Daily Sports News

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Team India make it two-in-two, beat 2023 runners-up South Africa in warm-up clash

Indian women cricket team continued their winning build-up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, posting their second successive win in warm-up matches – this time over Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 finalists South Africa. The Indians survived a five-wicket haul from SA’s Ayabonga Khaka to post a comprehensive 28-run win in the warm-up clash in Dubai on Tuesday.

Khaka picked up a five-fer as South Africa restricted India to 144/7 from their 20 overs. The seam bowler dismissed Shafali Verma for a duck, also removing the dangerous Harmanpreet Kaur (10) and Richa Ghosh, who top-scored with 36 from 25 balls.

#TeamIndia register a 28-run win in their second warmup fixture!

A solid bowling display as they successfully defend 144 against South Africa

: ICC

Scorcard – https://t.co/2bxYYzLGH1 #T20WorldCup | #WomenInBlue pic.twitter.com/Bq9R2kCDeI

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 1, 2024

Ghosh was one of three wickets to fall in the final over as Khaka denied India the chance to capitalise in the death overs, with only Deepti Sharma only able to hang on, making 35 not out. However, South Africa were cautious in their reply, reaching the halfway stage having made just 56, with Laura Wolvaardt departing the 11th over for 29.

Deepti Sharma conceded just two runs from her two overs before Chloe Tryon and Annerie Dercksen provided some late hope with 24 and 21 not out respectively but could not stop India from winning by 28 runs.

Earlier, fine middle-order batting by Jemimah Rodrigues (30), Richa Ghosh (36) and Deepti Sharma (35 not out) and all-round good bowling helped India Women beat South Africa Women.

Asked to bat first after South Africa won the toss, India Women lost explosive opener Shafali Verma for zero and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur for 10 as they slumped to 18/2 in the fourth over. But Smriti Mandhana (21) and Jemimah took the score to 58 before the former was caught by Nadine de Klerk off Nonkululeko Mlaba.

Jemimah, who scored 30 off 26 balls, too departed as India slumped to 67/3 before Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh raised 70 runs for the fifth wicket. Richa struck 36 off 25 balls, studded with two fours and two sixes. Deepti hammered 35 not out off 29 balls, hitting two fours, as India posted a decent total.

Champions Australia fight back to win over West Indies

Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner were required to rescue Australia in a 35-run win over the West Indies. Having been put into bat, four of Australia’s top six scored single figures, but Gardner built steadily amongst the chaos as she and Sutherland added 56 for the sixth wicket with Sutherland departing for 38.

Gardner (31) was the final wicket of the innings to fall, with Alana King crunching 21 off 13 to end the innings and help Australia to 144 for eight. In response, Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph made 68 for the first wicket before Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle added 24 for the second.

From there, the wheels fell off the chase for the West Indies, with wickets coming in pairs in four of the final five overs, beginning with Campbelle (9) and Deandra Dottin (0) being dismissed from back-to-back Sutherland deliveries.

Matthews did what she could to resist, making 42 before she fell to leave Windies at 104 for 8. Only five runs were added before the win was wrapped up for Australia thanks to King, who ended with four for 30.

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This top cricketer lost two fingers at birth, even Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev were afraid of him

There were very few bowlers in the 1970s and 1980s who could trouble the likes of legendary Indian cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev. That this bowlers was missing two fingers since his birth makes him even more special.

We are talking about little-known Pakistan fast bowler Azeem Hafeez, who had replaced injured Imran Khan in the national team and carried a massive workload in Test series in India and Australia – two of the toughest places for any bowler. Born in Jhelum area of Punjab in Pakistan, Hafeez played in 18 Tests in an 18-month period in the 1980s and claimed 63 wickets at an average of 34.98 with four five-wicket hauls.

His best of 6/46 came on a lifeless Lahore pitch against India in a Test match, this despite being born with two fingers missing in his right hand since birth. He made his debut was against India in 1983-84 and on the subsequent tour of Australia, he bowled marathon spells, taking 19 wickets with five-wicket hauls at Adelaide and Perth. He then took 22 wickets in the six consecutive Tests against the Kiwis.

Hafeez started playing cricket in the bylanes of Pakistan in 1977-78 and stayed in the same ‘mohalla’ as legendary Pakistan cricketers Hanif Mohammad and his brothers Mushtaq Mohammad and Sadiq Mohammad. He was thrust into Test cricket against India in 1983-84 series in spite of his limited first-class experience.

He bowled a whopping 116 overs in three Tests against India at Bangalore, Jalandhar and Nagpur to pick up 10 wickets. The wicket which made him a household name was that of legendary Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar – bowled around his legs for 5 in the Jalandhar Test.

Happy Birthday to former Test cricketer Azeem Hafeez. The left-arm fast bowler played 18 Tests & 15 ODIs, taking a total of 7⃣8⃣ international wickets. pic.twitter.com/7Fo7YmlwCK

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 29, 2018

But his maiden Test wicket was former India captain and legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev, who had only recently led India to a win in the 1983 ODI World Cup. “My success on docile wickets was acknowledged by Indian Cricket magazine choosing me as Cricketer of the Year 1984. I also recall kite-flying during the rest day of Jalandhar Test and given a pair of batting gloves, tailor-made by a Sardarjee for my needs,” Hafeez was quoted as saying.

But being a left-arm pacer, Hafeez was unfortunate to be playing in the same era as Wasim Akram. As the legendary Pakistan all-rounder followed Hafeez into Test cricket soon after curtailed his Test career.

“I was aware of meteoric rise of Wasim (Akram) and return to full fitness of Imran (Khan), during the World Championship in Australia. In what was till that time the biggest limited-overs game played by Pakistan, we were beaten by India by eight-wicket margin in the final at Melbourne. We were all naturally disappointed and headed back home, eager to settle the score with our arch enemy.

“Little did I know this would turn out to be my last outing for Pakistan. Six months down the line Miandad would step down to make way for Imran to return to the helm. I was disappointed when the new captain, despite apparently in ‘favour’ of my inclusion, looked elsewhere. Even though invited for training camps and verbal assurances, I never returned to the national side. You may call it destiny,” Hafeez had said.

Ravi Ashwin names ‘two pillars’ for India in upcoming overseas tour, responds to Ben Duckett’s Bazball remark on Yashasvi Jaiswal

Kanpur: India’s ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal will emerge as the future pillars in the overseas tours next month. After taking a 1-0 lead, India fended off rain and a wet outfield to sweep the Test series against Bangladesh in Kanpur despite losing more than two days of play.

Throughout the series, it was youngsters who were willing to fight side by side with the mainstays who laid the foundation of India’s series victory.

Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal continue to mark themselves as players to fill the shoes when stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have their last dance in India colours.

Ashwin acknowledged the budding talents that have risen through the ranks to build a name for themselves. He feels that the duo will be the pillars for India in the highly anticipated BGT series that could arguably decide the fate of the World Test Championship final.

For the seasoned spinner, the overseas tour could be a journey for the youngsters, where new experiences will come their way, allowing them to enhance and enrich it.

“Jaiswal is a special talent. plays free willingly. Gill and Jaiswal will be the future pillars of the overseas tours, which we will encounter shortly, and will also enhance and enrich their experiences going forward in their test journey. They need to encounter newer experiences and be able to identify themselves where they need to work; both are high-quality players,” Ashwin said in the post-match press conference.

During the two-match Test series, one aspect that blew away everyone was the way India approached Day 4 in Kanpur.
England gave birth to ‘Bazball’, the modern way of playing Test cricket. But India gave its own touch to it, making the concept feel familiar but completely distant from it as well.

Ben Duckett made a controversial statement that the credit for Jaiswal’s success during the Test series should go to England batters as well.

Ashwin doesn’t feel that Jaiswal’s approach to his game is instigated by ‘Bazball’. The 38-year-old sees the young southpaw as a next-generation player who wants to perform with a touch of aggression in red-ball cricket.

“I know Ben Duckett a little bit. I think he meant it in a funny manner. Those who have seen Jaiswal bat would know that it was never instigated by Bazball, and he was never coached by Brendon earlier, it’s just the way he plays. It’s probably the next generation of players, and they will be like that, and it is us that we have to adapt to their style and provide the best environment to be nurtured and prosper,” Ashwin added.

In Kanpur, when Bangladesh were bowled out on 233, India’s willingness to stick to an aggressive approach even at the risk of folding on a low score was evident in the way the players carried themselves.

The rollicking shots, classic drives, and variations of sweeps were all on display, as India declared after posting 285/9 in just 34.4 overs.

Rohit selflessly played his part by setting the momentum for India with his sheer attacking nature. But Jaiswal, on the other hand, was aggressive yet in a controlled manner.

He scored 50 in both innings and ended the series as the leading run-scorer with 189 runs to his name at an average of 47.25.
Jaiswal’s compatriot, Gill, who raised his bat for a century in the Chennai Test, ended the series as the second-highest run-getter with a tally of 164.

Monday, September 30, 2024

IND vs BAN, 2nd Test Day 5 LIVE Score & Updates: Ashwin strikes early, Shadman key for Bangladesh

IND vs BAN, 2nd Test Day 5 Live Score And Updates

India would be looking to pack Bangladeshi bags as early as possible on Day 5 of the ongoing second Test at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur on Tuesday. After two days were washed off due to rain, Bangladesh managed 233 runs in the first innings. In reply, India declared at 285/9, thus taking a 52-run lead. Bangladesh were 26/2 in the second innings at the stumps on Day 4.

IND vs BAN: Yashasvi Jaiswal surpasses fellow Mumbai captain for this WTC record in Kanpur Test

New Delhi: In red-hot form in Test cricket this year, India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal broke Ajinkya Rahane’s record for most runs in a single edition of the World Test Championship. Jaiswal went past his Mumbai captain during his knock of 51-ball 72 against Bangladesh in the second innings of the ongoing second Test at Green Park in Kanpur.

Having made his Test debut in West Indies, Jaiswal has so far scored 1166 runs against his name in 19 innings, including two double centuries. Rahane, who last played a Test match for India in 2023, had amassed 1159 runs in 18 matches in the 2019-21 WTC cycle.

Current India captain Rohit Sharma is the only other batter to have managed 1000-plus runs in a single edition of a WTC Cycle. In the 2019-21 WTC cycle, Rohit had scored 1094 runs in 12 matches. Former England captain Joe Root holds the record for most runs in a single edition WTC with 1915 runs in 22 matches. He got the runs in the 2021–23 WTC cycle.

As far as Jaiswal is concerned, the southpaw broke former India opener Virender Sehwag’s feat of fastest fifty by an Indian in the longest format. Jaiswal reached his fifty in 31 balls, eclipsing Sehwag, who reached the milestone in 32 balls against South Africa in Chennai (2008). Jaiswal’s teammate Rishabh Pant holds the record for fastest fifty by an Indian when he scored a 28-ball half-century against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took two quick wickets to reduce Bangladesh to 26/2 in their second innings as India grabbed complete command of the rain-hit second Test at close on the fourth day on Monday. Bangladesh still trail by 26 runs. Ashwin did the damage with a two-wicket haul (2/14). Earlier, aggressive fifties by Jaiswal and KL Rahul placed India in a commanding position.

Jaiswal (71 off 52 balls) and Rahul (68 off 43 balls) helped India declare their first innings at 285 for nine for a lead of 52 runs. Virat Kohli made a fluent 47 off 35 balls. For Bangladesh, veteran left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan picked four wickets (4/78) along with off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz (4/41) to check the free-flowing Indian batters as they scored runs in excess of eight an over. Earlier, Bangladesh were bundled out for 233 in their first innings.

Meet 13-year-old Bihar cricketer, who broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record, now nearing another milestone in India colours

New Delhi: Vaibhav Suryavanshi had already been a star when he broke Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh’s record of youngest-ever debutant in the Ranji Trophy. He was 12 years old then. On Monday, the Bihar cricketer etched his name in the history books again by becoming the youngest half-centurion in the U-19 stage at 13 years and 187 days when the left-hander hit an unbeaten 81 off just 47 balls against a touring Australia A side in the ongoing first Youth Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Having decimated Australia 3-0 in the youth ODI series last month, the Indians were the clear favourites going into the unofficial Test match. Batting first, Australia U-19 were six wickets down at 152 before a 98-run stand for the seventh wicket between Christian Howe (48) and Aidan O Connor (61) pulled the visitors up.

For India, Samarth Nagraj and Mohammed Ennan took three wickets each while Aditya Rawat two wickets. In reply, India were 103 without loss in 14 overs, thanks to a whirlwind half-century by Suryavanshi. Vihaan Malhotra is accompanying Suryavanshi with an unbeaten 21 at the other end.

If Suryavanshi manages to score 19 runs more on the second day on Tuesday, he will become the youngest ever to score a century for India U-19 side. But this is not the first time he is playing for an age-group Indian team. Last year, Suryavanshi was a part of the India B U-19 side who were a part of the Quadrangular Under-19 Series held at home.

Suryavanshi scored 177 runs in six matches in the Quadrangular Under-19 Series including two fifty-plus scores (one each against Bangladesh U-19 and England U-19). Post that outing, he made his debut for Bihar in the Ranji Trophy. While he scored 19 and 12 on his debut against Mumbai, Suryavanshi couldn’t open his account in both innings against Chhattisgarh.

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Nita Ambani poses with Manu Bhaker, Neeraj Chopra and Paralympics medallists at Antilia as Reliance Foundation celebrates ‘United in Triumph’ event, watch viral video

Reliance Foundation chairperson and International Olympics Committee (IOC) member Nita Ambani hosted India’s Olympics and Paralympics contestants in a glittering event called ‘United in Triumph’ at Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani’s residence Antilia in Mumbai on Sunday night. Nita Ambani posed for a special photo with Paris Olympics 2024 medallists Manu Bhaker and Neeraj Chopra as well as Paris Paralympics 2024 medallists Navdeep Singh and Mona Agarwal.

The picture as well as the video of Nita Ambani’s interaction with the Olympians as well the Paralympians soon went viral on social media.

WATCH Nita Ambani host Indian Olympics and Paralympics contestants at Antilia in Mumbai HERE…

Mrs Nita M Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, welcomed the athletes to United in Triumph: an unprecedented evening that united India’s Olympians and Paralympians and rejoiced and cherished their success. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Ambani said, “Today is a… pic.twitter.com/7wxsO9TE0c

— Reliance Industries Limited (@RIL_Updates) September 30, 2024

Together as one, celebrating unity

India’s star Paralympians & Olympians arrive at Reliance Foundation’s United In Triumph awards to celebrate spirit of Olympism together #RFsports #UnitedinTriumph #Paris2024 #Paralympics2024 pic.twitter.com/7xVfxJ7lhV

— RF Youth Sports (@RFYouthSports) September 29, 2024

The evening honoured the unifying spirit of sports by bringing together 140 Olympians and Paralympians for the first time under one roof, celebrating their success and remarkable journeys with a focus on unity and inclusivity. Athletes from across disciplines were honoured for their hard work, determination, and contributions to India’s growing stature in the global sporting arena.

India’s Olympic and Paralympic champions, including Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, Murlikant Petkar (India’s first-ever Paralympic Gold medallist), and Devendra Jhajharia (the first Indian to win two Paralympic Golds and President of the Paralympic Committee of India), along with Sumit Antil, Nitesh Kumar, Harvinder Singh, Dharambir Nain, Navdeep Singh, and Praveen Kumar, joined hands with sporting legends like Deepa Malik, Sania Mirza, Karnam Malleswari, Pullela Gopichand, and Harbhajan Singh.

Former India stalwart goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, along with his family, arrived at Antillia for the event. Para-shuttlers Suhas Yathiraj and Nitesh Kumar, who clinched medals at the Paris Paralympics, also graced the event.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Nita Ambani said that the entire India is proud of our athletes and wishes that ‘United We Triumph’ can become a movement. “It’s a very special evening. For the first time, India’s Paris Olympians and Para-Olympians are gathering on the same platform. We are so proud of them, all Indians are proud of every one of them. Today, we are going to honour them and show them the love and respect that we have for them. On behalf of the Reliance Foundation, we wish that ‘United We Triumph’ can become a movement,” Nita Ambani said during the event.

Along with India’s star athletes, Bollywood actors Kartik Aryan and Ranveer Singh graced the event with their presence. United in Triumph, the brainchild of Nita M Ambani, marks a historic milestone in Indian sports by bringing together Olympians and Paralympians on a single platform for the first time. Under her visionary leadership, Reliance Foundation is striving to transform India’s Olympic future.

This initiative, along with the India House at the Paris Olympics 2024 last month, exemplifies the commitment to making India Olympic-ready, empowering athletes to achieve greater success and solidifying India’s position as a rising force in international sports.

(with ANI inputs)