Showing posts with label Windies. Show all posts

Summary of the Caribbean Premier League 2019


The 7th season of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) ended on a high note, which saw Barbados Tridents outplaying undefeated Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Final on October 12, 2019.

Summary of Caribbean Premier League 2019 | Planet "M"
#CPL19: As it happened
Find below the summary of CPL 2019 in an infographic form. Enjoy!


Hayden Walsh: An amazing prospect from USA


Hayden Walsh is a bowler who hails from United States. He is currently participating in the Caribbean Premier League 2019 for Barbados Tridents.

Hayden Walsh: An amazing prospect from USA | Planet "M"
Hayden Walsh: A talent in the making
Find below the infographic to learn more about this sensational bowler.


Leniko Boucher: A talented gloveman from Barbados


Leniko Boucher is a wicketkeeper batsman who hails from Barbados. In the current edition of Caribbean Premier League (CPL), he has made his debut for Barbados Tridents.

Leniko Boucher: A talented gloveman from Barbados | Planet "M"
Leniko Boucher: A promising wicket-keeper batsman
Find below the infographic to learn more about this emerging talent from West Indies.


Statistical analysis of Virat Kohli's 20,000-plus runs in a decade


In the ongoing series between West Indies and India, #TeamIndia's captain Virat Kohli achieved a rare feat - became the first player to score 20,000-plus runs in a decade.


Statistical analysis of Virat Kohli's 20,000-plus runs in a decade | Planet "M"
Virat Kohli's 20k-plus runs in a decade, decoded!
Find below the infographic to see how Virat Kohli has scripted this rare feat and still going strong.


#WIvIND: Navdeep Saini's inspiring cricketing journey


Rising through the ranks of domestic cricket and IPL, Navdeep Saini finally got his national cap in the recently concluded West Indies v India, T20I series.

#WIvIND: Navdeep Saini's inspiring cricketing journey | Planet "M"
Navdeep Saini: From Tennis-ball cricket to earning the national cap
Find below the infographic to learn more about the inspirational journey of Team India's new speedster. Enjoy!

West Indies vs New Zealand : Gayle and Samuels assure 2-0 series lead


Like the much dominated T20 series, Windies continue with their winning carnival over mighty Kiwis in ODIs as well. Credit to too many injuries in New Zealand camp; Sammy & boys are reaping all energy of their down on morale colleagues. With having Gayle storm in the dressing room along with handy home conditions – NZ might be waiting for Brendon McCullum’s arrival in the side.

West Indies vs New Zealand : Gayle and Samuels assure 2-0 series lead | Planet "M"
Simons made sure Chris Gayle' hundred doesn't go in vain, West Indies vs New Zealand, Sabina Park, Jamaica, 2012
Same ground, same pitch – just little darker in terms of look this time; back-to-back win for hosts and rest is done by the injured players on the tour – Kiwis are totally helpless to find a perfect combination for them.

Like what Windies did in the previous match, New Zealand’s youngest ever ODI skipper – Kane Williamson followed the same. NZ decided to bowl first after winning the toss. While couple of changes were made in the NZ side due to cover injured players, WI went with an unchanged playing XI.

In order to capitalize home conditions, Simmons and Gayle walk out to the middle for a blistering start. It was surely in the mind of Darren Sammy – to allow Chris Gayle play his shots – as visitors already struggling to get a good start.

But it didn’t go the same way. Day-Night match at Kingston, Jamaica – where pitch is expected to help bowlers due to moisture residing in it; first 5-overs brought wicket celebration for Kiwis. Courtesy Tim Southee, Lendl Simmons was sent off too early.

10/1 after 4 overs and then begins Gayle storm. Three 6s to Kyle Mills in very next over, Kiwis invited troubles for own. Though, they would never have thought early wicket fall could cost them in such a way that they have to wait for Brendon’s arrival to register a win.

Slowly arising score-card, Gayle, too, showed enough patience in his batting – something that doesn’t suits his style. But then, that’s the benefit of having experience in the side which is, somehow, keeping NZ away from a tour win.

First, a compatible start with Smith, which later smoothly driven with the help of Samuel on the other hand – Gayle rocked Caribbean inning in a style. Patience with persistence is what drawn by these two middle-order batsmen from West Indies.

With Samuel from an individual score of 58* to another watchable century display of 125 runs – Gayle shared 100 runs partnership off 90 balls which includes third powerplay.

228/3 after 38 overs, Windies has a go to end on high. In the name of slog overs – as they usually considered favouring batting side – NZ who are already lacking their key players in the side, couldn’t manage to stop Samuels.

For them, Kiwis, Gayle was the only big fish to grab. But later the show displayed by Samuels was one of a kind. He not only batted well but also maintained the Run Rate as well. Unlike Gayle, Samuels didn’t get enough support from the other end; yet he managed to score enough.

Small partnership with Pollard and Bravo, which later concluded by Sammy –not only brought a mammoth of 315 runs for Windies on the board, but also a crafty ton for him. Like Gayle, he too got a moment to have a run on ground. Such a capture.

But the irony is what chasing NZ continuously since beginning. And now, they are given a target of 316 to have a glimpse of win. What a mishap for already shattered team.

Though, NZ didn’t give up and started off well. Comparatively, till 5-overs game WI were failed to enjoy earned batting edge. It was Ravi Rampual who provide first breakthrough in 6th over. Otherwise, NZ could grip the game afterwards as it is a 50 over format game. A team always has chance for a comeback.

From 62/2 to 121/3 – once NZ had all chances to fight back with a win. But middle order failure cost them in such a way that entire team has been sent to pavilion within 47 overs only. On their note – Guptil, Williamson and Watling scored enough runs. Unlike Windies, they lacked with one solid partnership through which they could fire.

Of course, chasing 316 on a slower track is never easy but not gettable either. With having enough weapons in the armoury, it would be easy. What played key role here at Sabina Park in between these two teams is temperament.

One side, WI revived with having Gayle back in the side whereas, NZ lost their key players due to unfortunate injury issues. On the other hand, match-by-match defeats exposed NZ experience and weaknesses in compare to WI who are undefeated from last 4-matches.

Hope, Brendon’s arrival could make a difference for NZ in terms of better results.

Summarized Scores:

West Indies 315/5 (Gayle 125, Southee 3-55) beat New Zealand 260 (Watling 72*, Rampaul 3-50) by 55 runs.

Man of the Match: Marlon Samuels (West Indies)

West Indies vs New Zealand: Gayle strikes as Windies start with a win


In a total dominance from Ball one to wrap the kiwi innings up, West Indies who has upper-hand over mighty Kiwis, have won the opener of T20 series with full marks. Jam-packed stadium and excitement of T20 format went on high with the arrival of Gayle in the Caribbean side. Weekend game brought Saturday bonanza to spectators out there in Lauderhill, Florida.

West Indies vs New Zealand: Gayle strikes as Windies start with a win | Planet "M"
Chris Gayle' 85 not out brilliance gave West Indies a head start in the T20 series against New Zealand at Lauderhill, Florida
From 2010 to till now, it’s been 2 years for Lauderhill to host an international match. More to promote cricket in USA, it is a big chance for players to seal a World Cup seat which is only 3 months away to till date.

Add to that, spectators too are equally excited to witness the match as 10,000 tickets are said to be sold for entire T20 series. On the verge to find out his best men for the upcoming T20 WC, New Zealand skipper – Ross Taylor, won the toss and elected to bowl first.

As pitch is expected to be on slower side with the game, two key bowlers – Ravi Rampaul and Kyle Mills are rested from either side to make a room for spin options.

But it wasn’t enough though.

New Zealand’s decision to bowl first cost them in a Gayle style. Dwayne Smith opens Windies account with a six to McCullum. As long as he stayed on the crease, Gayle remains silent. After the end of 4th over, Kiwis got their first wicket. Courtesy Bracewell, Smith was departed on crucial 17 off 13 balls.

Although, Windies got the start for what they aimed for earlier.

27/1 after 4 overs, Gayle has the perfect platform to look on. Playing with his name and fame, Gayle (85*) took the charge and started crafting score-board steadily. Thanks to Charles (24 off 29 balls), who patiently accompanied him for a solid start forward, followed by Pollard (63*).

The swashbuckling partnership between Gayle and Pollard ensured a win for West Indies as every over after Pollard’s arrival either bringing a boundary or went out for a six. For New Zealand, neither bowlers nor fielders are contributing enough to stop any of these two.

For the attacking batting duo – Gayle & Pollard, 168/2 after 18 over were not sufficient though, as they grabbed 41 runs in last two over including 4-sixes and 3-fours. And as a result, Kiwis have a sum of 210 runs to chase down on a slower track.

In reply, New Zealand got the slow start. 37/0 after 4 over, some real pace needs to be shown by NZ batsmen. But then Sunil Narine snatched that moment and sent off Guptill for just 11 runs – his first ever T20I victim after fabulous IPL-5 with champion status.

Although, Captain Ross Taylor could manage to get some runs in the kitty but a boundary saving effort during Windies batting hurt his shoulder so badly that he has to retired hurt on 11 runs. And somehow, this is enough to script a loss for New Zealand.

On the other hand, Windies capitalized on this moment quickly. They not only fielded well but also their bowlers stick with good line and length. Thoughts with Kiwis, in the frustration to score more runs they lost wickets on regular intervals.

Late call, misjudgement of shot and pressure to chase down a huge total – Sammy & Co. finished the proceedings in 18.3 overs.

Large number of spectators, who were gathered to witness a competitive match, left the stadium with one-sided team efforts. Chris Gayle, definitely, not only sealed an opening win for the team but also, gave value to crowds money who were dying to watch him play for the national side – the West Indies.

Summarized Scores:

West Indies 209/2 (20 overs; Gayle 85*, Pollard 63*) beat New Zealand 153 (18.3 overs; Rob Nicol 32, Jacob Oram 27) by 56 runs.

Man of the Match: Chris Gayle (West Indies)

West Indies vs New Zealand - Two teams gear up to blaze in U.S.A


Is it the craze towards game or popularity of T20 cricket? More than 10,000 fans are expected to witness a fascinating T20 series between West Indies and New Zealand at Florida, USA. The organizers’ plan to arrange the series in the weekend has certainly played an influential role.

West Indies vs New Zealand - Two teams gear up to blaze in U.S.A | Planet "M"
USA is ready to enjoy cricket, again. New Zealand vs West Indies, 2012
NZL cricket Board’s joint venture with USA cricket Association – Cricket Holdings America, is not only aiming for global exposure of Cricket, but also looking forward to attain local interest for the same. And as a result, two all-rounders personified teams are lined up for an exciting encounter between them.

News:


West Indies camp:


Likes of genuine all-rounders – Darren Sammy, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard along with spin options in the form of Sunil Narine, the Windies have a good variation in bowling department. Though, Fidel Edwards and Ravi Rampaul don’t need any introduction in the pace department.

In the batting, the Windies aren’t potent enough. Although, their all-rounders are capable enough to lift the game on any given day. All eyes would be on whether Chris Gayle will be in the playing XI or not. Though, his arrival in the national team will surely boost the West Indies chances here.

New Zealand camp:


From their last tour to Lauderhill to till now, Kiwi side has been totally reformed. Presence of two key veteran players – Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum could be missed. But then a good chance for young guns to come up front and prove the caliber.

As of now, their bowling looks quite balanced. Unlike Windies, Blackcaps have showed faith in their premium bowlers instead of naming all-rounders. Experience and pace merged in name of Tim Southee, Kyle Mills and Jacob Oram whereas elder McCullum brother will be seen in charge for spin department.

In batting department, scenario is highly relying on batting duo – Ross Taylor and Martin Guptil. The blend of experience and style these two players share will be crucial for building a fighting total.

Playing conditions:


Being the 3rd International T20 match here at Lauderhill, Florida – both the captains has nothing more to look back instead of reading the conditions and plan accordingly. Though, bowlers would be crucial for either side as pitch is supposed to be on slower track with the proceedings. Rest weather conditions will decide turn and twist of this T20 series.

Head to Head:


When it comes to experience, the Windies have the upper-hand. T20 exposure in IPL will surely give them bonus. But then Kiwis are well known competitors when it comes to T20 cricket. In bowling, both teams are looking equally balanced. Batting could be the key difference between these two sides.

Crunching Numbers:


Ground Trivia:


> Lauderhill Stadium is going to host an International match after 2 years, which will be the first meeting between these two sides.

> In two T20 matches played here between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, both teams have clinched each other for once.

> Batting first or second – both the times, team has proved theorem of equality as 1:1

Match Results:


> Ironical or what – 2 out of 3 matches between these two sides has ended with a tie result. Yet New Zealand, somehow, has managed to conquer the mighty Windies for once.

> Lowest total: 126/8 (20 overs) by New Zealand in February 2006.

> Highest total: 191/9 (20 overs) by New Zealand in December 2008.

Top Scorers:


No surprises! Ross Taylor is leading Kiwi side with 69 runs from 2 matches and, of course, Chris Gayle directing Caribbean Safari with 78 runs from 3 matches.

Top Strikers:


Indeed a surprise! Chris Gayle is leading the wickets tally, too, for the Windies. He has 6 wickets from 3 matches. For New Zealand, it is Tim Southee with 2 wickets from 2 matches.

Individual Achievements:


> New IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders’ star bowler Sunil Narine would focus to find out his first ever T20I victim.

> Dwayne Bravo is 65 runs short to complete 500 T20I runs.

> Darren Sammy and Tim Southee are the only bowlers to notch up a 5-wicket haul.

> Chris Gayle is the only batsman to have a T20I century in the kitty.

Squads:


West Indies:

Darren Sammy (capt), Samuel Badree, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles, Fidel Edwards, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith.

New Zealand:

Rob Nicol, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor (capt), Daniel Flynn, Dean Brownlie, BJ Watling (wk), Tom Latham, Jacob Oram, Nathan McCullum, Andrew Ellis, Kyle Mills, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Ronnie Hira.

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