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Mumbai Indians Knocked Out of IPL 2024 After SunRisers Hyderabad Victory

Mumbai Indians Knocked Out of IPL 2024 After SunRisers Hyderabad Victory

By May 8, 2024 0

The Mumbai Indians’ dismal IPL 2024 campaign has reached its nadir, with the five-time champions becoming the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention. Despite having two matches remaining, the Hardik Pandya-led side’s fate was sealed on Wednesday when SunRisers Hyderabad defeated Lucknow Super Giants.

The Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals have already secured 16 points each, occupying the top spots in the IPL 2024 points table. SRH’s 10-wicket victory over LSG propelled them to 14 points, leaving Mumbai Indians with an insurmountable deficit.

With only 8 points from 12 games, the Mumbai Indians cannot overtake any of the three teams ahead of them. Even if they win their remaining two matches, they can only reach a maximum of 12 points.

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants, both on 12 points, will face off in the 64th match of IPL 2024. This ensures that one of these teams will finish with more than 12 points, further eliminating Mumbai Indians’ playoff hopes.

Hardik Pandya has remained pragmatic about his team’s chances, stating that he is not getting carried away by mathematical possibilities. “I don’t know which mathematical situation we’re talking about, but at the same time, you want to focus on playing good cricket,” Pandya said.

Despite their elimination, Pandya praised his team’s performance in their recent victory over Punjab Kings. He highlighted the batting prowess of Suryakumar Yadav, who has been a standout performer for Mumbai Indians this season.

“The way our batters batted, that was excellent. My bowling, I like to bowl in the right areas, I bowl according to the situation. Bowled in the right areas today and it worked,” Pandya said.

“It’s unbelievable, the best past of SKY is that he puts the bowlers under pressure. It’s sheer confidence, his game has changed, is one of the best batters. He can change a game in a different way, lucky to have him (SKY) in our side,” Pandya added.

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Lesia Tsurenko: Italy, a Sanctuary for a Ukrainian Tennis Star

Lesia Tsurenko: Italy, a Sanctuary for a Ukrainian Tennis Star

By May 8, 2024 0

Lesia Tsurenko, the 34-year-old Ukrainian tennis star, has a deep affinity for Italy that extends beyond its culinary delights. Her connection to the country dates back to her impressive performance in the 2012 Billie Jean King Cup, where she earned both points for Ukraine against Italy.

Tsurenko’s bond with Italy grew stronger under the guidance of Italian coach Adriano Albanesi, who helped her achieve notable results, including a quarterfinal berth at the 2018 US Open. Amidst the ongoing war in her homeland, Tsurenko has found solace and sanctuary in Italy, where she trains at the Piatti Tennis Center.

“I enjoy every second,” Tsurenko said. “I enjoy my beautiful morning coffee and the view that I have in Liguira, where I live. It’s just amazing to have this feeling and be able to relax and calm down.”

This sense of tranquility aided her in her hard-fought victory over Donna Vekic in the first round of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. Despite Vekic’s formidable serve, Tsurenko’s resilience and determination prevailed in a two-hour, 39-minute battle.

“I’m so jealous of the serve that Donna has!” Tsurenko exclaimed. “She’s serving unbelievably good, and it’s so tough because you don’t have a rhythm to play against someone like her.”

Tsurenko’s next challenge will be against fellow Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina, who holds a special place in her heart for Italy as the 2023 Rome finalist. Tsurenko hopes to draw inspiration from the tournament’s unique atmosphere and the Italian delicacies she has come to love.

“This tournament, if you look around, you’ll see trees and statues, and I think just everything makes this tournament so special,” Tsurenko said. “All the players enjoy food, and all of the players enjoy touristic mode because all of the hotels are in the center of the city … and you can enjoy the time off [from] the tournament.”

Categories: Tennis
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Northern Diamonds Edge South East Stars in Thrilling Run Chase

Northern Diamonds Edge South East Stars in Thrilling Run Chase

By May 8, 2024 0

In a thrilling encounter at Beckenham, Northern Diamonds emerged victorious over South East Stars by a narrow margin of three runs in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. Despite a valiant century from Sophia Dunkley, the Stars fell agonizingly short of what would have been a record-breaking run chase.

The Diamonds, batting first, posted a formidable total of 311 for 9. Hollie Armitage (66), Bess Heath (63), and Sterre Kalis (52) all contributed significant half-centuries. However, a devastating spell from Phoebe Franklin, who claimed three wickets for three runs in six balls, restricted the Diamonds’ progress.

In response, the Stars got off to a shaky start, losing Tash Farrant early. Dunkley, who had been omitted from England’s squad to face Pakistan, showcased her class with a magnificent 130 from 136 deliveries. She formed a crucial partnership with Bryony Smith (52), but the Stars’ hopes were dashed in the final over.

With just four balls remaining, Dunkley was inexplicably run out by Erin Burns after failing to ground her bat. Bethan Miles was unable to hit a boundary off the last delivery, leaving the Stars three runs short of their target.

The Diamonds’ victory was a testament to their resilience and depth. Armitage, Heath, and Kalis provided a solid foundation with their half-centuries, while Jess Woolston’s unbeaten 23 helped push the total past 300.

For the Stars, Dunkley’s century was a standout performance, but it was ultimately not enough to secure victory. Phoebe Franklin’s three-wicket haul and Aylish Cranstone’s 41 were also notable contributions.

The match was a thrilling spectacle that showcased the high quality of women’s cricket in England. The Diamonds’ victory keeps them in contention for the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy title, while the Stars will be determined to bounce back in their remaining matches.

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De Klerk's Century Guides The Blaze to Thrilling Victory

De Klerk’s Century Guides The Blaze to Thrilling Victory

By May 8, 2024 0

In a thrilling encounter at Trent Bridge, The Blaze emerged victorious over Western Storm in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, thanks to a magnificent unbeaten century from South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk.

Chasing a challenging target of 275, The Blaze found themselves in a precarious position at 137 for 6. However, de Klerk and wicketkeeper Ella Claridge forged an unbreakable 139-run partnership to guide their team to a four-wicket victory with 12 balls to spare.

De Klerk, who has been in impressive form for The Blaze this season, played a captain’s knock, striking 106 runs off 112 deliveries, including 12 boundaries and a six. Her innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, as she punished any loose deliveries with clinical precision.

Claridge, who was making her first half-century in women’s regional cricket, provided excellent support to de Klerk, scoring an unbeaten 64 runs off 75 balls. Her innings was characterized by a combination of power and finesse, as she found the gaps with ease and kept the scoreboard ticking over.

Earlier, Western Storm had posted a competitive total of 275, thanks to a career-best 73 from Natasha Wraith. The wicketkeeper-batter shared a crucial 93-run partnership with skipper Sophie Luff, who contributed 37 runs. Chloe Skelton’s unbeaten 29 helped Storm add valuable runs towards the end of their innings.

The Blaze captain, Kirstie Gordon, was the pick of the bowlers for The Blaze, taking 4 for 40. Her left-arm spin proved to be a handful for the Storm batters, as she consistently found the right length and line.

The victory was a significant one for The Blaze, who had lost four of their previous five matches. It also marked a return to form for de Klerk, who had struggled for runs in recent games.

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Mumbai Indians Knocked Out of IPL 2024 Playoffs

Mumbai Indians Knocked Out of IPL 2024 Playoffs

By May 8, 2024 0

Mumbai Indians (MI) have been eliminated from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs after Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by ten wickets on Wednesday. SRH’s victory propelled them to third place in the standings with 14 points, while MI’s hopes of reaching the top four were dashed.

MI’s season began under the leadership of new captain Hardik Pandya, but they endured a poor start with three consecutive defeats. Despite winning three of their next four games, another streak of four successive losses severely damaged their playoff chances.

Jasprit Bumrah has been MI’s standout performer, leading the wicket charts with 18 scalps in 12 games. However, the team’s other bowlers have struggled to contain runs, and their batters have underperformed. Tilak Varma is their highest scorer with 384 runs, followed by Suryakumar Yadav with 334 runs. Rohit Sharma has managed only 330 runs in 12 innings.

Hardik has also had a disappointing season, scoring only 198 runs and taking 11 wickets with an economy rate of 10.58. MI’s overseas players, including Romario Shepherd, Mohammad Nabi, and Nuwan Thushara, have failed to make a significant impact.

The team’s spin department has been their Achilles heel, accounting for only 13 of their 68 total wickets. While they have won three of their six home games, they have struggled on the road, with their only away victory coming against Punjab Kings.

MI’s early elimination means that their wait for a sixth IPL title continues. They won their fourth and fifth trophies in 2019 and 2020, but have made the playoffs only once in the past four seasons.

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Osaka Dominates on Court, Weighs In on Kendrick-Drake Feud

Osaka Dominates on Court, Weighs In on Kendrick-Drake Feud

By May 8, 2024 0

Naomi Osaka Weighs In on Kendrick Lamar-Drake Feud, Dominates on Court

ROME, Italy – Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka has emerged as an unlikely music critic, offering her take on the ongoing feud between hip-hop heavyweights Kendrick Lamar and Drake.

During an interview with Tennis Channel Live Desk at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, Osaka expressed her enthusiasm for the musical rivalry. “Music-wise, I’ve been really fed well with this Kendrick and Drake beef,” she said.

Despite her self-proclaimed pacifist stance, Osaka couldn’t resist sharing her preference for Kendrick’s recent diss track, “Not Like Us.” “That last song is amazing,” she declared. “I played it walking onto the court.”

Osaka’s musical commentary extended beyond the current feud. She noted that Kendrick’s recent output has been particularly impressive. “Me being a Kendrick fan, I haven’t gotten this many Kendrick songs in a very long time!” she exclaimed.

On the tennis court, Osaka displayed similar dominance. In her first match at the Foro Italico since giving birth to her daughter, she overcame a tight opening set to defeat Clara Burel 7-6 (2), 6-1.

Osaka’s victory sets up a second-round clash with No. 19 seed Marta Kostyuk. The four-time Grand Slam champion will be looking to continue her strong form and potentially add another title to her impressive resume.

Categories: Tennis
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Rashid Khan's Back Surgery Saga: From World Cup Pain to IPL Redemption

Rashid Khan’s Back Surgery Saga: From World Cup Pain to IPL Redemption

By May 8, 2024 0

Gujarat Titans’ star spinner Rashid Khan has revealed the arduous journey he endured after undergoing back surgery following the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Despite being advised by doctors to undergo surgery before the tournament, Khan opted to delay it to represent his country.

“I had to play in the World Cup. I cannot say no to the World Cup,” Khan said.

To manage the pain, Khan took injections before the tournament. However, his condition worsened after Afghanistan’s victory over Pakistan.

“I could not sleep. I would sleep only at four or five in the morning at times. The only way I could sleep was by taking sleeping tablets and painkillers,” he recalled.

During the final three matches of the World Cup, Khan played at a mere 40% fitness, relying on painkillers to keep going. His back issues affected his bending and caused pain down to his shins.

After the tournament, Khan underwent surgery. The doctor informed him that a failed surgery could end his career, leaving him anxious.

“I was so tense the whole night before the surgery. I didn’t tell my family that I was having surgery,” he said.

Following the surgery, Khan experienced relief from pain but was eager to return to the game. He thanked the Gujarat Titans staff, particularly Ashish Nehra and Naeem Amin, for their support during his recovery.

However, the surgery has impacted his bowling, particularly his wrong’un. Khan consulted with the franchise’s video analyst, Sandeep Raju, who identified that he was not hitting his lengths correctly.

“I am just using the fingers. There is nothing wrong with my back, but I only had this fear in my mind: what if the injury resurfaced?” Khan explained.

After spot bowling sessions, Khan regained confidence in his back and has since performed well for Gujarat Titans in the IPL.

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Nikhat Zareen Embraces “Energy-Saving Mode” Ahead of Olympic Debut

By May 8, 2024 0

Nikhat Zareen, India’s two-time world champion boxer, is preparing for her long-awaited Olympic debut in Paris with a unique approach. As the Games draw near, she has adopted an “energy-saving mode” to ensure a calm and focused mindset.

Zareen, a medal favorite in the 50kg category, believes that activities like social media detox, solitude, and indulging in sweets on cheat days are essential for her mental well-being. She has also found solace in binge-watching Netflix’s “Heeramandi.”

“The feeling of being an Olympian hasn’t sunk in yet,” Zareen said. “But as days pass, the nervousness increases. I train my brain to focus on a good performance.”

The 27-year-old from Hyderabad has a remarkable track record, including a junior world championship and consecutive senior world titles in 2022 and 2023. Her undefeated 2022 season has fueled her hopes for a similar peak in Paris.

Zareen acknowledges the pressure that comes with competition. “Every competition brings nervousness,” she said. “You have expectations from yourself and others. I cope with it by working hard, staying focused, and having a calm mind.”

Her energy-saving mode includes limiting social interactions, indulging in her sweet tooth, and engaging in activities that bring her joy. “I listen to music, watch movies, and do grocery shopping,” she said. “It helps me stay calm.”

Zareen’s journey to the Olympics has been marked by both triumph and disappointment. She narrowly missed out on qualifying for Tokyo 2020, but her determination remained unwavering. “The setback made me resolute,” she said. “Qualifying for Paris was a dream come true.”

While training is crucial, Zareen emphasizes the importance of mental preparation in boxing. “It’s a lonely sport,” she said. “You have to fight your battles alone in the ring.”

She finds solace in the fact that women’s boxing is now gaining recognition and financial rewards. “Mary Kom’s Olympic medal in 2012 inspired me,” she said. “The rewards for international performances are motivating people to succeed.”

Despite the uncertainty surrounding boxing’s Olympic status, Zareen remains hopeful. “I believe boxing will stay in the Olympics,” she said. “I’m confident that IOC and IBA will find a solution.”

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ICC Urged to Structure T20 Leagues to Preserve Test Cricket

ICC Urged to Structure T20 Leagues to Preserve Test Cricket

By May 8, 2024 0

The proliferation of T20 leagues has raised concerns about the future of Test cricket, prompting West Indian legend Brian Lara to urge the ICC to intervene and establish a structured framework for franchise-based tournaments.

Lara believes that the ICC should take a proactive role in regulating the relentless expansion of T20 leagues, which have encroached upon the traditional space occupied by Test cricket. He emphasized the need for a more organized approach to ensure that Test cricket remains relevant and viable.

Lara acknowledged that T20 leagues have become increasingly popular due to their entertainment value and shorter format, which caters to the demands of modern-day spectators. However, he stressed that Test cricket offers a unique experience that should not be overlooked.

“I like the Test Championship and I think it is important to make sure that the game remains relevant,” Lara said. “We haven’t educated the present-day public about the importance of batting a session and not losing a wicket.”

Lara also highlighted the financial challenges faced by smaller cricket nations, which rely heavily on gate receipts and TV rights revenue. He expressed concern that the wealth accumulated by the “big three” nations – India, Australia, and England – could further exacerbate the financial disparities within the sport.

“It’s hard to see outside of the big three – Australia, England, and India – how countries are going to survive when economically it’s tough for them,” Lara said.

To address these concerns, Lara suggested that the ICC consider incentivizing Test cricket and exploring ways to attract spectators back to the grounds. He emphasized the importance of creating a compelling experience for fans, both on and off the field.

“Try to get them (crowd) back into the ground,” Lara said. “I’m almost sure you’ve experienced it in India, where a sponsor preferred to spend his money on three hours of cricket instead of five days of cricket.”

Lara’s appeal to the ICC underscores the growing need for a balanced approach to cricket, one that recognizes the popularity of T20 leagues while preserving the legacy and significance of Test cricket.

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