Ambati Rayudu smashed a last-ball six as the Mumbai Indians pulled off a thrilling five-wicket victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League on Sunday.
Mumbai needed 21 to win off the last over to surpass Kolkata’s 175-7, but New Zealander James Franklin (45 not out off 23 balls) hit paceman Lakshmipathy Balaji for 17 off the first five balls, before Rayudu finished the game.
South Africa’s Jacques Kallis top-scored with 59 and seamer Rajat Bhatia took three wickets for Kolkata.
In Sunday’s other match, Chris Gayle cracked an unbeaten 75 as the Royal Challengers Bangalore topped the points table with an eight-wicket win over the Chennai Super Kings.
The West Indies opener hit six sixes in his 50-ball knock as Bangalore surpassed Chennai’s total of 128-8 with two overs to spare in their last league match.
Bangalore (19 points), Chennai (18), Mumbai (18) and Kolkata (16) have qualified for the playoffs.
Gayle, who added 80 for the second wicket with Virat Kohli (31), finished the match when he hit spinner Suresh Raina for 11 runs off the last three balls of the 18th over.
Chennai skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni hit six sixes in his explosive 40-ball 70 not out, but he received little support from the other end, the highest stand of the innings being 42 for the fifth wicket.
Chennai made a poor start after being put in to bat as they lost four wickets for 22 runs in the opening six overs, with left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan dismissing Australia’s Michael Hussey and Raina.
Hussey could make just 4 before inside-edging a Zaheer delivery on to his stumps, while Raina was caught by Kohli at point.
New Zealand left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori put more pressure on Chennai when he removed Subramaniam Badrinath and West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo to eventually finish with 2-15 off four overs.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
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