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With just two wins so far, and seven matches remaining, Rising Pune Supergiants will look to arrest their slide when they take on Mumbai Indians, and try to ensure they remain in contention for a playoff spot

The Preview by Nagraj Gollapudi30-Apr-2016Match factsSunday, May 1, 2016
Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)Big PictureRising Pune Supergiants announced themselves on the opening day of IPL 2016 with a nine-wicket win over defending champions Mumbai Indians, achieved with 32 balls to spare. In terms of balls left, the margin of victory is the third-best in the tournament so far and second in terms of wickets left. Since then, however, MS Dhoni’s Supergiants have had only one victory in six matches.After failing to defend 195 against Gujarat Lions, Dhoni made it clear that if Supergiants had to stay alive in the campaign his bowlers needed to create more impact, especially in the Powerplay. However, in the Powerplay, his bowlers have taken 10 wickets in seven matches, second only to Kolkata Knight Riders, who have 14 in as many matches. Even in the middle overs (7 to 15), Supergiants have maintained an economy rate of 6.71, the best among the eight teams.Why Supergiants have NRR edge despite poor run

In seven matches this season, Rising Pune Supergiants have won two matches and lost five; in the same number of matches, Gujarat Lions have won six and lost one. Supergiants’ net run rate after seven matches is +0.265, while Lions’ is +0.038.
At first glance it would seem the NRR numbers have been interchanged, but Supergiants have won their two matches so convincingly, and lost a few so narrowly, that their NRR is second to Kolkata Knight Riders’. Their two wins were by margins of 32 balls to spare and 34 runs, which is huge in the 20-over format. The 34-run win was even bigger as it came in a rain-affected game in which Supergiants batted only 11 overs – effectively scoring three runs per over more than their opponents, Sunrisers Hyderabad. On the other hand, the sum of balls remaining in their four defeats when defending a total is only 23, while their only defeat in a chase was by a 13-run margin.
Lions, meanwhile, have won every close game they have been involved in: two of their chases culminated in last-ball wins, while they beat Daredevils by one run. The aggregate of balls remaining in their three other wins is 29, while their only defeat was a massive one – by ten wickets, with 31 balls remaining, against Sunrisers. The margin of that defeat has very nearly wiped out the margins of their six wins put together, which is why their NRR is almost zero.

Their problem appears to be lack of confidence. Dhoni’s usual go-to man R Ashwin has failed to take wickets. After taking 2 for 36 in the opening game, Ishant Sharma leaked runs and took one wicket in the subsequent three matches before he was benched. Losing batsmen Kevin Pietersen and Faf du Plessis to injuries hasn’t helped their cause and they suffered another setback when Australia allrounder Mitchell Marsh was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a side strain.* Marsh was one of the more economical bowlers for the side, taking four wickets in three matches at an average of 11.25 and an economy rate of 5.Dhoni and the coach Stephen Fleming have been critical of their players in public, an uncharacteristic situation for them. Their impatience, however, could also stem from the fact that the team have only seven matches remaining and the pressure to win could prove an unnecessary distraction.Mumbai, have played the most matches so far in the tournament (8) and are placed fifth on the points table. After a few hiccoughs, they seem to have found balance in their line-up. In the first few games, their batting relied heavily on the success of their captain Rohit Sharma but Parthiv Patel, Ambati Rayudu, Jos Buttler and Kieron Pollard have also stepped up subsequently.Simply put, this is a contest between a team low on confidence against a team gaining confidence with every game.Form guideRising Pune Supergiants LWLLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Mumbai Indians WWLWLIn the SpotlightR Ashwin is undoubtedly a match-winner but has not yet made an impact in IPL 2016. There has been much debate on whether he has been under-bowled. With an average of 77 and two wickets in seven matches, Ashwin must be hurting and desperate to turn the corner.Team NewsMarsh’s injury may mean the team could stick with Albie Morkel. The franchise has not yet confirmed whether Australia batsman Usman Khawaja, who was signed earlier this week, has joined the squad.Rising Pune Supergiants (probable) 1 Ajinkya Rahane, 2 Saurabh Tiwary, 3 Steven Smith, 4 MS Dhoni (wk/capt), 5 Thisara Perera, 6 Peter Handscomb, 7 Rajat Bhatia, 8 R Ashwin, 9 Albie Morkel, 10 Ashok Dinda, 11 M AshwinMumbai might opt for the same eleven that beat Kolkata Knight Riders in their previous match.Mumbai Indians (probable) 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Parthiv Patel (wk), 3 Ambati Rayudu, 4 Jos Buttler, 5 Kieron Pollard, 6 Krunal Pandya, 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Harbhajan Singh, 9 Mitchell McCleneghan, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Jasprit BumrahPitch and conditionsThe Pune pitch was in the news earlier in the year when India were bundled out for 101 in a T20I against Sri Lanka on a green track. The match was played in winter and the ball was swinging, aided by stiff breeze. In this IPL, teams have set targets of 186, 161 and 196 at the ground. A big score can be expected once again, although the pitch could be on the slower side owing to the scorching summer temperatures.Stats and TriviaM Ashwin was picked by Supergiants at the auction for INR 4.5 crore (approx $671,000). So far the legspinner has not disappointed his captain Dhoni, who has thrown the ball to him in the end overs. With an economy of just 6.16 in the slog overs, M Ashwin ranks as one of the best among bowlers who have delivered a minimum of four overs. Rohit Sharma has scored 279 runs while chasing in four matches so far this season, but has made only 19 runs in the four instances when Mumbai have batted first.Quotes”It won’t work if we concede 60 runs or so in the first six overs. We definitely need to improve our bowling, especially with the new ball. Our bowlers need to step up. Simple.”*1051 AM GMT, May 1. The preview was updated to include news of Mitchell Marsh’s injury

Gio Reyna has endured his fair share of injuries, with spells on the sidelines leading to the United States international kicking a video game habit.

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Midfielder has struggled with knocksEnjoying full fitness at presentHas changed routine off the pitchWHAT HAPPENED?

The Borussia Dortmund playmaker is still just 20 years of age, but he is into a fifth season in senior football. Reyna has passed the 100-appearance mark in Germany, but would have liked to have reached that mark much earlier than he did.

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Fitness issues have held him back at times, but stints on the treatment table have allowed the highly-rated midfielder to change his personal life for the better. Reyna has told Tim Ream’s podcast: “You learn things that you try to add into your rhythm, so it’s not just training, coming home, sitting alone, playing video games. Try to get more healthy habits into your day-to-day life, whether it’s going for a walk, or I don’t know, reading something, or just trying to pick up a new little habit.”

WHAT THEY SAID

Reyna has taken important lessons from his injury setbacks and feels he has become a stronger player and person because of them. He added: “You learn a lot in the process of being injured, not only physically but mentally. I’m only 20 and I feel like in the last few years I’ve gained so much more experience that I even try to give to younger guys here, and the younger guys at Dortmund too. Football can eat you up and spit you out at times. It’s a ruthless business, which everyone knows, and you face it at some point in your career.”

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Reyna has returned to the USMNT squad during the latest international break. He was included from the off by Gregg Berhalter in a friendly date with Germany – with 65 minutes taken in as United States attempt to come up with a system that allows them to get their best players into the same starting XI.

In his postgame press conference, USMNT head coach boss Gregg Berhalter criticized Sergino Dest over his 'inexcusable' red card.

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USMNT boss Berhalter rips into Dest over red cardFullback sent off for two yellows within 20 secondsUSA lose to Trinidad & Tobago but still advanceWHAT HAPPENED?

In a true moment of madness, Sergino Dest was sent off against Trinidad and Tobago after picking up two yellow cards in 20 seconds for dissent. The fullback was even pulled away by teammates after the first, but he refused to listen, and was removed from the match. U.S. boss Berhalter spoke on the incident postgame, saying he's disappointed in the 23-year-old, but doesn't want the issue to develop into a "witch hunt" either.

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Berhalter has already had one major player-coach incident during his tenure with the USMNT, after the Gio Reyna situation following the conclusion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Now, the last thing the U.S. needs is another top young player suffering a similar incident with the head coach. However, after the antics from Dest – including his inability to listen to his teammates and essentially insult them – Berhalter clearly has a lot of thinking to do over the fullback's future with his program.

WHAT BERHALTER SAID

The USMNT boss said: "It is concerning because that's not what we want to represent. That's not who we are as a group. We pride ourselves on staying mentally disciplined, battling through any type of conditions, whether they're good decisions or bad decisions. We're supposed to keep going and respond in an appropriate way, and that obviously wasn't the right response from Sergino. He apologized to the group. He said it's not going to happen again. As a team, players, the staff, we need to hold him accountable because it's inexcusable. It really is and we were very firm with our words after the game. He put a number of guys in jeopardy and made a number of guys do a lot of extra work in this weather and it's inexcusable.

“I've been asked three or four questions about Sergino already and I don’t want this to become a witch hunt. He’s a young player, he’s a fantastic part of this team. He's going to learn and grow. He made a dumb mistake and he knows that. He apologized to the team and we will move forward.”

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Berhalter's squad have no remaining matches on their 2023 calendar, so 2024 now awaits the group, with three major tournaments on the horizon: The CONCACAF Nations League, the Copa America and the Olympics, although the latter will see the U-23 squad, coached by Marko Mitrovic, play at the games.

Doug Bollinger and Josh Hazlewood gave New South Wales the perfect start in their push to earn hosting rights for the Sheffield Shield final, skittling Western Australia for 82 on the first day of their match in Canberra

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Mar-2014
ScorecardShaun Marsh finished the Test tour of South Africa with a pair of ducks and has added another in the Sheffield Shield (file photo)•Getty ImagesDoug Bollinger and Josh Hazlewood gave New South Wales the perfect start in their push to earn hosting rights for the Sheffield Shield final, skittling Western Australia for 82 on the first day of their match in Canberra. At stumps, the Blues had already taken first-innings points and were 4 for 127, leading by 45 runs with Kurtis Patterson on 18 and Peter Nevill on 6.New South Wales and Western Australia both entered this final round of matches on 26 points, along with South Australia, meaning that victory in this game would guarantee a place in the decider and possibly the home advantage. Because the SCG will be unavailable for the Shield final due to a Major League Baseball game, New South Wales have nominated Manuka Oval as their alternative venue and they certainly began well there in this match.Western Australia chose to bat but captain Adam Voges might have quickly regretted his decision as Hazlewood and Bollinger reduced the Warriors to 5 for 15 in the eighth over. The return of Shaun Marsh from Test duty in South Africa did not help Western Australia as he was bowled for a second-ball duck by Bollinger, meaning that since the Centurion Test, in which he scored a century, he has now made three successive ducks.Nathan Lyon chipped in with two wickets and only two batsmen reached double figures for Western Australia, Ashton Turner with 25 and Jason Behrendorff, who finished unbeaten on 15 after Bollinger and Hazlewood wrapped up the tail to end up with four wickets each. In reply, New South Wales passed Western Australia’s total two wickets down, with Steven Smith top scoring with 48.

On a fine cricket wicket which has rewarded excellence in every major department of the game, Somerset’s bowlers were quite outstanding

Paul Edwards at Old Trafford03-Jun-2014
ScorecardPeter Trego took wickets in both innings•Getty ImagesWhen a batting side is in abject disarray, it is easy to overlook the excellence of their opponents. On the afternoon when Lancashire were forced to follow-on at Old Trafford for the first time in nearly a decade, there were more than a few home supporters ready to let loose their anger on batsmen who have collected seven bonus points in as many games this season.Indeed, quite a few of those watching this game from the grand old pavilion probably regretted that the players now return to the plush new facility at the Statham End of the ground. No longer do Lancashire cricketers have to climb the famous steps and feel either the silent contempt or vehement disgust of members.However, it is also a shame that relatively few West Country members were present to salute the performance of Marcus Trescothick’s attack in this match. On a fine cricket wicket which has rewarded excellence in every major department of the game, Somerset’s bowlers were quite outstanding. So uniformly disciplined and skilful were they that it was difficult to identify any individual as the leader of the pack; what shone out far more clearly was the glorious efficiency with which that pack hunted down and tore apart their often hapless prey.The best figures were returned by Peter Trego, Craig Overton and George Dockrell, each of whom took three wickets as Lancashire were dismissed for 203 in their first innings, 217 shy of the total diligently accumulated by Somerset’s in-form batsmen in the first four sessions of this game. Trego then followed his penetrative 16 overs in the first innings by removing the first three home batsmen second time around as Somerset pursued an innings victory.To search for that goal in 33 overs before the end of the third day would have been deemed absurdly fanciful against any Division One batting side other than Lancashire; against Glen Chapple’s men at the moment, it was worth a shot.By the close of play both Paul Horton and Alex Davies had been trapped lbw on the front foot and Ashwell Prince had edged Trego to third slip where Alex Barrow took a fine catch. That left Lancashire on 43 for 3 and the only speck of comfort for home supporters was that Andrea Agathangelou and Karl Brown appeared to be finding some form as they added another 52 runs without alarm before stumps.Nevertheless, the home side’s best hope of avoiding an innings defeat, when batting second, for the first time since 2001 still seems to rest in the accuracy of the gloomy weather forecast.The afternoon session was Somerset’s best of the day. At lunch, Lancashire had added 118 runs to their overnight score for the loss of Prince, who played on for 45 when cramped for room by Overton, and Brown, who was lbw playing no shot to the accurate, thoughtful Dockrell. However, in barely 100 minutes of cricket Somerset took 6 for 58 to wreck any hopes the home side harboured of achieving parity.Steven Croft, who had been tormented by Dockrell before lunch, was utterly flummoxed by the left-arm spinner’s wiles and was stumped for 20; Davies, having resisted nobly in compiling 62, the second half-century of his first-class career, seemed to be caught in two minds and slapped Trego to the substitute fielder Jamie Overton at mid-on.Chapple was trapped on the crease by a full length ball from Trego and Kyle Hogg edged Dockrell’s arm ball to Trescothick at slip. The procession was in full swing when Overton returned to remove both Tom Smith and Kabir Ali.This was excellent, aggressive cricket by Somerset and captain Trescothick must have been delighted with the way his bowlers responded to his quietly skilful management. By contrast, Lancashire’s captain and coaches probably recognise that some players may be getting their last chances in County Championship matches for some time. Quite what can be done at this stage of the season if they pass up those opportunities is a question worth much pondering.

Nathan Lyon said Shane Watson’s efforts in keeping up the pressure on the Indian batsmen at the Gabba could not be overlooked

Brydon Coverdale in Melbourne22-Dec-20144:08

MacGill: We’ve missed the best of Watson

Nathan Lyon picked up five wickets during Australia’s win at the Gabba. Josh Hazlewood starred on debut with seven, Mitchell Johnson rattled India with four in the second innings, Mitchell Starc came back after a shaky start and collected two. But in among the bigger wicket tallies from the frontline bowlers, Lyon said Shane Watson’s efforts in keeping up the pressure could not be overlooked.The hamstring injury sustained by Mitchell Marsh on the first day meant Watson had to play the all-round role through nearly the whole Test and sent down 27.4 overs – the most he has delivered in a Test for two years. On that occasion, the 47.4 overs he bowled against Sri Lanka in Hobart, where Ben Hilfenhaus was injured mid-match, led to his breaking down in the next Test at the MCG.Watson’s workload in Brisbane was not such that the Australians will be worried about his body, but again plenty of bowling will be required of him in Melbourne with Marsh replaced by the specialist batsman Joe Burns. Watson collected just one wicket in the Brisbane victory, but went at just 2.38 runs per over and his nagging accuracy and swing helped his colleagues pick up wickets at the other end.”I think Shane bowled fantastic,” Lyon said after the squad arrived in Melbourne on Monday. “He really held one end down, and we talk about bowling in partnerships. I think a lot of credit has to go to Watto. I know a lot of people don’t see it that way – he got one wicket and none in the second.”But the way he held together one end and created pressure from one end was allowing us to take wickets at the other end. A lot of credit goes to Shane. I’m pretty sure he can bowl a lot worse than that and come out and take five-for. He can be damaging on any pitch. I’m looking forward to hopefully bowling in tandem with him out there on Boxing Day.”Lyon himself delivered 35.4 overs at the Gabba, barely half of the 70.1 he sent down at Adelaide Oval in the first Test, as the fast men found pace and bounce from the Brisbane pitch. However, the corollary of that was that captain Steven Smith was fined 60% of his match fee for a slow over rate and faces suspension if he as captain is again responsible for another over-rate offence in the next 12 months.”I think that just means I get to bowl more overs,” Lyon joked. “That’s up to Steve. It was pretty hot conditions up at the Gabba, so I can see how it was slowed down. I didn’t realise it was that slow, and we won in four days so I’m not really sure how that works. But it’s not up to me to worry about, it’s up to the captain and the coach. But I think I’ll just get to bowl more overs. Steve [jokingly] mentioned I was going to open the bowling I think.”Lyon will likely be part of an altered bowling attack at the MCG on Boxing Day, with Ryan Harris expected to come back in for Starc after missing the Brisbane Test due to a quadriceps injury. Peter Siddle has also remained in the squad after being left out and made 12th man at the Gabba.”I spoke to both those guys yesterday and they bowled well at the Gabba,” Lyon said. “It’s a great position to have those guys putting their hands up for selection. We’ve got a good stock of bowlers at the moment.”

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Irfan was picked for the final T20 against South Africa in Dubai despite carrying niggles, ESPNcricinfo has learned

Umar Farooq07-Dec-2013Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Irfan was picked for the final T20 against South Africa in Dubai despite carrying niggles, ESPNcricinfo has learned. He was to be rested for that game, but ended up injuring his hip and is now likely to miss the series against Sri Lanka in the UAE. The PCB responded quickly by sidelining the team doctor and local trainer and recruiting a foreign physiotherapist to deal with fitness issues.Pakistan had been without a professional physiotherapist since June, after Faisal Hayat left to work in a hospital in Dubai. Since then the PCB had a doctor and a trainer with the team. ESPNcricinfo understands the doctor wanted to rest Irfan for the T20s against South Africa in the UAE, but the team management led by former wicketkeeper Moin Khan wanted Irfan to play because Junaid Khan was not fit. The spinner Abdur Rehman was available for selection but he was not chosen.Irfan’s fitness has been a talking point since he made his debut in 2010 and he played his longest international streak in the UAE. He bowled 65.5 overs in two Tests against South Africa and 13 overs in a game against UAE. Irfan played all five ODIs, bowling 48 overs, and it is understood that he needed adequate time off. In the first T20, Irfan was able to bowl only two overs, and in the second he bowled 1.4 before having to go off the field with a hip injury. Irfan had been rested from the Tests in Zimbabwe in August and was picked only for the limited-overs series, before making a comeback to all formats against South Africa in the UAE.Pakistan suffered several injuries in 2013, with Taufeeq Umar and Harris Sohail returning from South Africa at the start of the year. Umar Gul missed the Champions Trophy with a knee injury and is yet to make a comeback. Allrounder Shoaib Malik and Abdul Razzaq suffered injuries during the South Africa series in the UAE. However, they travelled to South Africa for the series in November but had to return to Pakistan after failing to recover.

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It is funny how quickly things can change.

When Fernando Llorente missed an incredible chance to register against Watford on Wednesday night, the Tottenham Hotspur fans may have thought it was going to be another one of those nights for the Spaniard.

The 33-year-old is currently being tasked with leading the line in the absence of Harry Kane, which is not exactly the easiest thing in the world.

Overall, Llorente had a difficult night against Watford, but there proved to be a fairytale ending for the former Athletic Bilbao man as he netted an 87th-minute winner in Spurs’ 2-1 victory.

As expected, there were wild celebrations when Llorente registered and it could well be a turning point for the Spaniard, who was linked with an exit this month by The Daily Mail in December.

The Tottenham fans did a flip when Llorente – earning £75,000 a week according to Spotrac – scored the winner, with a large number taking to social media to lavish praise on the centre-forward.

A selection of the reaction from the club’s supporters can be seen below:

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas which Arsenal players would get into the Tottenham team ahead of the North London Derby – Check out the video below…

Mark Taylor has said he intends to use his new position as a Cricket Australia board member to help build the national team’s leadership group

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Jun-2013Former Australia Test captain Mark Taylor has said he intends to use his new position as a Cricket Australia board member to help build the national team’s leadership group after their problems in India and England. Taylor has returned as a Cricket Australia director after losing his position on the board last year when it was restructured.He has been elected as the Cricket New South Wales representative on the CA board despite the fact that he is independent of Cricket New South Wales, a move that required the state organisation to amend its own constitution. Taylor has taken the position that had been filled temporarily by David Dilley, who in turn had replaced Harry Harinath, the former Cricket New South Wales chairman.Harinath claimed the state’s one guaranteed place on the CA board last year – controversially, for Taylor was considered a strong candidate – but Harinath stepped down earlier this year. Taylor had served on the CA board from 2004 to 2012, and his return to an official position within Cricket Australia raises the prospect of him playing more of a role in helping Michael Clarke’s side.A lack of leadership within the current team has been an issue since the retirements of Michael Hussey and Ricky Ponting, notably at the time of the homework sackings in India and this week in England. Taylor said it was important that other senior players in the squad stood up to support Clarke now that Ponting and Hussey were gone.”What you really get when you lose two players of that stature is that all the other guys – the Watsons, the Siddles, the Haddins – it’s up to those guys to step up and form that leadership core,” Taylor told the . “That’s what I think Australia have got to get themselves to, and hopefully during this Ashes campaign. It’s not ideal preparation but I don’t want to blow it out of proportion either.”I’ll be doing whatever I can as a board director back here to try and instill that team feeling and build that leadership group. I know Michael [Clarke] very well and Michael and I have had a number of chats over the last three or four years. I hope that continues and I’m sure it will. Sometimes you need people who are outside that bubble to say to you ‘well, this is what we see’. Sometimes it’s good to have that input.”

Craig Simmons slammed the fastest century of the BBL, off just 39 balls, to power Perth Scorchers to 203 at the WACA

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Jan-2014
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsCraig Simmons scored the fastest T20 hundred on Australian soil•Getty ImagesCraig Simmons slammed the fastest century of the BBL, off just 39 balls, to power Perth Scorchers to 203 at the WACA. His blistering knock was only just enough to help Scorchers get over the mark as the Adelaide Strikers fought to finish five short in a thriller. The win secured a place in the semi-finals for Scorchers.Simmons, the left-handed opener, lost his opening partner Simon Katich early, in the second over. He began by slogging Johan Botha over deep square leg for his first six and raced towards his fifty with three more hits over the ropes. Shaun Tait came in for some punishment as well, as Simmons slapped one over deep extra cover.Simmons then slammed two sixes and a four off consecutive balls off Botha to take 22 off an over. His partner in a second-wicket stand of 103 off just 8.2 overs, Sam Whiteman, made a relatively pedestrian 20 off 19 balls before hitting Jon Holland to Phillip Hughes at backward point. Michael Neser, the right-arm seamer, then suffered at the hands of Simmons as he smashed 20 off his over, including three fours and a six to move to 95 off 38 balls.Simmons got to the landmark with a six off Holland over long-on. It was the fastest T20 hundred on Australian soil, beating the previous record of 44 balls set by England’s Luke Wright, for Melbourne Stars over Hobart Hurricanes in Hobart in BBL 2012. Simmons fell the same over for 102, caught trying to clear deep fine leg, off Holland. Tait then took three wickets as Scorchers finished on 203 for 7.Strikers were given a sound start by their openers Alex Hales and Hughes, who added 68 in just 7.4 overs. Jono Dean then took 21 off a Mitchell Marsh over to help the Strikers surge ahead. But his promising knock ended at 29 when he was run out attempting a second run. Hughes fell the following over for 58, caught at long-on.Strikers needed 61 off the last four overs and their chances of winning hinged on Nathan Reardon, who smashed three sixes. But his departure in the 19th over was the turning point as it left them needing 17 off the last over. It came down to six needed off one ball and Tim Ludeman failed to put it away.