Kidambi Srikanth reigned supreme in an all-Indian last-8 battle as he defeated HS Prannoy in straight sets to book a semi-final berth in the Indonesia Masters 2021 here in Bali on Friday.

Playing on Court 2, former world number one Kidambi beat the 2014 Indonesia Masters champion Prannoy by 21-7, 21-18 in a 39-minute encounter. After being completely outplayed in the first set Prannoy tried to rally back in the second but Kidambi held his nerves better to deny any chance for his fellow countryman to take the match in the decider.

Kidambi will now take on either Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand or third-seed Anders Antonsen of Denmark in the semi-final.

Earlier in the day, the two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu stormed into the semi-finals after crushing Turkey’s Neslihan Yigit 21-13, 21-10 in a 35-minute encounter.

Australia Test skipper Tim Paine has stepped down as the captain of the side ahead of the much-awaited Ashes opener.

England and Australia will lock horns in the five-match Ashes, beginning December 8 at the Gabba, Brisbane. Cricket Australia on Friday informed about Paine’s decision to leave captaincy “immediately”.

“Tim Paine has advised the Board of Cricket Australia of his decision to stand down as captain of the Australian men’s Test team, effective immediately,” Cricket Australia (CA) said in a statement.

Cricket Australia said the Board has accepted Paine’s resignation and will now accelerate the process of identifying and appointing a new Test captain.

“Tim felt it was in the best interests of his family and Australian cricket to take this decision to step down as captain,” CA Chair Richard Freudenstein said in a statement.

“The Board has accepted Tim’s resignation and will now work through a process with the National Selection Panel of identifying and appointing a new captain.

“While the Board acknowledges an investigation cleared Tim of any breach of the code of conduct regarding this matter some years ago, we respect his decision… CA does not condone this type of language or behaviour,” the statement concluded.

“Today, I announced my decision to stand down as the captain of the Australian men’s test team. It’s an incredibly difficult decision, but the right one for me, my family, and cricket,” cricket.com.au quoted Paine as saying.

“As background on my decision, nearly four years ago, I was involved in a text exchange with a then-colleague. At the time, the exchange was the subject of a thorough CA Integrity Unit investigation, throughout which I fully participated in and openly participated in,” he added.

The former Australia Test skipper “deeply regretted” the incident and said he was “enormously” grateful to his wife and family for the forgiveness.

“That investigation and a Cricket Tasmania HR investigation at the same time found that there had been no breach of the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct. Although exonerated, I deeply regretted this incident at the time, and still do today,” said Paine.

“I spoke to my wife and family at the time and am enormously grateful for their forgiveness and support. We thought this incident was behind us and that I could focus entirely on the team, as I have done for the last three or four years,” the wicket-keeper batter further said.

“However, I recently became aware that this private text exchange was going to become public. On reflection, my actions in 2017 do not meet the standard of an Australian cricket captain, or the wider community.

“I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and pain that I have caused to my wife, my family, and to the other party. I’m sorry for any damage that this does to the reputation of our sport,” he added.

England and Australia will lock horns in the five-match Ashes, beginning December 8 at the Gabba, Brisbane. Paine remains “committed” to play for Australia in the upcoming Ashes.

“And I believe that it is the right decision for me to stand down as captain, effective immediately. I do not want this to become an unwelcome disruption to the team ahead of what is a huge Ashes Series,” said Paine.

“I will remain a committed member of the Australian cricket team and look forward with anticipation to what is a huge Ashes tour,” he added.

Meanwhile, Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) on Friday expressed disappointment after Paine stepped down from captaincy. “While regrettable, this was an historical mistake that was a private matter between consenting individuals. Tim fully cooperated in an integrity investigation by Cricket Australia in 2018 in which he was exonerated,” it added.

ACA said Paine’s captaincy played a huge role in restoring pride back in the Australian team and backed the wicket-keeper batter with “unequivocal” support.

KL Rahul (65) and Rohit Sharma (55) starred with the bat as India chased down the target of 154 to defeat New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20I of the three-match series here at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi on Friday.

Chasing 154, India got off to an excellent start as openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul put on 50 runs in just 6.4 overs, claiming their fifth consecutive T20I partnership. Both the batters thrashed the Kiwi bowlers at every side, as Rahul brought up his fourth half-century during the game. However, New Zealand bowlers got a sigh of relief when Rahul was sent back by the skipper Tim Southee in the 14th over. Rohit continued the carnage and also brought up his half-century.

But, Southee strikes back again and dismissed Rohit and Surya Kumar Yadav in the 16th over.

The Kiwi skipper’s wonderful spell came a little late, as Rishabh Pant smashed two sixes in two deliveries and brought India home with 16 balls in spare. The Men in Blue has now claimed the three-match series by a 2-0 lead.

Earlier, opting to bowl, the Indian bowlers led by debutant Harshal Patel (2/25) put on a brilliant display as the hosts restricted New Zealand to just 153/6.

The trio of Harshal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Deepak Chahar kept the Kiwi batters under check as the visitors managed to score just 15 runs from the last three overs.

This came after Axar Patel and R Ashwin had put the brakes on the attacking display by the New Zealand batters.

Meanwhile, New Zealand opener Martin Guptill surpassed India’s ODI and Test skipper Virat Kohli to become the highest run-scorer in men’s T20Is.

Guptill achieved the feat during his knock of 31 in the second T20 match against India, which is being played in Ranchi. The Kiwi batter has now scored a total of 3,248 runs and is at the top of the tally, followed by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma with 3,227 and 3,086 runs respectively.

Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians took to their Twitter and wrote, “Congratulations to @martyguptill for becoming the leading run-scorer in men’s T20I.”

Speaking ahead of the game, Guptill said: “We got to knockout stage in the T20 World Cup, so that was good. The other night we were just a little short of where we wanted to be with the bat. It’s all about contributing to the team and doing whatever I can to get us to win. I contributed a bit with the bat in the T20 World Cup and took it very deep against Scotland. I just want to go out tonight and do the same things that I have been doing. There is no guarantee in T20 cricket.”

Brief Scores: New Zealand 153/6 (Glenn Phillips 34, Martin Guptill 31; Harshal Patel 2/25, Ravichandran Ashwin 1/19) vs India 155/3 (KL Rahul 65, Rohit Sharma 55; Tim Southee 3/16)

Former South African batter AB de Villiers on Friday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

De Villiers last played for South Africa in April 2018 when the Proteas locked horns with Australia at Johannesburg. “It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket. Ever since the back yard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly,” De Villiers tweeted.

De Villiers last game in the limited-overs format for South Africa came on February 16, 2018, against India. The swashbuckling batter has been playing franchise cricket and was a key member in Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and he featured 184 IPL games.

De Villiers played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is for South Africa. The former South African batter featured in 340 T20 games for different teams across the globe.

De Villiers, who on Friday announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, said that arriving at the decision took a lot of time. He also said leaving the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) family is “extremely bittersweet” and thanked Virat Kohli, teammates, coaches and support staff for all the support. “I have had a long and fruitful time playing for RCB. Eleven years have just whizzed by and leaving the boys is extremely bittersweet. Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time, but after a lot of contemplation, I’ve decided to hang up my boots and spend quality time with my family,” said De Villiers in a statement by RCB.

“I would like to thank the RCB management, my friend Virat Kohli, teammates, coaches, support staff, fans, and the entire RCB family for showing faith and supporting me all through these years. It has been a memorable journey with RCB.”

“Have so many memories on the personal front to cherish for the lifetime. RCB will always be very close to me and my family and will continue to support this amazing team. I am a RCBian forever,” he added.

The decorated South Africa batter, who began his RCB career in 2011, enjoyed 10 seasons, being a crucial part of 5 playoff runs in his time.

RCB said De Villiers has made immense contributions for the side and will go down as one of the greatest players in the team’s illustrious history.

“AB de Villiers has been among the best ambassadors of the game, and we are honoured to have him represent RCB in the IPL. His work ethics have been impeccable, which has not only rubbed off on the team, but has left a high benchmark for other youngsters to follow,” said Prathmesh Mishra, Chairman of RCB.

“AB has been a true leader, both on and off the field and we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for his tireless commitment in helping RCB establish itself as one of the premier franchises in the IPL.

“We wish AB all the best for his next innings in life. He will always be part of the RCB family,” he added.

AB de Villiers has played 156 matches for RCB and scored 4,491 runs. He is the second all-time leading run-scorer behind Kohli and holds the second and third-highest individual run total in RCB history with 133* against Mumbai Indians (in 2015) and 129* against Gujarat Lions (in 2016).

Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli on Friday termed AB de Villiers as the most “inspirational” person he has met in his life.

Kohli, his RCB teammate said the bond between the two cricketers is “beyond the game and will always be.” “To the best player of our times and the most inspirational person I’ve met, you can be very proud of what you’ve done and what you’ve given to RCB my brother. Our bond is beyond the game and will always be,” Kohli tweeted. “This hurts my heart but I know you’ve made the best decision for yourself and your family like you’ve always done. I love you,” he added.

Former South Africa skipper Faf Du Plessis congratulated De Villiers on a “special career” and termed him the “greatest player” he has ever played with. “Well done @ABdeVilliers17 on a special career. I’ve been extremely lucky to be on the same cricket field as you. The game will not be the same without you. The greatest player I have played with,” Du Plessis tweeted.

India batter Shikhar Dhawan also lauded the “wonderful athlete” and wished him luck for future endeavours.

“Your contribution to cricket has been immense @ABdeVilliers17. A true legend of this beautiful game and a wonderful athlete. Good luck for whatever the future has in store for you,” Dhawan tweeted.

Afghanistan star spinner Rashid Khan on Friday termed AB de Villiers’ retirement as a ‘relief’ to him and all the other bowlers. De Villiers, the former South African batter announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

“Definitely a kind of relief for myself and all the bowlers. Thank you soo much for the great memories and for inspiring soo many of youngsters including me. We will definitely Miss you Mr 360 @abdevilliers17,” Rashid Khan tweeted. Former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer also posted a picture of the South African legend and called him the most ‘admired’ and ‘loved’ cricketer of the modern era. “Congratulations on a phenomenal career @ABdeVilliers17. One of the most loved and admired cricketers of the modern era. Happy retirement legend. #ThankYouAB,” Wasim Jaffer tweeted.

India shuttler P.V. Sindhu stormed into the quarter-finals of the ongoing Indonesia Masters.

Sindhu outclassed Spain’s Clara Azurmendi 17-21, 21-7, 21-12 in a match that lasted for 47 minutes. The Indian shuttler went down in the first game, but she was able to rise to the occasion in the next two games, and as a result, she ended up winning the contest.

Lakshya Sen bowed out of the ongoing tournament after losing against Kento Momota 13-21, 19-21. The pair of Dhruv Kapila and N Sikki Reddy also bowed out of the Indonesia Master after losing against Supak Jomkoh and Supissara Paewsampran.

India badminton great Prakash Padukone will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award this year from the Badminton World Federation (BWF).The BWF Council shortlisted the Indian legend based on the award commission’s recommendation. Badminton Association of India (BAI) had submitted his name for this award.

The former World No. 1 and the first-ever Indian World Championships medallist, Padukone has contributed immensely to the game. In 2018, he was also honoured with the BAI’s Life Time Achievement Award.

For the Meritorious Service Award, BWF Council has nominated Devender Singh, President of Haryana Badminton Association, SA Shetty, Secretary-General of Maharashtra Badminton Association, Dr OD Sharma, Vice President of BAI and Chairperson of Tournament Committee and former BAI Vice President Manik Saha.