Sri Lanka Stun India in Second ODI, Set Up Series Decider

Sri Lanka Stun India in Second ODI, Set Up Series Decider

Sri Lanka’s stunning victory over India in the second ODI has set the stage for a thrilling series decider. Despite missing key players and facing a formidable Indian side, the hosts have shown remarkable resilience and determination.

The match was dominated by spin, with the Khettarama Stadium’s conditions favoring the slower bowlers. Jeffrey Vandersay emerged as the hero for Sri Lanka, claiming a sensational six-wicket haul to dismantle India’s batting line-up. The visitors, who had looked comfortable at 150 for 6, collapsed to 225 all out.

India’s struggles against spin have become a major concern. Barring Rohit Sharma and Axar Patel, none of the other batters have looked at ease against the tweakers. The Indian team management will need to address this weakness before the series finale.

Another area of concern for India is their inability to close out innings. In both games, they have allowed the Sri Lankan lower order to wag after having them six down for less than 150. This has resulted in totals above 200, which has proved challenging to chase.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have shown great character and adaptability. Despite losing Wanindu Hasaranga ahead of the second game, they have managed to secure a 1-0 lead. The team’s performance has been a testament to the depth and talent within their squad.

The series decider on Wednesday will be a crucial test for both teams. India will be desperate to avoid a series defeat, while Sri Lanka will be aiming to end a 27-year drought for a bilateral series win against the Men in Blue in ODIs.

The match is expected to be another close contest, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Sri Lanka will be hoping to exploit India’s spin vulnerability, while India will need to find a way to counter the hosts’ spinners and close out the innings effectively.

Sibley's Century Ends Surrey's Losing Streak in One-Day Cup

Sibley’s Century Ends Surrey’s Losing Streak in One-Day Cup

Surrey’s dismal run of five consecutive defeats in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup came to an end with a resounding 17-run victory over Leicestershire at the Oval. The triumph was largely due to the heroics of Dom Sibley, who notched his second century in three matches.

Sibley, who had previously scored 149 against Warwickshire and 72 versus Nottinghamshire, continued his impressive form with a masterful 105. He shared a 138-run opening stand with Ryan Patel (72) and a 111-run partnership with Ben Geddes (61) to propel Surrey to a formidable total of 296 for 6.

Despite losing five wickets in the final eight overs, Surrey’s total proved too much for Leicestershire. Sol Budinger, the competition’s leading run-scorer, kept the Foxes in the hunt with a valiant 70, while Tom Scriven’s career-best 55 raised hopes of a thrilling finish.

However, leg-spinner Cameron Steel proved to be the match-winner for Surrey, claiming 3 for 48. All-rounders Ian Holland (2 for 50) and Scriven (2 for 51) also impressed with the ball, while 19-year-old seamer Sam Wood made a promising List A debut with 1 for 34.

The Foxes’ chase got off to a shaky start as they lost openers Holland and Lewis Hill cheaply. Ajinkya Rahane was dropped on four but failed to capitalize, falling for 27. Budinger and Peter Handscomb shared a 48-run partnership, but both fell to Steel, leaving Leicestershire in a precarious position.

Trevaskis and Cox departed in quick succession, leaving Scriven and Wood to keep the contest alive. Scriven hit two sixes in a 45-run eighth-wicket stand with Wood, but Steel’s stunning catch at backward point ended Scriven’s resistance and sealed the victory for Surrey.

With three wins from five, Leicestershire’s hopes of qualifying for the knock-out stages remain alive, but they face an uphill battle with Group B leaders Warwickshire and Glamorgan both boasting five wins from five.

India's Shooters Break Medal Drought at Paris Olympics

India’s Shooters Break Medal Drought at Paris Olympics

India’s shooting contingent has made history at the Paris Olympics, ending a two-decade medal drought with three bronze medals. The performance marks a significant turnaround for the sport in the country, which had failed to win any medals at the previous two Olympics.

The team’s success can be attributed to a comprehensive overhaul of its preparation strategy after the Tokyo Olympics. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) implemented a system that prioritized athlete-centric training, coach-driven guidance, and administrative support.

Sports science, mental training, strength and conditioning, and nutrition were meticulously incorporated into the program. Beijing Olympics champion Abhinav Bindra was brought in as a mentor to provide motivation and guidance.

The introduction of Olympic selection trials and the removal of bonus points ensured a level playing field for all athletes. This resulted in a highly competitive team that included some of the world’s top shooters.

At the Olympics, India’s shooters displayed remarkable consistency, with multiple athletes qualifying for finals. Manu Bhaker emerged as a star, winning two bronze medals in the air pistol individual and mixed events. Swapnil Kusale also secured a bronze in the 50m rifle three positions.

The team’s success has not only brought glory to India but has also inspired a new generation of shooters. The NRAI’s focus on personal coaches and a positive team environment has fostered a culture of excellence that is likely to drive the growth of the sport in the years to come.

Yorkshire Snatch Thrilling Three-Wicket Win Over Essex in Metro Bank One-Day Cup

Yorkshire Snatch Thrilling Three-Wicket Win Over Essex in Metro Bank One-Day Cup

Yorkshire’s Dom Bess guided his team to a thrilling three-wicket victory over Essex in a rollercoaster Metro Bank One-Day Cup clash at Scarborough. Chasing 244, Yorkshire encountered batting difficulties but Bess’s unbeaten 53 proved crucial in securing the win.

Essex’s innings began with a shaky start, losing three early wickets. However, Robin Das and Luc Benkenstein steadied the ship with a 125-run partnership. Das and Benkenstein both reached half-centuries, but their efforts were undone by a collapse that saw Essex lose four wickets for five runs.

Yorkshire’s reply also faced early setbacks, losing two wickets inside seven overs. Shan Masood and James Wharton then shared an 84-run partnership, but Yorkshire stumbled again, losing four wickets for 21 runs. Wharton’s 71 off 89 balls kept Yorkshire’s hopes alive, but his dismissal left them in a precarious position.

Enter Dom Bess. The all-rounder played a composed innings, guiding Yorkshire through the chase. He shared a crucial 61-run partnership with Wharton and then combined with Ben Coad for an eighth-wicket stand of 60. Bess reached his fifty with the winning hit off Ben Allison, securing a vital victory for Yorkshire.

Quan Hongchan Wins Second Gold in Paris, Extends China's Diving Dominance

Quan Hongchan Wins Second Gold in Paris, Extends China’s Diving Dominance

Quan Hongchan, the 17-year-old diving prodigy from China, has continued her dominance in the sport by securing her second gold medal at the Paris Olympics. This victory marks her third Olympic gold and maintains China’s unblemished record in diving at the Games.

In the women’s 10m platform event, Quan showcased her exceptional skills, amassing a winning total of 425.60 points. Her teammate, Chen Yuxi, finished closely behind with 420.70 points, securing the silver medal. North Korea’s Kim Mi Rae claimed the bronze with a score of 372.10.

Quan’s triumph in Paris adds to her impressive resume, which includes a gold medal in the 10m platform at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and a gold in the women’s synchronized 10m platform in Paris with Chen.

China’s dominance in diving remains unchallenged, as they have swept all five gold medals awarded in the sport so far at the Paris Olympics. With three more golds still up for grabs, China is poised to extend its reign at the top of the diving world.

In Tokyo, China’s divers showcased their superiority by winning all but one of the eight titles, with Britain claiming the remaining gold.

Quan Hongchan’s remarkable achievements at such a young age have solidified her status as one of the greatest divers of all time. Her exceptional talent and unwavering determination have made her a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide.

Olympic 10,000m Champion Cheptegei Withdraws from 5,000m in Paris

Olympic 10,000m Champion Cheptegei Withdraws from 5,000m in Paris

Newly-crowned Olympic 10,000m champion Joshua Cheptegei has announced that he will not defend his 5,000m title in Paris. The Ugandan distance runner made the announcement on Instagram Tuesday, expressing his pride in his recent 10,000m victory and his decision to focus on other goals.

“I’m so proud of having won Olympic gold in the 10,000m,” said Cheptegei, who won silver in the event in the Tokyo Games. “So proud for Uganda. After the world junior 10,000m title, three times the world 10,000m titles, the world 10,000m record, this gold medal in an Olympic record time completes my collection.”

Cheptegei, who holds the world record in the 10,000m, explained that after consulting with his team, they decided it was best not to compete in the 5,000m in Paris. Heats for the 5,000m are scheduled for Wednesday, with the final slated for Saturday.

Cheptegei’s decision to skip the 5,000m in Paris is a strategic one. The Ugandan runner is currently focused on preparing for the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, where he will be aiming to defend his 10,000m title. He is also eyeing the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where he will be looking to repeat his 10,000m gold medal performance.

Cheptegei’s withdrawal from the 5,000m in Paris is a blow to the event, but it is also a testament to his commitment to his long-term goals. The Ugandan runner is one of the most talented distance runners in the world, and he is sure to continue to achieve great things in the years to come.

Sam Curran's Heroics Lead Oval Invincibles to Thrilling Last-Ball Victory

Sam Curran’s Heroics Lead Oval Invincibles to Thrilling Last-Ball Victory

Oval Invincibles emerged victorious in a nail-biting last-ball thriller against Manchester Originals at Emirates Old Trafford, securing a three-run victory to ascend to the top of the table.

Sam Curran, the England all-rounder, once again proved to be the match-winner for the Invincibles, showcasing his exceptional skills with both bat and ball. Curran’s blistering knock of 68 runs from 38 deliveries, including six towering sixes, propelled the Invincibles to a competitive total of 164 for 8.

Manchester Originals, despite a promising start, faltered in their chase, falling short by a mere three runs. Young opener Matthew Hurst impressed with a scintillating 50 from 29 balls, but his dismissal triggered a collapse in the Originals’ batting lineup.

Curran’s heroics with the ball were equally impressive. He conceded just three runs from the final five deliveries of the match, ensuring the Invincibles’ victory. His two wickets, along with the contributions of Will Jacks (2-16) and Adam Zampa (2-30), proved crucial in restricting the Originals to 161 for 7.

The defeat extinguished the Originals’ hopes of reaching the knockout stage, while the Invincibles extended their winning streak and cemented their position as title contenders. Curran’s consistent brilliance has been a key factor in the Invincibles’ success, and his ability to perform under pressure has earned him widespread admiration.

“I thought with the ball it felt like we bowled really well,” Curran said after the match. “I think our success at the moment is just the self-belief. Everyone is able to step up and it can always be someone different. The Hundred format is good because you can always feel in the game.”

Paris Olympics Faces Plastic Pollution Concerns Despite Green Pledge

Paris Olympics Faces Plastic Pollution Concerns Despite Green Pledge

The Paris Olympics organizing committee has set an ambitious goal of reducing single-use plastics by half compared to the 2012 London Games. However, the widespread use of plastic bottles by major sponsor Coca-Cola has raised concerns about the committee’s ability to meet this target.

Despite the ban on spectators bringing single-use containers to Olympic sites, Coca-Cola has been distributing Fanta, Sprite, and Coke in plastic bottles at venues. Staff have been observed emptying these bottles into reusable cups, a practice that some argue undermines the Games’ pledge to be the greenest in history.

Coca-Cola initially stated that nearly 10 out of 18 million refreshments served to spectators would be “without single-use plastic.” However, the company has since acknowledged the use of plastics due to “technical and logistical constraints.”

At the swimming events, for instance, glass bottles are being emptied into red-and-white cups. Georgina Grenon, head of sustainability for the Paris Games, explained that plastic bottles are being used where glass alternatives are not feasible.

Despite these challenges, the organizing committee maintains that the Paris Games will still significantly reduce plastics use compared to London 2012. Grenon estimates that the target of a 50% reduction in single-use plastics will be achieved.

However, environmental protection charity France Nature Environment (FNE) has criticized Coca-Cola for “unjustified plastic pollution” and awarded the company the “gold medal for greenwashing” during the Olympics.

Coca-Cola, one of the world’s largest plastics producers, manufactured 134 billion plastic bottles in 2022. The company has set a goal of using fully recycled plastic for all its bottles by 2030. Of the bottles being used at the Paris Games, approximately 6.2 million are made from recycled PET plastic.

Superchargers Crush Phoenix with Record-Low Score in The Hundred

Superchargers Crush Phoenix with Record-Low Score in The Hundred

Northern Superchargers continued their impressive run in The Hundred women’s competition with a resounding 61-run victory over Birmingham Phoenix, solidifying their position in the top three of the standings.

The Superchargers, who had previously dismissed Oval Invincibles for the lowest score in the competition (64), repeated the feat against Phoenix, bowling them out for a mere 54 runs, the lowest total in the tournament’s history.

Opting to bat first, Superchargers faced an early setback when Phoenix captain Ellyse Perry dismissed Holly Armitage with her third delivery. However, Annabel Sutherland and Alice Davidson-Richards steadied the innings, guiding the visitors to 68 for 3 before Sutherland departed.

Davidson-Richards remained unbeaten on 49 off 42 deliveries, anchoring the Superchargers’ innings and helping them post a competitive total of 115 for 5.

Phoenix’s chase got off to a disastrous start as they lost four key batters for just 14 runs. Sterre Kalis, Perry, Amy Jones, and Richa Ghosh all fell cheaply, leaving the home side in disarray.

The Superchargers bowlers shared the wickets around, with Linsey Smith and Georgia Wareham claiming three wickets each. Smith’s double-wicket maiden towards the end of the innings sealed the victory for the visitors.

Davidson-Richards, who was named the Meerkat Match Hero, acknowledged the challenging batting conditions but expressed delight at her team’s performance. She highlighted the importance of building an innings and finding gaps for boundaries.

The Superchargers will now face table-toppers Welsh Fire in a crucial away match, aiming to continue their winning streak and strengthen their position in the top three.

Dominic Thiem Bids Farewell to Tennis Channel Bundesliga in Emotional Match

Dominic Thiem Bids Farewell to Tennis Channel Bundesliga in Emotional Match

Thousands of dedicated fans braved torrential rain in southern Germany to witness the final match of one of the Tennis Channel Bundesliga’s most celebrated stars, Dominic Thiem. The former US Open champion returned to TK GW Mannheim for a poignant farewell before his retirement later this year.

The Bundesliga boasts a reputation as the world’s premier tennis league, attracting a constellation of Top 100 players. Tennis legends such as Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have graced the German club courts. Thiem, a fan favorite, has been instrumental in Mannheim’s three Bundesliga titles between 2018 and 2021.

His final appearance was a bittersweet affair. Despite a singles defeat, Thiem rallied to secure a doubles victory, earning a point for his former club. The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, with ballkids, players, staff, and fans alike expressing their admiration.

“Thank you, that’s the biggest word I can say,” Thiem said, his voice filled with emotion. “And also a thank you to the fans who stayed so long because the weather was difficult.”

“I’m very emotional. It really was a wonderful farewell. Of course one of the most special tournaments I’ve had in my life, the home tournament where so many beautiful things happened.”

Earlier this summer, Thiem announced his decision to retire from the ATP Tour in 2024, citing a persistent wrist injury and a desire to pursue other passions.

“I want to give you a very important, very sad, but also very beautiful message: The 2024 season will be my last,” he said in a statement. “I will end my career at the end of this season.”

“There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, my wrist is obviously not the way it should be and it’s not the way I wanted it to be. The second reason is my inner feeling. I thought about this decision for a very long time. I thought about it very carefully.”

The Tennis Channel Bundesliga has been one of the few tournaments Thiem has participated in this year. After his recent return to Kitzbühel, where he triumphed in 2019, Thiem will decide on his participation in the US Open. He plans to join Nick Kyrgios and Frances Tiafoe at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown in Frankfurt before making his final appearance at his home tournament in Vienna.

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