Latest news with #BenCutting
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
03-06-2025
- Sport
- First Post
IPL 2025 Final: Scarred by past failures, RCB and PBKS need not just good cricket but also ability to relish big occasion
Both PBKS and RCB have suffered multiple IPL final heartbreaks and witnessed years of unfulfilled promise. As they enter IPL 2025, they will know talent alone won't be enough on this grand stage. read more 2016: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The scene of the IPL final. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) versus Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Neither has won the title yet. And neither can really envision what might happen if they lose this game. After 17 overs, RCB are ahead. Then, Ben Cutting shows up. And he helps SRH thunder 52 runs off the last three overs, making RCB fans gulp at what may lie ahead. In the chase, RCB start off sumptuously. Chris Gayle is doing his thing. Virat Kohli, scoring runs for breakfast, lunch and dinner in 2016, is feasting too. RCB, after ten overs, are 112-0, and have ten wickets in hand chasing 209. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There is anticipation among the crowd. A sense of excitement. An unescapable feeling that this might finally be their time. And then…pfft! It evaporates. Gayle falls. Kohli does too. AB de Villiers and KL Rahul cannot rescue them either, nor can Shane Watson, and an evening that was theirs for the taking, does not turn into a red-letter day for the team in red. Two years prior to that, at that very venue, there was another team, called the Kings XI Punjab (Punjab Kings/PBKS now). Like RCB, they careened into the Chinnaswamy knowing and acknowledging their past baggage, and recognising how that occasion could be their day of days. Also Read | IPL Final: Rain set to impact high-stakes match at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad They batted first and got to 199. Not a world-beating score, but a very healthy total in a final. With seven overs of the chase left, they were decently-placed to end their hoodoo. But Punjab could not make it count. The contest, rather than gravitating towards them, kept drifting away, and KKR got over the line. Punjab, since that evening of coming close to their crescendo but not being able to clasp it, have struggled in the competition. Now, it promises to change. Now, there is light at the end of the tunnel. And for a change, it no longer feels like an onrushing train. 'Irresistible' PBKS face 'immovable' RCB Which brings us to the current landscape, and there is no denying that RCB and PBKS have been the two standout teams this season: extremely efficient, dripping with match-winning quality, and almost interchangeable for one another. Punjab, though, because of their batting prowess, have painted themselves as the irresistible force. They have made 200 or more in half of their games this campaign, and those batting muscles were flexed against the Mumbai Indians in the Qualifier. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also Read | IPL final: Longest wait for maiden title and other records that could be broken in Ahmedabad showdown RCB, meanwhile, have been the immovable object, built on a magnificent bowling attack, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, and supported superbly by Krunal Pandya, Suyash Sharma and Yash Dayal. And they have the recent precedent of stopping the irresistible force too, having rolled PBKS over for a paltry total days ago . This, thus, could be the broader contest that decides the outcome. But there are other smaller, more intricate sub-plots too, which add a further layer of intrigue. Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli could prove to be key to success for their respective teams. Image Reuters Arshdeep Singh vs RCB openers For example, Arshdeep Singh, barring Qualifier 1, has had Phil Salt on barbecue throughout this calendar year. Kohli, too, has a tendency to fall to left-arm pacers in important white-ball matches, and he has been dismissed by Kyle Jamieson on more than one occasion. There is also a school of thought that RCB may struggle if both of their openers are dismissed cheaply – something PBKS managed in Bengaluru earlier this season, and RCB will have to guard against. Despite the fact that Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd and their middle order, in general, are in scintillating form. Also Read | IPL final: 'Shreyas has the chance to finally…', experts cast predictions on showdown in Ahmedabad STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On the other side, Shreyas Iyer has an ordinary record against RCB's premier pacers, with Hazlewood, in particular, an enormous threat to him. Their overseas batters have not clicked consistently enough as well, and their bowling unit, in recent times, has also developed a tendency to leak runs. Iyer poses threat, but RCB look more ready PBKS' batting against high-quality pace can also be a little circumspect. But they have some exceptional spin-hitters, including skipper Shreyas. And if they can navigate RCB's pace-bowling threat, they might be able to cash in on a ground where they have breached 200 twice in two attempts this season. There is also the paradigm of neither of these teams really relishing the big occasion, as their trophy cabinet (so far) suggests. One of them, however, will have to get that monkey off their back. RCB seem better-equipped, having inflicted misery on PBKS last Thursday, but PBKS have played in Ahmedabad more recently. And so, it is rather fitting that these two sides will have to look each other in the eye on Tuesday, and dare their opponent to take their moment away from them. All while the pair, perhaps a little nervous, possibly a little restless, probably a little anxious, try desperately not to flinch. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Maybe it was written in the stars all along. That these two franchises, who have been no strangers to world-class cricketers, but have also been rather frequent visitors to the well of disappointment and dejection, will have to go through one another, if they are to wind up where they want to be, and where they have always dreamt of being. One out of PBKS or RCB is set to break their IPL trophy drought. Image: PTI Their paths can no longer exist in different planes, prisms, or spectrums. They are, as corporate jargon would put it, mutually exclusive now. If RCB win, Punjab won't. And if Punjab win, RCB will not have. That may be stating the obvious, but the weight of those statements, with disjunction the overriding theme rather than conjunction, cannot be understated. Back in 2014 and back in 2016, Punjab and RCB (respectively) had their tryst with fate, discernibly distant from one another, even if it occurred at the same place. Both, as their rival fans are quick to point out, fluffed their lines. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And in 2025, here they are. Toe-to-toe, shoulder-to-shoulder and eyeball-to-eyeball. Mindful of their previous mistakes, mishaps and missteps, but acutely aware of the mystically marvelous power of silverware and how it alters narratives, and transforms past nightmares into mere memories. One of them, on Tuesday, will experience that and enter the domain of champions, and irrespective of whatever happens in years to come, will have that tale to tell for generations. And the other, well, they will still not have won the final game of the season. Despite coming agonisingly and tantalisingly close. Much like all those years ago.
Mint
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Ben Cutting rubs salt on RCB's wounds ahead of SRH clash; ‘150 texts every day…as replacement player against Bengaluru'
Ben Cutting might have played just four games in 2016 season of Indian Premier League (IPL) but he will remember that year till the last breath of his life after the Australian's all-round heroics in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) helped Sunrisers Hyderabad lift their only trophy in the history of the tournament so far. Cutting became a cult hero among the Sunrisers Hyderabad fans for his 39 runs off just 15 balls towards the end of the innings. He also took two wickets to help his team beat RCB by eight runs at the Chinnaswamy stadium, thus making him a villain among the opposition supporters. Nine years down the line, the 38-year-old doesn't play any top-tier cricket anymore. But still the Australian gets requests on Instagram to play for any team against RCB as a replacement player. "If I load up my private messages on Instagram now, there'll be 150 every day saying, 'Can you make yourself available for the IPL as a replacement player?' for any team that's coming up against RCB," Cutting told EspnCricinfo ahead of RCB vs SRH clash in IPL 2025. Batting first captain David Warner gave Sunrisers Hyderabad a great start before a sudden middle order collapse. Cutting, who came into bat after the fall of the fourth wicket, made small partnerships with the likes of Naman Ojha, Bipul Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to take Sunrisers Hyderabad past the 200-run mark. In fact, it was Cutting's three sixes and a four off fellow countryman Shane Watson in the final over the innings which propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to 208/7 in 20 overs. Cutting smashed three fours and four sixes for his unbeaten 39 in just 15 balls. In reply, Cutting was in action again as the right-arm medium pacer dismissed a marauding Chris Gayle and KL Rahul to bring RCB's downfall. Since then RCB have never qualified for a final in IPL. Overall, Cutting played just 21 IPL matches across five seasons. His cricketing career has been marred by frequent injuries. For Australia, Cutting was able to play just four ODIs and seven T20Is. Both teams will once again face each other on Friday. However, this time, its a dead rubber as RCB have already qualified for the IPL 2025 playoffs while Sunrisers Hyderabad are out of the race. For the unknown, the RCB vs SRH clash was slated to be hosted at the Chinnaswamy stadium but due to inclement weather in Bengaluru, the fixture has been shifted to Lucknow's Ekana Stadium. The match date and start time remains the same. Stay updated on all the action from theIPL 2025. Check theIPL 2025 Schedule, track the latestIPL 2025 Points Table, and follow the top performers with theOrange Cap andPurple Cap.
India Today
22-05-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Can you be a replacement vs RCB? Ben Cutting swamped with IPL 2025 fan messages
Former Australia all-rounder Ben Cutting has revealed that he keeps getting messages from fans during the IPL 2025 season, requesting him to join as a replacement player for teams who are set to face RCB. Cutting became a hero for SRH and a villain for RCB fans for his performance in the IPL 2016 final. The Aussie all-rounder played a starring role in SRH's only final win in IPL as he scored 39 off 15 balls and picked up two wickets as they beat RCB by eight runs at the Chinnaswamy stadium. Cutting revealed in an interview with ESPNCricinfo that he gets at least 150 messages from fans requesting to play against RCB. advertisement"If I load up my private messages on Instagram now, there'll be 150 every day saying, 'Can you make yourself available for the IPL as a replacement player?' for any team that's coming up against RCB?'" said Cutting. Cutting said that his heroics in the IPL 2016 final was the highlight of his cricketing career as he was adjudged as the Player Of The Match for his performance. "What was achieved that night It's essentially one of the biggest sporting events in the world. To play for Australia was always a lifetime goal of mine, and I'm still disappointed I didn't get to play Test cricket. But that IPL final, for me, still ranks higher than everything else," said Cutting. 'Just wish it wasn't against Watto'During the final, Cutting took Shane Watson to the cleaners, scoring 24 runs off the 20th over as it consisted of three sixes and a boundary. The all-rounder said he felt bad that Watson was unfortunately at the receiving end of the hammering during the final. advertisement"I knew that he was bowling close to 140 [kph] and some quick bowling like that on that sort of wicket was going to suit my game to a tee. I just wish it wasn't against Watto! I love the bloke. He was a hero of mine coming through the ranks. I still feel guilty about seeing it unfold like that against someone that I looked up to - and still do - as a hero on the field," said Cutting. Cutting also said he wished that he clicked more pictures during the celebrations with the trophy. "Looking back, I just wish I'd had more photos during the celebrations with the trophy. I've got one blurry one of myself and [assistant coach] Murali [Muthiah Muralidaran], but I really wish that I would've had more with that special trophy," said Cutting. RCB look to be on a roll this season, making it to the playoffs with two games remaining. Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!Tune InMust Watch IN THIS STORY#IPL 2025
News.com.au
10-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘Horrible': Aussie presenters holed up in room amid conflict
Aussie TV presenters Grace Hayden and Erin Hollands have shared updates as they remain caught up in the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan. Holed up in her hotel room in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad, Holland, who is in the country covering the Pakistan Super League (PSL), told The Daily Telegraph she is ready to leave at a moment's notice. Cricket stars from around the world are reportedly trying to get out of India as the rising tension between the nuclear-armed nations rises. The political emergency on Friday forced Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chiefs to ' indefinitely postpone' the Indian Premier League (IPL) — the world's largest and most lucrative cricket tournament. Hollands, who is married to Aussie cricketer Ben Cutting, has spoken about being caught up in the conflict. 'I am just trying to keep calm and control the controllables and at the moment it is sit tight,' she said. 'I have got my bags packed ready to go. We just don't know what is happening and when we are going. At the moment it is a 'maybe'.' While she can't see anything from her hotel room, Holland said, 'there's a lot of air action'. The former Miss World Australia is working alongside cricket commentator and former cricketer Lisa Sthalekar and five Australians play in the league, including former Australian vice-captain David Warner, Max Bryant, Riley Meredith, Sean Abbott, Mitch Owen and Ben Dwarshuis. The remainder of the PSL will be played in Dubai as tensions between the neighbouring countries continue to intensify, however Holland will need to leave on a chartered plane as the airspace above Pakistan is now closed. Australian cricketers playing across the border in India are desperately trying to get home after the Indian Premier League (IPL) was suspended. Aussies Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head and Mitch Marsh, Josh Inglis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Marcus Stoinis, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett and Mitch Owen have all been involved in this year's IPL and are reportedly trying to make their way out. Australian coaches Brad Haddin and Ricky Ponting are also set to return home. Hayden, meanwhile, has also shared an update on her safety, posting a message on Instagram that showed her filming from inside a moving car. She captioned the video on her Instagram stories: 'Praying for safety and peace for all'. The daughter of legendary Aussie opening batsman Matthew Hayden has emerged as one of the most popular up-and-coming TV presenters in cricket is working for broadcaster Star India throughout the IPL. Her dad is also commentating for the national network. As reported by The Daily Telegraph, Grace is currently in Mumbai while her father has travelled overnight from Dharamshala to Delhi and is also attempting to get home to Australia. 'It was pretty scary last night at studio watching the game and they called it off so we all just watched what was going on there,' Grace said. 'Dad is okay, they got him and everyone out safely. They are handling it really well. We are taking it minute by minute so it feels pretty foreign right now.' She described the conflict between the nations as 'heartbreaking'. 'I have a deep love for both countries,' she said. 'To watch this unfold is heartbreaking, just horrible. I understand that I am extremely privileged and that I have options. It is all very sad.' The IPL's decision comes after a match between Delhi and Punjab was cancelled on Thursday night due to a blackout stemming from air raid warnings in nearby Jammu and Pathankot.
