Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) 175 for 9 (Klaasen 50, Avesh 3-27, Boult 3-45) beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) 139 for 7 (Jurel 56, Shahbaz 3-23, Abhishek 2-24) by 36 runs

“There’s nothing more satisfying than hearing a big crowd go silent.” Pat Cummins’ words from November 18, 2023, echoed as he claimed Virat Kohli’s wicket, silencing a stadium packed with 100,000 people. Fast forward to May 21, 2024, Cummins’ assertion, “We have earned the right to have one of those days and still win tournaments,” proved prophetic. Sunrisers Hyderabad marched into the final of IPL 2024, and they did so spectacularly with their bowling prowess.

Winning the toss, Rajasthan Royals opted to chase, a decision that initially seemed advantageous given the asymmetry of the ground – one square boundary was significantly shorter than the other (61m vs 72m). This usually makes defending totals challenging, especially if dew sets in. However, SRH managed to keep the ball and pitch dry, turning the tide in their favour.

SRH Stun RR with Spin

Shahbaz Ahmed came into the game primarily to stabilize a faltering batting innings, contributing 17 runs in a crucial partnership of 43 with Heinrich Klaasen, helping SRH post a total of 175. Initially, this total appeared insufficient when Yashasvi Jaiswal stormed to 41 off 19 balls. The match seemed to be slipping away from SRH until they noticed how much the ball was gripping the pitch during Jaydev Unadkat’s first over.

Despite not having a specialist spinner in their lineup, SRH capitalized on the conditions. Shahbaz Ahmed, who had not picked up a wicket since April 5, delivered a stunning performance with figures of 4-0-23-3. He broke Jaiswal’s momentum, marking the latter’s first dismissal to spin since IPL 2022. Pat Cummins astutely brought Abhishek Sharma, who had only bowled three overs in the entire campaign, into the attack. The pitch began to take a considerable turn, and Cummins used every resource available, including Aiden Markram, to exploit this. The result was a remarkable 33-ball period without a single boundary and the fall of four wickets, shifting the game decisively in SRH’s favour. Abhishek Sharma finished with 4-0-24-2, showcasing his adaptability and skill under pressure.

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Klaasen the Gamechanger

Heinrich Klaasen’s role as a finisher was pivotal to SRH’s success. Known for his ability to adapt and accelerate, Klaasen demonstrated his expertise by scoring 50 crucial runs. His innings began cautiously, with 21 off 20 balls by the 13th over, but he shifted gears precisely when needed. Facing the challenge of a slow Chennai pitch, Klaasen targeted his match-ups effectively, particularly against Yuzvendra Chahal, hitting two sixes, including one to the long boundary. His back-foot drive over extra cover was a highlight of the match.

Royal Pains

Despite RR’s commendable bowling effort, their batting lineup fell short. Trent Boult’s early breakthroughs and Sandeep Sharma’s 18 slower balls for just 17 runs underscored their discipline. However, the absence of key players like Jos Buttler, who had departed for the T20 World Cup, and an injured Shimron Hetmyer exposed RR’s fragile batting depth.

Tom Kohler-Cadmore, stepping in for Buttler, struggled, scoring 6 off 13 before being dismissed for 10 off 16. Captain Sanju Samson, under pressure, made an error attempting to reach the long boundary, getting caught for 10 off 11. Riyan Parag faced 3.3 degrees of turn on average, misjudged his shot, and was caught for 6 off 10. Although Dhruv Jurel provided resistance with 56 off 35 balls, the momentum remained firmly with SRH.

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SRH’s Versatility and Determination

SRH’s performance in this IPL has been marked by brilliance, but their ability to win using their weaker suit—spin—was truly remarkable. Their adaptability and strategic execution were on full display, making them a formidable opponent for Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming final. As SRH prepare for the grand finale, they have proven that they can rise to any challenge and turn their weaknesses into strengths. This resilience and versatility make them a serious threat and a team to watch out for in the showdown.

In a prestigious ceremony on Thursday (January 25), Australian skipper Pat Cummins claimed the coveted ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year award, capping off a remarkable 2023. Cummins led Australia to victory in the ODI World Cup, secured the World Test Championship, and retained the Ashes in a drawn series against England. His exemplary leadership was complemented by a stellar bowling performance, finishing as the sixth-highest wicket-taker across formats.

Virat Kohli earned the title of Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for his outstanding year with the bat, amassing 1377 runs at an impressive average of 72 and a strike rate of 99. Kohli’s record-breaking 765 runs in the World Cup played a crucial role in securing the honor, and he surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most ODI hundreds during the tournament.

Usman Khawaja was fittingly named Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year after ending 2023 as the highest run-scorer in the longest format. Scoring 1210 runs at an average of 52 with three centuries and six fifties, Khawaja’s comeback proved historic, outshining teammates Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne.

In the women’s category, Nat Sciver-Brunt secured the Women’s Cricketer of the Year for the second consecutive time, displaying exceptional consistency in both ODIs and T20Is. Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu earned the Women’s ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year, boasting a strike rate of 125, the best among players crossing 400-plus runs in 2023.

Hayley Matthews, West Indies captain, claimed the Women’s T20I Player of the Year for her outstanding performance in the shortest format, accumulating 700 runs with a remarkable average of 63.6.

Suryakumar Yadav retained the Men’s T20I Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, contributing significantly with 733 runs at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 159.6. New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield secured the Men’s and Women’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year awards, respectively.

Bas de Leede and Queentor Abel were recognized as the Men’s and Women’s Associate Cricketers of the Year, while Richard Illingworth received the Umpire of the Year award. The evening celebrated the remarkable achievements of cricketers across formats, highlighting their contributions to the sport.

Pakistan cricket may have unearthed its next shining star in the form of young fast-bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal. With a steely determination honed through early career struggles, Jamal announced himself on the world stage with scintillating performances in his debut Test series against Australia. His exploits have earned rich praise from legends as Jamal charts his course to stardom.

Hailing from Mianwali, the same hometown as Pakistan’s legendary captain Imran Khan, comparisons were inevitable for Jamal. But his initial foray into professional cricket proved an arduous journey, playing only a handful of grade-II games in two seasons. The lack of opportunities could not deter Jamal’s burning desire to don national colors.

His fortunes turned during a club tournament in Australia where Jamal finished as the leading wicket-taker and second-overall performer, earning plaudits for his raw pace and lower-order hitting. Impressed by his potential, Pakistan fast-tracked Jamal into the ‘A’ side where he continued to make rapid strides.

Jamal finally realized his Test dream during Pakistan’s grueling tour of Australia for the Benaud-Qadir Trophy. Undeterred by the challenge of leading Pakistan’s pace attack on fast Aussie decks, Jamal grabbed 18 wickets at a superb average of 19.22 across 3 Tests.

But his swashbuckling 82 while batting at number 8 truly announced Jamal’s all-around brilliance against a world-class Australian attack boasting the likes of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Lyon. With Pakistan struggling at 220/7, Jamal launched a heroic counterattack, using his strong bottom-hand grip to muscle the ball around the park.

His free-flowing 82 proved the difference between the sides, powering Pakistan to a sizeable lead as Jamal liked the spinners. By registering the highest score of his first-class career, Jamal demonstrated his steely temperament and prodigious ball-striking capabilities.

In the process, Jamal also became only the second Pakistani after the great Wasim Akram to take a five-wicket haul and score a half-century on his Test debut, underlining his limitless potential. He may have missed out in the second innings but the glimpses of brilliance were enough to send Pakistani fans into a frenzy.

Jamal’s arrival has come at a reasonable time with stalwarts like Mohammad Amir retiring. His heartening performances earned praise from the legendary Imran Khan himself, who applauded Jamal’s lion-hearted attitude. If Jamal can maintain consistency, Pakistan may have unearthed their next superstar all-rounder for years to come.

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc created Indian Premier League (IPL) history after being signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for a record Rs 24.75 crore in the 2024 player auction held in Dubai.

Mitchell Starc Tops Elite List of Most Expensive IPL Buys

The 29-year-old left-arm quick broke the previous record held by compatriot Pat Cummins, who was bought for Rs 20.5 crore by SRH in the same auction at Dubai in 2024.

Starc’s record-breaking deal tops an elite list of the most expensive purchases in IPL history. Here’s a look at the top 10 highest bids by franchises over the years:

Top 10 Most Expensive IPL Players

1. Mitchell Starc – Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs 24.75 Crore (2024)
2. Pat Cummins – Sunrisers Hyderabad – Rs 20.5 Crore (2024)
3. Sam Curran – Punjab Kings – Rs 18.5 Crore (2023)
4. Cameron Green – Mumbai Indians – Rs 17.5 Crore (2023)
5. Ben Stokes – Chennai Super Kings – Rs 16.25 Crore (2023)
6. Chris Morris – Rajasthan Royals – Rs 16.25 Crore (2021)
7. Yuvraj Singh – Delhi Daredevils – Rs 16 Crore (2015)
8. Nicholas Pooran – Lucknow Super Giants – Rs 16 Crore (2023)
9. Pat Cummins – Kolkata Knight Riders – Rs 15.5 Crore (2020)
10. Ishan Kishan – Mumbai Indians – Rs 15.25 Crore (2022)

KKR’s Record Starc Investment Aims for Third IPL Title

Starc’s signing marks a significant investment by the Knight Riders franchise, who will be hoping the pace ace can lead them to their third IPL title. The big-money deals reflect the growing stature of the cash-rich IPL as one of the top T20 leagues in the world.

The Big Bash League (BBL) has become one of the top T20 cricket leagues globally. It attracts fans with fast-paced matches, lively entertainment, and star players. Franchises want the strongest teams, so they spend big on players at BBL auctions. This article reviews the most expensive BBL players ever.

D’Arcy Short – Hobart Hurricanes, 2018-19 Season, AUD 900,000

In 2018-19, D’Arcy Short made headlines as the costliest BBL player ever. The Hobart Hurricanes acquired the talented left-hand batsman for AUD 900,000. Short had already proven his explosive batting in the BBL. His ability to attack bowlers with powerful strokes made him extremely valuable. The Hurricanes’ substantial investment in Short paid off, as he continued delivering match-winning performances, demonstrating the importance of aggressive batsmen in T20 cricket.

Ben McDermott – Hobart Hurricanes, 2018-19 Season, AUD 420,000

In the same auction where D’Arcy Short set a record, his Hobart Hurricanes teammate Ben McDermott also fetched a high price of AUD 420,000. This reflects their desire for a potent batting unit. McDermott’s skill at anchoring the innings and accelerating when required greatly benefitted the Hurricanes. Their faith in him was evident through this spend.

Glenn Maxwell – Melbourne Stars, 2013-14 Season, AUD 1 Million

Australian player Glenn Maxwell is hugely popular in T20 leagues globally. BBL franchises have also coveted him, with Melbourne Stars acquiring him for AUD 1 million in 2013-14 – the first-ever BBL player to command that price. Maxwell, renowned for his flamboyant batting and handy off-spin, was instrumental for the Stars. His ability to change games with bat and ball demonstrated the value of versatile players in T20 cricket.

Daniel Sams – Sydney Thunder, 2020-21 Season, AUD 320,000

In 2020-21, Sydney Thunder made a big splash by buying all-rounder Daniel Sams for AUD 320,000. Sams became one of the costliest players that season due to his batting power and bowling skill. His aggressive left-arm pace and hard-hitting lower-order batting were huge assets. Thunder’s investment in Sams paid dividends as he was integral to their title win.

Chris Lynn – Brisbane Heat, 2014-15 Season, AUD 125,000

Chris Lynn, nicknamed “Lynnsanity,” has always excelled in the BBL. His explosive batting makes him a fan favorite. In 2014-15, Brisbane Heat acquired him for AUD 125,000 – making him among the highest-paid then. Lynn’s boundary-hitting ability and quickfire starts were invaluable for the Heat. He continued starring for them in subsequent seasons.

Jofra Archer – Hobart Hurricanes, 2017-18 Season, AUD 1 Million

In 2017-18, BBL franchises took notice of English fast bowler Jofra Archer. Hobart Hurricanes signed him for AUD 1 million – deploying his searing pace and wicket-taking ability. Archer’s BBL displays made him globally famous, exemplifying the league’s power to attract elite international stars.

David Malan – Hobart Hurricanes, 2020-21 Season, AUD 129,000

England’s top-ranked T20I batsman David Malan entered the BBL in 2020-21. Hobart Hurricanes acquired him for a relatively modest AUD 129,000. Malan’s assured batting made him difficult to dismiss, boosting the Hurricanes lineup. He performed admirably, demonstrating BBL’s popularity in attracting quality international players.

Rashid Khan – Adelaide Strikers, 2017-18 Season, AUD 1.4 Million

Afghanistan’s ace spinner Rashid Khan has made a massive impact in T20 leagues. His BBL influence has been equally substantial. In 2017-18, Adelaide Strikers signed him for a record AUD 1.4 million for an overseas BBL player. Rashid’s guile and wicket-taking ability significantly bolstered the Strikers’ bowling. His performances were instrumental to their title win, underlining the value of quality spinners in T20 cricket.

Later this month, a three-match Test series between Australia and Pakistan is scheduled to begin. Shan Masood was named the new Test captain of Pakistan’s 18-man team by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the departure of Babar Azam.

From December 14, 2023, to January 7, 2023, Australia will host Pakistan for a three-match Test series. Pakistan will play a four-day warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI before to the start of the PAK vs. AUS Test series. The timings for the PAK vs. AUS Test series schedule are listed below in Indian Standard Time (IST).

Australia vs. Pakistan warm-up: Wednesday, December 6 at 5 a.m. at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

• Australia vs. Pakistan 1stTest: Thursday, December 14 at 7:50 a.m. at Perth Stadium.
• Australia vs. Pakistan: 2ndTest, Tuesday, December 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, starting at 5 a.m.
• 3rd test between Australia and Pakistan begins on January 3 at 5 a.m. at Sydney Cricket Ground.
• The Disney+Hotstar app and website will provide live streaming for the PAK vs. AUS Test series.

Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jr., Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are the Pakistani squad for the forthcoming Test match between Pakistan and Australia.

Test series between Australia and Pakistan: Head-to-head record in tests between AUS and PAK

Australia defeated Pakistan in 34 of the 69 test matches between Australia and Pakistan, while Pakistan won 15 of them. Twenty Test matches between Australia and Pakistan also ended in draws.