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Venkatesh, Starc star as Kolkata Knight Riders break 12-year Wankhede jinx
Kolkata Knight Riders further embedded themselves near the top of the IPL table, and Mumbai Indians’ hopes of qualifying for the final four took another big hit.
How MI managed to lose a match in which they took five KKR wickets in the first 37 legal deliveries, will require some examination from the franchise brains trust. But essentially, MI didn’t go for the kill when they had KKR on the ropes at 43 for 4, then 57 for 5. And although MI closed the innings nicely through Bumrah, their having allowed KKR to recover through an 83-run stand between Venkatesh Iyer and Manish Pandey, would haunt them in the end.
Their own top order was shambolic, as has been the case through the season. But still, thanks to a good innings from Suriyakumar Yadav, MI were still in with hope into the death. Mitchell Starc put paid to those hopes, however, and MI were all out for 145 in the 19th over.
Despite their faltering start, MI still only needed 51 runs off the last five overs, with Suryakumar at the crease on 56. Andre Russel bowled the 16th over, and Suryakumar will feel he should have done better with the knee-high full toss he got second ball. Instead of launching it into the legside stands, he got a huge top edge that flew towards fine leg, with wicketkeeper Phil Salt able to chase it down and take it comfortably in his gloves.
It was Starc who really ended MI’s chances though. He bowled a spectacular 17th over in which he conceded only three runs. And when MI needed 32 off the last two overs, he did concede a six off first ball of the 19th, but had Tim David caught at long on next ball, had Piyush Chawla chip one to extra cover immediately after, then wiped out the innings with a yorker that took out Gerald Coetzee’s middle stump.
After a rough start to the IPL, Starc came back in this match with figures of 4 for 33, having also dismissed Ishan Kishan with the new ball.
Before Starc could work his magic with the ball, KKR needed something to defend. And Venkatesh’s 70 off 52 was the spine of KKR’s innings. He was quick early on, hitting two fours off his first four balls, before settling down a little while wickets fell at the other end. But to KKR’s great credit, their run rate did not slow substantially despite the dismissals. They were 51 for 4 after five overs, 83 for 5 after 10, and got to triple figures in the 12th over of the innings.
This was in large part thanks to Venkatesh, and to Pandey, who kept seeking out boundary opportunities instead of settling too deep into accumulation mode. Pandey was out for 42 off 31 in the 17th over, but Iyer stayed till the 20th, and was the last to be out off the penultimate ball. Of his three sixes, the back away and crash over long off, off the bowling of Hardik Pandya, was the most memorable.
Though MI continue to stink up the IPL, Bumrah is their unerring talisman, today finishing with figures of 3 for 18 off 3.5 overs. In his first over he conceded just two runs, but Hardik did not bring his best bowler back even when KKR were struggling in the first seven overs.
Bumrah then had one modest middle-overs over, in which Pandey hit him for a six and a four.
But at the death, he was exemplary, taking two wickets and conceding just two runs off the 18th over, before hemming Venkatesh in and getting him out off the fifth ball of the last over – the batter having tried to scoop him over the shoulder, only to miss and to have his middle stump knocked out of the ground. He had scored just two runs off the previous four deliveries.
Bumrah keeps the purple cap, though MI’s chances of making the playoffs grow remote.
Brief scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 169 in 19.5 overs (Venkatesh Iyer 70, Manish Pandey 42; Jasprit Bumrah 3-18, Nuwan Thushara 3-42, Hardik Pandya 2-44, Piyush Chawla 1-15) beat Mumbai Indians 145 in 18.5 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 56, Tim David 24; Mitchell Starc 4-33, Varun Chakrawarthy 2-22, Sunil Narine 2-22, Andre Russell 2-30) by 24 runs
(Cricinfo)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Tavengwa Mukuhlani as its Deputy Chairperson through November 2027.
Mukuhlani, who currently serves as the Chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket and represents the nation on the ICC Board, is set to take over the position from Imran Khwaja, following the latter’s departure.
Mukuhlani serves on the ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) and Nominations Committees, and he chairs the HR and Remuneration Committee. He will become the first Zimbabwean to be appointed as the Deputy Chair of the ICC.
His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for African cricket as Zimbabwe prepare to co-host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 alongside South Africa and Namibia. Leveraging his extensive leadership at Zimbabwe Cricket and regional expertise, Mukuhlani will provide valuable direction as the ICC brings the flagship tournament back to Africa for the first time in 24 years.
ICC Chairman, Jay Shah said, “I warmly congratulate Tavengwa Mukuhlani on his appointment as Deputy Chair of the ICC. “His experience in cricket administration, understanding of the global game and commitment to its development will be invaluable to the ICC Board.
“Tavengwa has earned the confidence of his fellow Directors, and I look forward to working closely with him to strengthen cricket across our Members and create greater opportunities for the game to grow worldwide. His election is also a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, as he becomes the first Zimbabwean to serve as Deputy Chair.
“With cricket expanding globally and returning to the Olympic Games, strong leadership will be vital. I wish Tavengwa every success in his new role.”
Tavengwa Mukuhlani said, “I am deeply honoured by the confidence placed in me by my fellow ICC Board Directors and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Deputy Chair of the ICC. “I look forward to working closely with our Chairman, Mr. Jay Shah, whose leadership, energy and ambition have brought a clear sense of purpose to the ICC, with a strong focus on growing cricket, creating opportunities for our Members and reaching new audiences and markets.
“Cricket is entering an exciting period, particularly with its return to the Olympic Games and continued global expansion. I look forward to supporting our Chairman, Mr. Jay Shah and fellow board directors in advancing our shared priorities and serving the best interests of cricket globally.”
[ICC]
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Isle of Man teenage all-rounder Lucy Barnett ICC Women’s Player of the Month for August 2026
Lucy Barnett played a pivotal role in Isle of Man’s run to the Women’s Continental Cup final, finishing the tournament as the leading run-scorer.
The 19-year-old beat competitions from Suleeporn Laomi and Nannapt Koncharoenkai of Thailand to the award.
She enjoyed an outstanding campaign, registering a century and two fifties across the competition.
Barnett began with an unbeaten 71 against Romania, guiding Isle of Man to a comfortable run chase in just 13.1 overs.
After scoring only four runs against Greece, she responded in spectacular fashion against Norway, smashing an unbeaten 123 from 64 balls to help her side finish top of the group.
She also made an impact with the ball in those two matches, taking 1/8 against Greece and 1/11 against Norway.
Her strong run continued in the final against Turkey, where she was Isle of Man’s highest scorer with a 59, while also contributing two wickets for 22 runs.
Across four T20Is, Barnett amassed 257 runs at an exceptional average of 128.50 and a strike rate of 178.47.
With the ball, she claimed four wickets at an economy rate of 3.80 and an average of 14.25.
Speaking on the recognition, Barnett revealed the award gives her an added motivation to keep performing at the highest level.
“Winning the ICC Player of the Month award is an incredible feeling and, honestly, still feels a little unbelievable as I am making history of sorts for the Isle of Man,” Barnett said.
“I knew I had a strong month, but to be recognised ahead of so many others is something I’m immensely proud of and will cherish for a very long time.
“It’s a fantastic time for women’s cricket, and to have the spotlight on me now is a truly special feeling.
“I’m grateful to the ICC for this honour and to all my team-mates, coaches and officials who have made my international journey such an enjoyable and rewarding one.
“This award gives me even more motivation to keep pushing myself, and I hope to carry this form into the matches ahead and create many more special moments for my team.”
[ICC]
Sonal Dinusha has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2026.
This marks Dinusha being crowned with the accolade for the first time in his career.
Having played only three Tests for Sri Lanka coming into the ICC World Test Championship series against India, the left-handed batter was the leading run-getter in the two-match series.
Dinusha finished with 420 runs, averaging a spectacular 140, with three centuries and a half-century to his name.
“This recognition means so much to me, especially so early in my career, and I’m truly grateful to the ICC for this honour,” Dinusha said while reflecting on his latest achievement.
While Sri Lanka lost the first Test by 165 runs, Dinusha managed to score 100 in the first innings, followed by 84 runs in the second.
In the second Test, with the hosts battling to avoid a series sweep, Dinusha scored twin centuries in the two innings (103 and an unbeaten 133) to orchestrate a famous draw.
“The series against India will always hold a special place in my heart,” Dinusha added.
“Scoring three centuries was a dream come true, made even more meaningful by achieving them in Colombo and Galle in front of our home fans. “Although we didn’t get the overall result we hoped for, the way our team fought back in the second match showed the character, belief and determination we have as a side. I’m proud to have shared that fight with my teammates.
Dinusha made his Test debut for Sri Lanka last year, during the home series against Bangladesh.
In a short time, the all-rounder has made a big impact while representing his team in the longest format, an achievement he isn’t taking for granted.
“Representing Sri Lanka is a privilege I never take for granted, and this recognition gives me even more motivation to keep learning, improving and contributing to the team.
“I’ll continue to give my very best for Sri Lanka in the months and years ahead.”
The hosts managed to keep the series at 1-0, and Dinusha was named the Player of the Match in Colombo.
[ICC]
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