Manish Sureshkumar Stuns Second Seed in ITF Men's Tennis Tournament

Manish Sureshkumar Stuns Second Seed in ITF Men’s Tennis Tournament

Manish Sureshkumar, ranked 877th in the world, displayed remarkable resilience and determination to overcome the challenge of second seed Khumoyun Sultanov of Uzbekistan in the first round of the $25,000 ITF men’s tennis tournament in New Delhi.

Sultanov, ranked 329th, appeared to be in control of the match, serving for victory at 6-4, 5-4. However, Sureshkumar refused to surrender, winning the next three games to level the set at 5-5. The Indian then held his serve in the 11th game, capitalizing on his fifth game point to force a tiebreaker.

In the tiebreaker, Sureshkumar’s aggressive play proved too much for Sultanov. The Indian fired 11 aces throughout the match and converted six of seven break points, ultimately securing a hard-fought 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 victory.

In another upset, Karan Singh stunned fourth seed S. Mukund 7-6(4), 6-1. Singh showcased his firepower, hitting nine aces and converting three of four break points. After failing to serve out the first set in the tenth game, Singh regrouped and won six consecutive points in the tiebreaker to take the set. He then broke Mukund’s serve twice in the second set to seal the victory.

The tournament also witnessed several exciting doubles matches. Chirag Duhan and Yuichiro Inui of Japan defeated Oges Theyjo and Suraj Prabodh 6-4, 6-7(5), [10-2]. Kazuma Kawachi of Japan and Woobin Shin of Korea cruised past Raghav Jaisinghani and Aditya Balsekar 6-2, 6-0. Nitin Kumar Sinha and Siddharth Vishwakarma beat Parth Aggarwal and Yunseok Jang of Korea 6-2, 6-3. Kabir Hans and Faisal Qamar overcame Thanapet Chanta of Thailand and Rishi Reddy 7-6(9), 6-3. Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul of Thailand and Bang Shuo Yin of Taipei defeated Udit Kamboj and Maan Kesharwani 6-1, 7-5.

Babar Azam's Spidercam Scare: A Hilarious Moment in the 2024 PSL

Babar Azam’s Spidercam Scare: A Hilarious Moment in the 2024 PSL

Babar Azam’s Spidercam Scare: A Hilarious Moment in the 2024 PSL

During the high-octane clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in the 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL), Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam found himself in an unexpected encounter with the spidercam. As Babar entered the field, the spidercam followed him closely, catching him off guard. Startled by the device’s proximity, Babar swiftly dodged the camera, creating a hilarious moment that quickly went viral on social media.

Despite the spidercam incident, Babar led Zalmi to a nail-biting victory over Karachi Kings by two runs, securing a spot in the playoffs of the 2024 PSL. Babar’s gritty innings of 51 runs in 46 balls played a pivotal role in Zalmi’s total of 147. With this win, Zalmi now top the table with 13 points from 10 games, although they have played one match more than Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators.

Azam continues to dominate the 2024 PSL batting charts, leading with 498 runs in nine matches at an impressive average of 62.25. His outstanding performances include one century and five half-centuries in the tournament. Multan Sultans, positioned second with 12 points in nine games, and Quetta Gladiators, currently standing third with 11 points from nine games, are closely trailing Zalmi in the points table. Islamabad United hold the third spot with 11 points in 10 games.

Babar’s spidercam scare has become a talking point among cricket fans, highlighting the unexpected moments that can occur during live sporting events. Despite the humorous nature of the incident, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions during live broadcasts.

Mumbai Indians Triumph Over Royal Challengers Bangalore in Women's T20 Challenge

Mumbai Indians Triumph Over Royal Challengers Bangalore in Women’s T20 Challenge

Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians Clash in Crucial Women’s T20 Challenge Match

In a highly anticipated match, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) faced off in their final league match of the Women’s T20 Challenge at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The stakes were high, with MI aiming for the top spot and a direct place in the final, while RCB sought a top-three finish.

RCB captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and elected to bowl first. The pitch was hard and well-prepared, offering a favorable surface for batters. However, fast bowlers were advised to bowl a straighter line to maximize their chances of success.

RCB’s bowling attack, led by Renuka Singh, proved effective in restricting MI’s scoring. Hayley Matthews and Natalie Sciver-Brunt provided a solid start for MI, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Harmanpreet Kaur, the MI captain, played a crucial knock of 37 runs, but it wasn’t enough to propel her team to a substantial total.

In response, RCB’s batting lineup struggled to gain momentum. Sophie Molineux and Ellyse Perry got off to a decent start, but the MI bowlers, particularly Shabnim Ismail and Saika Ishaque, kept them in check. Richa Ghosh, the RCB wicketkeeper, provided some resistance with a quickfire 29, but it was too little too late.

MI ultimately emerged victorious by 15 runs, securing their place at the top of the points table. RCB, despite the loss, finished third and qualified for the playoffs.

After the match, Mandhana expressed her disappointment but acknowledged the importance of finishing in the top three. Kaur, on the other hand, praised her team’s performance and expressed confidence in their chances in the final.

Ashwin Raises Concerns About Rahane's Batting Technique in Ranji Trophy Final

Ashwin Raises Concerns About Rahane’s Batting Technique in Ranji Trophy Final

Ravichandran Ashwin Highlights Ajinkya Rahane’s Batting Technique in Ranji Trophy Final

Indian cricket team spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised concerns about Ajinkya Rahane’s batting technique during the ongoing Ranji Trophy final between Mumbai and Vidarbha. Rahane survived a close LBW appeal when a delivery from Umesh Yadav seamed back and hit his pads. Replays showed that the decision would have been umpire’s call, but Ashwin believes Rahane’s head position and footwork contributed to his discomfort.

“We have to talk about Ajinkya Rahane’s head position,” Ashwin wrote on Instagram. “When the head falls over, it becomes difficult to play deliveries that cut in. When your head falls over, the delivery that seams in will always trouble you. Ajinkya will have to be wary of that.”

Former Bengal cricketer Joydeep Mukherjee also noticed that Rahane’s foot position indicated he was expecting the ball to come straight to his bat. “The foot pointing towards mid-off tells me that he was playing for the ball going straight and not jagging back otherwise it would be a lot straighter,” Mukherjee said.

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer was in fine form for Mumbai, scoring 95 off 111 balls. His celebration after reaching his half-century went viral on social media. Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma was in attendance during the match, providing motivation for Iyer to find his form.

IPL 2024: Injuries Hit Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings

IPL 2024: Injuries Hit Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings

IPL 2024: Injury Woes Hit Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season has been dealt a blow with several key players ruled out due to injuries.

Gujarat Titans

Mohammed Shami, the Titans’ leading wicket-taker in the 2023 season, has been ruled out of IPL 2024 after undergoing ankle surgery in London. The injury occurred during the 2023 ODI World Cup. Gujarat Titans have yet to name a replacement.

Lucknow Super Giants

Mark Wood has been withdrawn from the IPL by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to manage his workload ahead of the T20 World Cup and England’s home summer. West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph has been named as his replacement.

Rajasthan Royals

Prasidh Krishna has been ruled out for a second successive IPL season after undergoing surgery on his quadriceps tendon in February. The injury was sustained during the Ranji Trophy.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Jason Roy has withdrawn from IPL 2024 for personal reasons. England’s Phil Salt, currently ranked No. 2 in the T20I rankings, has replaced him in the KKR squad.

Chennai Super Kings

Devon Conway has undergone surgery for a thumb injury and is expected to be out for eight weeks. CSK have not yet named a replacement.

Impact on Teams

These injuries are a significant blow to the affected teams. Shami’s absence will leave a void in the Titans’ bowling attack, while Wood’s withdrawal will weaken the Super Giants’ pace department. Krishna’s unavailability is a major setback for the Royals, who were hoping to challenge for the title this season. Roy’s departure will also be a disappointment for KKR, who were counting on his explosive batting.

Replacement Options

The affected teams will now have to consider their replacement options. Gujarat Titans may look to sign another Indian fast bowler, while Lucknow Super Giants could target an overseas pacer. Rajasthan Royals may consider promoting a young fast bowler from their academy, while KKR will hope that Salt can fill the void left by Roy.

Conclusion

The injuries to these key players are a reminder of the physical demands of cricket and the importance of managing player workloads. The affected teams will now have to adapt and find ways to overcome these setbacks if they want to be successful in IPL 2024.

PCB Chairman Naqvi Appointed Federal Minister, Retains PCB Role

PCB Chairman Naqvi Appointed Federal Minister, Retains PCB Role

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Appointed Federal Minister, Retains PCB Role

Mohsin Naqvi, the newly elected chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has been appointed as the Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control. This unprecedented move has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and the impact on the governance of Pakistan cricket.

Naqvi, who was elected PCB chairman last month, has stated that he will continue to hold both positions concurrently. This is not the first time he has juggled political and cricketing responsibilities. Last month, he was serving as the caretaker chief minister of Punjab while also being elected PCB chairman.

The PCB has defended Naqvi’s dual role, arguing that it does not violate the board’s constitution. The PCB election commissioner has stated that the board’s rules prohibit a chairman from holding an “office of profit” concurrently, but Naqvi has said he will not draw a salary from his role at the Interior Ministry.

However, the dual role has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Naqvi has previously stated that he does not want politics to seep into cricket, but his appointment as a federal minister could make it difficult to maintain that separation.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has historically taken a dim view of political interference in cricket, but it has only intervened sporadically. There is precedent for board chairs holding ministries elsewhere in the subcontinent, such as Sharad Pawar serving as BCCI president while also being India’s Minister for Agriculture.

The ICC has stated that it requires a complaining party to assess whether political interference has occurred at a cricket board. In the past, it has suspended Zimbabwe Cricket and Sri Lanka Cricket for brief periods due to political interference.

It remains to be seen how Naqvi’s dual role will impact the governance of Pakistan cricket. The PCB has expressed confidence that there will be no violation of its constitution, but the potential for conflicts of interest and political influence remains a concern.

Sri Lanka's ODI Ambitions Undeterred Despite Setbacks

Sri Lanka’s ODI Ambitions Undeterred Despite Setbacks

Sri Lanka’s ODI ambitions remain undeterred despite missing out on the Super League and the Champions Trophy. Head coach Chris Silverwood emphasizes that representing the country is motivation enough for the team, especially against a competitive Bangladesh side.

The rivalry between the two teams intensified during the recent T20I series, with gestures and verbal exchanges adding fuel to the fire. However, Silverwood acknowledges that the rivalry has fostered a healthy competitive edge.

Sri Lanka is in the early stages of a new ODI cycle and has made a promising start with series wins against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. Silverwood aims to build on this momentum and establish a distinct style of play leading up to the next World Cup.

The return of Pathum Nissanka, who recently became the first Sri Lankan to score an ODI double century, is a major boost for the team. Silverwood praises Nissanka’s exceptional contributions and consistency.

Another player to watch is Kamindu Mendis, who has impressed with his ambidextrous batting and ambitious stroke play. Mendis has seized his opportunities and is now vying for a permanent berth in the team.

Silverwood highlights the importance of individual contributions and the team’s collective effort in putting up big scores and executing their skills effectively.

Virat Kohli's Consistency and Aggression Elevate T20 Teams

Virat Kohli’s Consistency and Aggression Elevate T20 Teams

Virat Kohli’s unwavering consistency and infectious aggression have left an indelible mark on the cricketing world, according to former India captain Anil Kumble. Kohli’s relentless pursuit of excellence has not only elevated his own game but also the intensity of every T20 team he represents.

Kumble, who witnessed Kohli’s rise from a U-19 World Cup winner to a global superstar, believes that consistency is Kohli’s most significant legacy. As the only player to have played 16 seasons for a single IPL franchise, Kohli has consistently delivered match-winning performances for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

“His aggression and attitude on the field help the team gain intensity,” Kumble said. “The kind of inspiration and intensity that he brings lifts everybody within the group.”

England’s World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan echoed Kumble’s sentiments, describing Kohli as one of the greatest cricketers of the modern era. “When you have a player of that calibre in your side, it’s crucial that you’re constantly asking him to get the best out of himself,” Morgan said.

Mike Hesson, who coached Kohli at RCB, provided a different perspective, highlighting Kohli’s calm demeanor off the field. “He’s very calm off the field,” Hesson said. “When youngsters come into the team or overseas players, he’d spend time getting to know them.”

Robin Uthappa, who has played alongside and against Kohli, described the experience of facing him as “annoying.” “As an opposition, he could be grating, in your face,” Uthappa said. “You’d always feel like there’s a battle happening with a bowler.”

Kohli’s combative instincts extend beyond his batting, according to Uthappa. “There’s an extra battle happening with an extra-cover fielder because he’s coming at you all the time,” he added.

As Royal Challengers Bangalore prepare for the upcoming IPL season, Kohli’s leadership and unwavering determination will once again be crucial to their success. His ability to inspire and elevate his teammates makes him an invaluable asset to any team he represents.

India Slips to Fourth in FIH Men's Hockey Rankings, Germany Moves Up

India Slips to Fourth in FIH Men’s Hockey Rankings, Germany Moves Up

India’s men’s hockey team has slipped one spot to fourth in the latest FIH world rankings, while Germany has moved up to third place following their impressive performance at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers. India had already qualified for the Paris Olympics through an Asian Games gold last year and did not participate in the Olympic Qualifiers.

Germany, on the other hand, went unbeaten at the Olympic Qualifiers in Oman and followed that up with two wins and two draws against Argentina and a young Belgian side during the Santiago del Estero mini tournament in the FIH Pro League to surpass India.

Netherlands continues to sit at the top of the rankings, while Belgium holds on to second place. Australia has leapfrogged England into fifth place, while Argentina and Spain remain in seventh and eighth positions respectively.

In the Women’s Rankings, India is ranked ninth, while Netherlands remains clear of the chasing pack. Argentina and Germany have moved ahead of Australia into second and third places, while Australia is now fourth. Belgium has dropped a place to fifth, while England remains sixth. Spain has closed the gap to England thanks to a strong showing at the Olympic Qualifiers in Valencia, where they finished second to qualify for Paris.

The closely contested nature of international women’s hockey is evident, with less than 100 points separating England on sixth and India on ninth.

Sri Lanka Recall Kumara, Include Mendis for Bangladesh ODIs

Sri Lanka Recall Kumara, Include Mendis for Bangladesh ODIs

Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for their upcoming series against Bangladesh features the return of fast bowler Lahiru Kumara and the inclusion of batting allrounder Kamindu Mendis. The team aims to continue its rebuilding process after a disappointing World Cup performance.

Kumara, who has been in good form in domestic cricket, has been recalled to the ODI XI. He has taken nine wickets in his last four List A matches. Mendis, who impressed in the T20Is, has also earned a spot in the squad.

Opening batter Pathum Nissanka, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, and offspin-bowling allrounder Sahan Arachchige, who has been in good form with the bat domestically, are also included in the squad.

Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva remains omitted from the ODI squad, while Shevon Daniel, who was part of Sri Lanka’s last two ODI squads, has been left out in favor of Mendis.

Sri Lanka has a variety of seam options, including Kumara, Pramod Madushan, left-armer Dilshan Madushanka, and all-rounders Chamika Karunaratne and Janth Liyanage. However, they do not have the slingers Matheesha Pathirana or Nuwan Thushara, despite Thushara’s outstanding performance in the third T20I against Bangladesh.

On the spin front, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are expected to be the main bowlers, but Akila Dananjaya and left-arm spinning allrounder Dunith Wellalage are also in the mix.

Sri Lanka has won both their ODI series this year, at home against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. This is their first overseas series in 2024. The first of three ODIs will be played in Chattogram on Wednesday.

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