The stage is set for the final clash of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League 2019</a>, there couldn't be&nbsp;a better ending of the tournament as the two most successful franchises will square off&nbsp;in what promises to be another thrilling clash and it will be interesting to see which team goes home with its fourth title.&nbsp;

Mumbai and Chennai have played a total of 27 matches out of which Mumbai won 16 and Chennai managed to win 11.&nbsp;

Since 2015, they have played a total of nine&nbsp;matches and Chennai have defeated Mumbai just two times and Mumbai emerged victorious on seven occasions.&nbsp;

They have met three times in IPL finals, and Rohit &amp; Co defeated Dhoni's side twice.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai can certainly take confidence out of the fact that they have won three out of the four finals they have been part of, including the two against Chennai in 2013 and 2015.&nbsp;

Previously, eight of the 11 finals have been won by the team that won the toss.&nbsp;

If Imran Tahir makes the Chennai's&nbsp;playing XI, he will be the first 40-year old to compete in an IPL Final.

Imran Tahir needs two more wickets to become only the second spinner in IPL history to bag the Purple Cap; the only spinner to finish as the season’s highest wicket-taker was Pragyan Ojha, back in 2010.&nbsp;

It can't be disputed that Mumbai go into the final as the favourites, having beaten Chennai as many as three times earlier in the tournament including in the Qualifier 1.&nbsp;

However, statistics count for little going into the title fight with both teams being in the situation before multiple times.&nbsp;

The stage is set for the final clash of Indian Premier League 2019, there couldn't be a better ending of the tournament as the two most successful franchises will square off in what promises to be another thrilling clash and it will be interesting to see which team goes home with its fourth title.

The stage is set for the final clash of Indian Premier League 2019, there couldn't be a better ending of the tournament as the two most successful franchises will square off in what promises to be another thrilling clash and it will be interesting to see which team goes home with its fourth title. Mumbai and Chennai have played a total of 27 matches out of which Mumbai won 16 and Chennai managed to win 11. Since 2015, they have played a total of nine matches and Chennai have defeated Mumbai just two times and Mumbai emerged victorious on seven occasions. They have met three times in IPL finals, and Rohit & Co defeated Dhoni's side twice. Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai can certainly take confidence out of the fact that they have won three out of the four finals they have been part of, including the two against Chennai in 2013 and 2015. Previously, eight of the 11 finals have been won by the team that won the toss. If Imran Tahir makes the Chennai's playing XI, he will be the first 40-year old to compete in an IPL Final. Imran Tahir needs two more wickets to become only the second spinner in IPL history to bag the Purple Cap; the only spinner to finish as the season’s highest wicket-taker was Pragyan Ojha, back in 2010. It can't be disputed that Mumbai go into the final as the favourites, having beaten Chennai as many as three times earlier in the tournament including in the Qualifier 1. However, statistics count for little going into the title fight with both teams being in the situation before multiple times.

IPL 2019 Final: The Mumbai-Chennai rivalry in records and stats

Chennai's spinner Imran Tahir said that he took advice from Mahendra Singh Dhoni&nbsp;and followed his plan after he achieved career-best 4 for 27 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-imran-tahir-suresh-raina-ensure-easy-win-for-chennai-against-kolkata-210382">against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata team</a> during an Indian Premier League match at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.&nbsp;

The 40-year-old Tahir gave credit to Dhoni for his splendid bowling and also said that MSD is "helping him&nbsp;a lot".

During the post-match presentation, Tahir said, "I just bowled according to the captain's instructions. It's always beneficial taking advice from Dhoni. He's helping me a lot. It's an absolute pleasure and the credit goes to him."

He further added, "There are few things which he tells me like where I need to bowl, which area and where the guy is going to hit. It's working and I'm just loving it. We are playing good cricket. We respect each other and enjoy each other's success,"&nbsp;

"Those were small things. He tells me like this guy is trying to hit in this area so I bowl accordingly. I am an attacking spinner and want to take wickets and he allows me to bowl that way," Tahir said of Dhoni.&nbsp;

Tahir's career-best spell restricted Kolkata to 161 for 8, Chennai coasted to the target in 19.4 overs as Raina anchored the chase with an unbeaten 58 off 42 balls with seven fours and a six.&nbsp;

Currently, Tahir is the joint leading wicket-taker with Kagiso Rabada with 13 to his tally.&nbsp;

For his brilliant effort, he was awarded Man of the Match award.&nbsp;

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When you receive your award once again and get to learn how to wear the cap yellovingly! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvCSK</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranTahirSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranTahirSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DJBravo47?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DJBravo47</a> <a href="https://t.co/nquXsFTiR8">pic.twitter.com/nquXsFTiR8</a>
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Truly on a purple path is the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParasakthiExpress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ParasakthiExpress</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a> 💛 <a href="https://t.co/fC2n1MJvk6">pic.twitter.com/fC2n1MJvk6</a>
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"Playing for CSK, one of the best franchises in the world, I've to show people how much I love and respect this team," Tahir concluded.&nbsp;

Chennai's spinner Imran Tahir said that he took advice from Mahendra Singh Dhoni and followed his plan after he achieved career-best 4 for 27 against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata team during an Indian Premier League match at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.

Chennai's spinner Imran Tahir said that he took advice from Mahendra Singh Dhoni and followed his plan after he achieved career-best 4 for 27 against Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata team during an Indian Premier League match at the Eden Gardens on Sunday. The 40-year-old Tahir gave credit to Dhoni for his splendid bowling and also said that MSD is "helping him a lot". During the post-match presentation, Tahir said, "I just bowled according to the captain's instructions. It's always beneficial taking advice from Dhoni. He's helping me a lot. It's an absolute pleasure and the credit goes to him." He further added, "There are few things which he tells me like where I need to bowl, which area and where the guy is going to hit. It's working and I'm just loving it. We are playing good cricket. We respect each other and enjoy each other's success," "Those were small things. He tells me like this guy is trying to hit in this area so I bowl accordingly. I am an attacking spinner and want to take wickets and he allows me to bowl that way," Tahir said of Dhoni. Tahir's career-best spell restricted Kolkata to 161 for 8, Chennai coasted to the target in 19.4 overs as Raina anchored the chase with an unbeaten 58 off 42 balls with seven fours and a six. Currently, Tahir is the joint leading wicket-taker with Kagiso Rabada with 13 to his tally. For his brilliant effort, he was awarded Man of the Match award. When you receive your award once again and get to learn how to wear the cap yellovingly! #WhistlePodu #Yellove #KKRvCSK 🦁💛 @ImranTahirSA @DJBravo47 pic.twitter.com/nquXsFTiR8 — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 14, 2019 × Truly on a purple path is the #ParasakthiExpress! #WhistlePodu #Yellove 💛 pic.twitter.com/fC2n1MJvk6 — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 14, 2019 × "Playing for CSK, one of the best franchises in the world, I've to show people how much I love and respect this team," Tahir concluded.

Imran Tahir: I followed Dhoni's plan and bowled according to his instructions

Imran Tahir spun a web before Suresh Raina found his mojo back with a half-century as Chennai inched closer towards another Playoff qualification with a five-wicket victory over Kolkata in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a> match on Sunday.&nbsp;

After Tahir's career-best 4 for 27 restricted Kolkata to 161 for 8, Chennai coasted to the target in 19.4 overs as Raina anchored the chase with an unbeaten 58 off 42 balls with seven fours and a six.&nbsp;

Ravindra Jadeja also played an important cameo hitting 31 off 17 balls to pave the way for the team's seventh win in eight games.&nbsp;

Needing 24 runs off the last two overs, Jadeja smashed Harry Gurney for three successive fours to make it just a formality in the last over.&nbsp;

This was the defending champions fourth win on the trot as they consolidated their position atop the table with 14 points and one more win will virtually seal their spot in playoffs whose cut-off over the ears has been 16 points.&nbsp;

This was also their first win at the Eden Gardens since 2013 as they did a double on Kolkata who suffered a hat-trick of defeats for the first time since 2014 and set to slip out of their second place in the table. Incidentally, 161 is their lowest score at the Eden this season.&nbsp;

Kolkata next face Bangalore here on April 19.&nbsp;

Sunil Narine was the pick of Kolkata bowling with figures 2/19 that included a wicket-maiden when he cleaned up Faf du Plessis (24) to end the powerplay.&nbsp;

But Raina held on at the other end with significant partnerships including a 40-run stand with skipper MS Dhoni.&nbsp;

It all seemed a walk in the park for Chennai when Narine gave the biggest breakthrough dismissing Dhoni for 16 with team's score of 121/5, needing 41 runs from 26 balls.&nbsp;

But Raina held his nerves while Jadeja gave the finishing touches. On an Eden Gardens track where spinners had struggled so far, Tahir spun the match in favour of Chennai with his twin double blows in the 11th and 15th overs en route his career-best IPL figures that took him past Kagiso Rabada in the leading wicket-takers' tally.&nbsp;

Tahir removed an ominous-looking Chris Lynn (82 off 51 balls; 7x4, 6x6) and in a space of four balls removed the dangerous Andre Russell (10) for the first time under a score of 40 this season to put brakes on their scoring.&nbsp;

Tahir's bowling had such devastating effect that Kolkata managed just 28 runs from last five overs and went on to lose three more wickets to end up with a below-par total.&nbsp;

But it was a different script for Kolkata early on with a fit-again Lynn giving them a flying start en route to his second fifty this season that came off just 36 balls.&nbsp;

Having missed his team's last match because of flu, Lynn went ballistic against Deepak Chahar who bled 22 runs from his first two overs with the Aussie smashing the seamer for 4-6-4 in the third over.&nbsp;

Such was Lynn's dominance that the otherwise explosive Sunil Narine looked like a spectator at the other end with the Aussie having a share of 31 off 33 runs in the first four overs.&nbsp;

A 200-plus total looked imminent with Lynn looking dangerous and Russell starting to explode with a boundary and a six off Tahir.&nbsp;

But Tahir, aided by some brilliant catching from Faf du Plessis and the substitute Dhruv Shorey, made inroads removing Nitish Rana (21) and Robin Uthappa (0) in space of two balls.&nbsp;

Chennai's catching was exceptional with Du Plessis charging in from long-off to dismiss Uthappa off first ball, then Shradul Thakur at deep square leg clung onto a flat hit from Lynn.&nbsp;

The big one was that of Shorey when he charged in for a swerving low catch to get rid off Russell, who looked in his usual explosive zone with 10 runs from 4 balls (1x4, 1x6).

Imran Tahir spun a web before Suresh Raina found his mojo back with a half-century as Chennai inched closer towards another Playoff qualification with a five-wicket victory over Kolkata in an Indian Premier League match on Sunday.

Imran Tahir spun a web before Suresh Raina found his mojo back with a half-century as Chennai inched closer towards another Playoff qualification with a five-wicket victory over Kolkata in an Indian Premier League match on Sunday. After Tahir's career-best 4 for 27 restricted Kolkata to 161 for 8, Chennai coasted to the target in 19.4 overs as Raina anchored the chase with an unbeaten 58 off 42 balls with seven fours and a six. Ravindra Jadeja also played an important cameo hitting 31 off 17 balls to pave the way for the team's seventh win in eight games. Needing 24 runs off the last two overs, Jadeja smashed Harry Gurney for three successive fours to make it just a formality in the last over. This was the defending champions fourth win on the trot as they consolidated their position atop the table with 14 points and one more win will virtually seal their spot in playoffs whose cut-off over the ears has been 16 points. This was also their first win at the Eden Gardens since 2013 as they did a double on Kolkata who suffered a hat-trick of defeats for the first time since 2014 and set to slip out of their second place in the table. Incidentally, 161 is their lowest score at the Eden this season. Kolkata next face Bangalore here on April 19. Sunil Narine was the pick of Kolkata bowling with figures 2/19 that included a wicket-maiden when he cleaned up Faf du Plessis (24) to end the powerplay. But Raina held on at the other end with significant partnerships including a 40-run stand with skipper MS Dhoni. It all seemed a walk in the park for Chennai when Narine gave the biggest breakthrough dismissing Dhoni for 16 with team's score of 121/5, needing 41 runs from 26 balls. But Raina held his nerves while Jadeja gave the finishing touches. On an Eden Gardens track where spinners had struggled so far, Tahir spun the match in favour of Chennai with his twin double blows in the 11th and 15th overs en route his career-best IPL figures that took him past Kagiso Rabada in the leading wicket-takers' tally. Tahir removed an ominous-looking Chris Lynn (82 off 51 balls; 7x4, 6x6) and in a space of four balls removed the dangerous Andre Russell (10) for the first time under a score of 40 this season to put brakes on their scoring. Tahir's bowling had such devastating effect that Kolkata managed just 28 runs from last five overs and went on to lose three more wickets to end up with a below-par total. But it was a different script for Kolkata early on with a fit-again Lynn giving them a flying start en route to his second fifty this season that came off just 36 balls. Having missed his team's last match because of flu, Lynn went ballistic against Deepak Chahar who bled 22 runs from his first two overs with the Aussie smashing the seamer for 4-6-4 in the third over. Such was Lynn's dominance that the otherwise explosive Sunil Narine looked like a spectator at the other end with the Aussie having a share of 31 off 33 runs in the first four overs. A 200-plus total looked imminent with Lynn looking dangerous and Russell starting to explode with a boundary and a six off Tahir. But Tahir, aided by some brilliant catching from Faf du Plessis and the substitute Dhruv Shorey, made inroads removing Nitish Rana (21) and Robin Uthappa (0) in space of two balls. Chennai's catching was exceptional with Du Plessis charging in from long-off to dismiss Uthappa off first ball, then Shradul Thakur at deep square leg clung onto a flat hit from Lynn. The big one was that of Shorey when he charged in for a swerving low catch to get rid off Russell, who looked in his usual explosive zone with 10 runs from 4 balls (1x4, 1x6).

IPL 2019: Imran Tahir, Suresh Raina ensure easy win for Chennai against Kolkata

It's not wrong to call Mahendra Singh Dhoni a 7-year-old kid as he joined Imran Tahir and Shane Watson's sons for a playful sprint at the Chepauk stadium after Chennai's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-spinners-help-chennai-defend-160-against-punjab-reclaim-top-spot-208398">22-run win over Punjab</a> in an Indian Premier League match on Saturday.&nbsp;

After the match, a video went viral in which Jr Tahir and Jr Watson were getting ready for a sprint challenge assisted by their fathers and from nowhere,&nbsp;the 37-year-old entered the frame and started running with the kids.&nbsp;

He later lifted Tahir's son and run back to the finishing line.&nbsp;

The video was posted by the franchise's official account with the caption, "Jr. #ParasakthiExpress and Jr. Watto having a sprint face-off and a lightning joins them! Priceless!"&nbsp;

Watch the video here:

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Jr. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParasakthiExpress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ParasakthiExpress</a> and Jr. Watto having a sprint face-off and a lightning joins them! Priceless! <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustThalaThings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JustThalaThings</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/bIGEgedZYW">pic.twitter.com/bIGEgedZYW</a>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1114542024256962560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParasakthiExpress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ParasakthiExpress</a> picks wickets and runs! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thala</a> picks Jr. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParasakthiExpress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ParasakthiExpress</a> and runs! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OdinenOdinenCuteAagaOdinen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OdinenOdinenCuteAagaOdinen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yellove</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/3LWXza38ie">pic.twitter.com/3LWXza38ie</a>
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It is well-known that India's two-time World Cup-winning skipper is comfortable around kids and his videos with daughter Ziva Dhoni often go viral.&nbsp;

Recently he was&nbsp;talking with daughter Ziva in six different languages, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ms-dhoni-interacting-with-ziva-in-six-different-languages-is-cutest-thing-on-internet-today-205407">watch</a>.&nbsp;

In the match, defending 160 for three, Chennai restricted Punjab to 138 for 5 despite half-centuries from KL Rahul (55) and Sarfaraz Khan (67).&nbsp;

The visitors scored at a low pace and required to score 26 off the last over, bowled by IPL debutant Scott Kuggeleijn. The Kiwi paceman had no trouble defending those runs and also dismissed Sarfaraz.&nbsp;

It's not wrong to call Mahendra Singh Dhoni a 7-year-old kid as he joined Imran Tahir and Shane Watson's sons for a playful sprint at the Chepauk stadium after Chennai's 22-run win over Punjab in an Indian Premier League match on Saturday.

It's not wrong to call Mahendra Singh Dhoni a 7-year-old kid as he joined Imran Tahir and Shane Watson's sons for a playful sprint at the Chepauk stadium after Chennai's 22-run win over Punjab in an Indian Premier League match on Saturday. After the match, a video went viral in which Jr Tahir and Jr Watson were getting ready for a sprint challenge assisted by their fathers and from nowhere, the 37-year-old entered the frame and started running with the kids. He later lifted Tahir's son and run back to the finishing line. The video was posted by the franchise's official account with the caption, "Jr. #ParasakthiExpress and Jr. Watto having a sprint face-off and a lightning joins them! Priceless!" Watch the video here: Jr. #ParasakthiExpress and Jr. Watto having a sprint face-off and a lightning joins them! Priceless! @msdhoni #JustThalaThings #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/bIGEgedZYW — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 6, 2019 × #ParasakthiExpress picks wickets and runs! #Thala picks Jr. #ParasakthiExpress and runs! #OdinenOdinenCuteAagaOdinen #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/3LWXza38ie — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 6, 2019 × It is well-known that India's two-time World Cup-winning skipper is comfortable around kids and his videos with daughter Ziva Dhoni often go viral. Recently he was talking with daughter Ziva in six different languages, watch. In the match, defending 160 for three, Chennai restricted Punjab to 138 for 5 despite half-centuries from KL Rahul (55) and Sarfaraz Khan (67). The visitors scored at a low pace and required to score 26 off the last over, bowled by IPL debutant Scott Kuggeleijn. The Kiwi paceman had no trouble defending those runs and also dismissed Sarfaraz.

Watch: Chennai skipper MS Dhoni's sprint competition with Shane Watson and Imran Tahir's sons

South Africa's veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir conceded only five runs in a decisive super over as they beat Sri Lanka in their opening Twenty20 International on Tuesday after both teams had finished their innings with the same score.

After sending the tourists into bat, the home side restricted Sri Lanka to 134 for seven in their 20 overs, but then blew a commanding position to end with same total, leaving the Newlands encounter to be decided by a one-over eliminator.

David Miller helped South Africa blast 14 runs from their super over, before the wily Tahir restricted Sri Lanka to only five in reply, two of which were wides.

South Africa looked odds-on for victory when they reached 118 for three in their innings, needing 17 runs from 22 balls, but a flurry of late wickets left them needing two off the last delivery with Tahir on strike.

He missed the ball from seamer Isuru Udana, but partner Dale Steyn scrambled through for a single as Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella botched a simple run out to win the game for his side.

Miller had earlier struck a quickfire 41 off 23 balls and put on 66 for the fourth wicket with Rassie van der Dussen (34) as the pair steadied the innings after the home side had lost three early wickets.

But Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga took the game into the final over with a superb spell of bowling, ending with figures of 2-11 in four overs.

Kamindu Mendis top-scored for visitors in their innings, blazing 41 off 29 balls before he was stumped by stand-in wicketkeeper Miller off the bowling of the impressive Tahir.

Miller was handed the gloves as South Africa seek a back-up option to Quinton de Kock at the World Cup in England and Wales, with the former passing his audition with some neat work behind the stumps.

The second match in the series will be played in Pretoria on Friday, before concluding on Sunday in Johannesburg.

South Africa's veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir conceded only five runs in a decisive super over as they beat Sri Lanka in their opening Twenty20 International on Tuesday after both teams had finished their innings with the same score.

South Africa's veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir conceded only five runs in a decisive super over as they beat Sri Lanka in their opening Twenty20 International on Tuesday after both teams had finished their innings with the same score. After sending the tourists into bat, the home side restricted Sri Lanka to 134 for seven in their 20 overs, but then blew a commanding position to end with same total, leaving the Newlands encounter to be decided by a one-over eliminator. David Miller helped South Africa blast 14 runs from their super over, before the wily Tahir restricted Sri Lanka to only five in reply, two of which were wides. South Africa looked odds-on for victory when they reached 118 for three in their innings, needing 17 runs from 22 balls, but a flurry of late wickets left them needing two off the last delivery with Tahir on strike. He missed the ball from seamer Isuru Udana, but partner Dale Steyn scrambled through for a single as Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella botched a simple run out to win the game for his side. Miller had earlier struck a quickfire 41 off 23 balls and put on 66 for the fourth wicket with Rassie van der Dussen (34) as the pair steadied the innings after the home side had lost three early wickets. But Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga took the game into the final over with a superb spell of bowling, ending with figures of 2-11 in four overs. Kamindu Mendis top-scored for visitors in their innings, blazing 41 off 29 balls before he was stumped by stand-in wicketkeeper Miller off the bowling of the impressive Tahir. Miller was handed the gloves as South Africa seek a back-up option to Quinton de Kock at the World Cup in England and Wales, with the former passing his audition with some neat work behind the stumps. The second match in the series will be played in Pretoria on Friday, before concluding on Sunday in Johannesburg.

David Miller, Imran Tahir lead South Africa to super-over victory over Sri Lanka

Veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir said on Monday he would retire from one-day international cricket after the World Cup in England and Wales, which ends on July 14.

But he said he would like to continue playing for South Africa in Twenty20 Internationals.

Tahir, who will turn 40 later this month, played a starring role for South Africa, taking three for 26, in their eight-wicket win in the first one-day international against Sri Lanka at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday.

His performance drew attention to the fact that he was not on the list of contracted players for the 2019/20 year released by Cricket South Africa last week.

But he revealed on Monday that he had reached an agreement with CSA for his contract to expire at the end of July, extending his 2018/19 contract by three months.

In a statement released by CSA, Tahir said he would re-assess his freelance future after the World Cup.

"I have always wanted to play in the World Cup," he said. “I have a mutual understanding with Cricket South Africa and going forward I decided that I would finish at the World Cup, that is why I am contracted until then. After that, Cricket South Africa has allowed me to go and play around the world in various leagues but I would also love to play T20 cricket for South Africa."

Tahir said retiring from one-day internationals was a difficult decision. "I would love to play for as long as I can," he said, "but there is a stage in your life where you have to make big decisions."

He said, though, that he would like to play for South Africa in the 2020 ICC T20 World Cup in Australia.

Tahir, who has taken 156 wickets in 95 one-day internationals, played in the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. He also played in the 2014 and 2016 World T20 tournaments.

Veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir said on Monday he would retire from one-day international cricket after the World Cup in England and Wales, which ends on July 14.

Veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir said on Monday he would retire from one-day international cricket after the World Cup in England and Wales, which ends on July 14. But he said he would like to continue playing for South Africa in Twenty20 Internationals. Tahir, who will turn 40 later this month, played a starring role for South Africa, taking three for 26, in their eight-wicket win in the first one-day international against Sri Lanka at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday. His performance drew attention to the fact that he was not on the list of contracted players for the 2019/20 year released by Cricket South Africa last week. But he revealed on Monday that he had reached an agreement with CSA for his contract to expire at the end of July, extending his 2018/19 contract by three months. In a statement released by CSA, Tahir said he would re-assess his freelance future after the World Cup. "I have always wanted to play in the World Cup," he said. “I have a mutual understanding with Cricket South Africa and going forward I decided that I would finish at the World Cup, that is why I am contracted until then. After that, Cricket South Africa has allowed me to go and play around the world in various leagues but I would also love to play T20 cricket for South Africa." Tahir said retiring from one-day internationals was a difficult decision. "I would love to play for as long as I can," he said, "but there is a stage in your life where you have to make big decisions." He said, though, that he would like to play for South Africa in the 2020 ICC T20 World Cup in Australia. Tahir, who has taken 156 wickets in 95 one-day internationals, played in the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. He also played in the 2014 and 2016 World T20 tournaments.

Imran Tahir to quit one-day international cricket after World Cup 2019

South African spinner Imran Tahir has alleged that he was racially abused by an Indian fan during the fourth ODI against Virat Kohli&#39;s men, prompting the country&#39;s board to launch an investigation.

Tahir did not feature in the rain-curtailed match that India lost by five wickets in Johannesburg on Saturday. South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee said the tweaker was abused while he was carrying out his duties as 12th man.

&quot;My understanding from Imran&#39;s perspective is that he was racially and verbally abused by a certain gentleman throughout the match. He reported to stadium security stationed in front of the dressing room and two of the security personnel accompanied him to identify the perpetrator,&quot; said Moosajee.

&quot;According to what Imran said, it was an Indian fan,&quot; Moosajee added.

The verbal jousting allegedly took place when he was traversing up and down the passageway connecting the field and the players&#39; dressing rooms at the Wanderers. Tahir has told the CSA that the fan kept at it whenever he was on the field during breaks.

Tahir reported the incident to the stadium security and was subsequently accompanied by two security personnel to identify and to have the fan ejected from the stadium, the media release said. Tahir made no physical contact with the offender or any of the children in the vicinity.

The incident is under investigation with the CSA and stadium security teams, Moosajee confirmed.

&quot;...when he (Tahir) got up there, there was some hostile verbal exchanges. And to neutralise the situation, they removed him from the scene and brought him back to the changing room,&quot; he narrated.

&quot;So that&#39;s what we&#39;ve been told. There were definitely no (physical) exchanges and no children involved in the incident as has been reported on social media.&quot;

Moosajee also stated that Tahir is in no danger of being sanctioned by Cricket South Africa as the board has accepted his version of the incident.

From his side, he hasn&#39;t done anything untoward. He had reported it to the stadium security and he was up there just to identify the suspect,&quot; he added.

The video has been put on Facebook and it shows Tahir in a heated argument with a group of fans, one of them donning an Indian jersey. The video, shot by another fan, doesn&#39;t show any physical altercation between the two sides.

Tahir has alleged that he was racially abused by an Indian fan during the fourth ODI

South African spinner Imran Tahir has alleged that he was racially abused by an Indian fan during the fourth ODI against Virat Kohli's men, prompting the country's board to launch an investigation. Tahir did not feature in the rain-curtailed match that India lost by five wickets in Johannesburg on Saturday. South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee said the tweaker was abused while he was carrying out his duties as 12th man. "My understanding from Imran's perspective is that he was racially and verbally abused by a certain gentleman throughout the match. He reported to stadium security stationed in front of the dressing room and two of the security personnel accompanied him to identify the perpetrator," said Moosajee. "According to what Imran said, it was an Indian fan," Moosajee added. The verbal jousting allegedly took place when he was traversing up and down the passageway connecting the field and the players' dressing rooms at the Wanderers. Tahir has told the CSA that the fan kept at it whenever he was on the field during breaks. Tahir reported the incident to the stadium security and was subsequently accompanied by two security personnel to identify and to have the fan ejected from the stadium, the media release said. Tahir made no physical contact with the offender or any of the children in the vicinity. The incident is under investigation with the CSA and stadium security teams, Moosajee confirmed. "...when he (Tahir) got up there, there was some hostile verbal exchanges. And to neutralise the situation, they removed him from the scene and brought him back to the changing room," he narrated. "So that's what we've been told. There were definitely no (physical) exchanges and no children involved in the incident as has been reported on social media." Moosajee also stated that Tahir is in no danger of being sanctioned by Cricket South Africa as the board has accepted his version of the incident. From his side, he hasn't done anything untoward. He had reported it to the stadium security and he was up there just to identify the suspect," he added. The video has been put on Facebook and it shows Tahir in a heated argument with a group of fans, one of them donning an Indian jersey. The video, shot by another fan, doesn't show any physical altercation between the two sides.

South African spinner Imran Tahir says he was racially abused by Indian fan

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir became the first South African to claim seven wickets in a One-Day International as the Proteas demolished West Indies in St Kitts on Wednesday. 
 
Tahir served up a rich variety of deliveries to claim 7-45 from nine overs as the South Africa won by 139 runs, dismissing the bewildered West Indies for 204 in 38 overs at Warner Park. 
 
Earlier, Hashim Amla scored 110 off 99 balls to notch his 23rd career ODI century, sharing an opening partnership of 182 with Quinton de Kock (71) to set the visitors on their way to a formidable 343-4. 
 
West Indies made a bright start in reply with openers Johnson Charles and Andrew Fletcher compiling a quickfire 69 before the latter holed out at deep mid-wicket for 21 from the last ball of the ninth over to give Tahir his first wicket. 
 
The result was never in doubt once Charles, who scored 49, was sent packing in the 13th over. 
 
Tahir&#39;s haul included the scalp of World Twenty20 hero Carlos Brathwaite, who was clean bowled by a wicked googly for a golden duck. 
 
In his 58th match, Tahir became the fastest South African bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets, and the fourth quickest overall. 
 
Tahir said he had not realised he needed only two wickets to crack the century until a pre-match phone call came from his wife. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m grateful she reminded me,&quot; the 37-year-old said. &quot;I&#39;m really pleased.&quot; 
 
West Indies captain Jason Holder offered no excuses. 
 
&quot;We weren&#39;t good enough today and were totally outplayed. We didn&#39;t bowl well, especially the first 10 overs,&quot; he said. 
 
South Africa&#39;s victory leaves the triangular series evenly poised, with the Proteas, West Indies and Australia all on two wins from four matches. 
 
South Africa, thanks to two bonus points, lead the standings with 10 points, followed by Australia on nine and West Indies on eight. 
 
The series shifts to Barbados for three more matches from Sunday and the hosts face the biggest challenge if they are to make the June 25 final. 
 
&quot;Probably one (victory) out of two games will be enough for us to go to the final,&quot; said South African captain AB de Villiers. 
(Reuters)

In his 58th match, Imran Tahir became the fastest South African bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets, and the fourth quickest overall

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir became the first South African to claim seven wickets in a One-Day International as the Proteas demolished West Indies in St Kitts on Wednesday. Tahir served up a rich variety of deliveries to claim 7-45 from nine overs as the South Africa won by 139 runs, dismissing the bewildered West Indies for 204 in 38 overs at Warner Park. Earlier, Hashim Amla scored 110 off 99 balls to notch his 23rd career ODI century, sharing an opening partnership of 182 with Quinton de Kock (71) to set the visitors on their way to a formidable 343-4. West Indies made a bright start in reply with openers Johnson Charles and Andrew Fletcher compiling a quickfire 69 before the latter holed out at deep mid-wicket for 21 from the last ball of the ninth over to give Tahir his first wicket. The result was never in doubt once Charles, who scored 49, was sent packing in the 13th over. Tahir's haul included the scalp of World Twenty20 hero Carlos Brathwaite, who was clean bowled by a wicked googly for a golden duck. In his 58th match, Tahir became the fastest South African bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets, and the fourth quickest overall. Tahir said he had not realised he needed only two wickets to crack the century until a pre-match phone call came from his wife. "I'm grateful she reminded me," the 37-year-old said. "I'm really pleased." West Indies captain Jason Holder offered no excuses. "We weren't good enough today and were totally outplayed. We didn't bowl well, especially the first 10 overs," he said. South Africa's victory leaves the triangular series evenly poised, with the Proteas, West Indies and Australia all on two wins from four matches. South Africa, thanks to two bonus points, lead the standings with 10 points, followed by Australia on nine and West Indies on eight. The series shifts to Barbados for three more matches from Sunday and the hosts face the biggest challenge if they are to make the June 25 final. "Probably one (victory) out of two games will be enough for us to go to the final," said South African captain AB de Villiers. (Reuters)

Tahir spins South Africa to victory over West Indies

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