2 days ago
The Hundred women's competition, Headingley
Sunrisers Leeds 142-4 (100 ***** ): Sutherland 35 (24); Villiers 1-6
Manchester Super Giants 147-6 (96 ***** ): Mandhana 88* (50); Baker 1-9
Manchester Super Giants won by four wickets
Scorecard. Table
#headingley #sunrisers #leeds #villiers
Sunrisers Leeds 142-4 (100 ***** ): Sutherland 35 (24); Villiers 1-6
Manchester Super Giants 147-6 (96 ***** ): Mandhana 88* (50); Baker 1-9
Manchester Super Giants won by four wickets
Scorecard. Table
#headingley #sunrisers #leeds #villiers
7 days ago
TimesofIndia.com in London: The summer of cricket continues unabated in England. The men played three Tests against New Zealand and five T20Is and three ODIs against India. As for the women, there was the T20 World Cup and the one-off Test between India and England. And now, it is the turn of The Hundred, which began on July 21.
The Hundred, the unique tournament featuring 100-ball innings, is back with its sixth edition. Much has changed, and yet not a lot has changed. It still has eight teams, still features 100-ball innings where bowlers can bowl spells of five or 10 consecutive ****** , and is still objectively meant to quicken the game and feature double headers - men and women - on the same day.
On the opening day, defending men's champions MI London beat Sunrisers Leeds at The Oval. In the day's first game, Sunrisers edged MI London by 7 wickets in the women's competition. A day later, in Southampton, Southern Brave women narrowly got the better of Welsh Fire. And the men's match later in the day had the reverse outcome.
What's changed is the ownership, the team names, and the kit designs. After an influx of £520 million into The Hundred, the Ambani family acquired Oval Invincibles (now renamed MI London), Sun Group purchased Northern Superchargers (now SunRisers Leeds), and RPSG Group bought Manchester Originals (now Manchester Super Giants). GMR Group, co-owners of the Delhi Capitals, have taken a 49% stake in Southern Brave.
On the opening day of the season at The Oval, the mood was as relaxed as one would expect at this time of year. The sun was out, and it was a pleasant day, away from the baking heat that this country had seen in the last couple of months. Even though it was a weekday, families were out in numbers, making the most of numerous entry points that get you into this cricket stadium in Kennington.
A venue that has seen three consecutive Test defeats for the hosts. It was here just a month ago that New Zealand walloped England by 253 runs. And it was here just about a year ago that Mohammed Siraj bowled with great fire to help India secure a series-levelling win by just 6 runs.
But now, on a Tuesday, The Hundred got underway, and the buzz was equal parts cricket, family and entertainment. A father, holding the hands of two of his kids, walked around and sought the support of a steward in finding the “family section.” Unlike international cricket, where tickets get sold for £100 or more, The Hundred hopes to bring in the masses with reasonable pricing.
With kids two and under going free, tickets for 3-15-year-olds are worth £5, and tickets for adults start from as little as £14. So, an entire young family could see two consecutive cricket matches, spanning about five hours or over, for £30-40.
To unwind after a long day at work, numerous food carts, kiosks and drinks stalls came to the rescue. From Middle Eastern to fast food to Indian, everything was on offer to suit the palates of the patrons. To
The Hundred, the unique tournament featuring 100-ball innings, is back with its sixth edition. Much has changed, and yet not a lot has changed. It still has eight teams, still features 100-ball innings where bowlers can bowl spells of five or 10 consecutive ****** , and is still objectively meant to quicken the game and feature double headers - men and women - on the same day.
On the opening day, defending men's champions MI London beat Sunrisers Leeds at The Oval. In the day's first game, Sunrisers edged MI London by 7 wickets in the women's competition. A day later, in Southampton, Southern Brave women narrowly got the better of Welsh Fire. And the men's match later in the day had the reverse outcome.
What's changed is the ownership, the team names, and the kit designs. After an influx of £520 million into The Hundred, the Ambani family acquired Oval Invincibles (now renamed MI London), Sun Group purchased Northern Superchargers (now SunRisers Leeds), and RPSG Group bought Manchester Originals (now Manchester Super Giants). GMR Group, co-owners of the Delhi Capitals, have taken a 49% stake in Southern Brave.
On the opening day of the season at The Oval, the mood was as relaxed as one would expect at this time of year. The sun was out, and it was a pleasant day, away from the baking heat that this country had seen in the last couple of months. Even though it was a weekday, families were out in numbers, making the most of numerous entry points that get you into this cricket stadium in Kennington.
A venue that has seen three consecutive Test defeats for the hosts. It was here just a month ago that New Zealand walloped England by 253 runs. And it was here just about a year ago that Mohammed Siraj bowled with great fire to help India secure a series-levelling win by just 6 runs.
But now, on a Tuesday, The Hundred got underway, and the buzz was equal parts cricket, family and entertainment. A father, holding the hands of two of his kids, walked around and sought the support of a steward in finding the “family section.” Unlike international cricket, where tickets get sold for £100 or more, The Hundred hopes to bring in the masses with reasonable pricing.
With kids two and under going free, tickets for 3-15-year-olds are worth £5, and tickets for adults start from as little as £14. So, an entire young family could see two consecutive cricket matches, spanning about five hours or over, for £30-40.
To unwind after a long day at work, numerous food carts, kiosks and drinks stalls came to the rescue. From Middle Eastern to fast food to Indian, everything was on offer to suit the palates of the patrons. To
8 days ago
Richard Gleeson, who was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as an injury replacement for Nuwan Thushara for INR 1.6 crore ahead of IPL 2026, made a sensational start to his The Hundred 2026 campaign with MI London, producing a match-winning spell against Sunrisers Leeds.
The 38-year-old England pacer was drafted into RCB's squad after Sri Lankan speedster Nuwan Thushara was unable to join the franchise, with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) refusing to grant him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC).
Now representing MI London (formerly Oval Invincibles), the defending champions of The Hundred, Gleeson showcased his class in the opening match of the 2026 season at The Kia Oval.
Leading MI London's pace attack, Gleeson ripped through the Sunrisers Leeds batting lineup, returning outstanding figures of 4/25. The veteran seamer struck at crucial moments whenever Sunrisers Leeds looked set to build a partnership. He also came within one delivery of a hat-trick after dismissing Zak Crawley and Benny Howell off successive ****** , putting the opposition under immense pressure.
His disciplined spell restricted Sunrisers Leeds to 143, laying the perfect platform for MI London's chase.
MI London's chase got off to the worst possible start as Brydon Carse produced a fiery opening spell, clocking speeds in excess of 90mph. The Sunrisers Leeds pacer removed Will Jacks and birthday boy Jason Roy cheaply, reducing the defending champions to 4/2. When Nathan Ellis bowled James Vince for 13, MI London found themselves in trouble at 51/3, with the momentum firmly in Sunrisers' favour.
However, the game turned completely after Nicholas Pooran walked to the crease. The West Indies star launched a breathtaking counterattack, smashing 58 off just 22 ****** *, including five fours and five sixes. He raced to his half-century in just 19 deliveries, registering the fastest fifty in MI London's history.
At the other end, captain Sam Curran played the perfect supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 60 off 39 ****** . The duo stitched together an unbroken 93-run partnership off only 40 deliveries, guiding MI London to 144/3 in 84 ****** and sealing a commanding seven-wicket victory with 16 ****** to spare to begin their ****** le defence in style.
#spell #thushara #hundred
The 38-year-old England pacer was drafted into RCB's squad after Sri Lankan speedster Nuwan Thushara was unable to join the franchise, with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) refusing to grant him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC).
Now representing MI London (formerly Oval Invincibles), the defending champions of The Hundred, Gleeson showcased his class in the opening match of the 2026 season at The Kia Oval.
Leading MI London's pace attack, Gleeson ripped through the Sunrisers Leeds batting lineup, returning outstanding figures of 4/25. The veteran seamer struck at crucial moments whenever Sunrisers Leeds looked set to build a partnership. He also came within one delivery of a hat-trick after dismissing Zak Crawley and Benny Howell off successive ****** , putting the opposition under immense pressure.
His disciplined spell restricted Sunrisers Leeds to 143, laying the perfect platform for MI London's chase.
MI London's chase got off to the worst possible start as Brydon Carse produced a fiery opening spell, clocking speeds in excess of 90mph. The Sunrisers Leeds pacer removed Will Jacks and birthday boy Jason Roy cheaply, reducing the defending champions to 4/2. When Nathan Ellis bowled James Vince for 13, MI London found themselves in trouble at 51/3, with the momentum firmly in Sunrisers' favour.
However, the game turned completely after Nicholas Pooran walked to the crease. The West Indies star launched a breathtaking counterattack, smashing 58 off just 22 ****** *, including five fours and five sixes. He raced to his half-century in just 19 deliveries, registering the fastest fifty in MI London's history.
At the other end, captain Sam Curran played the perfect supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 60 off 39 ****** . The duo stitched together an unbroken 93-run partnership off only 40 deliveries, guiding MI London to 144/3 in 84 ****** and sealing a commanding seven-wicket victory with 16 ****** to spare to begin their ****** le defence in style.
#spell #thushara #hundred
22 days ago
Brydon Carse is set to play his first match since January after being named in Durham's T20 Blast squad, having recovered from a hand injury.
Carse has been included for the North Group fixture away to Leicestershire Foxes (18:30 BST) as Durham seek only their fourth win in this year's competition.
The 30-year-old pace bowler last played in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney as England lost the series 4-1.
Carse appeared in all five Tests in Australia and finished as England's leading wicket-taker in the series with 22.
He was due to follow that by playing in the Indian Premier League for Sunrisers Hyderabad, but was ruled out with the injury to his right hand - his bowling hand.
Carse has been included for the North Group fixture away to Leicestershire Foxes (18:30 BST) as Durham seek only their fourth win in this year's competition.
The 30-year-old pace bowler last played in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney as England lost the series 4-1.
Carse appeared in all five Tests in Australia and finished as England's leading wicket-taker in the series with 22.
He was due to follow that by playing in the Indian Premier League for Sunrisers Hyderabad, but was ruled out with the injury to his right hand - his bowling hand.
29 days ago
New Delhi: Hardik Pandya has become one of the most sought-after players since the all-rounder decided to leave Mumbai Indians (MI) after the five-time champions' disastrous campaign in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).
The race to sign the 32-year-old has intensified, and TimesofIndia.com can confirm that seven franchises have expressed interest in acquiring the all-rounder. Only Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have remained spectators.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) entered the race late but have now set up an exciting contest with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), while Rajasthan Royals (RR) are also in the fray. Pandya is a perfect fit for CSK, especially in the post-MS Dhoni era, but there is no guarantee that he will wear the captaincy armband. Meanwhile, KKR are looking for a captain, and RR, too, are ready to offer both leadership and a long-term role. It will be interesting to see how MI positions itself, given the strong interest in their captain.
The communication channels are currently active between MI, CSK and KKR. While the three parties have not confirmed anything yet, various options are being explored. Who will CSK let go? Will it be an all-cash deal? Do KKR have a tangible **** et to trade? Or will it be a roadblock like the one in KL Rahul's case last year?
CSK have remained patient observers as the buzz around Pandya's movement has grown stronger. The five-time champions are timing their entry exactly the way they did during the blockbuster trade involving Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran last season. Currently, CSK are in a very strong position to sign Pandya, but late hiccups cannot be ruled out as player trades remain a tricky business in the IPL ecosystem. The role of an influential figure in the CSK set-up could hold the key to the trade's direction.
The most important aspect is player consent, and it will be interesting to see whether Pandya is keen to move to a franchise without the captaincy armband. Two highly respected former international captains have also expressed interest, one offered the captaincy, but the initial discussions did not materialise into anything meaningful. A fresh round of talks cannot be ruled out in the North, especially if conversations continue to gather pace in the South.
Pandya might not be the only high-profile Indian cricketer involved in a trade this season. It has been learnt that MI will have to finalise the all-rounder's move before addressing the future of one of his teammates. MI and the interested franchises are likely to factor that into their negotiations for Pandya. While this may not have a direct impact, it could influence the franchise's approach to the two possible transactions.
132107803
If MI agree to an all-cash deal for Pandya, will they do the same for his India and MI teammate? How will the other franchises position themselves? There are no immediate answers, but clarity is expected to emerge soon. One trade
The race to sign the 32-year-old has intensified, and TimesofIndia.com can confirm that seven franchises have expressed interest in acquiring the all-rounder. Only Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have remained spectators.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) entered the race late but have now set up an exciting contest with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), while Rajasthan Royals (RR) are also in the fray. Pandya is a perfect fit for CSK, especially in the post-MS Dhoni era, but there is no guarantee that he will wear the captaincy armband. Meanwhile, KKR are looking for a captain, and RR, too, are ready to offer both leadership and a long-term role. It will be interesting to see how MI positions itself, given the strong interest in their captain.
The communication channels are currently active between MI, CSK and KKR. While the three parties have not confirmed anything yet, various options are being explored. Who will CSK let go? Will it be an all-cash deal? Do KKR have a tangible **** et to trade? Or will it be a roadblock like the one in KL Rahul's case last year?
CSK have remained patient observers as the buzz around Pandya's movement has grown stronger. The five-time champions are timing their entry exactly the way they did during the blockbuster trade involving Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran last season. Currently, CSK are in a very strong position to sign Pandya, but late hiccups cannot be ruled out as player trades remain a tricky business in the IPL ecosystem. The role of an influential figure in the CSK set-up could hold the key to the trade's direction.
The most important aspect is player consent, and it will be interesting to see whether Pandya is keen to move to a franchise without the captaincy armband. Two highly respected former international captains have also expressed interest, one offered the captaincy, but the initial discussions did not materialise into anything meaningful. A fresh round of talks cannot be ruled out in the North, especially if conversations continue to gather pace in the South.
Pandya might not be the only high-profile Indian cricketer involved in a trade this season. It has been learnt that MI will have to finalise the all-rounder's move before addressing the future of one of his teammates. MI and the interested franchises are likely to factor that into their negotiations for Pandya. While this may not have a direct impact, it could influence the franchise's approach to the two possible transactions.
132107803
If MI agree to an all-cash deal for Pandya, will they do the same for his India and MI teammate? How will the other franchises position themselves? There are no immediate answers, but clarity is expected to emerge soon. One trade
1 month ago
CHENNAI: Every successful Indian team has eventually unearthed an all-rounder who quietly solves multiple problems at once. In Harsh Dubey, India believe they may have found another such cricketer for the future.
The 23-year-old left-arm spinning all-rounder is still at the beginning of his international journey, but the early signs have already convinced the team management that he is a player worth investing in. The confidence being shown in him was evident from captain Shubman Gill's words, who sees Dubey as an important addition to India's pool of all-rounders.
"If we look at the pool of all-rounders, especially left-arm spinning all-rounders who can bat, he is one of those players. He is very young and it's important that we show confidence in players like him. He is someone who can bowl 10 overs for us and, if required, can also get the job done with the bat in situations where you need 80 runs in the last 10 overs," Gill said.
Those comments came before India's squad for the England ODI series was announced. However, despite Gill's endorsement and a promising start at the international level, Dubey did not find a place in the squad as Axar Patel returned to the side after being rested for the Afghanistan series.
Yet, his omission is unlikely to alter the long-term plans India appear to have for him. With Ravichandran Ashwin having retired and India managing the workload of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar, the team management has already started grooming the next generation of spin-bowling all-rounders.
The selectors had named Dubey in both the Test and ODI squads against Afghanistan, signalling a long-term investment rather than a short-term experiment.
That faith was further underlined in the first ODI when Dubey was preferred over the more experienced Kuldeep Yadav. In his debut, the youngster came under pressure in his opening over, but he responded impressively, showing the temperament and finished with figures of 3-47 from five overs and ended his two-match ODI stint with four wickets. While his economy rate of 7.08 remained on the higher side, he managed to strike at crucial moments and showed an ability to bounce back under pressure.
While his bowling credentials are already well established, his batting potential is an untapped area in the series. India believe there is more to come from him with the bat, particularly because he possesses the ability to finish innings and contribute valuable lower-order runs.
His numbers across formats further strengthen his case. In the IPL, he has taken eight wickets in eight matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad at an average of 28.50. In List A cricket, he has picked up 35 wickets in 32 matches and scored 296 runs in 17 innings, including two half-centuries, averaging 26.50 with the bat.
His first-class record is even more impressive. In 27 matches, Dubey has claimed 133 wickets at an average of 23.26, including nine five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket matc
The 23-year-old left-arm spinning all-rounder is still at the beginning of his international journey, but the early signs have already convinced the team management that he is a player worth investing in. The confidence being shown in him was evident from captain Shubman Gill's words, who sees Dubey as an important addition to India's pool of all-rounders.
"If we look at the pool of all-rounders, especially left-arm spinning all-rounders who can bat, he is one of those players. He is very young and it's important that we show confidence in players like him. He is someone who can bowl 10 overs for us and, if required, can also get the job done with the bat in situations where you need 80 runs in the last 10 overs," Gill said.
Those comments came before India's squad for the England ODI series was announced. However, despite Gill's endorsement and a promising start at the international level, Dubey did not find a place in the squad as Axar Patel returned to the side after being rested for the Afghanistan series.
Yet, his omission is unlikely to alter the long-term plans India appear to have for him. With Ravichandran Ashwin having retired and India managing the workload of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar, the team management has already started grooming the next generation of spin-bowling all-rounders.
The selectors had named Dubey in both the Test and ODI squads against Afghanistan, signalling a long-term investment rather than a short-term experiment.
That faith was further underlined in the first ODI when Dubey was preferred over the more experienced Kuldeep Yadav. In his debut, the youngster came under pressure in his opening over, but he responded impressively, showing the temperament and finished with figures of 3-47 from five overs and ended his two-match ODI stint with four wickets. While his economy rate of 7.08 remained on the higher side, he managed to strike at crucial moments and showed an ability to bounce back under pressure.
While his bowling credentials are already well established, his batting potential is an untapped area in the series. India believe there is more to come from him with the bat, particularly because he possesses the ability to finish innings and contribute valuable lower-order runs.
His numbers across formats further strengthen his case. In the IPL, he has taken eight wickets in eight matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad at an average of 28.50. In List A cricket, he has picked up 35 wickets in 32 matches and scored 296 runs in 17 innings, including two half-centuries, averaging 26.50 with the bat.
His first-class record is even more impressive. In 27 matches, Dubey has claimed 133 wickets at an average of 23.26, including nine five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket matc
2 months ago
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's childhood coach Manish Ojha describes his ward as a "God's child" and credits fate and divine guidance for bringing the youngster to his academy.
"A couple of years ago, I thanked Vaibhav's father (Sanjeev Sooryavanshi) for bringing the kid to me. Ispe bhagwaan ka haath hai (He is God's child). It is because of him that I got recognition, otherwise who gives two cents about a cricket coach in Bihar?," an emotional Manish tells TimesofIndia.com after the 15-year-old received his maiden India call-up for the Ireland and England series.
"Sab Bhagwaan ki kripa hai (God has been kind). The kid is immensely talented and has worked hard. Credit to his father as well," he says.
Riding on a sensational IPL 2026 campaign, the 15-year-old from Bihar will now don the blue jersey.
"When we talk about Bihar, we always talk about our past, from the Maurya Empire, Gupta Empire, Buddhism, Jainism, Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Yatra or the JP Movement. In modern times, it has often been in the news for all the notorious things. This teenager is not only hitting sixes but also smashing those stigmas ******* ociated with Bihar out of the park. Imagine Sachin Tendulkar calling him 'truly special' or Virat Kohli telling Vaibhav, 'Ek Bihari, sab pe bhari, phir khatam game.' What Vaibhav has managed to achieve in the last few months is phenomenal," says Ojha.
Sooryavanshi smashed 776 runs in 16 innings at a strike rate of 237.30. He also hit a record-breaking 72 sixes during a season that saw him narrowly miss out on the fastest century in IPL history.
"He is a big-match player. We have seen that in the IPL playoffs. In the U-19 World Cup final, he again played a scintillating knock. It is a great call by the selectors to pick him. And this is just the beginning. He will achieve a lot more," says Ojha.
Ojha says his ward is a "quick learner". According to him, the preparation before every game helps Sooryavanshi play his aggressive brand of cricket and take on the best bowlers without fear.
"He prepares in his own way. It's not that he sits with video ******* ysts, but he does his homework," says Ojha.
This conscientious approach and unshakeable temperament led the selectors to name the explosive Sooryavanshi in the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England.
Sooryavanshi has not only caught the attention of greats like Tendulkar and Kohli, but India's Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill has also been effusive in his praise for the teenager. In a near-solo effort, Sooryavanshi almost dragged Rajasthan Royals into the IPL 2026 final. In the Eliminator, he smashed a 29-ball 97 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and then followed it up with a 47-ball 96 against Gill's Gujarat ******* ans.
"I think he's had a remarkable season. I've not seen anyone bat the way he bats and, in this format, he is probably one of the best batters in the world right now," Gill had said after Qualifier 2 in Mullanpur.
"It is remar
"A couple of years ago, I thanked Vaibhav's father (Sanjeev Sooryavanshi) for bringing the kid to me. Ispe bhagwaan ka haath hai (He is God's child). It is because of him that I got recognition, otherwise who gives two cents about a cricket coach in Bihar?," an emotional Manish tells TimesofIndia.com after the 15-year-old received his maiden India call-up for the Ireland and England series.
"Sab Bhagwaan ki kripa hai (God has been kind). The kid is immensely talented and has worked hard. Credit to his father as well," he says.
Riding on a sensational IPL 2026 campaign, the 15-year-old from Bihar will now don the blue jersey.
"When we talk about Bihar, we always talk about our past, from the Maurya Empire, Gupta Empire, Buddhism, Jainism, Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Yatra or the JP Movement. In modern times, it has often been in the news for all the notorious things. This teenager is not only hitting sixes but also smashing those stigmas ******* ociated with Bihar out of the park. Imagine Sachin Tendulkar calling him 'truly special' or Virat Kohli telling Vaibhav, 'Ek Bihari, sab pe bhari, phir khatam game.' What Vaibhav has managed to achieve in the last few months is phenomenal," says Ojha.
Sooryavanshi smashed 776 runs in 16 innings at a strike rate of 237.30. He also hit a record-breaking 72 sixes during a season that saw him narrowly miss out on the fastest century in IPL history.
"He is a big-match player. We have seen that in the IPL playoffs. In the U-19 World Cup final, he again played a scintillating knock. It is a great call by the selectors to pick him. And this is just the beginning. He will achieve a lot more," says Ojha.
Ojha says his ward is a "quick learner". According to him, the preparation before every game helps Sooryavanshi play his aggressive brand of cricket and take on the best bowlers without fear.
"He prepares in his own way. It's not that he sits with video ******* ysts, but he does his homework," says Ojha.
This conscientious approach and unshakeable temperament led the selectors to name the explosive Sooryavanshi in the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England.
Sooryavanshi has not only caught the attention of greats like Tendulkar and Kohli, but India's Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill has also been effusive in his praise for the teenager. In a near-solo effort, Sooryavanshi almost dragged Rajasthan Royals into the IPL 2026 final. In the Eliminator, he smashed a 29-ball 97 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and then followed it up with a 47-ball 96 against Gill's Gujarat ******* ans.
"I think he's had a remarkable season. I've not seen anyone bat the way he bats and, in this format, he is probably one of the best batters in the world right now," Gill had said after Qualifier 2 in Mullanpur.
"It is remar
2 months ago
The 2026 IPL season was batting excess at its absolute peak.
A record 27450 runs were scored across the season - the most in IPL history. Teams scored at a staggering run-rate of 9.88, another all-time high. There were 1426 sixes struck, eclipsing the previous record of 1294 set only a year earlier in 2025.
This was also the season of the 200-plus score. As many as 65 innings crossed the 200-run mark. Chasing became almost routine. Teams successfully hunted down 220-plus targets nine times this season alone; before 2026, that had happened just five times across the previous 18 editions combined.
In total, 18 scores of 200 or more were chased down this season - exactly double the number from 2025.
Going by those numbers, the final should have been a run-fest.
Instead, it was anything but.
Gujarat ****** ans huffed and puffed their way to 155/8. Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased it down comfortably to retain the IPL ****** le. There was drama because of the occasion, but not because of the scoring.
And it wasn't the first time.
Cast your mind back to 2024. That season was defined by Sunrisers Hyderabad's batting revolution. Records were broken almost every week as scores once considered impossible became commonplace. Yet when the final arrived, SRH were bowled out for 113 - the lowest total in IPL final history, and Kolkata Knight Riders raced to the target in just 10.3 overs.
Or take the 2022 final in Ahmedabad. Rajasthan Royals managed only 130/9 before Gujarat ****** ans cruised home with seven wickets in hand.
Which raises an interesting question.
Are IPL finals generally low-scoring? Do they fail to reflect the batting trends that define the league stage?
At first glance, the answer feels obvious.
For years, the accepted wisdom has been that the pressure of a ****** le decider suppresses scoring. Bigger nerves. Greater stakes. More cautious batting. Tired pitches at the end of a long tournament.
But is that actually true?
A TOI Data Desk ****** ysis of all 19 IPL finals between 2008 and 2026 suggests the answer is more complicated than conventional wisdom would have us believe.
In fact, the numbers are the exact opposite of what most fans would expect.
Across all 19 IPL finals, the average final has actually produced more runs than the average match in the corresponding season.
Here's the kicker: 10 finals have scored above their season average, while nine have finished below it.
On average, IPL finals have scored 5.7 runs more than the season average and 5.1 runs more than the historical scoring average at the venue where they were played.
In other words, the popular perception doesn't really hold up when viewed across the tournament's entire history. However, our memories are selective.
The low-scoring finals tend to stick. The 2024 final. The 2022 final. The 2026 final. These matches lead us to believe that finals are cagey affairs. But at the other end of the spectrum sit IP
A record 27450 runs were scored across the season - the most in IPL history. Teams scored at a staggering run-rate of 9.88, another all-time high. There were 1426 sixes struck, eclipsing the previous record of 1294 set only a year earlier in 2025.
This was also the season of the 200-plus score. As many as 65 innings crossed the 200-run mark. Chasing became almost routine. Teams successfully hunted down 220-plus targets nine times this season alone; before 2026, that had happened just five times across the previous 18 editions combined.
In total, 18 scores of 200 or more were chased down this season - exactly double the number from 2025.
Going by those numbers, the final should have been a run-fest.
Instead, it was anything but.
Gujarat ****** ans huffed and puffed their way to 155/8. Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased it down comfortably to retain the IPL ****** le. There was drama because of the occasion, but not because of the scoring.
And it wasn't the first time.
Cast your mind back to 2024. That season was defined by Sunrisers Hyderabad's batting revolution. Records were broken almost every week as scores once considered impossible became commonplace. Yet when the final arrived, SRH were bowled out for 113 - the lowest total in IPL final history, and Kolkata Knight Riders raced to the target in just 10.3 overs.
Or take the 2022 final in Ahmedabad. Rajasthan Royals managed only 130/9 before Gujarat ****** ans cruised home with seven wickets in hand.
Which raises an interesting question.
Are IPL finals generally low-scoring? Do they fail to reflect the batting trends that define the league stage?
At first glance, the answer feels obvious.
For years, the accepted wisdom has been that the pressure of a ****** le decider suppresses scoring. Bigger nerves. Greater stakes. More cautious batting. Tired pitches at the end of a long tournament.
But is that actually true?
A TOI Data Desk ****** ysis of all 19 IPL finals between 2008 and 2026 suggests the answer is more complicated than conventional wisdom would have us believe.
In fact, the numbers are the exact opposite of what most fans would expect.
Across all 19 IPL finals, the average final has actually produced more runs than the average match in the corresponding season.
Here's the kicker: 10 finals have scored above their season average, while nine have finished below it.
On average, IPL finals have scored 5.7 runs more than the season average and 5.1 runs more than the historical scoring average at the venue where they were played.
In other words, the popular perception doesn't really hold up when viewed across the tournament's entire history. However, our memories are selective.
The low-scoring finals tend to stick. The 2024 final. The 2022 final. The 2026 final. These matches lead us to believe that finals are cagey affairs. But at the other end of the spectrum sit IP
2 months ago
NEW DELHI: With his ability to clear boundaries from ball one and turn matches on their head in a matter of overs, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi emerged as the biggest talking point of IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batting sensation left bowlers searching for answers and earned admiration from opponents and teammates alike.
Sooryavanshi's numbers from the season were nothing short of extraordinary. The Rajasthan Royals opener finished as the tournament's highest run-scorer, scoring 776 runs in 16 innings at a staggering strike rate of 237.30.
The left-handed batter also rewrote the IPL record books by smashing 72 sixes during the season, surpassing the previous record of 59 maximums held by West Indies great Chris Gayle.
His most memorable performance came in the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad. With Rajasthan Royals facing a do-or-die clash, Sooryavanshi produced one of the most destructive innings in IPL history, hammering 97 off just 29 ******* to power his side into Qualifier 2. The teenager was at it again in Qualifier 2 against Gujarat ******* ans, blasting a sensational 96. Although Rajasthan Royals eventually lost by seven wickets and missed out on a place in the final, Sooryavanshi's fearless strokeplay once again stole the spotlight.
Among those impressed by the youngster's remarkable rise was Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya, who faced him during the season and even managed to dismiss him.
Asked whether he enjoyed his battles with the Rajasthan Royals prodigy, Krunal did not hide his admiration.
"Oh, yeah. We played one game against RR in Guwahati. In fact, I got his wicket as well," Krunal told Times of India.
Krunal then lavished praise on the teenager, describing him as one of the most exciting talents he has seen.
"But boy, what a talent! At 15! Generational talent. To bat like that at 15. Even if you are 30, 40, or 25, to bat like this is commendable. But 15? And he’s not just slogging. That boy has brains."
The RCB star pointed to Sooryavanshi's mature innings in the knockout stages as proof that there is far more to his game than power-hitting.
"Look at how he batted in Qualifier-2 vs GT. He played the situation. I’m very eager to see how he continues his journey forward in the next ten years," Krunal said.
Sooryavanshi's numbers from the season were nothing short of extraordinary. The Rajasthan Royals opener finished as the tournament's highest run-scorer, scoring 776 runs in 16 innings at a staggering strike rate of 237.30.
The left-handed batter also rewrote the IPL record books by smashing 72 sixes during the season, surpassing the previous record of 59 maximums held by West Indies great Chris Gayle.
His most memorable performance came in the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad. With Rajasthan Royals facing a do-or-die clash, Sooryavanshi produced one of the most destructive innings in IPL history, hammering 97 off just 29 ******* to power his side into Qualifier 2. The teenager was at it again in Qualifier 2 against Gujarat ******* ans, blasting a sensational 96. Although Rajasthan Royals eventually lost by seven wickets and missed out on a place in the final, Sooryavanshi's fearless strokeplay once again stole the spotlight.
Among those impressed by the youngster's remarkable rise was Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya, who faced him during the season and even managed to dismiss him.
Asked whether he enjoyed his battles with the Rajasthan Royals prodigy, Krunal did not hide his admiration.
"Oh, yeah. We played one game against RR in Guwahati. In fact, I got his wicket as well," Krunal told Times of India.
Krunal then lavished praise on the teenager, describing him as one of the most exciting talents he has seen.
"But boy, what a talent! At 15! Generational talent. To bat like that at 15. Even if you are 30, 40, or 25, to bat like this is commendable. But 15? And he’s not just slogging. That boy has brains."
The RCB star pointed to Sooryavanshi's mature innings in the knockout stages as proof that there is far more to his game than power-hitting.
"Look at how he batted in Qualifier-2 vs GT. He played the situation. I’m very eager to see how he continues his journey forward in the next ten years," Krunal said.
2 months ago
Cricket is a team game: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi reveals fathers lesson on missed centuries
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been the undisputed breakout star of IPL 2026. The 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals sensation currently leads the Orange Cap race with 680 runs in 15 matches and has lit up the tournament with a series of record-shattering performances. Yet, despite his remarkable season, he has narrowly missed out on what many believe would have been well-deserved centuries.
Twice this season, Sooryavanshi found himself in the nineties, only to fall short because of his unwavering commitment to the team's cause. Rather than slowing down to secure personal milestones, the teenager continued to play his natural attacking game, putting the team's needs ahead of individual records.
Explaining his mindset on JioStar, Sooryavanshi revealed the lesson his father taught him from a young age.
"Since childhood, my father has always told me that if you score a hundred, a double hundred, or even a triple hundred, but the team does not win because of it, then those runs hold no value. They may only be for your personal record, but they do not benefit the team,'' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi said.
131385642
"Cricket, in the end, is a team game. So, if I score 80 instead of a hundred and my team wins, and if we still do not win despite me scoring a century, then that 80 means more to me than the hundred," he added.
"The longer my team stays in the tournament and the deeper we go into the playoffs and finals, the more chances I will get to score hundreds and achieve whatever records I want to break. So, it benefits both me personally and the team as well,'' Vaibhav concluded.
His selfless approach was on full display during the IPL 2026 Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Batting on a breathtaking 97 off just 28 **** , Sooryavanshi was only one boundary away from breaking Chris Gayle's record for the fastest century in IPL history. Instead of playing it safe and taking a single, he attempted an audacious upper-cut off Praful Hinge. Spotting a fielder late, he tried to adjust the shot but mistimed it, eventually getting caught at deep third man on the 29th ball.
Earlier in the season against Lucknow Super Giants, he produced another sensational innings, smashing 93 off just 38 deliveries. The left-hander tore apart the LSG attack with seven fours and ten towering sixes at a staggering strike rate of 244.73, guiding Rajasthan Royals to a dominant victory before falling short of a century once again.
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been the undisputed breakout star of IPL 2026. The 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals sensation currently leads the Orange Cap race with 680 runs in 15 matches and has lit up the tournament with a series of record-shattering performances. Yet, despite his remarkable season, he has narrowly missed out on what many believe would have been well-deserved centuries.
Twice this season, Sooryavanshi found himself in the nineties, only to fall short because of his unwavering commitment to the team's cause. Rather than slowing down to secure personal milestones, the teenager continued to play his natural attacking game, putting the team's needs ahead of individual records.
Explaining his mindset on JioStar, Sooryavanshi revealed the lesson his father taught him from a young age.
"Since childhood, my father has always told me that if you score a hundred, a double hundred, or even a triple hundred, but the team does not win because of it, then those runs hold no value. They may only be for your personal record, but they do not benefit the team,'' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi said.
131385642
"Cricket, in the end, is a team game. So, if I score 80 instead of a hundred and my team wins, and if we still do not win despite me scoring a century, then that 80 means more to me than the hundred," he added.
"The longer my team stays in the tournament and the deeper we go into the playoffs and finals, the more chances I will get to score hundreds and achieve whatever records I want to break. So, it benefits both me personally and the team as well,'' Vaibhav concluded.
His selfless approach was on full display during the IPL 2026 Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Batting on a breathtaking 97 off just 28 **** , Sooryavanshi was only one boundary away from breaking Chris Gayle's record for the fastest century in IPL history. Instead of playing it safe and taking a single, he attempted an audacious upper-cut off Praful Hinge. Spotting a fielder late, he tried to adjust the shot but mistimed it, eventually getting caught at deep third man on the 29th ball.
Earlier in the season against Lucknow Super Giants, he produced another sensational innings, smashing 93 off just 38 deliveries. The left-hander tore apart the LSG attack with seven fours and ten towering sixes at a staggering strike rate of 244.73, guiding Rajasthan Royals to a dominant victory before falling short of a century once again.
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...
2 months ago
IPL 2026 points table explained: How Gujarat ******* ans win and CSKs elimination impact playoff race
NEW DELHI: Gujarat ******* ans produced a dominant 89-run win over Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2026 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a result that lifted their net run rate to +0.695 and sealed a top-two finish on the points table.
The defeat brought CSK’s campaign to an end, officially eliminating the five-time champions from the tournament.
GT wrapped up the league stage with 14 matches, 9 wins and 5 losses, finishing on 18 points. Their strong net run rate ensured they stayed in the top-two bracket alongside Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are at top of the table with 18 points from 13 matches, featuring 9 wins and 4 losses and a superior NRR of +1.065.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, who also secured a playoff berth, are third with 16 points from 13 matches, winning 8 games and losing 5. Rajasthan Royals are fourth with 14 points from 13 outings (7 wins, 6 losses) and an NRR of +0.083.
Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are locked on 13 points each, separated only by net run rate.
PBKS are fifth with 13 points from 13 matches, recording 6 wins, 6 losses and 1 no result, and an NRR of +0.227. KKR, with an identical win-loss record and one no result, are sixth with a marginally lower NRR of +0.011.
Chennai Super Kings concluded their season in seventh place with 12 points from 14 matches, managing 6 wins and 8 losses, and a net run rate of -0.345.
Delhi Capitals are also on 12 points from 13 matches but are placed eighth due to a poorer net run rate of -0.871.
At the bottom end of the table, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, both already eliminated, are ninth and tenth respectively.
Rank
Team
P
W
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...
NEW DELHI: Gujarat ******* ans produced a dominant 89-run win over Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2026 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a result that lifted their net run rate to +0.695 and sealed a top-two finish on the points table.
The defeat brought CSK’s campaign to an end, officially eliminating the five-time champions from the tournament.
GT wrapped up the league stage with 14 matches, 9 wins and 5 losses, finishing on 18 points. Their strong net run rate ensured they stayed in the top-two bracket alongside Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are at top of the table with 18 points from 13 matches, featuring 9 wins and 4 losses and a superior NRR of +1.065.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, who also secured a playoff berth, are third with 16 points from 13 matches, winning 8 games and losing 5. Rajasthan Royals are fourth with 14 points from 13 outings (7 wins, 6 losses) and an NRR of +0.083.
Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders are locked on 13 points each, separated only by net run rate.
PBKS are fifth with 13 points from 13 matches, recording 6 wins, 6 losses and 1 no result, and an NRR of +0.227. KKR, with an identical win-loss record and one no result, are sixth with a marginally lower NRR of +0.011.
Chennai Super Kings concluded their season in seventh place with 12 points from 14 matches, managing 6 wins and 8 losses, and a net run rate of -0.345.
Delhi Capitals are also on 12 points from 13 matches but are placed eighth due to a poorer net run rate of -0.871.
At the bottom end of the table, Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, both already eliminated, are ninth and tenth respectively.
Rank
Team
P
W
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...
1 yr. ago
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#Gujarat **** ans dominate Sunrisers #Hyderabad in IPL 2025, surging to second place. SRH faces near elimination after the 38-run defeat. #Cricket star #ViratKohli addresses social media buzz, clarifying a "mistaken" like on
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#Gujarat **** ans dominate Sunrisers #Hyderabad in IPL 2025, surging to second place. SRH faces near elimination after the 38-run defeat. #Cricket star #ViratKohli addresses social media buzz, clarifying a "mistaken" like on
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