Tag Archives: Sports

Sports

ICC Champions Trophy: These Indian cricketers might be overlooked

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As the ICC Champions Trophy approaches in just a month, there is much speculation surrounding India’s 15-player squad. According to a report by PTI, experienced players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will continue to be key members of India’s ODI batting lineup. However, the prospects of KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja remain uncertain as they may face exclusion from the team.

The selection committee is set to convene this weekend to finalize the squad for the forthcoming tournament.

Rahul’s position in the ICC Champions Trophy is being questioned

Rahul, who served as vice-captain during the 2023 ODI World Cup and played a crucial role in the middle order, may not be selected for the upcoming tournament. His spot is under evaluation since Rishabh Pant is anticipated to return as the primary wicketkeeper for the Champions Trophy.

Rahul had filled in for Pant, who was recuperating from injuries sustained in a car accident. Rahul’s Performance and Future Outlook Rahul led India as a keeper during the 2023 South Africa tour and participated in two of the three matches against Sri Lanka in the summer of 2024.

However, his form has been inconsistent, leading to his omission from the Sri Lanka series. His sluggish fifty, which took more than 100 balls, significantly contributed to India’s defeat against Australia on November 19, 2023. Doubts persist regarding Jadeja and Shami’s inclusion Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are contenders for the spin all-rounder position, potentially replacing Jadeja, whose batting has not met expectations.

On the other hand, Shami’s fitness remains questionable despite his return to competitive cricket last October following an ankle injury. His selection will depend on the availability of Jasprit Bumrah, who is currently experiencing back spasms. Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to make his Champions Trophy debut Yashasvi Jaiswal is anticipated to debut as a backup opener in the Champions Trophy.

Although he hasn’t participated in a List A match since November 2022, Jaiswal has demonstrated his capability with 1,511 runs in 32 innings at an impressive average of 453.96. His inclusion would ensure a left-handed option among the top four. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will finalize the squad this weekend.

An overview of India’s probable squad

Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma are likely to open the innings, with Virat Kohli batting at number three. The middle order will feature the likes of Shreyas Iyer, who has been performing exceptionally well in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel will provide additional strength. Sundar may also make the final cut alongside Kuldeep Yadav. In terms of pace, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, and a fit Bumrah are expected to form the mainline.

Sports

South Africa set for mammoth lead as Pakistan lose key wickets

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South Africa continued to boss proceedings in the second Test in Cape Town as they picked up three wickets in the second hour of the morning session on Day 3 to inflict further damage on the tourists. Pakistan are 155 for 6 and currently trails by 460 runs but they have only three wickets in hand as Saim Ayub has been ruled out of the Test match after he twisted his ankle on Day 1.

On a placid pitch with nothing much for the bowlers and the batters being rewarded for their shots, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan carried on from their unbeaten 44-run stand overnight. They survived testing spells from either end against Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen initially, and the latter even smashed Rizwan on the helmet grill.

Not one to back away from a contest, Rizwan took on Jansen against the bumpers thereafter and was rewarded with a four and a six. It was then Babar’s turn to play his shots as he scored back-to-back boundaries off Rabada to bring up his second consecutive Test fifty. The sudden flow of runs forced the hosts to make a double bowling change as Wiaan Mulder and Kwena Maphaka came into the attack but the tourists saw through their bursts until drinks.

However, five balls after the break, Babar was strangled down the legside by Maphaka – the bowler’s first-ever Test wicket – and he took off in celebration across the outfield in Newlands. It broke a vital 98-run stand for the hosts. Things from thereon got worse for Pakistan as Rizwan played an innocuous shot, only to find his stumps undone off Mulder. Salman Ali Agha found the ropes thrice in his brief 22-ball stay where he scored 19 but was outfoxed by Keshav Maharaj, one over before the Lunch break. The spinner drew Agha which caused him to overbalance off a ball that turned away sharply past the edge. Kyle Verreynne did the rest behind the stumps as Agha’s foot was in the air when the bails were dislodged.

It is safe to say that Pakistan threw away what was a good start to the morning session after they went wicketless in the first hour and still have a massive mountain to climb to save this Test.

Brief Scores of South Africa and Pakistan

South Africa: 615 (Ryan Rickelton 259, Temba Bavuma 106, Kyle Verreynne 100; Mohammad Abbas 3-94, Salman Ali Agha 3-148) lead 

Pakistan: 155/6 (Babar Azam 58, Mohammad Rizwan 46; Kagiso Rabada 2-28, Keshav Maharaj 1-2) by 460 runs.

Sports

Ankit Rajpoot retires from Indian cricket at age of 31

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Ankit Rajpoot, a 31-year-old pacer from Uttar Pradesh, has declared his retirement from Indian cricket. The lanky pacer, who has played for several different teams during his IPL career, has stated that he will be looking for other cricket-related options.

Rajpoot took 248 wickets in his red-ball career after making his first-class debut for UP during the 2012–13 Ranji season. Rajpoot was selected by the Chennai Super Kings prior to the 2013 IPL season, despite the fact that he has no international caps. He has previously played for the Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Kolkata Knight Riders. He was a member of the Lucknow Super Giants team most recently, but he didn’t play.

Ankit Rajpoot Career History

Additionally, Rajpoot has taken five wickets in the IPL, where he has taken 24 wickets overall in 29 games. He hasn’t participated in any games since the 2020 Indian Premier League, though, and he was recently unsold at the auction. This season, the 31-year-old participated in two Ranji matches but was wicketless in both.

“I humbly and gratefully announce my resignation from Indian cricket today. From 2009 until 2024, I had the most amazing journey of my life. The Board of Control for India, the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, the Kanpur Cricket Association, the Chennai Super Kings IPL team, the Kolkata Knight Riders, the Kings 11, the Rajasthan Royals, and the Lucknow Super Giants have all provided me with opportunities for which I am thankful.

“I am excited to announce that I will be exploring new opportunities in the world of cricket & the business side of it, where I will also continue to participate in the sport that I love and challenge myself in a new and different environment. I believe that this is the next step in my journey as a Cricketer and I look forward to this new chapter in my life. 

Sports

Pakistan Women Team fail to India’s rescue, Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s team knocked out of T20 World Cup as New Zealand reach semi-final

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New Zealand team placed in the semi-final with a 54-run win over Pakistan, while India suffered a group-stage exit. India was eliminated from the Women’s T20 World Cup, while New Zealand secured a spot in the semi-finals with a vital 54-run victory over Pakistan in their final group-stage encounter.

While defending a modest 111-run goal, the bowlers from New Zealand worked together to destroy Pakistan for just 56. With three wickets, Amelia Kerr was the standout bowler for New Zealand. After holding New Zealand to a disappointing score of 110/6, Pakistan gave themselves a chance to make an incredible semi-final appearance.

The Pakistani batsmen had an opportunity to lead their team to the final four following the bowler’s outstanding performance, but the equation was quite complex. In order to pull off an upset, India was also depending on its neighbors, Pakistan.

India only needed to defeat Pakistan to qualify, while Fatima Sana and the company needed to chase down the target in 10.4 overs to advance to the semi-final. But their preparations were derailed when Pakistan was bowled out for just 56 by New Zealand bowlers.

India, among the favorites before the event, had an ugly departure from the T20 World Cup. They ended the tournament with two victories in four games after losing their composure when chasing against Australia and New Zealand.

Sports

Simone Biles and USA Team reclaim Olympic gold in women’s all-around final of gymnastics

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Simone Biles stepped up to perform on the vault at Tuesday’s team all-around final at the Olympic Games, her teammate Jordan Chiles was watching closely.

It had been this exact moment back in 2021, at the last Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where it had all unraveled for Biles. Amid the intense pressure of the world’s expectations, she had found herself in the arena suddenly unable to perform her high-flying routines, beset by the “twisties,” mysteriously incapable of twisting in midair despite having done so thousands of times.

The gold is the first medal of the 2024 Olympic Games for Biles, who was already the most decorated gymnast in history. It is her eighth Olympic medal overall and her fifth gold — though Biles said she doesn’t keep count.

“I’m doing what I love and enjoying it. So that’s all that matters to me,” she said. “I don’t think I’ll truly understand the depth of it until I walk away from the sport.”

At this Olympics, she could win as many as four more. Biles is set to compete again Thursday in the individual all-around final, in which Biles, Andrade, and fellow U.S. gymnast Lee, who won the gold in Tokyo, are considered the event’s strongest contenders. Biles also qualified to compete in three of the four event finals: vault, balance beam, and floor exercise.

Perhaps the biggest mistake Biles made on Tuesday night came before the competition began: as Team USA was being introduced, she ran out onto the arena floor too early.

Business, Sports

Maresca defends his action style after Chelsea draw with Wrexham

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In his debut game in charge, Chelsea drew 2-2 with Wrexham, however, due to two defensive blunders, manager Enzo Maresca declared that his team “are going to concede goals this season playing out from the back”

In Santa Clara, California, midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu equalized in the 82nd minute, negating two goals the League One team had scored in the second half.

In the 35th minute of Chelsea’s first friendly during their preseason tour of the United States, Christopher Nkunku scored with a crisp finish in the penalty box.

However, Wrexham surprised everyone by taking the lead after both sides made significant changes at halftime, with goals coming from Luke Bolton and Jack Marriott.

Chelsea struggled in the second half as they adjusted to Maresca’s possession-based style, which included defensive blunders.

On Saturday, Wrexham impressed with a half-empty Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, adding to their 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.

Phil Parkinson’s team is gearing up for third-tier play for the first time since 2005, and the Welsh club is making the most of their popularity as co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds by embarking on their second straight US pre-season tour.

Sports

Argentina vs Colombia live updates: Messi lifts Copa America trophy in final

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Lautaro Martinez gave Argentina back-to-back Copa America titles and a third straight major tournament win with his extra time strike Sunday night.

Martinez scored his fifth goal of the tournament in the 112th minute for a 1-0 win over Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium. Martinez broke toward the Colombia goal and shot across the goal from the right to beat Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.

Martinez’s goal came just minutes after he entered the game in the 97th minute as part of a triple substitution for Argentina. His five goals led all scorers at Copa América and three of them came after he entered the game as a substitute.

Argentina played nearly half the game without Messi because of the extra 30-minute period after a 0-0 deadlock at the end of regulation.

Messi left the game in the 65th minute after he crumpled to the ground while chasing the ball. He seemed to know right away that he was injured. It didn’t take long for the bench to ready a replacement in the form of Nicolas Gonzalez.

Sports, Business

Germany vs. Spain live streaming When And Where To Watch The Live Telecast Of The Euro 2024 Quarterfinal

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Spain takes on Germany on Friday in the opening quarterfinal match of Euro 2024. The two teams with the highest scoring totals are also two of the favorites. Only Spain has won all of its games thus far, while Germany, the hosts, has also not lost.

One pregame narrative said that Real Madrid teammates Dani Carvajal, Nacho, and Joselu might prevent Toni Kroos from having a happily ever after in his career.

The dual threat posed by Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal on the Spain wings will also require Germany’s defense to exercise caution.

Sports

Novak Djokovic very embarrassed Wimbledon crowd of ‘disrespect’ after beating Holger Rune, advancing to quarterfinals

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During the post-match press conference, Djokovic was asked if tournament officials should intervene when crowd behavior crosses the line. “I don’t know what Wimbledon can really do about it,” he replied.

“The crowd paid their tickets. They have the right to be there and cheer the way they want to cheer. That’s absolutely something they choose, how they behave or how they choose to support the player is really up to them,” he said.

He also suggested that while umpires might intervene to calm the crowd, there are limitations: “You’re not going to take out the whole section of the crowd or stadium because they’re misbehaving or showing disrespect. It’s just the way it is. It’s part of the sport. It’s actually one of the biggest reasons why we are here, why the tournament is so important historically, and why we were globally recognised as tennis players, is because of the fans, because of the interest that they put into watching tennis matches, paying tickets, queuing to come. I respect that. I try to acknowledge that.”

Business, Sports

India vs Zimbabwe first T20 Cricket Highlights: Team India failed against Zimbabwe… got a crushing defeat under the captaincy of Shubman Gill

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The opening game of the five-match Twenty20 series between Zimbabwe and India took place on July 6 (Saturday) in Harare. The host Zimbabweans won by 13 runs.

The Indian team needed to win with 116 runs, but they were unable to even reach this modest target, as they were reduced to 102 runs in 19.5 overs. This was only the Indian team’s third T20 loss against Zimbabwe, and it was also their lowest all-out score against them.

The Indian team’s winning run in T20 cricket came to an end with this match, as well as their first T20 International of the year.