Latest news with #MuttiahMuralitharan
Mint
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
How data analytics has transformed cricket
I've never been much of a sports viewer, but headlines have always been my hook. So, while the records Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan set in the 1990s and 2000s meant little to me, I was absorbed by the news reports of the three rounds of biomechanical testing he underwent to prove that his 'doosra' wasn't bending the rules. I still have no idea how many wickets he took, but I do remember that the machine took 250 photos per second and provided a 3D rendering of his bowling action. It seemed so cutting-edge, so unprecedented, so automated a way to measure what I'd always thought was a matter of personal skill and achievement. It was among the early demonstrations of data analysis in sports, and I, for one, had never seen anything like it. Now of course, we all have all sorts of trackers strapped to our wrists to tell us how much energy we've expended walking to the fridge for a snack. Naturally, then, for professional athletes, data gathering is at a whole other level with tracking software and machine learning transforming the game. Data analysts are now integral to sports teams, generating statistical breakdowns to explain ball speeds, angles of delivery and each player's strengths and weaknesses. Coaches don't just impart wisdom and technique, they optimise play based on these analyses. We take a deep dive into the world of cricket analytics, which has not only changed the way athletes perform but also how teams are picked, and the ways fans watch the sport. We don't just support a home team or fall in love with a player's form and grace anymore; we pick and choose depending on projections that give the likelihood of success. Even in fantasy leagues, it's data that's the MVP. The print issue of Mint Lounge dated 31 May 2025, which takes a deep dive into the world of cricket analytics. Look around you—a small doll with a mischievous smile might be strapped to a bag. They're called labubus and are trending world over. Even mobile phones are getting more personality thanks to anime-inspired charm bracelets and covers. Fashion is tapping into 'toycore"—the marriage of fashion and cuddlies. Pooja Singh unpacks the somewhat bizarre toycore trend that is a throwback to a lost childhood. The Assassin's Creed franchise is among the world's most popular games, giving players the experience of an open world, close links to actual historical events, and a narration that connects the protagonists of each game. Now, Assassin's Creed Shadows takes all these elements to give fans a setting that many had demanded—medieval Japan. Shouvik Das dives into the immersive world of Assassin's Creed Shadows, where players navigate a beautifully crafted medieval Japan and lose themselves in the intricate storyline. The drying of mahua flowers and the liquor-making process that follows is an age-old practice in Madhya Pradesh, but there's more to this indigenous flower than spirits. The juice can be turned into flavourful syrups and pulps that make great replacements for maple syrup, white sugar and other imported or processed sweeteners. Pastry chef Bani Nanda travelled in Madhya Pradesh to learn all about 'mahua', and she writes about the process of creating liquor and syrup and the ideas it sparked for new pastries and cakes. Back in Delhi, she experimented with the dried mahua flowers, mahua liquor and mahua syrup she brought back to create a beautiful entremet with mahua syrup sponge, chironji praline, salted caramel and mahua ganache. Microsoft laid off about 6,000 employees earlier this month; the US government has fired more than 600,000 staff this year. Most forecasts indicate lay-offs will continue, with greater incursion of AI into spheres that were dependent on human skills. This has an outsized impact on the morale of professionals, who left high and dry, or teetering on the edge, vulnerable to being fired any day. Being laid off is, needless to say, tragic, but it's also hard for those who have to do the dirty job of firing people. The middle managers and human resources executives who have to be the bearers of bad news become collateral damage in the process, writes Somak Ghoshal, while offering some suggestions about delivering bad news with grace and empathy. Fans of Lego, the popular building sets, travel the world in search of new sets and unusual pieces—but the Danish toy company has finally opened a store in India, in Gurugram. Spanning 4,500 square feet, it is the brand's largest store in South Asia and has everything from the Friends and Icons to the Technic and the Botanicals collections as well as fully built sets on display and play tables, and other popular features for adult fans of Lego. The store seems all set to become a place for fans of the popular building sets to congregate, build, and create a community, writes Tushar Kanwar, a lifelong Lego fan who has got his young daughter hooked to the toys.
Express Tribune
12-02-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Top 10 bowlers with most wickets in ICC Champions Trophy history
Over the years, the ICC Champions Trophy has witnessed some of the greatest bowlers delivering match-winning performances on the big stage. From devastating pace attacks to masterful spin spells, these bowlers have shaped the tournament's history. Here's a look at the top five wicket takers in its history, their standout performances, and their impact on the competition. 1. Kyle Mills (New Zealand) – 28 wickets The underrated yet highly effective New Zealand seamer Kyle Mills stands as the leading wicket-taker in Champions Trophy history, with 28 wickets in 15 matches (2002-2013). He was a consistent performer for the Black Caps, excelling in swing-friendly conditions. Memorable Spell: Mills' 3/69 against Sri Lanka in the 2009 edition remains one of his standout performances. His ability to extract movement off the pitch made him a threat against top-order batters. Tournament History: 2009: Instrumental in New Zealand's runners-up finish, taking 9 wickets in the tournament. 2013: Finished his Champions Trophy career with another solid outing, maintaining an economy of 4.29. 2. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 25 wickets Renowned for his unplayable sling-arm action, Malinga was a key figure in Sri Lanka's Champions Trophy campaigns. His lethal yorkers and slower balls made him one of the most feared bowlers in the tournament. Memorable Spell: His 2/58 against England in the 2013 edition showcased his ability to destroy batting lineups as Sri Lanka comfortably chased England's 293 total. Tournament History: 2006-2017: Played in four editions, consistently finishing among Sri Lanka's top wicket-takers. 2017: Ended his Champions Trophy career with 25 wickets in 16 matches, an economy of 5.31, and a best bowling average of 30.64. 3. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 24 wickets One of the greatest spinners in cricket history, Muttiah Muralitharan played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's success in multiple editions of the Champions Trophy. His ability to bowl tight lines and deceive batters made him a nightmare for opposition teams. Memorable Spell: His 4/15 against the Netherlands in 2002 was a masterclass in spin bowling, where he completely dismantled the batting lineup. Tournament History: 1998-2009: Featured in five editions, playing 15 matches and finishing with 24 wickets at an economy of 3.60—the best among the top five bowlers. 2002: Helped Sri Lanka reach the final before the trophy was shared with India due to rain. 4. Brett Lee (Australia) – 22 wickets One of the fastest bowlers the game has seen, Brett Lee was a force to reckon with in the Champions Trophy. His aggressive pace and pinpoint accuracy made him a match-winner for Australia. Memorable Spell: Lee's 2/45 against New Zealand in the 2009 final saw Australia cap off a fantastic team performance for their victory. His raw pace and ability to strike early made the difference. Tournament History: 2006: Played a vital role in Australia's first Champions Trophy win. 2009: Continued his dominance, finishing his Champions Trophy career with 22 wickets in 15 matches. 5. Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 21 wickets A master of line and length, Glenn McGrath was a key figure in Australia's Champions Trophy success. His ability to apply pressure and extract movement from any surface made him an invaluable asset. Memorable Spell: His 5/37 against New Zealand in the 2002 edition remains one of the best spells in tournament history. Tournament History: 2000-2006: Played in three editions, picking up 21 wickets in just 12 matches. 2006: Led Australia's pace attack as they clinched their maiden Champions Trophy title. The Rest of the List: James Anderson (England) – 21 wickets (2006-2013) Jacques Kallis (South Africa) – 20 wickets (1998-2009) Mervyn Dillon (West Indies) – 19 wickets (1998-2004) Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 18 wickets (1998-2006) Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) – 18 wickets (1998-2013) With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, can a new bowler rise to claim the top spot on this prestigious list? Stay tuned for more updates.
