Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

IPL 2023: Bangalore crush Hyderabad in a 'record breaking' match

It was the first time in Indian Premier League history that both sides have scored a century in a game.

IPL 2023: Bangalore crush Hyderabad in a 'record breaking' match

Former India captain Virat Kohli smashed a masterful century as his Royal Challengers Bangalore thumped Sunrisers Hyderabad, for whom South Africa's Heinrich Klaasen hit a ton of his own, by eight wickets in the IPL on Thursday (18).

The win leaves Bangalore in control of their own destiny in the race to the playoffs, moving up into the fourth and last qualifying spot.


They are tied with Mumbai Indians on 14 points but have a superior net run rate with one game to go -- at home to table-topping Gujarat Titans on Sunday (21).

Kohli started his innings with two consecutive fours as Bangalore chased the hosts' 186-5, and went on to hit another 10 boundaries and four sixes.

He brought up his sixth IPL ton -- equal top with Chris Gayle -- and first since 2019 smashing a six over deep midwicket off Bhuvneshwar Kumar after 62 balls.

The player popularly known as "King Kohli", but whose form has varied in recent years, raised his bat and fell to his knees in celebration.

He was caught at cow corner on the very next ball attempting another slog.

"My intent from ball one was to go after the bowlers," he said afterwards. "There was a dip but I wanted to take it up in the right time. Happy that it all came together nicely.

"I'm myself on the field and think it resonates with the people. Great to see people happy when I perform."

His fellow opener and captain Faf du Plessis fell four balls later having made 71 off 47.

He remains the leading scorer in 2023 with 702 runs in 13 outings, and their 172-run partnership gave the duo the most runs in an IPL season for an opening pair.

Michael Bracewell saw RCB home with four balls to spare.

It was a bitter disappointment for Klaasen, who brought up his maiden IPL ton after just 49 balls -- the second-fastest ever for his bottom-of-the-table franchise -- with a six off Harshal Patel.

Two balls later he was out for 104.

"Pretty special feeling, fantastic crowd, glad I got it at home," said the wicketkeeper-batsman, who hit a 54-ball ODI century for South Africa against West Indies in March.

All the IPL teams have now played 13 games each, with the last round of league matches kicking off Friday.

Gujarat have 18 points and will finish top. Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, with 15 points each, are favourites to take two of the remaining qualification spots, but Bangalore can claim second place if they beat Gujarat and other results go their way.

Three other teams -- Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab Kings -- are on 12 points, and have only mathematical chances of qualifying.

(AFP)

More For You

Aaradhya Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan says Aishwarya Rai is fully responsible for Aaradhya’s upbringing

Getty Images

Abhishek Bachchan praises Aishwarya Rai for raising Aaradhya without phone or social media

Quick highlights:

  • Abhishek Bachchan credits Aishwarya Rai for taking the lead in daughter Aaradhya’s upbringing.
  • Says Aaradhya, now 13, has no phone and stays away from social media.
  • Calls Aishwarya “selfless” for prioritising parenting over everything else.
  • Slams online gossip surrounding their marriage as baseless and insensitive.

Actor Abhishek Bachchan has dismissed recent speculation around his marriage with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, instead shining a light on her unwavering dedication as a mother. In a recent chat, he spoke warmly about their 13-year-old daughter Aaradhya, revealing that she neither owns a mobile phone nor uses social media, something he attributes to Aishwarya’s hands-on parenting.

 Aaradhya Bachchan  Aaradhya Bachchan has no access to social media or a personal phoneGetty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Nintendo Switch 2 demand exceeds

To address the ongoing demand, Nintendo is working to increase production

iStock

Nintendo Switch 2 demand exceeds supply globally, says company president

Key points

  • Nintendo Switch 2 demand outstripping supply in several countries
  • Over 2.2 million applications submitted in Japan’s lottery sales
  • Nintendo held four purchase draws, with a fifth scheduled for early July
  • Company aims to strengthen production and supply to meet demand
  • Switch 2 had the biggest launch in Nintendo history

Strong demand leads to shortages

Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has confirmed that demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 has surpassed available supply in many regions. Speaking during the Q&A session of the company’s 85th annual general meeting of shareholders, Furukawa addressed concerns about ongoing stock shortages.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh in a still from Lootera that captured his most restrained performance

Twelve years of 'Lootera': 5 reasons Ranveer Singh’s most understated role still holds up

Quick highlights:

  • Ranveer’s subtle performance in Lootera marked a major shift from his usual high-energy roles.
  • The 1950s-set romantic drama became a career milestone for the actor.
  • His restrained, emotionally complex portrayal earned long-term critical acclaim.
  • The film showcased a successful collaboration with director Vikramaditya Motwane.
  • As Dhurandhar builds buzz, Lootera reminds us of Ranveer’s range.

Twelve years ago, Ranveer Singh surprised audiences with Lootera, a period romance that asked him to do something unfamiliar: stay still. Set in 1950s Bengal and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film gave Ranveer the space to deliver one of his most subdued and mature performances. No outbursts. No spectacle. Just quiet heartbreak.

  Lootera released in 2013 and marked a stylistic shift for Ranveer Singh Prime Video  

Keep ReadingShow less
Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches

The chain had also gained a following for its themed brunches

iStock

Ping Pong restaurant chain shuts all UK branches after 20 years

Key points

  • Chinese dim sum restaurant Ping Pong has closed all its UK locations
  • The chain made the announcement via social media
  • Founded in 2005, the brand thanked customers and staff for their support
  • Loyal diners shared memories and disappointment in the comments

All branches are permanently closed

Chinese restaurant chain Ping Pong has permanently closed all its branches in the UK, the company confirmed in a social media announcement.

Founded in 2005 by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, the dim sum chain had become popular for its stylish interiors, creative menus, and Asian-inspired cocktails. The company did not provide prior notice of the closure but said the decision marked the end of an “unforgettable” 20-year journey.

Keep ReadingShow less
Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case
Bhim Kohli

Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case

THE seven-year prison sentence handed to a 15-year-old boy convicted of the manslaughter of 80-year-old Bhim Sen Kohli is to be reviewed under the UK’s Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed on Friday (5) that the teenager’s sentence will now be considered by the Court of Appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less