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Showing posts from March, 2025

Sporting icons - Hashim Amla – South Africa’s Batting Maestro - Career HLs & video

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  Hashim Amla, born on March 31, 1983 , in Durban, South Africa, is one of the finest batsmen in cricket history. Known for his elegant stroke play, impeccable technique, and calm demeanor, Amla was a key figure in South Africa’s batting lineup across Test, ODI, and T20I cricket . He was also South Africa’s first captain of Indian descent and played a vital role in the team's successes. Style of Play Classical Batsman : Amla’s batting was built on solid technique and timing rather than power-hitting. Composed and Patient : He could bat for long hours, making him an exceptional Test player. Versatile Stroke Play : While he was known for graceful drives, his ability to accelerate in limited-overs cricket made him a complete batsman. Strong Against Spin : His wristwork and footwork allowed him to dominate spinners in all formats. Batting, Bowling & Fielding Records Test Cricket Matches : 124 Runs : 9,282 Average : 46.64 Hundreds : 28 (including a triple century) B...

Sporting icons : Jack Johnson – The First Black Heavyweight Boxing Champion - Career HLs

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  Jack Johnson, born John Arthur Johnson on March 31, 1878 , in Galveston, Texas, was a trailblazing American boxer. Known for his defensive mastery and counterpunching style, Johnson became the first African American World Heavyweight Champion , breaking racial barriers in sports and society. Style of Play Defensive Genius : Johnson was a master of defensive boxing, using footwork, head movement, and counterpunching to frustrate opponents. Powerful Counterpuncher : He lured aggressive fighters in, dodged their attacks, and struck back with precision. Psychological Tactics : He often taunted opponents in the ring, mentally breaking them before delivering knockout blows. Physical Strength : Standing 6'1" (1.85m) with a reach of 74 inches (188 cm) , he was exceptionally strong and durable. Career Highlights Began Professional Career in 1897 : Johnson started boxing in small clubs before rising through the ranks. Defeated Tommy Burns (1908) : Became the first Black ...

IPL2025 : Rajasthan Royals edge past CSK in a thriller as Rana & Hasaranga shine

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  Rajasthan Royals have finally opened their account in IPL 2025. Under the captaincy of Riyan Parag, Rajasthan secured a thrilling 6-run victory over Chennai Super Kings in a last-over encounter at their home ground in Guwahati. After losing their first two matches, Rajasthan managed to register their first win of the season in their third game. Meanwhile, Chennai suffered their second consecutive defeat, having previously lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore. The key players behind Rajasthan’s victory were Nitish Rana and Wanindu Hasaranga, while Sandeep Sharma once again prevented MS Dhoni from snatching victory for Chennai in the final over. The match, played on Sunday, March 30, at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, saw Rajasthan Royals set a formidable target of 182 runs while batting first. Nitish Rana played a sensational innings, smashing 81 runs off just 36 balls and laying a strong foundation for Rajasthan. This was Rana’s first half-century for the franchise. In respons...

IPL2025 : Starc picks 5 as SRH self destruct & lose by 7 wkts to Delhi Capitals

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  Delhi Capitals, under the leadership of new captain Axar Patel, continue their dominant run in IPL 2025. After securing a thrilling last-over victory in their opening match, Delhi registered their second consecutive win. In a one-sided contest at Visakhapatnam, they crushed last season’s finalists, Sunrisers Hyderabad, by seven wickets. The star of this victory was Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, who, at the age of 35, dismantled Hyderabad’s explosive batting lineup with a five-wicket haul. Meanwhile, 40-year-old Faf du Plessis played a blistering knock, smashing a half-century to make light work of the 164-run target. Starc's Fiery Spell Dismantles SRH, But Aniket Shines Playing their second match at their alternate home ground in Visakhapatnam, Delhi built on their narrow one-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants with a resounding victory. Sunrisers Hyderabad won the toss on Sunday, March 30, and opted to bat first. However, their innings fell apart early, thanks to the b...

Cuisine: Lemon Rice - Popular South Indian rice dish - How to prepare

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  Lemon Rice is a simple yet flavorful South Indian dish made with cooked rice, tempered spices, and fresh lemon juice. It is a popular comfort food and a great way to use leftover rice. The tangy taste of lemon combined with aromatic tempering makes it a refreshing and delicious meal, often served with papad, pickle, or yogurt. Ingredients For the Rice: 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cooled) 2 tablespoons lemon juice Salt to taste For Tempering: 2 tablespoons oil 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 tablespoon chana dal (Bengal gram) 1 tablespoon urad dal (black gram) 2 green chilies (slit) 1 dried red chili (optional) 10-12 curry leaves ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts A pinch of asafoetida (hing) For Garnishing: 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves Grated coconut (optional) How to Make Lemon Rice Step 1: Prepare the Rice If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a plate and let it cool to prevent it from be...

Cuisine : Poornam Boorelu- South Indian popular sweet dish - how to make

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  Poornam Boorelu (also called "Boorelu" or "Poornalu") is a traditional South Indian sweet dish, especially popular in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is commonly prepared during festivals like Ugadi, Varalakshmi Vratham, and Dussehra. These deep-fried dumplings are made with a crispy outer layer of rice and urad dal batter, filled with a sweet stuffing of chana dal, jaggery, and coconut. Ingredients For the Outer Batter: 1 cup raw rice ½ cup urad dal (black gram) A pinch of salt Water (as needed) For the Filling (Poornam): 1 cup chana dal (Bengal gram) 1 cup grated jaggery ½ teaspoon cardamom powder 2 tablespoons grated coconut (optional) For Frying: Oil (for deep frying) How to Make Poornam Boorelu Step 1: Prepare the Outer Batter Wash and soak rice and urad dal together in water for 4-5 hours. Drain the water and grind into a smooth, thick batter using minimal water. Add a pinch of salt and let it rest for 2-3 hours. Step 2: Prepar...

Cuisines: Ugadi Pachadi - Popular festive dish during Ugadi festival in India

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  Ugadi Pachadi is a special dish prepared during the Ugadi festival, which marks the Telugu and Kannada New Year. This unique chutney-like preparation symbolizes the different flavors of life—sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, tangy, and salty—representing joy, sadness, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise. It is a reminder to embrace all aspects of life with balance and gratitude. Ingredients ¼ cup raw mango (finely chopped) – sourness (tangy flavor) 2 tablespoons jaggery (grated) – sweetness 1 teaspoon neem flowers – bitterness ½ teaspoon black pepper powder or green chili paste – spiciness ½ teaspoon tamarind pulp – tangy flavor ½ teaspoon salt – saltiness ½ cup water How to Make Ugadi Pachadi Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients Finely chop the raw mango and set it aside. Soak tamarind in a little warm water for 10 minutes and extract the pulp. Grate jaggery or dissolve it in a small amount of water. Step 2: Mix the Ingredients In a bowl, add the chopped raw mango, ta...

IPL2025 : Gujarat Titans outplayed Mumbai Indians with strong show by their bowling attack

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  Gujarat Titans finally opened their account in IPL 2025 with a convincing 36-run victory over Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad. Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Gujarat bounced back strongly after losing their first match of the season. Despite Hardik Pandya’s return to Mumbai’s camp, the five-time champions failed to secure their first win, suffering back-to-back defeats. Sai Sudharsan’s brilliant knock and Mohammed Siraj’s early breakthroughs powered Shubman Gill’s side to a dominant victory. Mumbai's Struggles in Ahmedabad Continue This was the fourth encounter between the two teams at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, and Mumbai’s losing streak at the venue continued. Having lost their previous three matches here, Mumbai was hoping to break the jinx under Hardik Pandya’s leadership. However, Gujarat Titans had other plans and delivered an all-round performance to outclass their opposition. Gujarat's Top Order Fires in Powerplay After losing the toss, Gujarat Titans ...

Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 1,600; International Aid Mobilized

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  The death toll from the devastating earthquake in Myanmar has exceeded 1,600, according to the latest reports from the country's military government. As of now, 1,644 people have been confirmed dead, while nearly 3,500 others have been injured. Many remain missing since the earthquake struck on Friday. In Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, at least 78 people are still unaccounted for. Rescue teams are tirelessly searching for survivors amid the rubble. In Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, a 30-year-old woman was pulled from the debris of a collapsed residential building on Saturday afternoon. Earlier, the Red Cross had expressed concern that at least 90 people might be trapped inside the building, a fear echoed by Myanmar's junta government. The earthquake also caused damage in Bangkok, where a 30-story under-construction building collapsed on Friday. At least 10 people have been confirmed dead, while 42 have been rescued with injuries. Rescuers believe that around 15 indivi...

IPL2025: RCB inflicts royal thrashing on CSK , Patidar, Salt , Hazlewood shines

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  A new captain, a new season, and finally, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s long wait is over. After defeating Chennai Super Kings at their home ground, Chepauk Stadium, in the inaugural IPL season, Bengaluru had been waiting for another victory there for 17 years. That wait ended in IPL 2025 as RCB, led by new captain Rajat Patidar, secured a commanding 50-run win over CSK in their second match of the season. This marked only the second time in IPL history that RCB has beaten CSK at Chepauk. Additionally, this victory was RCB’s second consecutive win of the season, while Chennai suffered their first defeat in two matches. RCB Breaks the Chepauk Curse All eyes were on this contest to see whether Royal Challengers Bengaluru could finally conquer Chennai Super Kings at their fortress. This time, RCB arrived well-prepared and successfully breached CSK’s stronghold. While Bengaluru’s batsmen and bowlers played a crucial role in the victory, Chennai’s poor fielding also contributed sig...

Devastating earthquake in Myanmar leaves over a 100 dead , rescue work in full swing

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  Myanmar was rocked by six consecutive earthquakes on Friday, with the most powerful registering a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale. The tremors caused widespread devastation, leaving at least 144 people dead and 732 injured. Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise further. In response, Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has declared a state of emergency and is appealing to all nations and humanitarian organizations for assistance. The tremors were also felt in Thailand, where a partially constructed high-rise collapsed, trapping 117 people and killing eight. However, the destruction in Myanmar is far more severe. Already ravaged by civil conflict, Myanmar now faces additional hardship due to the earthquake. The capital, Naypyidaw, is among the worst-affected areas. According to the National Center for Seismology, the first tremor struck at 11:50 AM IST, originating 12 kilometers north of Burma, Myanmar. This was followed by five more earthquakes and multiple afters...

IPL2025 : Pooran overshadows Head as LSG stuns SRH , Shardul scalps 4

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  Sunrisers Hyderabad, who had started their IPL 2025 campaign with a win, faced a major setback in their very next match. Lucknow Super Giants handed them a crushing defeat, securing a comfortable victory on Hyderabad’s home ground. Batting first, Hyderabad posted a total of 190 runs in 20 overs, but Lucknow chased it down with ease. The heroes of Lucknow’s triumph were Shardul Thakur with the ball and Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh with the bat. Thakur picked up four wickets, while Pooran and Marsh both scored half-centuries. Shardul Thakur’s Early Strikes Rock Hyderabad Lucknow’s captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and opted to bowl first. Hyderabad, considered capable of even crossing the 300-run mark, was quickly brought back to reality by Shardul Thakur. In his second over, Thakur dismissed Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan on consecutive deliveries, giving Lucknow a dream start. However, Travis Head fought back with some breathtaking shots, smashing several sixes as Hyde...

IPL2025: QDK show helps KKR to outplay Rajasthan Royals for 1st points

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  Rajasthan Royals faced yet another defeat in the IPL, while defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders opened their account for the season. In the match played in Guwahati, Kolkata defeated Rajasthan by 8 wickets. Batting first, Rajasthan managed to score only 151 runs, which Kolkata chased down with ease. The star of Kolkata's victory was Quinton de Kock, who scored his first half-century for the team. De Kock played an unbeaten knock of 97 runs off 61 balls, narrowly missing a century. His innings were particularly special as the Guwahati pitch was not easy for batting. However, he held his ground and guided KKR to their first win of the season. De Kock's Dominance Over Rajasthan Batting on the Guwahati pitch was challenging, and KKR had a slow start during the powerplay, managing only 40 runs. The team reached 50 runs in 7.4 overs. Moeen Ali and Ajinkya Rahane (18) struggled, but de Kock remained unstoppable. He reached his half-century in 36 balls, hitting three sixes a...

IPL2025 : Shreyas Iyer leads Punjab to a tight 11 run win over Titans in a run fest

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  Punjab Kings made a winning start in IPL 2025, defeating Gujarat Titans by 11 runs. Punjab posted a massive total of 243 runs, while Gujarat Titans fell short, managing 232 runs in their chase. The foundation of Punjab's victory was laid by Shreyas Iyer’s explosive batting, but it was their bowlers who sealed the win. Even in Ahmedabad's dewy conditions, Punjab’s pacers put up an impressive performance. Arshdeep Singh took 2 wickets for 36 runs, while Glenn Maxwell and Marco Jansen picked up a wicket each. However, the real game-changer was Vijaykumar Vyshak. Though he didn’t take any wickets, his two crucial death overs turned the match in Punjab’s favor. He conceded just 28 runs in his three overs, effectively choking Gujarat’s run chase. Gujarat Titans’ Defeat: Rutherford’s Costly Dot Balls A major reason for Gujarat Titans' loss was Sherfane Rutherford. Despite scoring 46 runs off 28 balls, he played too many dot balls at crucial moments, putting pressure on the ot...

IPL2025: Ashutosh powers Delhi Capitals to snatch unlikely 1 wkt win over LSG in a thriller

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  In one of the most thrilling matches of IPL 2025 so far, Delhi Capitals pulled off a sensational one-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in the final over. The fourth match of the season, played in Visakhapatnam, witnessed a high-scoring encounter as Lucknow set a formidable target of 209 runs in their 20 overs. Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh delivered explosive performances with the bat. Delhi, however, found themselves in deep trouble early on, losing three wickets for just seven runs and then slumping to 65/5. Just when all seemed lost, Ashutosh Sharma (66*), displaying remarkable resilience, staged an incredible comeback and guided Delhi to a historic victory in the last over. Shardul and Spinners Wreak Havoc on Top Order Chasing 210, Delhi got off to a disastrous start, losing two wickets in the very first over. Shardul Thakur, who was overlooked by all teams in the mega auction, got an unexpected opportunity due to Mohsin Khan’s injury and made an immediate impact....

Sporting legends : Greame Swann - England's classical off spinner- Career HLs , video

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  Graeme Peter Swann, born on March 24, 1979, in Northampton, England, is a former professional cricketer renowned for his exceptional right-arm off-spin bowling and dynamic lower-order batting. Standing at 6 feet tall, Swann's cricketing journey saw him evolve into one of England's premier spin bowlers, playing pivotal roles in numerous Test and One Day International (ODI) victories. Style of Play Swann was celebrated for his classical off-spin technique, characterized by: Flight and Guile : He possessed the ability to deceive batsmen in the air, making his deliveries challenging to read. Sharp Turn : On responsive pitches, he could extract significant turn, troubling both right and left-handed batsmen. Aggressive Batting : Lower down the order, he was known for his aggressive stroke play, often adding valuable runs quickly. International Career and Statistics Test Cricket : Debut : December 11, 2008, against India in Chennai. Matches Played : 60 Wicket...

Sporting legends : Dean Jones - The dazzling Aussie batting superstar- Career HLs , video

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  Dean Mervyn Jones, born on March 24, 1961, in Coburg, Victoria, Australia , was an Australian cricketer known for his aggressive batting, athletic fielding, and innovative stroke play . A right-handed batsman, Jones played a crucial role in revolutionizing One Day International (ODI) cricket with his aggressive and fast-paced approach. His ability to rotate the strike, play audacious shots, and run between the wickets set new standards in limited-overs cricket. Style of Play Attacking right-handed batsman with a wide range of strokes. Pioneer of aggressive ODI batting , known for quick singles and boundary-hitting. Strong against both pace and spin , particularly in subcontinent conditions. Exceptional fitness and fielding skills , setting new benchmarks in Australian cricket. Occasional right-arm medium bowler with limited impact. Batting, Bowling & Fielding Records Test Cricket Records Matches : 52 Runs : 3,631 Batting Average : 46.55 100s/50s : 11/14 ...

UEFA Nations league : France & Spain win epic thrillers through shootout to meet up in the semis

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  France staged a remarkable comeback to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Croatia, leveling the tie and ultimately triumphing in a dramatic penalty shoot-out. Goals from Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé secured a 2-0 victory for Les Bleus on the night, forcing the match into extra time and eventually penalties, where they held their nerve to progress to the UEFA Nations League semi-finals. Didier Deschamps made five changes to the side that had suffered defeat in Split, and his reshuffled team started with intent. Manu Koné provided an early warning in just the third minute, heading over from a pinpoint Ousmane Dembélé cross. That set the tone for a dominant French display, though Croatia remained disciplined in defense, limiting clear-cut chances. Kylian Mbappé came close after a sharp turn in the box, while Aurélien Tchouaméni sent a header over from a corner as the hosts continued to press. It wasn’t until the 38th minute that Dominik Livaković was truly tested, the ...

UEFA Nations league : Portugal & Germany win to set up SF clash

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  Germany secured their first-ever place in the UEFA Nations League finals after a dramatic quarter-final battle in Dortmund, fending off an Italian comeback despite a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime. Joshua Kimmich, who had provided both assists in the first leg, was once again instrumental. After an intense start to the second leg, the German captain extended his side’s advantage from the penalty spot following a foul by Alessandro Buongiorno on towering striker Tim Kleindienst. Kleindienst, who had scored with his very first touch as a substitute in Milan, was denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma soon after, but Kimmich’s quick thinking on the resulting corner allowed Jamal Musiala to find space and finish clinically at the near post. Donnarumma produced another brilliant save, but he could do nothing to stop Kleindienst’s close-range header just before the break, making it 3-0 on the night. However, Italy refused to let their hopes of a third consecutive finals appearance fade. M...

IPL2025 : CSK outplayed MI as Noor , Rachin shines

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  Chennai Super Kings (CSK) started their IPL 2025 campaign with a resounding win against Mumbai Indians on March 23 at Chepauk by 4 wickets . Right from the first match of the season, CSK showcased their dominance, excelling in both bowling and batting to comprehensively defeat Mumbai. Winning the toss, CSK's captain opted to field first, a decision that proved highly effective as their bowlers restricted Mumbai to a modest total of 155 runs. Chennai then comfortably chased down the target with five balls to spare, opening their account on the points table in style. CSK’s chase was made effortless by captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra, whose stellar performances ensured a smooth pursuit of the 156-run target. After Tripathy departed cheaply , Gaikwad played an explosive knock of 53 runs off just 26 balls at a strike rate of 202, while Rachin remained unbeaten with a well-crafted 65 runs off 45 balls at a strike rate of 144, sealing the victory for his team. CSK did have...

Sporting legends : Mike Atherton- English batting star - Career HLs , video

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  Michael Andrew Atherton, born on March 23, 1968, in Failsworth, Lancashire, England , is a former English cricketer, renowned for his gritty batting, resilience under pressure, and astute leadership . A right-handed opening batsman , Atherton was England’s Test captain for much of the 1990s, often battling against the world's best bowling attacks with determination and patience . Style of Play Atherton was known for: Defensive, patient batting , specializing in playing long innings. Strong technique against pace and spin. Exceptional concentration and mental toughness , particularly against top bowlers. Gritty captaincy , leading England through a challenging era. While he wasn't the most aggressive batsman, his ability to grind out runs made him a crucial figure for England. Batting, Bowling & Fielding Records Test Cricket Records Matches : 115 Runs : 7,728 Batting Average : 37.69 100s/50s : 16/46 Highest Score : 185* Catches : 115 ODI Records M...

IPL2025: Head, Kishan powers SRH to convincing win over Rajasthan in 1st game

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  The Orange Army roars again !! Sunrisers Hyderabad brought out all their batting prowess to outscore Rajasthan Royals in a runfest at Hyderabad in an entertainment game of T20 cricket that saw audacious strokeplay from both  teams . Put in to bat SRH rode on the brilliance of Travis Head and Ishan Kishan to pile on 286/6 and in reply the Rajasthan Royals put up a spirited chase after losing early wickets  but fell short by 44 runs .  Losing the toss and batting first Sunrisers  started in typical rollicking  fashion with Abhishek Sharma & Travis Head attacking the opposition bowling in the powerplay . After an opening stand of 45 in just 3 overs Abhishek departed for a quickfire 24 which brought debutant Ishan Kishan to bat with Head .  Head - Kishan lauched a fierce onslaught on the Royals bowling . They added 85 in just 7 overs with breathtaking strokes. Head smashed Jofra Archer for 23 in an over while Kishan tore apart the Royals bowling with...

IPL2025 : Krunal , Salt fires RCB to convincing win over reigning champs KKR in season opener

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The IPL season 2025 starts on a breathtaking note for Royal Challengers Bangaluru as they jolt Kolkata Knight Riders by 7 wickets at the home ground of the reigning champions.  Krunal Pandya , Phil Salt  , Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar played their parts well as the Bangalore outfit start the season on a winning note .  Batting first after losing the toss , KKR was rattled early with Quinton DeKock (4) departing early to Josh Hazlewood but skipper Ajinkya Rahane came out all guns blazing and started playing breathtaking leg side pulls & hoicks to make full utilisation of the powerplay . Sunil Narine took some time to get going but soon started playing aggressively as KKR reached 100 by the 9th over . Finally Narine fell to Rasik Salam for 44 off 26 balls with 3 sixes as KKR reach 107/2 .  Rahane played dazzling shots all round the wicket before finally falling to Krunal Pandya for 56 off 31 balls hitting 6 fours and 4 sixes in a spectacular batting display . And ...