TOP STORIES
“I’m used to bowling with somebody who is better than me”: Moeen Ali on Varun Chakravarthy

England veteran Moeen Ali repaid the faith, claiming 2 for 23 from four overs as defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders overcame Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday in Guwahati. Replacing Sunil Narine, who missed the game due to illness, Moeen Ali, along with mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who returned with 2 for 17, restricted RR to 151 for 9. Claiming the wickets Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana, Moeen Ali played a massive role as a replacement.
"I was just trying to do my job. Obviously, Sunil (Narine) was a big miss for us. Just tried to stick to my strengths and spin the ball as much as I can, and just contain." said Moeen at the post-match press conference.
“I came on before him [Varun], so my job was to try to bowl tight as I can. And then maybe he can build a bit of pressure as well or get the wicket. I'm used to bowling with somebody who is better than me and has more mystery than me, so my job there is to bowl as tight as I can and hopefully that builds pressure for that person to then get wickets. He’s been bowling outstandingly well,” Moeen said.
"Retired from international cricket, yeah, but I still play a lot of leagues and I still try to stay on top of my game because I still want to play for as long as I can and do well."
KKR, who started their campaign with a defeat, bounced back remarkably against RR to get off the mark with their first win of the season. In their chase, Quinton de Kock stood strong, playing a match-winning 97-run knock unbeaten.
"It's nice to get a win within your first couple of games so that you don't overthink things. Today was a great team performance, everyone bowled well against a good side. We contained really well and never really let them get ahead of the game, which then made our batting a bit easier with Quinny (de Kock) playing the way he did was outstanding."
Tags
More News

Former Indian pacer advises BCCI to manage Siraj’s workload
Following the staggering demonstration of sensational bowling during the recently concluded Test series against England, Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj is receiving a lot of praise. Taking nine wickets across both innings, he was instrumental in India’s hard-fought six-run win in the fifth Test at The Oval. With the help of victory, India narrowly dodged the series defeat and succ...

ZIM vs NZ 2nd Test: Inconsistent Zimbabwe bank on seasoned campaigners to settle the score
Failing to overcome energetic New Zealand in the first game, Zimbabwe are gearing up to host New Zealand in the second and final Test, scheduled to begin on August 7 in Bulawayo. The hosts are under immense pressure to level the series and avoid the series defeat. In the first Test, New Zealand inflicted a crushing nine-wicket defeat, outshining Zimbabwe in all...

Sachin Tendulkar lashes out at Ben Stokes over handshake saga
The recently concluded five-match Test series between India and England, which witnessed high-octane action and enthralling moments, was nothing short of spectacular, highlighting the true spirit of Test cricket. India ended the series 2-2, registering a stunning six-run victory in the final Test at The Oval. The decisive outcome of the series was made possible by India’s stiff...

England head coach McCullum stresses the need for 'improvement’
England suffered a disappointing defeat in the fifth and final Test against India, bringing an end to their hopes of winning the series. The series was drawn 2-2 after India staged an impressive comeback, completing a nerve-wracking six-run victory at The Oval. Despite showing resistance, England failed to maintain consistency across the matche...

Afghanistan unveil preliminary squad for tri-series, Asia Cup
Afghanistan have unveiled a 22-player preliminary squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series against UAE and Pakistan. The squad, which will be led by the decorated all-rounder Rashid Khan, boasts formidable contenders such as Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Gulbadin Naib. Newbies Wafiulla...