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But, on pure quality of defense, Rohit was better today: Manjrekar backs India skipper’s big-hitting capabilities

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Rohit Sharma specifically mentioned that he wanted to return to the mindset that helped him succeed in 2019 before the Asia Cup even began. 

Published Date – 08:29 PM, Sun – 10 September 23


But, on pure quality of defense, Rohit was better today: Manjrekar backs India skipper’s big-hitting capabilities



New Delhi: Former India cricketer, Sanjay Manjrekar has backed Rohit Sharma stating that the current Indian skipper has evolved more technically as a batter in the last four years.

Manjrekar’s comment came after Rohit Sharma’s brilliant 56 runs off 49 deliveries against Pakistan in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup, here on Sunday.

Rohit Sharma specifically mentioned that he wanted to return to the mindset that helped him succeed in 2019 before the Asia Cup even began.

But since the conclusion of the 2019 World Cup, the captain has only scored three hundred in ODIs, and eight times he has failed to turn a fifty into a three-figure total.

Talking to Star Sports, Manjrekar said, “He got five centuries in the last World Cup, right? My assessment of Rohit Sharma is that his defense has actually gotten much better. He is a much better Test player now than he was in 2019. So, I have no issues.”

Rohit Sharma hit four sixes and six boundaries as he looked solid before throwing his wicket away with a loose shot against leg-spinner Shadab Khan in the 17th over, ending a 121-run opening stand with Shubman Gill.

“I was absolutely not surprised with the defense he showed today against Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi. It’s about converting those starts into big hundreds because that involves running a lot of 1s and 2s later on in the innings,” said Manjrekar.

“Today, he got out after fifty. Even earlier in the season, there were occasions when he had got past his fifty and looked good.

“Only time will tell whether he would be able to replicate that. But, on the pure quality of defense, Rohit is better today. That natural ability to hit the big shots is still there. The question is whether he can bring that all together to hit 5 hundred, 4 hundred, or 3. That time will tell,” he concluded.

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Asia Cup: Rain plays spoilsport again as India-Pakistan game taken to reserve day

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India were 147 for two in 24.1 overs when rain lashed the Premadasa Stadium here. Play will resume at 3 pm local time on Monday

Updated On – 09:02 PM, Sun – 10 September 23


Asia Cup: Rain plays spoilsport again as India-Pakistan game taken to reserve day

Ground staff come up with covers as rain stops play during the Super Fours match between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023, at R.Premadasa Stadium, in Colombo on Sunday. (ANI Photo)

Colombo: Intermittent rain pushed the marquee Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan to a reserve day here on Sunday.

India were 147 for two in 24.1 overs when rain lashed the Premadasa Stadium here. Play will resume at 3 pm local time on Monday.

The activation of reserve day also means that in less than 24 hours of completion of the Pakistan game, India will meet Sri Lanka in their next Super Four encounter on Tuesday.

Before the weather played spoilsport, Virat Kohli and K L Rahul were batting on 8 and 17 respectively after openers Rohit Sharma (56) and Shubman Gill (58) struck fine half-centuries.

India’s Asia Cup opener against Pakistan was called off due to rain.

The weather has been a subject of intense debate through the Sri Lanka leg of Asia Cup. Rain is expected in the Sri Lankan capital throughout the tournament.

Asian Cricket Council’s decision to keep a reserve day only for Sunday’s game and the final also triggered a controversy.

Sports

King’s Cup: India lose to Lebanon to miss bronze medal

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India’s return to Thailand for the 49th King’s Cup football competition ended in disappointment as they lost to Lebanon by a solitary goal in a hard-fought clash

Published Date – 09:15 PM, Sun – 10 September 23


King’s Cup: India lose to Lebanon to miss bronze medal

Photo: IANS

Chiang Mai: India’s return to Thailand for the 49th King’s Cup football competition ended in disappointment as they lost to Lebanon by a solitary goal in a hard-fought clash in the third-place playoff here on Sunday.

Kassam Al Zein scored with an acrobatic back-volley off a corner kick in the 77th minute in the hard-fought clash which was enough to seal Lebanon’s first victory against India in 2023. Igor Stimac’s team made many attacks, parking themselves in the Lebanon half for most of the second half but their search for an equaliser proved futile.

After a goalless first half in which both teams made many attempts, India survived a close call in the 48th minute when goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh pulled off a save. In the 64th minute a horrendous goof-up in defence nearly spelt doom for India before Gurpreet dashed out in the nick of time, sweeping the ball away. In the 69th minute, Brandon Fernandes managed to release a perfect pass under intense pressure.

Rahul KP made a spirited sprint to reach the ball and made a pass but Lebanon keeper Khalil rushed out to collect it safely. India had a chance in the 79th minute when Lallianzuala Chhangte and Nikhil Raj displayed slick teamwork, with Chhangte cutting inside and unleashing a shot at the goal. But the attempt sailed high and wide.

In the 90th minute, Brandon Fernandes stepped up to take a free kick from the right, but his shot was quickly cleared away by the Lebanon defence, The match ended 1-0 in favour of Lebanon, leaving the Indian men’s team disappointed.

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India emerge SAFF U-16 champions, make short work of Bangladesh in final

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Bharat Lairenjam (8th minute) found the net in the first half, while Levis Zangminlun (74th) sealed the victory with a second-half goal at the Changlimithang Stadium

Published Date – 11:30 PM, Sun – 10 September 23


India emerge SAFF U-16 champions, make short work of Bangladesh in final

Bharat Lairenjam (8th minute) found the net in the first half, while Levis Zangminlun (74th) sealed the victory with a second-half goal at the Changlimithang Stadium

Thimphu: India’s U-16 team became winners of the SAFF U-16 Championship by beating Bangladesh 2-0 in the title clash here on Sunday.

Bharat Lairenjam (8th minute) found the net in the first half, while Levis Zangminlun (74th) sealed the victory with a second-half goal at the Changlimithang Stadium.

Guided by head coach Ishfaq Ahmed, the Blue Colts had a sparkling run throughout the championship. They exhibited a brand of free-flowing, attacking football that left opponents struggling.

They finished top of Group A after edging out Bangladesh and Nepal with 1-0 victories in both instances. Their semi-final clash with the Maldives was a masterclass in offence, resulting in an 8-0 triumph.

Remarkably, the team accomplished all of this without conceding a single goal throughout the tournament.

In the final against Bangladesh, India displayed tactical prowess and control. With adept ball distribution and intelligent utilisation of available space, they effectively countered Bangladesh’s more physical style of play.

Key contributors like Mohammad Arbash, Vishal Yadav, and Levis Zangminlun penetrated the Bangladeshi defence with fluid runs and skillful dribbling, making it easier for India to dictate terms from start to finish.

At the heart of India’s defence was the indomitable Karish Soram. Always alert, he fearlessly placed his body in the line of fire whenever the situation demanded. And when Bangladesh found a way past him, India goalkeeper Aheibam Suraj Singh stood like a rock.

India’s initial breakthrough came early, just eight minutes into the match. Levis Zangminlun provided an incisive through ball to forward Bharat Lairenjam, who swiftly invaded the space ahead and slotted the ball between the legs of Bangladesh goalkeeper Mohammad Nahidul Islam to score.

Bangladesh responded to India’s goal and got a chance to equalise but Mohammed Mursed Ali fluffed his lines.

India started the second half with the same intensity. Their relentless search for another goal bore fruit in the 74th minute with a sublime strike.

Samson Ahongshangbam initiated a promising move down the left wing before expertly switching play to send the ball to Levis Zangminlun on the opposite flank.

Engaging in a swift one-two pass with Vishal Yadav, Zangminlun outmanoeuvred his defender to find himself in open space. Taking a moment to set himself, he then unleashed a devastating left-footed strike that sailed into the back of the net, doubling India’s advantage.

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US Open: Djokovic beats Medvedev in final, captures record-equalling 24th major title

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Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic levelled with the Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles after securing the US Open title

Published Date – 08:10 AM, Mon – 11 September 23


US Open: Djokovic beats Medvedev in final, captures record-equalling 24th major title



New York: Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic levelled with the Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles after securing the US Open title, beating Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in an extremely fatiguing final at New York on Sunday night. Djokovic beat Medvedev by 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3.

With this win, the 36-year old legend has won his third Grand Slam of the year after the Australian Open and French Open. Also, Djokovic has avenged the loss to Medvedev in the title clash of US Open 2021.

Despite fatigue, Djokovic captured his fourth US Open title after winning it in 2011, 2015 and 2018. The tennis star will return to the top of ATP Rankings on Monday after a tough 104-minute second set, which saw him save a set point and surge to a win. He is also at the top of ATP Live Rankings right now.

He has won three Major titles in a three times before as well, in 2011, 2015 and 2021.

For atleast set and a half, Djokovic dominated the match but Medvedev was not going down without a fight. There was a 31-shot rally in the second set, causing Djokovic to fall from fatigue. There was a change in the tone of the game from 3-3 in second set, but Djokovic pulled out a set winning volley.

The final set was more easier for Djokovic and he won the match.

Following the match, Djokovic was quoted as saying by WTA, “To make history of this sport is just something truly remarkable and special,”

“Obviously in every in every possible way, in every possible meaning of the word special. It is hard to describe in words. I had the childhood dream when I was seven, eight. I wanted to become the best player in the world and win the Wimbledon trophy. That was the only thing I wanted.” “But then when I realised that, obviously I started to dream new dreams and set new objectives, new goals. I never imagined that I would be here standing with you talking about 24 Slams,” he added.

Medvedev also said, “24. I feel like I have not a bad career and I have 20 titles, you have 24 Grand Slams. Wow. Congrats to you and your team. You guys are amazing.”

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ENG vs NZ, 2nd ODI: Livingstone props up England in 79-run win in rain-truncated match

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England came roaring back to post a decent total and then bowl out New Zealand for 147 to win by 79 runs the rain-truncated second One-day International

Published Date – 08:30 AM, Mon – 11 September 23


ENG vs NZ, 2nd ODI: Livingstone props up England in 79-run win in rain-truncated match

IANS Photo

Southampton: Reduced to 8/3 in the fifth over, World Champions England came roaring back to post a decent total and then bowl out New Zealand for 147 to win by 79 runs the rain-truncated second One-day International at the Rose Bowl here on Sunday.

All-rounder Liam Livingstone hammered an unbeaten 95 off 78 balls and shared a 112-run partnership with fellow white-ball expert Sam Curran (42) as England reached a respectable total of 226/7 in 34 overs.

The hosts continued with the momentum with the ball too as they kept New Zealand under pressure, claiming the last five wickets for 28 runs to bundle them out for 147 and seal a 79-run win and level the four-match series 1-1.

With rain reducing the match to a 34-overs-each affair, England landed into trouble straight away after being inserted in by New Zealand captain Tom Latham on winning the toss.

The hosts lost Jonny Bairstow (6), Harry Joe Root (0) and Ben Stokes (1) to the pace and guile of seasoned Trent Boult, who returned to the squad after a break and soon rattled England. And when in-form young star Harry Brook (2) was caught by Allen off Matt Henry, England were in dire straits at 28/4.

Skipper Jos Buttler scored a 25-ball 30 but was castled by Mitchell Santner, making it 55/5. And when Moeen Ali was sent back to the pavilion for 33, the hosts were 103/8 in the 21st over.

Livingstone and Curran came together for their vital partnership and turned things around for England.

Livingstone hammered nine boundaries and one six in his 78-ball unbeaten 95 and with Curran blasting a 35-ball 42, England raced to 215/6 when Curan was sent packing by Tim Southee.

Livingstone, who completed his fifty off 47 balls, survived a DRS review by New Zealand in the 28th over and helped England reach a defendable total.

In their reply, New Zealand lost opener Finn Allen for zero, bowled by David Willey off the second ball of the innings and though Devon Conway and Will Young took them to 49 in the ninth over, they continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.

Daryl Mitchell scored 57 off 52 balls to attempt a rescue act but he lacked support from his players who succumbed to England’s disciplined attack. For England, pacers David Willey (3-34) and
Reece Topley (3-27) were the top wicket-taker.

Brief scores:

England 226/7 in 34 overs (Liam Livingstone 95 not out; Sam Curran 42, Moeen Ali 33; Boult 337, Tim Southee 2-65) beat New Zealand 147 all out in 26.5 overs (Daryl Mitchell 57, Will Young 33; David Willey 3-34, Reece Topley 3-27) by 79 runs.

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New Zealand name ICC Cricket World Cup squad, Williamson in, Allen out

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Batter Kane Williamson made his return to the New Zealand side as the Blackcaps announced their squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India

Published Date – 09:20 AM, Mon – 11 September 23


New Zealand name ICC Cricket World Cup squad, Williamson in, Allen out



Wellington: Batter Kane Williamson made his return to the New Zealand side as the Blackcaps announced their squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India from October 5 onwards on Sunday night. In the pursuit to go one better than their Final appearance in 2019, New Zealand have named their 15-player group for this year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

New Zealand confirmed the group at Papatoetoe High School in Auckland on Monday, the alma mater of leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, who was named in the squad.
The 30-year-old joins skipper Kane Williamson, who was confirmed as a squad member this week after making a quicker-than-expected recovery from a ruptured ACL at the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). Both Williamson and fast bowler Tim Southee have been named to appear at their fourth World Cup.

Following a strong run in form across the two white-ball formats, Mark Chapman has earned his spot, as well as 23-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who claimed 3/48 against England in the first of four ODIs on Friday.

There was no room in the group for young top order batter Finn Allen, nor back-up wicket-keeper Tim Seifert, with the Black Caps opting for Tom Latham as the sole wicket-keeper in the squad. Adam Milne, who recently picked up a hamstring injury on New Zealand’s tour of England, has also missed out. New Zealand coach Gary Stead admitted he faced some tough decisions when deciding on the final squad, but believes he has got the right mix of youth and experience to take to India.

“It is always a special time to name a tournament team and I’d like to congratulate the 15 players selected today. It is a great honour to represent your country at a World Cup,” Stead said as quoted by ICC.

“From Kane and Tim heading to their fourth tournament to the guys selected for the first time, it is always a very exciting time.” “As with any squad named for an ICC tournament, there have been some tough calls and there will be some disappointed players.”

“The key for us was finding the right balance for the squad and making sure we had our bases covered for what is going to be a very competitive tournament.” The side meet England and Bangladesh in ODIs before taking on England again in a rematch of the 2019 Final in the World Cup opener on October 5.

New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.

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Asia Cup: Team India to resume two down as rain plays havoc in Pakistan match

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The much-awaited Super Four match at the Asia Cup between India and Pakistan will stretch into a second day after rain washed out the majority of play on Sunday

Published Date – 10:05 AM, Mon – 11 September 23


Asia Cup: Team India to resume two down as rain plays havoc in Pakistan match



Colombo: The much-awaited Super Four match at the Asia Cup between India and Pakistan will stretch into a second day after rain washed out the majority of play on Sunday.

India reached 147/2 from 24.1 when the heavens opened on Sunday and no play was possible from that point on despite the hard work of ground staff at R Premadasa Stadium.

KL Rahul (17*) and Virat Kohli (8*) will resume at the crease for India as the not out batters on Monday and every effort will be made for the match to be completed in full on the reserve day, reports ICC.

The reserve day was added to this crucial Super Four match last week and is the only game at the Asia Cup – along with the final – with an option of being completed on an additional day.

Pakistan are currently sitting on top of the Super Four table following their impressive victory over Bangladesh in the opening match of the tournament phase, while India need to pick up a win to keep in touch with their arch-rival and Sri Lanka.

India will likely end up taking the field in Colombo on three consecutive days, with their Super Four match against Sri Lanka scheduled to take place the venue on Tuesday.

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Asia Cup: Heavy rains during morning in Colombo on India-Pakistan match reserve day

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Ahead of the start of the Asia Cup Super Four clash between India and Pakistan at Colombo on the reserve day, there are some discouraging signs from the Island nation

Published Date – 10:10 AM, Mon – 11 September 23


Asia Cup: Heavy rains during morning in Colombo on India-Pakistan match reserve day



Colombo: Ahead of the start of the Asia Cup Super Four clash between India and Pakistan at Colombo on the reserve day, there are some discouraging signs from the Island nation that have put the possibility of finishing the game under doubt.

The electrifying match between India and Pakistan in the Super Four stage of Asia Cup 2023 was been called off and moved for a reserve day as rain did not allow any play after 24.1 overs on Sunday.

The play was halted for almost four hours today as the rain kept on coming back. India will resume their innings today at 147/2, with Virat Kohli (8*) and KL Rahul (17*) unbeaten. Skipper Rohit Sharma (56) and Shubman Gill (58) had hit delightful fifties. There was heavy rains in Colombo at 7 AM on the reserve day. The skies are extremely cloudy.

Moreover, the onfield faced immense damage as there were noticeable wet patches at the R Premadas Stadium, where the match is taking place. More rain will only make these patches worse, delay the game further or even cause an abandonment without any further action.

If this match is washed off, India and Pakistan will take one point each. Pakistan will move to the top of the Super Four standings with three points, having won against Bangladesh. Sri Lanka has already registered a win against Bangladesh too, worth two points, almost knocking them out of the competition.

In this case, India’s next two matches against Sri Lanka (September 12) and Bangladesh (September 15) will be must-win matches for India and reach a total of five points.

Losing even one of these matches or two more washouts will reduce India to just three points, which will put India’s qualifying chances in danger. It will be down to how the points table plays out for the rest of the teams due to their results, rain and net-run-rate if India is to qualify for the final with three points.

India vs Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka vs Pakistan and India vs Bangladesh are the remaining fixtures before the finals on September 17 in Colombo.

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Germany wins FIBA World Cup for first time, Schroder awarded MVP

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Germany defeated Serbia 83-77 to clinch its first FIBA Basketball World Cup title

Published Date – 10:20 AM, Mon – 11 September 23


Germany wins FIBA World Cup for first time, Schroder awarded MVP

IANS Photo

Manila: Germany defeated Serbia 83-77 to clinch its first FIBA Basketball World Cup title here. Dennis Schroder was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.

Schroder, boasting an average of 17.6 points, 6.1 assists, and 2 rebounds throughout the World Cup, delivered a game-high 28 points in the final. Franz Wagner contributed 19 points and seven rebounds, while Johannes Voigtmann added 12 points and eight rebounds, reports Xinhua.

For Serbia, Aleksa Avramovic led the scoring with 21 points, and Bogdan Bogdanovic chipped in with 17 points and five assists. Nikola Milutinov, however, struggled, missing all four of his attempts and ending the game with just two points and four assists.

The Mall of Asia Arena felt like a home game for Serbia, thanks to their passionate fans. However, concerns arose early on when Ognjen Dobric sustained an injury and had to leave the court just three minutes into the game.

Historically, in each of the previous five finals in the 21st century, the team leading at half-time emerged victorious. But Sunday’s final saw both teams tied at 47 points at halftime.

A pivotal moment occurred in the third quarter when a contentious foul was called on Aleksa Avramovic as he attempted to block Schroder’s shot from behind the arc. Capitalizing on it, Germany went on a 9-0 run after Schroder converted two of his three free throws. Serbia faced offensive challenges, scoring only 10 points in the quarter and lagging by 12 points into the final quarter.

Avramovic, however, ignited in the fourth quarter. The 28-year-old guard netted 16 points, helping Serbia reduce the deficit to just three points with 1:21 remaining.

Schroder, demonstrating resilience under pressure, executed a layup and sank two free throws to secure the victory for Germany.

Germany remained undefeated by winning all eight games, and became the fourth European country and seventh overall to win the world crown. It also marked the first time a nation clinched the FIBA World Cup title in its debut in the final since Spain faced Greece in 2006.