Pictures of the week: From Lyca Kovai Kings winning their second TNPL title to Bangladesh clinching first T20I series against Afghanistan

Cricket fans were taken aback by exceptional performances on the field as the international action came thick and fast in the second week of July. Lyca Kovai Kings clinched their second title in the Tamil Nadu Premier League after a comfortable 104-run win against Nellai Royal Kings. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Knight Riders' Lockie Ferguson dismissed Texas Super Kings skipper Faf du Plessis for a golden duck in the curtain raiser of the 2023 Major League Cricket. Meanwhile, India A skipper scored his maiden List-A ton against United Arab Emirates- A and South Zone clinched the prestigious Duleep Trophy, outplaying West Zone.

Here are the best pictures to roundoff an entertaining week in cricket:

LKK overcome NRK in TNPL 2023 final

Jhatavedh Subramanyan starred as Lyca Kovai Kings (LKK) outplayed Nellai Royal Kings (NRK) by 104 runs in the 2023 Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). Subramanyan finished with interesting figures of 4/21 in the summit clash. Meanwhile, Suresh Kumar (57), U Mukilesh (51*), and Atheeq Ur Rahman (50) struck half-centuries.

Yashasvi Jaiswal scripted history with a scintillating Century in his debut innings for India in Tests

The young Yashasvi Jaiswal broke into records galore as he scored a magnificent century on his debut on Day 2 of the first Test between India and West Indies at Windsor Park, Roseau, in Dominica. The Southpaw became the 17^th Indian batter to score a hundred on debut. Having finished Day 2 on an unbeaten 143, Jaiswal was just 57 runs short of becoming just the 14^th payer to score a double hundred on Test debut.

However, the 21-year-old fell 29 runs short of the landmark as he edged a delivery off Alzarri Joseph. Consequently, Jaiswal’s magnificent knock ended on 171 (387) studded with 16 fours along with a maximum.

Virat Kohli takes 81 deliveries to hit first boundary, and celebrates in fun manner

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli took 81 deliveries to hit his first boundary in the first Test against the West Indies. As the ball crossed the ropes, Kohli was seen pumped up and celebrated the shot in a rather fun manner. Furthermore, he scored 76 off 182 deliveries, including five boundaries.

Lockie Ferguson dismisses Faf du Plessis for Golden Duck in curtain raiser of MLC 2023

Los Angeles Knight Riders' pacer Lockie Ferguson dismissed Texas Super Kings' skipper Faf du Plessis for a golden duck in the opening match of the inaugural Major League Cricket. Ferguson also dismissed another South African batter David Miller during the match. However, TSK made a stunning start in the 2023 MLC, outplaying Knight Riders by 69 runs. 

MS Dhoni’s jersey spotted in Suresh Raina’s restaurant, pictures go viral

Former India cricketer MS Dhoni's unbreakable connection with Suresh Raina is well known. Both former Indian players have a strong bond and have played together for many years, whether for the Indian team or the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Dhoni has had a significant impact on Raina's career, and his CSK jersey was recently seen framed for display in Raina's new restaurant in Amsterdam.

Skipper Yash Dhull scores maiden List-A century 

The Emerging India-A skipper, Yash Dhull, led from the front as he starred with the bat for his side in the opening game of the ACC men’s Emerging Team Asia Cup 2023. He went on to score his maiden List-A century which guided the side to successfully chase down the target of 176 runs against the United Arab Emirates (UAE-A). Notably, India-A outplayed UAE-A by eight wickets.

Bangladesh women beat India women by four wickets in the third T20I

After losing the first two T20Is, Bangladesh women picked up a consolation win against India women and registered a four-wicket win to finish the T20I series 2-1. Marufa Akter was instrumental for Bangladesh, claiming a four-wicket haul. Rabeya Khatun also played a crucial role, picking up three wickets.

South Zone wins Duleep Trophy 2023 title

Hanuma Vihari-led South Zone defeated West Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2023 final at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on July 12. Vidhwath Kaverappa emerged Player of the Match, for his 7/53 and 1/51 in both the innings. Notably, he was named the Player of the Tournament for his brilliant bowling spells. 

Bangladesh wins first T20I series win over Afghanistan

Shakib Al Hasan-led Bangladesh outplayed Afghanistan by six wickets in the second T20I on July 16 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium to win the two-match series 2-0. Notably, it was their first T20I series win over the neighbouring country.