Markable

They have already met three times this season, but there remains a sense that Kings XI Punjab versus Kolkata Knight Riders hasn't really happened yet. The tournament hasn't yet witnessed a genuinely explosive meeting between its two best sides. Sunday's final might just prove to be that match.

None of the three previous meetings had a comparable context. Seven seasons into the IPL, Kings XI Punjab have finally put together a truly formidable side and have reached their first final. Kolkata Knight Riders, after a lukewarm start, have pulled off eight successive wins to reach their second final. It's a massive day for both sides. There's no way, you'd think, that this match will have the low-key feel of their previous meetings.

Knight Riders hadn't really kicked into gear or even figured out their best combination when they lost a low-scoring game in Abu Dhabi. Kings XI weren't really themselves either in Cuttack or even during the first Qualifier in Kolkata, particularly when they were chasing with one eye on the Duckworth-Lewis equation.

Those three meetings, however, established one thing: Knight Riders were consistently keeping Kings XI's batsmen in check. Knight Riders didn't let Kings XI score 150 even once, and were the only side to successfully defend a total against them.

How long can that continue, though? After his 122 in Friday's Qualifier against Chennai Super Kings, Virender Sehwag joined Glenn Maxwell and David Miller on the list of Kings XI batsmen with more than 400 runs for the season. Between them, these three have only scored one half-century in three games against Knight Riders; in their last meeting on Wednesday, none of them got into double figures. Something, surely, has to give.

Something, you feel, must give, considering the venue for the final. Batsmen love the true bounce and the tiny boundaries at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, and Kings XI, despite not being at their very best, made 198 the last time they batted here. That 198 was one of seven 190-plus totals, including four in excess of 200, for Kings XI this season.

Knight Riders, on the other hand, have only one 170-plus total this season. It is a stat that would normally show a batting side in poor light, but in this case it's a reflection of how good their bowling has been, since Knight Riders have chased 10 times in 15 matches and they haven't had to chase too many massive targets.

Given their opposition, however, there is always a chance they will be called upon to do so, or called upon to post a mammoth first-innings total on a flat pitch. How will they respond to such a call? How will the rest of their batting cope if Robin Uthappa - who has made ten successive 40-plus scores at the top of the order - doesn't give them the start he usually provides?

Kings XI Punjab: WLWWL (completed games, most recent first)
Kolkata Knight Riders: WWWWW

Akshar Patel had a fantastic Ranji Trophy season for Gujarat, with bat and ball, but no one expected he would play anything more than a bit-part role for Kings XI Punjab. As it has turned out, Akshar has been one of only four players who have featured in every single match for them, and has performed so well he is now in India's ODI squad. Akshar has easily been Kings XI's best bowler - with 17 wickets and an economy rate of 6.19 - and, when called upon, a composed presence in the lower middle order. He bowled brilliantly in the first Qualifier against Knight Riders - taking two wickets and giving away just 11 runs in his four overs - and a strong finish to the season could put him among the frontrunners for the Emerging Player award.

Sunil Narine has given up a chance to be part of West Indies' squad for their Test series against New Zealand just to play this one match, and get through four overs of bowling. Those four overs, though, always make a huge difference to Knight Riders' fortunes. Against Kings XI, however, he's not been as much of a force this season, apart from their first meeting in Abu Dhabi, where he had figures of 3 for 24. In his other two matches against Kings XI this season, he had combined figures of 8-0-60-1. Having made a difficult decision to play the final, Narine will hope he can make a big impact.

The lineup of Apple products hasn't changed all that much from when Steve Jobs stepped down as CEO nearly three years ago. Sure, there's a plastic iPhone model, a tinier tablet and a new desktop that looks like a little black garbage can, but for the most part, Apple remains a smartphone company that also sells tablets, computers and downloadable content.

Every few months, CEO Tim Cook gives Apple fanboys just enough rope to keep their hopes tethered to the brand. He said this time last year that there would be "really great stuff coming in the fall, and across all of 2014." Yet, the company hasn't released anything of note in the first half of this year. He said in February that "there will be new categories" of products, but there's no telling when.

In recent weeks, however, there have been quite a few developments to justify dusting off your excitement about the tech giant. Near the top of the list, of course, is the much-rumored and recently confirmed deal to buy Beats for $3 billion.

The reason to be excited about Apple buying Beats is not because it makes the best headphones (I'm not a fan of them myself). Rather, it represents a continued commitment to music, which has long been Apple's heart and soul, and an acknowledgement that listening habits are shifting from downloads to streaming and Apple needs to do more than just catch up.

More than that, though, 

the reason to be excited about the Beats deal is that it hints at some notable changes to the way Apple does business.

the reason to be excited about the Beats deal is that it hints at some notable changes to the way Apple does business.

Apple has traditionally kept its acquisitions to a minimum. Those companies it has acquired tend to be smaller and have less recognizable brands of their own. The decision to make a multi-billion dollar deal to buy Beats, a high-profile consumer brand, sets a precedent for Apple to put more of its $150 billion cash pile towards noteworthy acquisitions — something analysts have pushed for in recent years.

The Beats deal also highlights Apple's focus on bringing in fresh talent and fresh thinking. Apple will bring on Beats cofounder Jimmy Iovine as an employee as part of the deal. Indeed, much of Cook's memo to Apple employees about the deal is focused on Iovine, a renowned record producer and head of Interscope. He could prove to be an invaluable resource as Apple develops new entertainment services and negotiates content deals.

As Dan Lyons, perhaps best known for his Fake Steve Jobs blog, wrote of the rumored deal in Billboard earlier this month, "Apple is undergoing a corporate blood transfusion, one that will radically change the nature of the company."

There were some signs of that radical change even before the Beats deal was confirmed.

Angela Ahrendts, the prominent CEO of Burberry, took over as head of Apple retail at the beginning of this month, filling a role that had been in flux for much of the post-Steve Jobs era. Her appointment to that position has already served as a morale boost within the company and she is reportedly working to unify the online and offline store experience push for improvements in mobile payments.

Around the same time, Reuters reported that Apple has been on a biomedical technology hiring spree, a new area of focus for the company and one that signals the possible development of medical sensors and wearable technology.

Walt Mossberg, a longtime tech columnist and confidante of Jobs, recently argued that he believes Apple is poised for a reinvention.

"Apple is going through a reset. There’s just no way around it," Mossberg said. "It’s not necessarily a bad thing. But it was forced on them by somebody dying who was an extraordinary figure, so they’re going through a reset."

AAPL data by YCharts

For the average consumer, new hires are not nearly as exciting as new products, but rumors about new products are getting more interesting, too.

Recent reports suggest that Apple is developing a smart home platform to enter the Internet of Things space and an iOS application called Healthbook to help users track their heart rate, blood pressure and more. It's also reportedly working on a stylish and advanced smartwatch that may one day even have the ability to predict heart attacks.

Add to this all the expectations for changes coming to streaming music, mobile payments and Apple retail more broadly. Then throw in rumors of a larger iPhone and other updates to Apple's existing line of products in the fall.

Suddenly, it feels like Apple's product pipeline is overflowing.

Suddenly, it feels like Apple's product pipeline is overflowing.

“We’ve got the best product pipeline that I’ve seen in my 25 years at Apple,” Eddy Cue, Apple's SVP of Internet software and services, said at the Code Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, shortly after the Beats news came out on Wednesday.

This has already helped renew some investor enthusiasm. Apple stock topped $600 a share earlier this month for the first time since late 2012 and some analysts expect it to make a run to $700, approaching its all-time high of $705 on the day the iPhone 5 was released.

"Apple has stated that it will introduce a new product 'category' (its first since the iPad in 2010) that is also likely to create incremental investor excitement over the next few months," Toni Sacconaghi, an analyst with Bernstein Research, wrote in an investor note this week, raising his price target to $700 from $615. "We believe an iWatch is the most likely new product category with availability in CQ4. While an iWatch may not have a significant impact on EPS3, a strong product offering and smooth rollout could generate incremental enthusiasm about Apple’s ability to innovate under CEO Tim Cook."

Can new hires like Ahrendts and Iovine fill the void left by Jobs? Some of it, perhaps. Will new products like the iWatch achieve the iPhone's level of success? Most analysts doubt it, but that doesn't mean it won't be a significant and fascinating business in its own right. Apple could have a string of successes or a string of flops and duds. Either way, it looks like customers have plenty of new things to watch for.

The next era of Apple finally appears to be taking shape.

The New York Times hasn't had the best PR run lately, what with the fiasco surrounding the firing of executive editor Jill Abramson, the leak of its internal innovation report and the loss of some of its top digital talent.

But that doesn't mean we can't have some fun with them. Politico's Playbook spotted a typo on its front page on Thursday. (On the day of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, no less!

 

 

Don't see it? OK, we'll make it a little easier.

Image: New York Times

Still no? Fine, here it is. Second headline. These things happen.

 

Newly elected Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesdy said that his new government would actively consider the issue of signing the Teesta water sharing agreement and implementing border deal with Bangladesh, reports BSS. Modi said this when Bangladesh Parliament Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Choudhury, who is now on a visit to the Indian capital, called on the Indian prime minister at Hyderabad House here. Later, talking to journalists, the Speaker said the meeting with the Indian premier was held in a cordial atmosphere when different issues of bilateral interest were discussed. "We have discussed different issues including expansion of trade and business and further strengthening of cooperation in economic development, power and energy sectors between the two countries," she added. The Speaker said that during the meeting she on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on her own behalf and the people of Bangladesh invited Modi to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. Modi accepted the invitation cordially and expressed willingness to visit Bangladesh, she added. She said that during the meeting she told Modi that his (Modi`s) initiative to invite the heads of government of the SAARC countries to his swearing-in ceremony as the prime minister was an "excellent" initiative and through this he (Modi) has given a message for development of the region after further strengthening the SAARC activities. When asked whether the existing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India under the new administration would continue, Dr Shirin categorically said the ties would be further cemented in the days to come as Bangladesh`s relationship with India was strengthened through the country`s War of Liberation. Responding to another question, she said the Modi government has come to power through an overwhelming victory so it would be easier for his government to take prompt decisions on different issues for the cause of its people. During the meeting, the Indian premier congratulated the Bangladesh government, headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on its huge victory in the last general elections, said Dr Shirin. Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Tarique A. Karim was with the Speaker at the meeting.

Capital Dhaka has been covered with flags. Now it becomes a city of flags. Colourful flags are being flying in most rooftops of office, residence, clubs and wherever in the city. City dwellers, mostly students, are also buying such flags and adoring their houses. Flag traders are making brisk business even in the lanes and bi-lanes of the city and its outskirts. All are busy with welcoming the world’s mega football event World Cup Football 2014. The festivity is going on 22 days ahead of the event. The capital Dhaka is gripped with world cup fever. The football playing kings Brazil, Argentina, England, Italy, French, Korea, Japan, Spain, Irelands and other giants will perform their art of football. Flags of Bangladesh are also showing a lot though Bangladesh has failed to qualify to play. More than 30 makeshift flags and jersey shoppers have been selling flags of different countries at Gulistan and its adjacent areas. Apart from Gulistan, other busiest places Sadarghat. Gabtali, Farmgate, Mirpur, Sutrapur, Bangsal and Gulshan the makeshift traders are selling the products. Sustaining severe hot spell and bad weather the selling of flags are better, told a trader near press club premises. They are selling flags between Tk 200 and 500. Shahin, a trader in Gulistan said, though profit is marginal but selling is high. He sells flags round the year in the city. Flags of Brazil and Argentina are selling most. Enamul Haque, a fan of Brazil said, I collect big flag every world cup session. In the current year the price is higher than that of previous years. I don’t care about high price

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has named Sarwar Imran as Assistant Coach of the National Team for the three-match ODI series against India in June. Imran is one of the most respected coaches in the country with three decades of coaching experience. He has previously performed the roles of the head coach, assistant coach and bowling coach of the national team, head coach of the A Team, Bangladesh Under 19 and National Academy teams and the national pace bowling coach of the BCB during different terms. The training camp of the Bangladesh preliminary squad will start at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur on Monday, a press release from BCB said on Saturday.

A phenomenal knock from Yusuf Pathan, who blasted his way to a 22-ball 72, catapulted Kolkata Knight Riders to the second-place in the point table as the hosts hammered Sunrisers Hyderabad by four wickets in their final IPL match, here on Saturday. Pathan made full use of the two lives to smash the fastest fifty in IPL history as KKR knocked off a 161-run target in 14.2 overs when they were required to overhaul it in 15.2 to make it to top-two. Pathan enthralled the packed Eden Gardens crowd with his exceptional knock which featured seven sixes and five fours. After being dropped on nought and 15, he completed his half-century in just 15 balls. The result pushed Chennai Super Kings to third place and KKR will now clash with table toppers Kings XI Punjab in the first Qualifier on May 27 at Eden Gardens. Leading run-getter Robin Uthappa (41) and Gautam Gambhir (28) set up the chase before Yusuf`s blitz. Yusuf was on his way back to dug out before he could open his account after hitting straight to midwicket fielder Anirudha, who dropped the sitter. It would have been a second wicket in the Karn Sharma`s over after the leggie dismissed Manish Pandey but the breather turned around KKR`s fortunes as they were reeling 78/4 in 9.4 overs after Uthappa (41) and Ten Doeschate were dismissed in the same over. Yusuf made his intention clear in the next over when he slammed Parvez Rasool one six and a boundary and even got a second life when Steyn dropped him at the square leg boundary, that went over the rope. The J&K spinner leaked 22 runs in that over. Steyn had to bear the brunt of dropping Yusuf as the biggest onslaught from the Baroda hitter came only against the South African speedster who conceded 26 runs in his last over with two sixes and three fours. Such was Yusuf`s fury that he made the world`s no 1 bowler look sorry with the bowling sequence of 4-6-6-4-4-2. Late flourish from skipper Darren SRH skipper Darren Sammy (29) had guided Sunrisers to a 160 for seven after being invited to bat. Shikhar Dhawan (29 from 31 balls) and Naman Ojha (26 from 23 balls) also contributed in team`s total. 

Real Madrid won the Champions League for the 10th time thanks to extra time goals from Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo as they came from behind in dramatic circumstances to beat Atletico Madrid 4-1 in Lisbon on Saturday.   Atletico seemed set for their first ever European crown as they led deep into stoppage time thanks to Diego Godin`s first-half header, but Sergio Ramos took the game into extra time with a towering header in the 93rd minute.  And for the second time this season having already scored the winner to hand Real the Copa del Rey against Barcelona last month, Bale scored the crucial goal when he headed into an empty net after Thibaut Courtois had parried Angel di Maria`s effort.  With Atletico committed to finding an equaliser, Real were able to counter-attack at will and Marcelo killed the game off when his low shot had too much power for Courtois before Ronaldo sealed his return to Lisbon with a fourth from the penalty spot. Cristiano Ronaldo "It is the most important goal I have scored," said Ramos.  "It is an incredible feeling. We kept fighting until the end for the fans. It is not my goal, but one for all Madrid fans, my family and all those that have supported us until the end. We deserved it after so many years."  Real coach Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, becomes the first man since Bob Paisley to win the competition three times.  "We have done it with a lot of suffering and difficulty, but in the end we have done it and we deserved it," said the Italian.  "I am very happy for this because we have won a trophy that for Real Madrid is very important. We have worked hard all year for this."  Atletico captain Gabi admitted that his side had been well-beaten in extra time after suffering the body blow of Ramos` equaliser.  "They managed to equalise and that is football," he told Television Espanola.  "After the extra time they were deserving winners. We have competed for a year like animals and we have gone as far as we could."  However, Atletico boss Diego Simeone said no tears should be shed given his side`s amazing success in winning La Liga and reaching the final for just the second time in their history. "This match doesn`t deserve a single tear," said the Argentine.  "When you give everything you cannot ask for more. There is another team and other players out there and that is football.  "Now we have to rest, relax and prepare ourselves to compete and bother the big teams again next season."  Atletico`s top scorer Diego Costa had been surprisingly included in Diego Simeone`s starting line-up despite suffering a hamstring injury just seven days ago as Atletico clinched the La Liga title against Barcelona.  However, the Brazilian-born striker lasted just nine minutes as he hobbled off to be replaced by Adrian Lopez.  Bale had the first clear chance of the match when the Welshman pounced on Tiago`s errant pass in midfield and scampered forward into the area but side-footed wide on his favoured left foot.  Three minutes later it was Atletico who took the lead as Juanfran headed a cleared corner back into the box and Godin took advantage of indecision by Iker Casillas to loop the ball over the Spanish captain and just over the line.  Ronaldo had a couple of half-chances to level at the start of the second-half as Courtois awkwardly tipped another free-kick from distance over before the Portuguese captain headed just wide from a corner.  As Real took more risks to find the equaliser, though, Atletico were also becoming more dangerous on the break and Adrian was unfortunate to see his goalbound effort deflected just wide by Sami Khedira.  Bale wasted another good opening as he sprinted onto Ronaldo`s pass, but chose the wrong option in trying to squeeze the ball home at the near post and dumped the ball into the side netting.  Just when Atletico thought they had the trophy won, though, Real got their reward as Ramos rose to power Luka Modric`s corner past the helpless Courtois.  Atletico`s tiredness then showed in the second period of extra time as Real had too much pace and power and finally went in front 10 minutes from the end when Di Maria burst into the area and despite his effort being saved by Courtois, Bale was on hand to head in at the back post.  Courtois also got a hand to Marcelo`s low drive eight minutes later, but the Belgian international couldn`t keep it out.  And Ronaldo got the goal he craved back in his homeland when he was clipped by Gabi moments later and got back up to slam the resulting penalty home.