Cricket World Cup 2019 Results: Run-Scorers, Schedule, Points Table After Friday
May 31, 2019
West Indies' bowler Andre Russell, second from right, celebrates with Darren Bravo taking the wicket of Pakistan's Haris Sohail as West Indies' captain Jason Holder, left, smiles during a Cricket World Cup match at Trent Bridge cricket ground in Nottingham, England, Friday, May 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
West Indies (108 for three) started their 2019 Cricket World Cup off with a bang on Friday, demolishing Pakistan (105) to win by a remarkable seven wickets with 218 balls remaining.
The Windies bowlers feasted on Pakistan's batsmen from start to finish, with none of the Men in Green scoring more than 22 runs. Their batsmen chased down the measly total of 106 in less than 14 overs, powered by Chris Gayle's half-century.
Here is a look at the standings after two matches (via ESPNcricinfo):
Rank, Team, Won, Lost, Points, Net Run Rate
1. West Indies 1, 0, 2, 5.802
2. England 1, 0, 2, 2.08
3. South Africa 0, 1, 0, -2.08
4. Pakistan 0, 1, 0, -5.802
England's Ben Stokes remains the top run-scorer of the World Cup so far, thanks to his 89 that led the hosts to a 104-run win over South Africa in Thursday's opening match. The Proteas' Quinton de Kock is second (68), while England captain Eoin Morgan sits third (57).
New Zealand will face Sri Lanka on Saturday, while Afghanistan and Australia will start three hours later. On Sunday, Bangladesh take on South Africa. England will battle it out with Pakistan on Monday.
The West Indies bowlers started their World Cup off in impressive fashion, using the short ball effectively on their way to an easy win.
Fakhar Zaman (22 from 16) and Babar Azam (22 from 33) were the only Men in Green to score more than 20 runs, and two of just four who got to double digits. In less than 22 overs, Pakistan's innings was finished:
105 all in 21.4 overs
This is Pakistan's shortest innings in the World Cup history and second lowest total after 74 vs England in Adelaide in 1992. #PakvWI#CWC19
But Andre Russell's spell was arguably even more impressive. In three overs, the all-rounder took two wickets while giving up just four runs. He also took the wicket of Zaman, Pakistan's best batsman of the day.
Russell didn't give up a single boundary in his spell:
Andre Russell's first three overs against Pakistan:
The target of 106 was never expected to provide much of a challenge for West Indies, and Gayle's 50 from 34 got them off to an excellent start. The chase didn't go as smoothly as the side would have liked, but it was still a convincing display.
Mohammad Amir did all he could for the Men in Green, taking all three wickets while giving up 26 runs in six overs. Those were some of the best ODI figures he has delivered in some time:
This is the first time Mohammad Amir has taken 2 or more wickets in a ODI since the Champions Trophy final on 18 June 2017 #CWC19#PAKvWI
Pakistan have little time to recover from this embarrassing loss, as their next opponents will be hosts England, the top-ranked ODI team in the world. West Indies, who started the tournament ranked eighth, will face Australia, the defending champions.
Cricket World Cup 2019 Results: Top Run-Scorers, Points Tables After Thursday
May 30, 2019
England's Ben Stokes walks back to the pavilion after victory in the 2019 Cricket World Cup group stage match between England and South Africa at The Oval in London on May 30, 2019. (Photo by Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images)
Ben Stokes inspired England to victory in the opening match of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup on Thursday, as his team beat South Africa by 104 runs at the Oval.Â
The all-rounder top-scored for England in their innings having been put in to bat by the Proteas, making a fine 89 as the hosts posted 311 for eight from their 50 overs.
In response, South Africa failed to cope with the speed and accuracy of England's Jofra Archer, as he took a number of crucial wickets. With the game petering away from South Africa late in the day, Stokes then produced this stunning catch to dismiss Andile Phehlukwayo:
England are blessed with so much batting firepower, but a number of their key players were left frustrated out in the middle by some canny South African bowling.
While they lost Jonny Bairstow on just the second ball of the innings, England recovered well, as Jason Roy and Joe Root made half-centuries.Â
Per BBC Sport, the duo enjoy playing together:
How's stat?!
Joe Root and Jason Roy have reached a 50 partnership in each of their last three ODIs; they've never registered a longer run together.
However, neither were able to push on to post a big score, as they were each dismissed in the space of three balls for loose shots. From there, it was up to Eoin Morgan and Stokes to steady the ship, which they did so brilliantly.
Morgan also failed to press on, but Stokes was at least around in the final overs, helping England move past 300.Â
The all-rounder was patient to begin with and sought to be more aggressive late on. However, even he was noticeably agitated at not being able to time his shots to the bowling of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.
Still, he was able to pick up runs all around the wicket, with his 89 the crucial score in England's total of 311 for eight:
Ben Stokes is a remarkably versatile player and that is nicely illustrated by his wagon wheel today which shows how he has scored all round the ground. Stokes has only played two defensive shot in his entire innings. Superb intent & skilful execution. #CWC19pic.twitter.com/sIohSHqT2z
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) May 30, 2019
Ben Stokes' score of 89 off 79 balls is his highest ODI score since June 2017 when he made 102* off 109 balls against Australia. Stokes scored at more than a run-a-ball against pace and spin. In 30-ball blocks he increased his run rate from 5.20 to 7.60 to 7.89. #CWC19
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) May 30, 2019
Although it wasn't a mammoth total for South Africa to chase down, it was always going to be tricky on a wicket that appeared to have plenty in it for the bowlers.
That much was evident early on, as Archer rattled Hashim Amla with a short ball that forced the South Africa opener to temporarily retire. The fast-bowler then struck twice in quick succession to put England back on top in the contest.
He snaffled the wicket of South Africa captain Faf du Plessis:
At this stage, it was clear De Kock was the key wicket for England, as he continued to score freely despite the loss of other wickets. The wicketkeeper also enjoyed an amazing stroke of fortune while batting:
However, he eventually lofted a shot down the throat of Root at square leg, seeing him depart for 68 and prompting a South African mini-collapse.
Van der Dussen did his utmost to settle the Proteas and was able to reach a half-century before he too was done by the pace of Archer. Sambit Bal was impressed with what he was seeing from the England bowler:
What a World Cup debut. Jofra Archer is the missing link in the England World Cup squad: a seriously potent fast bowler
Stokes then produced his magical moment in the field to effectively make the game safe for England. Sports journalist Daniel Storey commented on how stunned the crowd was:
It's so, so good. The normal cheers come two seconds later.
From there, the belief drained from South Africa and Stokes took the ball late on to cap off his excellent day with a couple of wickets.
England are next in action against Pakistan on Monday, while South Africa take to the field on Sunday, when they will be big favourites versus Bangladesh.
Ben Stokes Leads England Past South Africa in 2019 Cricket World Cup Opener
May 30, 2019
Cricket World Cup hosts England (311-8) won their first match of the tournament against South Africa (207-10) on Thursday, easily holding off the Proteas to win by 104 runs.
Four batsmen scored half-centuries for England, with Ben Stokes the standout, scoring 89. South Africa fell behind the required run rate early and never came close to chasing down the target of 312.
England and Wales will host the World Cup, set to run until July 14.
Per Nick Hoult of The Telegraph, home-field advantage was negated by weather, with rain leaving the pitch greener than the hosts would have hoped:
At the Oval. England not massively happy with the pitch. Bit greener than they expect at this ground. Might have to temper the attacking shots if they bat first. Remember Lord’s v SA 2017 on a green top? England were 20-6
The Proteas won the toss and opted to bowl, sending out spinner Imran Tahir. He promptly got the World Cup off to a flying start for South Africa, taking the wicket of Jonny Bairstow in the first over:
-> Imran Tahir became the first spinner to bowl the first over of a World Cup.
-> Only the 2nd time a wicket fell in the first over of a World Cup. John Wright got out on the first legitimate ball of the CWC 1992. #ENGvSA
— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) May 30, 2019
The hosts soon started to find their groove, however. Fellow opener Jason Roy cruised to a half-century, one of four English batsmen to do so on Thursday, and he finished with figures of 54 from 53 balls.
Joe Root (51 from 59) and Eoin Morgan (57 from 60) also had excellent knocks, but the standout was Stokes, who blasted 89 from 79 before he was finally caught by Hashim Amla.
Sports writer Patrick Boyland noted the 27-year-old played well when needed:
Goes without saying, Ben Stokes exemplary in pressure situation. Wasn't a fantastic IPL, but big name stepping up when it matters
Stokes' excellent knock was sorely needed, as his playing partners in the final 10 overs didn't produce much. Jos Buttler scored 18 from 16, Moeen Ali just three from nine and Chris Woakes 13 from 14. Stokes' wicket was the final to fall, and Liam Plunkett and Jofra Archer combined for 16 runs not out.
Lungi Ngidi led the Proteas with three wickets, but the 23-year-old also gave up 66 runs in 10 overs.
Per cricket writer Mohandas Menon, the Proteas had their work cut out for them:
If South Africa manages to reach their target, it will be the fourth highest successful run chase in #CWC history. But this will be the highest successful run chase in a CWC match between two major cricketing sides!#CWC19#EngvSA#SAvEng#CWC2019
Per ESPNCricinfo, they appeared happy with their work with the ball, but their projected total was well below 300:
South Africa seemed happy with their bowling effort, but our Forecaster takes into account that just one of their top 6 strikes at above 90+ and had them falling short at the start of the chase
Amla retired early with a head injury—another blow to the Proteas' bid. Even worse was the loss of star batsman Faf du Plessis, as he was caught after scoring just five from seven. Their win probability took a huge dive as a result:
Before #FafDuPlessis fell, South Africa were projected to reach 309, with a win probability of 38%
Archer took both his wicket and that of Aiden Markram (11 from 12), bowling well early. He also got Rassie van der Dussen's wicket in the 32nd over.
Quinton de Kock got the Proteas to 100 with a big four at the start of the 21st over, keeping the side within striking distance of the required run rate. He didn't last much longer, however, as he was caught in the 23rd over, ending the match with figures of 68 from 74.
And once De Kock left the pitch, South Africa's innings fell apart. Jean-Paul Duminy (8 from 11) and Dwaine Pretorius (one from one) quickly followed:
South Africa crumbling here. Almost immediately after enjoying a spell of dominance, with 28 from two overs. De Kock. Duminy. Pretorius. All gonzo. And with them, possibly the match. Damp squib after containing with the ball.#CWC19
Van der Dussen got a half-century for South Africa, scoring 50 from 61, but that wasn't nearly enough to chase down the target. Amla returned from his injury but only mustered 13 from 23.
Archer finished with three wickets in seven overs, giving up 27 runs.
Pakistan and West Indies will meet in Nottingham on Friday. South Africa face Bangladesh on June 2, one day before England play Pakistan.  Â
Cricket World Cup 2019: Fixtures, Tables, TV Schedule, Live-Stream Info, Preview
May 29, 2019
England head into the 2019 Cricket World Cup as favourites to finally end their wait to win the global tournament, but it wouldn't be the first time the three-time runners-up have fallen short of expectation.
The host nation open the group-stage campaign against South Africa at The Oval in London on Thursday, hoping to get a valuable win under their belt at the first hurdle.
Australia travel to the northern hemisphere as defending champions and are also expected to do well in foreign territory, having won four of the previous five world titles on offer.
All matches will be broadcast in the United Kingdom on Sky Sports, with live streaming available via Sky Go. Audiences in the United States can watch on TV via Willow Sports. Fox Sports has the rights to every game for Australian viewers, who can live-stream games on Foxtel Now.
    Â
Table
1. Afghanistan
2. Australia
3. Bangladesh
4. England
5. India
6. New Zealand
7. Pakistan
8. South Africa
9. Sri Lanka
10. West Indies
   Â
Cricket World Cup Group-Stage Fixtures
Thursday, May 30:Â England vs. South Africa, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Friday, May 31: Pakistan vs. West Indies, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Saturday, June 1: New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Saturday, June 1:Â Australia vs. Afghanistan, 1:30 p.m. BST/8:30 a.m. ET
Sunday, June 2:Â Bangladesh vs. South Africa, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Monday, June 3: England vs. Pakistan, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Tuesday, June 4: Afghanistan vs. Sri Lanka, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Wednesday, June 5: India vs. South Africa, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Wednesday, June 5:Â Bangladesh vs. New Zealand, 1:30 p.m. BST/8:30 a.m. ET
Thursday, June 6: Australia vs. West Indies, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Friday, June 7: Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Saturday, June 8:Â England vs. Bangladesh, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Saturday, June 8:Â Afghanistan vs. New Zealand, 1:30 p.m. BST/8:30 a.m. ET
Sunday, June 9: Australia vs. India, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Monday, June 10: South Africa vs. West Indies, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Tuesday, June 11: Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Wednesday, June 12: Australia vs. Pakistan, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Thursday, June 13: India vs. New Zealand, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Friday, June 14: England vs. West Indies, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Saturday, June 15:Â Australia vs. Sri Lanka, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Saturday, June 15:Â Afghanistan vs. South Africa, 1:30 p.m. BST/8:30 a.m. ET
Sunday, June 16: India vs. Pakistan, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Monday, June 17: Bangladesh vs. West Indies, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Tuesday, June 18: England vs. Afghanistan, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Wednesday, June 19: New Zealand vs. South Africa, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Thursday, June 20: Australia vs. Bangladesh, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Friday, June 21: England vs. Sri Lanka, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Saturday, June 22: Afghanistan vs. India, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Saturday, June 22:Â New Zealand vs. West Indies, 1:30 p.m. BST/8:30 a.m. ET
Sunday, June 23: Pakistan vs. South Africa, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Monday, June 24: Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Tuesday, June 25: England vs. Australia, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Wednesday, June 26: New Zealand vs. Pakistan, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Thursday, June 27: India vs. West Indies, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Friday, June 28: South Africa vs. Sri Lanka, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Saturday, June 29:Â Afghanistan vs. Pakistan, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Saturday, June 29:Â Australia vs. New Zealand, 1:30 p.m. BST/8:30 a.m. ET
Sunday, June 30: England vs. India, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Monday, July 1: Sri Lanka vs. West Indies, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Tuesday, July 2:Â Bangladesh vs. India, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Wednesday, July 3: England vs. New Zealand, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Thursday, July 4: West Indies vs. Afghanistan, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Friday, July 5: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Saturday, July 6: India vs. Sri Lanka, 10:30 a.m. BST/5:30 a.m. ET
Saturday, July 6: South Africa vs. Australia, 1:30 p.m. BST/8:30 a.m. ET
Visit the ICC website to view the fixtures in full.
   Â
Preview
England have a threatening enough opening opponent against whom they can test their mettle, although coach Trevor Bayliss' side could be caught cold if they're slow to get started in any way.
England's hopes of victory were improved with the news that South African Dale Steyn will miss Thursday's match due to a shoulder injury, per the Guardian's Ali Martin.Â
Steyn, an elder statesman of the squad at 35, spoke highly of fellow fast bowler Kagiso Rabada:
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) May 27, 2019
Australia don't begin their tournament until Saturday when they face Afghanistan at the County Ground in Bristol. The five-time champions beat England and Sri Lanka in their warm-up games, and Queensland batsman Usman Khawaja spoke positively of his side's title defence chances, via Cricbuzz:
Following Australia’s win over Sri Lanka in the warm-up game, top scorer Usman Khawaja said that his side is keen on continuing the winning habit heading into the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/37wXLJD5y3
India are also sure to be among the top contenders this summer, and the 2011 World Cup winners will be the last of any team to get their tournament under way against South Africa on Wednesday, May 5.Â
They suffered a heavy defeat against New Zealand before beating Bangladesh in confident fashion in their two warm-up fixtures.
Sky Sports took a look at the Cricket World Cup history of India, the first Asian nation to win the trophy:
As we continue to count down to the Cricket World Cup! 🌍🏆 we look back at each team's #CWC history, continuing with India! 🇮🇳
Watch India in action right now in their warm-up game against Bangladesh - live on Sky Sports Cricket đź“ş pic.twitter.com/Vx9DrXfozP
England and New Zealand are the only teams among those seven nations to have appeared at all 11 Cricket World Cup tournaments and not yet won the competition.
Historian Tom Holland celebrated the quick progress of Afghanistan, who competed in their first Cricket World Cup four years ago:
25 years ago, Afghans began playing cricket in refugee camps; today their national team are playing England at the Oval, in preparation for the World Cup. It’s one of the most remarkable & heart-warming stories in sport. pic.twitter.com/LNxOz7JsoM
As far as underdogs go, the West Indies could put a challenge together if they gain some momentum starting with their first match against Pakistan at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Friday.
England vs. South Africa: Odds, Live Stream for 2019 Cricket World Cup
May 29, 2019
The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup gets under way on Thursday, when England take on South Africa at The Oval.
England go into this competition as hosts and favourites, having built up a reputation as the standout one-day international side in the game under the guidance of skipper Eoin Morgan. They'll be keen to start the group stage of the competition in style.
South Africa are considered one of the powerhouses of the cricketing world and will be expected to be in the mix for the title this year. They have an experienced squad that should excel in the tournament, with the likes of Faf du Plessis, Dale Steyn and Hashim Amla all well-versed in big matches.
Here are the odds for the game, as well as the key viewing details and a preview of what's to come.
At the previous World Cup, England were hammered by a number of their rivals and played stodgy cricket throughout the competition. Four years on, the transformation in the team has been exceptional.
Morgan has been a breath of fresh air as captain and has transformed the mindset of the team. While they were all about safety first in 2015, England are now aggressive and enterprising when it comes to limited overs matches.
Their ascension to become the top team in the world has been forged on the back of their batting firepower. Jos Buttler has been the star man in the middle order:
đź’Ż FOR JOS BUTTLER!
What an innings! Just 50 balls and he brings it up with his NINTH six! Incredible!
The 28-year-old has developed into a man for all scenarios, as he's adept at hammering runs quickly or steadying the ship when required. When he does get on a roll, there aren't many bowling attacks in the game that can contain him.
He's the key man in what is a well-balanced lineup. At the top of the order, Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow have developed a fine partnership, while Joe Root is rock solid at No. 3, with Morgan a livewire coming in after him.
Cricket statistician Mohandas Menon noted England have been the fastest-scoring side in the world since 2015:
Runs per over for batting sides in ODIs Since #CWC15#CWC2015 6.29 England 5.73 Australia 5.71 India/South Africa 5.68 New Zealand 5.54 Pakistan 5.32 Sri Lanka/Bangladesh 5.22 West Indies 5.18 Scotland 4.86 Ireland 4.79 Afghanistan -- 5.37 overall for all 21 sides#CWC19#CWC2019
While the batting lineup has been settled, Morgan has decisions to make in terms of his bowling attack. The captain chose to include the dynamic Jofra Archer in the squad ahead of the more dependable David Willey.
Archer is a raw talent who is capable of taking wickets, having impressed in domestic action and the recent Indian Premier League.
India captain Virat Kohli recently said he thinks the England bowler can make a big impression at the World Cup:
🌬️ 'Archer can generate a lot of pace which can be intimidating' -
It will be fascinating to see Archer, should he get in the XI, up against some of the wily batsmen in the South Africa lineup.
Although the Proteas are now without the inventive brilliance of AB de Villiers, De Plessis and Amla are renowned for their stubbornness at the crease. They are dangerous with the ball too, with Steyn, Kagiso Rabada and Andile Phehlukwayo capable of producing rapid deliveries.
England's variety with the bat should ensure they get over the line in this encounter, though. While they may have to negotiate a tricky spell when South Africa get the new ball, the team's middle order is adept at pushing the hosts to a huge score or a successful chase.
IPL 2019: Top Run-Scorers, Wicket-Takers, Averages and More After T20 Final
May 12, 2019
Mumbai Indians beat Chennai Super Kings by one run on Sunday to lift the 2019 Indian Premier League title and win a fourth championship in seven years.
Chennai failed to chase down Mumbai's lead of 149 despite Shane Watson's 80, which included eight fours and four sixes. Kieron Pollard remained unbeaten and contributed a vital 41 runs for Mumbai, while Quinton de Kock and Ishan Kishan scored 29 runs and 23 runs, respectively.
The two teams collided at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad, and Mumbai beat Chennai for the second time in five days to underline their place as the top team in India.
Sunrisers Hyderabad David Warner played no part in his side's play-off run—which ended in the first eliminator—but his 2019 total of 692 runs was sufficient to win this season's Orange Cap.
Delhi Capitals fast bowler Kagiso Rabada also played no part in the finals following injury and led the IPL on wickets taken coming into Sunday's final (25). However, Imran Tahir got two outs against Mumbai to leapfrog his rival into first place and clinch this season's Purple Cap with 26 wickets.
Mumbai Indians (149/8) beat Chennai Super Kings (148/7) by one run
Chennai were held off in their attempt to topple Mumbai at the last hurdle, with Watson and Shardul Thakar the last among their order to fall as the Indians were confirmed as champions for a fourth time.
One figure who has been with the franchise throughout its illustrious IPL history is Rohit Sharma, who hit 15 off 14. The 32-year-old earned praise from The Field after becoming the most successful captain in its history:
He has led @mipaltan to four @IPL titles. @ImRo45 is the most successful captain in the history of the T20 tournament. A special moment for the Hitman.
One end-of-season award that's long looked settled was the Orange Cap, and Warner saw his total run lead stay intact as he clinched the accolade for a third time.
Warner recently joined up with Australia's training camp ahead of the 2019 ICC World Cup, and Hyderabad succumbed to an eliminator defeat against Delhi in his absence. The team sorely missed their batting star and posted a tribute video following his departure before the play-offs:
But there was some last-minute drama in the Purple Cap chase, and Tahir timed his bowls to perfection in finishing this season as the most prolific wicket-taker.
He took his tally for the season up to 26 after removing Suryakumar Yadav and Kishan from play, per CricTracker:
The 40-year-old South Africa international has enjoyed some of his best cricket toward what is typically seen as a player's twilight years, and Tahir doesn't show any signs of slowing down.
Warner's Orange Cap victory ensures the award also remains with Sunrisers and has been won by a player from that team for the last three years in succession.Â
IPL Final 2019 Results: Mumbai Indians Beat Chennai Super Kings on Last Ball
May 12, 2019
HYDERABAD, INDIA - MAY 12: Krunal Pandya of the Mumbai Indians celebrates taking the wicket of Faf Du Plessis of the Chennai Super Kings during the Indian Premier League Final match between the the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Hyderabad, India. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Mumbai Indians (149/8) beat Chennai Super Kings (148/7) by a single run in a thriller to win the 2019 Indian Premier League on Sunday. The final came down to the last ball, with Lasith Malinga taking the wicket of Shardul Thakur.
The four-time champions did excellent work with the ball, limiting Chennai's vaunted attack throughout the middle overs. Super Kings pushed the pace in the last five overs, however, and a key mistake from Quinton de Kock had them on the verge of winning. With two needed from the last ball, Malinga came up with a massive wicket to win.
Mumbai continued their run of dominance in odd-numbered years, previously winning the title in 2013, 2015 and 2017. They're now the most successful team in IPL history, winning one more championship than Chennai.
Indians won the toss and opted to bat, in keeping with tradition between these teams, per Broken Cricket:
Mumbai started off hot, scoring 37 runs in the first four innings, but Chennai's bowlers soon took over. De Kock (29 from 17) was the first to lose his wicket in the fifth over, and the sixth was a wicket maiden, putting Super Kings in control.
Chennai continued their fine work with the ball through the middle overs, and Imran Tahir secured the 2019 purple cap by taking two wickets, even though he only bowled three overs.
MS Dhoni also made history as the IPL's best wicket-keeper:
Milestones piling up for CSK: - Dhoni becomes most successful wicketkeeper in #IPL history - Tahir takes over Purple Cap, most wickets by a spinner in single IPL seasonhttps://t.co/OiMvUMIWlb
Kieron Pollard found some success with his bat, scoring an unbeaten 41 from 25 balls to boost the total to 149.
After three tentative overs to start the chase, things got going in the fourth. Faf du Plessis teed off on Krunal Pandya for three straight boundaries, but he was stumped on the final ball:
BIG WICKET! After being smacked for two boundaries and a six, Krunal Pandya bounces back, Faf du Plessis has been given his marching orders, gone for 26, #CSK 33/1 in 4 overs
Mumbai's bowlers took over from that point, limiting the big boundaries and steadily working the required run rate into the double digits. Rahul Chahar in particular was masterful, giving up just 14 runs in four overs and taking one wicket.
ESPN Cricinfo's Sreshth Shah believes he and Shreyas Gopal will be major weapons in future ODI series:
Rahul Chahar and Shreyas Gopal - the two people who will give Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzi Chahal sleepless nights for future ODI series after the World Cup. #IPL2019#MIvCSK
Big hitters Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu all failed to score double-digit runs, and entering the last five overs, the required run rate sat at 12.4.Â
Shane Watson and Dwayne Bravo combined for 20 runs in the 16th over, but the 17th was brutal for Chennai's chances, as Jasprit Bumrah shut them down for just four runs. Watson then hit three sixes to put Chennai in pole position, with 18 needed from 12.
Bumrah took Bravo's wicket in the 19th, but a mistake from De Kock gave Chennai four byes from the final ball of the over, with nine needed for the win in the 20th.Â
It all came down to Malinga, who bowled a great over to keep Mumbai's chances alive. Two runs were needed from the final ball, and Thakur missed his swipe, ending the match.
IPL 2019: Top Run-Scorers, Wicket-Takers, More in Indian Premier League T20
May 11, 2019
VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA - MAY 10: Imran Tahir of the Chennai Super Kings celebrates taking the wicket of Shreyas Iyer of the Delhi Capitals during the Indian Premier League IPL Qualifier Final match between the Delhi Capitals and the Chennai Super Kings at ACA-VDCA Stadium on May 10, 2019 in Visakhapatnam, India. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
With only the final left to play in the Indian Premier League, Hyderabad Sunrisers batsman David Warner is set to win the Orange Cap again, while the Purple Cap remains up for grabs for Chennai Super Kings' Imran Tahir.
Warner has accumulated a massive 692 runs in the competition so far, 99 runs ahead of Kings XI Punjab's KL Rahul. The batsman still in the tournament with the most runs is Mumbai Indians' Quinton de Kock on 500 runs.
In the top wicket-taking stakes, Kagiso Rabada has 25 wickets, although Tahir is just one behind. The veteran will be hoping a stellar performance in the final can propel him to the individual accolade.
Here is a look at the top players in each individual categories and a preview of what's still to come in Sunday's final between the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings.
Barring something extraordinary in Sunday's final, Warner will once again finish as the top run-scorer in the IPL, a feat he has already achieved on two separate occasions.
The Australian opener has developed into such a force in this format, able to quickly get his eye in at the top of the order and settle into an aggressive groove. For opposition bowlers, his technical ability and raw power make him a difficult man to get the better of.
His team Twitter account provided the numbers behind what has been an exceptional year once again for Warner:
As statistician Mohandas Menon relayed, not only is the Australian an excellent striker of the ball, he also showcased tremendous intensity between the wickets:
Running most (1s+2s+3s) in #IPL2019 262 - David Warner (195+63+4) 197 - KL Rahul (162+35+0) 180 - Shreyas Iyer (161+19+0) 174 - Virat Kohli (148+26+0) 162 - Quinton de Kock (139+22+1) 157 - Shikhar Dhawan (135+21+1) 150 - Steve Smith (126+23+1)
Although it's too much to ask De Kock to reel in Warner on Sunday, an innings of 93 would be enough to put the South African into second spot.
The wicket-keeper has done some major damage at times in the IPL, as his flamboyant stroke play and inventiveness allow him to score quickly when he is at his best.
In this year's competition, De Kock has also shown he's up for a battle. In the recent match against Kolkata Knight Riders, he exchanged some words with Andre Russell after hoisting him for a couple of big sixes:
'Russell was probably angry as I took him on': de Kock
One of the men who will be seeking to keep the batsman quiet on Sunday is his South Africa international team-mate Tahir, who has yet again proved himself to be efficient in the 20-over format.
With batsmen frequently on the attack, Tahir's variations make him a difficult bowler to hit to the boundary.
For his age, the 40-year-old remains prolific when it comes to wicket-taking, too:
Most #IPL wickets after the age of 40 28 - Pravin Tambe (33 matches) 24 - Shane Warne (27) 23 - Brad Hogg (21) 19 - Imran Tahir (13*)#CSKvMI#IPL2019#IPLPlayoffs
The spinner is one of a number of experienced heads in the Chennai side, including their captain MS Dhoni. The skipper will be hoping that extra nous will see the Super Kings through in what is their eighth IPL final.
Mumbai boast dependable operators, though, and given they've had more time to recuperate between their previous game and the final—they've also beaten Chennai in their three meetings this season—they will likely be too strong for their opponents. Â
IPL Final 2019: TV Schedule, Live Stream and Predictions for Top Run-Scorers
May 11, 2019
CHENNAI, INDIA - MAY 07: Ms Dhoni of the Chennai Super Kings bats during the India Premier League IPL Qualifier Final match between the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings at M.A.Chidambaram Stadium on May 07, 2019 in Chennai, India. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians will go head-to-head in an Indian Premier League final for the fourth time on Sunday.
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, India, will host the grand occasion, with both teams seeking to add to their illustrious records in the competition. They have each won the tournament on three occasions already, more than any other outfits in IPL history.
Mumbai beat Chennai in the first playoff to book their place in the final, while the Super Kings qualified at the second opportunity, as they were comfortable winners against the Delhi Capitals on Friday.
Here are the key viewing details for Sunday's match, the top run-scorers in the competition going into the game and a preview of what's to come from Hyderabad.
While there's little separating the two finalists on paper, the manner in which Mumbai have qualified for the final will make them the favourites for many.
In addition to finishing top of the table, they were comfortable winners over the Super Kings in the playoff game. They also beat Chennai on both occasions when the teams met in the group stage and have had extra time to prepare for Sunday's match.
As statistician Mohandas Menon noted, the Indians have come out on top in the two most recent final meetings:
A #CSK#MI#IPL final for the 4th time! 1. #CSK won by 22 runs at MumbaiDYP in 2010 2. #MI won by 23 runs at Kolkata in 2013 3. #MI won by 41 runs at Kolkata in 2015#CSK in IPL final - 8th time#MI in IPL final - 5th time Both won title - 3 times!#CSKvDC#DCvCSK#IPL2019
The foundation of Mumbai's success this season has been the consistency many players within their squad have shown.
While they don't have a star batsman, the team can rely on one of Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma or Hardik Pandya making an important score at a clutch point in the game. It's a similar story with the ball, with the likes of Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah effective in this format.
The team Twitter account posted the following clip previewing the contest against their longstanding rivals:
While this will be the fifth time the Indians have played in the final, it will be Chennai's eighth appearance. They are unlikely to be daunted, either, as they boast a team that's packed with experience.
Two steady heads were key to them getting past Delhi on Friday, as opening batsmen Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson both made scores of 50 in pursuit of a small chase.
Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle commented on how the side has been able to overcome some adversity to get to the final yet again:
You have to hand it to #CSK. This team could so easily have been all wrong. Virtually every player had an issue, either form or age or a situation in their career. But they are like a movie. It doesn't matter where they come from. In yellow, they are fine. #CSKAlwayFindAWay
Ayaz Memon praised their ability to pull out a big performance when it was necessary:
CSK’s best performance this season: in all departments, for intensity and desire to win. The last fortnight had seen them stutter, sputter and lose quite a few matches. Just when it seemed players had run out of steam, to come up with this rousing performance is fantastic
Chennai skipper MS Dhoni will be hoping the experience that runs throughout the squad will settle any nerves on Sunday and ensure they play to a high standard. In Watson, Du Plessis and veteran bowler Imran Tahir, they have match-winners within their ranks.
However, all the signs point to a Mumbai win. They've been more consistent throughout the 2019 IPL, have more variety in their lineup and will be the fresher of the two challengers on the day.
After an unbeaten 71 against Chennai in the previous meeting between the two, expect Yadav to produce another key knock in the final and finish as the game's top run-scorer.
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Prediction: Mumbai to win Â
IPL Results 2019: Run-Scorers, Schedule After Capitals vs. Sunrisers Eliminator
May 8, 2019
VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA - MAY 08: Delhi Capitals celebrate after they defeated the Sunrisers Hyderabad during the Indian Premier League IPL Eliminator Final match between the Delhi Capitals and the Sunrisers Hyderabad at ACA-VDCA Stadium on May 08, 2019 in Visakhapatnam, India. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Keemo Paul's clutch four in the last over helped Delhi Capitals send Sunrisers Hyderabad packing by winning the eliminator by two wickets in the 2019 Indian Premier League on Wednesday.
Sunrisers went 162-8 before the Capitals responded with 165-8 to book a meeting with defending champions Chennai Super Kings on Friday for the right to face Mumbai Indians in the final.
Sunrisers had set the Capitals a total of 163 to chase, with Martin Guptill and Manish Pandey combining for 66 runs. Skipper Kane Williamson added a further 28 to leave the Capitals with plenty to do.
A fine bowling performance from Rashid Khan looked like putting pay to the Capitals' hopes, but Rishabh Pant's stubborn refusal to be dismissed made the difference. Pant clocked up 49 not out, while Prithvi Shaw got Delhi's innings started the right way with an impressive 56.
Their efforts helped the Capitals snap a tough streak in eliminator matches historically:
First win for #DelhiCapitals in an IPL knockout game. Previous times 👇 2008: Lost semis to RR by 105 runs 2009: Lost semis to Deccan by six wkts 2012: Lost Qualifier 1 to KKR by 18 runs 2012: Lost Qualifier 2 to CSK by 86 runs#DCvSRH#IPL2019pic.twitter.com/6fluY8XTEm
Chennai Super Kings vs. Delhi Capitals (Qualifier 2): 3 p.m. BST/7:30 p.m. IST/10 a.m. ET
Sunday, May 12
Mumbai Indians vs. Q2 winner: 3 p.m. BST/7:30 p.m. IST/10 a.m. ET
With three players in the top 10 for runs scored it was fitting the Capitals were saved by their batting order in Visakhapatnam. In particular, Pant was superb, tallying five sixes and two fours.
Brisk, clean hitting in a knock of 49 (21) to bring @DelhiCapitals within touching distance of the chase - @RishabPant777 is the Man of the Match in the playoff eliminator.#DCvSRHpic.twitter.com/KhRX5XqOhw
Delhi needed Pant's heroics considering the way Khan did his best to wreck the order. He claimed the wickets of Colin Munro, via leg before wicket, as well as Axar Patel, with help from a catch by Wriddhiman Saha.
Frustrating opponents when the games start to matter has become a happy habit for Khan:
Rashid Khan in IPL Play Offs:
0/11 (2) v KKR, Bengaluru, 2017 2/11 (4) v CSK, Mumbai WS, 2018 3/19 (4) v KKR, Kolkata, 2018 0/24 (4) v CSK, Mumbai WS, 2018 2/15 (4) v DC, Vizag, 2019#DCvSRH#SRH
Khaleel Ahmed also took down some key wickets, seeing Shreyas Iyer caught out by Saha after a mere eight runs. Ahmed also contributed to Shaw's exit as Vijay Shankar made a smart catch.Â
Victory was in sight for Sunrisers until Pant made his stand. Even with his efforts, things became frantic for the Capitals late on, with Amit Mishra judged out after a review found he had obstructed the wicket chasing a single.
