Totalcric https://totalcric.com Cricket Updates and News Sat, 19 Apr 2025 03:47:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8 https://totalcric.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/icons8-cricket-ball-64.png Totalcric https://totalcric.com 32 32 Hazlewood Equals Noor in Purple Cap Race as RCB Stumble Again at Home https://totalcric.com/hazlewood-equals-noor-in-purple-cap-race-as-rcb-stumble-again-at-home/ Sat, 19 Apr 2025 03:44:47 +0000 https://totalcric.com/?p=7818 As the IPL 2025 season intensifies, the Purple Cap race just got tighter. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) may have faced another home disappointment, but Josh Hazlewood gave them something to cheer about. His impressive 3 for 14 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a rain-shortened match brought him level with Chennai Super Kings’ Noor Ahmad at the top of the wicket-takers’ chart.

Purple Cap Update: Hazlewood Joins the Top Spot

Despite RCB’s third consecutive defeat at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Hazlewood’s disciplined spell pushed him up the Purple Cap leaderboard. He now has 12 wickets in seven matches—equal to Noor Ahmad, who has held the top position since his match-winning 4 for 18 against Mumbai Indians on day two of the tournament.

However, Noor edges ahead due to a better economy rate of 7.12, compared to Hazlewood’s 8.17. Nevertheless, Hazlewood’s consistency has put pressure on the Afghan spinner, adding spice to the race for the Purple Cap.

Hazlewood leapfrogged several bowlers with 11 wickets, including:

  • Kuldeep Yadav (DC)
  • Hardik Pandya (MI)
  • Khaleel Ahmed (CSK)
  • Shardul Thakur (LSG)

He also moved past a cluster of bowlers with ten wickets, such as:

  • Prasidh Krishna, R Sai Kishore, and Mohammed Siraj (GT)
  • Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana (KKR)
  • Mitchell Starc (DC)
  • Arshdeep Singh (PBKS), who took 2 for 23 in the same match

Orange Cap Standings: Status Quo Maintained

Meanwhile, the Orange Cap leaderboard remained unchanged after Friday’s clash.

  • Nicholas Pooran (LSG) continues to lead
  • B Sai Sudharsan (GT) sits second
  • Mitchell Marsh (LSG) holds third
  • Suryakumar Yadav (MI) stays at No. 4

Both Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli missed golden opportunities to climb up. Iyer, currently fifth, managed only 7 runs off 10 balls, while Kohli, who remains sixth, was dismissed for just 1.

Unless Saturday’s double-header sees explosive innings, the top five positions are unlikely to change before the next round of fixtures.

What’s Next?

RCB’s worrying home form is becoming a serious concern for their playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, PBKS will be thrilled with their all-round bowling effort and their climb up the points table. With the Purple and Orange Cap battles heating up, the IPL 2025 season is well and truly alive.

Also Read : IPL 2025: RCB Eye First Home Win Against High-Flying Punjab Kings

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Chahal, Arshdeep, and Wadhera Lead Punjab Kings to Victory Over RCB https://totalcric.com/chahal-arshdeep-and-wadhera-lead-punjab-kings-to-victory-over-rcb/ Sat, 19 Apr 2025 03:44:12 +0000 https://totalcric.com/?p=7812 In a thrilling encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Punjab Kings (PBKS) defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by five wickets, handing them their third consecutive home defeat in IPL 2025. The match, affected by rain, was reduced to a 14-overs-a-side affair, which led to a dramatic bowling-dominated clash, with 14 wickets falling in just 26.1 overs.

RCB, put in to bat by PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer after winning the toss, could only muster 95 for 9, with Tim David’s heroic knock of 50* off 26 balls providing some resistance. However, the damage was done by PBKS bowlers, particularly Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Marco Jansen, who collectively dismantled the RCB batting order. Arshdeep’s consistent length and Chahal’s flight and spin troubled the batters, while Jansen used his height to good effect.

RCB’s Collapse

RCB’s batting woes began early. After Phil Salt’s four off the first ball, the pitch proved challenging for the batsmen. Virat Kohli and Salt fell to pull shots, and Arshdeep doubled his tally of powerplay wickets for the season, reducing RCB to 26 for 3. Despite a brief flurry from Rajat Patidar, who hit a four and six, and Liam Livingstone’s attempt to get things going, RCB’s collapse continued. Jitesh Sharma and Krunal Pandya both fell cheaply, leaving RCB at 33 for 5.

RCB tried to regroup but could not escape the pressure. Chahal and Jansen continued to apply the brakes. Chahal’s looped deliveries created more havoc as Patidar was dismissed for a sharp catch at long-off. The introduction of Manoj Bhandage as the Impact Player did not change the tide, as he was trapped lbw by Jansen.

At 63 for 9, RCB were on the brink of being bowled out for their lowest total. However, David’s late fight, including three consecutive sixes in the final over, took them to 95 for 9. Despite his heroics, it was not enough to lift RCB from their batting nightmare.

PBKS’s Steady Chase

In reply, PBKS faced some early jitters. Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya struggled against Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. However, their disciplined approach in the middle overs, coupled with a few well-timed boundaries, kept them in the hunt. The innings was anchored by Nehal Wadhera, who remained unbeaten on 33* from 19 balls, guiding his team past the target with ease. Despite a couple of wickets falling, PBKS kept their composure, chasing down the target of 96 with five wickets in hand.

Key Performers:

  • Yuzvendra Chahal: 2 for 11
  • Arshdeep Singh: 2 for 23
  • Marco Jansen: 2 for 10
  • Tim David: 50* (26 balls)

PBKS will take heart from this win, as they successfully defended a low total and chased down the target in a composed manner. On the other hand, RCB will have to reassess their batting approach and look to bounce back from this devastating loss.

Also Read : Hardik Pandya Jumps to Joint-Second on IPL 2025 Purple Cap Table After MI vs SRH

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Gujarat Titans Optimistic About Rabada’s Return and Rashid Khan https://totalcric.com/gujarat-titans-optimistic-about-rabadas-return-and-rashid-khan/ Sat, 19 Apr 2025 03:37:30 +0000 https://totalcric.com/?p=7809 Gujarat Titans (GT) have once again relied on their renowned bowling attack to achieve four wins out of six matches in IPL 2025. However, despite the team’s overall success, one major concern has been the form of their star spinner, Rashid Khan.

Known for his consistency and match-winning performances, Rashid has been struggling this season, with just four wickets from 22 overs at an economy rate of 9.77 and an average of 53.75. However, GT assistant coach Aashish Kapoor believes the Afghan bowler will soon regain his form.

“With time, cricketers can develop bad habits, especially when they’re doing well consistently,” Kapoor said. “In Rashid’s case, his back injury last year required surgery, and that discomfort led him to alter his bowling action to ease the pain. After assessing his performance this season, we’ve worked on a few adjustments, particularly with his front hand, which was too closed. It now faces the batsman, and we’ve seen improvements in his length. Once his confidence is back and he picks up a few wickets, he’ll be back to his old self.”

GT’s next match is against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Ahmedabad on Saturday, but they will be without another key bowler, Kagiso Rabada, who has returned to South Africa to deal with personal matters.

“We’re just waiting for him,” Kapoor shared. “Rabada has gone back to handle some family issues. Once he’s sorted everything out, he’ll be back, but we don’t have a specific timeline. We’re all waiting for his return.”

Rabada has made two appearances for GT this season, taking figures of 1 for 41 and 1 for 42. Both Rashid and Rabada’s return to form will be crucial for the Titans as they continue their campaign in IPL 2025.

Also Read : IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians’ Bowling Brilliance on Slow Wankhede Track Earns Second Consecutive Win

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IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians’ Bowling Brilliance on Slow Wankhede Track Earns Second Consecutive Win https://totalcric.com/ipl-2025-mumbai-indians-bowling-brilliance-on-slow-wankhede-track-earns-second-consecutive-win/ Fri, 18 Apr 2025 03:25:54 +0000 https://totalcric.com/?p=7804 Mumbai Indians 166/6 (Jacks 36, Rickelton 31, Cummins 3-26, Malinga 2-36) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 162/5 (Abhishek 40, Klaasen 37, Jacks 2-14) by 4 wickets

Mumbai Indians (MI) continued their resurgence in IPL 2025, claiming their third win of the season and second on the trot, with a composed four-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Wankhede Stadium. The win was built on a combination of tactical brilliance from Hardik Pandya, some clever bowling on a sluggish pitch, and a handy contribution from the top order.

Toss, Conditions, and the Jacks Factor

Winning the toss proved to be crucial for MI, as they capitalized on helpful bowling conditions and opted to chase. The Wankhede, known for its batting-friendly nature, threw a curveball with a slow and gripping surface, making strokeplay down the ground extremely difficult.

Will Jacks emerged as the unexpected hero of the day. Known more for his batting, Jacks used his offspin cleverly against SRH’s left-handed-heavy top order, returning figures of 2/14 in 3 overs. His spell also gave MI breathing room after they lost Karn Sharma to injury before he could even bowl a delivery. It allowed MI to keep Rohit Sharma as their Impact Player, boosting their top order.

Jacks’ contributions with the bat were equally valuable — his 26-ball 36 added crucial momentum in the middle overs.

MI’s Bowling: Variation Over Pace

The real architects of MI’s win, however, were the bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah led the attack with his customary control, conceding just 10 runs in his two powerplay overs. The MI pace unit employed a steady mix of slower balls and pinpoint yorkers, which SRH found tough to dispatch on a pitch where timing was everything.

Even with a strong 59-run opening stand between Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, SRH were unable to convert their start into a big total. They were restricted to just 46 runs in the powerplay, and once the partnership was broken, scoring dried up rapidly.

Only a late surge — powered by Klaasen, Aniket Verma, and Cummins — took SRH past 160. They smashed 47 runs in the last 3 overs, but that too wasn’t enough.

Fortune Favors SRH Early, but Timing Deserted Them

SRH had some luck in the early stages. Abhishek survived a dropped catch off the first ball, and Head was handed a lifeline after a no-ball catch on 24. However, both struggled to time the ball. Head’s 28 off 29 was symptomatic of the pitch’s sluggish nature.

Even Klaasen, who struck a few delightful blows later, fell to a Bumrah special — a deceptive full toss that rearranged his stumps.

MI’s Chase: Clinical and Calm

Despite a tricky target on a slow surface, MI paced their chase superbly.

Rohit Sharma, coming in as Impact Sub, gave the innings a flying start with a quick cameo, including two trademark pulled sixes. Ryan Rickelton also chipped in with 31, although luck played a role when he was reprieved due to a wicketkeeper encroachment no-ball.

The defining moment of the chase came through a 52-run stand between Jacks and Suryakumar Yadav off just 29 balls. They capitalized on errors by SRH’s spinners and smashed four sixes in a short period to swing momentum decisively.

Though Pat Cummins tried to claw SRH back with a breakthrough, Hardik Pandya ensured there were no late jitters. He struck a flurry of boundaries — including a stunning back-foot drive through wide long-on — to seal the win in the 19th over.

Injury Scare and Impact Substitution Drama

Hardik also gave MI a scare when he pulled up with discomfort in his leg after delivering a ball, but he managed to complete his spell. MI’s handling of their Impact Player situation was crucial — having to avoid replacing Karn Sharma with another bowler allowed them to bring in Rohit, which eventually paid off.

Key Takeaways:

  • Will Jacks was the all-round star with 2 wickets and 36 runs.
  • Jasprit Bumrah continues to be nearly unplayable in the death and powerplay.
  • Hardik Pandya’s captaincy — praised by coach Bangar — was tactically spot-on.
  • SRH lacked fluency and power-hitters who could adapt to slow surfaces.
  • The Wankhede pitch surprised everyone with its slow nature, helping bowlers grip the ball effectively.

Also Read : IPL 2025: MI and SRH Look to Break the Logjam

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Hardik Pandya Jumps to Joint-Second on IPL 2025 Purple Cap Table After MI vs SRH https://totalcric.com/hardik-pandya-jumps-to-joint-second-on-ipl-2025-purple-cap-table-after-mi-vs-srh/ Fri, 18 Apr 2025 03:23:48 +0000 https://totalcric.com/?p=7802 The Purple Cap and Orange Cap standings have undergone some changes after the thrilling clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Wankhede Stadium.

Purple Cap Standings

MI captain Hardik Pandya has risen to joint-second on the IPL 2025 Purple Cap leaderboard. After taking 1 for 42 in his four overs on Thursday night, Pandya now has 11 wickets from six matches. He shares this position with Kuldeep Yadav (Delhi Capitals), Khaleel Ahmed (Chennai Super Kings), and Shardul Thakur (Lucknow Super Giants), all of whom also have 11 wickets.

At the top of the table remains Noor Ahmad (12 wickets from 7 games), continuing his strong bowling performances.

Orange Cap Standings

While the Orange Cap leader remains unchanged, Suryakumar Yadav has made a significant jump. Following his 26 off 15 balls against SRH, he moved to fourth on the leaderboard. Suryakumar now has 265 runs from seven innings at an impressive average of 44.16 and a blistering strike rate of 151.42.

The top three spots are still occupied by:

  • Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants)
  • B Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans)
  • Mitchell Marsh (Lucknow Super Giants)

Challengers in the Race

Other notable players climbing the ranks include Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings), who sits fifth with 250 runs from six innings, and Virat Kohli (RCB) at sixth, having accumulated 248 runs. Both Iyer and Kohli will be in action on Friday when RCB faces PBKS at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The competition for the Purple and Orange Caps is heating up as IPL 2025 heads into its crucial phases!

Also Read : DC Win IPL Classic in Delhi After Super Over Drama

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IPL 2025: RCB Eye First Home Win Against High-Flying Punjab Kings https://totalcric.com/ipl-2025-rcb-eye-first-home-win-against-high-flying-punjab-kings/ Fri, 18 Apr 2025 03:18:27 +0000 https://totalcric.com/?p=7794 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been dominant on the road in IPL 2025, winning all four of their away games. However, they are yet to register a single win at their home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. With two consecutive home defeats already, RCB now face the in-form Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a crucial clash where they must avoid a third straight loss at home.

In both previous losses at Chinnaswamy, a similar pattern was observed. RCB lost the toss, were asked to bat first, and struggled on slow, sluggish pitches—posting 169/8 and 163/7—which became easier to chase under the influence of evening dew. Despite tactical changes such as sending Phil Salt to attack early in the powerplay against Delhi Capitals, RCB fell short.

The team’s bowling unit, particularly their pacers, has also faced challenges at home. While Josh Hazlewood has been economical overall with nine wickets at 8.65, his performance at Chinnaswamy has dipped—just one wicket with an economy of 12.1.

On the other side, PBKS arrive in Bengaluru on a high, having defended the lowest total successfully in IPL history against Kolkata Knight Riders. Yuzvendra Chahal, Player of the Match in that game, has rediscovered form with a four-wicket haul. Chahal, who spent eight seasons with RCB, is also the highest wicket-taker at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in IPL history.

Team Standings and Momentum

Both RCB and PBKS have identical records—four wins from six matches—occupying the third and fourth spots respectively on the points table. A win here will take either side to 10 points, level with table-toppers Delhi Capitals, ahead of their reverse fixture on Sunday in New Chandigarh.

Form Guide:

  • RCB: W L W L W
  • PBKS: W L W L W

Squad Updates

RCB are expected to stick with their winning XI from their dominant nine-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals.

RCB (probable XI):

  1. Phil Salt, 2. Virat Kohli, 3. Devdutt Padikkal, 4. Rajat Patidar (capt), 5. Liam Livingstone, 6. Jitesh Sharma (wk), 7. Tim David, 8. Krunal Pandya, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Josh Hazlewood, 11. Yash Dayal, 12. Suyash Sharma

PBKS made a strategic call by playing Josh Inglis over Marcus Stoinis in their last match against KKR due to his proficiency against spin. Depending on pitch conditions, either Stoinis or Glenn Maxwell might be dropped.

PBKS (probable XI):

  1. Priyansh Arya, 2. Prabhsimran Singh, 3. Shreyas Iyer (capt), 4. Josh Inglis (wk), 5. Nehal Wadhera, 6. Glenn Maxwell / Marcus Stoinis, 7. Shashank Singh, 8. Marco Jansen, 9. Yuzvendra Chahal, 10. Xavier Bartlett, 11. Arshdeep Singh, 12. Suryansh Shedge

Players to Watch

Devdutt Padikkal:
Back at RCB and batting at No. 3, Padikkal has shown flashes of form with scores of 10, 27, 37, and 40* away from home. However, his home scores (1 and 4) mirror RCB’s overall struggles at the venue.

Glenn Maxwell:
His form slump continues with just 41 runs from 5 innings at a run-a-ball rate. Despite his poor batting form, his offspin has been effective—4 wickets at an economy of 8.46. The PBKS think tank faces a tough call on whether to persist with him or bring in Stoinis.

Key Stats and Insights

  • Yuzvendra Chahal has taken 52 IPL wickets at the Chinnaswamy – the most by any bowler.
  • PBKS boast the best powerplay run rate this season at 11.0. RCB are second at 10.4.
  • Arshdeep Singh dismissed Phil Salt twice in the recent IND vs ENG T20I series.
  • Hazlewood (5.4) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (6.2) lead the powerplay economy rates this season, contributing to RCB’s top dot-ball percentage of 50.9%.

Pitch and Conditions

Unlike previous years, Chinnaswamy hasn’t been a paradise for batters this season. The pitches have played slow due to high heat and low humidity. However, recent rainfall and cooler evenings may alter playing conditions, potentially assisting batters more.

Quotes Corner

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB pacer):
“Actually, I haven’t used it. I forgot that I can use saliva. When I saw Starc yesterday, it reminded me. I’m not sure if it’ll help or not, but now that I remember, I’ll definitely try in the next match.”

Brad Haddin (PBKS Assistant Coach):
“It’s about clearing the head and executing. You’ve got to be brave to go deep in this tournament—and that’s the mindset we want the players to have.”

Also Read : PBKS vs KKR – IPL 2025: Chahal Stars as PBKS Defend 111

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DC Win IPL Classic in Delhi After Super Over Drama https://totalcric.com/dc-win-ipl-classic-in-delhi-after-super-over-drama/ Thu, 17 Apr 2025 08:36:25 +0000 https://totalcric.com/?p=7791 Delhi Capitals (DC) 188/5 (Porel 49, Rahul 38, Stubbs 34, Axar 34) tie with Rajasthan Royals (RR) 188/4 (Rana 51, Jaiswal 51, Samson 31, Axar 1-23, Starc 1-36). DC wins Super Over.

Match Highlights:

In a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter, Delhi Capitals pulled off a dramatic Super Over win against Rajasthan Royals, who were on the brink of victory with nine runs needed from the final over and six wickets in hand. However, Mitchell Starc had other plans. The Aussie bowler delivered a sensational over, full of pinpoint yorkers, limiting RR to just 11 runs off the last three overs. The game went into a Super Over after Dhruv Jurel couldn’t find the two runs needed from the last ball.

Super Over Drama

In the Super Over, RR fell apart, lasting just five balls. They lost two key batters—Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal—to run outs. DC chased down the 12-run target in just four deliveries, with Tristan Stubbs playing a key role, hitting Sandeep Sharma for a six to seal the win.

DC’s Stellar Finish

Although DC’s innings started slow, they managed to score 42 runs in the last three overs, thanks to important contributions from Axar Patel (34 off 14 balls) and Tristan Stubbs, who remained unbeaten on 34* off 18 balls. Stubbs’ crucial knock helped DC set a competitive total after an early collapse. RR were in the game, but Starc’s brilliance turned the tide in DC’s favor.

Rana and Jaiswal Shine for RR

RR’s chase seemed comfortable, with Nitish Rana (51 off 31) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (51 off 34) putting them on track. However, RR couldn’t finish well. Despite a strong start, they faltered in the final overs, with Starc bowling crucial yorkers to restrict the run flow. The situation worsened when captain Sanju Samson retired hurt with a side injury after hitting back-to-back boundaries earlier in the game.

The Critical Moments:

  • Jaiswal vs Starc: Jaiswal dominated Starc early, hitting him for a four, six, and another four in the first over. However, Starc regained control later, preventing RR from finishing strong.
  • RR’s Final Over: With 9 runs needed from 6 balls, Starc’s unplayable yorkers put RR in a difficult spot. Jurel and Hetmyer couldn’t manage to find boundaries, and RR fell short in the chase.

DC’s Middle-Order Surge

After a slow start from openers Jake Fraser-McGurk (duck) and Karun Nair (3-ball duck), DC found their footing. Abishek Porel’s early attack and Rahul’s steady 38 laid a foundation. Axar Patel’s quick 34 off 14 balls injected the momentum, which was carried forward by Stubbs in the death overs.

Key Contributions:

  • DC: Axar Patel (34 off 14), Tristan Stubbs (34* off 18), and Porel (49 off 31).
  • RR: Nitish Rana (51 off 31), Yashasvi Jaiswal (51 off 34).

Starc’s Heroics

Mitchell Starc’s ability to bowl in the death overs under pressure was crucial for DC. His brilliant yorkers in the final over and Super Over helped them win this nail-biting contest.

Looking Ahead

With this win, DC moved to the top of the points table, with five wins from six games. RR, on the other hand, will need to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.

Also Read : Mohit Sharma: Saliva and Ball Change Rules Helping Reverse Swing in IPL 2025

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Samson Hails Starc After Thrilling Super Over Loss Against Delhi Capitals https://totalcric.com/samson-hails-starc-after-thrilling-super-over-loss-against-delhi-capitals/ Thu, 17 Apr 2025 08:33:38 +0000 https://totalcric.com/?p=7788 Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson praised Mitchell Starc as “one of the best guys around in the world” after RR’s dramatic Super Over loss to Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Samson Retires Hurt Mid-Innings

During RR’s chase of 189, Samson was forced to retire hurt in the sixth over after attempting a cut shot off legspinner Vipraj Nigam. The shot missed, and he clutched his left side in pain. Although he struck the next delivery—a free hit—to long-off, he was unable to run and walked off the field, replaced by Riyan Parag.

At that moment, Samson was batting on 31 off 19 balls, having shared a rapid 61-run partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal in just 5.3 overs.

RR Collapse Despite Strong Position

RR were in a commanding position needing 31 runs off the last three overs with eight wickets in hand. But Mitchell Starc changed the momentum, dismissing the set batter Nitish Rana (51) in the 18th over and bowling a brilliant final over filled with pinpoint yorkers, pushing the match into a Super Over.

Starc Dominates Super Over Too

Starc was handed the ball again for the Super Over and delivered under pressure. RR could manage only 11 runs and lost two wickets in five legal deliveries.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Samson admitted,

“I felt the score was chaseable, especially with the start we got. But Starcy’s last over was top quality. He won the game for them. He’s one of the best in the world.”

When asked about RR’s approach in the Super Over, Samson replied,

“The plan was simple — swing hard. You know he’s coming hard at you, so you go hard back. But it didn’t work today.”

Current Standings and Upcoming Fixtures

With this defeat, RR now sit at 8th place on the IPL 2025 points table with 4 points — tied with CSK, SRH, and MI. RR have had a mixed season so far: two early losses, two wins in the middle, followed by three more defeats including this Super Over thriller.

RR’s Upcoming Matches:

  • April 19: vs Lucknow Super Giants (Home)
  • April 24: vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Away)
  • April 28: vs Gujarat Titans (Home)

RR will aim to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures and revive their campaign.

Also Read : PBKS vs KKR – IPL 2025: Chahal Stars as PBKS Defend 111

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IPL 2025: MI and SRH Look to Break the Logjam https://totalcric.com/ipl-2025-mi-and-srh-look-to-break-the-logjam/ Thu, 17 Apr 2025 08:30:24 +0000 https://totalcric.com/?p=7782 Big Stakes for Former Champions

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are locked on four points from six matches each in IPL 2025. Net run-rate currently separates the two on the points table. As both teams meet on April 17, it marks the beginning of a crucial stretch for them — and for fellow former champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who sit at the bottom.

Over the next ten days, these three teams face each other in a series of must-win clashes. With playoff hopes on the line, every match carries weight.

High Scores and Big Predictions

After SRH smashed 286/6 earlier this season, talk of a 300-run total doesn’t seem far-fetched. Dale Steyn, former SRH bowling coach, even predicted, “April 17 we’ll see the first 300 in IPL.” With MI up next, a repeat of last season’s explosive clash could be on the cards. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma had both struck quickfire sixties in that game — the foundation of SRH’s ultra-aggressive approach.

Form Watch: MI and SRH Struggle for Consistency

  • MI’s last five matches: W L L W L
  • SRH’s last five matches: W L L L L

Mumbai showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency. Meanwhile, SRH ended a four-match losing streak with a successful 246-run chase against Punjab Kings.

Reunion Alert: Ishan Kishan Faces Former Team

Ishan Kishan, who played seven seasons for MI, now dons SRH colors after being bought for ₹11.25 crore. MI tried to retain him during the auction but dropped out after bidding reached ₹3.2 crore.

Despite a century in his first game, Kishan’s form has dipped, with three single-digit scores in his last four innings. Still, SRH coach Daniel Vettori remains confident:

“He’s just had a bit of bad luck… I still see the same player who hit that century.”

Likely Playing XIs

Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (capt), Naman Dhir, Will Jacks/Corbin Bosch/Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Karn Sharma/Vignesh Puthur

Sunrisers Hyderabad
Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins (capt), Harshal Patel, Mohammed Shami, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga/Wiaan Mulder

Key Players and Match-ups

Jasprit Bumrah vs Abhishek Sharma
Bumrah has a solid record: 2 wickets for just 10 runs in 17 balls. Deepak Chahar (2 for 19) and Trent Boult (2 for 25) have also fared well against the explosive opener.

Trent Boult’s Powerplay Woes
In 2025, Boult has managed just two powerplay wickets, both at Wankhede. His strike rate has doubled (from 19 to 36), and his economy has jumped to 9.1.

Shami vs MI Batters
Shami enjoys a strong match-up against Rohit Sharma (3 dismissals, 65 runs off 58 balls) and Hardik Pandya (3 dismissals, though Hardik strikes at 180).

Tactical Calls: MI’s Spin Options

Wankhede offers balanced conditions, but MI’s spin strategy remains crucial. Santner’s slow, loopy bowling style — rare in today’s fast-spin era — could be vital. Vettori said:

“Mitch has stayed true to his slower style… He’s a challenge regardless of whether it’s a left- or right-hander.”

Possible spin combinations:

  • Santner + Karn Sharma
  • Santner + Vignesh Puthur
  • Karn + Puthur
  • All three

Stat Zone

  • SRH have the worst powerplay economy rate in IPL 2025.
  • MI’s opening pair averages just 22.16 — they must start stronger.
  • Bumrah is just 4 wickets away from 300 career T20 wickets.

Final Word

As SRH and MI enter this high-pressure phase, the clash at Wankhede could be season-defining. With explosive top orders, unsettled bowling combinations, and a lot to prove, expect fireworks — and perhaps even that elusive 300-run mark.

Also Read : Injury Blow for SRH: Adam Zampa Ruled Out of IPL 2025 with Shoulder Issue

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PBKS vs KKR – IPL 2025: Chahal Stars as PBKS Defend 111 https://totalcric.com/pbks-vs-kkr-ipl-2025-chahal-stars-as-pbks-defend-111/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 05:09:24 +0000 https://totalcric.com/?p=7773
  • Punjab Kings (PBKS): 111 all out (Prabhsimran 30, Arya 22, Rana 3/25, Narine 2/14, Varun 2/21)
  • Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): 95 all out (Raghuvanshi 37, Chahal 4/28, Jansen 3/17)
  • PBKS won by 16 runs
  • Player of the Match:

    • Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS) – 4/28

    Match Summary:

    • In a thrilling contest, Punjab Kings defended the lowest total in IPL history, posting just 111 runs, before bowling out Kolkata Knight Riders for 95 to win by 16 runs.
    • At 62/2, KKR were favorites to win but Chahal’s stunning four-wicket haul triggered a dramatic collapse, with KKR losing their last eight wickets for just 33 runs.
    • Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen applied pressure with short-pitch bowling to seal the victory for PBKS.

    Key Performers:

    • Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS): Chahal’s four wickets, including those of key players Rahane and Raghuvanshi, helped PBKS turn the game around.
    • Marco Jansen (PBKS): Jansen’s pace and bounce were crucial, taking 3 wickets and keeping the pressure on KKR.
    • Raghuvanshi (KKR): Top-scored for KKR with a fighting 37, but could not save his team from the collapse.

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