Shakeel and Rizwan Complete Rare All-Run Four in Pakistan's Dominant Partnership

Shakeel and Rizwan Complete Rare All-Run Four in Pakistan’s Dominant Partnership

In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan etched their names in the annals of Test cricket by completing an all-run four during the second day of the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. This rare feat, a testament to their exceptional agility and understanding, highlighted a dominant partnership that propelled Pakistan to a commanding position.

The incident unfolded in the 49th over of Pakistan’s innings. Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana unleashed a fiery delivery at 147.6 km/h, which Shakeel drove straight towards mid-off. Fielder Shoriful Islam managed to slow down the ball, but it still threatened to reach the boundary. However, it fell short, giving the batsmen ample time to complete four runs without the ball crossing the fence.

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto gave chase from mid-on, but Shakeel and Rizwan had already seized the opportunity to run all four. This rare all-run four showcased the sharp running between the wickets and the clear communication between the two batters.

Shakeel, who remained unbeaten on 86 from 169 balls, and Rizwan, not out on 89 from 129 deliveries, played pivotal roles in resurrecting Pakistan’s innings after a shaky start. The hosts had been in trouble on the first day, losing three wickets for just 16 runs. However, a solid 98-run stand between Shakeel and Saim Ayub (56 off 98) for the fourth wicket laid the foundation for Pakistan’s fightback.

Their ongoing partnership for the fifth wicket has now surpassed 100 runs, putting Pakistan in a strong position as they look to build a substantial lead against Bangladesh. The all-run four, a rare and exhilarating moment, further cemented the dominance of Shakeel and Rizwan, who have emerged as key figures in Pakistan’s batting lineup.

Alvaro Robles to Lead PBG Bengaluru Smashers in IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis 2024

Alvaro Robles to Lead PBG Bengaluru Smashers in IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis 2024

Star Spanish paddler Alvaro Robles will lead PBG Bengaluru Smashers in the IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis 2024 as team captain. Robles, 33, will spearhead a talented sextet, which includes Indian ace Manika Batra, USA sensation Lily Zhang, youngsters Jeet Chandra and Taneesha Kotecha, and the highly experienced Amalraj Anthony.

Robles, a two-time Olympian, has qualified for the playoffs in all three of his previous UTT appearances. He starred in last season’s UTT final, sweeping Indian great Achanta Sharath Kamal 3-0.

Punit Balan, CEO of Punit Balan Group, owners of PBG Bengaluru Smashers, said: “We are delighted to have Alvaro Robles as the captain of the PBG Bengaluru Smashers. Alvaro’s track record speaks for itself-he’s a proven champion with the heart of a leader.”

Robles’ remarkable achievements include a historic silver medal at the 2019 World Table Tennis Championships in Budapest, Hungary, making him the first Spaniard to reach such heights in the sport. He also won a Mediterranean Games gold in 2020 and became the first Spanish player to reach the final in an ITTF Challenger Series event the same year.

“Being named captain of the PBG Bengaluru Smashers is a tremendous honor,” said Robles. “Leading such a talented group of players in a prestigious tournament like IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis is a challenge I am eager to embrace.”

For the third time in UTT, Robles will work under Dutch coach Elena Timina, who herself coached her team to become UTT champion last year. Timina said: “I’m thrilled to be coaching Alvaro Robles again, especially in such an important role as team captain. Alvaro is not only a world-class player but also a strategic thinker who knows how to bring out the best in his teammates.”

PBG Bengaluru Smashers will begin their IndianOil UTT 2024 campaign on Friday (August 23) with a tie against hosts Chennai Lions. The team will subsequently play Puneri Paltan TT, debutants Jaipur Patriots and Ahmedabad SG Pipers, and Dabang Delhi TTC in their remaining league stage ties.

Tennis Premier League Returns to Mumbai with Star-Studded Lineup

Tennis Premier League Returns to Mumbai with Star-Studded Lineup

The Tennis Premier League (TPL), one of India’s most successful sporting leagues, is set to return with its sixth edition in Mumbai from December 3rd to 8th, 2024. The league will be held at the prestigious Cricket Club of India (CCI), a venue that has witnessed some of the most iconic tennis matches in history.

TPL 2024 will feature a star-studded lineup, including world-renowned players such as France’s Hugo Gaston (World No. 61) and India’s Sumit Nagal (World No. 74). In the women’s draw, Poland’s Magda Linette (World No. 41) and Armenia’s Elina Avanesyan (World No. 52) will be among the top attractions.

The league’s unique 25-point format has captured the imagination of tennis fans, bringing the sport to a wider audience in an entertaining and engaging way. Each match between two franchises consists of Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Mixed Doubles, and Men’s Doubles, with 100 points at stake. The top four teams in the points table will qualify for the semi-finals.

The participating franchises include PBG Pune Jaguars, Bengal Wizards, Punjab Patriots, Hyderabad Strikers, Gujarat Panthers, Mumbai Leon Army, and defending champions Bengaluru SG Pipers.

Beyond the on-court action, TPL is also committed to grassroots development. The league has partnered with various state tennis associations to conduct district ranking tournaments and has launched its own mobile app to connect the tennis community across India.

Kunal Thakkur, Co-Founder of TPL, expressed his excitement about bringing the league back to Mumbai. “Mumbai is the city of dreams, and we are delighted to be bringing top-notch tennis back to the city with the sixth edition of TPL. The tennis courts at CCI have witnessed some of the most intense tennis matches in history, and we are quite confident that the players at the TPL will match up to those memories.”

Mrunal Jain, Co-Founder of TPL, added, “Tennis is one of the most watched sports in the world, and we could not be happier to be associated with an iconic venue such as the CCI. The people of Mumbai are among the best sporting fans in the world, and we are looking forward to a fantastic season, full of well-contested games and high-octane action.”

Team India's Champions Trophy Preparations Hit by Limited ODI Schedule

Team India’s Champions Trophy Preparations Hit by Limited ODI Schedule

The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy looms large on the horizon, but Team India’s limited-over schedule before the tournament raises concerns. With only three ODIs remaining, the recent series defeat against Sri Lanka has cast a shadow over the team’s preparations.

Former India wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has weighed in on the team’s composition, particularly the opening department. Karthik believes Shubman Gill is the ideal partner for skipper Rohit Sharma, while Yashasvi Jaiswal should serve as the backup opener.

“Rohit and Shubman are a very good combination,” Karthik said. “Jaiswal has a great opportunity to be the backup opener and will get his chance if Shubman doesn’t perform as expected.”

Karthik expressed confidence that Gill and Rohit will open the batting for India in the Champions Trophy. However, the tournament’s location remains uncertain, with Pakistan scheduled to host but the BCCI reportedly seeking alternative venues.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the event in Pakistan, submitting a draft schedule to the ICC. However, the BCCI has reportedly expressed concerns about the security situation in Pakistan and is exploring the possibility of moving the matches to the UAE or another country.

“The PCB is fully committed to hosting a world-class ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at three of Pakistan’s iconic venues,” the PCB said in a statement.

The uncertainty surrounding the tournament’s location adds another layer of complexity to Team India’s preparations. With limited opportunities to fine-tune their game before the Champions Trophy, the team will need to make the most of their remaining matches to ensure they are ready for the challenge.

Tim Southee Hails Jasprit Bumrah as World's Best All-Format Bowler

Tim Southee Hails Jasprit Bumrah as World’s Best All-Format Bowler

Tim Southee, the New Zealand Test captain, has hailed Jasprit Bumrah as the world’s best all-format bowler, echoing the sentiments of Australian legend Ricky Ponting. Bumrah’s remarkable return from an 11-month injury layoff has seen him excel in all three formats, earning him the Player of the Tournament award at the T20 World Cup.

Southee praised Bumrah’s ability to juggle multiple formats with ease, saying, “He’s probably more experienced, understands his game a bit more… I think we’ve just seen a great version of Jasprit Bumrah across all three formats.”

Southee also acknowledged the challenges of playing in subcontinental conditions, where spin plays a significant role. He indicated that he may not play every Test match in India and Sri Lanka, but emphasized his desire to feature in as many as possible.

“I love Test cricket, but I understand there is a balance to the side… We have got nine Test matches in the next few months so there is a lot of Test cricket. So it is all about managing workloads,” Southee said.

Regarding the impact of T20 leagues on player availability for international cricket, Southee expressed uncertainty. He noted that New Zealand Cricket’s decision to allow Devon Conway and Finn Allen to decline central contracts while remaining available for most Test matches was a step in the right direction.

“It would be nice to see the international and the leagues working together in some way because especially Test cricket, I think a lot of players, it’s still the pinnacle of the format,” Southee said.

Shane Warne's Guidance Transformed Piyush Chawla's IPL Career

Shane Warne’s Guidance Transformed Piyush Chawla’s IPL Career

Shane Warne’s Profound Impact on Indian Cricket: Piyush Chawla’s Transformative Encounter

Shane Warne, the legendary Australian leg-spinner, left an indelible mark not only on his home country’s cricket but also on the Indian cricketing landscape. Piyush Chawla, a prominent Indian spinner, recently revealed the profound guidance he received from Warne during a pivotal moment in his career.

In 2008, Chawla, then an 18-year-old leg-spinner, was struggling to adjust to the demands of the Indian Premier League (IPL). His debut match for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) against Chennai Super Kings proved disastrous, with Michael Hussey’s century leaving him demoralized.

“I got smashed for 20 runs in just one over,” Chawla recalled on the 2 Sloggers podcast. “I thought, ‘This T20 cricket is not my cup of tea.'”

At this critical juncture, Chawla’s captain, Yuvraj Singh, intervened and arranged a meeting between him and Warne, despite the language barriers. This encounter proved transformative for Chawla.

“Warne said so many things to me and made me understand the little things about cricket,” Chawla said. “After 40 minutes, I left his room and I felt there is no bowler better than me.”

Warne’s advice rejuvenated Chawla’s confidence. In his next match, he delivered an impressive spell of 2/19, showcasing his true potential. This performance marked the beginning of a long and successful IPL career.

Seventeen years later, Chawla has become a veteran of the IPL, amassing 192 wickets over his career. He credits Warne’s guidance as a pivotal moment in his development as a spinner.

“Shane Warne’s impact on Indian cricket is immense,” Chawla said. “He not only inspired me but also countless other young spinners in India.”

Warne’s legacy extends beyond his own playing career. His mentorship of young players, including Chawla, has left a lasting impact on the game of cricket in India and around the world.

Juventus Sign Pierre Kalulu on Loan from AC Milan

Juventus Sign Pierre Kalulu on Loan from AC Milan

Juventus Bolster Defense with Pierre Kalulu Loan from AC Milan

Italian giants Juventus have secured the services of French defender Pierre Kalulu on a season-long loan from AC Milan. The 24-year-old joins the Turin club with an option to buy permanently for 14 million euros ($15.6 million) at the end of his loan spell.

Kalulu has been a consistent performer for Milan since joining from Lyon in 2020, making 112 appearances for the Rossoneri. His versatility and ability to play both as a center-back and a right-back make him a valuable addition to Juventus’ squad.

The move to Juventus represents a significant step up for Kalulu, who will now compete for trophies at the highest level. Juventus are aiming to reclaim the Serie A title they last won in 2020, and Kalulu’s experience and defensive prowess will be crucial in their quest.

Kalulu’s arrival is a boost for Juventus manager Thiago Motta, who is looking to build a competitive team capable of challenging for major honors. The Bianconeri made a winning start to their Serie A campaign with a 3-0 victory over Como, and Kalulu’s addition will further strengthen their defensive options.

With his pace, physicality, and technical ability, Kalulu is expected to play a key role in Juventus’ backline. His partnership with fellow French defender Matthijs de Ligt could prove to be formidable, providing Juventus with a solid foundation on which to build their success.

Pujara Departs Sussex as Hughes Returns for Full Season

Pujara Departs Sussex as Hughes Returns for Full Season

Cheteshwar Pujara Departs Sussex for Daniel Hughes’ Return

Indian Test stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara will not be returning to Sussex for the 2023 County Championship season. The English club has opted to retain Australian Daniel Hughes, who will be available for all Championship and T20 Vitality Blast matches next year.

Pujara, a renowned Test specialist, had rejoined Sussex for a third stint in 2024. He featured in the first seven Championship matches before Hughes’ arrival. However, the club has decided to prioritize Hughes’ availability for the entire season.

Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace praised Hughes’ contributions, stating, “Taking over from Cheteshwar is not an easy task, but Dan has fitted in brilliantly and we are all delighted he will be back for the whole of next season.”

Hughes emerged as Sussex’s leading run-scorer in the group stages of this year’s Blast, amassing 560 runs at an average of 43.07. He notched up five half-centuries and a career-best 96 not out. His heroics helped Sussex reach the quarterfinals after defeating Lancashire Lightning at home on September 4.

Farbrace further lauded Hughes’ impact, saying, “Dan has been top class for us on and off the field. He has brought a wealth of experience to the dressing room and has seriously helped some of our young batters with the development of their games.”

In addition to his role in the Blast, Hughes will also feature in Sussex’s final five Championship matches of the current campaign.

Philip Salt Credits Gautam Gambhir for KKR Success

Philip Salt Credits Gautam Gambhir for KKR Success

England opener Philip Salt has hailed the pivotal role of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Gautam Gambhir in his success during the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). Salt, who played a crucial role in KKR’s title-winning campaign, credited Gambhir’s mentorship for helping him adapt to the challenging conditions in India.

Reflecting on his time with KKR, Salt praised Gambhir’s competitive nature and relentless pursuit of improvement. “He’s a competitor. I could really relate to him from that point of view. He’s always looking for those one percenters that will get the individual and team better,” Salt said.

Salt’s performance in the 2024 IPL was impressive. Despite leaving before the playoffs to join England’s T20I series against Pakistan, he managed to score 435 runs in 12 matches at an average of 39.55 and a remarkable strike rate of 182.01.

One specific piece of advice from Gambhir had a significant impact on Salt’s batting strategy. “He told me to take the game deep, especially here in India. He said, ‘I know you’re going to score runs for us, but I want you to score the majority of your runs between overs ten and 20,'” Salt recalled.

Gambhir’s strategy aimed to ensure Salt could exploit the latter stages of the innings, particularly at KKR’s home ground, Eden Gardens. “Even if it can be a little bit slow to start with, I want you to hang in there and make sure you’re there from overs ten onwards and get the big overs,” Gambhir advised.

Salt acknowledged the value of Gambhir’s guidance. “Of all the conversations I had, I think that’s the best bit of coaching I had,” he said.

Salt’s success with KKR is a testament to the impact of Gambhir’s mentorship. The former India opener’s competitive spirit and tactical acumen have helped Salt develop into a more effective batsman in Indian conditions.

Sri Lanka's Samarawickrama Replaces Lanning at Trinbago Knight Riders in WCPL

Sri Lanka’s Samarawickrama Replaces Lanning at Trinbago Knight Riders in WCPL

Sri Lanka’s rising star Harshitha Samarawickrama has been signed by Trinbago Knight Riders as a replacement for injured Australian captain Meg Lanning in the upcoming Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) 2024.

Samarawickrama, a left-handed top-order batter, has been in impressive form for Sri Lanka, earning the Player of the Final award in their maiden Women’s Asia Cup title win in 2024. She has also scored back-to-back fifties in the T20I series against Ireland and became the third Sri Lankan woman to hit an ODI century.

With 1463 runs in 65 T20Is at a strike rate of 99.72, Samarawickrama is a valuable addition to the Knight Riders squad. She joins Shikha Pandey, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Jess Jonassen as the other overseas players for the team.

Lanning, who recently led London Spirit to victory in the Hundred, was forced to withdraw from the WCPL due to an injury. She had a lean run of scores in the Hundred, with 170 runs in ten innings at a strike rate of 125.

The Knight Riders will begin their WCPL 2024 campaign against Barbados Royals in Tarouba on Thursday. With Samarawickrama’s inclusion, they will be hoping to make a strong start to the tournament and challenge for the title.

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