Let us take a look at some of the important developments from the cricketing world that took place on Monday, 10 May.
No England player to feature in rescheduled IPL 2021: Giles
England cricketers might not feature in the rest of the IPL 2021 matches if the organisers reschedule it at any point in this year. The tournament was earlier postponed due to a rapid surge of Covid-19 cases in India.
Ashley Giles, the team’s managing director, stated that international fixtures will get priority. England will tour Bangladesh for a six-match series as a part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP). Further, a tour to Pakistan – England’s first in 16 years – is also on the cards in mid-October.
Meanwhile, all English cricketers who were a part of IPL 2021 have reached their respective homes. They are serving a mandatory quarantine in a government-approved hotel.
Harshal Patel thanks Virat Kohli for backing him in the IPL
Harshal Patel has opened up about the role Virat Kohli played behind his productive stint at Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2021. Harshal held the Purple Cap when the IPL got suspended indefinitely.
He was traded to RCB by Delhi Capitals in the off-season. He impressed one and all with his remarkable consistency, picking up 17 wickets in seven matches.
Harshal talked about how Kohli gave him space and freedom to execute his plans, and backed him in adversity. Ravindra Jadeja of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) scored 37 in a single over from Harshal, but the latter remained unfazed: ‘Even if you don’t execute at times he understands better than anybody that on a batter’s day, if they get hold of a bowler, you are going to go for runs.’
Alyssa Healy, Babar Azam named ICC Players of the Month
Australia’s Alyssa Healy claimed the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for April 2021. Healy was the leading run-getter in Australia’s triumph over New Zealand earlier this year. She scored 155 runs at an astounding average of 51.66.
In the men’s category, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam bagged the prize. He put up a series of impressive performances against South Africa, most notably a whirlwind century in the last T20I. He scored 122 off just 59 deliveries to take Pakistan across the finishing line. Not to forget he toppled Virat Kohli to become the top-ranked ODI batter in the world.
Pakistan wrap up series with a crushing victory
Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe by an innings and 147-runs to clinch the series by 2-0 at Harare Sports Club, on Monday, 10 April. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Nauman Ali shared ten wickets between them to bundle out the hosts for 231.
On Day 4, Pakistan needed just one wicket for the win. Afridi struck in his third over of the day, and also completed his five-for. For Zimbabwe, Regis Chakabva (80) was the leading scorer in the match.
Abid Ali was adjudged as Player of the Match for his maiden double ton that set up the match for the visitors. Hasan Ali bagged the Player of the Series for picking 14 wickets in two matches.