IPL: 5 things that happened in the cricketing world while you were busy with IPL

The eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) turned out to be an exciting one and kept everyone glued throughout its entire duration. The matches went right down to the wire quite and expectantly, the TRP’s soared way above expectations. The Grand Finale generated over 10 million viewers on online streaming platforms like Hotstar, which was a testament to the event’s popularity. Being a massive extravaganza, the event was bound to hog the limelight. Meanwhile, the other happenings in the cricketing world took a backseat at least in India and got overshadowed by the hullaballoo of the T20 League. In our article, we take a look at those cricketing occurring, which might not be as glamorous as that of the IPL, but deserved to bag the headlines. #1 Ireland’s Test debut Ireland. (Photo By Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images) Ireland forayed into Test cricket and played their maiden contest versus Pakistan in Dublin earlier this month. They were a tad erratic that is understandable, bearing in mind their lack of experience. During Pakistan’s run-chase in the fourth innings, the debutants got the visitors on the mat by churning some early wickets. However, they couldn’t stop Sarfraz Ahmed’s men from romping home by five wickets. Albeit the newbies couldn’t roll over Pakistan, they created some records worth cherishing forever. Kevin O’Brien became Ireland’s first Test centurion when he scored 118 runs from 217 balls with 12 boundaries. The Irish found themselves in dire straits in their second innings having lost four wickets in quick succession. He, not only, bailed them out but also helped Ireland post a tricky target for the opponents. #2 Ed Joyce’s retirement Ed Joyce talks to the media at a press conference. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) Ed Joyce was one of the very few players in the Irish lineup who had played international cricket for England. He was a stalwart in the Irish lineup as well. The 39-year old cricketer also was a part of Ireland’s first ever Test match against Pakistan. The veteran decided to hang his boots from all forms of cricket a week ago and mentioned the historic contest as the most appropriate manner to end his career. Joyce had a bittersweet experience in his first and farewell Test for his country. He was dismissed cheaply by Mohammad Abbas in the first innings. Nevertheless, he scored 43 runs in 127 balls and helped Ireland build a platform for a comeback. His knock ended with an unfortunate run-out when Faheem Ashraf threw down the stumps from mid-on. #3 Pakistan’s triumph over England Imam-ul-Haq and Haris Sohail of Pakistan celebrate. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Following their struggle against Ireland, Pakistan was expected to strain versus England as well. However, the visiting team didn’t allow the situation to unnerve them. Rather they stood to the task and comprehensively brushed the hosts aside by nine wickets at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Stadium. Sarfraz’s boys shot England out for 184 in the first innings and didn’t look back ever since. Half-centuries from Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam and Shadab Khan ensured that the visitors pile on a massive lead. In the second innings, they got England in a rabbit hole, but Jos Buttler and Dominic Bess’ knock resilience ensured that the visitors had a modest target of 64 to trace down, which they eventually did. The second Test starts the day after tomorrow at the Headingley in Leeds. #4 Women’s exhibition match Danielle Wyatt plays a shot. (Photo Source: Twitter) The women’s match between the Trailblazers and Supernovas was first of its kind. The match was staged at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai prior to the Qualifier 1 of the men’s IPL later that night at the same venue. The stands, during the match, wasn’t packed, however, there wasn’t any shortage of excitement as the encounter turned out to be a roller-coaster ride for both teams. The Supernovas, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, won the toss and elected to field first. The Trailblazers, led by Smriti Mandhana, could only manage 129 runs but came back with a spirited show with the ball. They churned out late wickets during Kaur’s women’s run-chase and kept themselves in contention, but couldn’t evade defeat. Suzie Bates was crowned as the Player of the Match. #5 Steve Smith’s return to cricket Steve Smith of Australia bats. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images) Earlier in March, Steve Smith got himself tangled into the shambolic act of ball-tampering, which he later admitted to the media. Subsequently, Cricket Australia (CA) handed him a ban of a year. The issue was lamented by the entire cricketing fraternity as well as Malcolm Turnbull, the Australian Prime Minister. Smith also lost his contract for the Rajasthan Royals in this year’s IPL. Nevertheless, he will participate in the inaugural edition of the Global T20 Canada League. The tournament is expected to be a much-needed breather for Smith for the tumultuous times he has pained through in the last couple of months. He will enter the event as a marquee player along with the likes of Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Chris Gayle, Shahid Afridi and Chris Lynn.

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IPL: 5 things that happened in the cricketing world while you were busy with IPL

These news weren't as glamorous as that of the IPL, but deserved to bag the headlines.

#5 Steve Smith’s return to cricket

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