RCB signs South African pacer Wayne Parnell as replacement for injured Topley in IPL 2023
Bengaluru: The Royal Challengers Bangalore have reportedly signed South African pacer Wayne Parnell to replace the injured Reece Topley for IPL 2023. Topley sustained a dislocated shoulder during the team's first home game against the Mumbai Indians and has been ruled out of the tournament. According to ClubCricketSA, Parnell is expected to join the team soon and will be eligible for selection.
In the meantime, on Thursday, the Royal Challengers Bangalore suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, losing by a margin of 81 runs. Despite being in trouble early on with a score of 89/5 in 11.3 overs, KKR managed to recover and secure victory in their first home game of IPL 2023. During the match, David Willey and Karn Sharma each took two wickets in two consecutive balls, causing concern for KKR's chances, but they were ultimately able to turn things around.
Shardul Thakur, who almost got out on his first ball, which was also the hat-trick ball, managed to score an impressive 68 runs off just 28 balls, hitting the joint-fastest fifty of the season in just 20 deliveries. Despite a close call on his first ball, where the inside edge narrowly missed the leg-stump, Thakur went on to deliver an outstanding performance.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a striking innings at the beginning of the match, scoring 57 runs filled with stylish and aggressive strokes. Rinku Singh also made a significant contribution with a crucial 46 runs, as he shared a partnership of 103 runs in just 47 balls with Thakur, which helped KKR achieve a massive total of 204/7.
During the Royal Challengers Bangalore's innings in reply to Kolkata's 204/7, the team faced difficulties against the three mystery spinners of KKR - Varun Chakaravarthy, Sunil Narine, and debutant Suyash Sharma. Together, these spinners claimed nine wickets, with Chakaravarthy taking four wickets for 15 runs, Narine taking two wickets for 16 runs, and Sharma taking three wickets for 30 runs. Leaving the RCB batters confused and unable to score, ultimately resulting in their dismissal for a total of 123 runs in just 17.4 overs.
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Mamata alleges BJP disrupted her Bhabanipur rally, Suvendu claims 'she's nervous'
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cut short her speech at a rally in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging that the BJP was deliberately playing loud music from a nearby public meeting.
A peeved Banerjee said despite having the required permission of the Election Commission, her rally in Chakraberia was disrupted by the BJP, "who want to capture Bengal by intimidation and threat".
"It is not possible for me to go ahead with this meeting. If they can do such a thing in my constituency, imagine how undemocratic the BJP is. If they behave like this, I have to take legal action," she said.
"This is an insult, humiliation. BJP is stepping on our toes to instigate trouble. Not possible to address the gathering in this situation. I am leaving the stage. Please vote for me in your protest," she added.
Banerjee was then seen calling someone over and venting her grievances.
Before leaving the stage, she said, "I will hold a rally tomorrow at the same spot."
TMC supporters then rushed towards the BJP rally, which was later addressed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, but security personnel intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.
TMC workers later staged a demonstration outside the local police station and filed a complaint, alleging that the BJP violated the model code of conduct.
A senior TMC leader said another complaint will also be lodged with the Election Commission.
Asked about Banerjee's allegations, Adhikari told reporters after the rally he held nearby, "Her reaction shows she is nervous about the imminent loss."
"There was no violence, no obstruction in her meeting and her behaviour shows her nervousness. On May 4, people of Bhabanipur will celebrate the victory of the BJP," he claimed, alleging that the TMC also tried to disrupt his meeting by playing loud music.
South Kolkata's Bhabanipur, one of the battleground seats in the West Bengal elections, will vote in the second phase on April 29.
