BY SACNILK

West Indies threatened India in a low scoring encounter while chasing 110 but Dinesh Karthik (31* off 33 balls) kept his head calm and helped India to win by 5-wickets on Sunday, November 4 at iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The two times world 20-20 champions West Indies was expected to give a tough fight to Kohli less India, they did for a while but there were not enough runs to upset India and resulted in they could only take India's chase to the 18th over.## Windies' batting was a reflection of the last ODI between the two nations after India's stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma opted Windies to bat first in the opener. There was enough help in the wicket to keep the seamers interested in most parts of the game. Umesh Yadav who wasn't the part of the initial 12-men squad came in for unwell Bhuvneshwar Kumar and swing the ball in both ways in the first over.## With the ball moving around, India took full advantage of the helpful conditions and put Windies in under threat from beginning for the innings. Yadav dismissed Dinesh Ramdin in the 3rd over before inform Shai Hope got a suicidal run out in the next over and from thereon, Windies couldn't recover.## At one stage, Windies was 63 for 7 after 15 overs but Fabian Allen (27 of 20) and Keemo Paul (15* off 13) shared a 24-runs partnership and helped their side to reach 109 for 8 after 20 overs. India's bowling was outstanding once again as all the bowlers took at least a wicket each.## Kuldeep Yadav once again was the star with the ball and took 3 for 13 in 4 overs and went away winning Man Of The Match. Khaleel Ahmed and Krunal Pandya who were making their debut bowled significantly well. Both took a wicket each and conceded only 16 and 15 respectively.## The target wasn't a big one though but debutante Oshane Thomas (2 for 21) and skipper Carlos Brathwaite (2 for 11) made it a bit difficult. India found themselves in a spot of bother at 45 for 4 after 7.3 overs but Dinesh Karthik along with Manish Pandey (19 off 24) put up a 38 runs partnership for the 5th wicket before Karthik and Krunal Pandya finished the game with an unbeaten 27 runs stand for the 6th wicket. Pandya played a blinder of 21 off 9 balls as India chased down the target 17.5 overs.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

High-flying India put up another dominating performance against West Indies to sealed the 5-match ODI series at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, November 01, by 3-1. It was India's sixth consecutive ODI series win at home which came under Virat Kohli's captaincy.## The fifth and final ODI was presumed to be a cracker one but ended up with one-sided as India comprehensively won by 9-wicket after bowlers shattered Windies to their lowest total of 104 against India in this format of the game.## Windies' decision of batting first in overcast conditions was a strange one and it was proved to a big moment in this match as their batting couldn't challenge Indian bowlers at all. Just like the previous match they made a horrible start as Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed Kieran Powell in the first over of the match without letting him open his account.## Before that Windies could get on with, Jasprit Bumrah clean bowled Shai Hope and gave Windies a big blow as he was their best batsman of this series. Hope, just like Powell couldn't open his account. With the ball seaming and swinging, West Indies' batsmen found difficult to score runs against the pacers and when spinners came on the attack they sense an opportunity to score runs but in this process, Marlon Samuels (24) got out softly to Ravindra Jadeja.## Once Samuels got out it was a matter of time before India wrapped up Windies' innings quickly. skipper Jason Holder remained the top scorer for Windies with 25 off 33 balls but other batsmen couldn't help him. Man Of The MatchRavindra Jadeja was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 34 in 9.5 overs.## India's bowling was outstanding as all the bowlers chipped in with a wicket each at least and also was economical as well. Bumrah was most economical as he conceded only 11 runs in 6 overs and also took two wickets. Khaleel Ahmed also grabbed two wickets while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Kuldeep Yadav settled with a wicket each.## The target was never going to be trouble India and Rohit Sharma 63* off 56 balls (5 fours & 4 sixes) and Man Of The Series Virat Kohli 33* off 29 balls (6 fours) made this chase a cake walk. However, Shikhar Dhawan's rare poor form continued as he bowled out by Oshane Thomas in the second over of the innings. India chased down the target in just 14.5 overs.## Windies had a chance to level the series 2-2 as they were able to tie the second ODI and followed up with a big win in the third match. But once again their batting collapsed on the big occasion and handed India to another series win.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.##

BY SACNILK

Indian captain Virat Kohli has become the quickest batsman to reach 10000 runs in one-day cricket surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Virat touched this rare feat in the second ODI against West Indies at Vishakapatnam on Wednesday, October 24.## The great Sachin Tendulkar had taken 259 innings to reach 10000 runs landmark while Kohli took 54 innings fewer from the master blaster to reach the milestone.## Virat Kohli had needed 81 runs to complete 10000 before this match. Before the series starts, Kohli was 221 runs behind but the gap was being shortened after his 140 runs inning in the first ODI.## In 205 innings, Kohli has scored 10000* runs with an average of more than 59. He has also scored 36 hundred (only behind Tendulkar) and 49 half-centuries.## Apart from 10000 runs, Kohli also became the highest run-getter against West Indies and here again, he surpassed Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli has now 1610 runs while Tendulkar had 1573 runs.## QUICKEST TO REACH 10,000 RUNS IN ODIS (IN TERMS OF INNINGS)## 205 VIRAT KOHLI (IND)## 259 SACHIN TENDULKAR (IND)## 263 SOURAV GANGULY (IND)## 266 RICKEY PONTING (AUS)## 272 JACQUES KALLIS (SA)## For more and latest news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.

BY SACNILK

For the first time in four years, West Indies put up a total over 300 (322/8) on the board against India and they must have felt their chances to put India under pressure but the captain Virat Kohli and vice-captain Rohit Sharma had some other plans who made this total a cake walk as India completed a dominating 8-wickets win with 47 balls to spare on Sunday, October 21 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.## More than that it was another day of India's batting supremacy. Despite losing Shikhar Dhawan early in the big chase, Rohit Sharma (152* off 117) and Virat Kohli (140 of 107) schooled inexperienced West Indies bowling attack. When debutante Oshane Thomas chopped on Dhawan in the second over, it looked as he will trouble India's top order with his extreme pace and bounce but the duo of Rohit and Virat took him on in his second over and hammered 18 runs to disturb his line and length and after that he never looked to be gain his line and length.## Virat and Rohit had has complemented each other really well throughout the inning. When Virat Kohli was hammering Windies' bowlers Rohit Sharma was relying on ones and twos and was happy to give the strike his partner. Even though Rohit was hitting fours and sixes at a certain stage but more than that he was playing an anchor's role and When Kohli got out after adding a record 246 runs for the second, Rohit took that role from and India's new number 4 Ambati Rayudu played an anchor's role.## "It's never too difficult when you have Rohit at the other end. Among the top three, I mostly take the anchor role because both Rohit and Shikhar are good stroke-makers. It was one of those days where I felt good and I told Rohit I will continue to bat this way positively and maybe you can play the anchor role.## When Rayudu came he took that role and Rohit took over from me. I think that's what ODI batting is all about. It's about communication and batting in partnerships. It's our 5th or 6th double-century partnership, it's a pleasure to bat with him. When we are batting like that, it's good fun out there and we know the team will benefit from it as well," Virat said in the post-match presentation ceremony## It was such dominance by Kohli and Rohit that didn't allow West Indies to make a comeback at any stage of the game. The Windies bowlers were so helpless and clueless against the no.1 (Virat) and no.2 (Rohit) batsmen in ICC's ODI ranking. Even though Kohli couldn't finish the game but during his masterful inning he completed his 36th ODI hundred and became the fastest to reach the milestone while Rohit carried his Asia Cup form and scored his 20th hundred.## This is not the first time when the duo put up such big partnership. In 64 innings they have scored 3931 runs and put 14 hundred and 5 double hundred runs stand together with an average of 65.51. In last few years the trio of Dhawan, Rohit and Virat have been scoring most of the runs and have been the biggest strength of Indian batting line-up. Whenever the trio failed to perform a match India's middle order has have always struggled.## For more updates and news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.## Pic Courtesy - Cricbuzz

BY SACNILK

Praveen Kumar, one of India's only a few pacers who could swing the ball in both sides, has decided to hang his boot on professional cricket as he has announced his retirement on Saturday, October 20.## "I have decided to retire from cricket. The decision is not taken in haste, I gave a thought over it and I felt it was a right time to say goodbye to the sport which gave me so much. I want to thank my family, BCCI, UPCA, Rajeev (Shukla) sir for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams," Praveen Kumar told to Indian Express.## The 32-year old last seen in international cricket in a T20 match against South Africa The Wanderers Stadium. He had claimed 112 wickets across all three formats. Despite his ability to swing the ball, he didn't get much to play for India in the white jersey. He was India's best bowler on England tour in 2011 but surprisingly, he didn't pick again in Test team.## He played only 6 Tests for India and in those he claimed 27 wickets with a healthy average of 25.81. However, unlike Test matches, he played 68 ODIs and grabbed 77 wickets while in 10 T20Is he picked 8 wickets. He played a vital role and claimed four-wicket hauls in the second final of the 2008 CB Series, bowling India to a rare series win in Australia. His ability t hit the ball hard also made him a valuable player for any side.## However, despite being a regular part of ODI side, his World Cup dream couldn't get wings as he was ruled out from the tournament after dengue illness denied him participation in a tournament that India eventually won. Despite his last appearance in international cricket in 2012, Praveen Kumar continued to play domestic tournaments for Uttar Pradesh whom he made his debut during their Ranji Trophy-winning season of 2005-06. He had been able to attract selectors after he claimed 90 wickets in first two first-class seasons. He played the last of his 66 first-class games in October 2017. He finishes with 267 wickets at an average of 23.61.## Apart from India and Uttar Pradesh, Praveen Kumar has represented Kings XI Punjab, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Lions and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. He was one of only 13 bowlers to take a hat-trick in IPL.## Praveen Kumar has a desire to pursue his career in coaching. He has mentored his state team during the seasons of 2014-16.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

India's dominating display over West Indies continued as they blanked Windies in the second and final Test and beat Windies by 10-wickets at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on Sunday, October 14 and completed a 2-0 whitewash. West Indies couldn't offer much resistance on day three with bat and handed India a convincing win.## West Indies could not challenge India much in this series. They lost both the matches inside 3-days. Like the first Test there batting let them down again in the second match. Roston Chase was the only batsman who could put some show with bat in the both matches.## It was Umesh Yadav who has been the star for India in this match where he claimed his first ever 10-wickets hall in a Test match. He helped India to restrict West Indies on 311 in the first innings with 6 for 88 despite Roston Chase's brilliant 106.## India gave a solid reply with the bat as Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant scored their half centuries. Shaw hit back to back 50+ score and made quick fire 70 off 53 balls while Pant was unlucky to dismissed on 92 in successive innings. Rahane also chipped in with 80 runs innings.## India was eying to a big lead in the first innings but West Indies' skipper Jason Holder bowled a brilliant spell of fast bowling and restricted India on 367 and could take the only 56-runs lead. He troubled Indian batsmen with his line and length and grabbed 5-wickets for 56 along with Shannon Gabriel's 3 for 107.## Unlike first Innings, West Indies could not show resistance with the bat in the second innings and bowled out on only 127. Only Sunil Ambris could put some show as he was the highest scorer for Windies with 38. Umesh Yadav was again brilliant with the ball and took 4 wickets for 45. Ravindra Jadeja supported him with 3 for 12.## West Indies had a chance to take a big lead in the second innings but they wasted their captain's effort with ball and could set only 72 runs target for India to win. The target proved a cake walk for India as they chased this total down without losing a wicket. Both Shaw and KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 33 each.## It was the debut series for the young Prithvi Shaw and he made it memorable as he named Man Of The Series for been leading run scorer in the series with 237 runs with 1 hundred and a fifty in 3 innings. Umesh Yadav too had a brilliant series with ball as he was leading wicket taker with 11 wickets.## Yadav was the only pacer for India in the second match after debutante Shardul Thakur got injured after bowling 1.4 overs and couldn't bowl further in the match. Therefore, Yadav had extra responsibility on his shoulder and he didn't disappoint and won Man Of The Match award.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

After been demolished by England 4-1, India back to winning streak as they beat hapless West Indies at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot on Saturday, October 6. The match could last long only three days as West Indies was clueless against India's spin trio Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav who took 16 out of 20 West Indies wickets to handed India their biggest win of 272-runs in Tests (by an innings).## India continued to dominant West Indies from the day one of the Test after Virat Kohli had elected to bat first on a perfect batting pitch. The 18-year old debutante Prithvi Shaw was the highlight of the day one where he became the youngest Indian to score a century on debut. His 134 along with Cheteshwar Pujara's 86 helped India to take complete control after the end of day one where they finished with 364/4.## West Indies who already was in awe of Shaw's century on day one, day two brought an even bigger challenge for them. Virat Kohli who was unbeaten on 72 completed his 24th Test century and became the second fastest (in terms of innings) after Sir Don Bradman to reach 24 hundred. Kohli was watchful throughout his innings and only hit 10 fours in his 139 runs innings but his overnight partner Rishabh Pant was in the different zone and hit 8 fours and 4 sixes for his 92 off 84 balls. Though he missed out 2nd and back to back hundred.## After the morning session, it was all Ravindra Jadeja who scored his maiden Test hundred. He had a responsibility on his shoulders to take India to a big total and he responded with a sublime hundred. Just after he reached his hundred, India declared their innings on 649 for 9 and left West Indies with a daunting task in front of them.## Windies' bowlers were hapless conceded over 4 runs per over. Devendra Bishoo took 4 wickets but he conceded 217 runs with 4.02 run per over. Shannon Gabriel looked pick of the bowlers who troubled top order batsmen with his pace though he could only take KL Rahul's wickets.## After been hammered for 1 and a half day, West Indies could not show enough fight with bat and bundle out on 181 runs in the first innings. Only Roston Chase (53) and Keemo Paul (47) shown intent to stay at the crease. For India Mohammed Shami was brilliant with the new ball. He dismissed both the openers cheaply before Ashwin came to wrap up things quickly with 4 for 37.## After the first innings of both sides, Windies was trailing by 468 runs and therefore India enforced the follow-on. West Innings came up with slightly different and positive intent in the second innings but it could only add only 15 more runs to their first innings as they bowled out on 196 in the second innings and gave India a massive win. Kieran Powell chipped in with 83 but lack of support from the other end didn't help in Windies' cause.## West Indies' all 10 wickets were taken by the spin trio. Kuldeep Yadav grabbed his maiden 5-wicket haul (5 for 57) while Jadeja and Ashwin took 3 and 2 wickets respectively. The young Prithvi Shaw was the Man Of The Match for his maiden Test century.## With this win, India goes 1-0 up in the 2-match series. The second Test will be played at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad from Friday, October 12.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

Prithvi Shaw, one of the most exciting talent began his international career with a fine century against West Indies and became the youngest Indian to score a hundred on Test debut and second youngest after the great Sachin Tendulkar to score his maiden Test century.## So much so that, comparisons with his fellow Mumbaikar Sachin Tendulkar began to be made after his century. Very much like Sachin Tendulkar, Shaw too had a century on Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy debut. Well at this stage, Shaw has slight advantage over Tendulkar who couldn't score a hundred on Test debut.## Shaw came in the side after scoring a tons of runs in domestic cricket and for India A. His confidence was high and he make most of it. Well After Shaw's debut ton in Rajkot, TOI caught up with Tendulkar, and he didn't hide his emotions to praised Prithvi Shaw and also advised him after analyzing his game.## Excerpts:## Many players begin their careers with a lot of hype. But all don't make their mark with the same confidence as Prithvi## I'm sure it must be extremely relieving that he's been able to get a big score in his first outing. A big question mark always is 'a guy has done well at the domestic level, now will he be able to do the same at the international level?' However talented the guy is, there is always a question mark. And a century kind of seals it. The figure is magical. Everyone starts thinking differently. As far as I am concerned, the first hurdle that he was going to encounter is out of the way now. It cements your spot in the team and help you announce to the world that you belong here.## What stands out for you about Prithvi?## Whatever I have seen of him, he's been a fast learner. To me, being talented is one thing but what you do with that talent becomes more important. If you want to succeed at the international level you've got to be a fast learner. And Prithvi is a very good learner. When somebody has to perform and sustain at this level, and play cricket at different grounds and conditions across the world for a long time to come, adaptability becomes the critical factor. I feel he has the knack to adapt to different situations and conditions. To me, that is Prithvi's biggest strength.## Prithvi was concerned about his back-foot play at one point. He spoke with you. Was he overtly worried?## He discussed it with me some time ago and all I asked him was 'have you been feeling uncomfortable about it?' His answer was 'no'. 'Are the bowlers feeling uncomfortable about it / Is the scoreboard speaking for you?' - Then why change anything unnecessarily. When things are not broken, don't break them so that you can mend them again. If you're being able to adjust, then it's fine. In time, there'll be a lot changes taking place in your game with experience. And you've got to ride that tide.## As a cricketer's career develops, changes do occur. We've seen you making so many changes in your own game as you tried to adapt all the time## Changes will happen as he goes on playing more cricket at this level. It is inevitable. But until then, don't keep finding faults with yourself. Whatever changes he (Prithvi) may need to make, they will happen with time. But right now, everything is fine. So don't go looking out for problems.## What's your earliest impression of Prithvi? When did you first see him bat?## Yes, we had spoken almost 10 years ago. Jagdish Chavan a friend of mine from MIG once asked me to take a look at Prithvi. He said 'there's this young kid who wants to meet you and it would be nice if you could have a look at him'. Prithvi wanted to discuss his game and he was very young at that time. So I had a look at him and at first glance, I told him (Chavan), this boy will end up playing for India. I remember telling him 'you're looking at a future India cricketer'. He said 'are you sure?' I said 'mark my words, this guy will end up playing for India'. So, that was my very first impression of Prithvi.## What was the special thing that you saw?## Just basic things. At that age, the handeye coordination he had, the way he picked up the line and the length. It was really exceptional. At that age, no one can generate power. That comes with age. But technically how many guys are so correct. I could see that he had that natural talent, a gift and I felt not many guys have that.## It must have been special for you to see him not just make his debut, but also score a ton## In fact, Jagdish called me today afternoon and said 'I just couldn't text you on such a special occasion. I had to call'. That's because there were a few things I had shared with him and they've all come true.## When you debut at such a young age, you're in for the long haul. What does it eventually boil down to?## It boils down to adjustment and adaptability. If you're able to make those adjustments in your game from time to time, then you're in for the big haul. At this level, it's not always about being correct all the time. It's about being able to adjust and adapt all the time. So, if you're able to do that consistently, then most of the problems are taken care of. Smartness matters. It's a combination of these things.## Prithvi has just started. He's 18. What should a cricketer keep in mind at this age, knowing he's got to keep doing this for 15-18 years## Just go with the flow. Don't calculate or think too much. Just enjoy your cricket. Every outing is a special outing. Every outing, you go out with a lot of pride. That's what it was for me. I took a lot of pride in walking out on the field - be it for India or Mumbai or any club for that matter. Just give all the possible respect you can to the game.## For more updates and news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

Former Australian captain and one of the greats of the game Ricky Ponting feels Indian batsmen will found it difficult in Australia if the ball starts swinging and seaming as it did in England in recently concluded 5-match Test series where India faced 4-1 lose.## After looking India's performance with the bat in England, Ponting has no doubt in his mind that India's top order will have to face the same difficulty in Australia as well if the conditions start helping the Pacers. Ponting was talking to the Cricket Australia website and said, "If the ball does swing around a lot or seam around a lot then I think India will find it difficult in Australia.## "I think any time we saw India struggle through the England series was when the ball moved. As soon as the ball started to move in the air or seam, the Indian batsmen will always struggle. It's no different to when Australia go to the subcontinent and the ball spins from day one. We always struggle with that as well," Ponting said.## India will be eying their first ever series win down the under. This will be India's best chance to win the series as Australia is not as strong as they were on previous occasions. Also, two of their best players, Steve Smith and David Warner will not be the part of the Australian squad as both the players are facing a one-year ban by CA after found guilty in the recent ball-tampering saga in South Africa.## However, this will not be as easy as India is thinking. Their previous record in Australia is not something that they can proud of. In their last two attempts in Australia, India have failed to win a single match. And therefore, India will be relying on their best player and No.1 Test batsman Virat Kohli once again who enjoyed a fabulous run with the bat in 2014-15. Kohli also was in sublime touch against England in recently concluded Test series and was the top run-getter with 593 runs in 10 innings.## Despite his excellent run with the bat, his captaincy went through under the scanner. Kohli as captain completely failed to read the conditions on two occasions if not many. And therefore, some of the former players raised the questions on his captaincy. However, Ponting rushed to the defence of the Indian captain.## "I've never sat back and tried to analyze what playing captains do as I know when I was captain on the field is about 30 or 40 percent of what you need to be in control of," Ponting said. "The rest of it happens behind closed doors or in the change rooms and quite often back in the hotel when you've got time to yourself.## "Trying to find ways to spend time with your teammates, learn about them inside out and trying to find a way to make them perform better on the field. It's not so much about a bowling change or a field placement as that part of the game is highly overrated as far as I'm concerned. ## The tactical stuff is normally worked out a few days before the game and then you go with your gut instinct about the game out on the ground once the game starts," He said.## India will begin their tour of Australia with a 3-match T20I series from 21 to 25 November before playing the first of the 4-match Test series in Adelaide on December 6. India and Australia are also scheduled to play 3-match ODI series as well.## For more and latest news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.

BY SACNILK

India survives. Well, who would have thought that Hong Kong will scare India that much. They did and were on the line to creating history thanks to the 174 runs stand between the two openers but when it came to holding their nerve, they failed to do that and lost the match by just 26-runs on Tuesday 18 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.## On the other hand, it was an eye-opening match for India ahead of their biggest challenge against Pakistan tomorrow. They would have thought that it will be an easy outing for them but Hong Kong made it difficult by playing some excellent cricket. India should thank to both spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav and debutante Khaleel Ahamed who held their nerve well and saved India from a big upset.## Earlier in the day, Hong Kong put India to bat first after winning the toss in a must-win match for them. Stand in captain Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan gave a good start to India by adding 45-runs for the opening stand. Though Rohit could not make it big and got out after scoring 23 off 22 balls to Ehsan Khan.## However, Dhawan took full advantage of weak Hong Kong bowling line up and slammed his 14th ODI century. He added 116 runs with Ambati Rayudu (60 off 70) for the second wicket. When India was heading towards a big score from 240 for 2 after 40.3 overs, lost Dhawan after scoring 127 off 120 balls and from there on they lose the way and could manage only 49 runs in last ten overs and restricted to 285 for 7.## Hong Kong bowled well especially towards the end of the innings. Kinchit Shah was the pick of the bowlers. He took 3 wickets for 39 in 9 overs. Ehsan Khan also took 2 wickets for 65. Though they bowled well 285 was still looking uphill task for them.## To chase this target down, Hong Kong was needed a solid start. Nizakat Khan and skipper Anshuman Rath not only gave solid start but also they nearly took the game away from India. Remained wicketless for 33 overs, India was needed something miracle to happen. And all of sudden, Anshuman Rath (73) went for an expensive drive to Kuldeep but could not hold it to the ground and ball went straight to skipper Rohit's hand at the covers.## Once the first wicket fall, Rohit brought back debutante Khaleel on the attack and he didn't disappoint the skipper and produced a match-changing wicket of Nizakat Khan who batted brilliantly for his 92 runs off 115 balls. Once both the openers dismissed, it became almost impossible for inexperienced Hong Kong batting line up and fell just short of the target and managed only 259 for 8 in 50 overs.## For India, the 20-year old left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers. He bowled under pressure and took 3 important wickets for 48 in 10 overs. The spin duo of Chahal and Yadav was once again brilliant with the ball and took 3 and 2 wickets respectively in 10 overs each.## Shikhar Dhawan awarded Man Of The Match for his brilliant knock. With this win, India enters in super 4 stage along with arch-rivals Pakistan. India will now play against Pakistan in their second match of the group stage on Wednesday 19.## For more and latest news about Cricket, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading [email protected]

BY SACNILK

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has added another feather to his hat as he became the quickest player to reach 18,000 International runs to left behind legendary Brian Lara on Saturday, September 8.## Virat took only 382 innings to reach the milestone while Lara took 411 innings to get 18,000 runs in international cricket. Legendary Sachin Tendulkar (leading run-getter in international cricket) took 412 innings to do the same.## Virat Kohli is the only fourth Indian after Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly to be included in 18,000 clubs. Since his debut, Virat has scored 6147 runs in Tests, 9779 runs in ODIs, and 2102 runs in T20Is.## Virat has been in the record-breaking spree in ongoing series against England but unfortunately, this could not help India from losing the series. Virat stood out as alone warrior in this series but lack of support from the other end hurts India.## QUICKEST TO REACH 18,000 INTERNATIONAL RUNS :## 1. VIRAT KOHLI (IND) - 382 Innings## 2. BRIAN LARA (WI) - 411 innings## 3. SACHIN TENDULKAR (IND) - 412 Innings## INDIAN PLAYERS WITH 18,000+ RUNS IN INTERNATIONAL CRICKET :## 1. SACHIN TENDULKAR - 34,357 Runs (782 Innings)## 2. RAHUL DRAVID - 24,208 Runs (605 Innings)## 3. SOURAV GANGULY - 18,575 Runs (488 Innings)## 4. VIRAT KOHLI - 18,028 Runs (382 Innings)## For more updates and news about CRICKET, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.##

BY SACNILK

India's vice-captain and one of the strongest pillars of the team Ajinkya Rahane has admitted that it was batsmen's fault that let them down in the ongoing 5-match series against England.## India is 3-1 down with one match to spare. Rahane admitted that despite playing good cricket, batsmen failed to support their bowlers who have been brilliant throughout the series.## "Patience is the key in England, whether you bat or bowl. You got to bowl in the same areas for a longer period of time. Maybe as a batsman, you have to leave the ball for a longer period of time," Rahane said.## "We feel bad as our bowlers bowled so well and we as batting group could not support them when we are an experienced group. I think we as batting group fell short.## "When you are on tour you work so hard and prepare so well and then one department performs well then it is the responsibility of other groups to back them," he added.## However, India's vice-captain hasn't looked in best of his touch even though he scored two half-centuries in last two matches. India needed their best overseas batsman to put his best foot forward but he failed to contribute in crunch moments. When he was asked about his batting, he said,## "I didn't get many runs but I got 50-odd and 80-odd in the last two matches. The way I am batting, I am middling the ball really well. Batting is all about confidence. I would like to contribute a little more to my team.## "During this last match I will definitely give my best and I have prepared myself really well. Preparation from beginning till now is similar, whether you are 3-1 down or up. I am just going to enjoy my batting."## However, Rahane is hopeful to finish the tour on winning note. He believes that his team played good cricket but England was the better side in the series.## "Definitely it is an important Test match. The series stands at 3-1 and we want to give our best and finish on a winning note. Especially since I feel we played some good cricket but England played better than us," said Rahane.## "In Test cricket, you have to give more than 100 percent in each and every session. I felt England particularly won small and important sessions. Their bowling unit bowled really well.## "This is going to be the last Test. We are focused on performing well in this last test and if we can win this test and go back 3-2 then that will be really good," he said.## "Every team plays really well at home nowadays. England has played better cricket than us, especially in their bowling and batsmen in both teams have struggled a lot. Only Virat (Kohli) has batted really well in these conditions," he said.## "But England definitely, in their conditions, are a very good team and very experienced team with James Anderson and Stuart Broad in their attack. Moeen (Ali) bowled really well in the last game. They can do really well abroad as well but at home, every team is really strong."## The fifth and final Test will be played at The Oval, London from Friday, September 7. India's record at The Oval is not something they can proud. In 11 previous outings, India managed to win only one match and that too came 37 years ago.## For more updates and news, stay tuned to us.## Thanks for the reading.