan had written to the chief minister seeking an appointment to meet her. Accepting the request, Banerjee has given her time on March 23, 2018.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Kolkata Police has written to the Home Ministry requesting them to be allowed to go to Dubai for investigation.</p>

<p>Indian pacer Mohammed Shami&#39;s wife Hasin Jahan had sought &quot;help&quot; of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her pitched battle against her husband.</p>

<p>Jahan has levelled numerous allegations on her husband, ranging from adultery, match fixing to even attempt to murder.</p>

<p>Recently, in a press conference at the Bankshall Court sought the chief minister&#39;s intervention, reiterating that there&#39;s no question of a reconciliation.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s a fight for truth by a helpless woman against a celebrity cricketer who has fame, name and money. No one is with me and I request the chief minister to come for the support of truth, but not me or Shami,&quot; Jahan told reporters.</p>

<p>&quot;Our fight has reached a stage that there&#39;s no question of a compromise now. I will fight my own battle. If I give up now, it will be the loss of face for the whole women community. And why should I? I&#39;ve all the evidence with me. No chance,&quot; she said firmly.</p>

<p>Jahan further alleged that Shami is still giving her threats as she sought for a police protection.</p>


Mohammed Shami's wife Hasin Jahan had sought "help" of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her pitched battle against her husband

Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to meet Mohammed Shami's wife on March 23, 2018. Three days back, Mohammed Shami's wife Hasin Jahan had written to the chief minister seeking an appointment to meet her. Accepting the request, Banerjee has given her time on March 23, 2018. On the other hand, Kolkata Police has written to the Home Ministry requesting them to be allowed to go to Dubai for investigation. Indian pacer Mohammed Shami's wife Hasin Jahan had sought "help" of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her pitched battle against her husband. Jahan has levelled numerous allegations on her husband, ranging from adultery, match fixing to even attempt to murder. Recently, in a press conference at the Bankshall Court sought the chief minister's intervention, reiterating that there's no question of a reconciliation. "It's a fight for truth by a helpless woman against a celebrity cricketer who has fame, name and money. No one is with me and I request the chief minister to come for the support of truth, but not me or Shami," Jahan told reporters. "Our fight has reached a stage that there's no question of a compromise now. I will fight my own battle. If I give up now, it will be the loss of face for the whole women community. And why should I? I've all the evidence with me. No chance," she said firmly. Jahan further alleged that Shami is still giving her threats as she sought for a police protection.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to meet Shami's wife Hasin Jahan

<p>The first Test match of a two-match series between England and New Zealand will start from March 22 at Eden Park, Auckland.</p>

<p>Ross Taylor, who had been battling a groin injury and a stomach bug is back in the playing squad as New Zealand received a boost on the eve of the first Test with confirmation that Taylor is fit to play.</p>

<p>Recently, Kane Williamson has confirmed that Todd Astle will come into the playing XI for Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>New Zealand&nbsp;playing XI:</strong></p>

<p>Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Kane Williamson, <strong>Ross Taylor</strong>, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kane Williamson has confirmed Todd Astle will come into the playing XI for Thursday. Our XI - Latham, Raval, Williamson, Taylor, Nicholls, Watling, de Grandhomme, Astle, Southee, Wagner, Boult. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/N95xkXrai6">pic.twitter.com/N95xkXrai6</a></p>
&mdash; BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/976271712995098624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Taylor, who has a Test average of 48.04, was also there in the squad of the second practice match.</p>

<p>Skipper Williamson reportedly said Taylor had completed a full training session without a problem.</p>

<p>He stated, &quot;He&#39;s good to go so that&#39;s great news for us.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;Roscoe has played beautifully every time he&#39;s walked out to the crease, the calmness at the crease, the confidence.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s reflected in how much success he&#39;s had this year. It&#39;s important for us as a team that he&#39;s there.&quot;</p>

<p>He mentioned about the new changes in the squad as Todd Astle would replace Mitchell Santner as the spinner in the side and BJ Watling would return as wicketkeeper.</p>

<p>The return of Ross Taylor in the playing XI means that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-put-martin-guptill-on-standby-for-england-test-36453">Martin Guptill</a>, who was included in&nbsp;the absence of Taylor will be snubbed.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Things looking a little different at <a href="https://twitter.com/edenparknz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@edenparknz</a> for today&rsquo;s training. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FindYourNight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FindYourNight</a> <a href="https://t.co/6bAM8K1YWE">pic.twitter.com/6bAM8K1YWE</a></p>
&mdash; BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/975987234150100992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Kane Williamson said Ross Taylor had completed a full training session without a problem

The first Test match of a two-match series between England and New Zealand will start from March 22 at Eden Park, Auckland. Ross Taylor, who had been battling a groin injury and a stomach bug is back in the playing squad as New Zealand received a boost on the eve of the first Test with confirmation that Taylor is fit to play. Recently, Kane Williamson has confirmed that Todd Astle will come into the playing XI for Thursday. New Zealand playing XI: Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult. Kane Williamson has confirmed Todd Astle will come into the playing XI for Thursday. Our XI - Latham, Raval, Williamson, Taylor, Nicholls, Watling, de Grandhomme, Astle, Southee, Wagner, Boult. #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/N95xkXrai6 — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 21, 2018 × Taylor, who has a Test average of 48.04, was also there in the squad of the second practice match. Skipper Williamson reportedly said Taylor had completed a full training session without a problem. He stated, "He's good to go so that's great news for us." "Roscoe has played beautifully every time he's walked out to the crease, the calmness at the crease, the confidence. "It's reflected in how much success he's had this year. It's important for us as a team that he's there." He mentioned about the new changes in the squad as Todd Astle would replace Mitchell Santner as the spinner in the side and BJ Watling would return as wicketkeeper. The return of Ross Taylor in the playing XI means that Martin Guptill, who was included in the absence of Taylor will be snubbed. Things looking a little different at @edenparknz for today’s training. #NZvENG #FindYourNight pic.twitter.com/6bAM8K1YWE — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 20, 2018 ×

Ross Taylor fit to play in first Test against England: Kane Williamson

<p>Two-times World Champions West Indies qualified for next year&#39;s cricket World Cup to be held in England &amp; Wales by beating Scotland through the DLS method in Harare.</p>

<p>West Indies were bowled out for 198 as rain interrupted play as Scotland managed to score 125 for the loss of 4 wickets in 14.4 overs.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Number five falls! Richie Berrington is given out lbw to Ashley Nurse on 33. Scotland are 105/5 after 31.4 overs.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIvSCO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIvSCO</a> LIVE ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/aqWLCpMy5n">https://t.co/aqWLCpMy5n</a> <a href="https://t.co/v0GjBEUMTb">pic.twitter.com/v0GjBEUMTb</a></p>
&mdash; Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/976455397828685824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>West Indies were declared winners by five runs through the DLS method knocking out Scotland from next years finals.</p>

<p>West Indies has won the World Cup earlier in 1975 and 1979.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The rain has got very heavy at Harare Sports Club. The full covers are on. ☔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWCQ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWCQ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIvSCO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIvSCO</a> <a href="https://t.co/fYgEonp7S8">pic.twitter.com/fYgEonp7S8</a></p>
&mdash; Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/976463154887700480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&quot;I&#39;m extremely pleased to get through to the World Cup. We&#39;ve been through a lot in the last two years,&quot; said captain Holder.</p>

<p>&quot;We had to play to expectation -- there was pressure in every game and the guys really put their hands up. I&#39;m really pleased to get over the line but my thoughts go out to Scotland for how they&#39;ve played in this tournament,&quot; the captain said moments after qualifing for the World Cup.</p>

<p>Had the rain come with Scotland on the same score but four wickets down, they would have qualified instead.</p>

<p>&quot;There are a couple of decisions that have hurt us in the last two games and obviously another one didn&#39;t go our way today,&quot; said Scotland skipper Kyle Coetzer.</p>


West Indies were bowled out for 198 as rain interrupted

Two-times World Champions West Indies qualified for next year's cricket World Cup to be held in England & Wales by beating Scotland through the DLS method in Harare. West Indies were bowled out for 198 as rain interrupted play as Scotland managed to score 125 for the loss of 4 wickets in 14.4 overs. Number five falls! Richie Berrington is given out lbw to Ashley Nurse on 33. Scotland are 105/5 after 31.4 overs.#WIvSCO LIVE ➡️ https://t.co/aqWLCpMy5n pic.twitter.com/v0GjBEUMTb — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 21, 2018 × West Indies were declared winners by five runs through the DLS method knocking out Scotland from next years finals. West Indies has won the World Cup earlier in 1975 and 1979. The rain has got very heavy at Harare Sports Club. The full covers are on. ☔#CWCQ #WIvSCO pic.twitter.com/fYgEonp7S8 — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 21, 2018 × "I'm extremely pleased to get through to the World Cup. We've been through a lot in the last two years," said captain Holder. "We had to play to expectation -- there was pressure in every game and the guys really put their hands up. I'm really pleased to get over the line but my thoughts go out to Scotland for how they've played in this tournament," the captain said moments after qualifing for the World Cup. Had the rain come with Scotland on the same score but four wickets down, they would have qualified instead. "There are a couple of decisions that have hurt us in the last two games and obviously another one didn't go our way today," said Scotland skipper Kyle Coetzer.

Former champions West Indies beat Scotland to qualify for cricket World Cup

<p>Mohammed Shami&#39;s uncle&nbsp;Khurshid Ahmed, said Shami&#39;s wife &quot;only wished for money&quot; and used to spend&nbsp;lakhs every month for luxuries and shopping.</p>

<p>In a recent media interaction, he said, &quot;She only wished for money, shopped for lakhs every month. We told her we want to sort it out with her &amp; her lawyer but she wanted properties to be purchased on her name immediately.</p>

<p>He also raised some serious questions by saying, &quot;She might have even got rid of Shami&quot;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">She only wished for money,shopped for lakhs every month. We told her we want to sort it out with her &amp; her lawyer but she wanted properties to be purchased on her name immediately.She might have even got rid of Shami, you never know-Md.Shami&#39;s uncle Khurshid Ahmed on Shami&#39;s wife <a href="https://t.co/xVdRNt5SYB">pic.twitter.com/xVdRNt5SYB</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/976002912991305728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Shami&#39;s wife Hasin Jahan has levelled numerous allegations on her husband, ranging from adultery, match fixing to even attempt to murder.</p>

<p>On these allegations, he said, &quot;My wife&#39;s unable to prove half of the allegations she has put on me. Now, I want to see to what extent can she go. I tried to solve the issue for 7-8 days, but she openly said she doesn&#39;t want to, so now I also don&#39;t have any option but to take this up legally.&quot;</p>

<p>Recently, the Kolkata Police&nbsp;claimed that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that cricketer Mohammed Shami stayed in Dubai last month.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCCI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCCI</a> confirms Shami stayed in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dubai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dubai</a> hotel for 2 days<br />
<br />
Read <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> story | <a href="https://t.co/33TCWC0nk1">https://t.co/33TCWC0nk1</a> <a href="https://t.co/I3N1dhUD4U">pic.twitter.com/I3N1dhUD4U</a></p>
&mdash; ANI Digital (@ani_digital) <a href="https://twitter.com/ani_digital/status/976009844112142336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


He also raised some serious questions by saying, "She might have even got rid of Shami"

Mohammed Shami's uncle Khurshid Ahmed, said Shami's wife "only wished for money" and used to spend lakhs every month for luxuries and shopping. In a recent media interaction, he said, "She only wished for money, shopped for lakhs every month. We told her we want to sort it out with her & her lawyer but she wanted properties to be purchased on her name immediately. He also raised some serious questions by saying, "She might have even got rid of Shami" She only wished for money,shopped for lakhs every month. We told her we want to sort it out with her & her lawyer but she wanted properties to be purchased on her name immediately.She might have even got rid of Shami, you never know-Md.Shami's uncle Khurshid Ahmed on Shami's wife pic.twitter.com/xVdRNt5SYB — ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2018 × Shami's wife Hasin Jahan has levelled numerous allegations on her husband, ranging from adultery, match fixing to even attempt to murder. On these allegations, he said, "My wife's unable to prove half of the allegations she has put on me. Now, I want to see to what extent can she go. I tried to solve the issue for 7-8 days, but she openly said she doesn't want to, so now I also don't have any option but to take this up legally." Recently, the Kolkata Police claimed that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that cricketer Mohammed Shami stayed in Dubai last month. #BCCI confirms Shami stayed in #Dubai hotel for 2 days Read @ANI story | https://t.co/33TCWC0nk1 pic.twitter.com/I3N1dhUD4U — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) March 20, 2018 ×

Hasin Jahan only wished for money, shopped for lakhs: Shami's uncle Khurshid Ahmed

<p>Several eyebrows were raised from different quarters when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced Dinesh Karthik as its new skipper, replacing Gautam Gambhir, for the XIth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).</p>

<p>However, his splendid knock in recently concluded Nidahas Trophy, which took India to an impossible victory, has ended all the speculations being raised on his batting ability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His brilliant cameo of 29 runs off just 8 balls stole all the limelight as he hit a last-ball six to power India to a four-wicket win.</p>

<p>But in IPL, it will be Karthik&#39;s consistency to score runs and cricketing experience which KKR will be counting on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two-time champions will be entering the upcoming edition with lightest squad of only 19 players making their way into the franchise.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-rajasthan-royals-the-prodigal-son-returns-36117" target="_blank">IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Rajasthan Royals, the prodigal son returns</a></strong></p>

<p>Hence, it would be fascinating to see how KKR performs under Karthik&#39;s leadership.</p>

<p>During the IPL auctions, Kolkata invested a lot on young uncapped talent, with India U-19 stars Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi making their way to the team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nagarkoti and Mavi impressed with their speeds in the ongoing U-19 World Cup and were bought by KKR for Rs 3.6 crore and Rs 3 crore respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from the two speedsters, KKR also bought U-19 top-order batsman Shubman Gill who scored three fifties in four matches at the U-19 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The franchise spent Rs 1.8 crore to buy his services for the upcoming season.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-ms-dhonis-yellow-brigade-35660" target="_blank"> IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni&#39;s &#39;Yellow Brigade&#39;</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the strength in the squad, once again, lies in the spin bowling department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The franchise retained West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine, who became one of the key figures in the Gambhir era. With an uncanny ability to take wickets in crucial moments, Narine is surely one player on which the team can reply on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Narine, KKR also retained Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav via Right-to-Match which will further add to their spin bowling arsenal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another smart buy of KKR was batsman Chris Lynn. The Australian explosive was bought for Rs 9.6 crore and he can be a one-man army for the side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jamaican first-class cricketer Andre Russell will also remain Karthik&rsquo;s go-to option in this edition of the cash-rich tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the one gap which KKR failed to fill is of having any leadership figure in the squad. After Gambhir&rsquo;s departure, KKR should have looked for a player who can help the side get stability during crucial stages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dinesh Karthik current form is a positive development for the side but it will be interesting to see him perform the role of captain.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
Another loose area in the team is of having only 19 players in the squad, and with a long tournament in hand, a weak bench strength might cause troubles for them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even if one or two players pick up an injury, the side will find it hard to find replacements in the bench.</p>

<p>But overall, the side is strong on spin</p>

<p><strong>Retained:</strong><br />
Sunil Narine (12.5 cr)<br />
Andre Russell (8.5 cr)</p>

<p><strong>Purchased:</strong><br />
Mitchell Starc (9.4 cr), Chris Lynn (9.6 cr), Dinesh Karthik (7.4 cr), Robin Uthappa (6.4 cr), Piyush Chawla (4.2 cr), Kuldeep Yadav (5.8 cr), Shubman Gill (1.8 cr), Ishank Jaggi (20 L), Kamlesh Nagarkotti (3.2 cr), Nitish Rana (3.4 cr), Vinay Kumar (1 cr), Apoorv Wankhade (20 L), Rinku Singh (80 L), Shivam Mavi (3 cr), Mitchell Johnson (2 cr), Javon Searles (30 L), Cameron Delport (30 L)</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="videos-block">
<div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/khEm6SJHjs8"></iframe></div>
</div>

<div class="media-description">
<p>Born in Barbados, he has to complete seven-year residency period to debut for England cricket team (WION,Twitter)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


His splendid knock in recently concluded Nidahas Trophy ended all the speculations

Several eyebrows were raised from different quarters when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced Dinesh Karthik as its new skipper, replacing Gautam Gambhir, for the XIth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). However, his splendid knock in recently concluded Nidahas Trophy, which took India to an impossible victory, has ended all the speculations being raised on his batting ability. His brilliant cameo of 29 runs off just 8 balls stole all the limelight as he hit a last-ball six to power India to a four-wicket win. But in IPL, it will be Karthik's consistency to score runs and cricketing experience which KKR will be counting on. The two-time champions will be entering the upcoming edition with lightest squad of only 19 players making their way into the franchise. Also read: IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Rajasthan Royals, the prodigal son returns Hence, it would be fascinating to see how KKR performs under Karthik's leadership. During the IPL auctions, Kolkata invested a lot on young uncapped talent, with India U-19 stars Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi making their way to the team. Nagarkoti and Mavi impressed with their speeds in the ongoing U-19 World Cup and were bought by KKR for Rs 3.6 crore and Rs 3 crore respectively. Apart from the two speedsters, KKR also bought U-19 top-order batsman Shubman Gill who scored three fifties in four matches at the U-19 World Cup. The franchise spent Rs 1.8 crore to buy his services for the upcoming season. Also read: IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni's 'Yellow Brigade' However, the strength in the squad, once again, lies in the spin bowling department. The franchise retained West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine, who became one of the key figures in the Gambhir era. With an uncanny ability to take wickets in crucial moments, Narine is surely one player on which the team can reply on. After Narine, KKR also retained Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav via Right-to-Match which will further add to their spin bowling arsenal. Another smart buy of KKR was batsman Chris Lynn. The Australian explosive was bought for Rs 9.6 crore and he can be a one-man army for the side. Jamaican first-class cricketer Andre Russell will also remain Karthik’s go-to option in this edition of the cash-rich tournament. Meanwhile, the one gap which KKR failed to fill is of having any leadership figure in the squad. After Gambhir’s departure, KKR should have looked for a player who can help the side get stability during crucial stages. Dinesh Karthik current form is a positive development for the side but it will be interesting to see him perform the role of captain. Another loose area in the team is of having only 19 players in the squad, and with a long tournament in hand, a weak bench strength might cause troubles for them. Even if one or two players pick up an injury, the side will find it hard to find replacements in the bench. But overall, the side is strong on spin Retained: Sunil Narine (12.5 cr) Andre Russell (8.5 cr) Purchased: Mitchell Starc (9.4 cr), Chris Lynn (9.6 cr), Dinesh Karthik (7.4 cr), Robin Uthappa (6.4 cr), Piyush Chawla (4.2 cr), Kuldeep Yadav (5.8 cr), Shubman Gill (1.8 cr), Ishank Jaggi (20 L), Kamlesh Nagarkotti (3.2 cr), Nitish Rana (3.4 cr), Vinay Kumar (1 cr), Apoorv Wankhade (20 L), Rinku Singh (80 L), Shivam Mavi (3 cr), Mitchell Johnson (2 cr), Javon Searles (30 L), Cameron Delport (30 L) Born in Barbados, he has to complete seven-year residency period to debut for England cricket team (WION,Twitter) ×

IPL 2018: Squad analysis of KKR — 'Karthik's Knight Riders'

<p>New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron has declared Kagiso Rabada as not guilty of level two offence, though, was imposed with&nbsp;a sanction of a fine of 25% of his match fee and will receive one demerit point.</p>

<p>Kagiso Rabada had faced a level two charge by the match referee Jeff Crowe in the second match due to the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: Rabada cleared to play next <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvAUS</a> Test!<br />
<br />
However, he still gets a fine and one demerit point.<br />
<br />
➡️ <a href="https://t.co/Doji6J7CFl">https://t.co/Doji6J7CFl</a> <a href="https://t.co/CLUrqTmcmo">pic.twitter.com/CLUrqTmcmo</a></p>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/976001995940114432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: &quot;The ICC wholly accepts today&rsquo;s decision and I would like to thank Mr. Heron for overseeing the hearing in a short time frame before the next Test starts in South Africa.</p>

<p>Rabada contested the ban saying that the incident was accidental and had appealed against the ban. The appeal was heard by New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron by teleconference on Monday in which he was found &quot;not guilty&quot; but he still he still gets a fine and one demerit point.</p>

<p>The South African management was confident and had already put Rabada&#39;s name in the 17-man squad for the test that starts at Newlands on Thursday at St George&#39;s Park, Port Elizabeth.</p>

<p><strong>South African squad:</strong></p>

<p>Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander and <strong>Kagiso Rabada.</strong></p>


South African was confident and had already put Rabada's name in the 17-man squad for the test that starts at Newlands on Thursday

New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron has declared Kagiso Rabada as not guilty of level two offence, though, was imposed with a sanction of a fine of 25% of his match fee and will receive one demerit point. Kagiso Rabada had faced a level two charge by the match referee Jeff Crowe in the second match due to the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off. BREAKING: Rabada cleared to play next #SAvAUS Test! However, he still gets a fine and one demerit point. ➡️ https://t.co/Doji6J7CFl pic.twitter.com/CLUrqTmcmo — ICC (@ICC) March 20, 2018 × ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: "The ICC wholly accepts today’s decision and I would like to thank Mr. Heron for overseeing the hearing in a short time frame before the next Test starts in South Africa. Rabada contested the ban saying that the incident was accidental and had appealed against the ban. The appeal was heard by New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron by teleconference on Monday in which he was found "not guilty" but he still he still gets a fine and one demerit point. The South African management was confident and had already put Rabada's name in the 17-man squad for the test that starts at Newlands on Thursday at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth. South African squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada.

Kagiso Rabada 'not guilty' of level 2 offence, available for next match

<p>New Zealand power hitter Martin Guptill might get another chance to play in the first Test match against England this week if Ross Taylor remains unfit.</p>

<p>Martin Guptill has a remarkable record when it comes limited over format, especially One-Day Internationals (ODIs), averaging 42.99 but his Test records are comparatively poor.</p>

<p>He has yet to prove himself in the longer format, where his figures drop to 29.38.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Martin Guptill has been added to the BLACKCAPS Test side to round out the squad of 13 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvENG</a> - <a href="https://t.co/fOpCHU3YDV">https://t.co/fOpCHU3YDV</a> <a href="https://t.co/DqyA5d6Bgb">pic.twitter.com/DqyA5d6Bgb</a></p>
&mdash; BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/975643290912477184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>New Zealand coach Mike Hesson Radio Sport, &quot;Martin&#39;s made a shift to the middle order.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;He hasn&#39;t had a lot of opportunity there, but with his ability to cover all positions it&#39;s nice to have him back.&quot;</p>

<p>The opening Test of the two-match series, which starts Thursday, is a day-night fixture at Eden Park, the first pink-ball Test ever staged in New Zealand.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Martin Guptill might get another chance to play the first Test match against England this week if Ross Taylor remains unfit

New Zealand power hitter Martin Guptill might get another chance to play in the first Test match against England this week if Ross Taylor remains unfit. Martin Guptill has a remarkable record when it comes limited over format, especially One-Day Internationals (ODIs), averaging 42.99 but his Test records are comparatively poor. He has yet to prove himself in the longer format, where his figures drop to 29.38. Martin Guptill has been added to the BLACKCAPS Test side to round out the squad of 13 #NZvENG - https://t.co/fOpCHU3YDV pic.twitter.com/DqyA5d6Bgb — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 19, 2018 × New Zealand coach Mike Hesson Radio Sport, "Martin's made a shift to the middle order." "He hasn't had a lot of opportunity there, but with his ability to cover all positions it's nice to have him back." The opening Test of the two-match series, which starts Thursday, is a day-night fixture at Eden Park, the first pink-ball Test ever staged in New Zealand.

New Zealand put Martin Guptill on standby for England Test

<p>The acting president of&nbsp;The Board of Control for Cricket in India C K Khanna hailed the &#39;strength of domestic&nbsp;cricket&#39; for India&#39;s spectacular victory in the finals of Nidahas T20 tri-series against Bangladesh at the R&nbsp;Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.</p>

<p>He said,&nbsp;&quot;What an amazing win. Shows the strength of our good domestic cricket. I congratulate everyone for this victory as it shows the hardwork done by every individual involved in BCCI.&quot;</p>

<p>He appreciated <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nidahas-final-hero-karthik-has-played-only-19-t20-games-in-11-years-36317">Dinesh Karthik</a> for his efforts in the death overs that helped the team in achieving the set target of 166 runs, he said, &quot;Dinesh Karthik played very well under pressure.&quot;</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-bangladesh-nidahas-trophy-tri-series-final-t20-rohit-sharma-shakib-al-hasan-yuzvendra-chahal-shikhar-dhawan-score-updates-36273">Read the match report.</a></strong></p>

<p>After Manish Pandey&#39;s wicket, India needed 34 runs with 2 overs remaining, it was looking next to impossible to win from there but then <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nidahas-final-hero-karthik-has-played-only-19-t20-games-in-11-years-36317">Dinesh Karthik</a> came in and outplayed Bangladeshi bowlers.</p>

<p>Dinesh Karthik, the hero of Nidahas Trophy finale, has played only <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nidahas-final-hero-karthik-has-played-only-19-t20-games-in-11-years-36317">19 T20 games in 11 years</a>, blasted 29 runs off just 8 balls. For his splendid innings, he was honoured with the &#39;Man of the Match&#39; award.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What an amazing win. Shows the strength of our good domestic cricket. I congratulate everyone for this victory as it shows the hardwork done by every individual involved in BCCI. Dinesh Karthik played very well under pressure: CK Khanna, BCCI Acting President(File Pic) <a href="https://t.co/McG5iSJCXl">pic.twitter.com/McG5iSJCXl</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975427202287374337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The regular skipper&nbsp;of India,&nbsp;Virat Kohli, also tweeted to share his regards.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a game of cricket last night, Complete team performance! Big up boys!!! ????????Well done DK <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DineshKarthik</a> ????<a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsBAN</a></p>
&mdash; Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/975571929766641664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Indian cricket coach Ravi Shastri also admired wicket-keeper batsmen <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nidahas-final-hero-karthik-has-played-only-19-t20-games-in-11-years-36317">Dinesh Karthik</a> for his marvellous&nbsp;knock.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No game is over till the fat lady sings. DK, you beauty! <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DineshKarthik</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> ???????? ???? <a href="https://t.co/yKHMaIfc7p">pic.twitter.com/yKHMaIfc7p</a></p>
&mdash; Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaviShastriOfc/status/975432577111744513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


'What an amazing win. Shows the strength of our good domestic cricket. I congratulate everyone for this victory as it shows the hardwork done by every individual involved in BCCI,' says Khanna

The acting president of The Board of Control for Cricket in India C K Khanna hailed the 'strength of domestic cricket' for India's spectacular victory in the finals of Nidahas T20 tri-series against Bangladesh at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. He said, "What an amazing win. Shows the strength of our good domestic cricket. I congratulate everyone for this victory as it shows the hardwork done by every individual involved in BCCI." He appreciated Dinesh Karthik for his efforts in the death overs that helped the team in achieving the set target of 166 runs, he said, "Dinesh Karthik played very well under pressure." Read the match report. After Manish Pandey's wicket, India needed 34 runs with 2 overs remaining, it was looking next to impossible to win from there but then Dinesh Karthik came in and outplayed Bangladeshi bowlers. Dinesh Karthik, the hero of Nidahas Trophy finale, has played only 19 T20 games in 11 years, blasted 29 runs off just 8 balls. For his splendid innings, he was honoured with the 'Man of the Match' award. What an amazing win. Shows the strength of our good domestic cricket. I congratulate everyone for this victory as it shows the hardwork done by every individual involved in BCCI. Dinesh Karthik played very well under pressure: CK Khanna, BCCI Acting President(File Pic) pic.twitter.com/McG5iSJCXl — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × The regular skipper of India, Virat Kohli, also tweeted to share his regards. What a game of cricket last night, Complete team performance! Big up boys!!! ????????Well done DK @DineshKarthik ????@BCCI #NidahasTrophy2018 #INDvsBAN — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 19, 2018 × Indian cricket coach Ravi Shastri also admired wicket-keeper batsmen Dinesh Karthik for his marvellous knock. No game is over till the fat lady sings. DK, you beauty! @DineshKarthik #INDvBAN #NidahasTrophy2018 #TeamIndia ???????? ???? pic.twitter.com/yKHMaIfc7p — Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) March 18, 2018 ×

India's victory shows 'strength of domestic cricket': BCCI Acting President

Weekly compilation of sports and other related news (March 12 to March 18)

WION'S PICK OF THE WEEK IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni's 'Yellow Brigade' IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Rajasthan Royals, the prodigal son returns Indian Premier League is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining forms of T20 format. Since its inception, many records have been set by players. Here's the list of seven players with the highest strike rates in IPL so far (WION) × Opinion: Indian football rising from the grassroots Opinion: Why Djokovic is right to say tennis players need a union 2018 IPL anthem: 'Ye khel hai sher jawano ka albelo ka mastano ka...' How are Egyptian football fanatics paying tribute to their favourite footballer? Watch this video to find out more ???? @mosalah22 #Egypt #egyptians #egyptian #fan #liverpool #football #footballer #hairstyles #hairstyling #hairart #footballnews #footballfans #liverpoolfc #liverpoolfans #uefa #ucl #championsleague #tribute #worldcup #fifa #fifa18 #mohamedsalah #arabic #portrait #hairstyler #footballfan #footballfans #news #wion A post shared by WION (@wionews) on Mar 16, 2018 at 10:27am PDT × Cricket Nidahas Trophy: India win nail-biting thriller as Dinesh Karthik hits match-winning six Dinesh Karthik has played only 19 T20 games in 11 years Funny Twitter reactions to Bangladesh 'Nagin' dance celebration Amit Shah, Amitabh Bachchan compliment Dinesh Karthik's match-winning knock Indian fans reacted to the famous 'Nagin dance' of Bangladeshi players when 'Men in Blue' won the #NidahasTrophyT20 https://t.co/2Dt8cwEdZl — WION (@WIONews) March 19, 2018 × IPL 2018: KKR's Sunil Narine reported for illegal action in Pakistan Super League Nepal becomes ODI nation for first time in history IPL 2018: CSK's Mitchell Santner ruled out of the tournament due to knee injury In Pictures: Seven #cricket players with the highest strike rates in #IPL so far. @IPL https://t.co/c536Lp0cLG — WION (@WIONews) March 18, 2018 × Bangladesh wants to create own 'brand' in T20s: Mahmudullah Despite ban, Kagiso Rabada named in South Africa's squad against Australia Kevin Pietersen confirms retirement in heartfelt Instagram post Someone just tweeted me to tell me that I scored 30000+ runs including 152 fifty’s & 68 hundreds in my pro career. 4 Ashes wins. Home & away! T20 WC win. Beaten India in India. Home & away 100’s in all major Test nations apart from Bangladesh. All dedicated to my family who have just been the most unreal supporters through thick & thin! I’m super proud of everything! Thank you for all the quite lovely msgs! I loved entertaining you all! Ciao, cricket! I love this game! A post shared by Kevin Pietersen (@kp24) on Mar 17, 2018 at 4:25am PDT × Football Champions League quarterfinals: Liverpool to face City, Juventus to take on Real Madrid The official result of the #UCLdraw. Predict the final... ???? pic.twitter.com/YAlLd1tWJK — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 16, 2018 × FA Cup: Pedro keeps Chelsea in the hunt for FA Cup glory Mourinho favourites Lukaku, Matic send Manchester United into FA Cup semi-finals FIFA lifts three-decade ban on Iraq hosting international matches FIFA to give VAR green light at World Cup A representative image which shows a panel of assistant referees reviewing actions. (Twitter) × Neymar Jr pays tribute to Hawking, gets trolled Brazilian striker #Neymar Jr has been trolled for his "insensitive" tribute to late #StephenHawkinghttps://t.co/QZDaJWWWmD — WION (@WIONews) March 15, 2018 × Watch: Throwback to Lionel Messi's first goal in Champions League Lionel Messi completed a century of goals in 123 appearances. (AFP) × Champions League: Messi strikes twice as Barcelona crush Chelsea British Police probe Jamie Carragher spitting incident Champions League: Superb Dzeko goal sends Roma into quarter-finals Champions League: Sevilla create history, boot out Manchester United Arsenal completed a 5-1 aggregate victory on Thursday (March 15) over seven-times European champions AC Milan, winning 3-1 on the night in north London after the Italians had scored first. (Reuters) × Michael Carrick to retire at end of the season Sergio Aguero named in Argentina squad despite injury Tennis Tommy Haas announces retirement from tennis Naomi Osaka ousts Simona Halep to enter finals of Indian Wells Naomi Osaka has set up a title clash with rising star Daria Kasatkina. (AFP) × Del Potro stuns Roger Federer to win Indian Wells title Mohammed Shami Controversy Mohammed Shami marital controversy: Who is Hasin Jahan? Not investigating cricketer Mohammed Shami for match-fixing: CoA #MohammadShami being a well-known cricket personality, is quite popular but very few people know about #HasinJahanhttps://t.co/KF4jtmPXTb — WION (@WIONews) March 14, 2018 × Cricket has no link with my 'marital dispute': Mohammed Shami Others Two South Korean skiers banned for life for sexual abuse Golf: Paul Casey defeats Tiger Woods to win Valspar Championship Paul Casey posing with the trophy. (AFP) × Rahul Dravid duped of Rs 4 crore by ponzi firm, files complaint I will come back stronger: PV Sindhu

WION Sports News: Top sports results this week

<p>Dinesh Karthik who emerged as a hero and inspired a mesmerising victory in the finals of Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series was playing the 19th T20 match of his career at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.</p>

<p>He had begun playing for India before MS Dhoni and has worked really hard to mark a comeback in the team.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dinesh Karthik made his debut before Dhoni. But he is still only 32 and batting better than ever before. Could well be a wonderful second wind for him if he can keep his form from the last 2 years</p>
&mdash; Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/975420809551335425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>32-year-old Karthik is all set to display his captaincy skills in the 11the edition of Indian Premier League as he will lead Kolkata squad.</p>

<p>He was purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders during the auction for an amount of INR 7.4 Cr.</p>

<p>In the final match of T20 tri-series, Dinesh played at a strike rate of 362.50 and scored 29 crucial runs in just 8 balls&nbsp;and finished the nail-biting match by hitting six runs on the last ball.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch the last ball six from Dinesh Karthik in HD | <a href="https://t.co/Rq3fEZ9hJ0">https://t.co/Rq3fEZ9hJ0</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dineshkarthik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dineshkarthik</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indiavsbangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indiavsbangladesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/kVqQiulQKn">pic.twitter.com/kVqQiulQKn</a></p>
&mdash; twdownload (@twdownload) <a href="https://twitter.com/twdownload/status/975450234116550662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>At a moment when Manish Pandey lost his wicket and India needed 34 runs with 2 overs remaining, it was looking next to impossible to win from there but Dinesh Karthik came in and outplayed Bangladeshi bowlers.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/funny-twitter-reactions-to-bangladesh-nagin-dance-celebration-36290">See Funny Twitter reactions to Bangladesh &#39;Nagin&#39; dance celebration</a></strong></p>

<p>For this splendid inning, he was honoured with the man of the match award.</p>

<p>With such brilliant performance under pressure, he definitely deserves to be in the playing XI of India team.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a great knock by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DineshKartik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DineshKartik</a> ..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TakeaBow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TakeaBow</a> ..made <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indiavsbangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indiavsbangladesh</a> nail biting death over match ..???? <a href="https://t.co/FQbsYSDplU">pic.twitter.com/FQbsYSDplU</a></p>
&mdash; Jaswanth chowdary (@Jaswanth1001) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaswanth1001/status/975582572469202944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


32-year-old Karthik is all set to display his captaincy skills in the 11the edition of Indian Premier League as he will lead the Kolkata squad

Dinesh Karthik who emerged as a hero and inspired a mesmerising victory in the finals of Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series was playing the 19th T20 match of his career at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. He had begun playing for India before MS Dhoni and has worked really hard to mark a comeback in the team. Dinesh Karthik made his debut before Dhoni. But he is still only 32 and batting better than ever before. Could well be a wonderful second wind for him if he can keep his form from the last 2 years — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 18, 2018 × 32-year-old Karthik is all set to display his captaincy skills in the 11the edition of Indian Premier League as he will lead Kolkata squad. He was purchased by Kolkata Knight Riders during the auction for an amount of INR 7.4 Cr. In the final match of T20 tri-series, Dinesh played at a strike rate of 362.50 and scored 29 crucial runs in just 8 balls and finished the nail-biting match by hitting six runs on the last ball. Watch the last ball six from Dinesh Karthik in HD | https://t.co/Rq3fEZ9hJ0#dineshkarthik #INDvBAN #indiavsbangladesh pic.twitter.com/kVqQiulQKn — twdownload (@twdownload) March 18, 2018 × At a moment when Manish Pandey lost his wicket and India needed 34 runs with 2 overs remaining, it was looking next to impossible to win from there but Dinesh Karthik came in and outplayed Bangladeshi bowlers. See Funny Twitter reactions to Bangladesh 'Nagin' dance celebration For this splendid inning, he was honoured with the man of the match award. With such brilliant performance under pressure, he definitely deserves to be in the playing XI of India team. What a great knock by #DineshKartik ..#TakeaBow ..made #indiavsbangladesh nail biting death over match ..???? pic.twitter.com/FQbsYSDplU — Jaswanth chowdary (@Jaswanth1001) March 19, 2018 ×

Dinesh Karthik, hero of Nidahas Trophy finale, has played only 19 T20 games in 11 years

<p>India defeated Bangladesh in the finals of Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.</p>

<p>All credit goes to wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik who blasted 29 off just 8 balls and finished the nail-biting match by hitting&nbsp;six runs on the last ball.</p>

<p>In the third match of the tournament, which &#39;the Tigers&#39; won by 5 wickets against Sri Lanka, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/amit-shah-amitabh-bachchan-compliment-dinesh-karthiks-match-winning-knock-36288">Bangladeshi</a> wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim found a new and unusual way of celebration.</p>

<p>He did the famous &#39;Nagin dance&#39; after hitting the winning runs, the dance which went on to become the signature move for Bangladeshi fans and followers.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/amit-shah-amitabh-bachchan-compliment-dinesh-karthiks-match-winning-knock-36288">Also read:&nbsp;Amit Shah, Amitabh Bachchan compliment Dinesh Karthik&#39;s match-winning knock</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">From Getting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aadhaar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aadhaar</a> To Learning The Nagin Dance, Bangladeshis Are Evolving To Be Indians. ????????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLvBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BANvsSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BANvsSL</a> Mushfiqur Rahim <a href="https://t.co/GM3YA5W8sz">pic.twitter.com/GM3YA5W8sz</a></p>
&mdash; Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) <a href="https://twitter.com/SirJadeja/status/972554074892546048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>As Bangladesh failed to strategise the last overs properly and the jinx of not winning T20 match against India continues.</p>

<p>When it comes to India and cricket, Indian fans&nbsp;go extra miles to showcase their love as well as anger but India&#39;s performance in the T20 tri-series was brilliant.</p>

<p>Especially, Dinesh Karthik&#39;s magnificent knock in the final match was a massive reason to celebrate and display love for the team.</p>

<p>See how Indian&nbsp;fans <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/amit-shah-amitabh-bachchan-compliment-dinesh-karthiks-match-winning-knock-36288">reacted</a> to the famous &#39;Nagin dance&#39; of Bangladeshi players when &#39;Men in Blue&#39; clinched the&nbsp;Nidahas Trophy in the last ball&nbsp;thriller.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today dinesh karthik ???????????????? <a href="https://t.co/7ZR5yWeu83">pic.twitter.com/7ZR5yWeu83</a></p>
&mdash; சுந்தர் ???? (@ramsunder4) <a href="https://twitter.com/ramsunder4/status/975431638946430977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dinesh karthik to whole nation : <a href="https://t.co/zaFVqh9B3r">pic.twitter.com/zaFVqh9B3r</a></p>
&mdash; That Sarcastic Singh (@SardarManpreet5) <a href="https://twitter.com/SardarManpreet5/status/975424066302525440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dinesh Karthik after saving Vijay Shankar&#39;s career. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/cd5Uj87qjx">pic.twitter.com/cd5Uj87qjx</a></p>
&mdash; SAGAR (@sagarcasm) <a href="https://twitter.com/sagarcasm/status/975440913546686464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pic 1: What Indians think of Dinesh Karthik.<br />
<br />
Pic 2: What Bangladeshis think of Dinesh Karthik now<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/5WW7dVIIL7">pic.twitter.com/5WW7dVIIL7</a></p>
&mdash; Mathematician (@rajivv1390) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajivv1390/status/975420211347288064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How Dinesh Karthik played today...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DineshKarthik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DineshKarthik</a> <a href="https://t.co/5YuJX77Zjw">pic.twitter.com/5YuJX77Zjw</a></p>
&mdash; IndiaGlitz - Tamil (@igtamil) <a href="https://twitter.com/igtamil/status/975420912961863680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Take a bow, Dinesh Karthik???????????? <a href="https://t.co/O9gy8NTH6P">pic.twitter.com/O9gy8NTH6P</a></p>
&mdash; All India Bakchod (@AllIndiaBakchod) <a href="https://twitter.com/AllIndiaBakchod/status/975422352702894080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sunil Gavaskar Doing Nagin Dance To Troll <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangladesh</a> Just Won Our Heart. ???????????????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DineshKarthik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DineshKarthik</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BANvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BANvsIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy</a> <a href="https://t.co/lOT0DRvJDc">pic.twitter.com/lOT0DRvJDc</a></p>
&mdash; Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) <a href="https://twitter.com/SirJadeja/status/975473338133897216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dinesh Karthik like a boss ???????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/HMtOE8gWu1">pic.twitter.com/HMtOE8gWu1</a></p>
&mdash; Deepak (@deepuzoomout) <a href="https://twitter.com/deepuzoomout/status/975419409555628032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pic 1: Bangladesh fans before the match<br />
<br />
Pic 2: Bangladesh fans after the match<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dinesh_karthik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dinesh_karthik</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karthik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karthik</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DineshKarthik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DineshKarthik</a> <a href="https://t.co/P1xakngkUz">pic.twitter.com/P1xakngkUz</a></p>
&mdash; Mast Malang ^_^ (@sanket_daksha) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanket_daksha/status/975420545578754048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is what Dinesh Karthik has done with Bangladesh<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DineshKarthik?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DineshKarthik</a> <a href="https://t.co/hjIB7Whiv4">pic.twitter.com/hjIB7Whiv4</a></p>
&mdash; Sorry (@RitikRai619) <a href="https://twitter.com/RitikRai619/status/975420802362327041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is how Dinesh Kartik came to Batting crease.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/x2iuwBNnLZ">pic.twitter.com/x2iuwBNnLZ</a></p>
&mdash; Dr. Dang (@Trozanmind) <a href="https://twitter.com/Trozanmind/status/975435800622940161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> Tiger Or Snake Is Temporary, Losing And Crying Is Permanent. ???????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy</a> Nagin Dance<br />
Dinesh Karthik Team India <a href="https://t.co/Lj93Lq1oqQ">pic.twitter.com/Lj93Lq1oqQ</a></p>
&mdash; Pranay Prakash (@EncountersSam) <a href="https://twitter.com/EncountersSam/status/975446189163163649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy2018</a><br />
Dinesh Karthik in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> match be like : <a href="https://t.co/galjyqCepg">pic.twitter.com/galjyqCepg</a></p>
&mdash; ⏩????ஜோக்கர்????⏩ (@sabariboss2194) <a href="https://twitter.com/sabariboss2194/status/975445597607018497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rubel hossain to Dinesh karthik <a href="https://t.co/MgHWJMQSiH">pic.twitter.com/MgHWJMQSiH</a></p>
&mdash; Miheer Parashare (@the_miheer) <a href="https://twitter.com/the_miheer/status/975422326765510657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Indian fans reacted to the famous 'Nagin dance' of Bangladeshi players when 'Men in Blue' clinched the Nidahas Trophy

India defeated Bangladesh in the finals of Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. All credit goes to wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik who blasted 29 off just 8 balls and finished the nail-biting match by hitting six runs on the last ball. In the third match of the tournament, which 'the Tigers' won by 5 wickets against Sri Lanka, Bangladeshi wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim found a new and unusual way of celebration. He did the famous 'Nagin dance' after hitting the winning runs, the dance which went on to become the signature move for Bangladeshi fans and followers. Also read: Amit Shah, Amitabh Bachchan compliment Dinesh Karthik's match-winning knock From Getting #Aadhaar To Learning The Nagin Dance, Bangladeshis Are Evolving To Be Indians. ????????#SLvBAN #BANvsSL Mushfiqur Rahim pic.twitter.com/GM3YA5W8sz — Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) March 10, 2018 × As Bangladesh failed to strategise the last overs properly and the jinx of not winning T20 match against India continues. When it comes to India and cricket, Indian fans go extra miles to showcase their love as well as anger but India's performance in the T20 tri-series was brilliant. Especially, Dinesh Karthik's magnificent knock in the final match was a massive reason to celebrate and display love for the team. See how Indian fans reacted to the famous 'Nagin dance' of Bangladeshi players when 'Men in Blue' clinched the Nidahas Trophy in the last ball thriller. Today dinesh karthik ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/7ZR5yWeu83 — சுந்தர் ???? (@ramsunder4) March 18, 2018 × Dinesh karthik to whole nation : pic.twitter.com/zaFVqh9B3r — That Sarcastic Singh (@SardarManpreet5) March 18, 2018 × Dinesh Karthik after saving Vijay Shankar's career. #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/cd5Uj87qjx — SAGAR (@sagarcasm) March 18, 2018 × Pic 1: What Indians think of Dinesh Karthik. Pic 2: What Bangladeshis think of Dinesh Karthik now#INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/5WW7dVIIL7 — Mathematician (@rajivv1390) March 18, 2018 × How Dinesh Karthik played today...#INDvBAN #DK #DineshKarthik pic.twitter.com/5YuJX77Zjw — IndiaGlitz - Tamil (@igtamil) March 18, 2018 × Take a bow, Dinesh Karthik???????????? pic.twitter.com/O9gy8NTH6P — All India Bakchod (@AllIndiaBakchod) March 18, 2018 × Sunil Gavaskar Doing Nagin Dance To Troll #Bangladesh Just Won Our Heart. ???????????????????? #DineshKarthik #INDvBAN #INDvsBAN #BANvsIND #NidahasTrophy pic.twitter.com/lOT0DRvJDc — Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) March 18, 2018 × Dinesh Karthik like a boss ???????????? #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/HMtOE8gWu1 — Deepak (@deepuzoomout) March 18, 2018 × Pic 1: Bangladesh fans before the match Pic 2: Bangladesh fans after the match#INDvBAN#Dinesh_karthik#Karthik#DineshKarthik pic.twitter.com/P1xakngkUz — Mast Malang ^_^ (@sanket_daksha) March 18, 2018 × This is what Dinesh Karthik has done with Bangladesh#INDvBAN #DineshKarthik pic.twitter.com/hjIB7Whiv4 — Sorry (@RitikRai619) March 18, 2018 × This is how Dinesh Kartik came to Batting crease.#INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/x2iuwBNnLZ — Dr. Dang (@Trozanmind) March 18, 2018 × #INDvBAN Tiger Or Snake Is Temporary, Losing And Crying Is Permanent. ???????????? #INDvsBAN #NidahasTrophy2018 #NidahasTrophy Nagin Dance Dinesh Karthik Team India pic.twitter.com/Lj93Lq1oqQ — Pranay Prakash (@EncountersSam) March 18, 2018 × #NidahasTrophy2018 Dinesh Karthik in #INDvBAN match be like : pic.twitter.com/galjyqCepg — ⏩????ஜோக்கர்????⏩ (@sabariboss2194) March 18, 2018 × Rubel hossain to Dinesh karthik pic.twitter.com/MgHWJMQSiH — Miheer Parashare (@the_miheer) March 18, 2018 ×

Funny Twitter reactions to Bangladesh 'Nagin' dance celebration

<p>Dinesh Karthik blasted 29 off just 8 balls and inspired team India to win the finals of Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.</p>

<p>He played at an average of 362.50 and was honoured with the man of the match award.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-bangladesh-nidahas-trophy-tri-series-final-t20-rohit-sharma-shakib-al-hasan-yuzvendra-chahal-shikhar-dhawan-score-updates-36273">Also read:&nbsp;India win nail-biting thriller as Dinesh Karthik hits match-winning six</a></strong></p>

<p>At a moment when Manish Pandey lost his wicket and India needed 34 runs with 2 overs remaining, it was looking next to impossible to win from there but Dinesh Karthik emerged as a champion and finished the nail-biting match by hitting a six on the last ball.</p>

<p>Bangladesh failed to strategise the last overs properly as the jinx of not winning T20 match against India continues.</p>

<p>See how Twitterati reacted to Dinesh magnificent innings.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a thrilling game! Superb finish by Dinesh Kartik led to smashing victory&nbsp;against Bangladesh. Congratulations to the entire team for winning the&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy2018</a>&nbsp;T20 tri-series final.</p>
&mdash; Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/975431701831630848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">T 2747 - INDIA WINS !! T20 in the TRI championship VS BanglaDesh .. what a thriller .. BD had us on the ropes .. and Dinesh Kartik, you beauty .. a brilliant knock .. 24 needed in last 2 overs .. 5 runs and 1 ball left and he hits a 6 ! INCREDIBLE ! CONGRATULATIONS !! <a href="https://t.co/je0WyaWzpe">pic.twitter.com/je0WyaWzpe</a></p>
&mdash; Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SrBachchan/status/975433887261184005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Amazing victory by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>. Superb batting by <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DineshKarthik</a>. A great knock by <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a> to set the platform.<br />
<br />
What a finish to a final!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsBAN</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZYDl6jzVWl">pic.twitter.com/ZYDl6jzVWl</a></p>
&mdash; Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/975422188323930113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle said, &quot;This is the best he has been batting in his career.&quot;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dinesh Karthik made his debut before Dhoni. But he is still only 32 and batting better than ever before. Could well be a wonderful second wind for him if he can keep his form from the last 2 years</p>
&mdash; Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/975420809551335425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Easily the best hand Dinesh Karthik has played in his career. Been saying it for a while, this is the best he has been batting in his career</p>
&mdash; Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/975418995342901250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Been harping on this for a while -<br />
Dinesh Karthik is a very competent batsman and team man.<br />
No way he shouldn&#39;t be 2nd or minimum 3rd keeper.<br />
Should have played those two tests in South Africa.</p>
&mdash; Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) <a href="https://twitter.com/hankypanty/status/975435920265551872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">DINESH KARTHIK, YOU BEAUTY!????????????????????????????????????????????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasOnDSport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasOnDSport</a></p>
&mdash; Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar/status/975422751136669696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dinesh Karthik has just played the knock of his life. Has had quite a few utility performances in supporting role over the years, but this is one for folklore.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> .. Cool and calm as you like with 5 needed.. wowzaaa</p>
&mdash; Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) <a href="https://twitter.com/jatinsapru/status/975419258682429440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! DINESH KARTIK OH MY GOD !!!!!!!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????</p>
&mdash; Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/RanveerOfficial/status/975418876837158912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Finishes with a SIX. Dinesh Karthik, you beauty. Brought India back from the dead. One of the key gains from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a></p>
&mdash; Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/975419145670950913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a finish!!! Well played big guy <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DineshKarthik</a>. Outstanding effort by the team. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/topstuff?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#topstuff</a></p>
&mdash; Jasprit bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaspritbumrah93/status/975424654943899648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Well done Team India <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> . What an amazing win. <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DineshKarthik</a> what a knock under pressure. This is a bunch of youngsters and they&#39;ve done so well on this tour. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvBAN</a></p>
&mdash; Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamyusufpathan/status/975420417635770368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Top inn <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DineshKarthik</a> very well done.. special hitting.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indvsBang?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indvsBang</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> captain <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a> ????????????</p>
&mdash; Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/975420255530094593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Remarkable win boys <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bcci</a> ???? pretty much typifies the brand of cricket we play ???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDVBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDVBAN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Champions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Champions</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/supremacy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#supremacy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NidahasTrophyFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NidahasTrophyFinal</a> <a href="https://t.co/ewUKclUX29">pic.twitter.com/ewUKclUX29</a></p>
&mdash; Murali Vijay (@mvj888) <a href="https://twitter.com/mvj888/status/975418962094600194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Dinesh Karthik played at a strike rate of 362.50 and was honoured with the man of the match award

Dinesh Karthik blasted 29 off just 8 balls and inspired team India to win the finals of Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. He played at an average of 362.50 and was honoured with the man of the match award. Also read: India win nail-biting thriller as Dinesh Karthik hits match-winning six At a moment when Manish Pandey lost his wicket and India needed 34 runs with 2 overs remaining, it was looking next to impossible to win from there but Dinesh Karthik emerged as a champion and finished the nail-biting match by hitting a six on the last ball. Bangladesh failed to strategise the last overs properly as the jinx of not winning T20 match against India continues. See how Twitterati reacted to Dinesh magnificent innings. What a thrilling game! Superb finish by Dinesh Kartik led to smashing victory against Bangladesh. Congratulations to the entire team for winning the #NidahasTrophy2018 T20 tri-series final. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 18, 2018 × T 2747 - INDIA WINS !! T20 in the TRI championship VS BanglaDesh .. what a thriller .. BD had us on the ropes .. and Dinesh Kartik, you beauty .. a brilliant knock .. 24 needed in last 2 overs .. 5 runs and 1 ball left and he hits a 6 ! INCREDIBLE ! CONGRATULATIONS !! pic.twitter.com/je0WyaWzpe — Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) March 18, 2018 × Amazing victory by #TeamIndia. Superb batting by @DineshKarthik. A great knock by @ImRo45 to set the platform. What a finish to a final!!#NidahasTrophy2018 #INDvsBAN pic.twitter.com/ZYDl6jzVWl — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 18, 2018 × Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle said, "This is the best he has been batting in his career." Dinesh Karthik made his debut before Dhoni. But he is still only 32 and batting better than ever before. Could well be a wonderful second wind for him if he can keep his form from the last 2 years — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 18, 2018 × Easily the best hand Dinesh Karthik has played in his career. Been saying it for a while, this is the best he has been batting in his career — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 18, 2018 × Been harping on this for a while - Dinesh Karthik is a very competent batsman and team man. No way he shouldn't be 2nd or minimum 3rd keeper. Should have played those two tests in South Africa. — Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) March 18, 2018 × DINESH KARTHIK, YOU BEAUTY!????????????????????????????????????????????#NidahasOnDSport — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 18, 2018 × Dinesh Karthik has just played the knock of his life. Has had quite a few utility performances in supporting role over the years, but this is one for folklore.. #INDvBAN .. Cool and calm as you like with 5 needed.. wowzaaa — Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) March 18, 2018 × UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! DINESH KARTIK OH MY GOD !!!!!!!!! #INDvBAN ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? — Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) March 18, 2018 × Finishes with a SIX. Dinesh Karthik, you beauty. Brought India back from the dead. One of the key gains from #NidahasTrophy #INDvBAN — Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 18, 2018 × What a finish!!! Well played big guy @DineshKarthik. Outstanding effort by the team. #INDvBAN #topstuff — Jasprit bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) March 18, 2018 × Well done Team India @BCCI . What an amazing win. @DineshKarthik what a knock under pressure. This is a bunch of youngsters and they've done so well on this tour. #INDvBAN — Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) March 18, 2018 × Top inn @DineshKarthik very well done.. special hitting.. #indvsBang @BCCI congratulations #TeamIndia captain @ImRo45 ???????????? — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 18, 2018 × Remarkable win boys @bcci ???? pretty much typifies the brand of cricket we play ???????? #INDVBAN #Champions #TeamIndia #supremacy #NidahasTrophy #NidahasTrophyFinal pic.twitter.com/ewUKclUX29 — Murali Vijay (@mvj888) March 18, 2018 ×

Amit Shah, Amitabh Bachchan compliment Dinesh Karthik's match-winning knock

<p>Australia is currently on the tour of South Africa to play a four-match Test series.</p>

<p>Australia won the first match took the lead but South Africa levelled the series 1-1 by winning the second Test match.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kagiso-rabada-faces-suspension-for-disrespecting-steve-smith-35308">Kagiso Rabada</a>&nbsp;had faced a level two charge by the match referee Jeff Crowe in the second match due to the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off.</p>

<p>Rabada earned <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kagiso-rabada-faces-suspension-for-disrespecting-steve-smith-35308">3 demerit points</a>&nbsp;which took him to the eight-point threshold which triggers an automatic two-match ban which Rabada is contesting currently.</p>

<p>His&nbsp;appeal against a&nbsp;ban for the last two Tests of the series will be heard by New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron by teleconference on Monday, with a verdict due to be announced within 48 hours.</p>

<p>The third Test match is scheduled to take place from March 22 at St George&#39;s Park, Port Elizabeth for which&nbsp;South Africa has announced its squad&nbsp;list in which Kagiso Rabada has been included along with two other fast bowlers&nbsp;in case he loses his appeal against a ban.</p>

<p>Duanne Olivier and Chris Morris have been included in a 17-man squad for the test that starts at Newlands on Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>South African squad:</strong></p>

<p>Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander and <strong>Kagiso Rabada</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Duanne Olivier and Chris Morris have been included in a 17-man squad in case Kagiso Rabada loses his appeal against a ban

Australia is currently on the tour of South Africa to play a four-match Test series. Australia won the first match took the lead but South Africa levelled the series 1-1 by winning the second Test match. Kagiso Rabada had faced a level two charge by the match referee Jeff Crowe in the second match due to the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off. Rabada earned 3 demerit points which took him to the eight-point threshold which triggers an automatic two-match ban which Rabada is contesting currently. His appeal against a ban for the last two Tests of the series will be heard by New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron by teleconference on Monday, with a verdict due to be announced within 48 hours. The third Test match is scheduled to take place from March 22 at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth for which South Africa has announced its squad list in which Kagiso Rabada has been included along with two other fast bowlers in case he loses his appeal against a ban. Duanne Olivier and Chris Morris have been included in a 17-man squad for the test that starts at Newlands on Thursday. South African squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada

Despite ban, Kagiso Rabada named in South Africa's squad against Australia

<p>Dinesh Karthik, the hero of the match, played exceptionally well as India beat Bangladesh in the finals of Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.</p>

<p>At a moment when&nbsp;Manish Pandey lost his wicket and&nbsp;India needed 34 runs with 2 overs remaining, it was looking next to impossible to win from there but Dinesh Karthik came in and outplayed Bangladeshi bowlers.</p>

<p>Dinesh played at an average of 362.50 and scored 29 crucial runs in just 8 balls. For this splendid inning, he was honoured&nbsp;with the man of the match award.</p>

<p>Washington Sundar received Man of the Series award for his brilliant performance in the series.</p>

<p>Bangladesh failed to strategise the last overs properly as the jinx of not winning T20 match against India continues.</p>

<p>In the beginning, India lost its first wicket in the form of opener Shikhar Dhawan in the third over.</p>

<p>Just after that, Suresh Raina lost his wicket by edging the ball in the hands of wicket-keeper&nbsp;Mushfiqur Rahim and returned to the pavilion at a duck.</p>

<p>The ball was declared as a wide ball but skipper&nbsp;Shakib Al Hasan contested the decision and took a successful review.</p>

<p>Rohit Sharma found a determined ally in KL Rahul to achieve the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-bangladesh-nidahas-trophy-tri-series-final-t20-rohit-sharma-shakib-al-hasan-score-updates-36260">set target</a> of 167 runs but the latter lost his wicket after scoring 24 runs for the team.</p>

<p>Rohit salvaged Indian innings but sliced the ball in the hands of a fielder at long-on. He was going for a big hit but the bowler delivered a full-length ball without giving enough room so that Rohit could not stretch his hands.</p>

<p>Manish Pandey tried to push the run rate and scored 28 runs for the team but due&nbsp;to the pressure of hitting more, he lost his wicket by giving an easy catch at long-on in the hands of&nbsp;Sabbir Rahman.</p>

<p>Role of Vijay Shankar cannot be snubbed as being a non-batsman he helped with his bat and scored very important 17 runs for the team and kept rotating the strike.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-bangladesh-nidahas-trophy-tri-series-final-t20-rohit-sharma-shakib-al-hasan-score-updates-36260">Also read: The report of first innings</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bowl against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nidahas-trophy-rejuvenated-bangladesh-aim-to-break-t20-hoodoo-against-india-in-final-36246">Bangladesh</a> in the final of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nidahas-trophy-rejuvenated-bangladesh-aim-to-break-t20-hoodoo-against-india-in-final-36246">Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series</a> at the R&nbsp;Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Playing first <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nidahas-trophy-rejuvenated-bangladesh-aim-to-break-t20-hoodoo-against-india-in-final-36246">Bangladesh</a> had a crashing start as Washington Sundar sent the first warning by dismissing opener Liton Das (11) in fourth over.</p>

<p>Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal thrashed Bangladeshi top batting order by two taking quick wickets of Tamim Iqbal (15) and Soumya Sarkar (1) in the fifth&nbsp;over.</p>

<p>Then Shabbir Rahman came at number 3 and salvaged the innings by hitting 77 runs but got bowled at on a brilliant delivery of Indian pacer Jaydev Unadkat.</p>

<p>Chahal struck again and saw off wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim at a low score of 9 runs.</p>

<p>Mahmudullah (21) and skipper Shakib Al Hasan (7) fell short in running between the wickets returned to the pavilion.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Dinesh Karthik scored 29 crucial runs in just 8 balls and was honoured with the 'Man of the Match award

Dinesh Karthik, the hero of the match, played exceptionally well as India beat Bangladesh in the finals of Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. At a moment when Manish Pandey lost his wicket and India needed 34 runs with 2 overs remaining, it was looking next to impossible to win from there but Dinesh Karthik came in and outplayed Bangladeshi bowlers. Dinesh played at an average of 362.50 and scored 29 crucial runs in just 8 balls. For this splendid inning, he was honoured with the man of the match award. Washington Sundar received Man of the Series award for his brilliant performance in the series. Bangladesh failed to strategise the last overs properly as the jinx of not winning T20 match against India continues. In the beginning, India lost its first wicket in the form of opener Shikhar Dhawan in the third over. Just after that, Suresh Raina lost his wicket by edging the ball in the hands of wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim and returned to the pavilion at a duck. The ball was declared as a wide ball but skipper Shakib Al Hasan contested the decision and took a successful review. Rohit Sharma found a determined ally in KL Rahul to achieve the set target of 167 runs but the latter lost his wicket after scoring 24 runs for the team. Rohit salvaged Indian innings but sliced the ball in the hands of a fielder at long-on. He was going for a big hit but the bowler delivered a full-length ball without giving enough room so that Rohit could not stretch his hands. Manish Pandey tried to push the run rate and scored 28 runs for the team but due to the pressure of hitting more, he lost his wicket by giving an easy catch at long-on in the hands of Sabbir Rahman. Role of Vijay Shankar cannot be snubbed as being a non-batsman he helped with his bat and scored very important 17 runs for the team and kept rotating the strike. Also read: The report of first innings Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bowl against Bangladesh in the final of the Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. Playing first Bangladesh had a crashing start as Washington Sundar sent the first warning by dismissing opener Liton Das (11) in fourth over. Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal thrashed Bangladeshi top batting order by two taking quick wickets of Tamim Iqbal (15) and Soumya Sarkar (1) in the fifth over. Then Shabbir Rahman came at number 3 and salvaged the innings by hitting 77 runs but got bowled at on a brilliant delivery of Indian pacer Jaydev Unadkat. Chahal struck again and saw off wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim at a low score of 9 runs. Mahmudullah (21) and skipper Shakib Al Hasan (7) fell short in running between the wickets returned to the pavilion.

Nidahas Trophy: India win nail-biting thriller as Dinesh Karthik hits match-winning six

<p>Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami said that his cricketing career has nothing to do with his marital dispute.</p>

<p>He also requested&nbsp;The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to start the investigation as soon as possible so that he can free himself from all the allegations and&nbsp;resume the practice sessions.</p>

<p>In a recent media report, Shami was quoted saying, &quot;My cricket has no link with this matter. This is just a tactic to spoil my career.&quot;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My cricket has no link with this matter. This is just a tactic to spoil my career. I&#39;ve requested BCCI to start their investigation at the earliest &amp; if I am proved to be innocent then let me resume my practice so that my game is not affected: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MohammadShami?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MohammadShami</a> <a href="https://t.co/ngINjKNYID">pic.twitter.com/ngINjKNYID</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975370864198848513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>He also&nbsp;requested BCCI to started the&nbsp;investigation, &quot;I&#39;ve requested BCCI to start their investigation at the earliest &amp; if I am proved to be innocent then let me resume my practice so that my game is not affected.&quot;</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammed-shami-marital-controversy-who-is-hasin-jahan-35753">Also read:&nbsp;Mohammed Shami marital controversy: Who is Hasin Jahan?</a></strong></p>

<p>Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administration(CoA) has started&nbsp;investigating&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/not-investigating-cricketer-mohammed-shami-for-match-fixing-coa-35761">Shami&#39;s cash dealings</a>.</p>

<p>A source in COA said: &quot;There are no investigations into match-fixing charges. We heard an audio clip which had some financial dealing. The money involved can be anything rent or some money lending or anything. But no <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/not-investigating-cricketer-mohammed-shami-for-match-fixing-coa-35761">match-fixing investigations</a> against Shami.&quot;</p>

<p>CoA&#39;s statement comes after reports emerged that Shami was allegedly involved in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/not-investigating-cricketer-mohammed-shami-for-match-fixing-coa-35761"> match-fixing.</a></p>

<p>When police arrived at his residence he said, &quot;Me and my family will fully cooperate and help during the investigation.&quot;</p>

<p>His wife <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammed-shami-marital-controversy-who-is-hasin-jahan-35753">Hasin Jahan</a> has levelled numerous allegations on her husband, ranging from adultery, match fixing to even attempt to murder.</p>

<p>On these allegations, he said, &quot;My wife&#39;s unable to prove half of the allegations she has put on me. Now, I want to see to what extent can she go. I tried to solve the issue for 7-8 days, but she openly said she doesn&#39;t want to, so now I also don&#39;t have any option but to take this up legally.&quot;</p>

<p>His wife Jahan also sought &quot;help&quot; of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-shamis-wife-hasin-jahan-seeks-chief-minister-mamatas-help-35742">West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> in her pitched battle against her husband.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s a fight for truth by a helpless woman against a celebrity cricketer who has fame, name and money. No one is with me and I request the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-shamis-wife-hasin-jahan-seeks-chief-minister-mamatas-help-35742">chief minister</a> to come for the support of truth, but not me or Shami,&quot; Jahan told reporters.</p>


"Me and my family will fully cooperate and help during the investigation," Mohammed Shami

Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami said that his cricketing career has nothing to do with his marital dispute. He also requested The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to start the investigation as soon as possible so that he can free himself from all the allegations and resume the practice sessions. In a recent media report, Shami was quoted saying, "My cricket has no link with this matter. This is just a tactic to spoil my career." My cricket has no link with this matter. This is just a tactic to spoil my career. I've requested BCCI to start their investigation at the earliest & if I am proved to be innocent then let me resume my practice so that my game is not affected: #MohammadShami pic.twitter.com/ngINjKNYID — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × He also requested BCCI to started the investigation, "I've requested BCCI to start their investigation at the earliest & if I am proved to be innocent then let me resume my practice so that my game is not affected." Also read: Mohammed Shami marital controversy: Who is Hasin Jahan? Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administration(CoA) has started investigating Shami's cash dealings. A source in COA said: "There are no investigations into match-fixing charges. We heard an audio clip which had some financial dealing. The money involved can be anything rent or some money lending or anything. But no match-fixing investigations against Shami." CoA's statement comes after reports emerged that Shami was allegedly involved in match-fixing. When police arrived at his residence he said, "Me and my family will fully cooperate and help during the investigation." His wife Hasin Jahan has levelled numerous allegations on her husband, ranging from adultery, match fixing to even attempt to murder. On these allegations, he said, "My wife's unable to prove half of the allegations she has put on me. Now, I want to see to what extent can she go. I tried to solve the issue for 7-8 days, but she openly said she doesn't want to, so now I also don't have any option but to take this up legally." His wife Jahan also sought "help" of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her pitched battle against her husband. "It's a fight for truth by a helpless woman against a celebrity cricketer who has fame, name and money. No one is with me and I request the chief minister to come for the support of truth, but not me or Shami," Jahan told reporters.

Cricket has no link with my 'marital dispute': Mohammed Shami

<p>Rajasthan Royals, the winner of Indian Premier League&#39;s inaugural edition, have marked an exciting return after a two-year ban with a very special and important cricketer, Shayne Warne, not as a player but as a mentor.</p>

<p>On his return, he said, &quot;I am very happy and excited to be back with the Rajasthan Royals who I believe hold a very special place in my cricketing journey.</p>

<p>In the year 2015, Rajasthan Royals was found guilty in an illegal betting and match-fixing probe along with another IPL giant, Chennai Super Kings. The panel also suspended Royals co-owner Raj Kundra from all cricket-related activities for life.</p>

<p>Now, the franchise is owned by Manoj Badale along with Aditya Chellaram, Lachlan Murdoch, Ryan Tkalcevic and Suresh Chellaram.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-ms-dhonis-yellow-brigade-35660">IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni&#39;s &#39;Yellow Brigade&#39;</a></strong></p>

<p>If we talk about the team, Rajasthan Royals had retained an aggressive and intense Australian batsman Steve Smith before entering the auctions and used Right To Match card (RTM) to purchase calm and composed Ajinkya Rahane.</p>

<p>During the auction, they had shown an intent of structuring a well-balanced team by purchasing a variety of players. They made the most expensive buys of all time in the form of England&#39;s all-rounder, Ben Stokes for an amount of 12.5 cr.</p>

<p>Steve Smith-led Royals look alike another Pune Super Giants as most of Pune&#39;s talent have landed in Rajasthan.</p>

<p>They are definitely banking upon more overseas players especially all-rounders, who can provide options to the team but they do have a tangy Indian obscure flavour.</p>

<p>Foreigners like, Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, D&#39;Arcy Short, are some crucial investments along with Indian talents Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi, Stuart Binny, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jaydev Unadkat.</p>

<p>Sanju Samson and Ajinkya Rahane will probably open for Rajasthan&nbsp;and there is&nbsp;a depth of batting in&nbsp;line up in the form of Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2018-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-653#photo-36184">IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list</a></strong></p>

<p>Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Stuart Binny have a good IPL record and can provide a winning essence to the team.</p>

<p>Jayadev Unadkat, the best purchase when it comes to bowling along with Dhawal Kulkarni, Jofra Archer but the team lacks in spin department as spinners Dushmantha Chameera and K Gowtham need to prove their talents in a larger extent.</p>

<p>All in all, Rajasthan Royals is a team whose playing XI is massive in terms of variety but if any player misfires or suffers an injury then the option of replacement is less as the bench is comparatively inexperienced.</p>

<p><b>Here is the complete squad of the Rajasthan Royals:</b>&nbsp;Steve Smith,&nbsp;Ben Stokes, Ajinkya Rahane, Stuart Binny, Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Rahul Tripathi, D&#39;Arcy Short, Jofra Archer, K Gowtham, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jaydev Unadkat, Ankit Sharma, Anureet Singh, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Shreyas Gopal, MS Midhun, Prashant Chopra, Ben Laughlin, Mahipal Lomror, Aryaman Birla, Jatin Saxena, Dushmantha Chameera</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="videos-block">
<div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DVUnJLag2cg"></iframe></div>
</div>

<div class="media-description">
<p>From Dhoni to Kohli, here&#39;s a list of all the leading run-scorers in IPL. Number 1 rank might surprise you (Zee News Network)</p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Steve Smith-led Royals look alike another Pune Super Giants as most of Pune's talent have landed in Rajasthan

Rajasthan Royals, the winner of Indian Premier League's inaugural edition, have marked an exciting return after a two-year ban with a very special and important cricketer, Shayne Warne, not as a player but as a mentor. On his return, he said, "I am very happy and excited to be back with the Rajasthan Royals who I believe hold a very special place in my cricketing journey. In the year 2015, Rajasthan Royals was found guilty in an illegal betting and match-fixing probe along with another IPL giant, Chennai Super Kings. The panel also suspended Royals co-owner Raj Kundra from all cricket-related activities for life. Now, the franchise is owned by Manoj Badale along with Aditya Chellaram, Lachlan Murdoch, Ryan Tkalcevic and Suresh Chellaram. IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni's 'Yellow Brigade' If we talk about the team, Rajasthan Royals had retained an aggressive and intense Australian batsman Steve Smith before entering the auctions and used Right To Match card (RTM) to purchase calm and composed Ajinkya Rahane. During the auction, they had shown an intent of structuring a well-balanced team by purchasing a variety of players. They made the most expensive buys of all time in the form of England's all-rounder, Ben Stokes for an amount of 12.5 cr. Steve Smith-led Royals look alike another Pune Super Giants as most of Pune's talent have landed in Rajasthan. They are definitely banking upon more overseas players especially all-rounders, who can provide options to the team but they do have a tangy Indian obscure flavour. Foreigners like, Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, D'Arcy Short, are some crucial investments along with Indian talents Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi, Stuart Binny, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jaydev Unadkat. Sanju Samson and Ajinkya Rahane will probably open for Rajasthan and there is a depth of batting in line up in the form of Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler. IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Stuart Binny have a good IPL record and can provide a winning essence to the team. Jayadev Unadkat, the best purchase when it comes to bowling along with Dhawal Kulkarni, Jofra Archer but the team lacks in spin department as spinners Dushmantha Chameera and K Gowtham need to prove their talents in a larger extent. All in all, Rajasthan Royals is a team whose playing XI is massive in terms of variety but if any player misfires or suffers an injury then the option of replacement is less as the bench is comparatively inexperienced. Here is the complete squad of the Rajasthan Royals: Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Ajinkya Rahane, Stuart Binny, Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Rahul Tripathi, D'Arcy Short, Jofra Archer, K Gowtham, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jaydev Unadkat, Ankit Sharma, Anureet Singh, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Shreyas Gopal, MS Midhun, Prashant Chopra, Ben Laughlin, Mahipal Lomror, Aryaman Birla, Jatin Saxena, Dushmantha Chameera From Dhoni to Kohli, here's a list of all the leading run-scorers in IPL. Number 1 rank might surprise you (Zee News Network) ×

IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Rajasthan Royals, the prodigal son returns

<p>Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen on Saturday officially confirmed the news of his retirement from cricket in a heartfelt post on social media platform, Instagram.</p>

<p>&quot;Someone just tweeted me to tell me that I scored 30,000+ runs including 152 fifty&#39;s and 68 hundred in my pro career. Four Ashes wins. Home and away! T20 World Cup win. Beaten India in India. Home and away 100&#39;s in all major Test nations apart from Bangladesh. All dedicated to my family who has just been the most unreal supporters through thick and thin! I&#39;m super proud of everything! Thank you for all the quite lovely msgs! I loved entertaining you all! Ciao, cricket! I love this game!,&quot; Pietersen wrote on Instagram.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BgbC6kej9qK/" data-instgrm-version="8" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:8px;">
<div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;">
<div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BgbC6kej9qK/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Someone just tweeted me to tell me that I scored 30000+ runs including 152 fifty&rsquo;s &amp; 68 hundreds in my pro career. 4 Ashes wins. Home &amp; away! T20 WC win. Beaten India in India. Home &amp; away 100&rsquo;s in all major Test nations apart from Bangladesh. All dedicated to my family who have just been the most unreal supporters through thick &amp; thin! I&rsquo;m super proud of everything! Thank you for all the quite lovely msgs! I loved entertaining you all! Ciao, cricket! I love this game!</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kp24/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Kevin Pietersen</a> (@kp24) on <time datetime="2018-03-17T11:25:49+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 17, 2018 at 4:25am PDT</time></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The feisty batsman on March 16 had hinted at the news on microblogging platform on Twitter.</p>

<p>&quot;BOOTS UP! Thank you!,&quot; read a tweet.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BOOTS UP!<br />
Thank you! ????</p>
&mdash; Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24/status/974663767752572928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>Last month, Pietersen said the current Pakistan Super League (PSL) would be his last appearance in a cricket tournament abroad.</p>

<p>However, it seems that the swashbuckling batsman has called time on his career entirely.</p>

<p>The 37-year-old, who represented Quetta Gladiators during the PSL, has played for a number of teams across the world since 2014, when he was told that he will no longer be a part of England&#39;s team.</p>

<p>Pietersen played for Delhi Daredevils and Rising Pune Supergiant in the Indian Premier League, Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, St Lucia Stars in the Caribbean and Sunfoil Dolphins in South Africa.</p>

<p>He also represented Surrey in county cricket.</p>

<p>In 104 Tests for England, Pietersen scored 8,181 runs at an average of 47.28, with 23 centuries and 35 fifties.</p>

<p>In 136 One Day Internationals (ODIs), he collected 4,440 runs with nine centuries and 25 half-centuries.</p>

<p>He also appeared in 37 T20Is, scoring 1,176 runs with seven half-centuries and was part of the World T20 winning team in 2010.</p>

<p>Former teammate Michael Vaughan was among the first to congratulate KP on his &quot;fantastic career&quot;, even calling him &quot;the best batsman&quot; that he played with.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Well done <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KP24</a> on an fantastic career ... Not everyone&rsquo;s Cup of Tea but you will do for me ... Best Batsman I had the pleasure to play with ... 1st England batsman that put fear into the Aussies .. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WellDone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WellDone</a></p>
&mdash; Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/974758990726029314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>In February 2014, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) sacked Pietersen, because they could not be confident of his full support for captain Alastair Cook, according to The Guardian.</p>


The feisty batsman on March 16 had hinted at the news on microblogging platform on Twitter

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen on Saturday officially confirmed the news of his retirement from cricket in a heartfelt post on social media platform, Instagram. "Someone just tweeted me to tell me that I scored 30,000+ runs including 152 fifty's and 68 hundred in my pro career. Four Ashes wins. Home and away! T20 World Cup win. Beaten India in India. Home and away 100's in all major Test nations apart from Bangladesh. All dedicated to my family who has just been the most unreal supporters through thick and thin! I'm super proud of everything! Thank you for all the quite lovely msgs! I loved entertaining you all! Ciao, cricket! I love this game!," Pietersen wrote on Instagram. Someone just tweeted me to tell me that I scored 30000+ runs including 152 fifty’s & 68 hundreds in my pro career. 4 Ashes wins. Home & away! T20 WC win. Beaten India in India. Home & away 100’s in all major Test nations apart from Bangladesh. All dedicated to my family who have just been the most unreal supporters through thick & thin! I’m super proud of everything! Thank you for all the quite lovely msgs! I loved entertaining you all! Ciao, cricket! I love this game! A post shared by Kevin Pietersen (@kp24) on Mar 17, 2018 at 4:25am PDT × The feisty batsman on March 16 had hinted at the news on microblogging platform on Twitter. "BOOTS UP! Thank you!," read a tweet. BOOTS UP! Thank you! ???? — Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) March 16, 2018 × Last month, Pietersen said the current Pakistan Super League (PSL) would be his last appearance in a cricket tournament abroad. However, it seems that the swashbuckling batsman has called time on his career entirely. The 37-year-old, who represented Quetta Gladiators during the PSL, has played for a number of teams across the world since 2014, when he was told that he will no longer be a part of England's team. Pietersen played for Delhi Daredevils and Rising Pune Supergiant in the Indian Premier League, Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, St Lucia Stars in the Caribbean and Sunfoil Dolphins in South Africa. He also represented Surrey in county cricket. In 104 Tests for England, Pietersen scored 8,181 runs at an average of 47.28, with 23 centuries and 35 fifties. In 136 One Day Internationals (ODIs), he collected 4,440 runs with nine centuries and 25 half-centuries. He also appeared in 37 T20Is, scoring 1,176 runs with seven half-centuries and was part of the World T20 winning team in 2010. Former teammate Michael Vaughan was among the first to congratulate KP on his "fantastic career", even calling him "the best batsman" that he played with. Well done @KP24 on an fantastic career ... Not everyone’s Cup of Tea but you will do for me ... Best Batsman I had the pleasure to play with ... 1st England batsman that put fear into the Aussies .. #WellDone — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 16, 2018 × In February 2014, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) sacked Pietersen, because they could not be confident of his full support for captain Alastair Cook, according to The Guardian.

Kevin Pietersen confirms retirement in heartfelt Instagram post

<p>Bangladesh will meet India in Sunday&#39;s final of the Twenty20 tri-series after Mahmudullah blasted 43 not out off 18 balls to secure their thrilling two-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in an ill-tempered match on Friday.</p>

<p>High drama unfolded in the virtual semi-final at the R Premadasa Stadium with Bangladesh needing 12 runs off the last over bowled by Isuru Udana and Mahmudullah smashed a six off the penultimate delivery to seal an emotional victory for his team.</p>

<p>Play had been briefly halted as Bangladesh players remonstrated about two shoulder-high balls in the final over and members of both teams had to be restrained.</p>

<p>Earlier, Sri Lanka slumped to 41-5 in the ninth over after being put into bat before fighting half-centuries from Kusal Perera and captain Thisara Perera helped them to a respectable total of 159-7.</p>

<p>Playing his first match of the tournament following a finger injury, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan triggered a spectacular top-order collapse by dismissing Sri Lanka opener Danushka Gunathilaka in the third over.</p>

<p>Kusal Perera made 61 and Thisara Perera contributed 58 to arrest the slide and help Sri Lanka past the 150-mark.</p>

<p>Opener Tamim Iqbal led Bangladesh&#39;s reply with a fluent 50 but they lost wickets in quick succession until Mahmudullah took responsibility to get them over the line.</p>

<p>Kept off strike for the first two balls of the final over from Udana, Mahmudullah hit the third for four, took two off the next and flicked the fifth over the square leg boundary for six to trigger wild celebration by his team mates.</p>


Bangladesh needing 12 runs off the last over bowled by Isuru Udana and Mahmudullah smashed a six off the penultimate delivery to seal an emotional victory for his team

Bangladesh will meet India in Sunday's final of the Twenty20 tri-series after Mahmudullah blasted 43 not out off 18 balls to secure their thrilling two-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in an ill-tempered match on Friday. High drama unfolded in the virtual semi-final at the R Premadasa Stadium with Bangladesh needing 12 runs off the last over bowled by Isuru Udana and Mahmudullah smashed a six off the penultimate delivery to seal an emotional victory for his team. Play had been briefly halted as Bangladesh players remonstrated about two shoulder-high balls in the final over and members of both teams had to be restrained. Earlier, Sri Lanka slumped to 41-5 in the ninth over after being put into bat before fighting half-centuries from Kusal Perera and captain Thisara Perera helped them to a respectable total of 159-7. Playing his first match of the tournament following a finger injury, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan triggered a spectacular top-order collapse by dismissing Sri Lanka opener Danushka Gunathilaka in the third over. Kusal Perera made 61 and Thisara Perera contributed 58 to arrest the slide and help Sri Lanka past the 150-mark. Opener Tamim Iqbal led Bangladesh's reply with a fluent 50 but they lost wickets in quick succession until Mahmudullah took responsibility to get them over the line. Kept off strike for the first two balls of the final over from Udana, Mahmudullah hit the third for four, took two off the next and flicked the fifth over the square leg boundary for six to trigger wild celebration by his team mates.

Cricket: Mahmudullah blitz takes Bangladesh to tri-series final

<p>South African seamer Vernon Philander has said his Twitter account was hacked after an inflammatory message was posted suggesting Australian captain Steve Smith could have avoided an incident that resulted in Kagiso Rabada being suspended.</p>

<p>Fast bowler Rabada made contact with Smith&#39;s shoulder after dismissing him in the first innings of their six-wicket victory in the second test in Port Elizabeth.</p>

<p>He was later found guilty of &quot;inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with a player&quot; by the International&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;Council (ICC) and will miss the rest of the four-match series.</p>

<p>The 22-year-old, who took 11 wickets in the match, has appealed the decision.</p>

<p>The tweet, which had a video clip of the incident attached, said Smith was equally guilty and had milked the incident.</p>

<p>&quot;Haven&#39;t really seen the footage of this incident but by the looks of this ... Steve Smith gave KG (Rabada) the shoulder,&quot; it said.</p>

<p>&quot;He could have avoided any contact but to me, he is just as guilty. Trying some football skills to get a penalty??? Pity he didn&#39;t dive to top it off.&quot;</p>

<p>Early on Thursday, however, Philander distanced himself from the comment, saying someone else had posted to his 185,000 followers.</p>

<p>&quot;Waking up this morning to a lot of twitter craziness as my acc got hacked and someone posted a nice little article on my behalf,&quot; he posted after deleting the original message.</p>

<p>&quot;Sorry for all the drama or entertainment caused by the looks of it.&quot;</p>

<p>The episode is the latest twist in a tempestuous test series that has seen five players punished by the ICC.</p>

<p>In the first test in Durban, security cameras captured a heated argument between Warner and South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock after the teams left the field for tea on the fourth day.</p>

<p>Warner said the wicketkeeper had made &quot;vile and disgusting&quot; comments about his wife.</p>

<p>Warner was fined 75 percent of his match fee, while de Kock was fined 25 percent. Both were given demerit points.</p>

<p>Rabada was handed three demerit points for the shoulder bump in Port Elizabeth, taking him to eight within a two-year period, which triggered an automatic two-match suspension.</p>

<p>He was also given another demerit point for a send-off of Warner in the second innings.</p>

<p>Australians Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Marsh are the other players to receive fines and demerit points in the series.</p>

<p>The third match in the series, which is level at 1-1, starts in Cape Town on March 22.</p>


Vernon Philander deleted the tweet which had a video clip of the incident attached and captioned as Smith was equally guilty and had milked the incident

South African seamer Vernon Philander has said his Twitter account was hacked after an inflammatory message was posted suggesting Australian captain Steve Smith could have avoided an incident that resulted in Kagiso Rabada being suspended. Fast bowler Rabada made contact with Smith's shoulder after dismissing him in the first innings of their six-wicket victory in the second test in Port Elizabeth. He was later found guilty of "inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with a player" by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and will miss the rest of the four-match series. The 22-year-old, who took 11 wickets in the match, has appealed the decision. The tweet, which had a video clip of the incident attached, said Smith was equally guilty and had milked the incident. "Haven't really seen the footage of this incident but by the looks of this ... Steve Smith gave KG (Rabada) the shoulder," it said. "He could have avoided any contact but to me, he is just as guilty. Trying some football skills to get a penalty??? Pity he didn't dive to top it off." Early on Thursday, however, Philander distanced himself from the comment, saying someone else had posted to his 185,000 followers. "Waking up this morning to a lot of twitter craziness as my acc got hacked and someone posted a nice little article on my behalf," he posted after deleting the original message. "Sorry for all the drama or entertainment caused by the looks of it." The episode is the latest twist in a tempestuous test series that has seen five players punished by the ICC. In the first test in Durban, security cameras captured a heated argument between Warner and South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock after the teams left the field for tea on the fourth day. Warner said the wicketkeeper had made "vile and disgusting" comments about his wife. Warner was fined 75 percent of his match fee, while de Kock was fined 25 percent. Both were given demerit points. Rabada was handed three demerit points for the shoulder bump in Port Elizabeth, taking him to eight within a two-year period, which triggered an automatic two-match suspension. He was also given another demerit point for a send-off of Warner in the second innings. Australians Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Marsh are the other players to receive fines and demerit points in the series. The third match in the series, which is level at 1-1, starts in Cape Town on March 22.

Vernon Philander denies making Smith remarks, says account hacked

<p>India will face Bangladesh in the 5th match of T20I Tri-Series&nbsp;at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on&nbsp;2018 Wednesday, March&nbsp;14.</p>

<p>The match will start at 7:00 pm IST.</p>

<p>India,&nbsp;with the win, will land straightaway in the finals of the tournament.</p>

<p>Men in blue&nbsp;are currently leading the tournament with four points, as they won two out of three matches till now.</p>

<p>Though, India had lost the first match against Sri Lanka but fought their way out in the second match when the young guns of the team&nbsp;came out as champions.</p>

<p>Rohit Sharma, who is leading the team&nbsp;in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli, has not performed at-par.</p>

<p>A big shout out to the bowlers, especially Shardul Thakur&nbsp;and Washington Sundar, both of them have outbowled the opponents with their variety of seam and pace.</p>

<p>The newcomers are playing with passion, dedication and are stepping up for the team as the pillars in odd situations.</p>

<p>In a recent interview newcomer Shardul said, &quot;When other senior bowlers are missing from the team, it&#39;s me who (has) to step up.&quot;</p>

<p>On the other hand, Bangladesh has shrugged its rust off in this series when they stunned Sri Lanka and marked&nbsp;a record run chase of 215.</p>

<p>Mushfiqur Rahim slammed&nbsp;an unbeaten 72 off 35 balls that inspired Bangladesh to such a massive victory.</p>

<p><strong>Squad:</strong></p>

<p><strong>India:</strong> Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik(w), Vijay Shankar, Washington Sundar, Jaydev Unadkat, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Rishabh Pant</p>

<p><strong>Bangladesh</strong>: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mahmudullah(c), Sabbir Rahman, Mehidy Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Nazmul Islam, Abu Jayed, Imrul Kayes, Nurul Hasan, Ariful Haque, Abu Hider Rony</p>


India is currently leading the tournament with four points, as they won two out of three matches till now

India will face Bangladesh in the 5th match of T20I Tri-Series at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on 2018 Wednesday, March 14. The match will start at 7:00 pm IST. India, with the win, will land straightaway in the finals of the tournament. Men in blue are currently leading the tournament with four points, as they won two out of three matches till now. Though, India had lost the first match against Sri Lanka but fought their way out in the second match when the young guns of the team came out as champions. Rohit Sharma, who is leading the team in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli, has not performed at-par. A big shout out to the bowlers, especially Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar, both of them have outbowled the opponents with their variety of seam and pace. The newcomers are playing with passion, dedication and are stepping up for the team as the pillars in odd situations. In a recent interview newcomer Shardul said, "When other senior bowlers are missing from the team, it's me who (has) to step up." On the other hand, Bangladesh has shrugged its rust off in this series when they stunned Sri Lanka and marked a record run chase of 215. Mushfiqur Rahim slammed an unbeaten 72 off 35 balls that inspired Bangladesh to such a massive victory. Squad: India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik(w), Vijay Shankar, Washington Sundar, Jaydev Unadkat, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Rishabh Pant Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mahmudullah(c), Sabbir Rahman, Mehidy Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Nazmul Islam, Abu Jayed, Imrul Kayes, Nurul Hasan, Ariful Haque, Abu Hider Rony

Nidahas Trophy T20: India up against confident Bangladesh, eyes final berth

cricket-0

Cricket, News on Cricket, stories on Cricket, articles on Cricket, Cricket stories at Wion, Cricket news, Cricket latest news

cricket 0