Oval Invincibles and London Spirit Play Out Thrilling Tie in Hundred Clash

Oval Invincibles and London Spirit Play Out Thrilling Tie in Hundred Clash

In a thrilling encounter at Lord’s, the Oval Invincibles and London Spirit played out a dramatic tie in front of a packed crowd of 17,810. The match was marked by exceptional performances from overseas stars Marizanne Kapp and Deepti Sharma.

Kapp, the South African all-rounder, starred for the Invincibles with a brilliant 4 for 11 and a quickfire 47. Her bowling prowess was on full display as she dismissed Meg Lanning, Cordelia Griffith, Georgia Redmayne, and Heather Knight. With the bat, she played a crucial role in the Invincibles’ chase, smashing a 32-ball 47.

Deepti, the Indian all-rounder, was equally impressive for the Spirit. She took 3 for 18 with her economical off-spin, including the key wickets of Alice Capsey, Paige Scholfield, and Mady Villiers. She also contributed a valuable 44 runs with the bat, anchoring the Spirit’s innings.

The match was a see-saw affair, with both teams trading blows throughout. The Invincibles looked in control after Kapp’s early wickets, but Deepti’s recovery innings kept the Spirit in the game. In the chase, Kapp’s knock gave the Invincibles hope, but Deepti’s bowling and some smart fielding from the Spirit kept them in the hunt.

The final over was a nail-biting affair. With the Invincibles needing two runs from the final ball, Ryana MacDonald-Gay and Jo Gardner attempted a match-winning two. However, a brilliant run-out by Charlie Dean denied them victory.

The tie was a testament to the skill and determination of both teams. Kapp and Deepti were the standout performers, but the contributions of other players, such as Cordelia Griffith, Georgia Redmayne, and Eva Gray for the Spirit, and Alice Capsey, Sarah Glenn, and Amanda-Jade Wellington for the Invincibles, were also crucial.

Indian Spinners Restrict Sri Lanka to 240 in Second ODI

Indian Spinners Restrict Sri Lanka to 240 in Second ODI

Indian spinners, led by Washington Sundar, put the Sri Lankan batters to the test in the second ODI in Colombo on August 4. The spinners’ guile and accuracy on a pitch that offered assistance proved too much for the Lankan batsmen, who were restricted to a modest total of 240 for nine.

Sundar (3/30) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/33) were the pick of the Indian bowlers, exploiting the conditions to their advantage. Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka’s decision to bat first backfired as his team struggled to build partnerships and score runs at a consistent rate.

The Indian spinners’ dominance began early, with Mohammed Siraj dismissing in-form opener Pathum Nissanka in the second over. Nissanka’s dismissal was followed by a brief recovery phase, with Avishka Fernando (40) and Kusal Mendis (30) adding 74 runs for the second wicket.

However, the introduction of the spinners stifled the Lankan scoring rate. Fernando was trapped in front by Sundar, while Mendis was caught at short leg off the same bowler. The wickets of Samarawickrama and Asalanka left Sri Lanka reeling at 136 for six.

The onus fell on young Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis to rebuild the innings. Wellalage played with composure and aggression, hitting sixes off Axar Patel and Siraj. Mendis provided valuable support, and the pair added 72 runs for the seventh wicket.

Wellalage’s dismissal by Kuldeep Yadav gave India a glimmer of hope, but Kamindu Mendis continued to play positively. He was eventually dismissed for 40, but his innings ensured that Sri Lanka had a respectable total to defend.

The Indian bowlers struggled in the final five overs, conceding 44 runs as the Lankans looked to accelerate their scoring. However, the damage had already been done, and Sri Lanka’s total proved to be insufficient.

Zak Crawley Ruled Out of England's Sri Lanka Test Series with Fractured Finger

Zak Crawley Ruled Out of England’s Sri Lanka Test Series with Fractured Finger

England’s Zak Crawley Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Test Series with Fractured Finger

England’s preparations for their upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka have been dealt a blow with the news that opener Zak Crawley will miss the three-match encounter due to a fractured right little finger. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the injury on Sunday, announcing a 14-member squad for the series that begins on August 21 at Old Trafford.

Crawley, 26, sustained the injury during England’s third Test victory over the West Indies last month. The right-handed batsman has been a regular fixture in the England Test team since making his debut in 2019, scoring 1,328 runs in 25 matches at an average of 28.44.

In addition to Crawley’s absence, seamer Dillon Pennington will also miss the series due to a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old made his Test debut against New Zealand in June but has yet to establish himself as a regular member of the team.

Jordan Cox has been called up to the Test squad for the first time. The 23-year-old middle-order batter has impressed in the County Championship for Kent this season, scoring 750 runs in 12 matches at an average of 41.67.

Seamer Olly Stone also returns to the Test squad for the first time since June 2021. The 29-year-old has been plagued by injuries throughout his career but has shown glimpses of his potential when fit.

Ben Stokes will captain the England team during the series against Sri Lanka. The all-rounder has led England to victory in their last four Test matches, including a 3-0 sweep of New Zealand in June.

Beacon the Therapy Dog: Team USA Gymnastics' Unlikely MVP

Beacon the Therapy Dog: Team USA Gymnastics’ Unlikely MVP

As the Paris Olympics 2024 draws near, Team USA Gymnastics has found an unlikely source of support and comfort: Beacon, a 4-year-old golden retriever therapy dog. Beacon has become an integral part of the team’s emotional support system, providing solace and boosting morale in ways no one expected.

Beacon’s journey with Team USA began in May 2023, when he and his handler, Tracey Callahan Molnar, joined the team at various competitions and training camps. Molnar, a Pasadena resident with 40 years of experience in USA Rhythmic Gymnastics, recognized the potential for pet therapy to benefit the athletes.

Prior to joining Team USA, Beacon worked as a therapy dog at a hospital, where he helped reduce stress in outpatient rehab, the emergency department, and the pediatric department. His calming presence and soft fur have proven invaluable to the gymnasts, who often face intense pressure and emotional challenges.

Beacon’s most recent assignment was comforting athletes in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympic Trials. The night before the trials, two of the country’s top prospects, Shilese Jones and Kayla DiCello, suffered injuries, leaving the team heartbroken. Beacon and Molnar spent 40 minutes comforting the gymnasts and coaches, providing much-needed solace and helping them cope with the challenging night.

“He will turn on a dime without seeing who it is. He picks up on the stress and will pull to that person immediately,” Molnar told ESPN.

Beacon’s role extends beyond just comforting athletes. He has become a crucial part of Team USA’s emotional support system, offering a sense of calm and stability in a high-pressure environment. His presence has helped the gymnasts manage stress, improve focus, and build resilience.

Beacon’s impact on Team USA is a testament to the power of pet therapy in sports. His calming presence and unconditional love have created a positive and supportive environment for the athletes, helping them navigate the challenges of elite competition and prepare for the biggest stage of all: the Olympic Games.

Shericka Jackson Withdraws from Olympic 200m, Dealing Blow to Jamaican Team

Shericka Jackson Withdraws from Olympic 200m, Dealing Blow to Jamaican Team

Two-time world champion Shericka Jackson’s withdrawal from the Olympic 200m heats on Sunday has dealt another blow to the Jamaican team, following Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s absence from the 100m. Jackson’s decision to skip the 200m was only revealed by the late addition of “DNS” (Did Not Start) next to her name on the official start sheet.

Jackson, 30, had previously withdrawn from the 100m, citing the need to prioritize her physical and mental well-being. “You have to do the best for your body and your mind and your soul. I’m OK with the decision,” she said.

Jackson’s absence from the 200m leaves a significant void in the Jamaican team, as she is one of the world’s top sprinters. She won the 200m at the 2019 World Championships and finished second in the event at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

The semi-finals of the Olympic 200m are scheduled for Monday, with the final set for Tuesday. Jackson’s teammate Elaine Thompson-Herah, who missed the Paris Diamond League meet due to injury, is expected to compete in both events. Thompson-Herah won both the 100m and 200m at the Tokyo Olympics.

Jackson’s withdrawal is a setback for the Jamaican team, which is aiming to maintain its dominance in women’s sprinting. However, the team still has a strong contingent of athletes competing in the 200m, including Thompson-Herah and Briana Williams.

Hong Kong Fencing Queen Vivian Kong Retires After Olympic Gold

Hong Kong Fencing Queen Vivian Kong Retires After Olympic Gold

Hong Kong’s fencing icon, Vivian Kong Man-wai, has bid farewell to professional fencing after securing a historic gold medal for the city at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 30-year-old announced her retirement in a heartfelt message to her “fencing family” on social media, expressing her desire to embark on a new chapter in her life.

Kong’s decision to retire comes after a remarkable career spanning nearly two decades. Despite facing adversity in the form of two torn cruciate ligaments, she triumphed in Paris, showcasing her unwavering determination and resilience. Her victory marked a significant milestone for Hong Kong fencing, bringing the city its first Olympic gold medal in the sport.

Beyond her sporting achievements, Kong has also made significant contributions to the promotion of sports and positive thinking among the youth. Her passion for fencing and her dedication to inspiring others have left an enduring legacy in Hong Kong.

Kong’s retirement has been met with both admiration and sadness. Patrick Yung, the orthopaedics and traumatology professor who treated her, believes that her decision is not related to her previous knee injuries. He expressed confidence that Kong will continue to make valuable contributions to the community through her work in promoting sports and positive thinking.

Eric Chan, Hong Kong’s chief secretary, has expressed hope that Kong will consider becoming a coach to nurture future fencing talent in the city. Kong’s extensive experience and knowledge would be invaluable in developing the next generation of Hong Kong fencers.

In addition to her fencing career, Kong has pursued higher education, earning a degree in international relations from Stanford University and a master’s degree in law from the Renmin University of China. She was also admitted to the juris doctor program at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2021.

Kong’s retirement marks the end of an era for Hong Kong fencing. However, her legacy will continue to inspire and motivate aspiring athletes and sports enthusiasts alike. Her unwavering determination, resilience, and commitment to excellence will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.

Indian Shooters Maheshwari Chauhan, Raiza Dhillon Miss Out on Skeet Final at Paris Olympics

Indian Shooters Maheshwari Chauhan, Raiza Dhillon Miss Out on Skeet Final at Paris Olympics

Indian shooters Maheshwari Chauhan and Raiza Dhillon faced disappointment at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, failing to qualify for the final of the women’s skeet competition. Chauhan finished in 14th place with a score of 118, while Dhillon placed 23rd with 113.

Chauhan started the competition strongly, shooting 23, 24, and 24 in the first three series on Saturday. However, her performance dipped slightly in the final two series, with scores of 25 and 22. Dhillon, on the other hand, struggled to find consistency throughout the qualification round, recording scores of 21, 22, 23, 23, and 24.

Only the top six shooters in the qualification round advanced to the final. Italy’s Diana Bacosi, the 2016 Rio Olympic gold medalist, also failed to qualify, finishing just below Chauhan in 15th place with a score of 117.

On the first day of qualifications, Chauhan had been in contention for a top-six finish, sitting in eighth place with an aggregate of 71. However, her performance on Sunday was not enough to secure a spot in the final. Dhillon, who was placed 25th after the first day, also failed to improve her position significantly.

Meanwhile, Indian shooters Vijayveer Sidhu and Anish Bhanwala are currently competing in the 25m rapid fire pistol men’s qualifications.

Deepika Kumari Vows to Continue Olympic Quest Despite Paris Disappointment

Deepika Kumari Vows to Continue Olympic Quest Despite Paris Disappointment

Deepika Kumari, India’s star archer, has vowed to continue her pursuit of an elusive Olympic medal despite enduring a disappointing performance at the Paris Games. Having competed in four consecutive Olympics without reaching the podium, Kumari remains determined to break the jinx in Los Angeles in 2028.

Kumari’s Olympic struggles have been attributed to her inability to handle pressure situations. However, she is confident that she can overcome this mental hurdle and perform to her full potential. “I want to play more in the future and will continue my game,” she said. “I really want to win an Olympic medal, and I won’t quit until I achieve that.”

To improve her chances of success, Kumari plans to focus on three key areas: maintaining composure, improving her shooting form and concentration, and enjoying the game. She also acknowledges the need to develop her “quick shooting” skills, which proved to be a weakness in Paris.

Despite her Olympic setbacks, Kumari has enjoyed a successful career, winning numerous World Cup medals. She made a remarkable comeback after giving birth to her daughter in 2022, winning an individual gold at the Shanghai World Cup in April.

At the Paris Olympics, Kumari faced a challenging ranking round, qualifying as the 23rd seed. She struggled in the team event but showed resilience in the individual category, reaching the quarterfinals. However, she was defeated by Korean archer Nam Suhyeon in a closely contested match.

Kumari believes that the absence of India’s sports psychologist, Gayatri Vartak, did not significantly impact their performance. She emphasized that they stayed in touch with Vartak throughout the Games.

With her sights set on LA 2028, Kumari is determined to make amends for her past Olympic disappointments. She is confident that she can develop the mental strength and technical skills necessary to achieve her dream of an Olympic medal.

Lovlina Borgohain's Olympic Boxing Campaign Ends in Quarterfinal Loss

Lovlina Borgohain’s Olympic Boxing Campaign Ends in Quarterfinal Loss

India’s boxing campaign at the ongoing Olympics concluded without a medal after Lovlina Borgohain, the reigning world champion in the 75kg category, lost a hard-fought quarterfinal bout to China’s Li Qian on Sunday.

Borgohain, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, went down 1-4 in a messy contest marred by repeated cautions for clinching and holding. The 26-year-old’s defeat marked the end of India’s boxing campaign in the Games, following Nishant Dev’s exit from the men’s 71kg quarterfinals on Saturday night.

The six-strong boxing contingent, comprising four women and two men, had a disappointing outing in Tokyo. Four of the six boxers crashed out in the preliminary stage itself.

The quarterfinal bout between Borgohain and Qian started at a fast pace, but neither boxer was willing to take the initiative. The holding and clinching began early, forcing the referee to intervene repeatedly.

Qian, the 34-year-old Tokyo Games silver medalist, seemed more determined and landed some clean combination punches and a left hook towards the end of the first round. She took a 3-2 lead in the contest.

The second round followed a similar pattern, with Qian being more purposeful in her approach. Borgohain was cautioned twice for excessive holding, and Qian maintained her slender one-point lead.

The holding and clinching continued in the third round, and both boxers appeared drained. However, Qian showed great presence of mind to keep Borgohain at a distance. Borgohain struggled to control the pace of the bout and repeatedly took hits on counter-attacks.

Borgohain had previously faced Qian in the Asian Games final last year, losing 0-5. She later beat Qian in the semifinals of the world championship semifinal in 2023. However, Qian had the upper hand in a pre-Olympic tournament in Czechia in June.

Gujarati Family Finds Home Away from Home at Paris India House

Gujarati Family Finds Home Away from Home at Paris India House

In the heart of Paris, amidst the bustling Parc de la Villette, a Gujarati family from Jamnagar, India, found solace and a taste of home at India House. Saifuddin Loukmanjee, 52, his wife Lamya, and their daughters Sarah, 15, and Anisha, 10, eagerly awaited their order of mini sambar idlis and vada pav.

Despite the relentless rain, the family exuded a sense of contentment as they stood patiently in line. Their body language spoke volumes of the comfort they shared. Loukmanjee, who arrived in Paris via Madagascar 35 years ago, had discovered India House through his mother-in-law’s WhatsApp group.

“The food is not expensive and it tastes great,” Loukmanjee exclaimed. “I am very excited to try more dishes on the menu.”

Sarah and Anisha, born and raised in Paris, were equally enthusiastic about the upcoming 2024 Olympics. They spoke French and Gujarati fluently, with a smattering of English. Their excitement for the Games was palpable, and they expressed their hopes for France to emerge victorious.

Lamya, while eagerly anticipating the sporting spectacle, was equally delighted by the cultural experiences and events surrounding the Olympics. The Bollywood music playing in the background had her tapping her feet with joy.

As the family savored their authentic Indian cuisine, they reflected on the significance of India House. It was a place where they could connect with their heritage and share their love of food and culture with others.

The Loukmanjee family’s experience at India House is a testament to the power of food and sports to bring people together. It is a reminder that even in a foreign land, the bonds of family and the spirit of community can be found in the most unexpected places.

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