India qualify for the final, beat Sri Lanka by 81 runs

India overcame Sri Lanka and the almost continuous threat of inclement weather on Tuesday at Queen's Park Oval to advance to the final of the Tri-Nation Series two days later against the same opponents.

In yet another match in Trinidad severely affected by rain, the World Cup and Champions Trophy holders battled to 119 for three off 29 overs before a torrential downpour just before midday seemed set to force the match into a reserve day.

However the conditions improved significantly in late afternoon, and with the Sri Lankans set a revised target of 178 off 26 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis system, Bhuvneshwar Kumar produced an outstanding spell of seaming bowling, taking four for eight off his allotted six overs and ensuring that Sri Lanka were routed for 96 in reply.

India's 81-run margin of victory was also sizeable enough to ensure that while they finished level on nine points with both Sri Lanka and the West Indies, their net run-rate was superior to the Caribbean side's, so knocking Dwayne Bravo's team out of the competition and giving the hosts an unwanted two extra days to prepare for the five-match One-Day International Series with Pakistan, beginning on Sunday in Guyana.

Kumar exploited the helpful conditions masterfully, extracting pace and bounce off a greenish pitch and moving the ball both ways.

"I feel proud to put in a performance like this for my country, especially in a match of such importance," he said, reflecting on his match-winning effort, the best by an Indian in One-Day Internationals at Queen's Park Oval.

"I really enjoyed bowling here, just as it was in England, so I just tried to bowl in good areas consistently."

He accounted for Upul Tharanga and Kumar Sangakkara off successive deliveries in his second over, although Sangakkara could consider himself unfortunate to be adjudged LBW.

There was no doubt though about his other victims, Mahela Jayawardene slicing a catch to third man and Lahiru Thirimanne driving unerringly to Virat Kohli at cover.

India's captain, who earlier in the day appeared thoroughly flustered by the challenging conditions, never allowed the Sri Lankans a way out of their dire straits, employing his support bowlers effectively.

Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja accounted for skipper Angelo Mathews and topscorer Dinesh Chandimal (26) to ensure there was to be no miraculous revival.

"To bounce back the way we've done and top the table after losing the first two matches really shows a lot of character," said a delighted Kohli in the aftermath of victory.

"It was all about playing smart cricket when we were batting to ensure we didn't lose wickets slogging. It worked out well for us with the help of the Duckworth-Lewis (method)."

Rohit Sharma's patient, unbeaten 48 at the top of the order when India were put in was vital to holding the innings together on a bright but increasingly humid morning.

He lost the attacking Shikhar Dhawan in Mathews' first over while Herath once again proved his worth with the ball, the left-arm spinner trapping the struggling Kohli leg-before on the back foot and then bowling Dinesh Karthik.

By the fall of that third wicket it became inevitable that a rain interruption was only a matter of minutes away.

Sharma and Suresh Raina ensured there were no further casualties before the showers descended and waited with their teammates in hope that they would have the chance later in the day to pull off the victory needed to get to the final.

With the showers eventually relenting, their determination and the inspirational bowling of Kumar saw them through.

Continue Reading... Labels: Featured, Sports

India's row with IOC heads towards resolution

A row between India and the International Olympic Committee which has led to the suspension of the country from all Olympic activities is heading towards a possible resolution, the IOC said on Thursday.

The IOC banned India in December after refusing to recognise the results of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) elections due to government interference, which led to a tainted official being named its secretary general.

"We are optimistic that this is heading in the right direction. There is a roadmap for dealing with this," IOC spokesman Mark Adams said after the IOC's Executive Board discussed the matter on Thursday.

The IOA has to hold elections by September 1 and will have to hold an extraordinary meeting by mid-July to make amendments to its constitution before holding the elections.

Adams said the suspension had not yet been lifted but there was progress following talks in Lausanne this month.

"It would be fair to say that we are on a good track but we are waiting for them to act," he said.

The ban meant an end to funding from the IOC for the IOA, no Indian officials attending Olympic meetings and Indian athletes banned from competing at the Olympics under their country's flag.

Continue Reading... Labels: Sports

I hang my head in shame: Sports Minister on IPL spot fixing Scam

New Delhi: With more evidences of murkier deals and subsequent arrests each day, the IPL spot fixing scam has cast a dark shadow on the future of the glamorous and money spinning IPL. Sports Minister Jitendra Singh today said that he has been forced to hang his head in shame due to the scandal. Singh also insisted that a deterrent law could have prevented the credibility crisis that cricket is facing right now. Meanwhile, Anurag Thakur, the Joint Secretary of BCCI said that the entire IPL format shouldn't be blamed for few people. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police reached Chennai on Thursday with the objective of questioning Chennai Super Kings 'principal' Gurunath Meiyappan, the son-in-law of team owner and BCCI president N Srinivasan, in connection with the scandal.

Watch Video:

Continue Reading... Labels: NEWS ANALYSIS, Sports, Video News

Cops summon Chennai Super Kings owner Meiyappan

The Mumbai Police visited the Chennai home of Gurunath Meiyappan, CEO of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK), today as part of their investigations into the spot-fixing scandal. But Mr Meiyappan was not home and the police team has affixed summons to his door. A copy of the summon has also been to his office.

One of Mr Meiyappan's managers has accepted the summons on his behalf. Mr Meiyappan has been asked appear before investigators of the Mumbai Crime Branch between 11 am and 5 pm tomorrow. Mr Meiyappan, however, will appear before the police only on Monday, sources said. He is likely to issue a statement soon.

Mr Meiyappan is the son-in-law of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief N Srinivasan. The police say they have some questions for him based on their interrogation of small-time actor Vindoo Dara Singh, who is one of the people arrested in the spot-fixing investigation that has rocked the on-going season of the IPL.

Police sources claim that details that have emerged from the interrogation of Vindoo Singh need to be verified. The sources also added that Mr Meiyappan will be confronted with Vindoo Singh to verify his claims. At the moment, no one other than Mr Meiyappan is under the scanner from the Chennai franchise.  Sources claim that Vindoo Singh has also named some Bollywood personalities.

Watch Video:

Police sources say that they have also intercepted several "friendly" phone conversations between the actor and Mr Meiyappan. Immediately after one of these calls, the police sources allege, Vindoo Singh called up a bookie. The police have emphasized that they have no confirmation as yet that the Chennai Super Kings CEO has any links to alleged betting or spot-fixing in the IPL.

Mr Meiyappan's mobile phone has reportedly been switched off since morning.

Vindoo Singh was arrested on Tuesday. He is accused of having links with bookies allegedly involved in spot-fixing.  He has been charged with cheating and forgery and will be in police custody till Friday.

Vindoo has allegedly told the police that he helped two bookies, Pawan Jaipur and Sanjay Jaipur, escape to Dubai, sources have told NDTV.

The police conducted a search at Vindoo's residence yesterday and reportedly recovered three mobile phones allegedly belonging to Pawan Jaipur. They also seized Vindoo's iPad and laptop.

Continue Reading... Labels: Sports, Video News

Sports Minister hints at deterrent law

The Union Law Ministry is mulling a new anti-fixing legislation after the latest scandal in the Indian Premier League with three Rajasthan Royals cricketers arrested for spot-fixing and other under the scanner, Sports Minister Jitendra SIngh said in Delhi on Thursday.

“We are in touch with the Home Ministry and the Law Ministry to work out the law. We will consult the Attorney General before moving forward,” said Mr Singh.

“It is necessary that there is a law or a deterrent. There is no guarantee that this is not happening in other sports. Who knows it might have started in other sports as well,” he cautioned.

Insisting that a deterrent law could have prevented the credibility crisis that cricket is facing right now, Mr SIngh said he had been forced to hang his head in shame due to the IPL spot-fixing scandal. “It is very shameful. As a young person, as a sports fan, as the Sports Minister of the country, my head hangs in shame today,” Mr. Singh said.

“There should be some mechanism so that it doesn’t happen again. And it is not only about cricket. We are talking about cricket because of this expose but there are other sports as well,” he said.

The Minister however, refused to comment on the links emerging between bookies and IPL team owners such as Chennai Super Kings’ Gurunath Meiyappan. “That’s an investigation, I can’t say anything on that,” he said.

When asked if the government should have come up with a an anti-fixing law when the first such cricketing scandal broke out in 2000, Mr. Singh said, “What has happened in the past, I can’t comment on that but the government today is very proactive.”

“There should have been a law earlier but better late than never,” he added.

Continue Reading... Labels: Sports

Mancini sacked as Man City manager

Assistant Brian Kidd will take charge for the final two games of the season and the summer tour to America.

Malaga's Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini has been strongly tipped to replace Mancini.

On Sunday night 59-year-old Pellegrini, who spent one season in charge at Real Madrid in 2009-10, insisted he was not about to become the new City boss.

"I deny here and now being the new coach of Manchester City, I haven't signed any agreement with anybody," he said after Malaga's goalless Primera Division draw with Sevilla.

City thanked Mancini for the job he had done, with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak saying: "Roberto's record speaks for itself, he secured the love and respect of fans.

Roberto Mancini record

	W	D	L	GF	GA	W%
Premier League	82	27	24	255	111	61.65
All competitions	115	39	40	366	178	59.28

Source: Opta

"He has done as he promised and delivered silverware and success."

City added in their statement that it was "a difficult decision", explaining it was "the outcome of a planned end of season review process that has been brought forward in light of recent speculation".

The 48-year-old Italian replaced Mark Hughes in December 2009, winning the FA Cup in 2011 and City's first top-flight league title for 44 years in 2012 - a year to the day before his sacking.

But this term, City are a distant second to champions Manchester United, went out in the Champions League group stages andlost the FA Cup final to Wigan.

Mancini was critical of Manchester City officials for failing to deny the newspaper reports that surfaced on the morning of Saturday's FA Cup final stating he would be sacked and replaced by Pellegrini.

City were beaten by Ben Watson's 90th-minute header at Wembley as Wigan, struggling to avoid relegation from the Premier League in 18th place, became the lowest ranked team to win the FA Cup since West Ham in 1980.

City thrashed rivals United 6-1 at Old Trafford in October 2011 en route to their first Premier League title and although they beat them again on their home ground this season, Sir Alex Ferguson's team wrapped up their 20th league crown last month with four matches remaining.

Mancini's record in the Champions League has also come under scrutiny.

The furthest he has been in Europe's elite competition is the quarter-finals, with Inter Milan, and City have been eliminated in the group stages of both their campaigns during his reign.

Having finished third behind Bayern Munich and Napoli in 2011 they again failed to qualify this term, winning none of their six matches in a formidable group that also contained Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Ajax.

Their tally of three points was the lowest by an English side in the group stage of the competition.

Continue Reading... Labels: Sports

Serena beats Sharapova to defend Madrid title

World number one Serena Williams racked up the 50th title of her illustrious 18-year career when she thumped Maria Sharapova 6-1 6-4 to defend her Madrid Open crown on Sunday.

Williams' victory, her fourth tournament success of 2013 and only the seventh on clay since she turned pro in 1995, prevented Sharapova from leapfrogging her to the top of the rankings.

It also showed the 31-year-old American, a 15-times grand slam singles champion, is on red-hot form as she prepares her bid to add to her sole French Open title at Roland Garros starting later this month.

With the sliding roof over the Manolo Santana show court open to a cloudless sky, Sharapova struggled to find her range as Williams battered winners to all corners to race into a one-set lead.

The Russian world number two mounted a fightback at the start of the second set but could not sustain it and Williams broke her for a fifth time in the match to secure a first title on red clay - the Madrid courts were blue last year - since the 2002 French Open.

"It's not the ultimate title, but it's a good start in the right direction," Williams, who was upset by Virginie Razzano in the first round at Roland Garros last year, told a news conference.

"I don't know how many more (titles) I can win," she added.

"Like I say every day, who knows if I'll ever win another title? I just want to live the moment and the dream every chance I get."

Sharapova, 26, the French Open champion, has a woeful record against Williams. She has only beaten her twice in 15 attempts, and never on clay, with both victories coming almost a decade ago.

She did not seem too dejected by her latest reverse to the American and said she was pleased with the way her preparations for Roland Garros were going.

"At the end of the day I'm setting myself up opportunities to go out on the court and face her and play against her," Sharapova told a news conference.

"Obviously I wouldn't be happy if I wouldn't set up those opportunities because I do want to go on the court and I do want to face someone that's number one in the world and is playing tennis the way she does," she added.

"So I am happy about the fact of getting late into tournaments, winning tournaments, getting to the finals.

"If that means having to face Serena in the final that's a pretty great challenge out there. I take it, because I'm a very big competitor."

Williams, the oldest player to hold the number one ranking, is 10th on the all-time list for most career titles.

Martina Navratilova leads on 167, followed by Chris Evert with 154 and Steffi Graf with 107. Sharapova has 29, third among active players behind Serena and her sister Venus Williams who has 44.

Copyright & Courtesy: Reuters

Continue Reading... Labels: Sports

Manchester United name Moyes as manager

Alex Ferguson's influence at Manchester United will continue past his retirement after the Premier League champions followed his advice and appointed David Moyes as their next manager on Thursday.

Everton boss Moyes, who announced earlier he would be leaving the club after 11 years in charge, was the hot favourite to take over from his fellow Scot at United and has signed a six-year contract from July 1.

"When we discussed the candidates that we felt had the right attributes we unanimously agreed on David Moyes," Ferguson, who is staying at United (MANU.N) as an ambassador and director, said in a statement.

"David is a man of great integrity with a strong work ethic. I've admired his work for a long time and approached him as far back as 1998 to discuss the position of assistant manager here.

"He was a young man then at the start of his career and has since gone on to do a magnificent job at Everton. There is no question he has all the qualities we expect of a manager at this Club."

Moyes is braced for the tough job of following Britain's most successful manager, who is retiring at the end of the season after winning two Champions Leagues, 13 league titles, five FA Cups in more than 26 years at United.

"It's a great honour to be asked to be the next manager of Manchester United. I am delighted that Sir Alex saw fit to recommend me for the job. I have great respect for everything he has done and for the Football Club," the 50-year-old said.

"I know how hard it will be to follow the best manager ever, but the opportunity to manage Manchester United isn't something that comes around very often and I'm really looking forward to taking up the post next season."

Moyes will remain in charge for Everton's final two Premier League games of the season against West Ham United and Chelsea.

"I have had a terrific job at Everton, with a tremendous chairman and board of directors and a great set of players," he added.

"Between now and the end of the season, I will do everything in my power to make sure we finish as high as possible in the table."

WORK ETHIC

While Moyes shares the steely glare, work ethic and Scottish accent of Ferguson, he has none of the trophies.

The closest he came to silverware with Everton was the 2009 FA Cup, in which they lost 2-1 to Chelsea in the final having taken a first-minute lead.

He is also a Champions League novice, having only once guided Everton to a place in Europe's elite competition although they never reached the group stage, going out 4-2 on aggregate to Villarreal in the third qualifying round in 2005-06.

Despite the lack of cups and titles, Moyes is seen by his new club as having the right qualities for the top job.

"I have always said that we wanted the next manager to be a genuine Manchester United man. In David Moyes, we have someone who understands the things that make this such a special club," Bobby Charlton, former United player and current board member, said.

"We have secured a man who is committed to the long term and will build teams for the future as well as now. Stability breeds success.

"David has tremendous strength of character and recognises the importance of bringing young players through and developing them alongside world class talent."

Moyes' track record at Everton includes four top-six finishes, a knack for creating competitive teams with only modest resources and a reputation as a gritty, no-nonsense type of manager in a similar mould to Ferguson.

"His hard-working style and steely determination and are characteristics we value at the club," co-owner Joel Glazer said.

"He has impressed as a coach for many years now and we strongly believe he will be able to take up from where Alex is leaving off by continuing this club's tradition of flair football played by exciting, world class players."

One of Moyes' first tasks could be to persuade striker Wayne Rooney to stay at the club following newspaper reports the England international had once again asked to leave Old Trafford.

A Manchester United spokesman said on Wednesday the player, whose form has been up and down this season, was not for sale.

Rooney began his career at Everton under Moyes but the two subsequently fell out over an account in one of Rooney's autobiographies about how he came to leave Merseyside and sign for United.

The striker had wanted to leave United in 2010 before performing a U-turn and signing a five-year contract extension.

TOUCH ACT

While Moyes looks forward to his next post, the focus on Merseyside will shift to filling their own vacancy.

Wigan's Roberto Martinez is among the early front-runners but the Spaniard said on Thursday his mind was on his club's battle for Premier League survival and Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Others being touted by local media are Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup, Celtic's Neil Lennon and retiring club captain Phil Neville. Former Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Hughes has also expressed an interest.

"Everton officials will start the search for a replacement manager immediately," the club statement said.

"The chairman, on behalf of the club, would like to place on record his thanks to David for the massive contribution he has made to Everton since his arrival in March 2002. He has been an outstanding manager."

Continue Reading... Labels: Sports

Masters victory lifts Scott to third in world rankings

Adam Scott has climbed to a joint career-high number three in the world rankings following his dramatic Masters victory on Sunday.

Scott became the first Australian to win at Augusta after sinking a 15-foot birdie putt on the second extra hole to clinch a playoff victory over Angel Cabrera.

He edged past the Argentine to claim the green jacket after the pair had finished locked together on nine-under-par 279 after four rounds.

The Australian rose from number seven in the rankings to sit just behind Tiger Woods, who finished four shots off the pace at Augusta, and Rory McIlroy who rallied with a final round 69 to end 11 shots adrift.

Cabrera, a former Masters and U.S. Open champion who had dropped down the rankings after struggling with health problems, rose from 269 to 64th after falling just short of clinching a third major title.

Continue Reading... Labels: Sports

CSK wins a thriller against Royal Challengers

Chennai Super Kings have undoubtedly won the most thrilling encounter in the Indian Premier League so far in this season. They have defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by four wickets in a cracker of a match. Royal Challengers Bangalore looked favourites to win the clash throughout the match but MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja played their sublime cameos to keep the hopes alive for Chennai. Very very similar to the game last year. The target was a lot more on that occasion but the story and the result - the same! Last year, from 43 off 12, Kohli conceded 28 to Albie in the penultimate over. And then Bravo and Jadeja scored the remaining 15 runs in the final over off Vinay Kumar. What a match this has been!!! 

19.6 overs: Chennai requires two runs off the last delivery. Ravindra Jadeja slashes hard outside off and gets aen edge that flies straight into the hands of the fielder. RCB thinks they have won it but the umpire signals a no-ball. Chennai took a run in the interim of this madness.

19.2 overs: SIX!! Ravindra Jadeja has smashed it away over long on for a big six. The crowd is going bonkers now.

19.1 overs: FOUR!! Ravindra Jadeja slashes hard outside off and gets a thick edge towards third man for a boundary.

Chennai needs 16 runs six balls.

Chris Morris comes to the crease for Chennai.

18.4 overs: OUT!! Ravi Rampaul has got Dwayne Bravo out LBW. Dwayne Bravo departs after scoring eight runs.

18.2 overs: SIX!! Dwayne Bravo has smashed it over deep midwicket fence for the maximum. GAME ON!!

Dwayne Bravo comes to the crease for Chennai.

18.1 overs: OUT!! Ravi Rampaul has got MS Dhoni out caught by the wicket-keeper. MS Dhoni departs after scoring 33 runs off 23 balls with one four and two sixes. This could be end for Chennai's run-chase.

Chennai Super Kings need 29 runs in 12 balls to win the thrilling encounter. 

17.2 overs: FOUR!! Ravindra Jadeja has smashed it between extra cover and long off for a boundary. Dhoni and Jadeja have registered a fifty-run partnership.

16.2 overs: SIX!! MS Dhoni has deposited it on the roof of the ground for a 105-metre six. What a shot that was!!

16.1 overs: FOUR!! MS Dhoni slaps it with flat bat to long off for a boundary.

15.6 overs: FOUR!! Ravindra Jadeja slashes hard outside off and gets a thick edge to third man for a boundary.

With MS Dhoni(15) and Ravindra Jadeja(9) at crease, Chennai Super Kings require 65 runs in 30 balls to win the match.

13.3 overs: SIX!! MS Dhoni stands tall and smashes it over the deep midwicket fence for a huge six.

Ravindra Jadeja comes to the crease for Chennai Super Kings.

12.2 overs: OUT!! Syed Mohammad has got S Badrinath out caught at sweeper cover. S Badrinath departs after scoring 34 runs off 29 deliveries with four boundaries.

11.5 overs: FOUR!! Badrinath has lofted it straight down the ground to the long on fence for a boundary.

MS Dhoni comes to the crease for Chennai Super Kings.

10.3 overs: That's OUT!! Syed Mohammad has got Suresh Raina out caught at short third man.Suresh Raina throws his wicket away after scoring 30 runs off 22 deliveries with five fours.

9.1 overs: FOUR!! Badrinath cuts it fine between short third man and backward point for a boundary.

With Suresh Raina(28) and S Badrinath(15) at crease, Chennai Super Kings are currently at 54/2 after nine overs.   

8.1 overs: FOUR!! Suresh Raina moves across and paddles it to fine leg for a boundary.

7.5 overs: FOUR!! Badrinath dances down the track and lofts lit straight to long on for a boundary. Murali Kartik is unhappy with the field placement.

6.5 overs: FOUR!! Badrinath swivels across and pulls it away to deep square leg for a boundary.

5.5 overs: FOUR!! Suresh Raina has smashed it straight down the ground for another boundary.

5.1 overs: FOUR!! Suresh Raina clears his front-foot and drives it down to the long off for a boundary.

4.4 overs: FOUR!! Suresh Raina has lofted it towards deep extra cover for a boundary.

S Badrinath comes to the crease for Chennai Super Kings.

3.6 overs: That's OUT!! Vinay Kumar has got Michael Hussey out caught at deep backward square leg. Michael Hussey departs after scoring four runs. BIG WICKET for Bangalore!!

Suresh Raina walks to the crease for Chennai Super Kings.

2.1 overs: OUT!! Ravi Rampaul has got Murali Vijay out caught by the wicket-keeper. Murali Vijay departs after scoring two runs.

RP Singh will bowl from the other end for Bangalore.

Good start for Bangalore, just three runs from the first over.

Michael Hussey and Murali Vijay have walked out in the middle for Chennai while Ravi Rampaul will open the attack for Bangalore.

That's the end of the innings for Royal Challengers Bangalore. With the contribution from Virat Kohli(58) and AB de Villiers(64), Royal Challengers Bangalore have managed to post a total of 165 runs at the loss of six wickets after 20 overs against Chennai Super Kings. Chris Morris(3) was the pick of the bowlers for Chennai Super Kings alongside Dwayne Bravo(1), R Ashwin and Dirk Nannes(1). 

Good over by Nannes, just five runs coming off it.

19.6 overs OUT!! Dirk Nannes has got AB de Villiers out caught at sweeper cover. AB de Villiers departs after scoring an entertaining knock of 64 runs off 32 deliveries with eight fours and one six. 

18.6 overs: FOUR!! AB de Villiers smacks the full toss to the deep cover fence for a flat boundary.

18.4 overs: FOUR!! AB de Villiers sweeps past the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.

18.2 overs: SIX!! AB de Villiers has smashed it into the stands over deep midwicket for a 88-metre monstrous six. It also brings up his half-century. What an innings it has been!!

17.5 overs: Another one bites the dust!! Dwayne Bravo has got Ravi Rampaul out caught by the keeper. Ravi Rampaul departs for a duck.

Ravi Rampaul comes to the crease for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

16.6 overs: That's OUT!! Chris Morris has got Daniel Christian out caught midwicket. Daniel Christian departs after scoring two runs.

Daniel Christian has walked to the crease for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

16.4 overs: OUT!! Chris Morris has got Virat Kohli out caught by the wicket-keeper. Virat Kohli departs after scoring a blistering knock of 58 runs off 47 deliveries with two fours and two sixes.

16.1 overs: SIX!! Virat Kohli clears his front foot and heaves it away over deep mid wicket for the maximum.

15.6 overs: Virat Kohli flicks it to deep square leg for a single and it brings up his fifty.

14.2 overs: FOUR!! AB de Villiers stands tall and pulls it to deep midwicket for the second consecutive boundary in the over.

14.1 overs: FOUR!! AB de Villiers shuffles across and sweeps it towards deep square leg for a boundary. He's pulling all kinds of shots today. Superb Batting!!

13.5 overs: FOUR!! AB de Villiers smacks the full toss towards backward square leg for a boundary. Poor delivery by Dwayne Bravo.

13.1 overs: FOUR!! AB de Villiers has just swept Dwayne Bravo for a boundary to fine leg. Yes, you read that right.

12.1 overs: SIX!! Virat Kohli has deposited it into the pavilion terrace stands over the long on fence for a big six.

With Virat Kohli(31) and AB de Villiers(13) at crease, Royal Challengers Bangalore are currently at 74/2 after 12 overs.  

Dwayne Bravo comes into the attack for Chennai Super Kings.

9.6 overs: FOUR!! AB de Villiers slaps the short delivery to deep midwicket for a boundary. He looks in good touch today.

8.6 overs: FOUR!! AB de Villiers has smashed the full toss delivery over extra cover for a boundary.

AB de Villiers walks to the crease for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

8.5 overs: That's OUT!! R Ashwin has got Mayank Agarwal out stumped. He came down the track in a bid to launch it over midwicket region but Ashwin fired it down the leg stump and Dhoni does the rest.Mayank Agarwal departs after scoring 24 runs.

7.3 overs: SIX!! Mayank Agarwal dances down the track and smashes it over the long on fence for the maximum.

Ravindra Jadeja comes into the attack for Chennai Super Kings.

With Virat Kohli(15) and Mayank Agarwal(13) at crease, Royal Challengers Bangalore are currently at 33/1 after six overs. 

5.5 overs: FOUR!! Virat Kohli has pulled it beautifully towards deep midwicket for a boundary.

4.3 overs: FOUR!! Virat Kohli smashes it over the in-field towards the sweeper cover fence for a boundary.

3.6 overs: FOUR!! Mayank Agarwal waits back in the crease and plays a late cut towards third man for a boundary.

Mohit Sharma comes into the attack for Chennai Super Kings.

2.5 overs: FOUR!! Mayank Agarwal slaps it away to sweeper cover fence for a boundary.

Virat Kohli comes to the crease for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

1.5 overs: OUT!! Chris Morris has got Chris Gayle out caught behind the stumps by the keeper. Chris Gayle departs after scoring four runs. BIG WICKET for Chennai.

Gayle Alert: The big Jamaican left-hander is on the brink of going past 2,000 runs in his IPL career.

Chris Morris will bowl from the other end for Chennai Super Kings.

0.6 overs: FOUR!! Chris Gayle has punched it along the ground through mid on for the first boundary of the innings.

0.6 overs: WIDE!! Dirk Nannes strays down the leg side and Bangalore get first runs on the board.

Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal have walked out in the middle for Royal Challengers Bangalore while Dirk Nannes will start the proceedings for Chennai Super Kings.

Toss: Chennai Super Kings have won the toss and elected to field first.

Players to watch out for from Chennai Super Kings:

Suresh Raina: One of the most prolific batsmen in the T20 format, he comes to the party more often than not. Not only is he capable of clearing the boundaries when required, his off- spin is also very handy.

Ravichandran Ashwin: He is one of the bankers of the side and can put the brakes on opposition batsmen while also getting wickets. He was in terrific form in the Tests against Australia.

Murali Vijay: Being a local lad, he is very comfortable in the conditions prevalent at the Chepauk. Recently back in the Indian side, his run of big scores against Australia will give him added confidence.

Ravindra Jadeja: He has been on an amazing high in the recent weeks, with the Aussies totally clueless against his left-arm spinners. A great fielder, he will also be expected to contribute with the bat. His bowling spell of 5/16 was registered as the best bowling figures in the IPL tournament last season.

Players to watch out for from Royal Challengers Bangalore:

Chris Gayle: Arguably the most devastating contemporary batsman, Gayle is the first player to score a century in international Twenty20 cricket; the only man to score seven or more tons in the Twenty20 format; and is the leading six-hitter in Twenty20s. With 1,804 runs in matches in his IPL career, Gayle has been the backbone of RCB's batting. The left-hander has been the top-scorer in IPL for two consecutive years(2011 and 2012).

Virat Kohli: The newly-appointed captain of the RCB, Virat Kohli, is one of the finest batsmen in the world today. The 24-year-old is the quintessential new-age cricketer who plays his game aggressively and is unafraid to express his emotions on the field. The right-hander has been explosive for RCB with 1, 639 runs in 77 matches during his IPL career. He was the second-highest run scorer in 2011 season behind his teammate Gayle. Kohli is also a good fielder and can bowl the occasional medium pace spell too.

Sadeep Warrier: The 21-year-old unknown cricketer from Kerala has been a livewire in the Indian domestic cricket. The right-arm medium-fast bowler shot to fame after taking 22 wickets in a mere five matches for Kerala in the Ranji Trophy. After being called up the BCCI to bowl at the Indian batsmen in nets, the young speedster managed to impress Virat Kohli - who asked RCB to sign him with immediate effect.

AB de Villiers: The South-African wicket-keeper batsman has made a name for himself with his game changing abilities in the world of cricket. The 29-year-old cricketer has scored 1,302 runs in 60 matches during his IPL career. He can role-play himself as a finisher, middle-order batsman or even as a pinch hitter. During the 2012 season when playing the role of a finisher, he snatched wins out of the jaws of defeat. He unearthed some outrageous shots to incredible effect and in one over, smashed Dale Steyn for 23 - two fours and sixes each - to win RCB a thriller.

Teams(from):

Chennai Super Kings: MS Dhoni(c/wk), Srikkanth Anirudha, Baba Aparajith, Ravichandran Ashwin, Subramaniam Badrinath, Murali Vijay, Dwayne Bravo, Akila Dananjaya, Faf du Plessis, Ben Hilfenhaus, Jason Holder, Michael Hussey, Imtiaz Ahmed, Ravindra Jadeja, Shadab Jakati, R Karthikeyan, Nuwan Kulasekara, Ben Laughlin, Ronit More, Albie Morkel, Chris Morris, Dirk Nannes, Suresh Raina, Ankit Rajpoot, Wriddhiman Saha, Vijay Shankar, Mohit Sharma

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli(c), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, KP Appanna, Sreenath Aravind, Arun Karthik, Christopher Barnwell, Daniel Christian, AB de Villiers(wk), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Moises Henriques, Sheldon Jackson(wk), Murali Kartik, Zaheer Khan, Andrew McDonald, Abhimanyu Mithun, Abhinav Mukund, Muttiah Muralitharan, Karun Nair, Pankaj Singh, Prasanth Parameswaran, Harshal Patel, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravi Rampaul, Sandeep Warrier, RP Singh, Sunny Sohal, Jamaluddin Syed Mohammad, Saurabh Tiwary, Jaydev Unadkat, Daniel Vettori, Vinay Kumar, Vijay Zol

Continue Reading... Labels: Featured, Sports