phil salt

‘His fitness is always going to be under the scanner’: Salman Butt’s blunt take on Pakistan’s Azam Khan | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago04 mins

NEW DELHI: After Pakistan‘s seven-wicket loss to England in the fourth T20I match, former cricketer Salman Butt advised wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan to improve his fitness, warning that it will be “very difficult” for him to continue playing otherwise.Azam had a poor performance in the fourth T20I, getting dismissed for a five-ball duck in the 11th over by Mark Wood.Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Butt noted that Azam’s eyes were closed when he was dismissed by Wood, and emphasized that Azam’s fitness will always be under scrutiny.“People are going to speak about him. The way he got out today, his eyes were closed while facing the short ball, and then his wicketkeeping. His fitness is always going to be under the scanner. I think he has to decide on his career. He should work on his fitness, otherwise, it is going to be very difficult for him to play,” Butt said.Butt added that the Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter invites criticism due to his fitness levels.“Everything related to Azam Khan will be criticized whenever he doesn’t perform. This is because what he presents is open to criticism. He invites criticism with the kind of fitness he carries. He had problems against the short ball,” he added.Recapping the match, the hosts won the toss and decided to field first. The England bowlers faced some aggressive batting from the opening pair of skipper Babar Azam (36 off 22 balls, with five fours and a six) and Mohammed Rizwan (23 off 16 balls, with three fours).However, spinners Adil Rashid (2/27) and Moeen Ali (1/23) applied pressure, reducing Pakistan to 86/5. A brief fightback from Usman Khan (38 off 21 balls, with three fours and two sixes) and Iftikhar Ahmed (21 off 18 balls, with two fours) helped Pakistan reach 157/10 in 19.5 overs.In addition to Rashid and Moeen, Mark Wood (2/35) and Liam Livingstone (2/17) also performed well with the ball.Chasing 158 runs, England dominated with a powerplay assault by Phil Salt (45 off 24 balls, with six fours and two sixes) and skipper Jos Buttler (39 off 24 balls, with seven fours and a six), making 78 runs in the powerplay.A brief comeback spell from pacer Haris Rauf (3/38) delayed England’s victory. However, Jonny Bairstow (28* off 16 balls, with a four and three sixes) and Harry Brook (17* off 14 balls, with a four and a six) finished the match in 15.3 overs, with seven wickets remaining.Adil Rashid was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding spell.(With ANI inputs)

Pakistan targets right T20 combination against understrength New Zealand | Cricket

All-round England crush Pakistan by seven wickets in fourth T20I, secure T20I series 2-0

Danijones5 months ago06 mins

London [UK], : Fine bowling spells by pacer Mark Wood and spinner Adil Rashid combined with some ferocious hitting by openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler helped England secure a series victory after a seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the fourth and final T20I at London on Thursday night. All-round England crush Pakistan by seven wickets in fourth T20I, secure T20I series 2-0 With this win, England has taken the four-match series 2-0. Two matches were called off due to rain and only second and fourth T20Is were played. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! Electing to field first, England bowlers had to witness some fine hitting from the opening duo of skipper Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan, who teamed up after a long while. Pakistan reached the 50-run mark in just 5.3 overs. However, at the last ball of the powerplay, this partnership met its end. Skipper Babar was caught by Rashid at short third man on a delivery by Jofra Archer for 36 in 22 balls, with five fours and a six. Pakistan was 59/1 in six overs. Following that, England spinners Rashid and Moeen Ali were all over Pakistani batting, taking some quick wickets. Pakistan sank to 86/5 in 10.2 overs. Rashid showcased his class with the ball, unleashing a spin web Pakistan could not get out of, taking wickets of Rizwan and Shadab Khan . Wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan was also removed for a duck to a scorching bouncer from Mark Wood, as the ball hit his glove and went into the hands of Buttler. However, Usman Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed provided a bit of stability to Pakistan, helping them cross the 100-run mark in 11.5 overs. Usman’s promising inning was cut short at 38 in 21 balls by Liam Livingstone, with Chris Jordan taking a fine catch. His knock had three fours and two sixes. Pakistan was 126/6 in 14.3 overs. The lower order did not put up much of a fight and Pakistan was skittled out for 157 runs in 19.5 overs. Rashid , and Livingstone were the top bowlers for England. Mark Wood got 2/35 in his four overs. Archer, Jordan and Moeen got one wicket each. In the run-chase, England openers Salt and Buttler unleashed such carnage that half the total was chased down within the six overs of powerplay. Young pacer Naseem Shah faced the worst beating out of all pacers, going for 33 runs in his two overs, including a 25-run fifth over where Buttler hit him for three fours and a six within a space of four balls after Salt started the over by punishing an off-cutter through deep mid-wicket for a six. In six overs, England was 78/0. Haris Rauf’s pace earned Pakistan a breakthrough as he removed Salt for 45 in 24 balls, with six fours and two sixes. England was 82/1 in 6.2 overs. England reached the 100-run mark in 8.5 overs, not compromising on their hitting. However, skipper Buttler was next to go, with Rauf getting his second scalp and wicketkeeper Azam getting the catch. The England skipper made 39 in 21 balls, with seven fours and a six. England was 101/2 in nine overs. Rauf cleaned up Will Jacks next, who played a nice cameo of 20 in 18 balls, with a four and six. England was 112/3 in 11 overs. The pair of Jonny Bairstow and Harry Brook did not waste much time, ending the chase at 158/3 in 15.3 overs. Rauf delivered a fine spell for Pakistan but it was not enough. Adil Rashid took home the ‘Player of the Match’ honours for his spell. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

‘Lagta hai yahi head coach, mentor sab hain’: How Gautam Gambhir scripted KKR’s win from dugout – Watch | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Gautam Gambhir‘s emotions were on full display as he celebrated Nicholas Pooran‘s dismissal with great enthusiasm in the Indian Premier League match between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday. He was later observed providing strategic advice to KKR captain Iyer by gesturing and offering words of wisdom to the player carrying drinks during the wicket break. A video of this incident has gone viral on social media, leading fans to speculate about Gambhir’s role in the franchise. Watch: After watching the video, one fan even commented, “Kabhi kabhi lagta hai Yahi head coach mentor saab hain (sometimes it feels like he is everything – the head coach and the mentor).”Under Gambhir’s guidance, KKR have been excellent in IPL 2024, with openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt providing strong starts at the top.Narine’s brilliant half-century and a combined effort by the bowlers led to KKR’s convincing 98-run victory over LSG in the IPL on Sunday.LSG’s decision to field first backfired as KKR became the first team to surpass the 200-run mark at the Ekana stadium.Narine (81 off 38 balls) showcased his mettle with the bat once again, smashing seven sixes and six fours to propel the visitors to a formidable total of 235/6.Faced with a daunting target, LSG batters had to attack from the outset but struggled to find the boundary consistently. They were eventually bowled out for 137 in 16.1 overs.The victory led the Kolkata-based side to the top of the table with 16 points, equal to Rajasthan Royals but having played one extra game.

‘I think you have to pick your…’: Sunil Narine on his blistering knock | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: In a scintillating display, Sunil Narine‘s explosive knock of 81 runs off just 39 balls powered Kolkata Knight Riders to a dominant victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 98 runs, catapulting them to the top of the IPL table on Sunday.Narine’s blistering innings, adorned with six fours and seven sixes, steered Kolkata to a formidable total of 235-6 after they were put in to bat first in Lucknow’s final home game of the season.The Kolkata bowlers then rose to the occasion, skittling out Lucknow for just 137 runs in 16.1 overs, securing their eighth win in 11 matches and all but sealing a playoff berth. With second-placed Rajasthan Royals having played one match fewer, Kolkata’s victory firmly establishes their position at the summit of the IPL standings.Narine, who has impressed after being promoted to open by Kolkata this season, led their batting charge in a 61-run first-wicket stand with Phil Salt.“The most important thing is starting well and it’s good to have the backing of the support staff. I think you have to pick your strengths and pick your spots, sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t,” Narine, who was named Player of the match, said at the post-match presentation.Narine also showered praise on spinner Varun Chakaravarthy for taking wickets and making his job easier.“It’s going very well, Varun is picking up wickets, it’s making my job easier to keep things tight. He is a hard worker and it’s good to see him do well. The boys are anxious and eager to play, so no matter what the situation is, they are up for the challenge and they are contributing for us,” Narine added.

IPL: Kolkata Knight Riders tie with Mumbai Indians to register stunning batting record | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago02 mins

NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) continued their stellar batting display in the IPL, matching Mumbai Indians (MI) by notching up a total of six scores of 200 or more runs in a single season, a remarkable achievement in the history of the tournament.KKR achieved this milestone during their clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.In the match, KKR put up a formidable total of 235/6 in their allotted 20 overs, fueled by impactful contributions from Sunil Narine, Phil Salt, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, and Ramandeep Singh.Prior to this match, KKR had amassed 200-plus run totals against various opponents throughout the season, including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings.This accomplishment puts KKR on par with Mumbai Indians, who achieved a similar feat during the 2023 season.Notably, KKR’s total of 235/6 against LSG is the highest score ever recorded against the franchise and at the Ekana Stadium, their home ground. This surpasses the previous record set by Gujarat Titans last season.KKR’s exceptional batting performance not only sets a new benchmark against LSG but also establishes them as a force to be reckoned with in the IPL, showcasing their prowess with the bat in hand.(With ANI inputs)

Phil Salt-Sunil Narine ahead of Virat Kohli-Faf Du Plessis and Rohit Sharma-Ishan Kishan | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago02 mins

NEW DELHI: They come, they see the ball, and launch it over the park – that’s how Kolkata Knight Riders openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt have been wreaking havoc on opposition bowling attacks in the ongoing IPL 2024. KKR, the two-time champions, currently sit second in the points table with seven wins in 10 matches, largely thanks to the solid foundations provided by Salt and Narine.These two have been instrumental in establishing strong starts for KKR. In the match against Lucknow Super Giants, Salt, and Narine sent bowlers to all corners of the field. They formed a 61-run partnership for the opening wicket.Salt and Narine have now stitched together six 50-run partnerships in IPL 2024, leading the way among opening pairs. They outperformed Mumbai Indians’ Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma, who have achieved four 50-plus opening stands, and RCB’s Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, who have managed the feat three times this season.Most 50+ opening partnerships in IPL 20246 – Phil Salt and Sunil Narine*4 – Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma3 – Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis

Lucknow Super Giants create an unwanted first in eight-wicket mauling by Kolkata Knight Riders | Cricket News

Danijones7 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Opening batter Phil Salt smashed a fiery unbeaten 47-ball 89 after pacer Mitchell Starc‘s superb spell as Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday began their five-match home stretch with a lop-sided eight-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants at the Eden Gardens.After an all-round bowling display restricted Lucknow to a below-par 161 for 7, the Kolkata batters made light work of the chase, accomplishing the target with 26 balls to spare.The defeat for KL Rahul’s Lucknow turned out to be the first-ever against Kolkata in the IPL.Prior to the heavy defeat on Sunday, Lucknow had met Kolkata thrice in the IPL and had a 100 percent record against the Men in Purple.On all the other three past occasions, Lucknow won the game batting first.As KKR registered their first-ever win over LSG in four matches, they also became the second team after Delhi Capitals this season to chase down a 160-plus total against LSG.Prior to the defeats against DC and KKR, LSG had won each of the 13 IPL matches while defending a 160-plus total.After the defeat, skipper KL Rahul admitted that the defeat was a proper hammering and will be tough to digest for the team. “One of those days, it was a proper hammering. Games like these are tough to digest and we have seen in IPL and every team goes through that. We will try and work out what went wrong and come back better. Not panicking (about back-to-back losses), need to figure out where we went wrong and the last couple of games we haven’t been able to get past 160 and that’s something we want to see and be better at it,” Rahul said after the defeat.With three defeats and an equal number of wins in six games, Lucknow currently sit at the sixth spot on the points table.KKR, on the other hand have 4 wins in 5 matches and are at second spot.