T20 cricket – Cricket County

LS vs OI: Grace Harris Dominates Women’s Hundred 2025 Opener With A Record-breaking 89

Albert Shane — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:52:19 +0000

LS vs OI: Defending champions London Spirit (LS) began their Women’s Hundred 2025 journey with an authoritative 17-run victory over city rivals Oval Invincibles (OI) at Lord’s.

The game attracted a lively attendance of 15,640 spectators, and the big star on the day was Grace Harris, who took the center stage with a scorching 89 not out from just 42 balls.

Grace Harris vs Meg Lanning: A Battle of Australian Titans

In a nail-biting clash between two of Australia’s top hitters, Grace Harris came out on top. Signed ahead of Meg Lanning in the winter, Harris vindicated Spirit’s move by opening up on the Invincibles’ bowling lineup with a brutal onslaught.

Her explosive innings was full of power and precision, underpinning Spirit’s score of 176 for 3, the second-largest score in Women’s Hundred history.

Lanning, however, put up a good fight with 85 from 51 balls, bringing Oval Invincibles back into the chase before being dismissed. Lack of support at the other end, however, meant her fight came to an end in vain.

Cordelia Griffith and Harris Power Spirit’s Batting Surge

Grace Harris was the star of the show, but she had competent support from Cordelia Griffith, who smashed a quick 50 off 29 deliveries. The two of them propelled London Spirit to a commanding total that established the tone of the match.

“There were good comms from the openers — the wicket was nice, just a bit of swing in the air,” said Grace Harris. “I’m happy to bat anywhere, but it’s always good to finish strong.”

LS vs OI: Invincibles Falter Despite Lanning’s Brilliance

Even with Meg Lanning’s imposing innings, Oval Invincibles were not able to establish partnerships consistently. Brief contributions from Alice Capsey and Marizanne Kapp gave hope, but they weren’t able to compete with Spirit’s batting depth.

Alternatively, the absence of a consistent secondary scorer was conspicuous in contrast to the Griffith-Harris partnership.

Bowling Highlights: Farrant Ends Drought, Ryana Shines

For the Invincibles, Ryana Macdonald-Gay was the most frugal and reliable bowler, while Tash Farrant marked a personal milestone by claiming her first wicket in the competition after 1,450 days, after sitting out due to an injury layoff.

Meerkat Match Hero: Grace Harris

Harris’ destructive inning got her the Meerkat Match Hero award, and she opined on the significance of a good start in the high-intensity format of The Hundred.

“Always want to get the win up first, particularly against cross-town rivals,” said Harris. “It’s always nice to get the wood on them early in the season.”

Heather Knight Absence, No Problem for Spirit

London Spirit demonstrated cohesion and firepower despite their 2024 title-winning captain Heather Knight’s absence. Their impressive team performance, spearheaded by Grace Harris, sets them up well for their efforts to hold onto their title.

ALSO READ: WPL 2025 MI vs UPW: Sciver-Brunt Leads Mumbai To Win

CPL 2024: Five Players to Watch in the Caribbean Premier League

News Desk — Sat, 07 Sep 2024 15:42:46 +0000

As the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) enters its 12th season, cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the thrilling action. The tournament, starting on Friday, August 30, promises to showcase top-level T20 cricket, featuring renowned players from the Caribbean and beyond.

While familiar stars like Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine are expected to steal the show, a fresh generation of talent is also stepping into the spotlight. These emerging players are not only the future of the CPL but could soon play crucial roles in the West Indies cricket team.

Here’s a look at five promising players who are set to make a big impact in CPL 2024.

1. Jewel Andrew (Antigua & Barbuda Falcons)

At just 17, Jewel Andrew is already creating waves with his exceptional talent. Known for scoring five consecutive centuries in a school league and leading the Leeward Islands Under-15 team, Andrew is one of the most exciting prospects in this year’s CPL. If he makes his debut before the playoffs, he could break Nicholas Pooran’s record as the youngest player in CPL history, currently standing at 17 years and 300 days.

Earlier this year, Andrew was the top scorer for the West Indies in the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa, where he scored 207 runs in four innings, with an average of 69.00 and a strike rate of 109.52. His impressive run continued in the Cool & Smooth T20 tournament in Antigua and Barbuda, where he finished as the second-highest run-scorer with 323 runs in nine innings. Adding to his value, Andrew can also keep wickets, making him a key player for the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons.

2. Matthew Forde (St Lucia Kings)

Matthew Forde, 22, may be a familiar name, but his potential is still unfolding. Having already broken into the West Indies T20I squad, Forde has played in various franchise leagues such as the Lanka Premier League, Pakistan Super League, and Global T20 Canada. A standout performance in CPL 2024 could further cement his place in the West Indies white-ball teams and attract attention from IPL scouts.

Sharing a birthday with T20 legend Andre Russell, Forde has shaped his game after the superstar. His talent was first noticed by former West Indies pacer Pedro Collins, who recommended him to St Lucia Kings coach Daren Sammy. Known for swinging the new ball, Forde is a vital asset for the Kings this season, and his contributions could be key to their success.

3. Nathan Edward (Trinbago Knight Riders)

Nathan Edward, a left-arm fast bowler from Sint Maarten, is ready to play a crucial role for the Trinbago Knight Riders in CPL 2024. The team, known for their preference for left-arm seamers, has found a promising local talent in Edward, who fits perfectly into their strategy. Having played in two Under-19 World Cups, Edward is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Edward’s experience extends beyond the Caribbean, as he was part of the Bahawalpur Royals’ championship-winning campaign in the Pakistan Junior League in 2022. There, he was mentored by Imran Tahir, a relationship that could be invaluable as Edward now faces Tahir in the CPL. With a contract secured with the Leeward Islands Hurricanes franchise, Edward is expected to be a key player for the Knight Riders this season.

4. Isai Thorne (Barbados Royals)

Isai Thorne, turning 20 this September, is another young fast bowler ready to shine in CPL 2024. Set for his first full season with the Barbados Royals after overcoming injuries, Thorne is poised for a more significant role this year. Though he had a brief stint with the Amazon Warriors on a development scholarship last year, this season presents a greater opportunity for him.

Thorne’s pace will complement the slower deliveries of Obed McCoy, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Jason Holder in the Royals’ bowling attack. His performance in the 2023-24 Super 50 competition was notable, as he debuted in List A cricket for Combined Campuses and Colleges and finished as their joint second-highest wicket-taker. After spending time with the West Indies Test team as a development player, Thorne’s future in international cricket looks bright.

5. Kelvin Pitman (Antigua & Barbuda Falcons)

Kelvin Pitman, a fast bowler with raw pace, is one of the rising stars in Caribbean cricket. He made a memorable debut in CPL 2023 with the Jamaica Tallawahs, where he took 3 for 27, including the wickets of Mark Deyal, Nicholas Pooran, and Kieron Pollard. His debut performance earned him a spot in the West Indies Academy team, where he continued to improve his skills.

In CPL 2024, Pitman will represent his home team, the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, after being signed as a pre-draft selection. In preparation for the tournament, Pitman has been training with Rayad Emrit, a former West Indies all-rounder and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots captain. With his abilities further sharpened, Pitman is expected to be one of the standout performers this season.

Also Read: AUS vs SCO: Travis Head created history in T20I

Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya Rewrite History Books – All Records Broken in DPL T20 Match

News Desk — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 15:51:34 +0000

The first edition of the Delhi Premier League T20 has delivered excitement and drama to cricket fans in recent days. However, the match between the South Delhi Superstarz and the North Delhi Strikers turned into a record-breaking run-fest. Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya were the stars of the show, setting new records with their explosive performance. The pair put together an incredible partnership of 286 runs, making it the highest partnership ever in T20 cricket history. They collectively smashed 29 sixes, contributing to a team total of 31 sixes— the most ever hit in a single T20 innings. Badoni led the charge, hitting 19 sixes and surpassing the previous record set by West Indies legend Chris Gayle.

Record-Breaking Achievements

The duo of Badoni and Arya didn’t just stop there; they broke multiple T20 cricket records during their match against the North Delhi Strikers.

Highest Partnership in T20s:

The 286-run partnership between Priyansh Arya and Ayush Badoni is now the highest ever recorded in T20 cricket.

Most Sixes in One T20 Innings:

Ayush Badoni eclipsed Chris Gayle’s long-standing record by hitting 19 sixes in an innings. Gayle had previously set the record with 18 sixes during an unbeaten 146-run knock in the 2017 Bangladesh Premier League.

Most Sixes Hit by a Batter in an Over:

Priyansh Arya matched India’s Yuvraj Singh’s record by hitting 6 sixes in a single over, becoming only the second Indian to achieve this feat. Internationally, Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran have also hit 6 sixes in an over.

Most Sixes Hit in a Single T20 Match:

The South Delhi Superstarz team set a new record with 31 sixes, surpassing the previous record of 26 sixes held by Nepal.

Second-Highest Total in T20 Cricket History:

With a score of 308/5, South Delhi Superstarz narrowly missed the highest team total in T20 cricket. They took the second spot, just behind Nepal’s 314/3 against Mongolia in the 2023 Asian Games.

Also Read: Vitality County Championship: Rare Records

3 Reasons Why Smriti Mandhana Is A Great Signing For Adelaide Strikers

CC News Desk — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 11:35:41 +0000

Smriti Mandhana is a name that has become synonymous with excellence in women’s cricket. Hailing from India, she has rapidly emerged as one of the most sought-after batters in the world. Her aggressive batting style, coupled with her ability to consistently score runs, has earned her widespread admiration and respect.

With her elegant stroke play and powerful hitting, Mandhana has consistently made significant contributions to the Indian women’s cricket team. Her performances in major tournaments, including the ICC Women’s World Cup and T20 World Cup, have showcased her exceptional talent and ability to perform under pressure.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of her impact:

1. Batting Prowess and Consistency:

Aggression and Power: Mandhana is renowned for her aggressive batting style and ability to hit boundaries at will. Her powerful strokes and timing make her a nightmare for bowlers.
Consistency: She has consistently performed at the highest level in various T20 leagues, proving her reliability and ability to deliver under pressure.

2. Leadership and Experience:

Mentoring Younger Players: Mandhana’s experience and leadership qualities can be invaluable in guiding and mentoring younger players in the Strikers squad.

In-game Decision Making: Her ability to make sound decisions on the field, especially in crucial moments, can be a game-changer.

3. Fan Base and Brand Value:

Drawing Crowds: Mandhana’s immense popularity and fan base will undoubtedly attract more spectators to Strikers matches, contributing to increased revenue and excitement.

Boosting Brand Value: Her association with the team can enhance the Strikers’ brand value and visibility in the global cricket market.

In essence, Smriti Mandhana’s signing is a win-win situation for both the Adelaide Strikers and the WBBL. Her batting prowess, leadership, and fan appeal make her a valuable asset that can significantly contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming tournament.

Vitality Blast 2024: Leicestershire trumps Durham in a thriller

Elizabeth Robertson — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:38:28 +0000

Leicestershire prevailed over Durham in the 40th match of the Vitality Blast, a cricket county tournament which is underway in England and Wales. South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder bowled an excellent spell of 2 for 19 for the Fozex while defending 140 runs at the Seat Unique Riverside.

Rishi Patel’s opening 48 off 44 balls helped the Foxes post 140 runs. Durham was hoping to chase down the target in the sluggish wicket. However, Mulder’s early two wickets haul pushed Durham at19 for 3 and it could never recover from that. They fell 10 runs short while chasing 17 off the last over.

It was Josh Hull’s final over that sealed Leicestershire’s third win and consigned Durham to a third defeat.

The Over That Mattered To Win Vitality Blast Match

The penultimate over bowled by Scott Currie also turned out to be a game changer. Durham needed 20 runs from 12 balls to win. In the 19th over, Scott Currie conceded only three runs and took a wicket. This meant Durham needed 17 of the last over. Leicestershire defended those runs.

If penultimate overs are the hardest to bowl, no one told Scott Currie

He was outstanding in the 19th to help @leicsccc to a win at Durham 😎 pic.twitter.com/8KNwQ7YAw1

— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) June 12, 2024

Durham looked in control but pressure was not off especially when Turner was run out at 104 for 4 in the 16th.

Also Read: Explained: Stop-Clock Rule as USA Gets 5 Runs Penalty Against India in T20 World Cup

Despite Graham Clark reaching his fifty, he was starved of boundary towards the end, denting the chances of Durham to win the match.

Third placed Leicestershire got the better of eighth place Durham in the thriller. While Leicestershire has won three of their five played matches, Durham has lost three of the five played matches.

Vitality Blast, also known as T20 Blast, is having its 22nd edition. It is a professional T20 league played in England and Wales. The tournament commenced on 30 May and will go on till 14 September 2024, according to the schedule.The tournament is run by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: What Will Happen To Pakistan’s Chances If IND vs USA Clash Gets Washed Out?

There are seven teams in the tournament with a North and South split. Each team will play 14 group-stages matches, seven home and away each.

Somerset are the defending champions of the T20 blast.