Ranjan Madugalle Becomes First Match Referee to Officiate 400 ODIs

Ranjan Madugalle Becomes First Match Referee to Officiate 400 ODIs

Ranjan Madugalle, a veteran match referee, has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first to officiate 400 One-Day Internationals (ODIs). This milestone was achieved during the third ODI between India and Sri Lanka at Khettarama.

Madugalle’s illustrious career as a match referee spans over three decades, beginning in 1993. During this time, he has also officiated in more than 200 Test matches, another remarkable record. Notably, he served as the ICC’s chief match referee until the position was discontinued.

Simon Taufel, a former elite-panel umpire and the ICC’s former umpires performance and training manager, lauded Madugalle’s achievements. “Ranjan’s longevity is remarkable,” Taufel said. “He has served Sri Lanka, the ICC, and the game of cricket with distinction and integrity. This milestone highlights his commitment and dedication to the sport he loves.”

Before embarking on his officiating career, Madugalle was a respected cricketer, representing Sri Lanka in 21 Tests and 63 ODIs as a batter. His transition to match refereeing has been seamless, and he has consistently maintained the highest standards of professionalism and fairness.

Madugalle’s 400th ODI as a match referee is a testament to his unwavering passion for cricket and his dedication to ensuring the integrity of the game. His contributions to the sport have been invaluable, and he continues to inspire aspiring match officials and cricket enthusiasts alike.

Sri Lanka Bat First in Decisive ODI Against India, Aiming for Series Win

Sri Lanka Bat First in Decisive ODI Against India, Aiming for Series Win

Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, has opted to bat first in the decisive third ODI against India in Colombo. The hosts, who lead the series 1-0, are aiming to secure their first bilateral ODI series victory over India since 1997.

Asalanka expressed confidence in his decision to bat, citing the success of this strategy in the previous matches. Sri Lanka has made one change to their lineup, with Maheesh Theekshana replacing Akila Dhananjaya.

India, on the other hand, has made two changes. Riyan Parag, who impressed in the T20Is, makes his ODI debut in place of Arshdeep Singh, bolstering India’s batting and adding an extra spinner. Rishabh Pant, who has recovered from a car crash, replaces KL Rahul as wicketkeeper.

India’s lineup now features two seam bowlers and four spinners, while Sri Lanka will rely on a single seamer, Janith Liyanage, and five spinners. The dry pitch is expected to favor spin bowling as the match progresses.

Both teams have struggled to convert starts into substantial scores, and Asalanka hopes to see a century on this pitch. The weather forecast predicts clear skies at the start of the game, with a possibility of rain later in the afternoon.

India Faces Series Defeat Threat in Final ODI Against Sri Lanka

India Faces Series Defeat Threat in Final ODI Against Sri Lanka

The third and final ODI between India and Sri Lanka is set to commence, with the match referee Ranjan Madugalle officiating his 400th ODI. India, led by Rohit Sharma, has made two changes to their lineup, bringing in Rishabh Pant and Riyan Parag for KL Rahul and Arshdeep Singh. Sri Lanka, captained by Charith Asalanka, has opted to bat first after winning the toss.

The match is expected to be a low-scoring encounter, with assistance for spinners. In the previous ODI, a leggie who was not even in the original squad troubled the Indian batsmen, dismissing five batters LBW. India is facing the prospect of its first bilateral ODI series defeat against Sri Lanka in 27 years after losing the second ODI by 32 runs.

India’s batting performance has been lackluster, failing to tackle the Lankan spin attack. The team has addressed the need for improvement and is determined to perform better in the final match. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has been in good form and will look to continue their winning ways.

The match will be played under pleasant weather conditions, with slight cloudy cover. The outcome of the match will be crucial for both teams, as India seeks to avoid a series defeat and Sri Lanka aims to secure a series victory.

Ashleigh Gardner's WPL Contract: A Life-Changing Moment in Women's Cricket

Ashleigh Gardner’s WPL Contract: A Life-Changing Moment in Women’s Cricket

Ashleigh Gardner’s life took a dramatic turn after a FaceTime call during the T20 World Cup. The auction for the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) was underway, and Gardner watched in disbelief as her bid soared to INR 3.2 crore. This life-changing sum, equivalent to A$558,000 for three weeks’ work, marked a significant milestone in women’s cricket.

Gardner’s journey began with a modest state contract worth A$3,000 as a teenager. The WPL contract represented a paradigm shift, reflecting the growing interest and investment in women’s cricket. Gardner acknowledges the transformative power of the sport, stating, “People are buying into what the women’s game is, showcasing women in sport.”

However, Gardner has grappled with the pressure associated with her high-priced contract. Despite solid performances in the WPL, she admits to falling short of her own expectations. “The ridiculous price tag brought an expectation that I had to live up to,” she says. “It’s a perceived pressure thing that I’m putting on myself.”

Gardner’s current stint with the Trent Rockets in the Hundred provides a fresh perspective. Her contract, while significantly lower than her WPL salary, represents a 60% increase from previous years. The Hundred offers a valuable opportunity for Australian players to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Gardner believes that Australian cricket could learn from the Hundred’s success. She suggests exploring double-headers and leveraging the popularity of men’s cricket to grow the women’s game. The WBBL’s recent schedule changes, including more matches at major stadiums, are seen as positive steps.

Gardner’s immediate focus is on helping the Rockets reach the knockout stages of the Hundred. She recognizes the expectations placed on international players and aims to contribute both on and off the field. With the T20 World Cup approaching, Gardner remains confident in her abilities and the team’s potential.

Vinesh Phogat Disqualified from Olympic Gold-Medal Bout Due to Overweight

Vinesh Phogat Disqualified from Olympic Gold-Medal Bout Due to Overweight

Vinesh Phogat, India’s trailblazing wrestler, made history on Tuesday by becoming the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final. However, her triumph was short-lived as she was disqualified from the gold-medal bout on Wednesday due to being overweight.

Phogat was scheduled to face American Sarah Hildebrand in the women’s 50kg final at the Champ-de-Mars Arena. However, during the weigh-in, she was found to be a few grams over the 50kg limit.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) released a statement expressing regret over Phogat’s disqualification. “Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning,” the statement read.

Phogat’s disqualification is a major setback for India’s Olympic hopes. She was one of the country’s top medal contenders and her absence from the final will be a significant blow.

The Indian team has requested privacy for Phogat at this time. “It would like to focus on the competitions on hand,” the IOA statement said.

Phogat’s disqualification highlights the importance of weight management in wrestling. Wrestlers must adhere to strict weight limits in order to compete in their respective weight classes.

Phogat’s journey to the Olympic final was an inspiring one. She overcame numerous challenges, including injuries and personal setbacks, to reach the pinnacle of her sport. Her disqualification is a reminder that even the most talented athletes can face adversity.

Despite the disappointment, Phogat’s performance at the Olympics has been a source of pride for India. She has inspired countless young girls and women to pursue their dreams in wrestling.

Australia A Edge India A by Five Runs in Thrilling T20 Opener

Australia A Edge India A by Five Runs in Thrilling T20 Opener

Australia A emerged victorious in the first T20 match of India A’s multiformat tour, securing a hard-fought five-run victory at Allan Border Field.

Tahlia Wilson’s blistering half-century (50 off 33) laid the foundation for Australia A’s innings. She shared a 74-run opening stand with Katie Mack (39), but India A’s left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque triggered a collapse, claiming three wickets in quick succession.

Despite losing wickets, Nicole Faltum and Maddy Darke provided a late surge, adding 31 runs off the final two overs to propel Australia A to 163 for 5.

In response, India A’s chase was anchored by Priya Punia’s superb innings of 76 off 50 deliveries. She struck seven fours and three sixes, including two in three balls against Charli Knott. However, the required run rate proved elusive, and India A fell short by five runs.

Tanuja Kanwar (27) provided support to Punia, but her dismissal by Faltum proved crucial. Left-arm spinner Sophie Day impressed with her economical spell, conceding just 19 runs from her four overs.

With 28 runs coming off the 18th and 19th overs, India A entered the last over needing 16. Captain Tahlia McGrath defended the target despite conceding a boundary to Sayali Satghare.

The teams will face off again in the second T20 match on Friday at Allan Border Field, followed by the final T20 on Sunday. Three ODIs will then be played in Mackay next week, concluding with a four-day game on the Gold Coast.

Armand Duplantis Breaks World Record for Ninth Time, Soaring to 6.25 Meters

Armand Duplantis Breaks World Record for Ninth Time, Soaring to 6.25 Meters

Armand Duplantis, the Swedish-American pole vaulter, has once again etched his name in the annals of sports history by breaking the world record for the ninth time. At the Stade de France in Paris, Duplantis soared over a height of 6.25 meters, surpassing his previous record of 6.24 meters set in April this year.

Duplantis’s journey to the top began in his backyard in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he grew up with a pole vault pit. Coached by his father, Greg, a former pole vaulter, and his mother, Helena, a former heptathlete, Duplantis developed a deep passion for the sport.

In Tokyo three years ago, Duplantis won the Olympic gold medal, but his ambitions extended far beyond that. He sought to push the boundaries of human potential and shatter his own world records.

On Monday night in Paris, Duplantis faced a formidable field of competitors, but he remained unfazed. He cleared 6.00 meters on his first attempt, securing the Olympic gold medal. With the gold already in his grasp, Duplantis set his sights on the world record.

In his third and final attempt, Duplantis unleashed his explosive speed and planted the pole in the vault box with precision. He launched himself into the air, his body soaring upwards. The pole flexed and bent as he ascended, propelling him over the crossbar.

As he landed on the foam mat, Duplantis erupted in celebration, knowing he had achieved the impossible once again. He had broken the world record for the ninth time, cementing his status as the greatest pole vaulter of all time.

Duplantis’s victory was not just a personal triumph but also a testament to his unwavering determination and the power of human ambition. He has shown the world that anything is possible if you dare to dream big and work relentlessly towards your goals.

Afghanistan Batter Ihsanullah Janat Banned for Corruption

Afghanistan Batter Ihsanullah Janat Banned for Corruption

Ihsanullah Janat, a prominent Afghanistan top-order batter, has been suspended from all cricket-related activities for five years due to corruption allegations. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the ban on Wednesday, effective immediately.

The ACB’s investigation revealed that Janat violated Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code during the second edition of the Kabul Premier League earlier this year. The specific breaches involved improper influence and attempts to manipulate the outcome of matches.

Janat has acknowledged his guilt and confessed to his involvement in corrupt activities. The ACB’s anti-corruption unit is currently investigating three other players for potential involvement in similar offenses.

Janat, 26, has represented Afghanistan in 20 international matches across all three formats. He made his debut in an ODI against Zimbabwe in 2017 and has since played 15 ODIs, scoring 307 runs. He has also featured in three Tests, amassing 110 runs, and one T20I, where he scored a quickfire 20.

Janat’s suspension is a significant blow to Afghanistan’s cricket team, which has been plagued by corruption scandals in recent years. The ACB has vowed to take strict action against any players or officials involved in such activities.

The ban on Janat serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity in cricket. The ACB and the ICC are committed to eradicating corruption from the sport and ensuring a fair and competitive environment for all players.

India Intensifies Preparations for Crucial ODI Decider Against Sri Lanka

India Intensifies Preparations for Crucial ODI Decider Against Sri Lanka

With the ODI series against Sri Lanka hanging in the balance, the Indian cricket team intensified their preparations on Tuesday ahead of the crucial third and final ODI in Colombo on Wednesday. The first ODI ended in a thrilling tie last Friday, while Sri Lanka emerged victorious in the second ODI by 32 runs on Sunday.

Under the guidance of new head coach Gautam Gambhir, India is determined to avoid their first series loss to Sri Lanka in 27 years. The Indian cricket board (BCCI) shared a video on their official Twitter handle showcasing the Rohit Sharma-led team practicing diligently under the watchful eyes of interim bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, assistant coaches Ryan ten Doeschate, and Abhishek Nayar.

Bahutule emphasized the team’s focus on addressing areas of improvement, particularly in bowling. “We’ve been working on certain areas that we need to improve on, and the bowlers have been trying to implement a specific pattern of bowling,” he said. “We’re trying to find solutions to match that and overcome the challenges.”

According to reports, Rohit Sharma participated in practice but did not bat. Rishabh Pant showcased his aggressive batting against the spinners in the nets, while Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul had extended batting sessions. Notably, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh did not bowl during the practice session.

Ryan ten Doeschate highlighted the team’s efforts to learn from their mistakes in the first two games. “We’re trying to be specific and learn from the mistakes we made in the first couple of games,” he said. “The conditions have been tough, but the guys have come up with their own plans. We’re trying to create a positive environment where the players can express themselves and showcase their abilities.”

With the second match ending in a loss, India faces a dilemma between fielding their strongest XI or experimenting ahead of the next major ICC tournament, which is scheduled to take place in just six months.

Abhishek Nayar expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back from the setback. “As Indians, we are emotional people,” he said. “When we don’t get the results we want, it brings out the passion and integrity of each individual. Every cricketer in that dressing room knows what’s at stake, and that often brings out the best in the team.”

A loss in the third ODI would be a disappointing outcome for the newly appointed Gautam Gambhir-led coaching staff, who took over a team that had been performing exceptionally well in ODI cricket less than a year ago. Despite their early success, they would be eager to avoid ending their two-week tour of Sri Lanka with more questions than answers.

Manu Bhaker Returns Home as Olympic Medalist, Receives Grand Welcome

Manu Bhaker Returns Home as Olympic Medalist, Receives Grand Welcome

Star pistol shooter Manu Bhaker made a triumphant return to India on Wednesday, greeted by a jubilant crowd of supporters and family members at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Bhaker’s historic feat of winning two medals at the Tokyo Olympics, a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol and another in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, has etched her name in the annals of Indian sporting history.

The Air India flight carrying Bhaker and her coach, Jaspal Rana, touched down at around 9:20am, an hour behind schedule. Despite the early morning drizzle, hundreds of people had gathered at the airport hours before her arrival, eager to witness the return of their Olympic hero.

As Bhaker emerged from the airport exit, she was greeted with a thunderous applause, bouquets, garlands, and the rhythmic beats of dhol. Flower petals were showered upon her and Rana as they made their way through the crowd, which was managed by a significant police presence.

Among those present to welcome Bhaker were her parents, Ram Kishan and Sumedha, as well as sports enthusiasts and officials from her home states of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. Rana’s father, Narayan Singh Rana, a former Uttarakhand Sports Minister, expressed his pride in his son and Bhaker’s achievements.

“It is a matter of pride for us that a daughter of India is coming back after creating history by winning two medals in an Olympics. It has never happened before. She is only 22 years old,” said Rana.

Bhaker’s historic feat has drawn comparisons to British-Indian athlete Norman Pritchard, who won two silver medals in the 200m sprint and 200m hurdles at the 1900 Olympics. However, Bhaker’s achievement is particularly significant as it came in the post-Independence era.

Before leaving for India, Bhaker had expressed her anticipation for a grand welcome, and she was not disappointed. The crowd celebrated her feat with song and dance, holding banners with photos of Bhaker and Rana.

Bhaker is scheduled to meet with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in the afternoon. She will then return to Paris on Saturday to participate in the closing ceremony of the Olympics, where she will be one of India’s flag-bearers.

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