Thunder Edge Western Storm in Rain-Shortened Flint Trophy Clash

Thunder Edge Western Storm in Rain-Shortened Flint Trophy Clash

In a rain-shortened Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy match at Taunton’s Cooper Associates Ground, Thunder emerged victorious over Western Storm by two runs via the Duckworth/Lewis/Stern Method.

Thunder captain Eleanor Threlkeld played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 69 to guide her team to a total of 216 for 9 from 50 overs. Alice Clarke contributed 41, while Grace Johnson chipped in with 23. However, three self-inflicted run outs marred Thunder’s innings.

Western Storm’s Australian international Amanda-Jade Wellington proved to be a thorn in Thunder’s side, claiming 2 for 28 from 10 overs. Mollie Robbins also impressed with 3 for 28, keeping things tight with her new ball and death bowling.

Chasing a revised target of 71 from 20 overs, Storm appeared in control with openers Emma Corney and Sophia Smale getting them off to a solid start. However, the experienced duo of Sophie Luff and Fran Wilson failed to accelerate the scoring rate, leaving Storm short of the DLS requirement.

As the rain intensified, umpires Mark Newell and Fiona Richards were forced to abandon the game with Storm on 69 for 2 after 20 overs. Luff and Wilson remained unbeaten on 16 and 13, respectively.

Threlkeld’s innings was a masterclass in adaptability, as she adjusted her game to the challenging conditions and the loss of wickets around her. Her unbeaten half-century ensured that Thunder had a competitive total to defend.

Despite the disappointment of not being able to complete the match, Storm can take solace in the fact that they have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. With the season drawing to a close, they will be looking to finish on a high note in their remaining fixtures.

Jessica Pegula Poised for US Open Upset as She Faces Aryna Sabalenka

Jessica Pegula Poised for US Open Upset as She Faces Aryna Sabalenka

Jessica Pegula, the unheralded American, stands on the cusp of history as she faces Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final. Despite being a significant underdog, Pegula has impressed throughout the tournament, showcasing her exceptional form and resilience.

Pegula’s journey to the final has been marked by a series of impressive victories, including a triumph over world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. Her ability to blend power and precision has allowed her to dominate opponents and create opportunities for winners.

While Sabalenka is the clear favorite, Pegula’s recent performances suggest that she is capable of causing an upset. In their previous encounter in the Cincinnati final, Pegula pushed Sabalenka to the limit, losing in a competitive three-set match.

Pegula’s mental fortitude is another key factor in her favor. She has shown a remarkable ability to handle the pressure of big matches, as evidenced by her victory over Emma Navarro in the semifinals. Sabalenka, on the other hand, has struggled with nerves in the past, particularly in Grand Slam finals.

Furthermore, Pegula’s lack of expectations could work to her advantage. She has consistently played her best tennis when the pressure is off, as seen in her victory over Swiatek. This mindset could allow her to approach the final with a sense of freedom and confidence.

While Sabalenka remains the favorite, Pegula’s impressive form, mental strength, and favorable circumstances make her a legitimate contender for the US Open title. Her ability to push Sabalenka to the limit in their previous encounter suggests that she has the potential to pull off an upset and claim her maiden Grand Slam victory.

Pakistan Confirms Home Test Series Against England in Multan and Rawalpindi

Pakistan Confirms Home Test Series Against England in Multan and Rawalpindi

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the upcoming home Test series against England will take place in Pakistan, despite earlier reports suggesting a possible shift to Sri Lanka or the UAE. The series, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, will proceed as planned with matches in Multan and Rawalpindi.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi quashed reports of a venue change, stating that the venues are final and games will not be played outside the country. “No Tests will be played outside (the country). Multan and Rawalpindi venues are final,” Naqvi said.

The confirmation comes after reports emerged that the series might be moved out of Pakistan due to ongoing renovation work at stadiums in preparation for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy. However, Naqvi clarified that the venues are ready and will not be affected by the construction activities.

Recently, the PCB had to shift the second Test of their series against Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi because of similar renovation work. Spectators were barred from attending that match due to the construction activities. Experts had advised that construction could continue during playing hours, potentially distracting players because of the noise and dust.

England head coach Brendon McCullum had expressed concerns about the venue uncertainty, saying it made team selection difficult. “We don’t know (what is happening in Pakistan), but we can’t pick a team until we know where we’re going to play. It would be nice if, over the next couple of days, we found out. Then we’ll sit down and make sure we’ve got the right team for the right conditions and the right opposition,” McCullum had said.

The first Test of the three-match series between Pakistan and England is scheduled to begin on October 7 in Multan. The second match will take place in Karachi starting October 15. The series will conclude with the third Test in Rawalpindi on October 24.

Woakes Bowls Off-Spin as Bad Light Halts England's Pace Attack

Woakes Bowls Off-Spin as Bad Light Halts England’s Pace Attack

England’s Woakes Bowls Off-Spin Due to Bad Light in Third Test Against Sri Lanka

In an unusual turn of events, England pacer Chris Woakes was forced to bowl off-spin during the third and final Test against Sri Lanka at the Kennington Oval due to poor light conditions.

With skies darkening and light fading rapidly in London on Saturday, Woakes was seen bowling off-spin against the Lankan batters. The incident occurred in the 7th over of Sri Lanka’s first innings when the on-field umpires informed skipper Ollie Pope that the light was insufficient for fast bowlers to operate.

Woakes, who had just dismissed Pathum Nissanka on the second ball of his fourth over, had four more deliveries to bowl when the umpires intervened. This forced him to complete his remaining balls by bowling off-spin, much to the amusement of England bowling coach Jeetan Patel and the players on the field.

With a couple of slips, a leg slip, and a short-leg in place, Woakes bowled three off-spinning deliveries, one of which was dispatched to the boundary. He then completed the over with an arm ball.

Earlier, bad light had also forced early stumps on the opening day of the Test. Riding on Pope’s 154, England scored 325 before being bowled out in the 70th over. Already 2-0 up in the series, England are aiming for a whitewash against Sri Lanka.

Virat Kohli: A Legend of Cricket, Breaking Records and Inspiring Generations

Virat Kohli: A Legend of Cricket, Breaking Records and Inspiring Generations

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket legend, has etched his name among the greatest players of all time with his exceptional batting skills and unwavering determination. His ability to excel across all formats of the game has set him apart from his contemporaries.

Kohli’s batting prowess is unmatched. In Test matches, he has amassed seven double centuries, the most by an Indian. His consistency in ODIs is equally impressive, with a record-breaking 49 centuries. In Twenty20 Internationals, he became the first batter to reach 4000 runs.

Beyond his individual achievements, Kohli has also proven to be an astute leader. Under his captaincy, India won their first-ever Test series in Australia in 2018-19. He also led the team to numerous other victories, including a record-equaling 46 international wins in a calendar year.

Kohli’s impact on cricket extends far beyond his on-field performances. He has become a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide, inspiring them with his dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. His records and achievements serve as a testament to his greatness and will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

Ben Duckett's Risk-Taking Approach Fuels England's Aggressive Batting

Ben Duckett’s Risk-Taking Approach Fuels England’s Aggressive Batting

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has hailed Ben Duckett’s audacious knock of 86 on day one of the third Test against Sri Lanka as a testament to his risk-taking approach that lies at the heart of England’s aggressive batting philosophy.

Duckett’s blistering innings, featuring nine fours and two sixes, set the tone for England’s imposing 221/3 at The Oval. Hussain praised Duckett’s ability to unsettle the Sri Lankan bowlers with his relentless attacking intent.

“Duckett never let them settle at all,” Hussain wrote in his column for Daily Mail. “They kept bowling on the legs early on, or even outside the line of the pads, and then when they over-corrected, they were short and wide. Where does Duckett like the ball the most? Short and wide outside off-stump. He put them to the sword.”

Hussain highlighted Duckett’s unique approach compared to traditional England openers who often left deliveries outside off-stump. Duckett’s willingness to attack these balls has resulted in a remarkable leave percentage of just 1.7%, significantly lower than other Test openers.

“His career leave percentage is 1.7%, making him nearly five times as likely to play than Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique, the next man on the list with 8.3%,” Hussain noted. “When everything is in the bowlers’ favor, that is exactly how the England team management want him, Duckett to play – putting pressure back on the opposition.”

Hussain acknowledged that Duckett’s attacking instincts could be exploited by Australia in next year’s Ashes. However, he believes Duckett will remain true to his style of play.

“With batsmen, however, your strengths can also be your weaknesses and I expect Australia to play on this in next year’s Ashes,” Hussain said. “But I can’t see him changing. He will give it a go and that aligns with the constant messaging from the England dressing room.”

Hussain concluded by emphasizing the importance of allowing players to play to their strengths, even if it occasionally leads to dismissals. “If a player scores runs with a particular shot, they do not want them to put it away if they get out to it,” Hussain added.

Australia XI Cruise to Six-Wicket Win Over Scotland XI in Second T20I

Australia XI Cruise to Six-Wicket Win Over Scotland XI in Second T20I

Australia XI, led by Mitchell Marsh, won the toss and elected to field first against Scotland XI in the second T20I in Edinburgh. The Scottish openers, George Munsey and Ollie Hairs, got off to a solid start, putting on 30 runs for the first wicket before Munsey was dismissed by Sean Abbott for 15.

Brandon McMullen and Richie Berrington then steadied the Scottish innings, adding 45 runs for the second wicket. McMullen played a particularly aggressive innings, hitting two sixes and two fours in his 32-ball 40. Berrington, on the other hand, was more circumspect, scoring 24 off 28 balls.

However, Scotland’s progress was halted by the introduction of Cameron Green into the attack. Green bowled a superb spell, taking 2/19 in his three overs, including the crucial wicket of Berrington. Matthew Cross (16) and Michael Leask (10*) also made useful contributions, but Scotland were eventually restricted to 103/4 in their 20 overs.

In reply, Australia XI lost Jake Fraser-McGurk (1) early on, but Travis Head (26) and Mitchell Marsh (24) put on 49 runs for the second wicket to put their team in control. Josh Inglis (18*) and Cameron Green (16*) then finished off the chase with ease, guiding Australia XI to a comfortable six-wicket victory with 10 balls to spare.

Indian Paralympic Athletes Receive Grand Welcome After Record-Breaking Paris Performance

Indian Paralympic Athletes Receive Grand Welcome After Record-Breaking Paris Performance

Indian Paralympic athletes were accorded a grand welcome at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport upon their return from the Paris Paralympics, where they showcased an exceptional performance. On Saturday morning, half of the Indian contingent arrived home after participating in the prestigious event.

Among the returning athletes were Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, Pranav Soorma, Rakesh Kumar, and Manish Narwal. Fans gathered in large numbers outside the airport, showering the para-athletes with flower petals and expressing their admiration.

India’s Paralympic stars, including gold medalist Avani Lekhara, silver medalist Manish Narwal, Pranav Soorma, and bronze medalists Rubina, returned to a hero’s welcome. The remaining athletes of the Indian contingent will return after the conclusion of the multi-sport event.

Star Indian parashooter Avani Lekhara expressed her gratitude for the support and recognition. “It has been a good journey, and we have won many good medals this time,” she said.

Para shooter Mona Agarwal shared her excitement about her first Paralympic experience. “I am feeling very good as I am receiving so much love… My Paralympic journey was very good,” she said.

Reigning Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara continued her winning streak, securing gold in the women’s 10m air rifle final. She became the first Indian woman to win two gold medals in the Games’ history. Shooter Mona Agarwal also bagged a bronze medal in the same event.

Para-archer Rakesh Kumar attributed his victory to his coaches. “I am feeling very good… The credit for my victory goes to my coaches… We will work hard and perform better at the next Paralympics,” he said.

The Indian archery pair of Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi clinched the bronze medal in the Mixed Team Compound event, defeating Italy’s Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonnacina.

India’s medal tally at the ongoing Paralympics has reached 27, including six gold medals, nine silver medals, and 12 bronze medals. This is the highest number of gold medals India has ever won at a Paralympics Games event, surpassing the previous record of five golds in Tokyo 2020.

Indian para-athletes have made the nation proud with their exceptional performance, contributing three golds, six silvers, and six bronze medals to the country’s overall tally.

Musheer Khan's Strong Mindset Impresses Former India Wicketkeeper

Musheer Khan’s Strong Mindset Impresses Former India Wicketkeeper

Former India wicketkeeper Vijay Dahiya has heaped praise on Musheer Khan, hailing his “strong mindset” and predicting a bright future for the young batter in the Indian team. Khan’s impressive 181 for India B against India A in the ongoing Duleep Trophy has caught the attention of Dahiya, who believes the youngster has the potential to become a valuable asset for the national side.

Dahiya highlighted Khan’s consistency as a key factor in his success. “He started off from where he left the last season. He scored runs in the Ranji Trophy semifinal and final and then a hundred on the opening day of domestic cricket in 2024,” Dahiya said.

The former wicketkeeper also praised Khan’s transformation from a left-arm spinner to a batsman, attributing it to his hard work and dedication. “Agar aap mehnat se kisi cheez ke peeche pad jaaye, shiddat se kisi cheez ke peeche pad jaaye to wo zarur milti hai (if you work hard for something, you will get it eventually),” Dahiya said.

Dahiya also spoke about the positive impact of senior players like Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma on budding talents in the Delhi Premier League (DPL). “Rishabh Pant played just a match but the time he spent with boys in the hotel and in the practice motivated them,” Dahiya said. “Ishant attended all the practice sessions and spent time with each of the boys. Unfortunately, he couldn’t play due to an injury.”

Dahiya believes that the guidance and support from experienced players like Pant and Sharma can help young players develop their skills and confidence. “All the boys praised Rishabh and Ishant because they never let them feel inferior to them. Instead, they felt a sense of belongingness and it calmed their nerves,” he added.

Randhir Singh to Become First Indian President of Olympic Council of Asia

Randhir Singh to Become First Indian President of Olympic Council of Asia

The 44th Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly, a pivotal event in the Asian sporting calendar, will convene at the Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on September 8, 2023. This momentous occasion will witness the official appointment of Randhir Singh as the first Indian President of the OCA.

Randhir Singh, a renowned former Indian shooter, was unanimously elected to this prestigious position earlier this year. The 77-year-old sports legend hails from Patiala, Punjab, and comes from a family steeped in sporting excellence. His uncle, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, represented India in Test cricket and served as an IOC member. His father, Bhalindra Singh, was also an IOC member and a first-class cricketer.

Randhir Singh’s illustrious sporting career includes participation in four Asian Games editions from 1978 to 1994. He clinched an individual gold medal in trap shooting in 1978, an individual bronze medal in 1982, and a team silver medal in 1986. He also competed at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada.

In recognition of his sporting achievements, Randhir Singh was bestowed with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1979 and the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award. His transition into sports administration began during his playing days when he was appointed as the Honorary Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in 1987, a position he held until 2012.

Randhir Singh’s administrative acumen extended to his role as a member of the governing board of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) from 1987 to 2010. He also served as the Vice-Chairman of the organizing committee for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.

His international sports administration career took off in 1991 when he was appointed as the Secretary General of the OCA, a position he held until 2015. He subsequently became the Life Vice President until 2021, after which he was appointed as the Acting President.

Randhir Singh’s global sports influence is evident in his membership of the ANOC Executive Council since 2002. He served as the IOC representative on the WADA Board from 2003 to 2005 and became a member of WADA’s Finance and Administration Committee in 2005. He also chaired the 2019 Asian Games Asian Games Coordination Committee.

His IOC membership spanned from 2001 to 2014, after which he continued as an honorary member. During his tenure, he served on various IOC commissions, including Olympic Games Study, Sport for All, Women and Sport, International Olympic Truce Foundation, and Coordination for the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games Singapore.

In recognition of his invaluable contributions to sports, Randhir Singh has received numerous accolades, including the OCA Award of Merit in 2005, the Merit Award from ANOC in 2006, the Olympic Order, Silver in 2014, and an Honorary Doctorate in Literature in Sports Science from Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Government of India.

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