A display straight out of Gujarat Titans‘ (GT) time-tested playbook – high-quality fast bowling to restrict the opposition, and a chase of a below-par target led by the silken Shubman Gill – ensured Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) remained winless six games into their IPL 2026 campaign.

KKR began the contest with a questionable selection – they left out Finn Allen, their highest-ceiling top-order option – and a questionable toss decision – they opted to bat when the home captain, Gill, expected dew to set in later in the evening. And for most of the 39.4 overs of the actual match, they were distinctly second-best.

Sri Lanka speedster Matheesha Pathirana has passed his fitness tests with Sri Lanka Cricket and linked up with Kolkata Knight Riders, ready to steam in again after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

The Knight Riders are propping up the table without a win, their campaign already wobbling placed last. Injuries and indifferent form have left their bowling attack looking toothless and Pathirana’s return could be just the spark they need to stop the rot.

The slinger will undergo further assessment by the franchise’s medical staff, but is tipped to be in the mix for Sunday’s clash against Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens.

“It’s been a challenging few months for me following an unfortunate injury, but I’m grateful for the support throughout this period,” Pathirana said. “I’m now focused on regaining my confidence during the ongoing IPL, contributing to Kolkata Knight Riders and performing to the best of my abilities. I’m looking forward to making a strong comeback and earning my place back in the national team.”

Pathirana, who fetched close to USD 2 million at the auction after being released by CSK, had his progress stalled by a calf injury picked up during Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup campaign, a tournament where the co-hosts were forced to juggle their resources as injuries ripped through their bowling ranks.

Sri Lanka Cricket, tightening the screws on player fitness, made it mandatory for players to pass tests before being granted No Objection Certificates. While the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga and Nuwan Thushara failed to clear the bar, Pathirana ticked all the boxes and got the green light to join the IPL.

Still only 23, the fast bowler with the slingy, Lasith Malinga-esque action has been a handful for batters worldwide, firing in yorkers at will when on song. But his career has been a stop-start affair, with niggles halting his run just when he seemed to be hitting top gear.

KKR, meanwhile, are in desperate need of a breakthrough. Their bowling unit has struggled with Akash Deep and Harshit Rana ruled out with injuries, while seasoned campaigner Mustafizur Rahman had to pull out before the tournament. To make matters worse, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, the world’s number two-ranked bowler, has struggled to find his rhythm.

If Pathirana can hit his straps early, KKR might just find a way to drag themselves back into the contest. For now, though, they are staring down the barrel and hoping the new arrival can deliver a match-winning spell.

Telecom Asia Sport

Rwanda will host the inaugural Women’s Challenge Trophy,  which starts on April 18 in Kigali with Rwanda taking on Italy,  in the first game and Nepal  facing USA  in the second game later in the day. The tournament, which will run till May 1, also features Vanuatu, and has a total of 20 games over ten match days.

The tournament is a new one in the ICC’s calendar, organised to provide match exposure to the second rung of Associate women’s teams. The eight-team Emerging Nations Trophy, introduced last year, featured the highest-placed teams from the ICC’s five regions, and this one pits the next-highest-placed teams. The teams were confirmed based on their positions at the regional T20 World Cup qualifiers last year.

“A double round-robin format assures maximum match exposure for teams, so that participants are better prepared to play stronger opposition in the years to come,” the ICC said in a statement. “This falls in line with the ICC’s commitment to deliver competitive cricket with context for all its members as it moves to continuously grow the women’s game.”