Goldsworthy's Century Powers Somerset to One-Day Cup Final

Goldsworthy’s Century Powers Somerset to One-Day Cup Final

Somerset’s Lewis Goldsworthy starred with a career-best 115 not out as they secured a 23-run victory over Leicestershire Foxes in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup semi-final at Taunton.

Goldsworthy’s brilliant 86-ball knock, featuring five sixes and six fours, propelled Somerset to a formidable 334 for 4 after they were put in to bat. James Rew (71) and Andy Umeed (57) also made significant contributions.

Leicestershire’s chase was anchored by Peter Handscomb’s 111 off 86 balls, but they ultimately fell short, finishing on 311 for 9. Ben Cox (49) provided support, but Somerset’s bowlers, led by Ben Green’s 3-63, kept the Foxes at bay.

Somerset’s openers, Umeed and George Thomas, laid a solid foundation with a 91-run stand. However, Thomas departed for 47, and Umeed followed for 57. Goldsworthy and Rew then took control, accelerating the scoring rate and putting on 120 runs for the third wicket.

Goldsworthy reached his century off 79 deliveries and continued to punish the Leicestershire bowlers, while Rew contributed a valuable 71 before being caught on the boundary. Skipper Sean Dickson and Green added quickfire cameos to boost Somerset’s total.

Leicestershire’s reply began promisingly with Sol Budinger and Ian Holland putting on 54. However, Budinger’s dismissal triggered a collapse, with Green removing Lewis Hill and Holland in quick succession. Ajinkya Rahane’s departure left Leicestershire reeling at 106 for 4.

Handscomb kept the chase alive with a superb century, but Somerset’s bowlers maintained the pressure. Aldridge’s economical spell and wickets of Cox, Kimber, and Trevaskis proved crucial. Handscomb’s dismissal with 42 runs still needed effectively ended Leicestershire’s hopes.

Somerset will now face Glamorgan in the final at Trent Bridge on September 22, aiming to lift the One-Day Cup for the first time since 2019.

Brentford Soar to Victory Over Crystal Palace in Toney's Absence

Brentford Soar to Victory Over Crystal Palace in Toney’s Absence

Brentford kicked off their Premier League campaign with a resounding 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, despite the absence of star striker Ivan Toney. The Bees’ triumph was orchestrated by goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, while Crystal Palace’s lone goal came from an own goal by Ethan Pinnock.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank had opted to leave out Toney amid speculation linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia. However, the Bees proved they could cope without their talisman, as they showcased the depth and resilience that characterized their impressive 2021/22 season.

The match began with a moment of controversy as Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi was caught out of position, allowing Mbeumo to race onto Wissa’s pass and fire home the opening goal. Palace responded with a flurry of attacks, but their efforts were thwarted by a combination of Brentford’s resolute defense and some questionable refereeing decisions.

Eberechi Eze had a brilliantly executed free-kick ruled out for a foul, while Odsonne Edouard’s goal was chalked off for offside. Brentford, however, remained unfazed and doubled their lead when Wissa bundled home a rebound after Dean Henderson parried Nathan Collins’ shot.

Palace continued to press for an equalizer, but Brentford’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Mark Flekken making several crucial saves to deny Eze. The Bees’ victory was a testament to their collective spirit and tactical discipline, as they showed they can compete with the Premier League’s top teams even without their star striker.

Douthwaite's Heroics Lead Glamorgan to One-Day Cup Final

Douthwaite’s Heroics Lead Glamorgan to One-Day Cup Final

Glamorgan’s Dan Douthwaite emerged as a match-winning hero, guiding his team to a 39-run victory over Warwickshire in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup semi-final at Sophia Gardens.

Douthwaite’s all-round performance was crucial in securing Glamorgan’s berth in the final at Trent Bridge next month. Batting first, Glamorgan found themselves in early trouble at 44 for 4, but Douthwaite’s lusty 55, including four towering sixes, propelled them to a respectable total of 247 for 9. Colin Ingram (47) and Billy Root (46) also contributed valuable runs.

Warwickshire’s chase got off to a shaky start as Douthwaite’s bowling removed Chris Benjamin and Kai Smith cheaply. Timm van der Gugten and Jamie McIlroy chipped in with wickets, while tight fielding and disciplined bowling kept the pressure on the visitors.

Michael Burgess provided some resistance for Warwickshire, reaching a half-century with a flurry of sixes. However, his dismissal triggered a collapse, and despite some late resistance from Michael Booth, Warwickshire fell short of the target by 40 runs.

Douthwaite’s match-winning performance was a testament to his versatility and determination. His aggressive batting and incisive bowling played a pivotal role in Glamorgan’s victory.

Ireland Women Seal Series Win with 15-Run Victory over Sri Lanka Women

Ireland Women Seal Series Win with 15-Run Victory over Sri Lanka Women

Ireland Women secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in their ODI series against Sri Lanka Women with a hard-fought 15-run victory in Belfast. After posting a competitive 255 for 5, Ireland’s bowlers, led by Arlene Kelly’s three-wicket haul, restricted Sri Lanka to 240 all out.

Amy Hunter (66) and Leah Paul (81) laid the foundation for Ireland’s total with half-centuries, while Rebecca Stokell’s unbeaten 53* provided a late boost. Sri Lanka’s chase was anchored by Harshitha Samarawickrama’s maiden ODI century (105) and Kavisha Dilhari’s all-round performance (53 runs, 2 wickets).

However, Ireland’s bowlers tightened their grip in the middle overs, with Kelly, Jane Maguire, and run-outs playing a crucial role in derailing Sri Lanka’s chase. Samarawickrama’s century marked a significant milestone for Sri Lanka, making her the third player to reach the three-figure mark in ODIs.

Ireland’s victory was a testament to their resilience and ability to adapt to different conditions. Despite losing early wickets, they rebuilt their innings through partnerships and set a challenging target. Sri Lanka’s spirited chase kept the match competitive, but Ireland’s bowlers ultimately proved too strong.

The win extends Ireland’s unbeaten streak in ODIs to four matches and puts them in a commanding position in the series. The third and final ODI will be played on August 12, with Sri Lanka looking to salvage some pride and Ireland aiming to complete a clean sweep.

Sabalenka Breaks Swiatek's Streak, Reaches Cincinnati Final

Sabalenka Breaks Swiatek’s Streak, Reaches Cincinnati Final

Aryna Sabalenka’s dominance on hard courts continued in Cincinnati as she defeated world No. 1 Iga Swiatek 6-3, 6-3 to reach her first final on the surface since her Australian Open triumph in January.

Sabalenka’s victory snapped a three-match losing streak against Swiatek and marked her first championship match at the Lindner Family Tennis Center after three previous semifinal appearances.

The opening set saw both players struggle initially, exchanging early breaks. However, Sabalenka’s rhythm gradually improved, while Swiatek continued to misfire. The Belarusian capitalized on her opponent’s errors, breaking for 4-2 and consolidating to create a gap on the scoreboard. A powerful serve +1 finish on the backhand side sealed the set for Sabalenka.

In the second set, Sabalenka continued to overpower Swiatek, generating her third break of the day. She saved a break point to consolidate for 3-1 and soon had a double break in hand, her deep returns causing timing issues for the Pole.

Despite a brief delay due to mist and line wiping, Sabalenka held with her 18th winner. However, Swiatek showed her resilience, saving seven match points in a marathon game to reach 2-5.

Tension mounted as Sabalenka attempted to serve it out. She recovered from a 15-40 deficit but failed to convert two more match points. Her first double fault of the contest handed Swiatek a break back.

The four-time major winner had a chance to force Sabalenka to serve for it again but watched a match-ending return winner fly by. Sabalenka improved to 4-8 in their series, avenging earlier defeats in Madrid and Rome.

With her victory, Sabalenka is set to return to No. 2 in the rankings next week. She will face the winner of Toronto champion Jessica Pegula and Washington, D.C. titlist Paula Badosa in the final.

Deepti Sharma's Six Seals The Hundred Women's Title for London Spirit

Deepti Sharma’s Six Seals The Hundred Women’s Title for London Spirit

Deepti Sharma’s Heroics Lead London Spirit to The Hundred Women’s Title

In a thrilling finale at Lord’s, Deepti Sharma’s match-winning six propelled London Spirit to a four-wicket victory over Welsh Fire Women, securing their maiden The Hundred Women’s title.

Chasing a modest target of 116, London Spirit faced a stern test after losing six wickets for 110 runs. However, Deepti remained unfazed, guiding her team to victory with an unbeaten 16 off 16 balls.

Earlier, Welsh Fire Women had posted a competitive 115-8, thanks to Tammy Beaumont’s 21 off 16 and Jess Jonassen’s 54 off 41. London Spirit’s bowlers, led by Tara Norris and Sarah Glenn, kept the pressure on, restricting Welsh Fire to a manageable total.

As the chase reached its climax, London Spirit needed 11 runs from the last 12 balls. Deepti, who had already contributed with the ball by taking 1-23, stepped up with the bat. Her calculated shots and composure ensured that London Spirit stayed on track.

With 4 runs needed off 3 balls, Deepti displayed nerves of steel, launching Hayley Matthews’ delivery over the boundary to seal the victory. Her six not only won the match but also capped off an incredible tournament for the all-rounder.

London Spirit’s innings saw several key contributions, with captain Heather Knight’s 24 off 18 and Georgia Redmayne’s 34 off 32 providing a solid foundation. However, it was Deepti’s finishing touch that stole the show.

Rishabh Pant's Test Captaincy Prospects Questioned After Duleep Trophy Squad Announcement

Rishabh Pant’s Test Captaincy Prospects Questioned After Duleep Trophy Squad Announcement

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the squads for the first round of the Duleep Trophy 2024-25, scheduled to commence on September 5. Notably, India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will make his return to red-ball cricket in the tournament.

Pant has been included in ‘Team B’ but surprisingly, he has not been appointed as the captain. Instead, Abhimanyu Easwaran has been entrusted with the leadership role. This decision has raised questions from former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, who believes Pant should be considered for the Test captaincy.

“Rishabh Pant is not a captain. He has been selected in Abhimanyu Easwaran’s team. He is playing under Abhimanyu Easwaran’s captaincy, which is absolutely okay. However, is Rishabh Pant not even a candidate for Test captaincy? I am a little surprised,” Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Chopra emphasized Pant’s exceptional performance in Test cricket, highlighting his centuries in South Africa, England, and Australia. He believes Pant’s consistency and aggressive style of play make him a suitable candidate for the captaincy.

“I am not aligned with this personally because the best avatar of Rishabh Pant you have seen is as a Test cricketer. He is the only wicketkeeper in the history of Indian cricket who has scored centuries in South Africa, England, and Australia in Test matches. The way he plays in Test cricket and the consistency with which he scores, he was the captaincy candidate in my opinion,” Chopra added.

Chopra also expressed curiosity about India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir’s views on Pant’s captaincy potential. “However, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, and even Abhimanyu Easwaran are captains, but Pant is not a captain, and that is a huge takeaway in my opinion,” he said.

“A new era has started. So I will be very curious to know what Gautam’s opinion is with regards to Rishabh Pant the captain,” added the ex-India batter.

NRAI’s “Ever-Changing” Selection Policy Hurts Shooters, Says Coach Jaspal Rana

Manu Bhaker’s coach, Jaspal Rana, has vehemently criticized the National Rifle Association of India’s (NRAI) “ever-changing” Olympic selection policy. Rana believes that the lack of consistency has hindered the progress of promising shooters and will continue to do so if not addressed.

Rana, a three-time Asiad gold medalist, questioned the federation’s tendency to make last-minute policy changes and its refusal to acknowledge the role of personal coaches. He cited the examples of Saurabh Chaudhary and Jitu Rai, who faded away after showing great promise.

“The selection policy changes every six months,” Rana said. “We need a clear and consistent policy that we can stick to.”

Rana also expressed concern about the lack of protection for Olympic and world medalists. He noted that Bhaker, despite winning two medals in Paris, will have to fight for a place in the national squad upon her return from a break.

“We don’t see Olympic medalists after one or two Olympics because there is no system to protect them,” Rana said. “They should be allowed to compete in every trial.”

Rana emphasized the importance of collaboration between personal and national coaches. He believes that one person should take the lead, but there should be mutual understanding.

Bhaker thanked Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha for ensuring that Rana could assist her in Paris. She said that Usha’s support was crucial in her success.

Rana’s criticism highlights the need for a stable and transparent selection policy that supports the development of shooters and ensures their long-term success.

Unlock Your Second Serve Potential: The Ultimate Guide to the Topspin Kick Serve

Unlock Your Second Serve Potential: The Ultimate Guide to the Topspin Kick Serve

Mastering the Topspin Kick Serve: A Guide to Unlocking a Dependable Second Serve

In the competitive world of tennis, a strong second serve can make all the difference. The topspin kick serve, with its tricky bounce and increased dependability, is an essential weapon in any player’s arsenal. Here’s a comprehensive guide to developing a wicked twister:

Adjusting Your Grip:

For optimal spin, adopt a Continental grip with a slight modification. Slide the heel of your hitting hand towards a backhand grip, closing the racquet slightly and enhancing your ability to generate spin.

Positioning the Ball Toss:

Unlike flat and slice serves, the kick serve requires a different ball toss. Position the ball closer to your body, directly above you. This allows you to hit up on the back of the ball, creating the desired spin. Avoid tossing the ball too far to the side, as it can strain your back and hitting shoulder.

Perfecting the Hitting Action:

The key to a successful kick serve lies in the hitting action. Instead of swinging towards the net, accelerate towards the side fence, hitting up and out on the ball. Imagine brushing across the back of the ball from 7-to-1 o’clock (5-to-11 o’clock for lefties). Follow through with the racquet head, finishing by your dominant knee.

Adopting an Aggressive Mindset:

To maximize the effectiveness of the kick serve, approach it with an aggressive mindset. Accelerate the racquet as if hitting a first serve. The more spin you apply, the faster the ball will dive into the court. Don’t be afraid to swing hard, as the spin will prevent you from overhitting.

Practice and Patience:

Developing a consistent kick serve requires practice and patience. Break down the motion into smaller parts, focusing on the arm and hitting action first. Gradually incorporate the rest of the motion. With time and dedication, you’ll master this essential serve and solidify your second serve game.

Vivianne Robinson: The Super Fan Returns for Paris 2024

Vivianne Robinson: The Super Fan Returns for Paris 2024

Vivianne Robinson, a dedicated Olympics enthusiast from Venice Beach, Florida, is making her sixth Olympic appearance in Paris 2024. Her passion for the Games has led her to travel to various venues, collect commemorative pins, and become a sought-after fan for photographs.

In Rio 2016, Robinson’s presence was ubiquitous, with fans eager to capture a moment with her. She had planned to attend the Tokyo Olympics but was thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Undeterred, she has returned to Paris with a wardrobe tailored specifically for the occasion, including a white outfit adorned with the Paris 2024 mascot and a matching hat.

Despite the dispersed venues in Paris, Robinson’s enthusiasm remains undiminished. She has become a favorite of news crews, with her interviews trending on social media. Her unwavering support for the Games has led her to spend over $10,000, maxing out her credit cards and working multiple jobs to fund her trip.

“This Olympics is the most I have spent on any Olympics,” Robinson said. “I have bought tickets to 38 events… but I am having a good time watching the games. I was determined to see the Olympics in Paris.”

Robinson’s passion for the Olympics extends beyond the spectacle of the Games. She carries her collection of pins from previous Olympics, symbolizing her unity with the Olympic spirit. In Paris, she has embraced the role of a super fan, cheering on athletes and immersing herself in the atmosphere of the city she loves.

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