Messi joins Argentina for WC Qualifier against Bolivia

Messi underwent separate training from his teammates on Sunday. This comes after he was substituted late in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador in the inaugural South American zone qualifier on Thursday.

Published Date – 03:02 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Messi joins Argentina for WC Qualifier against Bolivia



Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi will travel with Argentina’s squad for their World Cup qualifier against Bolivia in La Paz, Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni said.

Messi trained separately from his teammates on Sunday after being withdrawn late in Argentina’s 1-0 home win over Ecuador in their opening South American zone qualifier on Thursday, reports Xinhua.

Tests on Friday cleared the Inter Miami forward of injury but Scaloni is considering resting the 36-year-old amid concerns over his heavy recent workload.

“He is going to travel,” Scaloni told a news conference. “Today he trained apart [from the main squad]. There are still two days left until the game. We will make the decision tomorrow or on Tuesday.”

Messi has played 12 games in 48 days, having barely rested since joining Inter Miami on a free transfer in mid-July.

The clash against Bolivia on Tuesday will be particularly taxing given the rarefied air of La Paz’s Hernando Siles stadium, at an altitude of more than 3,600 meters above sea level.

Apart from the possible exclusion of Messi and defender Cristian Romero, who suffered a minor right leg injury against Ecuador, Scaloni said he would make few changes to Argentina’s starting lineup.

“We all know how difficult it is to play at that altitude, but the team will basically be the same as it was against Ecuador,” he said.

Ram Dinesh, Mamatha Gotte emerge champions at TS Tenpin Bowling Tournament

Ram Dinesh and Mamatha Gotte emerged champions in the men and women categories respectively at the Telangana State Ranking Tenpin Bowling Tournament

Published Date – 05:57 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Ram Dinesh, Mamatha Gotte emerge champions at TS Tenpin Bowling Tournament

Ram Dinesh and Mamatha Gotte, winners of the men’s and women’s titles of Telangana State Ranking Tenpin Bowling Tournament.

Hyderabad: Ram Dinesh and Mamatha Gotte emerged champions in the men and women categories respectively at the Telangana State Ranking Tenpin Bowling Tournament at Gallivant Bowling and Gaming, Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad recently.

In the final of the men’s category played based on cumulative pinfall of 2 games, second seed Ram Dinesh fought back against top seed Wivek Singh, who recorded a lead of 27 pins in the first game. In the second game, the winner scored 206 against Wivek’s 168 to clinch the title with 381-370 scoreline.

Second seed Mamatha gained a comfortable 18 pins lead against top seed Sindhura recording 138-120 in the first game. In a closely contested second game,
Mamatha scored 122 against 126 by Sindhura to win the women’s final by 14 pins of 260-246 scoreline.

Results: Special Prizes: Highest Average in a 6-game block (Men) : Wivek Singh (203.00); Highest Average in 4-game block (Women) : Mamatha G (144.00); Highest Average in 18 games (Men): Wivek Singh (190.22); Highest Average in 8 games (Women) : Sindhura (139.13).

ATP Rankings: Djokovic reclaims top spot, Shelton achieves career-high world No.19

Novak Djokovic reclaimed the world No.1 in men’s singles ATP rankings on Monday, dethroning Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz.

Published Date – 06:23 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


ATP Rankings: Djokovic reclaims top spot, Shelton achieves career-high world No.19



New Delhi: Novak Djokovic reclaimed the world No.1 in men’s singles ATP rankings on Monday, dethroning Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz from the top with 11,975 points, 3260 points ahead of the Spaniard.

The 36-year-old made history again in New York, where he captured a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, matching Margaret Court’s mark. The Serbian, who has now won the US Open four times, dropped just two sets en route to his fifth trophy of the season.

He defeated Daniil Medvedev in the final, avenging his 2021 loss in the title match. His title run has lifted him above Carlos Alcaraz and back to No.1, where he begins his 390th week on Monday.

The Serb was assured of taking the top spot in the rankings after winning his opening match at the US Open against Alexandre Muller.

On the other hand, Alcaraz entered the Flushing Meadows with 9,815 points. However, as the defending champion, he lost 2,000 points. Despite reaching the semifinals, he only managed to gain 720 points, leaving him with 8,535 points.

US Open runner-up Medvedev remains at No.3 with 7280 points while Holger Rune is at fourth despite a first-round exit in New York.

Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced two positions, securing the fifth spot, while Andrey Rublev climbed to sixth after reaching the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows. Jannik Sinner, on the other hand, descended to seventh, while Taylor Fritz ascended to eighth in the ATP rankings.

Casper Ruud, experiencing a disappointing second-round exit at the US Open, slid down four positions to occupy the ninth spot.

Alexander Zverev of Germany has jumped back into the Top 10 for the first time since last October after he advanced to the quarterfinals at the US Open. The 26-year-old showed signs of his best level in Flushing Meadows, where he earned a statement fourth-round win against Sinner.

Ben Shelton at 19th spot is the mover of the week in the ATP Rankings as he has jumped into the Top 20, for the first time after he advanced to his maiden major semifinal at the US Open.

The 20-year-old defeated countrymen Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe en route to becoming the youngest American semifinalist in New York since Michael Chang in 1992.

Kohli, Rahul smash unbeaten hundreds as India amass 356/2 against Pakistan

Kohli and Rahul shared an unbeaten 233-run stand off 194 balls after India started the reserve day on 147 for two.

Updated On – 07:01 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Kohli, Rahul smash unbeaten hundreds as India amass 356/2 against Pakistan



Colombo: Virat Kohli (122) and K L Rahul (111) struck unbeaten centuries to steer India to a commanding 356 for two against Pakistan in a Super 4 match of the Asia Cup here on Monday.

Kohli and Rahul shared an unbeaten 233-run stand off 194 balls after India started the reserve day on 147 for two.

It was India’s joint highest total against Pakistan in ODIs.

Part time spinner Iftikhar Ahmed leaked 52 runs in 5.4 overs and was the most expensive bowler for Pakistan.

Brief Scores:
India: 356 for 2 in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 122 not, K L Rahul 111 not out; S Khan 1/71).

SC to hear pleas on finalisation of IOA, AIFF constitution on Oct 20

A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices P S Narasimha, while hearing two separate clutch of petitions relating to IOA and the AIFF, said it will decide the issues raised about their constitutions on October 20.

Updated On – 08:02 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


SC to hear pleas on finalisation of IOA, AIFF constitution on Oct 20



New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday fixed October 20 for final disposal of the pleas pertaining to finalisation of the constitutions of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and All India Football Federation (AIFF), both framed by former apex court judge Justice L Nageswara Rao.

A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices P S Narasimha, while hearing two separate clutch of petitions relating to IOA and the AIFF, said it will decide the issues raised about their constitutions on October 20.

“KM Natraj, the Additional Solicitor General, states that all the objections which have been received to the proposed constitution of the IOA have been tabulated and shall be circulated to all the contesting parties,” the bench said.

“Any person desiring a copy of the tabulated statement would be at liberty to contact the office of Natraj, Additional Solicitor General so that a soft copy can be provided,” it said.

The top court, while dealing with the pleas on AIFF’s constitution, said the report, submitted by Justice Rao, shall be circulated by Gopal Sankarnarayanan, the amicus curiae, the friend of court appointed to assist it in the matter, to all the parties desirous of securing the soft copies.

It directed that the objections to the AIFF’s draft constitution be filed within a period of three weeks.

“The objections shall be tabulated by Gopal Sankaranarayanan, Amicus Curiae for facilitating the disposal of the petitions. List the Special Leave Petitions on October 20,” it said.

Earlier, the top court had extended the time for filing objections to the draft constitution of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
It had also made it clear that the pendency of the pleas related to IOA will not preclude high courts from continuing with the hearing on pending petitions linked to other sports bodies.

The top court had earlier directed the Centre to collate the objections put forth by the stake-holders to the draft constitution of the IOA along with suggestions.
The draft constitution was adopted at the Special General Body Meeting of IOA in the national capital.

The IOA had adopted its draft constitution, framed under the supervision of the Supreme Court and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), but several members said they were forced into adopting it after the apex court made it mandatory.

On May 2, the top court had urged Justice Rao to also prepare a comprehensive report on finalising the AIFF constitution after taking note of the objections to a draft document by various stakeholders including FIFA, the apex global body that governs football.

It had said the voluminous objections to the draft constitution by various stakeholders can be taken care of by Justice Rao, who had earlier finalised the constitution of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on the orders of the top court.

The bench was hearing a plea related to the finalisation of the constitution of the AIFF after taking note of “clause-by-clause” objections of various stakeholders of football in the country.

The apex court has decided to hear the pleas related to IOA and AIFF together.

“Super knock, super guy,” Anushka Sharma hails Virat Kohli’s century against Pakistan

The 34-year-old scored a century and completed his 13,000 run mark in ODI cricket on Monday at R Premadasa Stadium in Sri Lanka’s Colombo.

Published Date – 08:42 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


“Super knock, super guy,” Anushka Sharma hails Virat Kohli’s century against Pakistan



Colombo: With his brilliant performance during the India vs Pakistan match, Virat Kohli once again proved why he is the star batter.

The 34-year-old scored a century and completed his 13,000 run mark in ODI cricket on Monday at R Premadasa Stadium in Sri Lanka’s Colombo.

After witnessing Kohli’s significant knock against arch-rivals Pakistan in their Asia Cup Super Four clash, praise poured in for him on social media. His wife and actor Anushka Sharma also penned an appreciation note.

Taking to Instagram Story, Anushka dropped a picture of Kohli from the moment when he hit the century.

“Super knock, super guy,” she captioned it, adding a clapping and red heart emoji.

Virat’s sister Bhawna also beamed with pride.

“Proud of you Virat God bless always,” she wrote on Instagram.

Kohli finished his innings with an unbeaten 122, which came from 94 deliveries, while KL Rahul smashed a fiery 111 of 106 balls. India resumed the play at 147-2 on the reserved day as rain interrupted the match on Sunday. KL Rahul (17*) and Virat Kohli (8*) were at the crease yesterday when the play had to be stopped due to rain.

Virat Kohli fastest to 13,000 ODI runs

Kohli achieved the monumental feat when he completed his 47th ODI century — overall 77th — propelling India to 356 for two against the arch-rivals.

Updated On – 08:49 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Virat Kohli fastest to 13,000 ODI runs



Colombo: Indian superstar Virat Kohli became the fastest to complete 13000 ODI runs during the Asia Cup Super 4 contest against Pakistan here on Monday.

Kohli achieved the monumental feat when he completed his 47th ODI century — overall 77th — propelling India to 356 for two against the arch-rivals. The batting great scored 122 not out with three sixes and nine fours in only 94 balls, bringing up the milestone ahead of legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

While Tendulkar reached the 13000-run landmark in 321 innings, Kohli took 267 innings to do the same.

Kohli also became only the fifth batter ever to cross the 13,000 run barrier after Tendulkar, Australia’s Ricky Ponting (341 innings), Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara (363) and Sanath Jayasuriya (416).

Virat Kohli-KL Rahul register highest partnership in Asia Cup history

The duo achieved the landmark in a Super Four clash. Rahul and Kohli slaughtered Pakistan bowlers as they stitched up an unbeaten 233-run partnership in 194 deliveries.

Updated On – 10:20 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


Virat Kohli-KL Rahul register highest partnership in Asia Cup history



Colombo: Star batters Virat Kohli and KL Rahul recorded the highest partnership in the Asia Cup history during India’s clash against arch-rival Pakistan at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Monday.

The duo achieved the landmark in a Super Four clash. Rahul and Kohli slaughtered Pakistan bowlers as they stitched up an unbeaten 233-run partnership in 194 deliveries. The duo surpassed Pakistan’s Nasir Jamshed and Mohammad Hafeez, who held the record with their 224-run partnership against India in 2012.

The Indian pair got off to a slow start before launching their assault. They helped India post a challenging 356/2 against Babar Azam-led Pakistan.

Captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s half-centuries laid the foundation for India, while the unbeaten 233-run partnership between Kohli and Rahul added the icing on the cake as the former skipper finished the innings in style with a maximum.

Kohli finished his innings with an unbeaten 122, which came from 94 deliveries, while Rahul smashed a fiery 111 of 106 balls.

‘Kohli has shown again why he is called great’

During an Asia Cup Super Four clash against arch-rival Pakistan Kohli broke a long-standing Sachin Tendulkar record during another brilliant ODI knock against Pakistan

Published Date – 11:32 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


‘Kohli has shown again why he is called great’



New Delhi: Once again, India’s batting talisman Virat Kohli, demonstrated his mettle in the cricket world by becoming the fastest batter to score 13,000 runs in ODI format.

During an Asia Cup Super Four clash against arch-rival Pakistan Kohli broke a long-standing Sachin Tendulkar record during another brilliant ODI knock against Pakistan. Rajkumar Sharma, the childhood coach of Kohli, said that the former India captain’s knock against Pakistan has shown the world why he is called great.

“The kind of start by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill and the way Virat Kohli and KL Rahul capitalized, great performance by India. Virat Kohli has shown again why he is called great. This is a great moment, today he completed 13000 runs (ODI)…he showed that he is still the fittest player in the Indian cricket team,” Rajkumar Sharma told ANI.

During his outstanding knock against Pakistan in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup, Kohli completed 13,000 ODI runs, becoming the fifth player to reach the landmark in men’s ODIs.

“This is a very big moment, today he completed 13000 runs, so I would like to congratulate him. The way he scored runs for his team and accelerated his innings was amazing. Especially against Pakistan, Virat plays really well and with this knock, he has shown he is a champion player,” said Kohli’s childhood coach.

Sharma hopes that India will register a victory against Pakistan with a good margin and that their confidence will be boosted for the upcoming match. “I have full hope that today India will win the match by a good margin. So today India’s confidence will be very high and its effect will be seen in the coming matches. India is a strong contender in the World Cup and I believe this is a great and balanced team,” he added.

The No.3 batter resumed from his score of seven overnight and survived an early review for caught behind off Naseem Shah’s over. He looked in pristine touch thereafter, combining with a proactive KL Rahul to really press home India’s good start.

Kohli took 55 balls to get to his half-century but took only 29 more balls to get to his 47th ODI hundred. Rahul too, meanwhile, completed his ton to give India a strong total in Colombo.

Kohli’s vintage performance and KL Rahul’s unbridled century powered India to 356/2 against arch-rivals Pakistan in their Asia Cup Super Four clash at R. Premadasa Stadium on Monday. Captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s half-centuries laid the foundation for India, while the unbeaten 233-run partnership between Kohli and Rahul added the icing on the cake as the former skipper finished the innings in style with a maximum.

Kohli finished his innings with an unbeaten 122, which came from 94 deliveries, while Rahul smashed a fiery 111 of 106 balls.

India crushes Pakistan by 228 runs in Asia Cup

Virat Kohli (122) and K L Rahul (111) struck unbeaten centuries to steer India to a commanding 356 for two, the team’s joint highest total against Pakistan in ODIs.

Updated On – 11:34 PM, Mon – 11 September 23


India crushes Pakistan by 228 runs in Asia Cup



Colombo: India crushed Pakistan by 228 runs in a Super 4 match of the Asia Cup here on Monday.

Virat Kohli (122) and K L Rahul (111) struck unbeaten centuries to steer India to a commanding 356 for two, the team’s joint highest total against Pakistan in ODIs.

Part time spinner Iftikhar Ahmed leaked 52 runs in 5.4 overs and was the second most expensive bowler for Pakistan after Shaheen Shah Afridi (1/79 in 10 overs).

In response, Pakistan were all out for 128 in 32 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was the stand out bowler for India as he ended with a five wicket haul.

Brief Scores:

India 356 for 2 in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 122 not, K L Rahul 111 not out; S Khan 1/71). Pakistan 132 all out in 23 overs (Fakhar Zaman 27; Kuldeep Yadav 5/25). PTI BS