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- Debutant Ashwani rattles KKR batting lineup alongside Rickelton’s quickfire 60, which led MI to their first win.
Debutant Ashwani rattles KKR batting lineup alongside Rickelton’s quickfire 60, which led MI to their first win.
Mumbai Indians (MI) finally got off the mark in IPL 2025 with a dominant eight-wicket win over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Mumbai Indians (MI) finally got off the mark in IPL 2025 with a dominant eight-wicket win over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), extending their incredible record at Wankhede to 10-2 against the visitors. The star of the night was an unexpected hero—23-year-old fast bowler Ashwani Kumar, who delivered a dream debut, registering the best figures by an Indian on IPL debut with 4 for 24.
With just four T20s to his name before this match, Ashwani was understandably nervous when he got the nod to play. So much so that he skipped lunch—a superstition he might stick to after this stunning performance. He made an instant impact, dismissing KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane with his very first ball before adding the scalps of Rinku Singh and Andre Russell to his tally.
What stood out was his ability to keep batters guessing. Despite a conventional bowling action and speeds hovering in the early to mid-130s, he was near impossible to line up—something rare in an IPL season where bowlers of his pace often get punished. His rise began in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 trophy last year, where he thrived in death overs.
Though he didn't bowl at the end against KKR, his mastery over length control proved why he could be a game-changer in high-pressure situations. KKR struggled from the outset, limping to just 116, a total that looked even smaller as MI’s chase unfolded. Ryan Rickelton had a nervy start, beaten multiple times in his first few deliveries, but once he found his rhythm—courtesy of a half-volley from Harshit Rana—he was unstoppable.
He reached his fifty with a six off Sunil Narine and was at the non-striker's end when Suryakumar Yadav sealed the win in style with another maximum. Rohit Sharma’s struggles with the bat continued as he managed only 13, a concern that MI will hope to address moving forward. But on this night, the spotlight belonged to Ashwani Kumar, whose sensational debut gave MI the breakthrough they desperately needed.
Continue the story here:Dream debut for Ashwani as pacers lift MI to victory
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International games
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Kraigg Brathwaite quits as West Indies Test captain
Kraigg Brathwaite has stepped down as West Indies' Test captain ahead of their home season, paving the way for a leadership change, while Shai Hope has taken over as T20I captain from Rovman Powell, adding to his existing role as ODI skipper. Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced that a new Test captain will be named in the coming weeks.
Brathwaite, who had signaled his intention to step down earlier this year, wanted to ensure a smooth transition for the team before his departure. His decision comes ahead of the home series against Australia, allowing him to focus entirely on his batting as he nears the milestone of 100 Test matches.
Having led West Indies in 39 Tests between 2017 and 2025, Brathwaite recorded ten wins and 22 losses. Officially appointed as captain in 2021, he oversaw several memorable moments, including a historic win at the Gabba in January 2024, a drawn series in Pakistan in 2025, and a 1-0 series victory over England at home in 2022.
CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe praised Brathwaite’s leadership, highlighting his discipline, resilience, and deep understanding of the game. "Kraigg Brathwaite has been an outstanding leader for our Test team, guiding the squad with discipline, resilience, and a deep understanding of the game," Bascombe said. "His contributions have been invaluable, and under his leadership, we have witnessed historic moments that will be remembered for years to come. We thank Kraigg for his service as captain and look forward to his continued impact as a senior player."
"I am not sure there're too many egos amongst bowlers these days. You've got to hang on to dear life."
Domestic cricket + T20 leagues
Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders
KKR 116 (16.2)
MI 121/2 (12.5)
Mumbai Indians won by 8 wkts
On This Day
Hashim Amla, born on this day, holds the distinction of being the first cricketer of Indian descent to represent South Africa. His Test career began against India in 2004-05, but success didn’t come instantly. However, when given another opportunity, he capitalized on it with a crucial 149 against New Zealand in Cape Town. Amla truly showcased his prowess during tours to India in 2008 and 2010, where he amassed 307 runs at an average of 61.4 on the first trip and an incredible 490 runs with just one dismissal across three innings on the next.
His first double-century came in Nagpur in 2010, leading South Africa to an innings victory. Two years later, he made history by becoming the first South African to score a triple-century, achieving the feat at The Oval against England in another innings win.
His dominance extended to ODIs as well, where he rapidly became one of the format’s most consistent run-getters. Between 2010 and 2011, he notched up five centuries and four fifties in just 15 innings. He also broke Viv Richards' record for the fastest to 6000 ODI runs and later surpassed Virat Kohli’s record to become the quickest to 20 ODI centuries, achieving it in just 108 innings.
In 2014, Amla took over South Africa’s Test captaincy after Graeme Smith’s retirement. Under his leadership, the Proteas secured a series win in Sri Lanka and another at home against West Indies. However, after a tough 3-0 series loss in India and a dip in form—where he averaged just 22.8 from 12 innings in 2015—he stepped down as captain in early 2016, soon after scoring a double-century against England in Cape Town. The following years saw a slight decline by his own high standards, averaging around 32 during tours of Australia and England in 2016-17.
Amla bid farewell to international cricket after the 2019 World Cup but continued to play domestic cricket. In 2022, he officially retired from all formats after playing a key role in Surrey’s County Championship triumph, closing the chapter on one of South Africa’s greatest batting careers.
Coming tomorrow
Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings