IPL, World Cup final and more: 6 cricket matches to watch this weekend

There is plenty of cricket action to look forward to, this weekend. Those who are in Mumbai and Pune can head to the stadiums to catch three exciting games that are lined up in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2022). You can also watch them on TV/online.

Here is a quick guide to the weekend (April 2, 3) for all cricket lovers in India.

Besides the excitement of IPL, there is the big final in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022. It is happening in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Also read: IPL schedule, squads

In IPL 2022, six teams will be in action over the weekend. There is a double-header on Saturday followed by one contest the next day.

Five-time champion Mumbai Indians faces IPL 2008 winner Rajasthan Royals on Saturday at DY Patil Stadium while later in the day, debutant Gujarat Titans meets Delhi Capitals at Pune’s MCA Stadium.

Also read: Who is Odean Smith?

On Sunday, four-time champion Chennai Super Kings will be up against Punjab Kings at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai.

Mumbai started its campaign on a losing note against Delhi Capitals and will be keen to bounce back while Rajasthan registered an easy win against Sunrisers Hyderabad in its openers. Gujarat too made its IPL debut with a victory against fellow debutant Lucknow Super Giants.

Also read: What went wrong for India at ICC Women’s World Cup

Chennai, under new captain Ravindra Jadeja, has lost two successive games, against Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow while Punjab got the better of Royal Challengers Bangalore in its first game.

🇦🇺 Australia 🆚 England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

The #CWC22 final promises to be a cracking contest 🎆 pic.twitter.com/ngPoUXQdNX

— ICC (@ICC) March 31, 2022

On Sunday, old foes Australia and England battle it out for the Women’s World Cup trophy. Australia has been unbeaten in its journey to the final and is favourite to bag the trophy. Indian women failed to progress to the semi-finals, finishing fifth in the league table.

Also read: This pacer clocks 150 kmph; Ravi Shastri says he can play for India

Also this weekend, on April 2, Lahore, Pakistan and Australia will be involved in the third ODI.

April 2 is also the 11th anniversary of MS Dhoni-led India’s World Cup victory. Players and fans will remember this special occasion on social media with photos and videos.

Apart from the limited-overs fixtures, there is also a Test match going on between South Africa and Bangladesh in Durban. The game began on Thursday.

Major cricket fixtures this weekend

Saturday, 2 April

• IPL 2022: Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals (3:30 PM); DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai. Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals (7:30 PM) MCA Stadium, Pune
• 3rd ODI: Pakistan vs Australia (3:30 PM), Lahore
• 1st Test (Day 3): South Africa vs Bangladesh (1:30 PM), Durban

Sunday, 3 April

• IPL: Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings (7:30 pm); Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
• ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 final: Australia vs England (6:30 am); Hagley Oval, Christchurch
• 1st Test (Day 4): SA vs Bangladesh (1:30 pm)

Note: All times IST