Iran finishes 2nd in Vietnam futsal tournament

On Sunday, Vahid Shamsaei’s men defeated Vietnam 3-1.

Team Melli had lost to Morocco 5-4 in its first match and defeated New Zealand 5-1 in the second match.

Iran is warming up for the 2024 AFC Futsal Asian Cup in Thailand, where it is drawn in Group D against Kuwait, Bahrain and Afghanistan.

MP/TSN

MS Dhoni becomes first Indian wicketkeeper to score 7,000 T20 runs

The 42-year-old achieved this feat during a match against Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Published Date – 1 April 2024, 11:40 AM


MS Dhoni becomes first Indian wicketkeeper to score 7,000 T20 runs


Visakhapatnam: Legendary Indian and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni on Sunday became the first Indian glovesman to score 7,000 runs in T20 cricket.

The 42-year-old veteran accomplished this milestone against Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).


During the match, Dhoni was at his best. Coming at the end, CSK’s five-time IPL champion former captain smashed 37 in just 16 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes. His strike rate was 231.25. The result did not matter to CSK fans, as they were happy to see their ‘Thala‘ bat and punish pacer Anrich Nortje by smashing him for 20 runs in the last over.

As a designated wicketkeeper-batter, Dhoni has scored 7,036 runs. In 380 T20s, Dhoni has made 7,308 runs at an average of 38.06, with 28 half-centuries. His best score is 84*. His strike rate is 134.78.

The most runs by a designated wicketkeeper-batter is by South Africa’s Quinton De Kock, who has made 8,578 runs as a wicketkeeper-batter. Overall, including matches, Kock has scored 9,407 runs in 329 T20 matches, at an average of 32.10 and a strike rate of over 137, with six centuries and 59 fifties.

DC won the toss and opted to bat first. David Warner (52 in 35 balls, with five fours and three sixes) and a returning Prithvi Shaw (43 in 27 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) started off well with a 93-run opening partnership. Following their dismissal, DC lost their direction for a while until Rishabh Pant (51 in 32 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes) scored some quick runs in the end to take the side to 191/5 in their 20 overs.

Matheesha Pathirana (3/31) was the pick of the bowlers for CSK.

In the run-chase of 192, Khaleel Ahmed (2/21) and Mukesh Kumar (3/21) troubled the CSK batters with their line and length and at one point, CSK was 75/3 in 10.2 overs. Useful knocks came from Ajinkya Rahane (45 in 30 balls, with five fours and two sixes), Daryl Mitchell (34 in 26 balls, with a four and two sixes) and MS Dhoni (37* in 16 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes), but DC secured a 20-run win, restricting the five-time champions to 171/6.

Khaleel got the ‘Player of the Match’ for his match-winning spell.

CSK is in the second spot with two wins and a loss, giving them four points. DC is in the seventh spot, with a win and two losses, giving them two points.

Hyderabad FC look to keep up momentum against Mumbai City FC

The young Hyderabad squad made headlines after registering their first win of the season beating Chennaiyin FC 1-0 at their home in the last game.

Published Date – 31 March 2024, 11:30 PM


Hyderabad FC look to keep up momentum against Mumbai City FC

HFC skipper Joao Victor (left) and goalkeeper Laxmikant
Kattimani during a practice session ahead of the tie.

Hyderabad: Hyderabad FC are back in action in the Indian Super League after a long international break, as they take on Mumbai City FC in GMC Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday.

The young Hyderabad squad made headlines after registering their first win of the season beating Chennaiyin FC 1-0 at their home in the last game. “After getting the season’s first victory, the morale of the club is at the top and the target against Mumbai City is to get the three points,” Shameel Chembakath, HFC assistant coach said.


The Islanders have some of the most influential attacking players in the league – Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Bipin Singh and Vikram Partap Singh. This suggests a tough challenge for HFC’s defense to silence them at the Gachibowli. “We are aware of the strong line-up of Mumbai and they will come out all guns blazing against us, but I believe our strategy and tactics will give them a good competition,” the assistant coach asserted.

This fixture has seen numerous draws in the past, with five draws and two wins each for both sides. But clearly, Petr Kratky’s side with 41 points from 19 games will head into the game as clear favourites. Thangboi Singto-led side will miss defender Mohammed Rafi for the tie, through suspension and defender Manoj Mohammed and striker Aaren D’Silva are yet to make a comeback with their respective injuries.

But Kratky will firmly instruct his team not to underestimate Hyderabad as NorthEast United FC and Chennaiyin did in the last two games, where the bottom-placed side HFC managed to secure four crucial points.

Future of the club:

The former champions are facing a crisis, especially financially. Unpaid salaries to staff led to player exodus in the January transfer window. The club has been recently handed a transfer ban by FIFA for two transfer windows, which means the club cannot register new players for the entire 2024-25 season.

When asked about the future of the club, the assistant coach was somewhat reserved but hinted at upcoming positive developments. “Things will improve and there will be plenty of activities ahead. The club officials will keep everyone updated,” he concluded.

Hyderabad FC look to keep up momentum against Mumbai City FC

The former champions gear up to face the Islanders in the Indian Super League, season 10 clash in GMC Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday.

Updated On – 31 March 2024, 10:32 PM


Hyderabad FC look to keep up momentum against Mumbai City FC

HFC skipper Joao Victor (left) and goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani during a practice session ahead of the tie.

Hyderabad: Hyderabad FC are back in action in the Indian Super League after a long international break, as they take on Mumbai City FC in GMC Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday.

The young Hyderabad squad made headlines after registering their first win of the season beating Chennaiyin FC 1-0 at their home in the last game. “After getting the season’s first victory, the morale of the club is at the top and the target against Mumbai City is to get the three points,” Shameel Chembakath, HFC assistant coach said.


The Islanders have some of the most influential attacking players in the league – Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Bipin Singh and Vikram Partap Singh. This suggests a tough challenge for HFC’s defense to silence them at the Gachibowli.  “We are aware of the strong line-up of Mumbai and they will come out all guns blazing against us, but I believe our strategy and tactics will give them a good competition,” the assistant coach asserted.

This fixture has seen numerous draws in the past, with five draws and two wins each for both  sides. But clearly, Petr Kratky’s side with 41 points from 19 games will head into the game as clear favourites.  Thangboi Singto-led side will miss defender Mohammed Rafi for the tie, through suspension and defender Manoj Mohammed and striker Aaren D’Silva are yet to make a comeback with their respective injuries.

But Kratky will firmly instruct his team not to underestimate Hyderabad as NorthEast United FC and Chennaiyin did in the last two games, where the bottom-placed side HFC managed to secure four crucial points.

Future of the club:

The former champions are facing a crisis, especially financially. Unpaid salaries to staff led to player exodus in the January transfer window. The club has been recently handed a transfer ban by FIFA for two transfer windows, which means the club cannot register new players for the entire 2024-25 season.

When asked about the future of the club, the assistant coach was somewhat reserved but hinted at upcoming positive developments. “Things will improve and there will be plenty of activities ahead. The club officials will keep everyone updated,” he said.

Sreenidi Deccan thrash Rajasthan United

The win keeps the Deccan Warriors on the heels of league leaders Mohammedan SC, six points separating the two sides with the latter having played a match more.

Published Date – 31 March 2024, 09:51 PM


Sreenidi Deccan thrash Rajasthan United


Hyderabad: Sreenidi Deccan Football Club recorded their biggest win of the season, defeating Rajasthan United 6-1 in a Matchweek 21 I-League clash at the Deccan Arena, Hyderabad on Sunday.

The win keeps the Deccan Warriors on the heels of league leaders Mohammedan SC, six points separating the two sides with the latter having played a match more. Sreenidi Deccan made one change to their starting line-up as defender Gurmukh Singh replaced Pawan Kumar in the centre of defence and the hosts took an early lead as Brazilian Willian Alves chipped the onrushing Rajasthan United goalkeeper in the 8th minute after finding himself in space in the penalty box.


Seven minutes later, Lalromawia doubled the lead with a clinical right-footed finish across the goalkeeper. William then got his second of the game in the 42nd minute after using his strength to hold off the defender and planting a left-footed finish.

The second half followed much of the same pattern and Nigerian winger Rilwan Hassan added a fourth in the 61st minute as he met Faysal Shayesteh’s corner at the back post with a powerful header. Rajasthan United pulled one back as substitute Naoba Meitei escaped the attention of the Sreenidi Deccan defenders and took his goal expertly in the 74th minute.

But there was no comeback as Sreenidi Deccan made sure of the points by scoring two more late on – the first directly from a corner taken by Lalnuntluanga in the 86th minute and Lalromawia’s powerful second on the counter-attack in stoppage time. The Deccan Warriors will travel to Shillong to take on NEROCA Football Club in their next I-League match on April 4.

Telangana cyclists secure podium finish

KR Priyamani of Kerala grabbed the top spot to clinch the title. In the other races, Karnataka cyclists Anupama Guled and Soumya Antapur won the women’s juniors and senior elite 30 km mass start events respectively.

Published Date – 31 March 2024, 09:54 PM


Telangana cyclists secure podium finish

From left, medal winners S Vaishnavi , KR Priyamani and Shiva Bindiya in Hyderabad on Sunday.

Hyderabad: Telangana cyclists Shiva Bindiya and S Vaishnavi clinched silver and bronze medals respectively in the Sub-Junior girls 15 km mass start event of the Khelo India south zone women’s cycling league (road races) in Hyderabad on Sunday.

KR Priyamani of Kerala grabbed the top spot to clinch the title. In the other races, Karnataka cyclists Anupama Guled and Soumya Antapur won the women’s juniors and senior elite 30 km mass start events respectively.


Results: Sub Junior girls (15 km mass start): 1. KR Priyamani (KL), 2. Shiva Bindiya (TS), 3. S Vaishnavi (TS); Women: Juniors (30 km mass start): 1. Anupama Guled (KAR), 2. Pooja Mathapati (KAR), 3. Divina Joy (KL); Women: Senior elite (30 km mass start): 1. Soumya Antapur (KAR), 2. Dhanamma Guravva (KAR), 3. Savitri Hebbalitti (KAR).

Gujarat Titans beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets

Set a target of 163, GT completed the chase with five balls remaining. Sai Sudharsan top-scored with 45, while David Miller and Shubman Gill chipped in with knocks of 44 and 36 respectively.

Published Date – 31 March 2024, 07:36 PM


Gujarat Titans beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets

Gujarat Titans David Miller, right, greets teammate Vijay Shankar after Gujarat Titans won the Indian Premier League cricket match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Ahmedabad, India, Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Photo: AP)

Ahmedabad: Gujarat Titans defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets in their Indian Premier League match here on Sunday.

Set a target of 163, GT completed the chase with five balls remaining. Sai Sudharsan top-scored with 45, while David Miller and Shubman Gill chipped in with knocks of 44 and 36 respectively.


After Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat, most of their batters got starts but failed to convert them into big scores, as the team was stopped at 162/8. Heinrich Klaasen blasted 24 off 13 balls before missing a straighter one from leg-spinner Rashid Khan to be bowled at a crucial juncture.

Abhishek Sharma got 29 in 20 balls.

Abdul Samad (29 off 14 balls) struck a few useful boundaries to prop up SRH, having gone after the GT bowlers from the outset.

Mohit Sharma (3/25) picked up two wickets in two balls in the last over from which only three runs came.

Brief scores:

Sunrisers Hyderabad: 162/8 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 29, Abdul Samad 29; Mohit Sharma 3/25).

Gujarat Titans: 168/3 in 19.1 overs (Sai Sudharsan 45, David Miller 44 not out).

CSK batting coach Hussey predicts Dhoni will hit six to finish match against DC

In a video shared on the official social media handle of the IPL, Hussey said that the crowd at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium will be roaring to see MS Dhoni batting.

Published Date – 31 March 2024, 06:20 PM


CSK batting coach Hussey predicts Dhoni will hit six to finish match against DC

File Photo

Visakhapatnam: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey predicted their upcoming clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and said that MS Dhoni will end the game by hitting a four in the last over.

In a video shared on the official social media handle of the IPL, Hussey said that the crowd at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium will be roaring to see MS Dhoni batting.


“My prediction for the last over of the match is that MS Dhoni will be batting. The crowd will be roaring and 1166378 will hit a six to finish the match,” Hussey said.

The CSK batting coach added that the Delhi-based franchise will be desperate against Chennai on Sunday. However, Hussey added that they will be looking forward to showcasing ‘another’ good performance.

“They’re going to be desperate. They’re going to be looking to play a great match. We all start on zero and try and put another good performance against Delhi. Yeah, but I think if we can just focus really well on our game and try and execute our skills as best we can, then hopefully it gives us a good chance to get the result we’re after,” he added.

The defending champions had a stupendous start to the 17th season of the IPL. They started their campaign after beating Royal Challenger Bengaluru (RCB) by six wickets in the season opener. In their second game, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side beat the Gujarat Titans (GT) by 63 runs.

As of now, they are at the top of the IPL standings with four points and a net run rate of +1.979.

CSK squad for IPL 2024: Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sameer Rizvi, MS Dhoni (Wk), Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Mustafizur Rahman, Tushar Deshpande, Shardul Thakur, Shaik Rasheed, Moeen Ali, Nishant Sindhu, Mitchell Santner, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Prashant Solanki, Mukesh Choudhary, Simarjeet Singh, RS Hangargekar, Aravelly Avanish.

IPL: Mohit, Noor and Rashid restrict SRH to 162/8

Runs suddenly dried up with Rashid conceding just four runs from his second over as both the wrist spinners bowled superbly in tandem to squeeze SRH in.

Updated On – 31 March 2024, 05:58 PM


IPL: Mohit, Noor and Rashid restrict SRH to 162/8


Ahmedabad: Veteran seamer Mohit Sharma straight-jacketed the batters in death overs after Afghan spin twins Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad had tightened the noose in the middle overs as Gujarat Titans restricted the high-flying Sunrisers Hyderabad to a modest 162 for 8 in their IPL match here Sunday.

Fresh from smashing a record 277 in their last game, SRH were going great guns with 56/1 inside the power-play but the young and experienced Afghan wrist spin duo of Noor (1/32) and Rashid (1/33) turned the match on its head.


Noor dismissed the in-form SRH opener Travis Head (19), while Rashid sent back explosive Heinrich Klaasen (24) against the run of play.

Rashid also took a brilliant diving catch at the deep to dismiss Aiden Markram as SRH faltered badly at the back end. They managed just 40 runs and lost five wickets in the last five overs.

Mohit then shone at the death, dismissing Shahbaz Ahmed (22) and Washington Sundar (0) off successive balls. He returned impressive figures of 4-0-25-3 as SRH managed just three runs in the last over.

After plundering runs at an astonishing pace in their last game, the Orange Army had little hesitation in opting to bat first and dictate the pace of the game with Travis Head up front.

The Aussie left-hander kept charging in, while Mayank Agarwal (16) once again looked out of sorts before being dismissed by Azmatullah Omarzai.

Last match hero Abhishek Sharma smashed Rashid for two sixes on both the sides and it revived memories of his last match partnership with Head.

But left-arm wrist spinner Noor bowled a superb first over to peg SRH back from being 56/1 after the power-play.

The in-form destrcutive SRH opener Head unleashed a slog sweep as the 19-year-old Afghan spinner tricked him with a wrong one. The ball pitched on his off-stump before sharply turning in to crash into the middle-stump.

Runs suddenly dried up with Rashid conceding just four runs from his second over as both the wrist spinners bowled superbly in tandem to squeeze SRH in.

A captaincy masterstroke by Shubman Gill to bowl Mohit the 10th over resulted in another wicket when the veteran seamer dismissed a well-set Abhishek (29).

The left-hander sliced it straight to Gill at extra-cover in what seemed a perfect set-up for the young Indian batter.

But Klaasen ensured that the lull does not stay longer as he charged the young Noor in his last over for two slog sweeps over midwicket boundary.

Rashid however had the last laugh as he cut short the innings of SRH six-hitting machine Klaasen in the 14th over.

The South African completely missed Rashid’s googly to be cleaned up against the run of play.

In the next over, Rashid made all the difference with his splendid diving catch at deep to dismiss Aiden Markram (17).

Markram took charge of a Yadav slower delivery as Rashid at long on ran forward, adjusted at the last moment to take a stunning diving catch tumbling forward.

Iran FM felicitates women's national ice hockey team win

Referring to the championship of Iran’s women’s national ice hockey team, Hossein Amirabdollahian congratulated the players and technical staff of Iran’s national team on winning the championship in the 2024 IIHF Women’s Asia and Oceania Cup on his X social account.

He also wished more success for the women and girls of this proud team and other athletes of our country.

 Iran’s women’s national team defeated the Philippines 4-0 on Saturday to win the 2024 IIHF Women’s Asia and Oceania Cup.

The 2024 IIHF Women’s Asia and Oceania Cup is an international women’s ice hockey tournament run by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

This edition of the tournament took place from March 24 to 30 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

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