Ben Stokes wins Wisden Cricketer of the Year - God of Sports

Ben Stokes awarded Wisden Cricketer of the Year

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been awarded the Wisden Cricketer of the Year for the third time in the last four years. The star cricketer was selected for his dynamic and aggressive captaincy of the Test team, as well as his match-winning performance in the World T20 final.

Since being appointed as Test captain at the start of last summer, the 31-year-old has overseen a dramatic shift in the team’s fortunes, inspiring them to 10 wins in 12. Wins against New Zealand, India, and South Africa, then successes on the tours of Pakistan – England became the first side to win 3-0 – and New Zealand put Stokes in exalted company. Not only did he achieve 10 wins quicker than any previous England captain – Michael Vaughan was the previous quickest to the mark, from 16 matches – but the feat equaled that of Australia’s Lindsay Hassett, who had previously stood alone with 10 from 12.

Announcing the awardees, Lawrence Booth, Wisden’s editor, said, “It’s hard to think of any other cricketer who could have transformed his team’s fortunes so suddenly as Ben Stokes. ”

He further added, “When he took over the Test captaincy, England had won one game in their previous 17. By the time they had become the first visiting side to win 3-0 in Pakistan, they had won nine out of ten, and were playing with unprecedented style and verve.”

Additionally, Stokes’ fellow teammate Jonny Bairstow, who was having an exceptional summer before getting injured, became the first recipient of the new Wisden Trophy for outstanding individual Test performance, by a man or woman.

Australia’s Beth Mooney was named the leading women’s cricketer in the world for the second time. Also, India’s Suryakumar Yadav was named the best Twenty20 cricketer in the world.

A Women Badminton Player flying in air for hit the shuttlecock

Understanding the basics of Badminton

Badminton is a racquet sport that has gained popularity both in competitive and recreational settings. It demands high agility, strength, and endurance as it is a fast-paced game. Badminton can be played individually as singles or in pairs as doubles, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages and proficiency levels. 

Badminton is a type of sport that can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner, badminton is an excellent way to stay active, improve your fitness, and have fun. The game is played on a court with a net dividing it in half, and the aim is to hit a shuttlecock (also known as a birdie) over the net and onto the opposing team’s side, without letting it hit the ground. 

One of the great things about badminton is that it can be played indoors or outdoors, making it a versatile sport that can be enjoyed year-round. It is a non-contact sport, so there is a lower risk of injury than in some other sports, and it can be adapted to suit players of different abilities and fitness levels. This article provides an overview of the fundamentals of badminton, such as the court, rules, and everything you need to know to begin playing. 

Understanding the basics of Badminton

The Court

Badminton is played on a court that has specific dimensions for singles and doubles games. For singles games, the court is 44 feet long and 17 feet wide, while for doubles games, it is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. The court is divided by a net that is suspended over the center of the court and stands at a height of 5 feet from the ground at its center. The net gradually tapers down to a height of 3 feet at its edges. 

The court is marked with boundary lines that distinguish the inbounds area of the court. The sidelines, which run parallel to the length of the court, are the outermost lines, while the innermost lines are the service lines. These lines help determine whether the shuttlecock is in or out of bounds and whether a service is legal or not. 

high angle photography of sports field

Each player or team occupies one-half of the court, and they are not allowed to step into the opposing team’s half during the game, except during the serve. The goal is to hit the shuttlecock over the net and land it within the boundaries of the opposing team’s court, without the shuttlecock touching the ground. 

Understanding the dimensions and layout of the court is essential in playing badminton, as it helps players to position themselves strategically, hit accurate shots, and earn points. 

Rules of the Game

The objective of badminton is to hit the shuttlecock over the net and into the opponent’s court in such a way that they cannot return it. The player or team that scores the most points wins the game. Points are scored when the shuttlecock lands in the opponent’s court, or when the opponent makes a fault or error.

white and red plastic umbrella

The shuttlecock is a feathered projectile that is hit back and forth between the players or teams. It is not allowed to touch the ground or any other object before being hit over the net. If the shuttlecock touches the ground or any object before being hit, it is considered a fault and the opposing player or team is awarded a point. 

Players must also follow specific rules for hitting the shuttlecock. The shuttlecock must be hit with the racquet, and players are not allowed to use their hands or feet to touch the shuttlecock. The shuttlecock must be hit over the net and land in the opponent’s court. Players are allowed to hit the shuttlecock only once before it crosses the net, and they must hit it alternately with their opponent. 

Faults and Errors

In badminton, there are several ways in which players can commit faults and errors. A fault is a violation of the rules that results in a point being awarded to the opposing player or team. An error is a mistake made by a player that results in a lost point but does not involve a rule violation. 

green and brown brush with white feather

Examples of faults in badminton include hitting the shuttlecock out of bounds, touching the net with the racquet or any part of the body, touching the shuttlecock with any part of the body, stepping into the opposing team’s half of the court, and obstructing the opposing player’s shot. These violations result in a point being awarded to the opposing player or team. 

Examples of errors in badminton include failing to hit the shuttlecock over the net, hitting the shuttlecock into the net, hitting the shuttlecock out of bounds, and hitting the shuttlecock too high. These mistakes result in a lost point but do not involve a rule violation. 

To avoid faults and errors in badminton, players should have a good understanding of the rules and practice their technique regularly. With practice and attention to detail, players can minimize their mistakes and improve their performance on the court. 

Scoring

Badminton is a sport where points can be earned in multiple ways. When the shuttlecock lands in the opponent’s court, a point is awarded to the player or team. If the opponent makes a fault or error, a point is also given to the player or team. The game ends when a player or team reaches 21 points, and they must win by a margin of at least two points. However, if the score is tied at 20-20, the game is prolonged until one player or team wins by a two-point margin. 

  1. In badminton, players or teams can also win points by forcing their opponents to hit the shuttlecock out of bounds or into the net. 
  2. If the shuttlecock hits the ceiling or any other obstruction in the court, a fault is called and a point is awarded to the opposing player or team.
  3. The serving rules in badminton are strict. The server must serve the shuttlecock diagonally over the net and into the service court of the opponent without touching the net. 
  4. A player can also lose a point if they are found to violate any rules or if they receive a yellow or red card for misconduct. 
  5. In official tournaments, matches are usually played as best-of-three games. The first player or team to win two games wins the match. 
  6. There are different types of shots in badminton, including the smash, drop shot, and clear. Players use these shots to control the pace and direction of the game and to outmaneuver their opponents. 

Conclusion

Badminton is a fun and challenging sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re playing competitively or just for fun, it’s important to understand the basic rules and techniques of the game. By following these guidelines, you can improve your game and enjoy the many benefits that come with playing badminton, including improved physical fitness, coordination, and mental focus.

Venkatesh Iyer slams a stunning ton against Mumbai; becomes second-ever Knight Rider to do so

Venkatesh Iyer slams a stunning ton against Mumbai; becomes second-ever Knight Rider to do so

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Venkatesh Iyer slammed a magnificent hundred against Mumbai Indians in their group stage match held yesterday at the Wankhede Stadium. The left-hander smashed 104 runs off 51 balls at a strike rate of 203.92.

Opting to ball first, Mumbai Indians had a wonderful start with debutant Arjun Tendulkar and Cameron Green bowling in tandem. However, Venkatesh who came at one down had other plans. The Southpaw started attacking all the Mumbai bowlers. But, he didn’t get any support from the other end.

The left-hander’s innings were laced with 6 boundaries and 9 strikes that went over the boundary line. With this century, Venkatesh Iyer became the second-ever player to hit a century in the IPL from Kolkata Knight Riders. The first was Brendon McCullum’s iconic innings of 158* runs innings at the first-ever IPL match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore.

Riding on Venkatesh Iyer’s century, the Kolkata-based franchisee posted 185 runs for the fall of 6 wickets on the board. However, the score wasn’t enough as Mumbai Indians chased the score comfortably winning the match by 5 wickets. The Mumbai-based franchisee’s innings saw an excellent half-century from Ishan Kishan and counter-attacking innings from Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Verma.

Kolkata Knight Riders who are currently 5th on the points table with 2 wins will face Delhi Capitals next at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on 20th April.

IPL 2023: R Ashwin fined 25% over breach of conduct vs CSK

IPL 2023: R Ashwin fined 25% over breach of conduct vs CSK

After ensuring his team’s victory over four-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings, Ravichandran Ashwin has been fined 25 percent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during Match 17 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

Ashwin admitted to the Level 1 Offence under Article 2.7 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding.  It is to be noted that Article 2.7 states, “Public criticism of, or inappropriate comment in relation to an incident occurring in a Match or any Player, Team Official, Match Official or Team participating in any Match, irrespective of when such criticism or inappropriate comment is made.”

Ashwin was charged for his comments in the post-match interview. The Rajasthan Royals spinner stated, “I’m quite surprised the umpires changed the ball for dew on their own. It’s never happened before and I’m quite surprised.”

He further added, “Some of the decisions in this year’s IPL on the field have left me a little flummoxed, to be honest. It left me flummoxed in a good or bad way because what you need is a little bit of balance. We’re going as a bowling team and we’re not asking for the ball to be changed. But the ball was changed on the umpire’s accord. What reason – I did ask the umpire but he said we can change it.”

Additionally, Rajasthan Royal skipper Sanju Samson was fined INR 12 lakhs after his side maintained a slow over-rate in the same match against Chennai Super Kings.

Top 5 female cricketers and their preferred cricket shoes

Top 5 female cricketers and their preferred cricket shoes

The world of cricket is not just about men and their athleticism. Women’s cricket has made significant strides in the last few years, with several women cricketers reaching new heights of success. The quality of cricket equipment used by these players has also seen a remarkable improvement, and cricket shoes are no exception.  

As the popularity of women’s cricket continues to grow, so does the need for high-quality cricket gear. Among the essential equipment for any cricketer is their shoes, which can have a significant impact on their performance. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 5 female cricketers and the shoes they prefer to wear on the field, providing valuable insights into the importance of footwear in cricket. 

The top 5 female cricketers and their preferred shoes 

Harmanpreet Kaur – New Balance 860v9 

harmanpreet kaur

MUMBAI, INDIA – DECEMBER 17: Harmanpreet Kaur (C) of India prior to the T20 International series between India and Australia at Brabourne Stadium on December 17, 2022 in Mumbai, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur uses the New Balance 860v9. The New Balance 860v9 is a stable running shoe that has been designed to ensure high levels of cushioning and support. It includes forefoot flexibility and an ABZORB SBS heel crash pad, which helps to absorb impact shock, resulting in utmost cushioning and comfort. 

Features of New Balance 860v9 

The New Balance 860v9 features a dual-density midsole with two different types of foam to support runners who need extra stability. The firmer foam is on the medial side to prevent overpronation, while the softer foam on the lateral side provides cushioning for a more comfortable ride. 

The upper of the New Balance 860v9 is constructed using engineered mesh, which works to provide breathability and a flexible fit while reducing the risk of irritation and blisters. Its no-sew construction further adds to the shoe’s comfort and support. The outsole of the New Balance 860v9 is made of blown rubber, delivering a durable and lightweight design that ensures a superior grip on multiple surfaces. It is also equipped with a stability post on the medial side to control overpronation, as well as a beveled heel that helps to ensure a smooth transition from heel to toe. 

Ellyse Perry – Nike Air Zoom Pegasus

Ellyse Perry to miss Bangladesh clash with back concern

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Australian superstar Ellyse Perry has been sponsored by Nike for several years. She wears the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus shoes during competitions and regularly promotes them while representing Australia in football and cricket, both. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus running shoes are designed to provide the ultimate combination of cushioning, response, and support. They feature Nike’s zoom air technology that adds an extra layer of cushioning and durability, as well as Flywire cables for a secure fit. The combination of features makes them a great choice for athletes who want a comfortable and supportive shoe with great performance. 

Features of Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus features a lightweight and breathable upper made from mesh or Flyknit material, which provides a snug and supportive fit. The midsole is made from Nike’s signature Zoom Air cushioning technology, which provides a responsive and bouncy ride. The outsole is made from durable rubber, which provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. 

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus is available in both men’s and women’s sizes and comes in a range of colors and styles. The shoe is suitable for a variety of running activities, including road running, track running, and cross-training. It is also a popular choice for everyday wear due to its stylish design and comfortable fit. 

Mithali Raj – Adidas Adizero XT Cricket Shoes 

mithali raj needs 2 fifties and 363 runs to get these two women's world cup records in her name

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The legendary Indian cricketer Mithali Raj used to don the Adidas Adizero XT Cricket Shoes during her playing days. Mithali Raj has been associated with Adidas for several years and has been spotted wearing the Adidas Adizero XT Cricket Shoes on numerous occasions. The shoes are designed to enhance the performance and comfort of cricketers during long matches. Adidas Adizero XT Cricket Shoes are guided by their lightweight design and sturdy outsole that provides traction along with stability. 

Features of Adidas Adizero XT Cricket Shoes 

Adidas Adizero XT Cricket Shoes are lightweight cricket shoes designed for speed and agility on the cricket field. The shoes are made from high-quality materials and feature a durable outsole that provides excellent traction on both turf and grass surfaces. The upper is made from a breathable mesh material that keeps the feet cool and dry, while the midsole is made from Adidas’ signature Boost technology that provides cushioning and energy return with every stride.

Meg Lanning – Nike Court Air Zoom Cage 3 

We'll be ready to go' – Lanning on 2021 World Cup preparations

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Meg Lanning opts for the Nike Court Air Zoom Cage 3 shoes while leading the Australian Women’s side from the front. Meg Lanning is widely regarded as one of the best batters in women’s cricket and has numerous records to her name. The Nike Court Air Zoom Cage 3 is a popular tennis shoe that Meg Lanning wears to help her remain agile on the cricket field.

This shoe provides the durability and support she needs for long matches, in addition to aiding her aggressive batting style with its quick movements. 

Features of Nike Court Air Zoom Cage 3 

The Nike Court Air Zoom Cage 3 is designed with durability and support in mind. It is equipped with a reinforced rubber toe and heel for extra protection, while the upper is made of lightweight and breathable materials to keep feet cool and dry. To top it off, the midsole features Nike’s signature Zoom Air technology, which provides cushioning and responsiveness with every step. The Nike Court Air Zoom Cage 3’s traction pattern is designed to offer superior grip on a range of surfaces, making it suitable for both grass and hard courts. 

Suzie Bates – New Balance Fresh Foam Cricket Shoes 

Commonwealth Games: Suzie Bates shines as White Ferns beat South Africa in opener - NZ Herald

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New Zealand’s renowned cricketer Suzie Bates often wears the New Balance Fresh Foam Cricket Shoes. She has over 100 One Day Internationals and T20 matches under her belt, including being the captain of the New Zealand women’s cricket team. Her impressive achievements have earned her the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year title twice, in 2013 and 2015. 

Features of New Balance Fresh Foam Cricket Shoes 

New Balance Fresh Foam Cricket Shoes are a type of cricket footwear designed by New Balance, a popular sportswear brand. These shoes are specifically designed for cricket players, with features such as spikes on the sole for better traction on the pitch and a lightweight design for agility and speed. 

The Fresh Foam technology in the shoes provides cushioning and support to the feet, which can be especially helpful during long matches or training sessions. The shoes also have a breathable upper mesh to keep the feet cool and comfortable during play.

Pep Guardiola masterclass powers Manchester City to the finals of Champions League

Manchester City thump Bayern Munich in UEFA Champions League quarter-finals

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City has dismantled Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich 3-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals at City’s home ground Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City, who are on a nine-game winning streak, saw them attack the opposition from the word go. And the English club succeeded, with Rodri scoring a stunning goal in the 27th minute. Manchester City made a string of attacks on the opposition’s defense never to allow them to settle.

In the second half, Bayern improved their performance. The Bundesliga table-toppers made counter-attacks but to no avail. However, Manchester City showcased the loopholes in Bayern’s defense as they scored two quick goals thanks to Bernardo Silva and City’s magic man Erling Haaland.

In the post-match interview, Guardiola stated, “We made some changes and our pressing was more effective. With the ball we were better too, and I’m happy for the result.”

Man City might be feeling comfortable with the win but their manager Pep Guardiola has strictly told the team not to be complacent with the win. Manchester City next face Leicester City in the Premier League. However, their real test will be in the second leg of the quarterfinals against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

cricket ground

The top 8 female batters and their preferred cricket bats

Women cricketers are taking the sport by storm, and cricket bats play an integral role in their success. From power-hitting bats for T20s to lightweight all-rounders for Tests, the modern female cricketer has a broad selection of bats to choose from to suit their playing style. Women’s cricket has gained immense popularity in recent years, with more and more women taking up the sport professionally. As with any sport, the equipment used by players plays a crucial role in their performance, and the choice of cricket bat is no exception. 

Female cricketers, like their male counterparts, have specific bat types and brands they depend on for peak performance on the field. This article will give us a more comprehensive look at some of the most sought bats used by female cricketers and why they differ from the others. These bats are tailored to meet the exact requirements of women cricketers, including lighter weight, a slimmer grasp, and thinner edges, among other factors. 

What are the types of bats used in Women’s cricket? 

The worldwide popularity of women’s cricket has surged in recent years, resulting in more countries having female cricket teams. As a result, bat manufacturers have begun offering bats specifically designed with the specific needs of women cricketers in mind, such as smaller hand sizes, lighter weights, and optimized grips for comfort and performance. 

1) Short Handle Bats 

“Short handle” bats are one of the most favored choices of female cricketers due to their smaller handle width. The narrower handle makes it easier and more comfortable for women with smaller hands to properly grip the bat, allowing for improved control and more powerful swings. 

2) Lightweight Bats 

Women cricketers tend to prefer a “lightweight” bat, which is made to be lighter than standard bats. This allows them to have better control over the bat, even when they don’t have as much physical strength as male players, since a lighter bat allows them to swing faster and generate more power in their shots. 

What are the most popular bat brands in Women’s cricket? 

Popular brands such as Gray-Nicolls, Kookaburra, and Gunn & Moore offer a wide selection of specialized cricket bats for women cricketers. These bats are designed to meet specific requirements such as weight, handle size, and balance, tailored to the needs of female players. 

Top 8 Women Batters and their preferred cricket bats

Smriti Mandhana – SS Ton Ghazayan Xtreme 

India 'confident' Smriti Mandhana can play against West Indies

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Indian batting sensation Smriti Mandhana is known for her stylish batting technique and power-hitting skills. Her preferred bat is the SS Ton Ghazayan Xtreme which is made of high-quality English willow and has a unique design that helps improve its performance. It has a big sweet spot and a wide profile, providing excellent control to the batsman. The bat has lightweight and is perfect for any condition. 

Smriti Mandhana’s SS Ton Ghazayan Xtreme has a light pickup, short blade, and light handle, which helps her to swing the bat quickly and powerfully. It has thick edges that ensure maximum power while hitting the ball. The bat also has a curved back shape to help players achieve perfect balance and stability. The bat has an ergonomic shape and is designed to provide a comfortable grip. The handle provides extra control and feels on the ball, and the bat has a good rebound to help generate more power. 

The bat also has a unique design which gives it an aerodynamic shape, making it easier to generate more speed and power. It has a low position of gravity, making it easier to play shots with high accuracy. Additionally, the Ultra Shield technology helps to reduce vibrations and provides an improved feel.

Meg Lanning – Gray-Nicolls GN Seven Star 

We'll be ready to go' – Lanning on 2021 World Cup preparations

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Australian power-hitter Meg Lanning has an aggressive style of play. Her preferred bat is the Gray-Nicolls GN Seven Star which is made from high-quality English willow and has a unique design that helps improve its performance. It has thick edges, a rounded toe, and a short blade which helps to generate maximum power and control. The bat also has a light pickup and ergonomic shape, providing extra comfort while playing shots. The handle is made from rubber and provides excellent grip and feel on the ball. 

The Gray-Nicolls GN Seven Star has a unique core and Bionic Grip system that helps improve balance and stability while batting. The bat also has an aerodynamic shape, which helps generate more speed and power. The bat also features ShockWave technology which reduces vibrations and provides an improved feel. The bat is designed for maximum power-hitting and is perfect for playing big shots. 

Stafanie Taylor – Adidas Libro Blade 3.2 

1,522 Stafanie Taylor Cricket Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images

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Stafanie Taylor is a West-Indian cricketer who is known for her aggressive batting style and power-hitting skills. Her preferred bat is the Adidas Libro Blade 3.2, which is made from high-quality English willow and has a unique design that helps improve its performance. It has thick edges, a curved back shape, and a big sweet spot that helps generate maximum power and control. The cricket bat also has an ergonomic shape and is designed to provide a comfortable grip. The handle provides extra control and feels on the ball, while the bat has a good rebound to help generate more power while playing shots. 

Ellyse Perry – Gray Nicolls Atomic 5000 

Ellyse Perry to miss Bangladesh clash with back concern

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Ellyse Perry is one of the most accomplished and experienced cricketers globally. She has been using the Gray Nicolls Atomic 5000 bat since 2017 and is known to be one of the very few players who use this bat. The bat provides her with great power and balance, making it the perfect choice for her batting style. The Gray Nicolls Atomic 5000 is made from unbleached, full-grain English Willow. This bat is designed to give the player maximum power and control due to its large and light profile.

Mithali Raj – SG Cobra 

Mithali Raj: The record breaker

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Mithali Raj is one of the most prominent figures in women’s cricket. She has represented India in the international arena since 1999 and holds the record for the highest number of runs scored in women’s ODI cricket.  Mitali typically uses SG Cobra, which is designed for power batting. It is crafted with a well-balanced middle-size profile and carbon-wrapped handle for superior control and durability. 

The SG Cobra is made of Kashmir Willow, which is known for its buttery feel and power. It has a full-size profile with slightly extended edges to give the batsman maximum stability, control, and power. The handle is made of Carbon Fibre with a special grip combination for better balance and durability. The bat also features an elongated spine and a large sweet spot, allowing the batsman to hit the ball hard and far.

Suzie Bates – Kookaburra Kahuna 

CENTURY: Suzie Bates tops off a landmark day with a ton

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The former New Zealand skipper Suzie Bates preferred to play with Kookaburra Kahuna bat. Kookaburra Kahuna is a range of cricket bats made by Kookaburra, an Australian company supplying top-quality cricket gear since 1890.

Alyssa Healy – Kookaburra Prodigy 

World reacts to stunning Alyssa Healy century

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Australian icon Alyssa Healy prefers to play with the Kppkaburra Prodigy bats. The Kookaburra Prodigy is a range of cricket bats made by Kookaburra, an Australian company supplying top-quality cricket gear since 1890. They also boast Kookaburra’s unique ‘Advanced Dynamic’ technology for increased power and performance.

Harmanpreet Kaur – Spartan MSD 7 

Harmanpreet Kaur reveals the conversation she had with Virat Kohli in this epic picture

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Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur prefers to play with a Spartan MSD 7 bat. Her bat Spartan MSD 7, is a batting-oriented cricket bat designed for speed, power, and durability.

Nicholas Pooran hits the joint-second fastest fifty in IPL

Nicholas Pooran hits the joint-second fastest fifty in IPL

Nicholas Pooran went ballistic yesterday. The Lucknow Super Giants batter smashed the fastest fifty in IPL 2023. The left-hander reached the 50-run mark in just 15 balls – the joint second-fastest fifty in IPL ever.

Pooran, who came to bat in the 11th over with LSG at 99/4, smashed a huge six off Royal Challengers Bangalore spinner Karn Sharma on his second ball to get things started. He hit five more sixes to take his team to victory against RCB. Pooran adjudged the Man of the Match, seemed confident about his strikes. In the post-match ceremony, he stated, “I knew this was a nice wicket. We could chase even over 50 in the last four, it was about cashing in. The second ball I came in and smashed a six. It isn’t about getting a look in, if it is in my slot, then I will smash it for six.”

He further added, “Over the past couple of years, I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself to finish games. Today also I wanted to finish the game but got out in the end. I hope this is the season for me, in a good space and state of mind. Just want to enjoy my cricket, play with a smile and entertain, and win games for my team.”

The match being played at Bangalore’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium saw a flurry of fours and sixes. Batting first, RCB scored 212 runs for the fall of two wickets. Their top 3 i.e. Kohli, du Plessis, and Maxwell fired in unison, with each of them scoring half-centuries.

During the chase, Lucknow didn’t have the greatest of starts. The team saw three wickets falling for just 23 runs. However, a counter-attacking performance from Marcus Stoinis steadies their ship. And the duo of Pooran and Ayush Badoni did further damage to Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Pooran’s fifty is the joint-second fastest fifty in the Indian Premier League. The other notable mentions in the list are Sunil Narine vs RCB (15 balls), Yusuf Pathan vs SRH (15 balls), Pat Cummins vs MI (15 balls), and KL Rahul vs DC (14 balls).

Indian shuttler Priyanshu Rajawat wins maiden BWF World Tour Super 300 title at Orleans Masters

Indian shuttler Priyanshu Rajawat wins maiden BWF World Tour Super 300 title at Orleans Masters

India’s shuttler Priyanshu Rajawat clinched his maiden BWF World Tour Super 300 title after defeating Denmark’s Magnus Johannesen in a thrilling finale to the Orleans Masters 2023. The Indian badminton player won 21-15, 19-21, 21-16 in a grueling 68-minute summit clash to claim the biggest win of his career.

Priyanshu, who was really ecstatic after the win, stated, “I am very happy with my performance this week. It is my first big title, and I’m extremely happy to win this.” Priyanshu, ranked 58th in the world, demonstrated flawless attack in all his matches. Priyanshu Rajawat, who faced Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen in the semi-finals, had little trouble as the Indian shuttler won the game in two straight sets (21-12 and 21-9).

A trainee at Pullela Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad since 2010, Priyanshu Rajawat modeled his game along the lines of his senior peers like Kidambi Srikanth and H.S. Prannoy. As a player, however, he is more influenced by Sameer Verma’s reflex defense. Against Nguyen, his idea to bring the Irish shuttler closer to the net benefited him by several counts, with Priyanshu stretching his body and plundering crucial points from attacking positions.

Priyanshu’s victory brought joy to the entire Indian badminton field. Sports Minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia congratulated Priyanshu. “MP is making its strong presence felt at the international level almost in every game. He has made all of us proud,” said Scindia.

Priyanshu, who has long been touted as a promising talent in the national circuit, was part of India’s Thomas Cup-winning squad last year.

Top 10 fastest serves recorded in Tennis

Top 10 fastest serves recorded in Tennis

Throughout the history of tennis, having a powerful serve has been a huge advantage for players. Bill Tilden’s powerhouse serve saw him win 10 major titles in the 1920s, and Stan Smith’s strong serves helped him reach the top of the rankings and win two Grand Slam crowns in the 1970s. Over the last few decades, a big serve has become an increasingly important part of a player’s arsenal. 

However, the arrival of bigger racquets constructed of graphite rather than wood in the 1980s signaled a true turning point. In the 1990s, this helped athletes like Pete Sampras and Goran Ivanisevic establish themselves, and as technology advances, serves are becoming faster. 

The astounding 263.4 km/h (163.7 mph) tennis serve speed record was set in 2012 by Sam Groth. Sadly for Sam Groth, the ATP does not officially acknowledge that record because it was set at a Challenger event and because radar guns are not uniformly available or calibrated at that level of competition. The fact that ATP-approved gear was utilized on that day and other data collected appeared to be within a typical range gives Groth some solace. Let’s have a look at the fastest serves recorded in Tennis. 

Top 10 fastest serves recorded in Tennis 

John Isner – 157.2 mph (253 km/h) 

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Isner also beat Groth during the tie as the USA produced an upset, but they then lost to Croatia in the next round. The American was also involved in the longest tennis match of all time, so is something of a serial record-breaker. Aside from his record-breaking serve during the Davis Cup, John Isner also beat Groth in their tie, helping the USA produce an upset against Australia. However, their success was short-lived, as they eventually lost to Croatia in the next round. 

John Isner has accepted the fact that his greatest asset is his serve, which he believes sets him apart from other players. He views it as a key factor in his success and has a lot of confidence in it. He has stated: “I believe in my serve more than anything. If I’m in a tough spot on the court and I’m able to ace my way out of trouble, then I know I’ve got a good chance of winning the point.” 

Isner’s participation in the longest tennis match of all time further cements his status as a serial record-breaker. Additionally, John Isner holds the record for the most aces in a single match, with 113 aces during his 2010 Wimbledon match against Nicolas Mahut. 

Ivo Karlovic – 156.0 mph (251 km/h) 

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One of the tallest players in the history of men’s tennis, Ivo Karlovic of Croatia, holds the record for the second-fastest serve delivery in a sanctioned match. A serve of 156 mph (251 kph) was delivered by Karlovic while representing Croatia in the Davis Cup match in Zagreb during Croatia’s doubles match versus Germany. 

It was the fastest delivery of that time on the men’s tour, Since Andy Roddick’s serve against Vladimir Volchkov in 2004—also while competing in the Davis Cup—which traveled at 155 mph (249.4 kph). The Croat won several more awards for serving, as his height of 6 feet 10 inches allows him to serve at a distinctive trajectory. Since fellow countryman Goran Ivanisevic served 1,477 aces in 1996, he concluded the year with an astounding 1,318 in 2007. 

Andy Roddick – 155.0 mph (249.4 km/h)

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Andy Roddick rounds out the top three, having achieved his fastest serve during the team tournament, so there must be something about the Davis Cup and gigantic serves. The fact that the American was mostly a serve-and-volley player enabled him to win the US Open in 2003 and advance to three Wimbledon finals. 

In the tournament’s semi-final match, Roddick had a speed of 249.4 km/h (155.0 mph) as the USA defeated Belarus. Nevertheless, in the championship match, Spain defeated the Americans as a youthful Rafael Nadal defeated Andy Roddick in four sets. The fastest serve ever timed at Wimbledon was made by Roddick that year, and it stood until 2010. The American Taylor Dent set the current Wimbledon record for the fastest serve in 2010 with a speed of 238.2 km/h (148 mph). 

Milos Raonic – 155.0 mph (249.4 km/h) 

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Technically speaking, Canada’s Milos Raonic is equal to Andy Roddick’s 249.4 km/h (155.0 mph) because he beat Ryan Harrison at the 2012 SAP Open at the same speed. Raonic eventually defeated Denis Istomin in the tournament’s championship match in straight sets. Roddick will be placed ahead of him on the list, even though his best performance was eight years ago. 

Ryan Harrison – 152.0 mph (244.6 km/h) 

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American Harrison set a speed record of 244.6 km/h (152.0 mph) at the 2013 Masters 1000 Western & Southern Open. Harrison, who entered as a wildcard, gave it his best shot against David Ferrer but ultimately lost to the Spaniard in three sets. Feliciano Lopez of Spain made a serve at Queen’s Club the following year that was recorded at the same speed, but he was unable to crack our top five since the Western & Southern Open is a bigger competition because the 2014 Aegon Championships was an ATP World Tour 250 series event. 

Feliciano Lopez – 152.0 mph (244.6 km/h) 

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Tennis player Feliciano Lopez from Spain managed to achieve a career-high ranking of 12 in 2015. Feliciano Lopez has been a part of the scene for a very long time, and many people appear to have forgotten what a fantastic server he was back in the day. At the Aegon Championships in 2014, he delivered one of the fastest serves ever. In the first-round match, the Spaniard smacked the ball to serve at 244.6 km/h (152 mph) speed. 

Marius Copil – 151.6 mph (244 km/h) 

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Marius Copil is putting on some of his best performances, even though he has never cracked the top 50 in the world rankings. Due to his exceptional skill, he ended 2018 as the 57th-best player in the world. He still has a chance to make it big and have a prosperous career. 

But he has always relied most on his serve, which has given him an exceptional track record. In the 2016 European Open quarterfinals, the Romanian flawlessly placed the ball and recorded a speed of 244 km/h (151.6 mph). 

Hubert Hurkacz – 151.0 mph (243 km/h) 

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The No. 11 player in the world is a 6’5″ monster with a very powerful swing. His smashing serves have been his x-factor in his career so far, and at 26 years old, he might already be at his peak. He had a few victories at Grand Slam competitions but nothing major. However, he delivered his fastest serve ever at the 2016 Davis Cup. Despite his team’s humiliating defeat in the tournament, Hurkacz offered his colleagues something to cheer about. When the Polish player served, he let the ball fly and noticed that the speedometer showed 243 km/h. 

Taylor Dent – 149.8 mph (241.1 km/h) 

 

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There was a time when Andy Roddick and Taylor Dent were regarded as the game’s two most difficult servers. Dent reached the fourth round of a couple of Grand Slams while not having quite as many accomplishments as Roddick. Taylor Dent is the only player in our Top 10 who has proven his versatility on Clay. Despite a career marked by illnesses, he managed to reach a career-high ranking of No. 21. 

The American startled the crowd with a 240 km/h (149.1 mph) serve during the first round of the 2010 French Open. He has ranked among the top ten fastest serves in tennis history thanks to this serve, which went on to become the fastest in the tournament’s history. 

Juan Martin del Potro – 149.1 mph (240km/h) 

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Unsurprisingly, Juan Martin del Potro, commonly known as “The Tower of Tandil,” appears on the list. The US Open winner is undoubtedly the best Argentinean player of his generation. 

Out of all the players who are in the top 10, no one else hit it in the deciding match that they won. Del Potro defeated Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets to win the Stockholm Open in 2017. (6-4, 6-2). He didn’t forget to serve at 149.1 mph during the process. However, his entire effort earned him a spot in our list of the Top 10 fastest serves in tennis history, moving him up to position 10.

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