Cricket news

IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma says he scored four fifties, but it wasn’t enough after a big knock against GT

Published

1 year ago

May 31, 2025

Live cricket action from the India vs England ODI match at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur

India cricket star Rohit Sharma expressed delight at playing a pivotal role in Mumbai Indians’ (MI) 20-run victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in a crucial IPL Eliminator match in Chandigarh, securing a Qualifier 2 clash against Punjab Kings on 1 June in Ahmedabad.

However, Rohit lamented his modest tally of four half-centuries this season, wishing he had converted more opportunities.

Scoring a match-defining 81 off 50 balls, Rohit propelled MI to a formidable 228 for five, earning him the Player of the Match award. Despite his 410 runs making him MI’s second-highest scorer—trailing Suryakumar Yadav’s 673—Rohit said at the post-match presentation, “I’ve only managed four fifties this IPL. I’d have liked more. Playing the Eliminator was critical, and it was a true team effort.”

Rohit highlighted the significance of surviving two dropped catches, stating, “I focused on playing my best. Those reprieves were crucial, and I capitalised on them to put the team in a strong position. The dew made things tricky, but I’ve played these shots before—usually finding fielders. Today, luck was on my side.”

He praised opening partner Jonny Bairstow for their explosive start, noting, “I’ve seen Bairstow’s brilliance from the opposition. He seized his chances, giving us the aggressive start we always aim for.” MI captain Hardik Pandya echoed this, crediting Rohit and Bairstow’s debut performance for setting the tone. “Jonny’s start and Rohit’s measured approach were vital. In big games, these margins matter,” Pandya said.

Pandya also lauded fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s impact, likening him to “Mumbai’s sky-high property prices—priceless!” He added, “Whenever the game slips, I toss the ball to Jassi. His overs, especially at the death, widened our margin. Recovery will be key before Qualifier 2.” Pandya’s quick 22 off 9 balls further boosted MI’s total.

Gujarat Titans’ captain Shubman Gill, disappointed with the loss, pinpointed the final overs and three dropped catches, particularly in the powerplay, as decisive. “The last three or four overs went against us, and dropping sitters early hurt. It made bowling tough,” Gill said.

Despite a spirited 84-run stand between Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar, GT fell short chasing 229. Gill noted, “We encouraged Sai and Washi to play freely. A par score was around 210, but credit to our players, especially Sai, who was outstanding. The last few games haven’t gone our way, but there are plenty of positives.”

Cricket news

India beat Pakistan by 19 runs to win Asian Games cricket gold

India beat Pakistan by 19 runs in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final to retain the gold medal in the competition.

Published

2 weeks ago

October 3, 2026

APNLive Desk

India defeated Pakistan by 19 runs in the men’s cricket final at the Asian Games 2026 on Saturday to retain the gold medal.

India posted 211 for six after being sent in to bat, before restricting Pakistan to 192 for six in their 20 overs. The victory gave India their second successive Asian Games gold medal in men’s cricket.

India post 211 in final

India’s batting was led by Abhishek Sharma, who scored 61 off 28 balls, while Tilak Varma contributed 51 off 22 balls.

The two batters provided the momentum as India reached 211 for six from their 20 overs.

India captain Shreyas Iyer had won the toss and elected to bat first in the final.

Pakistan fall 19 runs short

Pakistan’s chase was anchored by Hasan Nawaz, who made 96 from 51 balls. Saim Ayub added 29 from 22 balls, but Pakistan finished on 192 for six after 20 overs.

India’s Axar Patel and Washington Sundar each took two wickets as Pakistan fell short of the target.

The result secured the gold medal for India, while Pakistan finished with silver. Sri Lanka won the bronze medal after defeating Bangladesh in the bronze-medal match.

India retain Asian Games cricket title

The victory marked India’s second consecutive men’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games. India had also won the men’s cricket gold at the Hangzhou edition.

India’s victory over Pakistan also completed a gold-medal double for the country in cricket at the 2026 Asian Games, after the women’s team won the women’s cricket final earlier in the competition.

Cricket news

Jasprit Bumrah becomes first Indian to play T20Is in 13 countries

Jasprit Bumrah became the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries after featuring against Sri Lanka in Japan.

Published

2 weeks ago

October 1, 2026

APNLive Desk

Jasprit Bumrah added another milestone to his international career on Thursday after taking the field for India against Sri Lanka in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket semifinal in Japan.

Bumrah’s appearance at Nishin made him the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries, according to the report. He moved ahead of former India captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have each played T20Is in 12 countries.

Bumrah’s 13-country T20I record

Before playing in Japan, Bumrah had represented India in T20Is in 12 other countries — India, Australia, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the United States, West Indies and Zimbabwe.

His appearance in Japan took the tally to 13. Kohli, Rohit and Bhuvneshwar had played in all of those countries except Japan, leaving Bumrah alone at the top of the list.

Kohli and Rohit cannot add to their totals as both have retired from T20I cricket, according to the source.

Bumrah shines against Sri Lanka

Bumrah also made an immediate impact in his first T20I appearance in Japan. He claimed two wickets in his opening over against Sri Lanka and finished with figures of 2/7 in two overs.

India went on to dismiss Sri Lanka for 45 in 9.5 overs and won the semifinal by 124 runs to book a place in the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket final.

The result set up an India-Pakistan gold-medal clash, scheduled for October 3.

Jasprit Bumrah has become the first Indian to play T20I cricket in 13 different countries. His appearance against Sri Lanka in Japan took him past Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have played T20Is in 12 countries each.

Cricket news

India beat West Indies by 8 wickets, Gill hits record 223

Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 223 and Rohit Sharma’s 101 helped India chase 406 against West Indies and win the second ODI by eight wickets in Guwahati.

Published

2 weeks ago

October 1, 2026

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India produced a remarkable batting performance to defeat West Indies by eight wickets in the second ODI in Guwahati, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

West Indies posted 405 for 7 in their 50 overs after centuries from John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo. India then produced an emphatic response, reaching 406 for 2 in just 43.3 overs.

Shubman Gill led the chase with an unbeaten 223, while Rohit Sharma provided strong support with a century.

Gill’s record-breaking double century

Gill remained unbeaten on 223 from 133 balls and completed his double century in 117 deliveries.

His innings made him the first batter to score an ODI double century in 117 balls, according to the report. His unbeaten 223 was also recorded as the highest ODI score by an Indian captain and the highest score by an Indian in an ODI chase.

Gill’s innings contained a combination of boundaries and sustained attacking batting as India comfortably reached the target set by West Indies.

Rohit Sharma scores 101

Rohit Sharma also produced a century during India’s chase, scoring 101 from 75 balls.

The innings also saw Rohit reach the milestone of 12,000 ODI runs. He became the third Indian batter to reach the landmark after Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

Virat Kohli contributed 29 runs before being dismissed during the chase.

West Indies post 405

Earlier, West Indies put up a huge total of 405 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs.

John Campbell scored 101, while Shai Hope made 104. Amir Jangoo also struck a century, scoring 114.

Despite the three centuries, West Indies could not defend the total as India’s top order produced a dominant chase.

India take 2-0 series lead

India completed the chase in 43.3 overs, finishing on 406 for 2 and securing an eight-wicket victory.

The result gives India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, with the second match producing a record-breaking individual performance from captain Shubman Gill.