<p>Sri Lanka's batsmen need to apply themselves better if the team are to avoid a repeat of the middle order collapse they suffered in Tuesday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-sri-lanka-fight-back-to-beat-afghanistan-by-34-runs-224394">34-run World Cup victory</a> over Afghanistan, former captain Mahela Jayawardene has said.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka made a promising start in Cardiff and were 144 for two at one point thanks to Kusal Perera's 78 off 81 balls, but lost four wickets for five runs and were all out for 201 in the 37th over.</p>

<p>Afghanistan spinner Mohammad Nabi took three wickets in a single over to leave the Lankans struggling at 149-5 and Jayawardene said the string of soft dismissals was cause for concern.</p>

<p>"The way Sri Lanka lost wickets... in the middle order is a real concern and there were too many soft dismissals," he wrote in a column for the International Cricket Council.</p>

<p>"Looking at the wicket... this was never going to be a high-scoring game. However, there's no question that Sri Lanka could have batted better. They should have been looking at 250 plus," he said.</p>

<p>Lankan coach Chandika Hathurusingha said his batsmen were suffering from a crisis of confidence that had been exacerbated by the bowler-friendly conditions.</p>

<p>"When a batsman is in it looked an easy wicket to bat on but we lost one wicket and then we lost three wickets in one over," Hathurusingha said.</p>

<p>"There were a lot of tentative shots, that was the cause of some of the dismissals. We're lacking in confidence... we allowed them to come into the game,"&nbsp;Hathurusingha added.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka arrived at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2019-virat-kohlis-india-begins-campaign-against-stunned-south-africa-224406">World Cup</a> in patchy form, losing two warm-up games against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-south-african-pacer-dale-steyn-ruled-out-of-tournament-due-to-shoulder-injury-224247">South Africa</a> and Australia before being beaten by New Zealand by 10 wickets in their first match of the tournament.</p>

<p>Against Afghanistan, they needed pace bowlers Nuwan Pradeep (4-31) and Lasith Malinga (3-39) to help guide them over the line and Hathurusingha said getting their first win would help build confidence for the rest of the tournament.</p>

<p>"This gives us a lot of confidence because we really needed a win. We haven't had much success lately. I'm sure you will see a better team, a better approach from our team after this win. We needed this win badly," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Here's a complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:</strong></p>

<p><img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aea1fac7-c031-4be6-986d-cc0994304bc3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_20.jpg" /></p>

<p>Sri Lanka next play Pakistan on Friday.</p>


Sri Lanka's batsmen need to apply themselves better if the team are to avoid a repeat of the middle order collapse they suffered in Tuesday's 34-run World Cup victory over Afghanistan, former captain Mahela Jayawardene has said.

Sri Lanka's batsmen need to apply themselves better if the team are to avoid a repeat of the middle order collapse they suffered in Tuesday's 34-run World Cup victory over Afghanistan, former captain Mahela Jayawardene has said. Sri Lanka made a promising start in Cardiff and were 144 for two at one point thanks to Kusal Perera's 78 off 81 balls, but lost four wickets for five runs and were all out for 201 in the 37th over. Afghanistan spinner Mohammad Nabi took three wickets in a single over to leave the Lankans struggling at 149-5 and Jayawardene said the string of soft dismissals was cause for concern. "The way Sri Lanka lost wickets... in the middle order is a real concern and there were too many soft dismissals," he wrote in a column for the International Cricket Council. "Looking at the wicket... this was never going to be a high-scoring game. However, there's no question that Sri Lanka could have batted better. They should have been looking at 250 plus," he said. Lankan coach Chandika Hathurusingha said his batsmen were suffering from a crisis of confidence that had been exacerbated by the bowler-friendly conditions. "When a batsman is in it looked an easy wicket to bat on but we lost one wicket and then we lost three wickets in one over," Hathurusingha said. "There were a lot of tentative shots, that was the cause of some of the dismissals. We're lacking in confidence... we allowed them to come into the game," Hathurusingha added. Sri Lanka arrived at the World Cup in patchy form, losing two warm-up games against South Africa and Australia before being beaten by New Zealand by 10 wickets in their first match of the tournament. Against Afghanistan, they needed pace bowlers Nuwan Pradeep (4-31) and Lasith Malinga (3-39) to help guide them over the line and Hathurusingha said getting their first win would help build confidence for the rest of the tournament. "This gives us a lot of confidence because we really needed a win. We haven't had much success lately. I'm sure you will see a better team, a better approach from our team after this win. We needed this win badly," he said. Here's a complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: Sri Lanka next play Pakistan on Friday.

Former captain Mahela Jayawardene concerned by Sri Lanka's middle order at the World Cup

<p>Sri Lanka's batsmen must show more patience under pressure in Tuesday's "must-win" encounter against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">World Cup</a> dark horses Afghanistan to put their crushing opening-round defeat behind them, pacer Lasith Malinga said on Monday.</p>

<p>New Zealand thumped Sri Lanka without losing a single wicket in Cardiff on Saturday to begin their campaign in style after seam bowlers Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson skittled them out for 136.</p>

<p>Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne contributed an unbeaten 52 in that total as the Sri Lankan top-order's vulnerability in bowler-friendly conditions was exposed and Malinga said that a similar performance against Afghanistan would cost them dear.</p>

<p>"Patience is very important. We know these conditions, we can have someone get 60-70 runs and still the ball can move. Whoever the batsman is, he has to finish the game," Malinga told a news conference at the same venue.</p>

<p>"I feel players need to get confidence... we need to get mentally tough. The pressure is with us, yes, but we have to play free and do our best.</p>

<p>"At the moment we want to be concerned with our own skill and how we're going to play. (It is) a must-win game tomorrow. We'll try our best... in accuracy and tactically, everything hopefully will be there tomorrow."</p>

<p>Afghanistan fared only slightly better against defending champions Australia in their opener, losing by seven wickets, but Malinga is not taking them lightly.</p>

<p>"I think they have experienced players because most of them play in franchise cricket. They know how to accelerate and they have confidence," he added.</p>

<p>"The important thing is handling pressure... that's the big challenge for us."</p>

<p>Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib, meanwhile, said his team were targeting a morale-boosting victory against the former champions to get back on track.</p>

<p>"We have the opportunity to do well against them. I hope if we play 50 overs, batting, then definitely we can beat them," he said.</p>

<p>"If we play 50 overs, maybe (it will be) difficult for them... I saw the Sri Lankans play and they've lost a few games in the last two years... they're struggling in one-day matches."</p>


Sri Lanka's batsmen must show more patience under pressure in Tuesday's "must-win" encounter against World Cup dark horses Afghanistan to put their crushing opening-round defeat behind them, pacer Lasith Malinga said on Monday.

Sri Lanka's batsmen must show more patience under pressure in Tuesday's "must-win" encounter against World Cup dark horses Afghanistan to put their crushing opening-round defeat behind them, pacer Lasith Malinga said on Monday. New Zealand thumped Sri Lanka without losing a single wicket in Cardiff on Saturday to begin their campaign in style after seam bowlers Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson skittled them out for 136. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne contributed an unbeaten 52 in that total as the Sri Lankan top-order's vulnerability in bowler-friendly conditions was exposed and Malinga said that a similar performance against Afghanistan would cost them dear. "Patience is very important. We know these conditions, we can have someone get 60-70 runs and still the ball can move. Whoever the batsman is, he has to finish the game," Malinga told a news conference at the same venue. "I feel players need to get confidence... we need to get mentally tough. The pressure is with us, yes, but we have to play free and do our best. "At the moment we want to be concerned with our own skill and how we're going to play. (It is) a must-win game tomorrow. We'll try our best... in accuracy and tactically, everything hopefully will be there tomorrow." Afghanistan fared only slightly better against defending champions Australia in their opener, losing by seven wickets, but Malinga is not taking them lightly. "I think they have experienced players because most of them play in franchise cricket. They know how to accelerate and they have confidence," he added. "The important thing is handling pressure... that's the big challenge for us." Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib, meanwhile, said his team were targeting a morale-boosting victory against the former champions to get back on track. "We have the opportunity to do well against them. I hope if we play 50 overs, batting, then definitely we can beat them," he said. "If we play 50 overs, maybe (it will be) difficult for them... I saw the Sri Lankans play and they've lost a few games in the last two years... they're struggling in one-day matches."

'Players need to get confidence,' says Lasith Malinga ahead of Afghanistan clash

<p>Lasith Malinga's once-express pace has dropped as Father Time has caught up with the right-arm quick, but his guile should propel him to a few individual milestones at his fourth and final <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Cricket+World+Cup">Cricket World Cup</a>.</p>

<p>Malinga, who turns 36 in August, is on the cusp of breaking into the all-time top-10 one-day international wicket-takers, with his tally of 322 just one behind former teammate Sanath Jayasuriya.</p>

<p>Muttiah Muralitharan heads the list with 534 wickets.</p>

<p>Malinga has also taken three ODI hat-tricks and is the only player to have achieved the milestone twice during a World Cup.</p>

<p>His first <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/winner-of-cricket-world-cup-2019-to-earn-highest-prize-money-in-history-of-tournament-219380&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiDzKKA9r3iAhVM63MBHQXkAvcQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Cn8oNUMXZnNYlgovUFx9V">World Cup</a> hat-trick was when he dismissed four South African batsmen in four balls in Guyana in 2007 -- the only player to have achieved that feat in the tournament.</p>

<p>He then took another hat-trick against Kenya four years later in Colombo and while he said it would be nice to add a third in England and Wales, he was just keen on taking wickets when Sri Lanka start their campaign against New Zealand in Cardiff on June 1.</p>

<p>"I know I've got the skills to take wickets and (that) gives me confidence," Malinga told the International Cricket Council website.</p>

<p>"One of the things I like about playing in England is you have to adapt to every condition. It could be really hot or quite cold and that is a real test of your skill as a bowler,'' Malinga said.</p>

<p>"Why can't I get another hat-trick? I will be trying and that would be special," he added.</p>

<p>Malinga has already said that his fourth Cricket World Cup will be his last, with him targeting an international retirement after the World Twenty20 tournament in Australia next year.</p>

<p>He will however still anchor the pace attack with his ability to bowl fast swinging yorkers and well-directed bouncer and disguise changes in pace.</p>

<p>The 1996 champions have struggled in the 50-over format this year, having lost eight of their nine completed matches, with their only victory against Scotland in Edinburgh.</p>

<p>Malinga, however, felt the side could surprise opposition teams in the round-robin format.</p>

<p>"In previous years perhaps we had bigger names but these guys are very talented and they are looking forward to proving themselves and making people notice them," he said.</p>

<p>"We have the best 15 players in Sri Lanka right now and we have a mix of more experienced players and some exciting young players, who just can't wait to get started," Malinga added.</p>


Lasith Malinga's once-express pace has dropped as Father Time has caught up with the right-arm quick, but his guile should propel him to a few individual milestones at his fourth and final Cricket World Cup.

Lasith Malinga's once-express pace has dropped as Father Time has caught up with the right-arm quick, but his guile should propel him to a few individual milestones at his fourth and final Cricket World Cup. Malinga, who turns 36 in August, is on the cusp of breaking into the all-time top-10 one-day international wicket-takers, with his tally of 322 just one behind former teammate Sanath Jayasuriya. Muttiah Muralitharan heads the list with 534 wickets. Malinga has also taken three ODI hat-tricks and is the only player to have achieved the milestone twice during a World Cup. His first World Cup hat-trick was when he dismissed four South African batsmen in four balls in Guyana in 2007 -- the only player to have achieved that feat in the tournament. He then took another hat-trick against Kenya four years later in Colombo and while he said it would be nice to add a third in England and Wales, he was just keen on taking wickets when Sri Lanka start their campaign against New Zealand in Cardiff on June 1. "I know I've got the skills to take wickets and (that) gives me confidence," Malinga told the International Cricket Council website. "One of the things I like about playing in England is you have to adapt to every condition. It could be really hot or quite cold and that is a real test of your skill as a bowler,'' Malinga said. "Why can't I get another hat-trick? I will be trying and that would be special," he added. Malinga has already said that his fourth Cricket World Cup will be his last, with him targeting an international retirement after the World Twenty20 tournament in Australia next year. He will however still anchor the pace attack with his ability to bowl fast swinging yorkers and well-directed bouncer and disguise changes in pace. The 1996 champions have struggled in the 50-over format this year, having lost eight of their nine completed matches, with their only victory against Scotland in Edinburgh. Malinga, however, felt the side could surprise opposition teams in the round-robin format. "In previous years perhaps we had bigger names but these guys are very talented and they are looking forward to proving themselves and making people notice them," he said. "We have the best 15 players in Sri Lanka right now and we have a mix of more experienced players and some exciting young players, who just can't wait to get started," Malinga added.

Milestones beckon for Lasith Malinga in World Cup 2019 swansong

<p>The Australian cricketer almost took Chennai over the line in the Indian Premier League final against Mumbai but got run out in the last over.&nbsp;With two runs needed off the final ball, Lasith Malinga trapped Shardul Thakur leg-before to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mumbai-lift-4th-ipl-trophy-with-1-run-win-over-chennai-218193">secure Mumbai's win by one run</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Watson scored 80 off 59 balls, including four sixes and eight fours, before he was run out in the final over going for a second run, again diving to make his ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the tpurnament ended, Watson shared an emotional video on his Instragram account to thank his fans and supporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "Hello everyone, I have just arrived home and want to thank everyone for the love, support and best wishes that you've given me over the last couple of days. We were so close to going past the finish line against Mumbai but it was an amazing final."</p>

<p>Watson also insured the fans that he would return to Chennai Super Kings&nbsp;with a bang in IPL 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxg2_a5Ayed/" 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">Next year we will come back stronger #whistlepodu @chennaiipl 👊</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/srwatson33/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Shane Watson</a> (@srwatson33) on <time datetime="2019-05-16T06:34:27+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 15, 2019 at 11:34pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>"I am looking forward to come back next year to take that one step further. Thanks again, everyone for all the support. WhistlePodu!" Watson added.</p>

<p>Watson finished the 12th edition of the tournament with 398 runs and a strike rate of 127.56 from his 17 matches.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/respect-twitterati-hail-shane-watson-as-he-batted-with-bleeding-knee-in-ipl-final-218743">Watson injured his leg</a> while diving at the non-striker's end in the third over off Lasith Malinga, leaving the Brisbane-born with his yellow uniform stained red around the left knee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Australian won praise from the entire cricket fraternity and he seems to be touched by the love and support of fans.&nbsp;</p>


The Australian cricketer almost took Chennai over the line in the Indian Premier League final against Mumbai but got run out in the last over. With two runs needed off the final ball, Lasith Malinga trapped Shardul Thakur leg-before to secure Mumbai's win by one run.

The Australian cricketer almost took Chennai over the line in the Indian Premier League final against Mumbai but got run out in the last over. With two runs needed off the final ball, Lasith Malinga trapped Shardul Thakur leg-before to secure Mumbai's win by one run. Watson scored 80 off 59 balls, including four sixes and eight fours, before he was run out in the final over going for a second run, again diving to make his ground. After the tpurnament ended, Watson shared an emotional video on his Instragram account to thank his fans and supporters. He said, "Hello everyone, I have just arrived home and want to thank everyone for the love, support and best wishes that you've given me over the last couple of days. We were so close to going past the finish line against Mumbai but it was an amazing final." Watson also insured the fans that he would return to Chennai Super Kings with a bang in IPL 2020. Watch the video: View this post on Instagram Next year we will come back stronger #whistlepodu @chennaiipl 👊 A post shared by Shane Watson (@srwatson33) on May 15, 2019 at 11:34pm PDT × "I am looking forward to come back next year to take that one step further. Thanks again, everyone for all the support. WhistlePodu!" Watson added. Watson finished the 12th edition of the tournament with 398 runs and a strike rate of 127.56 from his 17 matches. Watson injured his leg while diving at the non-striker's end in the third over off Lasith Malinga, leaving the Brisbane-born with his yellow uniform stained red around the left knee. The Australian won praise from the entire cricket fraternity and he seems to be touched by the love and support of fans.

Shane Watson confident of Chennai coming back stronger in IPL 2020

<p>It was a funny game in which the two teams kept passing the trophy to each other is how Chennai skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni described <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mumbai-lift-4th-ipl-trophy-with-1-run-win-over-chennai-218193">the IPL final,</a> in which Mumbai prevailed by one run.</p>

<p>The see-saw game kept the fans enthralled as the winner-takes-all contest went to the wire and was decided in the last ball of the tournament on Sunday.</p>

<p>Initially, it was Chennai which had an edge but Mumbai came back in middle overs. Again it was Shane Watson who seemed to have tilted it in Chennai's favour but incredible pace bowling by Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga finally swung it in Mumbai's favour.</p>

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<br />
Lasith Malinga showing his true class in the last over 😎<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIvCSK</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZzVK0KHx5O">pic.twitter.com/ZzVK0KHx5O</a></p>
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<p>"Today was one game we should've done slightly better. It was quite a funny game, we were passing the trophy to each other. Both committed mistakes, and eventually, the winning team was the one that committed one mistake less," said Dhoni after Chennai fell short by just one run, chasing 150.<br />
Dhoni has led the Chennai to eight finals but he was far from a contended skipper.</p>

<p>"As a team, we had a good season. But we need to go back and reflect. Wasn't one of those years where we played very good cricket. Middle order never clicked, but somehow we managed," he said.</p>

<p>"Our bowlers did really well. It was not a 150 wicket, but the bowlers kept us in the hunt. They kept getting wickets when it was really needed.Batting, someone kept chipping in and we kept winning. To be consistent next year, we will have to really think hard," he added.</p>

<p>The charismatic Dhoni said the focus will now shift to World Cup in England.</p>

<p>"It's too early to say right now (about next year's plans). Up next is the World Cup. That's the first priority. After that, we will chat about Chennai.Nothing against the bowlers, but the batsmen could've done better. Hopefully yes, we'll see you next year," he said.</p>


It was a funny game in which the two teams kept passing the trophy to each other is how Chennai skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni described the IPL final, in which Mumbai prevailed by one run.

It was a funny game in which the two teams kept passing the trophy to each other is how Chennai skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni described the IPL final, in which Mumbai prevailed by one run. The see-saw game kept the fans enthralled as the winner-takes-all contest went to the wire and was decided in the last ball of the tournament on Sunday. Initially, it was Chennai which had an edge but Mumbai came back in middle overs. Again it was Shane Watson who seemed to have tilted it in Chennai's favour but incredible pace bowling by Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga finally swung it in Mumbai's favour. Unprecedented scenes from Hyderabad as @mipaltan became #VIVOIPL champs for the 4⃣th time! Lasith Malinga showing his true class in the last over 😎#MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/ZzVK0KHx5O — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 12, 2019 × "Today was one game we should've done slightly better. It was quite a funny game, we were passing the trophy to each other. Both committed mistakes, and eventually, the winning team was the one that committed one mistake less," said Dhoni after Chennai fell short by just one run, chasing 150. Dhoni has led the Chennai to eight finals but he was far from a contended skipper. "As a team, we had a good season. But we need to go back and reflect. Wasn't one of those years where we played very good cricket. Middle order never clicked, but somehow we managed," he said. "Our bowlers did really well. It was not a 150 wicket, but the bowlers kept us in the hunt. They kept getting wickets when it was really needed.Batting, someone kept chipping in and we kept winning. To be consistent next year, we will have to really think hard," he added. The charismatic Dhoni said the focus will now shift to World Cup in England. "It's too early to say right now (about next year's plans). Up next is the World Cup. That's the first priority. After that, we will chat about Chennai.Nothing against the bowlers, but the batsmen could've done better. Hopefully yes, we'll see you next year," he said.

IPL 2019 final: Chennai and Mumbai were passing the trophy to each other, says MS Dhoni

<p>Lasith Malinga kept his nerve with the final ball as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-ipl-2019-final-chennai-vs-mumbai-at-rajiv-gandhi-international-stadium-218116">Mumbai beat Chennai by one run</a> to clinch a record fourth Indian Premier League title Sunday.</p>

<p>After Shane Watson hit a blistering 80, Chennai needed two runs off the last ball to overtake Mumbai's 149-8. But the Sri Lankan veteran trapped Shardul Thakur lbw to claim the landmark win.</p>

<p>Malinga gave away 49 runs in his four overs but the last two overs by the Sri Lankan and fellow pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who took 2-14, were decisive.</p>

<p>The wicket extended the 35-year-old Malinga's record as the all-time best&nbsp;IPL&nbsp;bowler with 170 wickets from 122 games.</p>

<p>"About Malinga, that's what champions do," said Mumbai captain Rohit Sharma.</p>

<p>"I had confidence in him despite a poor third over. He also had confidence he could do it," Sharma said of his veteran paceman who is an expert at bowling yorkers in the death overs.</p>

<p>"I thought we could use Hardik Pandya for the 20th over, but I wanted to back someone who has done it for us and Malinga has been in that situation and done it."</p>

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<br />
Lasith Malinga showing his true class in the last over 😎<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIvCSK</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZzVK0KHx5O">pic.twitter.com/ZzVK0KHx5O</a></p>
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<p><strong>Sharma bowled over</strong></p>

<p>Sharma said Mumbai's bowling played a key role throughout the tournament.</p>

<p>"At different stages, our bowlers put their hands up and brought us back in the game.</p>

<p>"We backed our ability and our skills, and that's probably why we got rewards."</p>

<p>West Indies batsman Kieron Pollard smashed an unbeaten 41 off 25 balls to set up the Mumbai total after they elected to bat first.</p>

<p>South African captain Faf du Plessis came out all guns blazing to give Chennai a brisk start with his 26 off 13 deliveries.</p>

<p>But Ishan Kishan sent Chennai dangerman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-ms-dhoni-became-most-successful-keeper-in-ipl-history-218182">MS&nbsp;Dhoni</a> back to the dugout with a direct throw at the bowlers' end to put the defending champions in trouble at 82-4. Dhoni made just two.</p>

<p>Watson batted through the Chennai innings until he was run out in the final over going for an unlikely second run. He smashed four sixes and eight fours in his 59-ball knock.</p>

<p>Chennai leg-spinner Imran Tahir took 2-23 to surpass fellow South African Kagiso Rabada at the top of this year's&nbsp;IPL&nbsp;bowlers chart with 26 wickets. Tahir was also the first 40-year-old to appear in an&nbsp;IPL&nbsp;final.</p>

<p>Deepak Chahar took three wickets while fellow quick Shardul Thakur took two.</p>

<p>"It was not a 150 wicket, but the bowlers kept us in the hunt. They kept getting wickets when it was really needed," said Dhoni, whose team has won three titles from eight finals.</p>

<p>The Chennai captain indicated that changes could be made in the batting line-up for next season.</p>

<p>"To be consistent next year, we will have to really think hard. There is nothing against the bowlers, but the batsmen could've done better."</p>

<p>Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, an advisor to the Mumbai team, nervously watched the finale, frequently burying his head in his hands.</p>

<p>"The key moment was Dhoni's run-out," he said.</p>

<p>"But also in patches when Bumrah bowled those critical balls to even out Malinga's one poor over was also crucial.</p>

<p>"And the last over, I thought Malinga finished the game out beautifully."</p>

<p>Mumbai won the&nbsp;IPL&nbsp;in 2013 and 2015 -- both against Chennai -- and again in 2017 when they beat Rising Pune Supergiant by one run.</p>

<p>Australia's David Warner topped the tournament's batting chart with 692 runs, including eight fifties and a 100 not out in 12&nbsp;IPL&nbsp;games this season.</p>

<p>West Indian allrounder Andre Russell was named most valuable player as he amassed 510 runs to single-handedly drive Kolkata Knight Riders' campaign. Kolkata ended fifth in the eight-team table.</p>


Lasith Malinga kept his nerve with the final ball as Mumbai beat Chennai by one run to clinch a record fourth Indian Premier League title Sunday. After Shane Watson hit a blistering 80, Chennai needed two runs off the last ball to overtake Mumbai's 149-8.

Lasith Malinga kept his nerve with the final ball as Mumbai beat Chennai by one run to clinch a record fourth Indian Premier League title Sunday. After Shane Watson hit a blistering 80, Chennai needed two runs off the last ball to overtake Mumbai's 149-8. But the Sri Lankan veteran trapped Shardul Thakur lbw to claim the landmark win. Malinga gave away 49 runs in his four overs but the last two overs by the Sri Lankan and fellow pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who took 2-14, were decisive. The wicket extended the 35-year-old Malinga's record as the all-time best IPL bowler with 170 wickets from 122 games. "About Malinga, that's what champions do," said Mumbai captain Rohit Sharma. "I had confidence in him despite a poor third over. He also had confidence he could do it," Sharma said of his veteran paceman who is an expert at bowling yorkers in the death overs. "I thought we could use Hardik Pandya for the 20th over, but I wanted to back someone who has done it for us and Malinga has been in that situation and done it." Unprecedented scenes from Hyderabad as @mipaltan became #VIVOIPL champs for the 4⃣th time! Lasith Malinga showing his true class in the last over 😎#MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/ZzVK0KHx5O — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 12, 2019 × Sharma bowled over Sharma said Mumbai's bowling played a key role throughout the tournament. "At different stages, our bowlers put their hands up and brought us back in the game. "We backed our ability and our skills, and that's probably why we got rewards." West Indies batsman Kieron Pollard smashed an unbeaten 41 off 25 balls to set up the Mumbai total after they elected to bat first. South African captain Faf du Plessis came out all guns blazing to give Chennai a brisk start with his 26 off 13 deliveries. But Ishan Kishan sent Chennai dangerman MS Dhoni back to the dugout with a direct throw at the bowlers' end to put the defending champions in trouble at 82-4. Dhoni made just two. Watson batted through the Chennai innings until he was run out in the final over going for an unlikely second run. He smashed four sixes and eight fours in his 59-ball knock. Chennai leg-spinner Imran Tahir took 2-23 to surpass fellow South African Kagiso Rabada at the top of this year's IPL bowlers chart with 26 wickets. Tahir was also the first 40-year-old to appear in an IPL final. Deepak Chahar took three wickets while fellow quick Shardul Thakur took two. "It was not a 150 wicket, but the bowlers kept us in the hunt. They kept getting wickets when it was really needed," said Dhoni, whose team has won three titles from eight finals. The Chennai captain indicated that changes could be made in the batting line-up for next season. "To be consistent next year, we will have to really think hard. There is nothing against the bowlers, but the batsmen could've done better." Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, an advisor to the Mumbai team, nervously watched the finale, frequently burying his head in his hands. "The key moment was Dhoni's run-out," he said. "But also in patches when Bumrah bowled those critical balls to even out Malinga's one poor over was also crucial. "And the last over, I thought Malinga finished the game out beautifully." Mumbai won the IPL in 2013 and 2015 -- both against Chennai -- and again in 2017 when they beat Rising Pune Supergiant by one run. Australia's David Warner topped the tournament's batting chart with 692 runs, including eight fifties and a 100 not out in 12 IPL games this season. West Indian allrounder Andre Russell was named most valuable player as he amassed 510 runs to single-handedly drive Kolkata Knight Riders' campaign. Kolkata ended fifth in the eight-team table.

Mumbai lift 4th IPL trophy with 1-run win over Chennai

Overseas players to watch out for in IPL 2019 final between Chennai and Mumbai

<p>We are just 25 days away from the ICC World Cup 2019 but before we enter the tournament, let's take a look back at some of the best bowling and fielding records made in previous World Cups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australian pacer Glenn McGrath, who appeared in four World Cups, dominates the individual bowling records.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He holds the record of the best strike rate and economy rate among any other bowler.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also is the highest wicket-taker in the history of the tournament and has the best individual bowling figures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Australians Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist have the best individual fielding records, along with Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ponting has taken the highest catches in World Cup history, on the other hand, wicketkeeper Gilchrist has made the most dismissals in a single match and the record of most dismissals by a wicketkeeper overall is held by Sangakkara.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here's a list of some significant bowling and fielding records:</p>

<p><strong>Most wickets- 71</strong><br />
Australia's Glenn McGrath is the highest wicket-taker in World Cup history. With a total of 68 wickets, Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan is at number spot. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Average- 18.19</strong><br />
McGrath also holds the record of best bowling average. Pakistan's Imran Khan has the second best bowling average. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Economy Rate- 3.24</strong><br />
West Indies Andy Roberts holds the record for the best economy rate in the World Cup history. Ian Botham of England is at second spot with 3.43.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Strike Rate- 23.8</strong><br />
Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga has the best strike rate and he has the chance to better it in the upcoming World Cup. Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan has the second best strike rate. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Best bowling figures- 7/15</strong><br />
Australia's McGrath also holds the record of best bowling figure. He created the record against Namibia in World Cup 2003.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Most wickets in consecutive balls- 4 vs South Africa&nbsp;</strong><br />
Malinga made another record of taking most wickets in consecutive balls. In World Cup 2007, Malinga created a unique record against South Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the last 2 balls of the 45th over and first 2 balls of the 47th over- Malinga picked up the wickets of Pollock, Hall, Kallis &amp; Ntini making it 4 wickets in 4 consecutive deliveries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Most dismissals (wicketkeeper)- 54</strong><br />
Kumar Sangakkara holds the record of most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in World Cup.</p>

<p><strong>Most catches (fielder)- 28</strong><br />
Ricky Ponting created the records of taking most catches in the World Cup.</p>


We are just 25 days away from the ICC World Cup 2019 but before we enter the tournament, let's take a look back at some of the best bowling and fielding records made in previous World Cups.

We are just 25 days away from the ICC World Cup 2019 but before we enter the tournament, let's take a look back at some of the best bowling and fielding records made in previous World Cups. Australian pacer Glenn McGrath, who appeared in four World Cups, dominates the individual bowling records. He holds the record of the best strike rate and economy rate among any other bowler. He also is the highest wicket-taker in the history of the tournament and has the best individual bowling figures. Former Australians Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist have the best individual fielding records, along with Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara. Ponting has taken the highest catches in World Cup history, on the other hand, wicketkeeper Gilchrist has made the most dismissals in a single match and the record of most dismissals by a wicketkeeper overall is held by Sangakkara. Here's a list of some significant bowling and fielding records: Most wickets- 71 Australia's Glenn McGrath is the highest wicket-taker in World Cup history. With a total of 68 wickets, Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan is at number spot. Average- 18.19 McGrath also holds the record of best bowling average. Pakistan's Imran Khan has the second best bowling average. Economy Rate- 3.24 West Indies Andy Roberts holds the record for the best economy rate in the World Cup history. Ian Botham of England is at second spot with 3.43. Strike Rate- 23.8 Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga has the best strike rate and he has the chance to better it in the upcoming World Cup. Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan has the second best strike rate. Best bowling figures- 7/15 Australia's McGrath also holds the record of best bowling figure. He created the record against Namibia in World Cup 2003. Most wickets in consecutive balls- 4 vs South Africa Malinga made another record of taking most wickets in consecutive balls. In World Cup 2007, Malinga created a unique record against South Africa. In the last 2 balls of the 45th over and first 2 balls of the 47th over- Malinga picked up the wickets of Pollock, Hall, Kallis & Ntini making it 4 wickets in 4 consecutive deliveries. Most dismissals (wicketkeeper)- 54 Kumar Sangakkara holds the record of most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in World Cup. Most catches (fielder)- 28 Ricky Ponting created the records of taking most catches in the World Cup.

Best bowling and fielding figures in World Cup history

Mumbai vs Bangalore: From Malinga's arrival to Chahal's form, key players to watch out for

<p>Sri Lankan limited overs captain Lasith Malinga will retire from international cricket after next year's Twenty20 World Cup, he revealed on Friday.</p>

<p>Malinga said that he would quit one-day internationals after the World Cup in England and Wales this summer before calling time on his career following the Twenty20 tournament, being played in Australia over October-November 2020.</p>

<p>"After the World Cup, my cricketing career is ending," the 35-year-old said after his side were beaten by 16 runs by South Africa in the second Twenty20 international at SuperSport Park.</p>

<p>"I want to play in the T20 World Cup and then end my career."</p>

<p>Malinga dismissed South African top-scorer Reeza Hendricks for 65 on Friday, his 97th T20 international wicket. He is one short of the world record of 98 held by Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi.</p>


Sri Lankan limited overs captain Lasith Malinga will retire from international cricket after next year's Twenty20 World Cup, he revealed on Friday. Malinga said that he would quit one-day internationals after the World Cup in England and Wales this summer before calling time on his career following the Twenty20 tournament, being played in Australia over October-November 2020.

Sri Lankan limited overs captain Lasith Malinga will retire from international cricket after next year's Twenty20 World Cup, he revealed on Friday. Malinga said that he would quit one-day internationals after the World Cup in England and Wales this summer before calling time on his career following the Twenty20 tournament, being played in Australia over October-November 2020. "After the World Cup, my cricketing career is ending," the 35-year-old said after his side were beaten by 16 runs by South Africa in the second Twenty20 international at SuperSport Park. "I want to play in the T20 World Cup and then end my career." Malinga dismissed South African top-scorer Reeza Hendricks for 65 on Friday, his 97th T20 international wicket. He is one short of the world record of 98 held by Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi.

Sri Lanka's Malinga to retire after Twenty20 World Cup

<p>Sri Lanka's veteran cricketer Lasith Malinga, who plays for Mumbai in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl-2019">Indian Premier League</a>, will at least miss the first six matches of the IPL which is scheduled to begin from March 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Malinga was bought by Mumbai for Rs 2 crore, a team that will start their IPL campaign against Delhi at Wankhede Stadium on March 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I had asked the board for the No-Objection Certificate for me to play in the IPL, and they had said that was fine, but that all players who want to go to the World Cup would need to stay back for the provincial tournament," Malinga told ESPNcricinfo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Malinga has made himself unavailable for the team's first six matches as he will be participating in Sri Lanka's Super Provincial One-Day domestic tournament, slated from April 4 to April 11, in a bid to make it to the World cup team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So I told them I'd play in the provincial tournament, and I asked the board to inform Mumbai Indians and IPL, since it was their decision. I'm ok with losing those earnings from IPL. I'm doing it for the country," said Malinga.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Malinga, who had worked as a bowling mentor for Mumbai Indians last year, suggested that his franchise should replace him with someone else.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Once I become available for Mumbai Indians, I would have missed seven or eight games," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So there's probably no point in them waiting around for me. Better for them to find someone else to replace me with."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Malinga is currently the ODI skipper and it is highly likely that he would be picked in Sri Lanka's World Cup squad given that he has again emerged as the team's best ODI bowler over the past six months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If he makes the cut, Malinga will need to attend training camps through May, missing the IPL.&nbsp;</p>


Sri Lanka's veteran cricketer Lasith Malinga, who plays for Mumbai in the Indian Premier League, will at least miss the first six matches of the IPL which is scheduled to begin from March 23.

Sri Lanka's veteran cricketer Lasith Malinga, who plays for Mumbai in the Indian Premier League, will at least miss the first six matches of the IPL which is scheduled to begin from March 23. Malinga was bought by Mumbai for Rs 2 crore, a team that will start their IPL campaign against Delhi at Wankhede Stadium on March 24. "I had asked the board for the No-Objection Certificate for me to play in the IPL, and they had said that was fine, but that all players who want to go to the World Cup would need to stay back for the provincial tournament," Malinga told ESPNcricinfo. Malinga has made himself unavailable for the team's first six matches as he will be participating in Sri Lanka's Super Provincial One-Day domestic tournament, slated from April 4 to April 11, in a bid to make it to the World cup team. "So I told them I'd play in the provincial tournament, and I asked the board to inform Mumbai Indians and IPL, since it was their decision. I'm ok with losing those earnings from IPL. I'm doing it for the country," said Malinga. Malinga, who had worked as a bowling mentor for Mumbai Indians last year, suggested that his franchise should replace him with someone else. "Once I become available for Mumbai Indians, I would have missed seven or eight games," he said. "So there's probably no point in them waiting around for me. Better for them to find someone else to replace me with." Malinga is currently the ODI skipper and it is highly likely that he would be picked in Sri Lanka's World Cup squad given that he has again emerged as the team's best ODI bowler over the past six months. If he makes the cut, Malinga will need to attend training camps through May, missing the IPL.

IPL 2019: Lasith Malinga to miss Mumbai's first six matches

<p>Indian playback singer Chinmayi Sripaada, who is a prominent figure in the south, on Thursday claimed that Sri Lankan cricketer Lasith Malinga allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at a Mumbai hotel.</p>

<p>Sripaada shared a post on her Twitter handle where she narrated the alleged incident. The women chose&nbsp;to remain anonymous.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The post also said the incident happened during the IPL season, however, the year has not been disclosed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The allegations against Malinga came, a day after an Indian flight attendant accused former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga of sexually harassing her.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cricketer Lasith Malinga. <a href="https://t.co/Y1lhbF5VSK">pic.twitter.com/Y1lhbF5VSK</a></p>
— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chinmayi/status/1050302690708750339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>During one of his visits to India, Ranatunga allegedly grabbed the woman by her waist and slid his hands along the side of her breasts. The woman later ran to the hotel reception and complained about his actions but the staff told her, "It is your private matter," she claimed.</p>

<p>Malinga, who has played all 10 seasons of the IPL for Mumbai Indians, has 154 wickets from 110 matches in the league. He is the highest wicket-taker in the history of the IPL.</p>

<p>He is one of Sri Lanka's greatest bowlers in limited-overs formats. In 2017 ODIs he has taken 306 wickets and 90 wickets in 68 T20 Internationals.</p>


Indian playback singer Chinmayi Sripaada, who is a prominent figure in the south, on Thursday claimed that Sri Lankan cricketer Lasith Malinga allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at a Mumbai hotel.

Indian playback singer Chinmayi Sripaada, who is a prominent figure in the south, on Thursday claimed that Sri Lankan cricketer Lasith Malinga allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at a Mumbai hotel. Sripaada shared a post on her Twitter handle where she narrated the alleged incident. The women chose to remain anonymous. The post also said the incident happened during the IPL season, however, the year has not been disclosed. The allegations against Malinga came, a day after an Indian flight attendant accused former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga of sexually harassing her. Cricketer Lasith Malinga. pic.twitter.com/Y1lhbF5VSK — Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) October 11, 2018 × During one of his visits to India, Ranatunga allegedly grabbed the woman by her waist and slid his hands along the side of her breasts. The woman later ran to the hotel reception and complained about his actions but the staff told her, "It is your private matter," she claimed. Malinga, who has played all 10 seasons of the IPL for Mumbai Indians, has 154 wickets from 110 matches in the league. He is the highest wicket-taker in the history of the IPL. He is one of Sri Lanka's greatest bowlers in limited-overs formats. In 2017 ODIs he has taken 306 wickets and 90 wickets in 68 T20 Internationals.

Malinga accused in #MeToo movement; Chinmayi Sripaada shares anonymous post

<p>Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga on Wednesday was asked to leave the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) and return home immediately. &nbsp</p>

<p>The Sri Lanka Cricket ordered Malinga to play domestic cricket or forget being recalled for the national side.</p>

<p>The pacer was not retained by Mumbai during IPL 2018 auctions.</p>

<p>Hence, he was up for selection in country's domestic Inter-Provincial one-day tournament, which is set to begin on May 2.&nbsp</p>

<p>However, the pacer stated that he would not be returning to the island until the end of the IPL 2018.</p>

<p>After going unsold at the IPL 2018 auction, Malinga, who hasn’t played for Sri Lanka since last September, opted for a stint as a mentor for MI.&nbsp</p>

<p>“The selectors wanted him back, and he has to play domestic cricket according to them. We’re playing our white-ball tournament, and 50-over and T20,"SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala said.&nbsp</p>

<p>"I’m sure before the next international engagement which is South Africa and then the Asia Cup and so forth, he needs to play T20 games and 50 overs. If Lasith is not playing a domestic tournament, the selectors will have to make a call,” he added.&nbsp</p>

<p>Meanwhile, SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said, “We have informed Lasith that he has been selected. If he doesn’t play the Inter-Provincial tournament, it is unlikely that the selectors will consider him.”</p>

<p>South Africa will play five ODIs and a T20 International during their Sri Lanka tour that kicks off with the two-match Test series.</p>


The pacer stated that he would not be returning to the island until the end of the IPL 2018

Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga on Wednesday was asked to leave the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) and return home immediately. The Sri Lanka Cricket ordered Malinga to play domestic cricket or forget being recalled for the national side. The pacer was not retained by Mumbai during IPL 2018 auctions. Hence, he was up for selection in country's domestic Inter-Provincial one-day tournament, which is set to begin on May 2. However, the pacer stated that he would not be returning to the island until the end of the IPL 2018. After going unsold at the IPL 2018 auction, Malinga, who hasn’t played for Sri Lanka since last September, opted for a stint as a mentor for MI. “The selectors wanted him back, and he has to play domestic cricket according to them. We’re playing our white-ball tournament, and 50-over and T20,"SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala said. "I’m sure before the next international engagement which is South Africa and then the Asia Cup and so forth, he needs to play T20 games and 50 overs. If Lasith is not playing a domestic tournament, the selectors will have to make a call,” he added. Meanwhile, SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said, “We have informed Lasith that he has been selected. If he doesn’t play the Inter-Provincial tournament, it is unlikely that the selectors will consider him.” South Africa will play five ODIs and a T20 International during their Sri Lanka tour that kicks off with the two-match Test series.

IPL 2018: Lasith Malinga given ultimatum to leave IPL and return home

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