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Afghanistan Opener Ibrahim Zadran Doubtful for Historic Test Debut

Afghanistan Opener Ibrahim Zadran Doubtful for Historic Test Debut

By September 8, 2024 0

Afghanistan Opener Ibrahim Zadran Doubtful for Historic Test Against New Zealand

Afghanistan’s hopes of a strong start in their inaugural Test match against New Zealand have been dealt a blow with the injury to opening batter Ibrahim Zadran. The 22-year-old sustained an ankle injury during the team’s final practice session in Greater Noida on Sunday, just a day before the historic encounter.

“Today, in the practice session, Ibrahim had an injury in his ankle. But it’s not sure 100 percent what will happen tomorrow. We will see what will happen with him,” Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi said at the pre-match press conference.

Zadran’s absence would be a significant setback for Afghanistan, as he has been a key contributor in their Test matches. He has played seven of Afghanistan’s nine Tests, scoring 384 runs at an average of 32.00, including a maiden century against Sri Lanka earlier this year.

The injury to Zadran adds to Afghanistan’s already depleted squad, as they are also without star spinner Rashid Khan. The absence of these two key players could make it challenging for Afghanistan to compete against a strong New Zealand side.

Persistent rain has also hampered the preparations for both teams, with the practice sessions being disrupted. The weather forecast for the Test match is also uncertain, with rain predicted for the first few days.

Despite the challenges, Afghanistan will be determined to make a strong impression in their first-ever Test match. They will be led by experienced skipper Shahidi, who has played 10 Tests and scored over 500 runs.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their dominance in Test cricket. They are ranked second in the ICC Test rankings and have a strong squad led by captain Kane Williamson.

The one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand will be a historic occasion for both teams. It will be the first time that Afghanistan has played a Test match against a top-ranked nation, and it will also be the first Test match to be played in Greater Noida.

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Musheer Khan's 181 Powers India B to Duleep Trophy Victory

Musheer Khan’s 181 Powers India B to Duleep Trophy Victory

By September 8, 2024 0

Musheer Khan’s scintillating 181-run knock in the first innings propelled India B to a 76-run victory over India A in the opening round of the Duleep Trophy at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The all-rounder’s gritty performance laid the foundation for India B’s triumph.

Khan, who had impressed in the Ranji Trophy, seized the opportunity to showcase his talent in the Duleep Trophy. On the opening day, he displayed remarkable temperament and determination, scoring a magnificent 181 runs off 373 deliveries. His innings, which included 16 fours and five sixes, lifted India B from a precarious 94/7 to a respectable 321 in the first innings.

This total proved crucial, giving India B a 90-run lead that ultimately proved decisive. Khan’s partnership with Navdeep Saini was particularly noteworthy, with the all-rounder providing constant encouragement from the non-striker’s end.

“My preparation was really good with my father. I had done well in Ranji so I knew I could get an opportunity here. Every ball I was encouraging him from the non-striker’s end to play it out,” said Khan after being named Player of the Match.

India B skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran expressed his delight at his team’s victory, which earned them six points in the Duleep Trophy. “We were looking to bowl first. Coming back from 90/7 to win the game is special. To be on the winning side is really good,” he said.

In contrast, India A captain Shubman Gill lamented his team’s mistakes in terms of batting and bowling strategies. “Musheer and Saini played really well. Seeing that there’s not much happening from the wicket, we could’ve gone to the bouncer option earlier to Saini,” he said.

“But out there we went for the option we felt was the best. The intensity with which we bowled in the second innings was commendable. Until about lunch time we were talking that if we get a 100-run partnership we could’ve got the target,” Gill added.

India A will now face India D, while India B will take on India C in Anantpur from September 12.

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Kiwi Cricketers' Exodus to T20 Leagues Impacts Player Availability

Kiwi Cricketers’ Exodus to T20 Leagues Impacts Player Availability

By September 8, 2024 0

The exodus of Kiwi cricketers from national contracts to lucrative T20 leagues has raised concerns about player availability for New Zealand, according to captain Tim Southee. Star players like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Finn Allen have recently opted for casual contracts, prioritizing franchise cricket over central contracts with New Zealand Cricket.

Southee acknowledged the challenges this trend poses, particularly given New Zealand’s limited player pool. “It’s a small cricketing country in terms of numbers,” he said. “It would be great to have as many people as possible available for New Zealand, but the way the world is going, it’s getting harder and harder.”

New Zealand faces a demanding schedule in the coming months, with six Tests in the subcontinent, including three against India. The conditions will be vastly different from those in New Zealand, and Southee expects spinners to dominate.

“Conditions are foreign to what we’re used to,” Southee said. “But we’re excited about the chance of playing six Test matches on the bounce here in the subcontinent.”

Southee, a pace bowler, may miss a game or two due to the expected dominance of spinners. “We’ve got four quality pace bowlers at our disposal,” he said. “So it’s about working out what balance is right.”

After the India series, New Zealand will host England for a Test series, concluding their World Test Championship duties. Southee emphasized the challenges of playing nine Tests in a short period.

“It’s a challenge for every side,” he said. “For players playing multi-formats, you have to balance the chopping and changing nature of busy schedules.”

Despite Afghanistan’s inexperience in Test cricket, Southee warned against underestimating them. “Afghanistan has been an improving side for a number of years,” he said. “They’ve got a lot of confidence from their success in the T20 World Cup and the one-day World Cup.”

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Igor Stimac Receives USD 400,000 Compensation from AIFF

Igor Stimac Receives USD 400,000 Compensation from AIFF

By September 8, 2024 0

Igor Stimac, the former head coach of the Indian men’s national football team, has reached an agreement with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to receive USD 400,000 (approximately ₹3.36 crore) after tax as compensation for his termination.

Stimac was sacked by the AIFF in June, a year before his contract was set to expire, following India’s elimination from the second round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The sacking sparked a public dispute between Stimac and the AIFF, with the Croat threatening legal action if his dues were not settled within 10 days.

However, the two parties have now reached an amicable resolution. “The AIFF top brass has approved payment of USD 400,000 as compensation to settle the issue with AIFF,” a source close to the development told PTI.

The compensation amount is significant for the AIFF, which has faced financial challenges in recent times and has reduced its competitions budget this year. The federation had initially offered Stimac three months’ salary as compensation, but he rejected the offer and filed a claim with FIFA for USD 920,000 (approximately ₹7.72 crore) as two years’ salary.

Stimac, who was appointed as head coach in 2019, was given an extension until 2026 by the AIFF in October 2021. However, the extension was conditional on the team reaching the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup, a feat that India has never achieved. India finished last in their group in the 2011 and 2015 editions of the continental tournament.

Manolo Marquez has replaced Stimac as the new head coach of the Indian men’s team. Stimac had previously rejected offers from the AIFF to settle for five and then 10 months’ salary.

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Pant's Banter with Kuldeep Adds Humor to Duleep Trophy

Pant’s Banter with Kuldeep Adds Humor to Duleep Trophy

By September 8, 2024 0

Rishabh Pant’s Hilarious Banter with Kuldeep Yadav Lights Up Duleep Trophy

In a lighthearted moment during the Duleep Trophy match between India A and India B in Bengaluru, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant engaged in a playful banter with teammate Kuldeep Yadav.

As India B sought to dismiss India A in their second innings, Pant’s voice was captured on the stump microphone teasing Kuldeep. After Kuldeep hit a boundary off the fifth ball of the 41st over, Pant anticipated that he would attempt a single off the final ball.

“Close in, close in,” Pant urged his teammates. “He’s going to take a single.”

Kuldeep responded, “No, I won’t.”

Undeterred, Pant persisted, “Swear on your mother.”

The exchange drew laughter from the players and spectators alike.

Despite the lighthearted banter, India B emerged victorious in the contest by 79 runs. Musheer Khan’s impressive 181 in the first innings and Pant’s quickfire 61 in the second were key contributions to their success.

Musheer was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. India B will next face India C in Anantapur from September 12.

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Paralympic Tennis Final: Oda Triumphs in Epic Wheelchair Clash

Paralympic Tennis Final: Oda Triumphs in Epic Wheelchair Clash

By September 8, 2024 0

In an unforgettable Paralympic tennis singles final, Great Britain’s Alfie Hewett narrowly missed out on gold, falling 2-6, 6-4, 5-7 to Japan’s Tokito Oda. The epic encounter, played in front of a packed Philippe-Chatrier court at Roland Garros, showcased the thrilling spectacle of wheelchair tennis.

The match reached its climax when Hewett failed to convert a match point at 5-3 on Oda’s serve. The Japanese star held his nerve and broke Hewett to level at 5-5. Oda then seized the momentum, winning the next two games to claim the gold medal.

Despite the disappointment, Hewett praised the quality of the match, calling it “nothing short of absolutely remarkable.” He added, “It may go down in wheelchair tennis Paralympic history as the greatest match ever.”

Oda’s celebration was as memorable as his victory. The 18-year-old became the youngest ever Paralympic men’s wheelchair singles champion and celebrated by spinning on his wheelchair with such force that the wheels came off.

Hewett, who had been left at the net, graciously helped Oda pick up the wheels before embracing him and whispering words of encouragement. “I said, just take this in and enjoy this because what we’ve done today out there is nothing short of absolutely remarkable,” Hewett said.

Wheelchair tennis is part of the four Grand Slam tournaments, but prize money remains significantly lower than in able-bodied tennis. Hewett won GBP 65,000 for his Wimbledon title in July, while first-round losers in the able-bodied Wimbledon receive GBP 5,000.

Despite the financial disparity, wheelchair tennis continues to captivate audiences with its high-quality play and inspiring stories. Hewett and Oda’s epic final was a testament to the skill and determination of these athletes, and it is hoped that it will inspire greater recognition and support for wheelchair tennis in the future.

Categories: Tennis
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Harbhajan's Six Off Akhtar: A Moment of Triumph and Rivalry

Harbhajan’s Six Off Akhtar: A Moment of Triumph and Rivalry

By September 8, 2024 0

The 2010 Asia Cup witnessed an unforgettable clash between two cricketing giants, Shoaib Akhtar and Harbhajan Singh. The India vs Pakistan match reached its climax when Harbhajan smashed a crucial six off Akhtar in the final overs, propelling India to a thrilling three-wicket victory.

The tension between the two players had been simmering throughout the match. Akhtar’s fiery bouncer and subsequent verbal exchange with Harbhajan set the stage for a dramatic showdown. In the 50th over, with Pakistan needing just 12 runs to win, Harbhajan unleashed his fury on Mohammad Amir, sending the ball soaring over the midwicket boundary.

As the ball sailed over the ropes, Harbhajan let out a deafening roar and removed his helmet, his gaze fixed on Akhtar, who was positioned at third man. Akhtar, in response, made a V sign with his fingers and turned his head away, unable to meet Harbhajan’s triumphant stare.

The on-field clash between the two stars became a defining moment in their rivalry. Years later, they reunited during the Legends League Cricket Masters and reminisced about their heated encounter. Akhtar recalled the sixes he had hit off Harbhajan in the Faisalabad Test, while Harbhajan pointed out that he had refrained from sledging Akhtar after those shots.

However, when Harbhajan turned the tables and hit a six off Akhtar, the fast bowler’s anger flared. “You said so many things!” Harbhajan exclaimed. Akhtar playfully hit Harbhajan, who responded with humor, “When he can’t win with words, he starts hitting people.”

The clash between Shoaib Akhtar and Harbhajan Singh remains etched in the annals of cricket history as a testament to the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan. It was a moment of triumph for Harbhajan and a reminder of the passion and drama that can unfold on the cricket field.

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India's Hockey Champions Triumphant in Asian Champions Trophy Opener

India’s Hockey Champions Triumphant in Asian Champions Trophy Opener

By September 8, 2024 0

India’s Hockey Champions Reignite with Commanding Win in Asian Champions Trophy

The Indian men’s hockey team commenced their title defense in the Asian Champions Trophy with an emphatic 3-0 victory over hosts China in Hulunbuir, China. The triumph marks a promising start for the team, which recently secured a second consecutive Olympic bronze medal.

India’s dominance was evident from the outset, with Sukhjeet Singh opening the scoring in the 14th minute. Uttam Singh extended the lead in the 27th minute, and Abhishek sealed the victory with a spectacular reverse hit just two minutes into the second half.

The Indian defense proved impenetrable, thwarting China’s attempts to penetrate their ranks. The team’s cohesive play and clinical finishing were a testament to their preparation and determination.

Last year, India emerged victorious in the tournament on home soil, becoming the only team to claim four titles in its history. This year’s triumph sets the stage for another successful campaign.

In other matches, Malaysia and Pakistan played out a thrilling 2-2 draw, while Japan and Korea engaged in a high-scoring affair that ended in a 5-5 stalemate.

India will face Japan in their second pool match on Monday, aiming to maintain their winning momentum. The team’s performance in the Asian Champions Trophy will serve as a valuable test ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

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India and Syria Clash in Intercontinental Cup Final

India and Syria Clash in Intercontinental Cup Final

By September 8, 2024 0

Hosts India and Syria will face off in a thrilling winner-takes-all clash in the final of the Intercontinental Cup on Monday. India, seeking their second consecutive and third overall Intercontinental Cup triumph, will need to overcome a slight disadvantage against Syria, who require only a draw to claim the trophy.

Syria, with a long history of playing tournaments in India, has yet to secure a title on Indian soil. They lost back-to-back Nehru Cup finals to India in 2007 and 2009 and finished fourth in 2012. In their last trip to India for the 2019 Intercontinental Cup, Syria finished third.

India, on the other hand, will need to end a winless streak dating back to November last year to deny Syria their first silverware in India. India head coach Manolo Márquez, who celebrated his 56th birthday on Saturday, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to win the tournament.

“It will be a difficult game for both sides. It’s a friendly game, but the team who wins the game wins the trophy. We expect to play a good game and win the tournament,” said Márquez.

However, Márquez emphasized the importance of playing good football, believing that results will follow. “If you ask me, I prefer to play a good game than to win the tournament. I don’t want to win it 1-0, scoring with the hand. I want that, in this moment, the team understands our ideas and we play better because finally, it’s not about winning or losing.”

Defender Jay Gupta echoed his coach’s sentiments, stating that the team is focused on adapting to Márquez’s style of play. “Obviously, it’s a game where we have to fight for the cup, but we’re just focused on how we adapt to what the coach wants as soon as possible.”

Syria, under new head coach José Lana, is also in a new era. Lana was pleased with their opening-game display against Mauritius, which they won 2-0. He hopes to continue progressing and improve against India.

“I think India are a great team. I like the way they play with this coach. They try to move the ball fast. I think it will be a difficult match for us. And our only objective for tomorrow is to be better than our previous match,” said Lana.

The match promises to be an exciting battle between two teams eager to claim the Intercontinental Cup trophy.

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Afghanistan Seeks Permanent Home Venue in India for Test Cricket Growth

Afghanistan Seeks Permanent Home Venue in India for Test Cricket Growth

By September 8, 2024 0

Afghanistan’s Test cricket aspirations hinge on securing a permanent home venue in India, according to captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. Currently unable to host international matches at home, Afghanistan has been forced to play their home Tests at various locations in India, including Dehradun, Lucknow, and Abu Dhabi.

Shahidi believes that establishing a single home venue would significantly enhance Afghanistan’s performance in red-ball cricket. “If we stick with one venue, it will be more effective for us,” he said. “We know our own conditions very well. So hopefully that time comes in future that teams come to Afghanistan.”

Afghanistan’s Test record has been limited, with only nine matches played in six years. However, Shahidi is eager for more opportunities against top-ranked teams. “If we get a lot more chances with the good teams, we will improve,” he said. “I think if we get more chances on regular basis, we will improve a lot.”

Shahidi also expressed a desire for longer Test series, believing that it would provide Afghanistan with valuable experience. “If we get three- or four-match series in one time, I think it will be very good for us as a side,” he said. “Playing matches will make us even better on judging the ball and playing good cricket in red-ball format.”

Despite their limited Test experience, Afghanistan has made significant strides in white-ball cricket, reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Shahidi is confident that Afghanistan can achieve similar success in Test cricket. “We want to show to the world our best format is Test cricket,” he said. “I think we have that ability to do it and need to show it.”

However, the upcoming Test against New Zealand in Greater Noida is threatened by inclement weather, with rain and thunderstorms forecast for the coming week. It remains to be seen how much red-ball action Afghanistan will get from this match.

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