Marcus Stoinis led the way as Lucknow Super Giants posted the highest team score for a decade in the IPL in a resounding victory over Punjab Kings.
Lucknow amassed 257-5 – a total that has been bettered only once in the competition, when Royal Challengers Bangalore totted up 263-5 against Pune Warriors on April 23, 2013, thanks to a record 175no from Chris Gayle that contained 17 sixes.
Ten years and five days on from that mighty effort from RCB and Gayle, Lucknow made sure their own impressive efforts did not go to waste as they bowled out Punjab for 201 to seal a 56-run win.
Stoinis clattered five sixes in his 72 from 40 balls, with Kyle Mayers (54), Ayush Badoni (43) and Nicholas Pooran (45) also scoring at a impressively rapid lick.
It was then Stoinis the bowler who removed Punjab captain Shikhar Dhawan in the first over of the reply, having him caught just inside the ropes.
The home side had no option but to go flat out for fast runs, but they lost Dhawan's fellow opener Prabhsimran Singh in the fourth over too.
Stoinis hurt his left index finger while fielding his own bowling and was taken out of the attack, saying after the match ended: "It's all right; it's been better. It is what it is and we'll get it scanned later."
Atharva Taide and Sikandar Raza looked to up the tempo of the Punjab reply, but the required run rate was up to around 17 an over by the midway point of the innings, the contest already all but over.
Raza fell for 36 from 22 balls, and Taide went for 66 from 36 when a top edge allowed Ravi Bishnoi to take an awkward return catch.
Yash Thakur removed Raza and then snatched three lower-order wickets as the batting became haphazard, finishing with figures of 4-37, while Naveen-ul-Haq weighed in with 3-30.
Bittersweet day for super Stoinis
His form has been patchy in this IPL campaign, but this game saw Stoinis make his mark, so it was cruel he should also suffer an injury blow. In seven previous innings this season, he had passed 21 runs only once, making 65 against RCB, and once he got going again the Punjab crowd witnessed another fine performance.
Stoinis appeared for the post-match presentation with his sore fingered bandaged, but he spoke with satisfaction about his batting effort, saying Lucknow had been determined to "cash in and take advantage of this beautiful batting wicket, so it was good fun".
Runs galore
This game's total of 458 runs made it the match with the third-highest combined tally in IPL history. It has been beaten only by the 469 runs produced by Chennai Super Kings versus Rajasthan Royals in April 2019, and the 459 between Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders in May 2018.
Grenadian 400m icon Kirani James and Antigua's Sir Curtly Ambrose to receive UWI honorary doctorates
Decorated Grenadian quarter-miler Kirani James and West Indies cricket legend Sir Curtly Ambrose are set to be honoured with honorary doctorate degrees from the University of the West Indies (UWI), according to reports. They are among 13 distinguished individuals recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Caribbean region, with ceremonies scheduled across UWI's five campuses from October 12 to November 9, 2024.
Kirani James, renowned as one of the most accomplished 400m runners in history, will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD). James, who made history as Grenada's first Olympic gold medalist, has consistently excelled on the global stage. He is one of only nine athletes ever to win world titles at the youth, junior, and senior levels and is the first athlete to secure three individual Olympic medals in the 400m, with gold in 2012, silver in 2016, and bronze in 2020. James also boasts three World Championship medals, including gold in 2011.
Beyond his illustrious athletic career, James has demonstrated a commitment to education and community development. He holds a Bachelor's degree in General Business and serves on the Board of Directors of the Windward Islands Research & Education Foundation (WINDREF), where he contributes to the Sport for Health programme. His recognition by UWI not only celebrates his athletic achievements but also acknowledges his broader contributions to Grenadian society and the Caribbean region.
Joining James among the honorees is Sir Curtly Ambrose, the legendary fast bowler from Antigua and Barbuda, who will also be conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree. Ambrose, one of cricket's all-time greats, terrorized batsmen worldwide during his career, helping to cement the West Indies' dominance in the sport during the late 1980s and 1990s. His remarkable impact on cricket has left a lasting legacy, making him a fitting recipient of this distinguished recognition.
In its official statement, UWI emphasized the importance of celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, including sports, culture, medicine, and human rights. "This year's recipients have excelled in advocacy, medicine, tourism, culture, sports, business, education, science, and music," UWI stated, highlighting the diverse achievements of those being honored.
The UWI graduation ceremonies will take place across its campuses in Antigua, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and globally via the UWI Open Campus, each marking the contributions of the honorees in their respective fields. James' recognition will take place on November 9 at the Global Campus, while Sir Curtly Ambrose will be honoured at the Five Islands Campus ceremony in Antigua on October 12.
Junior Murray chronicles his journey in new autobiography "Windball to Windies"
Former West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Junior Murray has released his long-awaited autobiography, "Windball to Windies," offering an intimate glimpse into the highs and lows of his cricket career and personal life. The Grenadian cricketer, who was a mainstay of the West Indies team in the 1990s, uses the book to reflect on his rise from humble beginnings to the international stage, providing readers with a candid account of the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.
According to Caribbean sports writer, Michael Bascombe, in this 13-chapter memoir, Murray takes the reader on a journey from his early days playing windball cricket in Grenada to his elevation to the West Indies team. He gives detailed insights into the individuals who influenced his career, from school coaches to international mentors, painting a picture of the hard work and dedication that went into achieving his dreams. Among the highlights is his recollection of the unforgettable Adelaide Test match and the warm homecoming he received after the tour of Australia, a moment that Murray describes as a turning point in both his career and personal life.
"Windball to Windies" does not shy away from the difficult moments, either. Murray delves into the intricacies of team selection, his struggles with form, and his eventual departure from international cricket, offering a raw and unfiltered perspective on the pressures of representing the West Indies. He also discusses the founding of the Junior Murray Cricket Academy, revealing his passion for giving back to the sport by nurturing the next generation of cricketing talent in the Caribbean.
The book’s foreword is written by Mr. Victor Ashby, the former principal of Grenada Boys' Secondary School (GBSS) and a significant figure in Murray's development as a cricketer. Ashby's influence on Murray's decision to pursue cricket is a central theme in the autobiography, with Murray expressing his gratitude for Ashby's unwavering support during his formative years. "I thank you for your vivid recollection of my school days, the decisive moment when I chose cricket over football, and your leadership role in that process," Murray writes, underscoring the importance of mentorship in his journey.
The release of "Windball to Windies" coincides with Grenada's 50th Independence anniversary, adding a layer of significance to Murray's story. He reflects on how his cricketing journey mirrors the nation's broader narrative of resilience and progress. In a nod to the theme of Grenada's Golden Jubilee, "One People, One Journey, One Future," Murray acknowledges that his personal story is just one part of Grenada's rich tapestry of history and culture. "My cricket story is one of the many stories in the intriguing journey of our people," he states, highlighting how his experiences have been shaped by the island’s growth and spirit.
While the autobiography is currently available, Murray has announced plans for official book launches in Grenada and within the Caribbean diaspora. These events will offer an opportunity for fans and readers to connect with the former cricketer, who hopes to inspire and share his experiences with those who have followed his career. Through "Windball to Windies," Murray not only chronicles his own journey but also pays homage to the sport that has given him so much, cementing his legacy as both a player and a mentor.
Cornwall's five-wicket haul seals playoff spot for Barbados Royals
Recalled Rahkeem Cornwall starred with a five-wicket haul as Barbados Royals crushed St Kitts & Nevis Patriots by nine wickets at Kensington Oval to book a spot in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) playoffs.
Enjoying the spin-friendly surface, Cornwall claimed 5-16 as the Patriots batting order lost 7-31 and were bowled out for 110 in the last over to fall well short of a competitive total.
In-form opener Quinton de Kock (59 not out off 38 balls) was unstoppable as the Royals mowed down the target in the 12th over.
The Royals (5-1) cemented their spot at the top of the CPL ladder, while the Patriots’ (1-7) bid for a playoffs berth is all but over.
After a delayed start due to a wet pitch, the Royals elected to bowl and it proved the right move. The Patriots struggled in the PowerPlay leading to a frustrated Evin Lewis, a centurion earlier in the tournament, holing out in the fourth over.
Skipper Andre Fletcher finally broke the shackles with a targeted assault on Jason Holder before a rush of blood saw him charge down the pitch at Cornwall’s first ball only to miss the shot and be stumped.
Cornwall was recalled after three straight ducks with the bat, but continued to make an immediate impact with the ball after luring Mikyle Louis into a false shot.
He couldn’t complete a hat-trick, but soon claimed his third wicket with the scalp of Wanindu Hasaranga as the Patriots crashed to 61-6 at the midpoint.
Cornwall wasn’t nearly done after dismissing Odean Smith then completing his five-wicket haul when Ryan John was brilliantly caught by Alick Athanaze in the deep.
The Patriots were in major danger of being dismissed for a total under 100, but Joshua da Silva and Anrich Nortje joined forces in a 39-run ninth partnership – the best of the innings – to avoid that ignominy.
But the Patriots were unable to take early wickets as de Kock and Kadeem Alleyne made it look easy with an opening stand of 57 in the powerplay. After smashing a ton against Guyana Amazon Warriors, de Kock continued his rich form with sublime shots around the wicket.
He capitalised after being given out lbw to Kyle Mayers in the fifth over only for the decision to be overturned on review. The Patriots finally ended the stand when Alleyne on 25 was hit on the pads by Hasaranga, who surprisingly had been held back until the sixth over.
But de Kock rolled past another half-century as the Royals emphatically booked a playoff berth.
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