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Pakistan Coach Gillespie Backs Babar Azam Amidst Batting Slump

Pakistan Coach Gillespie Backs Babar Azam Amidst Batting Slump

By September 2, 2024 0

Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam has been facing a prolonged batting slump, raising concerns among fans and experts. Despite his struggles, Pakistan’s Test coach Jason Gillespie has expressed unwavering support for Azam, believing that the right-hander is on the cusp of a resurgence.

Azam’s struggles began after the ODI World Cup in India last year. He briefly relinquished the captaincy but resumed leadership in the white-ball format ahead of the T20 World Cup. However, his batting form has remained elusive, leading to criticism from fans and former players.

In the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh, Azam has managed only 64 runs in four innings. This has intensified the scrutiny on his form, with many questioning his ability to lead Pakistan’s batting lineup.

Despite the criticism, Gillespie remains confident in Azam’s abilities. “Babar is a quality player. He is a world-class player. He is very close. I feel it. I am confident that we are going to see Babar scoring some big runs very soon,” Gillespie said after the end of Day 4.

Gillespie believes that Azam is not far from rediscovering his prolific scoring ability. “He probably hasn’t converted the start he has got,” Gillespie added.

Azam’s struggles have coincided with a challenging period for Pakistan’s cricket team. After a series whitewash in Australia, Pakistan’s batting lineup was exposed as vulnerable. Azam’s poor form in England and the T20 World Cup further highlighted the team’s batting woes.

Pakistan will face England in a Test series next, and the pressure will be on Azam to deliver. The team will rely heavily on its premier batsman to make impactful contributions and guide Pakistan to victory.

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Emma Navarro's Meteoric Rise Continues with US Open Quarterfinal Berth

Emma Navarro’s Meteoric Rise Continues with US Open Quarterfinal Berth

By September 2, 2024 0

Emma Navarro’s meteoric rise in the tennis world has culminated in a quarterfinal berth at the US Open, a testament to her unwavering determination and exceptional talent.

Ranked 149th at the start of 2023, Navarro has defied expectations, reaching back-to-back Slam quarterfinals and capturing her maiden WTA title in Hobart. Her impressive season has included victories over three top 10 players, including Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff, whom she defeated in the fourth round of the US Open.

Navarro’s journey has been marked by hard work and dedication. Raised in Charleston, she honed her skills at the University of Virginia, winning the 2021 NCAA singles championship. Upon turning professional, she set a two-year goal with her coach to assess her progress.

“I definitely surpassed some expectations,” Navarro said after her victory over Gauff. “I play more aggressive. Every part of my game has improved. I just play with more confidence and more belief.”

Despite her success, Navarro remains humble and focused. “I believe I can play tennis with the best players in the world,” she said. “I deserve to be on this stage. I belong in these rounds of Grand Slams and I can make deep runs.”

Navarro’s on-court presence is characterized by efficiency and athleticism. Her smooth serve, exceptional court coverage, and powerful groundstrokes from both wings make her a formidable opponent.

Off the court, Navarro is known for her quiet demeanor, a contrast to her fiery on-court persona. “There’s a ton of passion and emotion out there, which I don’t show,” she said. “But I definitely feel it.”

As Navarro continues her ascent in the tennis world, she is poised to make a lasting impact. Her determination, talent, and unwavering belief in herself make her a force to be reckoned with.

Categories: Tennis
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World Chess Championship: New Prize Fund and Tiebreak Format to Encourage Decisive Results

World Chess Championship: New Prize Fund and Tiebreak Format to Encourage Decisive Results

By September 2, 2024 0

The upcoming World Chess Championship match between reigning champion Ding Liren and Indian prodigy D Gukesh has witnessed a significant change in prize fund distribution. In a bid to encourage decisive results and discourage draws, the global chess body FIDE has introduced a new format where players will be rewarded for each classical game they win.

Of the $2.5 million prize fund, $200,000 will be awarded for each classical game victory, with the remaining prize money split equally between the players. This move aims to incentivize aggressive play and reduce the number of drawn games, which have been prevalent in recent title matches.

In last year’s match between Ding and Ian Nepomniachtchi, 11 of the 14 classical games ended in draws. To address this issue, FIDE has also revised the tiebreak format. Instead of the previous four rapid games and two blitz games, the new format features four rapid games (15 minutes plus 10-second increment) followed by two more rapid games (10 minutes plus 5-second increment). If the scores remain tied, a two-minute blitz playoff (3 minutes plus 2-second increment) will be played.

This gradual decrease in time controls is intended to provide a more balanced and exciting tiebreak format. Both players have been consulted and have agreed to the new format.

While Gukesh excels in classical chess, Ding holds a higher ranking in rapid chess. However, Gukesh’s recent performance in the Candidates Tournament has demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.

The match will be a test of both players’ skills and resilience. Ding will be aiming to defend his title, while Gukesh will be looking to make history as the youngest World Chess Champion. The new prize fund distribution and tiebreak format are expected to add an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the match.

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Pakistan Faces Baptism of Fire as Bangladesh Nears Series Sweep

Pakistan Faces Baptism of Fire as Bangladesh Nears Series Sweep

By September 2, 2024 0

Pakistan’s head coach, Jason Gillespie, has faced a challenging start to his tenure as the team struggles to avoid a series loss against Bangladesh. With one day remaining in the crucial Test match, Gillespie acknowledged the visitors’ favoritism but emphasized the need for discipline and application from his players.

In the first innings, Pakistan’s bowlers had Bangladesh on the ropes at 6 for 26, but a resilient 165-run seventh-wicket stand propelled the visitors to a respectable 262, the highest score in Test history for a team losing their first six wickets under 50. Gillespie stressed the importance of managing such situations effectively, as Pakistan’s bowlers faltered in the face of Bangladesh’s resistance.

On the fourth morning, Bangladesh replicated Pakistan’s success from the previous day, dismissing the hosts for 172, with all ten wickets falling to the quicks. Gillespie criticized his bowlers for deviating from their game plan and urged them to maintain discipline and intent.

Pakistan’s off-field decision-making has also come under scrutiny. In the first Test, they opted for an all-pace attack, neglecting spinner Abrar Ahmed, a decision that backfired when Bangladesh’s slow bowlers dominated the final day. This time, despite preparing a seam-friendly pitch, Pakistan omitted Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah from the playing XI, leaving them without genuine pace or old-ball threat.

Gillespie defended the team’s selection, stating that they considered the conditions and surfaces. However, he acknowledged that Afridi and Shah are valuable assets and that the team is working to build a squad mentality.

Despite the odds being stacked against them, Gillespie expressed hope that Pakistan could still salvage a victory. He emphasized the importance of taking catches, seizing opportunities, and maintaining a positive mindset.

However, the weather may play a significant role in the outcome. Steady rain has been falling for several hours, with more forecast overnight and on the final day. If play is not possible, Bangladesh will secure their most famous series win, while Pakistan will be left to rue their missed opportunities.

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Michael Vaughan Questions Ollie Pope's Leadership Capabilities

Michael Vaughan Questions Ollie Pope’s Leadership Capabilities

By September 2, 2024 0

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has raised concerns about Ollie Pope’s suitability as the Test captain, despite his recent victory over Sri Lanka. Vaughan believes Pope lacks the confidence and experience necessary for the role, citing his poor batting form and excessive use of unsuccessful reviews.

Pope’s leadership has been under scrutiny after England’s 190-run victory at Lord’s, where he scored only 1 and 17. His fidgety manner at the crease and questionable field placements have also raised eyebrows. Vaughan argues that Pope is better suited as a vice-captain, providing tactical advice and support to Ben Stokes.

“Ollie Pope is the ideal vice-captain for England,” Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph. “He is a very good guy, trains well, and is a real team man. But he is better kept in that role than elevated to captain.”

Vaughan believes that Pope’s insecurity stems from his lack of experience as a leader. He points out that not all vice-captains are capable of becoming captains, and that Pope may not have the necessary authority to command the respect of his teammates.

“I would be happy to be proven wrong on Pope,” Vaughan added. “But I think he is someone who is a bit insecure. I can see why they gave him the vice-captaincy to give him a boost, but he really did not need the captaincy at this stage of his career.”

Vaughan also suggests that Harry Brook would be a better fit as England’s next Test captain, due to his natural leadership qualities and aggressive approach. He also proposes that Joe Root could take up the mantle on an interim basis if necessary.

“Looking ahead, Harry Brook would be a better fit as captain for this side,” Vaughan said. “But if there is another interim period when Stokes is injured and there are concerns about whether Brook is ready, what is wrong with giving the captaincy to Joe Root?”

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Indian Shooters Dominate 10m Air Rifle Event at World Deaf Shooting Championship

Indian Shooters Dominate 10m Air Rifle Event at World Deaf Shooting Championship

By September 2, 2024 0

The Indian shooting contingent continued their impressive performance at the 2nd World Deaf Shooting Championship 2024 in Hanover, Germany, on Day Two, claiming a clean sweep of the 10m Air Rifle men’s event and adding two more medals in the women’s category.

Dhanush Srikanth, Shourya Saini, and Mohammed Murtaza Vania dominated the men’s 10m Air Rifle event, securing the gold, silver, and bronze medals, respectively. Dhanush set a double deaf-shooting world record, scoring 632.7 in the qualification round and 251.7 in the final, leaving his compatriot Saini trailing with a score of 249.9. Vania finished third with a score of 226.2.

In the women’s 10m Air Rifle event, Mahit Sandhu and Natasha Joshi added to India’s medal tally, winning silver and bronze, respectively. Sandhu’s impressive performance earned her a score of 249.1, while Joshi secured a score of 225.9.

India’s success at the championship continued on Day One, where they won four medals, including one gold, two silver, and one bronze. Anuya Prasad claimed the gold medal in the women’s 10m Air Pistol, while Abhinav Deshwal and Shubham Vashist secured silver and bronze in the men’s 10m Air Pistol event. The trio also teamed up with Chetan Sakpal to win the team silver medal in the same event.

The Indian shooters will continue their quest for medals in the Air Rifle and Air Pistol disciplines at the championship, which will conclude on September 7. Their impressive performance thus far has showcased their talent and determination, and they will be aiming to add to their medal count in the remaining events.

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Indian Football Team Begins New Era Under Márquez in Intercontinental Cup

Indian Football Team Begins New Era Under Márquez in Intercontinental Cup

By September 2, 2024 0

The Indian men’s football team, under the guidance of new head coach Manolo Márquez, embarks on a fresh chapter as they prepare for the Intercontinental Cup opener against Mauritius on Tuesday. The tournament serves as a crucial dress rehearsal for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, which hold immense significance for India’s long-term goal of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Márquez, who has had limited time with the squad due to pre-season commitments, has emphasized the importance of securing positive results in the upcoming FIFA international match windows to maintain India’s position in Pot 1 ahead of the December draw. The team’s performance in the Intercontinental Cup will be a key indicator of their progress and readiness for the challenges ahead.

The Indian squad features a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers, including Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Yasir Mohammad, Asish Rai, Roshan Singh Naorem, Kiyan Nassiri Giri, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, and Prabhsukhan Singh Gill. Márquez will be eager to see how these players perform and integrate into the team’s system.

India’s opponents, Syria and Mauritius, are no strangers to Indian soil. Syria has participated in previous editions of the Intercontinental Cup and the Nehru Cup, while Mauritius competed in the 2017 Tri-Nation Series. Both teams will pose different challenges, and India will need to adapt and execute their game plan effectively.

Mauritius, ranked 179th in the world, has shown resilience in their FIFA World Cup Qualifiers group, securing a home win over Eswatini and a draw against Angola. They will be led by French coach Guillaume Moullec and key players such as captain Kevin Jean-Louis, defender Dylan Collard, and midfielder Lindsay Rose.

The Intercontinental Cup provides India with an opportunity to assess their current standing and identify areas for improvement. Márquez will be keen to instill his philosophy and tactics into the team while also evaluating the players’ individual abilities and team chemistry. The tournament will be a valuable stepping stone on India’s journey towards the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers and their ultimate goal of continental success.

Categories: Football
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Priyansh Arya: The Rising Star of Indian Cricket with Dreams of RCB

Priyansh Arya: The Rising Star of Indian Cricket with Dreams of RCB

By September 2, 2024 0

Priyansh Arya, the rising star of Indian cricket, has set the Delhi Premier League (DPL) ablaze with his extraordinary batting prowess. The 22-year-old has emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, amassing a staggering 602 runs in just nine innings. His remarkable performances have not only earned him accolades but also fueled his dream of playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Arya, who idolizes Virat Kohli, has been a consistent force throughout the DPL. His impressive statistics include an average of 75.25 and an astonishing strike rate of 198.0, along with two centuries to his name. His ability to clear the boundary with ease has made him a formidable opponent for bowlers.

In a recent interview, Arya expressed his admiration for Kohli and his desire to play for RCB. “Virat Kohli is my favorite player,” he said. “I want to play for RCB because I admire his aggression and his ability to lead the team. I also like to play aggressive cricket, so I think I would fit in well with RCB.”

Arya’s most memorable performance in the DPL came when he smashed six consecutive sixes in an over against a left-arm spinner. The feat, which is rarely seen in cricket, showcased his exceptional power and timing. “I had this thing in mind that if a left-arm spinner comes on to bowl, I will attack him,” he said. “After the fourth six, I started to believe that I can hit six sixes and will go for that.”

Despite his impressive performances, Arya remains focused on winning the DPL trophy and becoming the highest run-scorer in a single edition of state T20 leagues in India. He praised the leadership of captain Ayush Badoni and the supportive team environment. “Badoni’s quite relaxed and doesn’t talk much, just tells us to express ourselves,” he said. “The team’s environment is calm, coaches talk about the positives rather than negatives. The mindset is to win the trophy.”

As the DPL reaches its business end, Arya is determined to continue his impressive form and help his team achieve their goals. His performances have undoubtedly caught the attention of IPL scouts, and it is only a matter of time before he makes his mark on the biggest stage of cricket.

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Indian Shooters Nihal Singh, Amir Bhat Miss Out on Mixed 25m Pistol Final at Paralympics

Indian Shooters Nihal Singh, Amir Bhat Miss Out on Mixed 25m Pistol Final at Paralympics

By September 2, 2024 0

Indian shooters Nihal Singh and Amir Ahmad Bhat narrowly missed out on qualifying for the final of the mixed 25m pistol (SH1) competition at the Paralympics in Tokyo on Monday. Singh finished 10th with a score of 569, while Bhat placed 11th with 568, falling short of the top eight who advanced to the medal round.

In the precision stage, Singh impressed with a score of 287, placing him fourth. Bhat also performed well, scoring 286 to hold the eighth and final qualifying spot. However, both shooters struggled in the rapid stage, managing only 282 each. This resulted in aggregate scores that were insufficient to secure a place in the final.

The SH1 classification in shooting allows athletes to hold their gun without difficulty and shoot from a standing or sitting position. They can use either a pistol or a rifle.

This was the second consecutive day without a medal for the Indian shooting team at the Paralympics. In the first three days of competition, the team had secured four podium finishes, including a gold medal.

Despite the disappointment, Singh and Bhat displayed commendable consistency in the qualification round. They will be hoping to improve their performance in future events and contribute to India’s medal tally at the Paralympics.

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Buttler's Calf Injury Setback Casts Doubt on England Availability

Buttler’s Calf Injury Setback Casts Doubt on England Availability

By September 2, 2024 0

Jos Buttler’s recovery from a calf injury has suffered a setback, ruling him out of Lancashire’s T20 Blast quarter-final and casting doubt on his availability for England’s upcoming T20I series against Australia.

The England captain has not played any cricket since the T20 World Cup semi-final defeat to India in June. He sustained a calf injury in July while preparing for the Hundred, which forced him to miss the tournament.

Buttler had been targeting Wednesday’s quarter-final at Hove for his comeback after weeks of rehabilitation. However, he has now been ruled out of contention, as confirmed by Lancashire coach Dale Benkenstein.

“We’ve had some bad news on his recovery,” Benkenstein said. “He had an injury he was recovering from, and he’s sort of tweaked it again. He’s not only just out of our T20s, but I think he’s even struggling to make the international ones. He was very keen to play for us.”

England are not overly concerned about Buttler’s fitness ahead of their first T20I on September 11 and remain hopeful that he will be available to captain the side throughout Australia’s eight-match white-ball tour.

England’s new-look squad are due to report to the Utilita Bowl on Sunday ahead of two training days, when their medical staff will get a clearer picture as to whether Buttler will be available.

England’s white-ball teams do not have an official vice-captain, with Sam Curran and Phil Salt the main contenders to deputise in the event that Buttler is unavailable. He is not expected to keep wicket during the T20I series, which increases the chance that he will be able to feature despite suffering a setback.

Lancashire will have their other England players available on Wednesday night at Hove, with Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Saqib Mahmood all set to be involved. Jofra Archer is expected to feature for Sussex, whose T20 side is captained by Tymal Mills.

Hove has not hosted a T20 quarter-final in front of a crowd since 2019, and tickets have been sold out for the past two weeks.

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