Statistical highlights of Mumbai Indians-Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL match

Statistical highlights of the Indian Premier League match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore on Wednesday:

# Dinesh Karthik (44 off 39 balls) registered his highest score in the present edition of the IPL.

# Gayle (82 not out off 59 balls) became the first batsman to register six fifties in the IPL 2012.

# Gayle took his runs' tally in the present competition to 515 at an average of 57.22 in 11 matches. He is the first to manage 500 runs.

# Gayle's overall record in the IPL is superb, aggregating 1586 at an average of 48.06 in 39 games, including two hundreds and eleven fifties.

# Gayle is the third batsman to total 500 runs or more in an IPL season twice, joining Sachin Tendulkar and Shaun Marsh. His best season being - 608 runs at an average of 67.55 in 12 matches in 2011.

# Gayle holds a record having collected most MOM awards (19) in Twenty20, bettering Brad Hodge's tally of 18 awards.

# Gayle has received ten Man of the Match awards in the IPL - a tally exceeded only by Yusuf Pathan (11).

# Gayle is the top run-getter in the present tournament, overtaking Virender Sehwag's aggregate of 468 (ave.46.80) in 11 games.

# Gayle has recorded 37 sixes in the present tournament, extending his own tally.

# Sehwag, Gayle and Abraham de Villiers have been adjudged the Man of the Match three times each in the IPL 2012.

# Sachin Tendulkar's IPL aggregate of 1949 at an average of 38.98 in 59 matches is bettered only by Suresh Raina - 2078 (ave.34.06) in 74 games.

# Rohit Sharma has recorded his second duck in the present competition - his fifth in the IPL.

# Muttiah Muralitharan and Vinay Kumar have bagged ten wickets each for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2012.

# Harshal Patel (2/24) has produced his best bowling feat for Bangalore in the IPL 5.

# Harbhajan Singh has taken only five wickets at an average of 53.80 in 12 matches in the present IPL edition.

# Royal Challengers Bangalore's current tally is 13 points and are placed fourth in the IPL 5, behind Kolkata (17), Delhi (16) and Mumbai (14).

# Royal Challengers Bangalore have recorded the biggest win so far in the IPL 5 - the first team to register a nine-wicket win.

# With their magnificent nine-wicket victory, Bangalore have equalled their biggest victory against Mumbai Indians in the IPL. They had defeated Mumbai by nine wickets at New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on May 3, 2009.

# Bangalore's biggest win in the IPL is by ten wickets against Rajasthan Royals at Bangalore on March 18, 2010.

# Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore have won five matches each against each other in the IPL out of ten contested. 

Source: Times of India

It was like a Test match out there: Dinesh Karthik

The pitch at the Wankhede stadium for the current IPL edition came under the scanner again when Mumbai Indians wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik compared the conditions to a Test match after they slumped to a nine-wicket defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

"There was a lot in it initially. The ball was seaming around a lot. It was a little damp. It was a bit like a Test match. It was a question of survival in the first 4-5 overs," said Karthik, who top-scored for the hosts with a well-made 44 in 39 balls.

Before Karthik, MI captain Harbhajan Singh and Rohit Sharma had also questioned the tracks prepared here. Rohit had even went to the extent of comparing the track prepared for an earlier game to the bouncy Perth wicket in Australia.

MI slid to 2/2 before recovering to score 141/6 but the total was not enough as a rampaging Chris Gayle blasted his way to an unbeaten 82 off 59 balls to pilot his team home.

While crediting RCB bowlers for utilising the pitch well, Karthik said that a better wicket would have seen his batsmen compiling a bigger score.

"Credit to their bowlers, who bowled well. If it does a lot off the wicket, it is very tough to play shots. We couldn't get off to a start which is generally the case in T20. Even when they batted there was a bit in it for the new ball bowlers. They were taking their time and could not play their shots initially. But the wicket had a lot more in it when we batted, no doubt about it," he said.

Karthik defended the team's decision to leave out Munaf Patel and include left arm spinner Pragyan Ojha in his place. Ojha was taken to the cleaners in the two overs he bowled in which he gave away 25 runs and took one wicket.

"When you play Pollard and Dwayne Smith there are two seamers there as well. You need that extra spinning option, otherwise you would not have any options at all. Once you get Chris Gayle out there are a lot of right handers in their line-up and I am sure Ojha could have played a bigger part."

Karthik said to stop a batsman like Gayle early on, catches offered needed to be taken which was not the case. Another Caribbean player Dwayne Smith had dropped a swirling catch early in the Gayle's innings.

"You have to take your catches. There was one catch there for us which could have meant a lot. As a team if we get that wicket and another wicket and we are on a roll there. Those sort of things really matter in T20. When a guy like that gets even mis-hits it goes out of the park. It can be tough for a bowler to bowl," said the wicket keeper.

Karthik said the team, which remained at third spot on the league table after the defeat with 14 points and three games left, would need to introspect.

"Definitely there are areas where we can get better as a team and these are the things we will be looking at in the next couple of games," he said optimistically.

Our bowlers set up the victory: Chris Gayle

He played a crucial part in his team's comprehensive nine-wicket win with a blazing 82-run knock, but Royal Challengers Bangalore opener Chris Gayle credited his team's bowlers for setting up the crushing nine-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians.

"It was a very good wicket to bat on (when we batted) to be honest with you. First of all I must say it was a very good toss to win. The new ball tends to do a lot here. Credit must go to our bowlers who utilised the conditions brilliantly.

"I would actually say our bowlers won this match for us. To restrict such a good batting line up in the first six overs and also get key wickets was a tremendous effort," said the left-handed West Indian power-hitter.

Gayle struck six towering sixes and five fours while notching his fourth 80-plus score in the tournament and sixth half-century.

RCB pacer R Vinay Kumar bowled a devastating first spell to reduce Mumbai to 2/2 by sending back opener James Franklin and Rohit Sharma - in his opening over.

The former Windies skipper, who got the Orange Cap for becoming the leading run-getter (515 from 11 games) in the tournament, said they knew Lasith Malinga was the danger man for them and their plan was not to let him do the damage.

"When we batted, it was good to bat on. Only the new ball did a bit. It was key that we didn't let them in early by losing early wickets. Myself and Dilshan played that part very well, but unfortunately we lost Dilshan and then captain (Kohli) came in and we finished it off," he said.

"We know what Malinga is capable of. He was actually our toughest hurdle and looking to pick up early wickets. Our plan was not to let him do so. We knew what was actually coming at us. He is one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. Credit has to be given where it is due. We played him out well. We stuck to our plans and finished it off well," said the 32-year-old.

He said luck was with him when fellow-West Indian Dwayne Smith dropped a skier off a leading edge at point off Rudra Pratap Singh when he was 21 in the sixth over

"He does not drop many catches. That was a surprise. Ball went high it was a tough one even though he is a tremendous fielder. These things do happen. It was unfortunate for him and good luck for me. I was very happy he dropped it."

Gayle said the victory was achieved in a crucial game but what was more important was that RCB continue in the same vein to get into the four-team play-offs.

"Yeah it's a good feeling to achieve it but what was more important was actually winning the game. It was difficult position for us but two wins on the trot is actually good for us and hopefully we can continue in the same form in the next couple of games.

"But we need to be consistent. This is history now and we move on to the next game in Pune and hopefully continue that winning vein and give us that chance to have a shot at that trophy," he signed off. 

Source: Time of India

Responsibility lies with me and Kallis for playoffs: Gambhir

After leading his side to the top with a facile win over Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir said he, along with senior batsman Jacques Kallis, will have to shoulder the responsibility of steering the team to playoff stage.

Gambhir has been leading from the front by scoring 457 runs so far in the ongoing edition.

"If someone has to change the game, it should be Kallis or me. We don't want (Brendon) McCullum or Yusuf Pathan to change the game. It's our responsibility because we are the experienced guys," Gambhir said at the post-match press conference

"You don't want them to stop playing their natural game. The guys like me and Kallis need to change the game and that is what responsibility and experience is all about."

KKR thrashed Delhi Daredevils by six wickets in a lopsided contest here last night to emerge as the table leaders in the IPL. They now have 17 points and are almost assured of a place in the knock-out stage.

Gambhir said his team is playing in the IPL not just to compete but win matches.

"For me, every game is tough and important. When I go on to the field, I just want to win the match. It's not about competing in the IPL, it's about winning every time. I always look to win matches because you don't want to go back to the dressing room on a losing note. You want to go happy and for that feeling to come, you have to win matches.

"We have some quality players in the dressing room. Someone like Kallis, who is such a legend of the game. Brendon McCullum and Brett Lee are also there. When you have such players, you don't need to motivate them. They all are thorough professionals. One thing important for us is that we need to play well as a unit," he said.

An aggressive approach to batting has been the success mantra for KKR skipper Gambhir.

"I've been hitting the ball well this season. You need to be aggressive in your approach. You have to pass on that body language among teammates which is very important. As I mentioned before, you don't go there to compete but to win matches. For that to achieve, you need to be aggressive," said the opener.

With four more games remaining before the playoffs, Gambhir warned his side to guard against complacency.

"KKR still have a long distance to cover with four more games remaining before the playoffs. We need to guard against complacency. I am keeping my fingers crossed, just trying to give our best in every match.

"Till the time, I am leading the KKR or whatever team I'm going to lead (in the future), there will be no complacency. For me, every game is as important as the first game or the finals. That's what KKR is all about," he said.

For Gambhir, the form of McCullum augurs well for KKR. "He has always been in form. In India, there is a problem, if someone gets a fifty he is in the form, if someone does not get a fifty, he is out of the form. How he's batting and hitting the ball is more important to me. It was all about contributions. Even in the last game, he got 40-odd runs and we got 100-run partnership, that's more important rather than individual scores. He has always been a key player for us."

Asked about the incident involving Daredevils' batsman Mahela Jayawardene, who survived a confident caught behind appeal after which he had a heated exchange with Gambhir only for Ross Taylor to intervene and separate the two, the skipper said, "These things keep happening. It was just a normal conversation, nothing serious."

Source: The Times of India

Confident Mumbai face Bangalore in crucial IPL game

Buoyed by their sensational last-ball victory over Chennai Super Kings, a keyed up Mumbai Indians take on strong challengers Royal Challengers Bangalore in a crucial Indian Premier League game on Wednesday.

While MI have garnered 14 points from 11 matches, RCB are trailing them by three points, having played the same number of games ahead of the high-octane first leg clash.

If MI stopped the Super Kings in their tracks when new recruit Dwayne Smith smashed Ben Hilfenhaus for a six and two fours off the last three balls, RCB were no less impressive in pulling off a thrilling victory over Deccan Chargers.

AB de Villiers' 17-ball unbeaten 47 swung the game RCB's way and he, along with another in-form batsman Chris Gayle, is a major threat to Mumbai's hopes of pulling off their fourth straight victory.

A victory for MI would boost the points tally to 16 with four games left and would help them draw level with Delhi Daredevils, albeit with one game less in hand.

But more importantly it would ease the pressure enormously from their shoulders in the red-hot race to the last-four.

A setback for last year's runners-up RCB would put them under the same sort of difficulties that are being faced by two-time holders Super Kings after their defeat to MI.

In batting RCB have been well-served by left-handed West Indian powerhouse Gayle (433 runs from 10 games) at the top, and classy right-handed South African de Villiers (292 from 11 games) - who can switch-hit powerfully to spoil the spinners' plans - in the middle.

These two batsmen, averaging 48-plus, have shouldered the responsibility of propping up the Bangalore batting admirably in which another key member - India star Virat Kohli - has, unfortunately, not lived up to the high expectations.

Tillakaratne Dilshan has settled in the top order well and RCB would be depending a lot on this overseas trio and Kohli in batting against the varied Mumbai attack, spearheaded by speedster Lasith Malinga.

The big worry for RCB is the Kohli's lack of form. He has scored just 201 runs from 11 games. Mayank Agarwal and Saurabh Tiwary have also not made any significant contribution.

In bowling, RCB have Zaheer Khan and R Vinay Kumar as the leading wicket-takers, but have not used Muthiah Muralitharan - who has taken eight wickets from five games - to the extent expected. He played in the previous game after a lengthy gap.

Left-arm Indian pace spearhead Zaheer's battle with his Mumbai city mate and MI opener Sachin Tendulkar should liven up the proceedings in front of what is going to be another sell-out crowd watching the match under lights.

RCB skipper Daniel Vettori (5 wickets from 9 games) has struggled to take wickets, but can pose challenges to the Mumbai batsmen with his vast experience while the team has the option to field fellow-left arm spinner K P Appanna.

With two wins and as many losses along with a split points verdict against Super Kings in their last five games, RCB seem to have got their campaign back on track and a victory over MI would improve their qualifying hopes.

Their rivals MI are on a roll as they have beaten Deccan Chargers at home, Pune Warriors (away) and the Super Kings in their backyard in successive games.

What was most heartening for MI was Tendulkar regaining his touch against the Super Kings. He played a superb innings of 74 in 44 balls.

Another pleasing fact for MI is inclusion of Smith in the squad. The Caribbean all-rounder delivered the knock-out blow to the Super Kings in the final over with an unbeaten 9-ball 24 and the innings has cemented his place in the eleven.

Malinga, who has emerged as the leading wicket taker in the competition after the game against Super Kings, is the major threat for the Bangalore batsmen with his ability to bowl effectively as first or second change and at the death by using his inch-perfect yorkers.

Skipper Harbhajan Singh has also sprang back to his much-vaunted form and R P Singh too bowled well against the Super Kings, but a question mark remains over Munaf Patel who has gone for plenty in his last few games.

The support bowling from Robin Peterson and Smith did not measure up to the expected levels against the Super Kings and the former might give his place if Kieron Pollard returns after recovering from his right shoulder injury.

Teams (from):

Mumbai Indians: Harbhajan Singh (captain), Sachin Tendulkar, Abu Nechim, Amitoze Singh, Aiden Blizzard, James Franklin, Kieron Pollard, Ambati Rayudu, Y Chahal, Clint McKay, Herschelle Gibbs, Davy Jacobs, Richard Levi, Dwayne Smith, Dinesh Karthik, Dhawal Kulkarni, K Yadav, Lasith Malinga, Sushant Marathe, Pragyan Ojha, Munaf Patel, Robin Peterson, Sujit Nayak, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jaydev Shah, Rudra Pratap Singh, T Suman, Pawan Suyal, Aditya Tare, Apporva Wankhede.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Daniel Vettori (captain), Mayank Agarwal, KP Appanna, Prashanth Parameswaran, Arun Karthik, Raju Bhatkal, AB de Villiers, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chris Gayle, Mohammad Kaif, Abrar Kazi, Zaheer Khan, Virat Kohli, Charl Langeveldt, Andrew McDonald, Abhimanyu Mithun, Muttiah Muralitharan, Karun Nair, Dirk Nannes, M Gautam, Ryan Ninan, Asad Pathan, Luke Pomerscback, Harshal Patel, Asad Pathan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rilee Rossouw, Jamaluddin Syed Mohammad, S Thiyagarajan, Saurabh Tiwary, R Vinay Kumar, Vijay Zol.

Source: The Time of India

Luke Wright fears he has picked up dengue fever during IPL spell

The 27-year-old had expected to fly back to India for Pune's match against Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday.
He returned to England at the end of April for a family funeral.
Most people infected with dengue fever recover fully without any further problems, although treatment, which consists of taking on fluids and painkillers and plenty of rest, can last for a number of weeks.
In a small percentage of cases the virus can cause blood vessels to leak or abnormal blood clotting.
Wright has played just one match for Pune, bowling two overs at a cost of 24 runs, in the eight-wicket defeat to Delhi Daredevils on 24 April.
He won a contract with the franchise on the back of his impressive form in the southern hemisphere where he scored a century off 44 balls - the fastest ever in Australia's Big Bash - while playing for Melbourne Stars and hitting some big scores for South African side Impi.
Source: BBC News

John Wright to step down as New Zealand coach in August

The former Black Caps skipper, who has spent 17 months in charge, will leave after their tour of West Indies.

He replaced compatriot Mark Greatbatch as coach in December 2010.

"I appreciate the offer to extend my contract but after much consideration I feel it's the right time to move on and look at other opportunities," Wright, 57, said in a statement.

He steered the Kiwis to the World Cup semi-finals last year, while in November they recorded their first Test victory in Australia for 26 years.

However, he is reported to have had differences of opinion with former Australia coach John Buchanan, who was appointed as New Zealand's director of cricket last April.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said: "John has been an outstanding servant for cricket in New Zealand over a long time and it is disappointing to lose someone of his calibre.

"We were keen to see him continue his head-coach role, however understand and respect his decision to look for another challenge.

"We are keen to fill this critical role as soon as possible but are conscious that we need to take the time to find the right candidate who can take us through to the 2015 World Cup."

Wright became India's first overseas coach in 2000, spending five years in the role, and has also coached English county side Kent. 

Source: BBC Sport

Starc set for Yorkshire bow

The club expect Starc to arrive in time to play in their LV= County Championship match against Gloucestershire at Bristol on May 9.
A club statement read: "Assuming that the required paperwork is obtained, Starc will fly from Sydney on May 4 and be available for selection for the LV= County Championship match against Gloucestershire at Bristol on May 9.
"Yorkshire will need a non-objection certificate (NOC) from the Australian cricket board and to tie up the required work permits to add the Aussie to their 2012 squad."
The 22-year-old left-arm seamer stepped in for the injured Peter Siddle in Australia's Test victory over the West Indies in Dominica last week. It was his fourth Test cap.
Source: sky sports

Shivnarine Chanderpaul returns to top of ICC Test rankings

Chanderpaul hit 68 and 69 in the third Test against Australia in Dominica to earn 19 ratings points and move ahead of South Africa's AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis.

The 37-year-old from Guyana first topped the batting charts in July 2008.

He last held the top spot in May 2009 but dropped as low as 15th in June 2010 before his revival.

Chanderpaul will arrive in England this week for the Test series as the number one-ranked batsman, as he did in May 2009. 

ICC batting rankings

1. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI) 827 points

2. AB de Villiers (SA) 821

3. Jacques Kallis (SA) 819

4. Younus Khan (Pak) 797

5. Kumar Sangakkara (SL) 779 

He passed the 10,000-run mark during the match in Dominica, becoming only the second Windies player and the 10th of all-time to reach the mark.

Australia's 75-run win on Friday in the match, which gave them a 2-0 win in the series, saw them move ahead of India into third place in the Test table.

South Africa's Dale Steyn retains top spot in the bowlers table, ahead of Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal and England's James Anderson. 

Source: BBC News

Australia beat West Indies in dramatic first Test

Australia beat West Indies by three wickets on the final day of a dramatic first Test in Bridgetown.

Chasing a victory target of 192 in two sessions, the tourists snuck home in fading light following a nervy chase that was led by Shane Watson's 52.

Australia skittled West Indies for 148 on the stroke of lunch, seam bowler Ben Hilfenhaus taking 4-27.

Spinner Narsingh Deonarine took four wickets in reply but 32 from 26 balls from Michael Hussey proved decisive.

"That was one of the hardest Test matches I've played in my short career," said man-of-the-match Ryan Harris, who took five wickets in the match and scored 68 not out in Australia's first innings.

"To win a game like that after they batted for two days, it's pretty amazing."

West Indies skipper Darren Sammy said: "We dominated a top side with some good players and the way I heard them celebrating on the balcony means a lot to me.

"We'll take that to heart and look to come back strong in Trinidad."

West Indies were in complete control after posting a first-innings total of 449 before reducing Australia to 285-8 on a chaotic fourth day.

But Harris' maiden Test half-century sparked the recovery, allowing Clarke to declare 43 runs short and insert West Indies with the momentum going against them.

It proved a masterstroke as Hilfenhaus turned the game further with three wickets in six balls before Harris (3-31) mopped up the tail on Wednesday morning.

That left his batsmen with 192 to secure victory but a painfully slow West Indies over-rate and some unhurried Australia batting threatened to deny Clark's men a fifth successive Test win.

They reached tea at 61-1, with Ed Cowan inching to 11 from 61 balls, as Australia sought to set the stage for late fireworks.

Watson stepped up a gear after tea but when he became Deonarine's first victim, pulling a long hop to backward square leg, Australia started to show signs of nerves.

Deonarine removed Cowan, Ricky Ponting and Clarke in the space of 14 runs to give the hosts a scent of victory at 140-5.

But Hussey calmed the ship, clattering two sixes in his knock only to fall with his side three runs short of the target when bowled by Kemar Roach.

However, Hilfenhaus scrambled the winning run soon after to give Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.