Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Pollard fireworks power Mumbai to thrilling win

West Indies batsman Kieron Pollard smashed 83 off 31 deliveries to power Mumbai Indians to a thrilling three-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League on Wednesday (10).

Pollard's blitz helped hosts Mumbai chase down their target of 198 on the final ball of the match and overshadow Punjab batsman KL Rahul's maiden century in the Twenty20 tournament.


The big-hitting Pollard, who captained the team in place of the injured Rohit Sharma, promoted himself to number four to produce his IPL best in front of a raucous home crowd.

Needing 15 for victory off the last six balls, Pollard got out on the second delivery as fellow West Indian Alzarri Joseph completed the chase with an unbeaten 15.

Pollard lifted his side from 62-3 after nine overs to single-handedly revive Mumbai's hopes. His 54-run seventh wicket stand with Joseph stood out.

"I went up the order because I enjoy batting at Wankhede (Stadium)... (It) was a difficult pitch to bowl on and good to bat on," said Pollard, who hit three fours and 10 sixes.

"We did well with the ball after the start they got. We did pull things back in the middle overs a bit but lost the plot at the end.

"Again, can't be harsh on the bowlers. We finished on the right end of the result and thanks to God for that too," he added.

Earlier, Rahul hit 100 off 64 deliveries to guide Punjab to 197 for four after being put into bat first.

- Rahul message to selectors -

Rahul's innings came at an opportune time for the opener with the Indian selectors scheduled to announce the team for the 50-over showpiece event on Monday.

Rahul, who has two international T20 hundreds, put on 116 runs with opening partner Chris Gayle, who hit 63 of 36 deliveries to lay the foundation of their team's 197-4.

Gayle and Rahul took apart the Mumbai bowlers after being put into bat first, scoring 50 runs for Punjab in the first six overs.

"I like him as a batsman. He has got great technique, he has got a lot of style," West Indian batting great Brian Lara said on Star Sports.

"Chris Gayle got out and he knew he had to bat till the end. To get a hundred in an IPL game is amazing. I Just love the way he bats and I can watch him bat every single day."

The left-handed Gayle fell to paceman Jason Behrendorff in the 13th over and Hardik Pandya struck back with two more wickets.

But Rahul had other ideas as he launched an assault in the final three overs that got Punjab 54 runs, including 25 from Pandya's penultimate over.

Rahul, who recently admitted to having doubts about himself after a sexism storm involving him and Pandya earlier this year, hit six fours and six sixes as he surpassed his previous IPL best of 94 in the final over.

He is only the fourth batsman this IPL season so far to score a hundred after Sanju Samson of India, England's Jonny Bairstow and Australian David Warner.

More For You

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra says she wants strong roles not just ornamental characters

Getty Images

Priyanka Chopra says she is just getting started in Hollywood with 'Heads of State' on Prime Video

Quick highlights:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she’s just getting started in Hollywood.
  • Stars as a fierce MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena.
  • Gets into serious action mode with explosions, helicopters, and hand-to-hand combat.
  • Says her journey is still evolving, with much more to explore in the West.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have ruled Bollywood for over two decades, but the global star believes she’s still “nascent” in her Hollywood journey, and that’s what makes it exciting.

The Quantico and Citadel actor stars in the new Amazon Prime Video film Heads of State, playing a sharp MI6 agent named Noel Bisset. Her character has a complicated history with British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and is tasked with protecting him and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) when they're attacked before a major NATO conference.

Keep ReadingShow less
Arijit Singh

Arijit Singh becomes most followed musician on Spotify

Getty Images

Arijit Singh overtakes Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran to become most followed artist on Spotify

Quick highlights:

• Arijit Singh makes global music history with 151 million Spotify followers

• Surpasses Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran in follower count

Keep ReadingShow less
Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Liam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher arrives for the special screening of Oasis documentary "Supersonic"

Getty Images

Liam Gallagher apologises for racial slur after backlash as Oasis reunion tour kicks off

Quick highlights:

  • Liam Gallagher issued an apology after using a racial slur in a now-deleted social media post.
  • The offensive post appeared just days before Oasis kicked off their reunion tour in Cardiff.
  • Fans criticised the singer on X, prompting him to clarify it was unintentional.
  • Oasis will perform over 40 shows globally, starting 5 July in Wales.

Liam Gallagher has apologised for using a racial slur in a post on X, as Oasis reunites for their first tour in 15 years. The singer shared a one-word reply on Monday that included a derogatory term aimed at East Asian people. Though he quickly deleted it, screenshots circulated online, sparking widespread criticism.

In a follow-up post on Tuesday, Gallagher wrote: “Sorry if I offended anyone with my tweet before it wasn’t intentional you know I love you all and I do not discriminate. Peace and love LG x.”

Keep ReadingShow less