Power hitter Kieron Pollard upstaged Babar Azam's landmark outing in Lahore, as Karachi Kings cruised to an emphatic seven-wicket win over Peshawar Zalmi on Wednesday.
Chasing 155, Pollard bludgeoned an unbeaten 49 off 21 balls with four towering sixes and four boundaries to take Kings home in 16.5 overs for their first win in the tournament.
Babar's landmark 271st T20 in which he became the fastest batter to reach 10,000 runs saw Zalmi getting bowled out for 154 in 19.5 overs after the Kings won the toss and elected to field.
Babar followed his half-century in the first game against Quetta Gladiators with a knock of 72 off 51 balls, but his effort went in vain for the second successive game.
Zalmi's innings revolved around Babar's brilliance after it lost three wickets inside the batting powerplay with Shoaib Malik dismissing Saim Ayub off the first ball with a full-pitched delivery that didn't turn much. Hasan Ali, playing against his former franchise, also had a dream start when he knocked back Tom Kohler-Cadmore's off stump off his first ball.
Babar revived the innings with Rovman Powell (39) in a 68-run stand and Asif Ali scored 23 before Peshawar lost its last six wickets for only 18 runs in the last four overs. Powell top-edged a reverse sweep against left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz a while Asif holed out at long-on.
Left-arm fast bowler Mir Hamza (3-28), who bowled to hard lengths with the new ball, chipped in with the wickets of Aamer Jamal and then took a fine return catch to dismiss Babar in his last over as the Zalmi innings folded quickly.
Pollard brought an early finish when he smashed three straight sixes and two fours in a 27-run over against Afghanistan's left-arm wrist spinner Waqar Salamkheil, one of the two changes Zalmi made after losing the first match by 16 runs. Salamkheil conceded 54 off his four overs and got Malik stumped for run-a-ball 29.
James Vince remained unbeaten on 38 and ended up denying Pollard a chance at a much-deserved half-century when he drove Luke Wood (2-20) for the winning boundary in the 17th over.
Kings, who lost their first game against Multan Sultans by 55 runs, have two points from two games while Zalmi is still looking for their first win.
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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