by Abhishek Shukla

Club spending on international transfer fees reaches all-time record in 2023

  • USD 9.63 billion spent on international transfer fees, an increase of 48.1% compared to 2022, according to Global Transfer Report
  • 2023 also saw a new all-time high number of transfers with a transfer fee (3,279), 14.7% more than in 2022
  • Women’s football continues to grow, with international transfers increasingby more than 20% compared to 2022

FIFA has today published the 2023 edition of the Global Transfer Report, according to which an all-time record of 74,836 cross-border transfers were made in 2023. Some 23,689 (31.7%) of these moves involved professionals (men and women), with the other 51,147 (68.3%) transfers being those of amateurs.

Following falls in spending in both 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, clubs spent a new record high amount on international transfer fees in 2023, with their combined outlay reaching a total of USD 9.63 billion – an increase of 48.1% compared to 2022 and surpassing the former record, set in 2019, by more than USD 2 billion.

The top ten player transfers alone generated more than 10% of the entire amount spent on transfer fees in 2023. Similarly, of the 3,279 transfers that included fees, the top 100 were responsible for more than 45% of all money spent on transfer fees, with English clubs once again topping the list with USD 2.96 billion.

German clubs topped the list for transfer fees received from outgoing transfers with a total of more than USD 1.2 billion. Just as in the previous year, Portuguese clubs completed more incoming transfers than clubs from any other association (1,017). Brazilian clubs, on the other hand, released the highest number of players (1,217).

A total of 1,024 clubs spent money on international transfers in 2023, the first-ever time that more than 1,000 clubs invested in transfer fees for new players from abroad. The number of clubs that received transfer fees, 1,241, was also another new high.

Impressive growth of women’s football continues

The impressive growth of women’s professional football also showed no sign of letting up in 2023, with more than 20% more transfers last year compared to 2022. The number of clubs involved in international transfers also rose from 507 in 2022 to 623 in 2023, a 22.9% increase.

All of these numbers reflect the huge strides being taken in the women’s game, with more and more female players turning professional. Some 1,888 international transfers of professional players were recorded in 2023, while a new high of 131 associations (+7.4% compared to 2022) were involved in these transfers.

International transfers of amateurs

In 2023, more than 50,000 amateur players moved across borders to join a club in a new association. Some 91.7% of these players were male. The global reach of amateur football is striking as 207 of FIFA’s 211 member associations were involved in at least one amateur transfer last year. The number-one association in terms of the number of incoming amateur transfers was Germany with a total of 7,825.

The Global Transfer Report 2023 also includes analyses on player nationalities, ages and movement between confederations and associations, in addition to the list of top transfers in both the men’s and women’s game.

by Abhishek Shukla

FIFA Delegation to Evaluate 2027 Women’s World Cup Bids

In a significant development in the football world, FIFA is gearing up to scrutinize the bids for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™. Starting from 30 January, a special FIFA delegation will commence inspection visits to the member associations that are in the race to host this prestigious tournament. This meticulous process involves evaluating the technical proposals and women’s football development plans outlined in their bid books.

The evaluation journey will kick off with a joint submission by the Royal Belgian Football Association, the German Football Association, and the Royal Netherlands Football Association, scheduled from 30 January to 2 February. Subsequently, the delegation will visit the Brazilian Football Association from 20 to 23 February, followed by a joint inspection of the Mexican Football Association and the U.S. Soccer Federation from 26 to 29 February.

These inspection visits are crucial for FIFA’s comprehensive assessment process, allowing the delegation to examine specific locations agreed upon with the bid committees. Additionally, these visits will enable detailed discussions on the technical aspects and the ambitious plans for fostering women’s football in the bidding countries.

The outcomes of these inspections will be integral to the Bid Evaluation Report, which FIFA plans to publish on its official website in May 2024. The final decision, marking a pivotal moment for women’s football, will be made through an open vote by the FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, on 17 May 2024.

This process underscores FIFA’s commitment to transparency and thoroughness in selecting the host(s) for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™. The chosen host(s) will have the honor of building upon the legacy of the groundbreaking 2023 edition, which set new records in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, further propelling the global growth and popularity of women’s football.

by Abhishek Shukla

Jahanbakhsh Penalty Seals Dramatic Comeback for Iran Against Japan in AFC Asian Cup Quarterfinals

In a thrilling AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ quarterfinal clash at Education City Stadium, the Islamic Republic of Iran staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Japan 2-1, with Alireza Jahanbakhsh converting a crucial late penalty. This victory avenged their semi-final loss to Japan in the previous edition and propelled Iran into the semi-finals.

Japan had taken the lead in the first half, looking poised to replicate their previous victory over Iran. However, Iran’s resilience shone through in the second half with goals from Mohammad Mohebi and Jahanbakhsh overturning the deficit.

The match started with high intensity, with Jahanbakhsh, wearing the captain’s armband in Ehsan Hajsafi’s absence, nearly giving Iran the lead early on. His attempt, however, narrowly missed the target. Japan responded with a goal from Hidemasa Morita, who navigated through Iranian defense to place the ball past goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.

Despite trailing, Iran maintained their composure and pushed for an equalizer. Their efforts paid off nine minutes into the second half when Mohebi capitalized on a through pass from Sardar Azmoun, calmly slotting the ball into the net to level the scores.

Iran continued to press, and Azmoun thought he had given Iran the lead, but his effort was disallowed for offside. As the match seemed destined for extra time, Iran was awarded a penalty in the dying minutes. Jahanbakhsh took the responsibility and expertly converted the spot-kick, securing a memorable win for Team Melli.

This victory not only showcases Iran’s determination and skill but also sets up an intriguing semi-final match, keeping their hopes alive for their first AFC Asian Cup title since 1976. Japan, on the other hand, will reflect on what could have been as they bow out of the tournament, unable to repeat their success from the previous edition.

by Abhishek Shukla

Newcastle and Luton Town Battle to a Spectacular 4-4 Draw

In an electrifying display of football, Newcastle United and Luton Town fought to an unforgettable 4-4 draw at St James’ Park, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the Premier League. This high-scoring affair had everything from a fast-paced start, a comeback, and a late equalizer, encapsulating the essence of a breathless encounter.

Sean Longstaff emerged as an early hero for Newcastle, putting the Magpies ahead twice in the first half with his clinical finishes, capitalizing on swift counter-attacks. However, Luton Town, undeterred by the raucous home support, demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen to claw their way back into the game, with Gabriel Osho and Ross Barkley restoring parity before halftime.

The second half saw the Hatters take control, with Carlton Morris converting a penalty and Elijah Adebayo extending their lead, showcasing Luton’s lethal efficiency on the break. At 4-2 down, Newcastle faced an uphill battle to salvage something from the game.

However, the Magpies showed their class and fighting spirit, with Kieran Trippier and Harvey Barnes scoring two quick goals to level the match. Trippier’s volley and Barnes’ long-range effort electrified the St James’ Park crowd, turning the game into a memorable spectacle.

Despite numerous chances for both teams to find a winner, including a golden opportunity missed by Jacob Murphy in the dying minutes, the match ended level, reflecting the competitive spirit and attacking quality of both sides.

This result sees Newcastle settle in ninth place, while Luton Town’s valiant performance lifts them to 16th, giving both teams vital points in their respective campaigns. The match will be remembered not only for its scoreline but also for the display of tenacity, skill, and the sheer unpredictability that makes the Premier League one of the most exciting leagues in the world.

by Abhishek Shukla

Fofana’s Late Heroics Snatch Draw for Burnley Against Fulham

In a dramatic turn of events at Turf Moor, substitute David Datro Fofana’s late double salvaged a 2-2 draw for Burnley against Fulham, injecting a vital spark into their relegation survival efforts and denying the visitors a much-needed away victory.

Fulham, seeking to end a 10-match winless streak on the road, seemed poised to break the curse as Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Muniz put them ahead with well-executed goals. Palhinha’s opener, a smart finish from an Andreas Pereira corner, and Muniz’s cool lob over James Trafford, highlighted Fulham’s strategic prowess in exploiting Burnley’s defensive gaps.

Despite Fulham’s dominance and several chances to extend their lead, Burnley, under Vincent Kompany’s guidance, refused to capitulate. The introduction of Fofana and other deadline-day signings shifted the momentum in Burnley’s favor. Fofana’s impact was immediate and decisive, showcasing his ability to be in the right place at the right time.

The Chelsea loanee’s first goal, a header from Lorenz Assignon’s cross, ignited hopes of a comeback. His second, a crucial poke past Bernd Leno in stoppage time, completed a remarkable turnaround for the Clarets. This late resurgence was a testament to Burnley’s fighting spirit and resilience under pressure.

Fulham, despite their early control and numerous opportunities to seal the game, will rue missed chances and the lapse in concentration that allowed Burnley to claw their way back into the match. Marco Silva’s side showed promise but ultimately failed to convert their superiority into three points.

This result leaves Burnley in 19th place, still deep in the relegation mire but with renewed hope following Fofana’s heroics. Fulham, on the other hand, sits in 12th place, a position that reflects their inconsistent season.

For Burnley, the draw represents more than just a point; it’s a morale booster in their fight for Premier League survival. For Fulham, it’s a missed opportunity to climb further away from the relegation zone and solidify their mid-table standing. As the season progresses, both teams will look back on this match as a pivotal moment in their respective campaigns.

by Abhishek Shukla

Brighton Shines with Dominant Win Over Crystal Palace

Brighton & Hove Albion emphatically returned to winning ways, securing their first Premier League victory of 2024 with a 4-1 triumph over Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium. The win, marked by a series of dazzling performances and a stunning strike from Joao Pedro, propelled the Seagulls to seventh in the league standings.

The match began with Brighton asserting their dominance early on, as Lewis Dunk headed home from a Pascal Gross corner just three minutes into the game. This early goal set the tone for Brighton, who were keen to make amends following a 4-0 defeat at Luton Town earlier in the week. Roberto De Zerbi’s side, showing five changes from that loss, looked rejuvenated and determined.

Crystal Palace, despite coming off a midweek win, struggled to find their rhythm. Their situation worsened when Michael Olise, a half-time substitute, had to leave the field injured shortly after coming on, summing up a day of frustrations for the Eagles.

Brighton capitalized on their opportunities with ruthless efficiency. Jack Hinshelwood and Facundo Buonanotte added to the scoreline with goals that showcased the team’s attacking prowess and ability to exploit their opponent’s vulnerabilities. Buonanotte’s goal, in particular, was a highlight, curling a beautiful shot beyond Dean Henderson’s reach.

Palace’s momentary spark of hope was ignited by Jean-Philippe Mateta, who headed in from a Joachim Andersen cross. However, any aspirations of a comeback were swiftly extinguished by Joao Pedro’s exquisite finish, following a neat exchange with Danny Welbeck. This goal sealed the victory for Brighton, underscoring their superior play and tactical execution.

The match also saw Brighton’s head coach, De Zerbi, receive his third yellow card of the season, resulting in a suspension for the upcoming fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. This disciplinary issue did little to dampen the spirits of a Brighton side that looked cohesive, confident, and creative throughout the match.

For Crystal Palace, this result is a setback, leaving them in 14th place with 24 points. The Eagles will need to regroup and address their vulnerabilities if they are to climb the table and avoid getting dragged into a relegation battle.

Brighton’s victory is a testament to their resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. With this win, they have not only ended their goal drought but also reignited their campaign, moving up to a position that reflects their ambitions and capabilities within the Premier League.

by Abhishek Shukla

Branthwaite’s Late Heroics Salvage Point for Everton in Thrilling Draw with Spurs

In an electrifying Premier League encounter at Goodison Park, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite emerged as the unlikely hero, securing a crucial 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur with a dramatic stoppage-time goal. This vital point lifted the Toffees momentarily out of the relegation zone, showcasing their resilience against a Spurs side eyeing the top of the table.

Tottenham, propelled by Richarlison’s outstanding performance against his former club, looked set to clinch the victory. The Brazilian forward netted twice, first capitalizing on Destiny Udogie’s assist in the opening minutes and then delivering a stunning strike before the half-time whistle. His efforts temporarily positioned Spurs alongside Premier League giants Manchester City and Arsenal in the standings.

Everton, however, showed commendable spirit and determination. After enduring a goal drought over their previous three league matches, they responded with an equalizer from Anthony Gordon, ending a streak of 49 unsuccessful attempts. The Toffees’ relentless pursuit paid off in the dying moments of the match when Branthwaite capitalized on a defensive lapse, directing the ball past Guglielmo Vicario to secure a draw.

The match was not just a testament to Everton’s fighting spirit but also highlighted individual brilliance on both sides. Richarlison’s double against his old club etched his name into the records, becoming the first ex-Everton player to score in both league fixtures against them in a single season. Meanwhile, Everton’s tactical adjustments and substitutions, including the introduction of Idrissa Gueye and Seamus Coleman’s return, showcased their depth and strategic flexibility.

As the final whistle blew, the outcome had significant implications for both teams. Everton’s brief escape from the relegation scare underscored their ongoing battle for survival, while Tottenham’s missed opportunity to advance in the standings leaves them in a precarious position in their pursuit of league leaders.

Looking ahead, both teams face critical fixtures. Everton’s draw, albeit uplifting, places them back in a tight relegation battle following Luton Town’s dramatic 4-4 draw at Newcastle. Meanwhile, Spurs, now trailing Manchester City and Arsenal, must regroup and refocus as they continue their chase for the top spot in a highly competitive Premier League season.

This match, with its dramatic twists and fervent displays of skill, encapsulates the unpredictable nature of football, where fortunes can change in the blink of an eye, leaving fans and players alike on the edge of their seats until the very end.

by Abhishek Shukla

Pakistan edge Bangladesh in a thriller to reach the semi-finals; Ireland, England bow out with wins

Pakistan defended a low total in Benoni against Bangladesh to become the fourth semi-finalist in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 after India, Australia and South Africa had claimed their spots earlier in the week.

In a game that see-sawed back and forth, Ubaid Shah was the difference, taking a sensational five-wicket haul to hold off a resilient Bangladesh.

Despite multiple drop catches, the eventual victors created several opportunities with the ball. Their fielders redeemed themselves with spectacular catches, providing invaluable support to the bowlers and ultimately sealing a tense and hard-fought victory in Benoni. 

Meanwhile, Tazeem Ali registered a seven-wicket haul in Potchefstroom as England’s spinners took all ten wickets to beat Zimbabwe by 146 runs, and in Bloemfontein, Ireland put up a brilliant all-round display to beat New Zealand in a rain-affected game decided by DLS method.

With the Super Six matches coming to a close, the semi-final fixtures have been identified. India will play South Africa in the first semi-final in Benoni on February 6 while Pakistan will take on Australia in the other semi at the same venue on February 8.

Pakistan beat Bangladesh by five runs in Benoni

Pakistan 155 (40.4 overs) v Bangladesh 150 (35.5 overs)

In a high-stakes Super Six clash at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 in Benoni, Pakistan and Bangladesh faced off, with a semi-final spot hanging in the balance. 

Bangladesh not only lagged behind Pakistan by two points at the outset but also faced a considerable deficit in net run rate.

Bangladesh opted to bowl first at Willowmoore Park, knowing that they would be aware of the exact equation needed to qualify for the semi-finals when the run-chase began.

Pakistan’s dangerous opening duo of Shamyl Hussain and Shahzaib Khan started off sedately, but Md Rohanat Doullah Borson, coming off a four-wicket haul in the previous game, broke through for Bangladesh. Borson, coming around the wicket, produced a delivery that swung back into Shamyl, who opted not to play a shot and watched as the ball crashed into the stumps. 

The pacer struck again for Bangladesh in his next over, sending back Azan Awais with a sharp bouncer that the batter could only fend to the keeper. Ariful Islam then compounded Pakistan’s troubles with a direct-hit run-out of skipper Saad Baig, leaving Pakistan reeling at 66 for three.

What still seemed like a recoverable position soon turned completely in Bangladesh’s favour in the space of three overs. Sheikh Paevez Jibon and Borson shared three wickets between them as Shazaib, Ahmad Hassan and Haroon Arshad departed in quick succession.

At 89 for six, Bangladesh had their noses firmly in front, but Arafat Minhas and Ali Asfand mounted a crucial partnership, adding 43 runs to resurrect Pakistan’s innings. While Minhas took charge of the scoring, Asfand played the anchor role to prevent another batting collapse.

Off-spinner Jibon’s return, however, ended Asfand’s stay in the middle as an attempted reverse sweep went straight to the gully fielder. Jibon went on to clean up Ubaid Shah with a well-executed yorker in his next over.

Borson and Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby took the final two wickets as Pakistan were bowled out for 155. To secure a semi-final berth, Bangladesh needed to chase down the target of 156 in 38.1 overs or less, a challenging yet attainable task.

Ubaid Shah provided Pakistan with an explosive start, dismissing Bangladesh’s openers, Ashiqur Rahman Shibli and Jishan Alam within the first five overs. Ariful Islam and Chowdhury Md Rizwan rebuilt the innings, but Ali Raza soon found the edge of the latter off a full delivery.

Ahrar Amin survived an early scare when Shamyl Hussain dropped a catch in the slip cordon, but he couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity. Ubaid Shah once again found the edge of Amin’s bat, and this time Haroon Arshad, stationed at first slip, took an extraordinary diving catch jumping to his left.

Shamyl made amends for his earlier drop with a spectacular diving catch at point, dismissing the in-form Ariful Islam, and Bangladesh found themselves in deep trouble at 77 for five.

Sheikh Paevez Jibon entered the fray at No.7 and enjoyed a reprieve when Ubaid Shah dropped him at deep square leg. However, Jibon’s stay at the crease ended soon after, sent back by Ubaid in the very next over.

Facing a daunting situation, Bangladesh needed Shihab James to anchor their innings, and he stepped up with skipper Mahfuzur for company. With no immediate pressure on the run rate, Bangladesh managed to build a partnership that put Pakistan on the defensive. 

James had a fortunate escape when he awkwardly pulled Ali Raza to deep square leg, where Ubaid Shah dropped a straightforward catch. But Ubaid quickly regrouped and returned to the attack, dismissing James with a late-swinging delivery that found the edge and went through to the wicketkeeper.

Ubaid Shah completed a five-wicket haul with James’s dismissal, leaving Bangladesh with only three wickets in hand. Ali Raza compounded their troubles by sending back the Bangladesh captain in the following over, putting Pakistan in a commanding position.

As Bangladesh’s innings began to unravel rapidly, Azan Awais further tightened the screws on Pakistan’s victory with a brilliant direct hit in the next over. The score plummeted from 123 for six to 127 for nine, and the target seemed distant.

However, Pakistan was in for a surprise when Bangladesh’s No.10 and No.11, Borson and Maruf Mridha, managed to defy their pacers for the next two overs. When Arafat Minhas took the ball, Borson utilized the spinner’s over to launch a six over long-on, bringing Bangladesh within ten runs of victory.

Pakistan’s fielding continued to oscillate between brilliant and ordinary as a misfield gave Bangladesh three vital runs off Mohammad Zeeshan. But the fast bowler induced an inside edge to clean up Maruf two balls later to give Pakistan a narrow five-run win and a spot in the semi-finals of the tournament.

Pakistan will take on Australia in the second semi-final on February 8 at this very venue. 

Player of the Match Ubaid Shah admitted nerves, but maintained that Pakistan were confident of winning.

“It was quite tense towards the end, but I wanted to keep myself calm and take wickets. After I dropped the catch, the captain gave me the ball and said that this is the moment you have to be the hero. I could make it right by picking up a wicket immediately. There was bounce on the wicket and that helped me in my second spell.”

England beat Zimbabwe by 146 runs in Potchefstroom

England 237/7 (50 overs) v Zimbabwe 91 (24.5 overs)

England recovered from a precarious position against Zimbabwe to register a win in their final match of the tournament. Zimbabwe, opting to bowl first, were met with the aggressive opening duo of Theo Wylie and Ben McKinney. 

The openers raced to 39, maintaining a brisk run rate of seven runs per over. However, the partnership took a hit when skipper McKinney drove a full delivery from Anesu Kamuriwo straight into the hands of the cover fielder, squandering a promising start. 

Jaydn Denly then came to the crease, looking to anchor the innings alongside the more enterprising Wylie. With the partnership starting to gain momentum, Denly went for a big loft down the ground, but miscued the hit to be caught out for 11. 

England’s position worsened when Hamza Sheikh was controversially ruled out for obstructing the field. Sheikh had passed the ball from the batting crease with his hand to the wicket-keeper, prompting a Zimbabwean appeal that led to the third umpire’s intervention. After multiple replays, the third umpire’s decision went against England, much to their dismay.

Newman Nyamhuri added to England’s woes when he came around the wicket to induce an edge off Luc Benkenstein’s bat. Amidst these setbacks, Wylie remained composed and reached a brilliant fifty, continuing to make a significant impact in the tournament. With Charlie Allison providing support, England staged a promising recovery after being reduced to 79 for four.

Skipper Matthew Schonken brought himself into the attack and struck in his first over with a big scalp of Wylie for 61. The right-handed opener attempted a big sweep off the leg-spinner and a leading edge was pouched by the running fielder at fine leg.

Despite Wylie’s departure, Allison found a reliable partner in wicketkeeper Haydon Mustard. The two batsmen built a carefully crafted partnership, characterized by steady accumulation rather than explosive hitting. Only six boundaries were scored during their 71-run stand as England aimed to set a solid foundation for a late-innings surge.

But, a dent in that plan came when a mix-up between Allison and Mustard saw the latter run out for 41. Sebastian Morgan added a few vital runs from the down the order, forging a useful stand with Allison. 

Allison only fell in the final over of the innings, having made a vital 76 to rebuild England’s innings that had suffered a mid-innings slump. His heroic effort allowed England to post a total of 237 runs on the board in their allotted fifty overs.

Zimbabwe were jolted early in the chase by left-arm spinner Charlie Barnard, who sent back Munashe Chimusoro and Ronak Patel, who came in earlier at No.3, in the same over. Panashe Taruvinga and Campell Macmillan looked to revive the innings, but the latter was bowled by Jaydn Denly’s left-arm spin for 10 in the eighth over. 

Tazeem Ali’s introduction spelt doom for Zimbabwe as the leg-spinner ran through the rest of the batting line-up in arguably the best spell of the tournament. Ali, who had been the pick of England’s bowlers in the tournament, gave a strong impression in his final outing at the event with a remarkable seven-wicket haul.

Except Taruvinga, who played a lone hand in salvaging Zimbabwe’s innings, none of the other batters could handle Ali. Three of Ali’s seven wickets were bowled while another was leg-before-wicket as Zimbabwe went from 51/3 to 91 all out.

Ali registered the best figures in the tournament, and the fifth-best in the history of the Men’s U19 World Cup, with his exceptional 7/29. 

England skipper Ben McKinney praised Tazeem Ali’s brilliant spell and spoke of his experience in the tournament.

“Obviously a bit disappointed with how the tournament panned out, but very happy with a win like that today. Tazeem was outstanding, it’s the best I have seen him bowl. The tournament has been a great experience for me and the team as well.” 

Ireland beat New Zealand by 41 runs (DLS Method) in Bloemfontein

Ireland 267/9 (50 overs) v New Zealand 131/5 (32.1 overs)

In Bloemfontein, Ireland made a good start after opting to bat first, with the openers racing off the blocks in the Powerplay overs. Jordan Neill and Ryan Hunter unleashed a barrage of boundaries against the new ball. However, New Zealand’s captain, Oscar Jackson, introduced himself into the attack and made an immediate impact by uprooting Neill’s stumps in his very first over to break the opening partnership.

Matt Rowe had the dangerous Hunter nicking behind off an outswinger in the final over of the Powerplay. But that was the last wicket New Zealand would see for quite a while as Gavin Roulston and Kian Hilton exhibited resilience and formed a robust partnership for Ireland.

Hilton received a lifeline when he was on 11 when Lachlan Stackpole put down a tough chance at cover off Snehith Reddy’s bowling. Thereafter, it was tough going for New Zealand as Hilton and Roulston proceeded to grind the attack down with some solid batting. 

While Hilton played positively to keep the scoreboard ticking, Roulston took a more cautious approach. Hilton reached his fifty in 62 balls, with Roulston still on 21. The partnership was eventually broken by a spectacular return catch by Robbie Foulkes. 

Hilton smashed a full toss straight back at the bowler, who hung on terrifically to send the Irish batter back for 72. The 129-run partnership had, however, given Ireland a strong platform to go big in the final 15 overs.

Those plans were thwarted by Ewald Schreuder, who struck four times in two overs, including three times in one over, to put a halt on Ireland’s cruise. Roulston strived to up the ante in the next few overs, but fell for 82 in the final over. Ireland finished on 267 for nine in their fifty overs to set New Zealand a daunting target.

Bowlers Ollie Riley and Reuben Wilson made an impressive start for Ireland, maintaining tight control over the New Zealand openers and keeping them quiet. The pressure they created resulted in the first breakthrough, as Riley induced a miscued shot from Luke Watson, and Kian Hilton made a diving catch at gully to complete the dismissal.

James Nelson was let off by Daniel Forkin when a sharp return catch was put down, but a misunderstanding between Nelson and Foulkes put an end to the budding partnership. Nelson was run out for 35 as Ireland found a much-needed breakthrough.

Stackpole and Foulkes then decided to elevate the scoring rate, striking four boundaries in the next three overs. However, their ultra-aggressive approach ultimately proved costly. Foulkes attempted to power a short delivery from Riley but ended up offering a return catch to the bowler.

Riley continued to make a significant impact by claiming the crucial wicket of Oscar Jackson with a well-disguised slower ball that eluded the batsman’s blade and struck the stumps. Harry Dyer added to New Zealand’s woes when he deceived Snehith Reddy with a flighted delivery, leading to a stumping.

Following the wicket, play was abruptly interrupted as lightning struck in Bloemfontein, and unfortunately, the game never resumed. Ireland, well ahead on the DLS method, proceeded to secure a victory, concluding their tournament positively.

It was a historic win for Ireland as they beat New Zealand for the first-ever time in 50 attempts across men’s, women’s, and youth matches across formats.

Ireland captain Philippe le Roux expressed happiness at ending the tournament on a high.

“We are delighted with the win. The partnership between Kian Hilton and Gavin Roulston was crucial, setting up the game [for us]. I don’t think we capitalised at the end as much as we wanted. The bowlers put a lot of pressure early on. A bit of an anti-climactic end with the rain, but we’ll take the win.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC play out a sensational 2-2 draw in the Kolkata Derby

Mohun Bagan Super Giant drew 2-2 to East Bengal FC as the first Kolkata Derby of the 10th season of the Indian Super League (ISL) presented an all-time classic at the Salt Lake Stadium tonight. Antonio Lopez Habas, head coach of the Mariners, had predicted before the game that a match like this could swing different ways in 90 minutes, and so it did with both sides netting once each in either halves to walk away with a point to their names.

East Bengal FC stormed into this clash high on confidence after winning the Kalinga Super Cup, and that was evident in the suddenness with which they got their act running in front of a jam-packed stadium. Fullback Nishu Kumar lobbed in an inch-perfect delivery for Ajay Chhetri inside the 18-yard box and the young midfielder got to the end of the ball and hammered it home with a full stretched leg extension that got the crowd going from the get go in the 3rd minute.

However, Habas had made it a point to reiterate his impeccable derby credentials before the game, saying, “I don’t have the sensation to lose because I’ve never lost against East Bengal.” His players were tasked with standing tall to that reputation tonight and they took the first step towards that courtesy of a clinical finish by striker Armando Sadiku in the 17th minute of the game. The goal should actually be a tribute to the fine finesse and skillsets of Brendan Hamill, who carved in a delightful delivery that Sadiku broke no sweat in converting to draw the scores level.

The Red & Gold Brigade were in no mood to step back though, and Hamill’s substitution due to an injury in the 52nd minute opened gateways for them. As Glan Martins was settling into the game, Carles Cuadrat’s side stepped up the ante, with Naorem Mahesh Singh earning a foul off Deepak Tangri in the 55th minute. Captain Cleiton Silva stepped up for spot-kick duties and pulled off a breathtaking panenka that caught Vishal Kaith completely off-guard. The proceedings thereafter suggested that Cuadrat’s side was well on course to rounding off their third Kolkata Derby win of the season, after beating the arch-rivals once each in the Durand Cup and the Super Cup.

Thankfully for Habas, Sahal Abdul Samad came to the rescue, showing a relentless attitude to make something out of the countless loose balls he encountered inside the box as the full-time whistle neared. After a tremendous passage of play that saw him struggling to recover possession, Sahal squared up a pass for Dimitrios Petratos in the 88th minute, and the forward completed the incomplete task by depositing the ball into the back of the net.

Key Performer of the Match

Dimitrios Petratos (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

In addition to converting arguably the most important chance of the game, Petratos completed 23 out of his 30 passes, and created three goal-scoring opportunities for his team. He earned two fouls, played the perfect foil to Sadiku, but it was his razor sharp focus and supreme finishing skills that ensured that Mohun Bagan Super Giant didn’t walk away from this game empty handed.

What’s next for both teams?

Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC will face Hyderabad FC and NorthEast United FC for their respective next fixtures on February 10.

Brief Scores

Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2 (Armando Sadiku 17’, Dimitrios Petratos 87’) – 2 (Ajay Chhetri 3’, Cleiton Silva 55’) East Bengal FC

Stats.jpg
by Abhishek Shukla

Indian Women’s Hockey Team goes down 1-2 to China in FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24

Bhubaneswar, 3rd February 2024: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team began their FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 campaign with a 1-2 loss against China at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Bhubaneswar on Saturday. Vandana Katariya (15’) scored the first goal of the game for India but Wen Dan (40’) and Bingfeng Gu (52’) scored later on to complete the comeback victory for China.

The match began with India attempting to dictate the tempo of the game with quick passes but they failed to create any significant goal threats. The first chance of the first quarter fell to China after a miscued clearance from India’s goalkeeper Savita, but China failed to capitalise. China’s Hua Liu was presented with a chance towards the end of the first quarter but her reverse shot flew wide of the post. As the game became stretched, Vandana Katariya dove to deflect Lalremsiami’s cross from the right wing to give India the lead in the final minute of the first quarter.

China answered by earning a penalty corner as soon as the second quarter began but Bichu Devi Kharibam and Ishika Chaudhary remained alert and diffused the threat to their goal. China took the initiative as the second quarter progressed but India rebuffed China’s advances and attempted to hurt them on the occasional counterattack. However, both teams failed to create any significant openings and the first half ended 1-0 in India’s favour.

Sangita Kumari and Salima Tete combined for a quick give-and-go as the second half began, enabling Sangita to initiate a dangerous run across the baseline but she couldn’t find a teammate in the shooting circle and the chance went begging. With five minutes to go in the third quarter, China’s Jiaqi Zhong dodged past a couple of Indian defenders and passed the ball to Wen Dan who dinked the ball over Savita to bring China back on level terms. India managed to earn a penalty corner in the last minute of the third quarter but they failed to score.

China shifted up a gear in the last quarter, pegging India back into their defensive half and eventually earning a penalty corner. After four re-awards, Bingfeng Gu pounced on a rebound and slapped the ball into the goal to give China the lead in the match. India aimed to restore parity but were unable to make inroads towards that end. As the game drew to a close China were awarded a series of penalty corners but Savita stood tall in goal and the match ended 2-1 in China’s favour.

All matches of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 will be streamed on JioCinema, additionally, all India matches will be telecast on Sports18 – Khel.

by Abhishek Shukla

Over 1 million ticket applications received in first 48 hours of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 public ballot

Excitement for the historic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 being held in the West Indies and USA from 1-29 June is building with 1.2 million ticket applications received in the first 48 hours of the public ballot.

Applications have come from 126 countries, showing the global appeal of the event, but it is locals in the Americas where demand has been strongest, with over 900,000 ticket applications from fans residing within the USA and West Indies.

The ballot is not a first-come first-served system and fans applying before the seven-day window closes at 23h59 Antigua Standard Time on 7 February 2024 will still have an equal chance of obtaining tickets.

Entering the ballot at tickets.t20worldcup.com.will give fans the best chance to get tickets to all the matches they want and be part of the biggest cricket carnival ever.

Remaining tickets not reserved in the ballot will go on general sale after the ballot period is closed and these will be sold on a first come, first served basis at tickets.t20worldcup.com on 22 February.

Tickets to all 55 matches are accessibly priced to entice both cricket enthusiasts and new fans to the sport. Prices start at just US$6 and over 260,000 tickets will be on sale across the group stage, Super Eight and semi-finals for US$25 and under.

ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley said: “The initial applications for tickets indicate strong demand for tickets to the first ICC event co-hosted by West Indies and USA. T20 cricket is a growth vehicle to bring new fans to the sport and it is reassuring to see a large majority of applications coming from the Americas, reflecting the excitement of fans in the region to see world class cricket.

“We urge any fan interested in attending to not miss out on entering the ballot before the window closes to ensure you get the best chance of securing your seats.”

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Tournament Director Fawwaz Baksh: “Given the global appeal of T20 cricket, we anticipated a high number of applications during the early stages of the public ticket ballot, but to surpass one million applications in the first 48 hours is nothing short of phenomenal and is testament to the hard work, dedication, and collective efforts of every member of the tournament project team.

“With the ballot remaining open until 23h59 Antigua Standard Time on 7 February 2024, I again encourage all fans and in particular Caribbean fans, to take advantage of this opportunity to apply for tickets as it is the best chance to see all the games they want. The cricketing world is looking forward to you coming out in your numbers and showcasing our Caribbean energy, passion, and camaraderie in a global World Cup festival where cultures will converge, and history will be made.

by Abhishek Shukla

Jaipur Pink Panthers beat Tamil Thalaivas 42-27, qualify for playoffs of PKL Season 10

DELHI, 3 FEBRUARY, 2024: Some ultimate defending by Sumit was complemented by raiders Gagana Gowda and Mahipal as the U.P. Yoddhas secured an impressive and important 38-23  victory over U Mumba at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi on Saturday. U Mumba’s multiple changes throughout the match did not do much to help the team out, despite Shivam’s five points from off the bench but the U.P. Yoddhas get an important lifeline in the race for the playoffs.

The match tilted on either side as the defenders reigned supreme at the start. The U.P. Yoddhas and the U Mumba raiders were unsuccessful in their respective DO OR DIE RAIDS early in the match, with U Mumba even sending star raider Pardeep Narwal off the mat to earn SUPER TACKLE points of their own.

This was the story of the first half before the U.P. Yoddhas went on a point-earning spree, making the most of their defensive and attacking forays. Another DO OR DIE raid, and then an ALL OUT went their way, led by Mahipal and Gagana Gowda with four points each. Among the U.P. Yoddhas defenders, the star was left corner Sumit, who also scored four points as his team took an 18-11 lead heading into the second half.

U Mumba made up for their mistakes at the start of the second half with some exceptional defending to get a second SUPER TACKLE to their name. All Rounders Amirmohammad Zafardanesh and Santhapanaselvam played a key role in getting their team back into the game, and they had to stay on their toes as the U.P. Yoddhas kept up scoreboard ticking.

The U.P. Yoddhas upped the ante after the strategic timeout. They started with another ALL OUT against U Mumba, after which Sumit completed his HIGH FIVE with the elimination of raider Shivam. By then the match was already out of the hands of U Mumba, as the team led by Pardeep Narwal earned a massive victory to end their losing streak.

Pro Kabaddi League Season 10, 2023
Points Table
PositionTeamMatchesWonLostTiedPointsScore DiffPoints concededPoints scored
1Jaipur Pink Panthers1712237186507593
2Puneri Paltan16122268197442639
3Dabang Delhi K.C.1710526037570607
4Haryana Steelers17106155-13625612
5Patna Pirates188735331635666
6Gujarat Giants1798050-9564555
7Bengal Warriors1778244-26650624
8Bengaluru Bulls1769243-47589542
9Tamil Thalaivas1771004029595624
10U Mumba1769240-35652617
11U.P. Yoddhas17412128-47634587
12Telugu Titans17215016-203746543

Please see below the PKL Season 10 match on 4th February

Game 1 – Bengaluru Bulls vs U Mumba- 8 pm

Game 2- Gujarat Giants vs Tamil Thailaivas- 9 pm

Venue: New Delhi

Season 10 of the Pro Kabaddi League will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and for free on Disney+ Hotstar.  

by Abhishek Shukla

Red Bulls Appoint Julian de Guzman as New Sporting Director in Bold 2024 Revamp

In a significant move to bolster their leadership and vision for the future, the New York Red Bulls have officially announced Julian de Guzman as the club’s new sporting director. De Guzman, a distinguished figure in North American soccer and the first Canadian to grace LaLiga with Deportivo La Coruña, brings a rich tapestry of experience to the Red Bulls, having played in MLS for Toronto FC and FC Dallas before assuming roles in management and as general manager for the Ottawa Fury, a team that has since ceased operations.

Following his time in the managerial realm, de Guzman ventured into founding, managing, and presiding over Simcoe Rovers County FC in League 1 Ontario, showcasing his versatility and commitment to developing soccer at all levels. Jochen Schneider, RBNY’s head of sport, expressed excitement about de Guzman’s appointment, highlighting his extensive experience both domestically and abroad as a pivotal asset for the club’s future endeavors.

De Guzman steps into the role previously held by Denis Hamlett and arrives on the heels of the Red Bulls’ recent appointment of Sandro Schwarz as head coach. His addition is part of a broader strategic overhaul aimed at propelling the club to new heights, underscored by notable offseason activities including the acquisition of Swedish international Emil Forsberg from RB Leipzig. The transfer of Luquinhas to Fortaleza in Brazil frees up a Designated Player slot for de Guzman to leverage, complementing the talents of Forsberg and record signing Dante Vanzeir.

Expressing his pride and enthusiasm for joining the Red Bulls, de Guzman is poised to contribute to the club’s legacy and push for success in North American soccer. “The New York Red Bulls have been an exemplary model of soccer in North America, and I am very motivated to achieve great things with this team,” de Guzman remarked.

With a storied history of 14 consecutive Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearances, the Red Bulls are gearing up for their season opener against Nashville SC on February 25, signaling the start of a new chapter under Julian de Guzman’s leadership. The club’s fans and stakeholders alike eagerly anticipate the impact of de Guzman’s vision and expertise in shaping the future of one of MLS’s most iconic teams.

by Abhishek Shukla

Punjab FC produces an inspired entertainer to beat Bengaluru FC 3-1

Punjab FC roared to success with a convincing 3-1 win over Bengaluru FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi this evening to bag their second victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season. Goals came in thick and fast in a fixture that produced end-to-end, exciting action, much like what had transpired when the two teams squared off in the Garden City earlier in this campaign.

Opening the scoring was Bengaluru FC skipper Sunil Chhetri, whose pass unlocked Naorem Roshan Singh on the left flank. The seasoned talisman sprinted admirably well to get to the end of the cross by Roshan, and beat an aerial challenge by Greek centre-back Dimitris Chatziisaias to nod the ball into the back of the net.

The Blues were naturally expected to make the most of this early advantage, but the game slipped away from their hands courtesy of a seamless offensive performance by Punjab FC and their bolstered attacking contingent. The league debutants responded with a picture perfect replica of the goal scored by Chhetri, albeit from the opposite flank. Fullback Tekcham Abhishek Singh whipped in a cross for former NorthEast United FC forward Wimar Jordan Gil, who demonstrated laudable aerial prowess to leap forward and hammer the ball in through his head to draw the scores level.

Bengaluru FC has taken a conscious effort to strengthen their defence in the winter transfer window, but conceding thrice on an away turf isn’t the most ideal of starts to their activities in the January market.

Luka Majcen was a terrific presence in the Punjab FC frontline throughout the game, using his strong frame and quick burst of pace to breach past the Bengaluru FC backline and discover opportunities. One of his efforts was saved by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the 41st minute, but the Slovenian didn’t break a sweat in rounding off a counter attack initiated by Madih Talal in the 71st minute of the game. Talal showed good feet to lay out a terrific pass for Majcen and the striker strolled past the disoriented backline to receive and then strike the ball successfully past Sandhu.

After settling one goal, Talal decided to add another one to his tally by jumping upon a defensive error by Aleksandar Jovanović and storming into the box in his carefree demeanour to chip the ball over Sandhu and seal the deal for the home team. Chhetri had a chance to bring the game back on level terms after Majcen’s strikethrough. Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) graduate Chingambam Shivaldo Singh curled in a peach of a cross for his captain from the right flank, but Chhetri was unable to keep his headed shot on target, thus allowing Punjab FC to secure the three points lock, stock, and barrel, after Talal’s goal.

Key Performer of the Match

Madih Talal (Punjab FC)

The attacking midfielder was the architect of their previous win against Chennaiyin FC, and he rose to the occasion again tonight by recording a goal and an assist to his name. Impressively, he completed 94% of his 35 passes, made two crosses, and created four goal-scoring opportunities to deliver a highly impactful individual performance.

What’s next for both teams?

Punjab FC will next play Kerala Blasters FC on February 12, whereas Bengaluru FC will host Chennaiyin FC on February 7.

Brief Scores

Punjab FC 3 (Wimar Jordan Gil 23’, Luka Majcen 71’, Madih Talal 77’) – 1 Bengaluru FC (Sunil Chhetri 15’)    

Stats Pack:

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by Abhishek Shukla

Hockey India congratulates Salima Tete on completing 100 International Caps

Bhubaneswar, 3rd February 2024: Hockey India, on Saturday, congratulated Salima Tete on making her 100th appearance for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team in their first match of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 against China at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Bhubaneswar. Salima, known for her blistering pace, made her debut for India in the 2016 Test Matches: AUS v IND (W) that was held in Melbourne in November 2016. Since then, Salima has set up numerous goals for her teammates and scored 14 goals herself.

The livewire, who hails from Jharkhand, attained the status of an Olympian at 19 years of age, as she was part of the historic squad that finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. The invaluable experience from the Olympics saw her bloom as a player. Soon after, she was named the Rising Player of the Tournament of the Women’s Asia Cup 2022, held in Muscat, where the team finished third.

A confident Salima then went on to captain the team that finished fourth at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2021 held in Potchefstroom, South Africa. In the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Salima scored a crucial goal in the 3rd/4th place match against New Zealand which enabled the team to register their first official victory against New Zealand, through penalty shootouts and claim the bronze medal.

Salima was also an integral part of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team that was crowned Champions of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup Spain 2022 in December 2022. She was also a part of the squad that won the Bronze medal in the Hangzhou Asian Games which ended in October 2023.

The best performance of her career so far came, at home, in the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 where she scored 5 goals across 7 matches and was named the Player of the Tournament. In addition to her exploits on-field, Salima was appointed as an AHF Athletes Ambassador in March 2023, enabling her to play a leadership role in international representation, development, and advocacy of athletes.

Congratulating Salima Tete on her achievement, Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey said, “I congratulate Salima on completing 100 International Caps for India. Amassing 100 appearances at such a young age is a testament to Salima’s determination and willpower. She has constantly improved throughout the years and we hope to see her continue to set turfs on fire with her scorching speed and dribbling skills. I offer my best wishes to Salima for the upcoming tournaments and her promising career.”

by Abhishek Shukla

India’s Shrivalli and Zeel impress with shock wins in L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K

Mumbai, February 3: Indian challengers Shrivalli Bhamidipaty and Zeel Desai put on a fantastic show, causing major upsets in first round qualifying matches, as top-level tennis returned to Mumbai after a hiatus of six years.
 
The 22-year-old Indian Shrivalli making her debut on the WTA Tour showed remarkable poise and confidence as she came from behind to knockout second seed Valentini Grammatikopoulou from Greece winning in straight sets in the L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125K match on Centre Court at the Cricket Club of India on Saturday.
 
The 26-year-old 117-ranked Greek player started powerfully and raced to a 3-1 lead. But Shrivalli, the Indian National champion in both singles and doubles, showed tremendous resilience and won the five games in succession to wrap up the first set. That win further boosted her confidence as she started to serve stronger and dominated the rallies and went on to take the second for a satisfying 6-3, 6-2 win.
 
In another contest, Wild Card entrant Zeel brushed aside the challenge of another Greece’s player Sapfo Sakellaridi, winning in straight sets 6-2, 6-1. Playing in conditions that were familiar to her, Desai was out of the blocks fast, and didn’t allow her Greek opponent, who was seeded seventh, any scope for a comeback. 
 
“Honestly, since it was my debut game, I was just keen, going out there and having a good game. I just wanted to play my best tennis and use my strengths to the best of my ability. The organisers (MSLTA and WTA) are doing a great job and we now have a lot of women’s tournaments, which is encouraging us to work harder. And we have also been climbing up the ranks, and I think tournaments like the WTA L&T Mumbai Open 125K allows us to compete at a higher level, which is good for us,” Shrivali said, after winning her debut game on the WTA tour.
 
Unseeded Vaidehi Chaudhari of India also advanced to the second round as (IND) as her opponent, fourth seed Dejana Radanovic after trailing 2-3 retired hurt.
 
However, two Indians who were awarded wild card failed to raise to the challenge and crashed out. Madhurima Sawant lost to Korea’s Sohyun Park 1-6, 1-6, while Sameeksha Shroff was outplayed by France’s Amandine Hesse, who charged to a 6-1, 6-0 win.
 
Meanwhile, Lina Glushko of Israel produced a gallant fight to score an upset win against fifth seed En-Shuo Liang of Chinese Taipei snatching a 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(5) win to advance to the second round.
 
Results – Qualifiers (Round-1):
 
1-Himeno Sakatsume (JPN) bt Akanksha Nitture (IND) 6-3, 6-1;
Shrivalli Bhamidipaty (IND) bt 2-Valentini Grammatikopoulou 6-3, 6-2;
WC-Zeel Desai (IND) bt 7-Sapfo Sakellaridi (GRE) 6-2, 6-1;
Amandine Hesse  (FRA) bt WC-Sameeksha Shroff (IND) 6-1, 6-0;
Lina Glushko (ISR) bt En-Shuo Liang (TPE) 5-7, 61-, 7-6(5);
Viktoria Morvayova (SVK) bt Conny Perrin (SUI) 1-6, 6-4, 6-1;
Camilla Rosatello (ITA) bt Zhibek Kulambayeva (KAZ) 4-6, 6-4, 6-3);
Sohyun Park (KOR) bt WC-Madhurima Sawant (IND) 6-1, 6-1;
Vaidehi Chaudhari (IND) bt Dejana Radanovic (SRB) 3-2 (retired);
Fanny Stollar (HUN)  bt Naiktha Bains (GBR) 5-7, 7-5, 6-1;
Peangtarn Plipuech (THA) bt Diana Marcinkevica (LAT) 6-2, 6-0.

by Abhishek Shukla

Mumbai City FC complete signing of Syrian International Thaer Krouma

Mumbai, 2 February 2023: Mumbai City FC are delighted to announce the arrival of defender Thaer Krouma. The Syrian international joins the Islanders on a short-term contract until the end of the 2023-24 season.

The experienced centre-back has played most of his football in his home country of Syria. In addition to this, he has also plied his trade in the top flight divisions of Iraq, Lebanon and Bahrain. Most recently, Krouma turned out for defending Syrian Premier League champions Al Fotuwa SC and represented the Syrian club in continental competitions as well, having participated in the 2023-24 AFC Cup.

The 33-year-old defender has over 30 caps for the Syrian Men’s National Football Team and recently represented his country at the ongoing 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, playing every minute of Syria’s memorable campaign. Krouma was a part of the Syrian defence that only conceded two goals in the entire tournament before their penalty shootout defeat to Iran in the Round of 16.

Krouma will join the Islanders’ camp in Mumbai in the coming days and will wear the number 35 shirt for Mumbai City.

Thaer Krouma said:

“Joining Mumbai City and coming to India is a very exciting prospect for me and I want to thank the club for making me a part of this project. The ISL has a great profile in Asia and so does Indian football. I recently had the pleasure of playing against India at the AFC Asian Cup and the growing quality of Indian players and clubs is for everyone to see. I’m delighted and excited to start my journey with one of India’s biggest clubs, and I can’t wait to get going with my teammates and our fans.”

Petr Kratky, Head Coach – Mumbai City, said:

“In Thaer, we are bringing in an experienced and a solid defender. He had a very good AFC Asian Cup campaign with Syria and his performances speak for themselves. He not only brings plenty of international pedigree but also great experience of club football across Asia. Thaer has demonstrated his abilities at the highest level and we are confident that he will form an important part of our group in the second half of the season. We are excited to welcome him to our squad and I look forward to working with him.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Mumbai City FC looks to overcome significant departures against rejuvenated Jamshedpur FC

Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC will square off in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 at the Mumbai Football Arena (MFA) on February 4, Sunday at 7:30 p.m. (IST). This game will mark the return of Khalid Jamil with his first game for JFC in Mumbai, the place that propelled him to coaching success back when he coached Mumbai FC in the I-League.

Jamil has had a terrific impact on the Red Miners since he replaced Scott Cooper at the helm. He spearheaded them to the semi-final of the Kalinga Super Cup, which is a remarkable feat given that they have won only twice and lost seven times in their 13 league encounters so far.

They sealed a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC on Wednesday, but will want to go one step ahead and inflict a loss upon the Islanders in their own backyard. Mumbai City FC have endured an exciting campaign in their bid to defend their League Winners Shield title. They lost all their games in the AFC Champions League, suffered a series of unconvincing results given the quality of their squad, and saw the departure of their head coach Des Buckingham to Oxford United FC.

They went into the break with a terrific victory against Chennaiyin FC at home, and will wish to pick up from there against Jamshedpur FC, whose fortunes have been on the rise in the last month or so.

However, the Islanders have been dealt with major blows in the winter transfer window, with key players like Greg Stewart, Abdenasser El Khayati, and Rostyn Griffiths leaving the club. Head coach Petr Kratky has been served a challenge straightaway upon his arrival, and how he works his way around them will go a long way in deciding his credentials at the City Football Group (CFG) owned outfit.

What’s at stake?

Mumbai City FC

Regardless of the numerous key departures this season, the Islanders have to fight till the end to not slip away from their pursuit of challenging for the top honours on the domestic front.

At this stage, it appears that the trio of Kerala Blasters FC, Odisha FC, and FC Goa have somehow beaten the Islanders in terms of points as well as performances. However, Mumbai City FC are defending the shield for a reason and they are well aware of the measures that they must take to overtake the aforementioned set of teams to attain their objectives.

They are often a difficult team to beat at home, and are arguably better placed in terms of the quality present in their ranks vis-à-vis Jamshedpur FC. Interestingly, they have never won consecutive matches against the Red Miners in the ISL. However, they have not been defeated at the MFA even once in this ISL campaign, and Kratky will be hoping to extend that record when his men take the field on Sunday evening.

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC has been a recharged unit since Jamil’s appointment, with the tactician arguably setting them up in a way that optimises their strength. Whilst Cooper’s philosophy was broadly focused on playing a possession-based brand of football, Jamil stresses on a strengthened backline supported by industrious midfielders and quick wingers. He has a striker in Daniel Chima Chukwu, who can be a threat in the air and equally skilful with his feet inside the box.

Moreover, Jamil is perhaps better placed to optimise the qualities of his domestic contingent, which is reflected in the growing confidence of Imran Khan with which he found the back of the net against the Highlanders. Overall, he has given an impression that he understands what this squad can offer him and is working towards ensuring that they get the expected results regardless of the opposition they are facing.

Key Players

Yoell van Nieff (Mumbai City FC)

The Dutch defensive midfielder will have added responsibility to shoulder the responsibilities of the defensive unit in the absence of Griffiths. Van Nieff has made eight appearances in ISL 2023-24, recording an 82% passing accuracy, making seven interceptions, and earning 14 fouls. He has created a goal-scoring opportunity in every game, which suggests that he is constantly looking for avenues to breach the opposition’s defensive line.

It is possible that he could be pegged in a deeper role to make up for Griffiths, and whether that negatively impacts his forays moving forward remains to be seen. However, with the going away of multiple star international players, the significance of van Nieff increases massively in the Mumbai City FC unit. A terrific second half of ISL 2023-24 will help him individually and result in overall better performances from the team’s end as well.

Imran Khan (Jamshedpur FC)

The Jamshedpur FC midfielder has averaged 76.6 minutes per field across his 10 appearances in the ISL this season. He has created 14 goal-scoring chances, netted and assisted once each, and been quick on his feet whilst winning 13 fouls in total. Imran has made eight interceptions, made an average of 27 passes per game, and been a lively presence whether through the centre or even via the flanks.

He has been booked only once so far, and his strike against the Highlanders means that he will be beaming with confidence coming into this fixture. Jamil has never lost a game against Mumbai City FC in the ISL, and the contributions of Imran will be essential in keeping that record intact come Sunday. Interestingly, he has been very neat in his passing, completing 80% of them in this campaign and by the looks of it; his role and responsibilities are only going to get bigger and better in Jamil’s watch.



Head-to-Head

Played – 12

Mumbai City FC – 4

Jamshedpur FC – 5

Draws – 3

Trivia: Jamshedpur FC have won only once in their seven away fixtures in the ISL 2023-24.

Team Talk

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“There was a lot of opportunities to give to these young boys and I’m very happy and I’m looking forward to work with them more. We missed players due to national team duties, and they need to just keep working hard,” Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky said in the pre-match press conference. 

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“In the second half, everybody tried, but they came hard at us for the equaliser and they got it. But we tried and that’s a good point, but I wanted to get three points, which would’ve been better for us,” Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil reflected on their draw against NorthEast United FC in the last game.

ISL Fantasy

Rahul Bheke (4.1cr)

Proactive approach in moving the ball higher up the field

Lalengmawia Ralte (4.9cr)

Guaranteed contributions on both attacking and defensive fronts from the middle

Daniel Chima Chukwu (5.5cr)

Constant goal-scoring threat from the JFC ranks


Where to Watch

Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 HD (English), Sports18 3 SD (English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), News 18 Kerala (Malayalam – select matches) & DD Bangla (Bengali). Fans can also catch the action streaming Live for free on JioCinema, the home of Indian football. In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.

Point Table

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by Abhishek Shukla

CABI announces squad for Triangular series against Pakistan, Sri Lanka to be held in Dubai

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], February 3, 2024: Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled on Saturday announced the squad for the upcoming Triangular series between India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to be held in Dubai.

Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind along with Pakistan and Sri Lanka will feature in a Triangular Series in Dubai from February 22 to February 25,2024. Indian team will have 17-member squad for the Triangular series and players are chosen based on their performances in the 6th edition of Nagesh Trophy which concluded on Friday (Karnataka won the Nagesh Trophy beating Andhra Pradesh in finals at Nagpur).

Debaraj Behera (B1) from Odisha, Gudadappa (B1) from Karnataka, Sanjay Kumar Shah (B1) from Delhi and Magunta Sai (B2) from Karnataka have received maiden call to the National team for the Triangular series.

Dr Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, Chairman, CABI said “The selection is a mix of experienced and new players. Their hard work and disciplined performances in Nagesh Trophy have paved the way into the Indian Team. The Results haven’t been positive in the recent years in the triangular tournaments for the Indian Team however the national tournament has provided the players to be better fit than ever.”

President of CABI Mr Buse Gowda said “the national tournament has provided new players and we have found the new talent which needs to be supported. 4 players have received the maiden call up. CABI believes that training along with exposure will enhance their skills to make the country proud.”

The coaching camp for the Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind will be held from February 8 to February 20. 2024 in Bangalore. India will play Pakistan and Sri Lanka with one match each and the top 2 teams based on the points will play the finals on February 25, 2024.

Indian Men’s Squad for Triangular Series 2024 at Dubai

1.   Nareshbhai Balubhai Tumda       – B1              – Gujarat

2.   Nilesh Yadav                                – B1              – Delhi

3.   Ajaykumar Reddy Illuri                – B1              – Andhra Pradesh

4.   Debaraj Behera                           – B1              – Odisha

5.   Gudadappa                                 – B1              – Karnataka

6.   Sanjay Kumar Shah                    – B1              – Delhi

7.   Venkateswara Rao Dunna           – B2              – Andhra Pradesh

8.   Pankaj Bhue                                – B2              – Odisha

9.   Lokesha                                       – B2              – Karnataka

10. Nakula Badanayak                      – B2              – Odisha

11. Magunta Sai                                – B2              – Karnataka

12. Durga Rao Tompaki                     – B3              – Andhra Pradesh

13. Sunil Ramesh                              – B3              – Karnataka

14. Sukhram Majhi                           – B3              – Odisha

15. Ravi Amiti                                   – B3              – Andhra Pradesh

16.  Dinesh Rathva                            – B3              – Gujarat

17.  Dhinagar. G                                – B3              – Pondicherry

by Abhishek Shukla

Indian shuttler Arati Patil qualifies for Para Badminton World Championships 2024

Pune, February 3, 2024: Rising Indian shuttler Arati Patil, who is supported by the Punit Balan Group (PBG), has confirmed her berth at the upcoming BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024, to be held in Pattaya, Thailand from February 20 to 25.

The 23-year-old Kolhapur resident is currently ranked 13 in the women’s singles (Standing/upper limb impairment) SU5 world rankings.

The Khelo India gold medallist Arati won a mixed doubles silver medal at the 2017 Asian Youth Para Games and has accumulated seven bronze medals in women’s singles and doubles events at various international para-badminton competitions.

“The Punit Balan Group has always believed that by investing in the dreams of athletes, we contribute to the larger narrative of India’s sporting success. Arati Patil is an exceptional talent. We are delighted to fuel her aspirations as she competes on the world stage. I am confident that she will bring laurels to the country at the World Championships. I wish her all the best,” commented Punit Balan, Chairman & Managing Director, PBG.

Arati has previously competed at the BWF Para Badminton World Championships in 2019.

“I’m thrilled to be qualified for the BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024. With the financial burden lifted off my mind, it allows me to fully focus on my game. I am truly grateful for the remarkable support from Punit sir and the Punit Balan Group. The backing has opened doors to top-tier coaching, and advanced training facilities, which will help me to achieve all the goals I have set for myself,” said Arati.

In a significant stride towards nurturing homegrown talent, the PBG has been offering financial backing to Arati for the next three years totaling INR 33 lakh. This support has also reinforced Arati’s preparations for the 2024 Paralympic Games.

Having invested in nine sporting leagues and endorsing nearly 60 budding Indian sports talents, PBG has been at the forefront of supporting sports initiatives across the nation and globally.

by Abhishek Shukla

’10 Seasons of PKL showcases the love for the competition from the people of India,’ says Bollywood Star Kriti Sanon

NEW DELHI, 03rd February 2024: Bollywood stars Kriti Sanon and Shahid Kapoor graced the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in New Delhi to watch the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 matches between Gujarat Giants & Haryana Steelers and Dabang Delhi K.C. & Bengal Warriors on Friday.

Speaking about her experience at the stadium, Kriti Sanon said, “It’s lovely to be here at the stadium. The fact that the Pro Kabaddi League has reached its 10th season shows that the people love the competition. And it’s amazing to see the players receive an opportunity to showcase their talent.”

Meanwhile, Film Actor Shahid Kapoor said, “We saw a lot of people when we entered the stadium. There was a lot of excitement amongst the kabaddi lovers. Additionally, the fans in Delhi have always been amazing.”

When asked if he wanted to try his hand at kabaddi, Kapoor said, “We all watch kabaddi and it’s a very popular sport. But I think it’s a really difficult sport to play. If I ever get a chance to play the character of a kabaddi player, then I’ll definitely try it, but I don’t think I can play this sport in real life.”

The Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 Delhi leg will be held until 07 February 2023 before it moves to Kolkata and Panchkula.

Please find below the schedule for PKL Season 10 matches today

Game 1 – U.P. Yoddhas vs U Mumba – 8 pm

Game 2 – Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Telugu Titans

Venue: New Delhi

Season 10 of the Pro Kabaddi League will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and for free on Disney+ hotstar.  

by Abhishek Shukla

‘The loss is an opportunity to test our resilience,’ says Sharjah Warriors head coach JP Duminy

Abu Dhabi, 3 February 2024: The Sharjah Warriors faced defeat at the hands of the MI Emirates during their ILT20 Clash at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday. Waqar Salamkheil was the hero for the MI Emirates with the ball. But at the end, it was their opening batters Muhammad Waseem and Kusal Perera who helped chase down 130 runs in 11.1 overs to secure victory for their side.

Despite the loss, Sharjah Warriors head coach JP Duminy chose to take the positives from the match, “There are always going to be challenges that you face in a tournament. These moments are going to define your team and their character. I always see them as a gift. Unfortunately, we came up short on the night, but it gives us a great opportunity to test our resilience as we build combinations leading into the real important part of the tournament.”

Three wins in six games have given the Sharjah Warriors a chance to make it to the playoffs, something that the South African legend is sure that his team will achieve, “We’re still giving ourselves a good chance to get into the last four. For us, really, it’s about trying to find momentum and gaining confidence from it.

Adding to this, he said, “We must turn around quickly. We have a day’s break and then we play back-to-back games on Sunday and Monday, so hopefully we can put in a big performance and take that into the backend of the tournament.”

JP Duminy also reserved high praise for the ILT20, saying, “The ILT20 tournament has different players from all around the world coming together to put on these amazing performances. It’s a great spectacle, not only for T20 cricket, but global cricket as a whole.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Nikhat and Lovlina to spearhead India’s challenge at 75th Strandja Memorial Tournament

New Delhi, February 3, 2024:Reigning world champions Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain are set to lead Indian challenge as the Boxing Federation of India named 19-member squad for the 75th Strandja Memorial Tournament to be held in Sofia, Bulgaria from February 3 to February 11.

The Strandja Memorial Tournament is one of Europe’s oldest international sports competitions. With the intense competition in presence of around 300 boxers from 30 countries, the tournament will be a great preparation for the Paris Olympics.

Besides Nikhat (50kg) and Lovlina (75kg), Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti (54kg), World Championships bronze medallist Manisha (60kg), Asian Championships bronze medallist Sakshi (57kg) and national champion Arundhati Choudhary (66kg) are also included in the squad to compete in the women’s section of the prestigious tournament.

The men’s squad, on the other hand, consists of the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Amit Panghal (51kg) along with the other national champions including Barun Singh Shagolshem (48kg), Lalit (54kg), Sachin (57kg), Akash Gorkha (60kg), Rajat (67kg), Akash (71kg), Deepak (75kg), Jugnoo (86kg).

Vanshaj (63.5kg), Abhimanyu Loura (80kg), Naveen Kumar (92kg) and Sagar (92+kg) are the other four Indian male boxers who are also part of the squad.

The Indian pugilists finished with eight medals, including three silver and five bronze, in the last edition of the tournament held in 2023.

The draw ceremony will take place later tonight.

Indian Squad:

Men: Barun Singh Shagolshem (48kg), Amit (51kg), Lalit (54kg), Sachin (57kg), Akash Ramesh Gorkha (60kg), Vanshaj (63.5kg), Rajat (67kg), Akash (71kg), Deepak (75kg), Abhimanyu Loura (80kg), Jugnoo (86kg), Naveen Kumar (92kg), Sagar (92+kg).

Women: Nikhat Zareen (50kg), Preeti (54kg), Sakshi (57kg), Manisha (60kg), Arundhati Choudhary (66kg), Lovlina Borgohain (75kg).

by Abhishek Shukla

8Bit Creatives Partners with Rooter to Elevate India’s Gaming Content Landscape

Mumbai, February 3, 2024: 8Bit Creatives, India’s leading gaming influencer talent management agency has partnered with Rooter, the country’s largest gaming and esports content platform to bolster the nation’s Gaming Creator Economy.

This collaboration will see 8Bit Creatives’ notable gaming influencers, PC gamers, and GTA roleplay creators, such as Tanmay Singh aka ScoutOp, Parv Singh aka Regaltos, Raj Varma aka Snax, Salman Ahmad aka 8Bit Mamba, Mithul Nayak aka 8Bit Binks stream and curate engaging content on the Rooter platform.

By merging the reach of 8Bit Creatives’ creators with Rooter’s distribution and monetization solutions, the partnership aims to significantly enhance access to diverse and engaging gaming content for audiences across the country. At the same time, the partners will be developing multiple avenues for brands and advertisers to engage deeply with India’s passionate gaming community.

Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug, Founder & CEO, 8Bit Creatives, expressed the significance of the partnership with Rooter for the Indian Esports industry. He stated, “Our collaboration with Rooter will act as a catalyst for the sustained growth of India’s gaming creator economy. We are excited to bring our gaming influencers and creators to a platform that shares our vision for excellence in gaming content as well as the prosperity of the community. Together, we aim to create an immersive and unparalleled gaming experience for millions of fans across the nation.”

Gaming is now the top entertainment choice and source of social connection for India’s young demographic, attracting both endemic and non-endemic brands eager to connect with this audience. Industry leaders like 8Bit Creatives and Rooter have been building multiple brand solutions on the back of engaging content experiences. Investing in strengthening them will also be a cornerstone of this collaboration.

Underlining the shared focus behind the partnership, Dipesh Agarwal, Co-Founder and COO, Rooter said “8Bit Creatives shares our strong drive to unlock massive growth opportunities for the Indian Gaming ecosystem and we are excited to collaborate with a partner like them. We’ve been facilitating multiple monetization opportunities for creators through partnerships with ~100 brands, fan donations, and more. With this collaboration, we will be working closely with the 8Bit Creatives team to elevate value creation for the creator community. We also aim to develop innovative marketing playbooks and solutions at the intersection of gaming, content, pop culture, and social media, which will establish new operating benchmarks for the ecosystem.”

According to Niko Partners’ ‘India Games Market’ report, India’s video game market is the fastest growing by gamers and revenue and the number of gamers across all platforms in India is forecast to reach 641.2 million in 2027, growing at a 5-year CAGR of 10.1%.

The association between 8Bit Creatives and Rooter promises to usher in a new era of high-quality content, engagement, and an overall enriched gaming experience for fans.

by Abhishek Shukla

Squash: Home favourite Olivia Weaver scores semi-final spot with victory over Subramaniam

USA No.2 Olivia Weaver defeated a resilient Sivasangari Subramaniam to book her place in the semi finals of the Bahl and Gaynor Cincinnati Gaynor Cup.

Both the Malaysian and the American played along the left wall in the first game, but good lengths weren’t enough as the players dug the ball well out of the back left corner, and instead the first phase of the match was decided by Subramaniam’s mistakes. Weaver edged a lead after the No.6 seed hit the tin on several occasions, and the advantage was enough to carry the American through to a 11-7 first game.

The encounter remained close, with the majority of play remaining on both of the players’ backhands. Weaver played accurately and doubled her lead in an evenly-matched second game.

Weaver continued on the front foot and earned herself two match balls. The Malaysian rallied back, and with four consecutive points had a game ball over the American at 11-10, then again at 12-11 and 13-12 before the home favourite, spurred on by the Cincinnati crowd, pushed on to win the tie break at 15-13 and book the first spot in the semi finals.

“The last two times I played her she ended up having match balls, so they were real battles,” Weaver reflected after the match. “She’s incredibly dangerous. I feel like she could take any player out on the PSA Tour when she’s playing her best squash so I knew I had to come out here and play my best squash to take her.”

“I came here and I want to get to the final. I fell short at the last event and I just want to turn around and feel good about the squash I’m producing.”

In the second match of the day, top seed and England No.1 Georgina Kennedy defeated Wales’ Tesni Murphy in three games.

The Englishwoman had a particularly bright start, going 7-0 up in just three minutes with her usual physical brand of squash. Murphy picked up the pace at the final phase of game one, but the deficit was too big to overcome as the World No.6 took the lead. Despite taking a 3-1 lead at the start of the second game, the Wales’ no.1 struggled to find a consistent weak point in Kennedy’s game and conceded the second game 11-5.

Kennedy kept up the strong attacking squash and though Murphy was strong in the final game, returning some difficult balls from the back of the court, the Englishwoman stormed on to a 3-0 victory after an 11-7 final game.

“I knew how I wanted to play and what I wanted to do on there. She doesn’t make any rally easy so I’m really proud to get off in three,” said Kennedy afterwards.

“I work a lot on my fitness, so I’m definitely not afraid of those hard, longer matches and that’s usually my game plan going in and I can kept a bit carried away with going in short. But I’m definitely happy to come off sooner rather than later.

“[Tomorrow] is going to be a massive challenge. One of Olivia’s strengths is her physicality and her fitness so I’m expecting really tough battle”

No.4 seed Rowan Elaraby took on compatriot Kenzy Ayman in the third match of the day, after the latter’s upset victory over Wales’ Emily Whitlock in round 2.

The 23-year-old was quick around the court and played consistently good length, but any loose balls were dealt with definitively by Ayman. Elaraby earned an early lead as she took the first game 11-7. The second game was marred by referee interference as multiple decisions disrupted the flow of the game. The stop-and-start nature worked in the 19-year-old’s favour as she played accurate winners and levelled the match in a close-fought tie break win.

The World No.12 pushed on from that point, getting the better of the longer rallies and not giving Ayman any loose balls to work with. Elaraby quickly won the final two games in quick succession 11-5, 11-4 to book her place in tomorrow’s semi finals. The No.4 seed looked back on her performance after the match.

“I don’t think I played my best squash today, but it’s always messy when you play an upcoming opponent. She’s young, she’s got nothing to lose so I think she played her best squash and I was caught in the middle with the messiness of her game plan.

“When I lost the second game, I tried to get back to my original game plan, do some tight work and I’m glad it worked. It’s tough to keep yourself focused all the time, so I did my best today to keep myself in the moment and keep it together.”

In the last quarter final match of the tournament, No.2 seed Tinne Gilis defeated 17-year-old Fayrouz Aboelkheir. The Egyptian came into the match after a strong performance to beat No.5 seed Sarah-Jane Perry.

The Belgian kept her nose slightly ahead in an evenly-matched first game, and despite a very late fightback from Aboelkheir, Gilis took the lead on her fourth game ball. The World No.8 propelled on in the second game; from 2-2, Gilis won nine points to take a 2-0 advantage in the match.

The Belgian carried on her run in the third, claiming another seven consecutive points before the Egyptian put an end to Gilis’ 16-point streak. Aboelkheir struggled to recover from that point and the No.2 seed went on to win the third and final game 11-3.

The semi-finals commence at 17:00 in Cincinnati with top seed Kennedy facing USA’s Weaver, available to watch live on SQUASHTV.

Results: Bahl and Gaynor Cincinnati Gaynor Cup Quarter-Finals

[3] Olivia Weaver (USA) bt [6] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) 3-0: 11-7, 11-9, 15-13 (43m)

[1] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) bt [7] Tesni Murphy (WAL) 3-0: 11-3, 11-5, 11-7 (32m)

[4] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) bt Kenzy Ayman (EGY) 3-1: 11-7, 10-12, 11-5, 11-4 (34m)

[2] Tinne Gilis (BEL) bt Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) 3-0: 11-9, 11-2, 11-3 (25m)

Draw: Bahl and Gaynor Cincinnati Gaynor Cup Semi-Finals 

17:00 [1] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) v [3] Olivia Weaver (USA)

18:00 [4] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) v [2] Tinne Gilis (BEL)