by Abhishek Shukla

Hockey India congratulates Manpreet Singh on completing 350 international caps

Bhubaneswar, 10th February 2024: Hockey India congratulated Manpreet Singh on completing 350 International Caps when India took on Spain in their first match of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.

Manpreet Singh hails from Punjab – a state known for producing top-quality hockey players for the country. Manpreet, a midfielder recognized for his agility, made his debut for the Indian Men’s Hockey Team in 2011 at the age of 19. He was a part of the Indian squad that won the 2011 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy held in Ordos, China as well as the squad that won the Silver medal in the 2013 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup in Malaysia. Manpreet also won the Gold medal with the Indian team at the 2014 Asian Games in South Korea.

Manpreet won the Silver medal with the Indian Team at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Bronze medal in the 2014-15 Men’s FIH Hockey World League. This was followed by Silver medals in the 2016 South Asian Games in Guwahati and the 2016 Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy in London. He then went on to win the Gold medal with the Indian Team in the 2017 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup in Dhaka, Bangladesh before helping India finish in third place at the 2016-17 Men’s FIH Hockey World League.

The year 2018 saw the now 31-year-old win the Silver medal with the Indian Team at the Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy in Breda, Netherlands, the Bronze medal at the Asian Games in Jakarta and the Gold at the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat, Oman.

Manpreet won his first Olympic medal in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan as the Indian Team finished in third place and won another Bronze medal at the 2021 Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in Dhaka. The Indian Men’s Hockey Team won the Silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, England with Manpreet playing a crucial role. He won the Gold medal with the Indian team at the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy held in Chennai before winning yet another Gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou later that year.

When asked about the colossal achievement, Manpreet said, “I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity of representing my country in 350 matches. It’s great to be playing a match of such significance at home in front of our fellow countrymen. I would like to thank my family, friends and support staff for their unwavering support throughout this journey. I am truly blessed to have had such great backing and I hope to continue to do justice to their efforts.”

Congratulating Manpreet on achieving this milestone, Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey said, “350 international matches is no mean feat. It takes a lot of grit and determination to be able to continuously deliver for the country for over a decade. Manpreet is an invaluable player to the Indian team and we congratulate him on reaching great heights in this game. We wish him continued success as he continues to inspire many people across all walks of life.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Nikhat, Amit shine as six Indian boxers storm into finals at 75th Strandja Memorial Tournament

Sofia, (Bulgaria), February 10, 2024: Two time world champion Nikhat Zareen and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Amit Panghal put up a dominating show to enter the finals along with the four other Indian boxers at the 75th Strandja Memorial Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria on Saturday.

Nikhat Zareen (50kg) was in action for the first semifinals of the day. With the crowd support behind the Bulgarian pugilist Zlatislava Chukanova, Nikhat started the bout cautiously, taking some time to get into the rhythm but did not lose hold of the game as she won the round 3-2.

Nikhat was clinical in the second round giving no room to her Bulgarian opponent to form an attack while delivering some accurate blows. Nkhat continued her domination in the third round as she maintained the composure, giving her opponent no chance of a comeback to seal the match with a 5-0 verdict. Nilkhat will square off against Uzbekistan’s Sabina Bobokulova in the gold medal match on Sunday.

It was an easy day at the office for India’s Amit Panghal (51kg) as he won his 3rd consecutive match with a unanimous 5-0 decision. Amit faced Turkey’s Gumus Samet and looked comfortable right from the start. Amit used his experience to attack when needed while smartly using his footwork to get away from the punches of the opponent. 

The Indian pugilist did not break a sweat as he continued to build on the momentum from the first round to get a comfortable win to enter the finals. Amit will take on the reigning world champion Kazakhstan’s Sanzhar Tashkenbay on Sunday.

On the other hand, Arundhati Choudhary (66kg) made light work of her opponent Jessica Triebeľová of Slovakia to secure a 5-0 win. The Indian pugilist utilized her smart movement and aggressive approach to dominate the bout throughout as she won each round with a 5-0 score to advance into the finals with a unanimous decision win. Arundhati will face a tough challenge from reigning World and Asian champion China’s Yang Liu on Sunday.

Barun Singh Shagolshem (48kg) continued India’s dominance with an identical 5-0 unanimous decision win over Khenoussi Kamel of Algeria. Playing his first game of the competition after receiving bye in the quarterfinals Barun looked lethal and made full use of his technical ability combined with quick movements. Before the opponent figured out the counter attacking options, it was too late as Barun clinched the unanimous decision win and will take on Khodzhiev Anvarzhan of Kyrgyzstan in the finals on Sunday.

Sachin (57kg) was the last pugilist in action in the first session against Ukraine’s Abduraimov Aider and he didn’t disappoint. The Indian pugilist took some time to set his feat in the match as the Ukrainian boxer played the aggressor role. Sachin lost the first round with a close 2-3 score. 
The southpaw showed his class in the second round, as he made full use of his long reach and delivered multiple strong left hooks to the opponent. The third round was no different as Sachin successfully resisted every attempt by Aider and pinned him against the ropes, throwing a fury of accurate punches in return to grab a comeback 4-1 win. Sachin will go head to head against Uzbekistan’s Shakhzod Muzafarov in the finals on Sunday.

Rajat (67kg) also entered the finals after his opponent Guruli Lasha of Georgia gave him a walkover in the semis.

Akash (71kg) and Naveen Kumar (92kg) will be in action later tonight. Akash will be up against Uzbekistan’s Ikboljon Kholdarov while Naveen Kumar will face Georgii Kushitashvili of Georgia.

Late on Friday,  Deepak (75kg) and Abhimanyu Loura (80kg) bowed out of the tournament. Deepak lost 0-5 against Ummatalievu Javokhir of Uzbekistan and Abhimanyu Loura went down fighting against China’s Tuohetaerbieke Tanglatihan with a scoreline of 1-4.

The Strandja Memorial Tournament is one of Europe’s oldest international sports competitions and is witnessing the participation of over 300 pugilists from 30 countries.

by Abhishek Shukla

Kasparov vs. Deep Blue: A Landmark Chess Battle of Man vs. Machine in 1996

In 1996, the world witnessed a historic confrontation that transcended the realm of chess, becoming a symbol of the ongoing competition between human intelligence and artificial intelligence. Garry Kasparov, the reigning World Chess Champion and considered by many as the greatest chess player of all time, faced off against Deep Blue, a chess-playing computer developed by IBM. This six-round match marked the first time a reigning world champion played a chess computer under standard chess tournament conditions, capturing the imagination of people around the globe.

Kasparov emerged victorious, with a final score of 4–2, securing his position as the world’s premier chess talent. However, the match was notable for more than just the final score. Deep Blue’s victory in the first game of the match was a monumental moment; it was the first time a reigning world champion had lost to a computer under standard chess tournament conditions. This victory by Deep Blue served as a stark demonstration of the strides being made in the field of artificial intelligence, showcasing the potential for computers to challenge and even surpass human capabilities in specific domains.

The 1996 match was characterized by intense and high-level play, with Kasparov employing his deep understanding of chess strategy and tactics to outmaneuver the computer’s formidable calculating abilities. Deep Blue, on the other hand, utilized brute force computing and advanced algorithms to analyze millions of positions per second, presenting a style of play that was incredibly challenging for Kasparov to counter.

Despite Kasparov’s victory in 1996, the saga did not end there. IBM returned to the drawing board, making significant upgrades to Deep Blue’s hardware and software. In 1997, a rematch was held, during which Deep Blue defeated Kasparov in a six-game match, marking the first time a reigning world champion lost a match to a computer under standard chess tournament conditions. This rematch further underscored the dramatic progress of artificial intelligence and its potential to compete at the highest levels of human cognitive performance.

The Kasparov vs. Deep Blue matches are remembered not only as a pivotal moment in the history of chess but also as a landmark event in the study of artificial intelligence. They sparked widespread debate and discussion about the future of human and machine intelligence, the limits of computer capabilities, and the implications for other fields requiring cognitive expertise. Over two decades later, these matches continue to be studied and referenced as a key moment in the ongoing dialogue between human intuition and creativity and machine precision and calculation.

by Abhishek Shukla

Race for playoff spots intensify with a rejuvenated Jamshedpur FC hosting upbeat Bengaluru FC

Jamshedpur, 10 February 2024: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 looks set to witness another nail-biting clash when Bengaluru FC travel to take on Jamshedpur FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on February 11, Sunday, at 7:30 PM IST. There are teams that get on a sudden positive run of things upon the arrival of a new head coach, but the momentum that the Red Miners find themselves in currently is truly distinct and remarkable. Their improvement in performances under the tutelage of Khalid Jamil was visible in the Kalinga Super Cup, where they arguably beat all odds to make it to the semi-final.

They resumed the ISL campaign sluggishly, conceding a lead to settle for a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC. However, it was their second-half comeback by three goals that saw them beat Mumbai City FC 3-2 that made all heads turn.

The Islanders were taken aback by the energy and enthusiasm that Jamshedpur FC approached the second half on an away turf. They must be taking a lot of confidence from that performance at home against the Blues, who bounced back to winning ways with a comfortable 1-0 win over their southern rivals Chennaiyin FC.

The scoreline might suggest otherwise, but the Gerard Zaragoza-coached side was in control of the proceedings throughout the 90 minutes or so. They created chances aplenty, and gave away few of them, a pattern that the team would be hoping to see a repeat of against Jamshedpur FC. Zaragoza will want his forwards to put more chances to bed though, and whether they have improved on the finishing bit of things will be closely monitored in the coming clash.

What’s at stake?

Jamshedpur FC

Not many teams manage to overcome a two-goal deficit at the home of Mumbai City FC, and Jamil must be credited for optimising the strength of the squad at his disposal. His next task must be to blend in a sense of consistency within the team, so that they can produce such impressive results regularly. The previous game between the two sides had resulted in a 1-0 win for the Blues, with Javi Hernandez converting a penalty at the brink of half-time.

Jamshedpur FC does not boast of a positive record against Bengaluru FC lately, having lost each of their previous four games against the Blues. Further, the team has not been in the best of touch in their home turf either, being winless in their previous five ISL fixtures at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. A distinct feature of the Jamshedpur FC gameplay has been their tendency to commit fouls, making 12.6 of them on an average in each match, which is the highest amongst all teams this season.

Jamshedpur FC has appeared to be more lethal moving forward since Jamil came on board. Imran Khan has been sharp from the flank and Jeremy Manzorro has been equally proficient delivering sharp passes into the final third. TP Rehenesh has been solid between the posts, thwarting the waves of attacks the opposition unleashes upon him. The head coach will want all his players from the back to the front to be at the top of their game to hold a promising looking Bengaluru FC unit.

Bengaluru FC

Zaragoza must be pleased with the clean sheet that Bengaluru FC kept in the last game, as the club invested heavily in strengthening their defence in the January transfer window. The duo of Nikhil Poojary and Chinglensana Singh add impressive sharpness to the back, and it was in fact Poojary’s industriousness moving forward that helped them produce the move that led to the winner by Ryan Williams against Chennaiyin FC.

A win here will help Bengaluru FC secure their outright most consecutive victories against a single opposition in ISL history, having won four successive games against Jamshedpur FC. The Blues will want to address some concerns at the back, having given away goals in each of their last seven away matches.

This has not been the best of the seasons in the ISL for them, which reflects in the 14 points that they have garnered after 14 games, i.e. the least that the Blues have ever gotten at this stage of the competition. Moreover, the 22 goals they have conceded is their highest ever tally after 14 matches of any ISL season, and these are the loopholes they must look to look after in the next eight encounters.

These are the areas that Bengaluru FC should look to double down upon. Hernandez and Chhetri joined hands for some unique set-piece routines that unfortunately for them could not be converted against Chennaiyin FC, but similar efforts against Jamshedpur FC with slightly better efficiency could reap rich dividends for them.

Key Players

Imran Khan (Jamshedpur FC)

Imran Khan has been a brilliant prospect under Jamil’s watch, scoring once each in the last couple of matches. He has gotten into formidable goal-scoring positions, and shot sharply and on target, beating the goalkeeper from distance. The attacker has been equally involved in creating opportunities for fellow forwards. With 80% accuracy, he has attempted 26 passes per game and also created 14 goal-scoring opportunities. He has made nine interceptions and earned 13 fouls, showing his engagement in all facets of the gameplay. Imran will be looking to boost his goal contributions as the season progresses but he will have his task cut out against a newly bolstered Bengaluru FC backline.

Nikhil Poojary (Bengaluru FC)

Nikhil Poojary can be heralded as one of the most complete fullbacks in the ISL currently. He is defensively tenacious, unafraid to commit to challenges, neatly recovering possession and keeping things safe for his side on his end of the field. Offensively, he is very creative, and even eager to do something in the frontline for his fellow forwards.

He takes the backline higher up on the field, dissects the opposition’s defence with razor sharp passes, but most importantly ensures that all of this doesn’t lead to any sort of complacency in the backend of the field for him. He has made 24 tackles and 28 clearances in 13 league appearances this season, but was arguably a misfit in a misfiring Hyderabad FC unit. Will things turn around for him and Bengaluru FC in the rest of the campaign? Let’s wait and watch.

Head-to-Head

Played – 13

Jamshedpur FC – 4

Bengaluru FC – 6

Draws – 3

Trivia: Jamshedpur FC has not scored in their last three encounters against Bengaluru FC.

Team Talk

“I have said it earlier also that whatever results we have gotten is because of the players. The foreign players are very mature and they are working hard. The senior Indian players are doing well and the youngsters are trying their best too. So it’s a mix of efforts from everyone,” Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil remarked in the pre-match press conference.

“It’s an important game for us, but just as important as it was for us against Chennaiyin FC or for them against Mumbai City FC. They are amongst the five-six teams fighting for the sixth spot and it’s the most difficult ISL season in the last 10 years in that regard,” Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza said ahead of the match.

ISL Fantasy

Javi Hernandez (9.8cr)

Constant source of creativity to score and produce goal-scoring chances

Nikhil Poojary (3.6cr)

Can set up goals for their forwards

Daniel Chima Chukwu (5.8cr)

A lively figure for JFC at the tip of the attack

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.

Points Table

by Abhishek Shukla

Indian Rugby Football Union Launches First Ever Franchise-Based Rugby Premier League

In a groundbreaking move for Indian rugby, the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has announced the launch of the Rugby Premier League (RPL), a franchise-based league aimed at promoting and developing the sport across the nation. This innovative initiative marks a significant milestone in the efforts to elevate rugby’s profile and accessibility in India.

Scheduled for September this year, the RPL will feature six teams competing in the exhilarating 7s format of the sport, known for its fast-paced action and shorter match durations. This format choice underscores IRFU’s commitment to showcasing rugby in its most dynamic and engaging form, catering to both existing fans and new audiences alike.

The league promises to bring together some of the best international and Indian 7s rugby talent, offering a platform for domestic players to share the field with global stars. This exchange of skills and experiences is expected to not only enhance the quality of play but also provide invaluable exposure and development opportunities for Indian rugby athletes.

In a strategic move to ensure the success and sustainable growth of the RPL, IRFU has partnered with Baseline Ventures India Pvt Ltd, one of the country’s leading sports marketing companies. This collaboration aims to leverage Baseline Ventures’ expertise in organizing and marketing sports events, ensuring that the league reaches a wide audience and generates significant interest across diverse demographics.

The introduction of the Rugby Premier League represents a bold step forward for the sport in India, reflecting IRFU’s dedication to spreading rugby’s appeal and fostering a strong, vibrant rugby community. By creating a professional and competitive environment, the RPL aspires to ignite passion for rugby throughout the country, encouraging participation at all levels.

As the countdown to the inaugural season begins, the Rugby Premier League stands on the cusp of transforming the landscape of Indian rugby, promising thrilling action, sporting excellence, and a new era of rugby fandom in the country.

by Abhishek Shukla

Lucknow Super Giants Sign Shamar Joseph as Replacement for Mark Wood in IPL 2024

In a significant move ahead of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have announced the signing of West Indies pace sensation Shamar Joseph as a replacement for English fast bowler Mark Wood. The decision comes as a strategic response to bolster the team’s bowling attack with Joseph’s inclusion for a sum of INR 3 Crore.

Shamar Joseph, who has been making waves in the international cricket circuit with his remarkable performance, was instrumental in West Indies’ recent Test victory at the Gabba. Demonstrating exceptional skill and pace, Joseph took a stunning 7 wickets in the second innings, playing a pivotal role in securing a historic win for the West Indies against Australia. His performance at the Gabba has been a topic of wide acclaim, highlighting his potential as a game-changing bowler.

This signing marks Joseph’s inaugural venture into the IPL, introducing him to a new stage and a vast audience in cricket’s most glamorous and competitive league. The young speedster’s entry into the IPL with LSG is eagerly anticipated, with fans and analysts alike keen to see how his pace and skill will translate in the T20 format.

LSG’s decision to bring in Joseph is seen as a forward-thinking move, especially in the absence of Mark Wood, who has been a key player for the team. Wood’s absence due to injury has left big shoes to fill, and Joseph’s recent exploits on the international scene suggest that he might just be the right fit for the job.

The inclusion of Shamar Joseph is expected to significantly strengthen LSG’s bowling lineup, adding depth and versatility to their attack. With the IPL known for its high-scoring games, a bowler of Joseph’s caliber could be the difference-maker in tight contests, providing LSG with an edge over their competitors.

As the IPL 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Shamar Joseph to see if he can carry his international form into the league and make a lasting impression in his debut season. With the stage set for an exciting tournament, Joseph’s journey with the Lucknow Super Giants will undoubtedly be one of the key narratives to follow.

by Matt Windsor (US)

Kane’s Hat Trick Powers Oilers Past Ducks 5-3 in Comeback Win

ANAHEIM — The Edmonton Oilers orchestrated a thrilling comeback win, defeating the Anaheim Ducks 5-3 at the Honda Center on Friday, highlighted by Evander Kane’s standout hat trick performance. This victory marked Kane’s eighth career hat trick, showcasing his scoring prowess and contributing significantly to the Oilers’ success.

Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid also played pivotal roles in the victory, with Draisaitl scoring a goal and adding an assist, while McDavid provided three assists to fuel the Oilers’ offense. Goaltender Calvin Pickard made 24 saves, helping Edmonton bounce back from a recent loss and secure their 30th win of the season.

The Ducks, despite a valiant effort, saw their four-game point streak come to an end. Ryan Strome’s two goals and Cam Fowler’s goal and assist were not enough to overcome the Oilers’ late surge. John Gibson, who made 19 saves before leaving due to cramps, and his replacement Lukas Dostal, who added eight saves, faced a relentless Oilers attack that scored three goals in the final period to clinch the win.

The game was tightly contested, with the Ducks initially holding a lead. However, the Oilers’ explosive offense came alive in the third period, with Zach Hyman’s goal tying the game before Draisaitl’s power-play goal gave Edmonton the lead. Kane’s empty-net goal sealed the Ducks’ fate, emphasizing the Oilers’ ability to mount a comeback.

Anaheim’s coach Greg Cronin praised his team’s effort and strategy against the Oilers’ top players, acknowledging the competitive nature of the game. Despite the loss, the Ducks showed resilience and a strong work ethic, characteristics they hope to build on in future matchups.

This game also highlighted Kane’s significant contribution to the Oilers since joining the team, with his hat tricks tying him with franchise legends in the record books. McDavid’s continued excellence was also on display, extending his point streak and dominating in matchups against the Ducks.

As the Oilers look to continue their winning ways, the Ducks aim to regroup and return to their recent form. Both teams are set to face their next opponents, with the Oilers seeking to maintain their momentum and the Ducks looking to bounce back from this setback.

by Matt Windsor (US)

Rangers Edge Blackhawks 4-3 in Overtime, Zibanejad Clinches Victory

CHICAGO — In a thrilling encounter at the United Center on Friday, the New York Rangers secured a 4-3 overtime victory against the Chicago Blackhawks, extending their winning streak to four games. Mika Zibanejad emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal 2:37 into overtime, propelling him ahead of Nikola Jokic for the NHL triple-double lead with 16.

Zibanejad’s wrist shot from the right circle, set up by Chris Kreider, capped off a rollercoaster game for the Rangers, who led 3-1 entering the third period before Chicago mounted a comeback. Jason Dickinson’s late third-period goal tied the game for the Blackhawks, setting the stage for Zibanejad’s overtime heroics.

Rangers coach Peter Laviolette praised goaltender Igor Shesterkin’s performance, highlighting his crucial saves that kept New York in the game. Shesterkin, making his first start since January 26, showcased his skill and competitiveness throughout the night.

The Blackhawks, despite their losing streak extending to six games, displayed resilience and a strong work ethic. Nick Foligno and Alex Vlasic contributed goals for Chicago, with Petr Mrazek making 31 saves in a valiant effort.

The Rangers showcased their offensive firepower, with Kreider, Alexis Lafrenière, and Adam Fox playing pivotal roles. Fox’s two assists and Lafrenière’s early goal helped set the tone for New York, while Kreider’s goal and assist further solidified their lead.

Chicago’s coach Luke Richardson commended his team’s resilience and work ethic, acknowledging their competitive spirit against a talented Rangers lineup. Despite the loss, the Blackhawks’ effort and determination were evident, particularly in their third-period comeback.

As the Rangers continue their winning streak, they look to build on their recent success and further solidify their position in the standings. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, aim to regroup and snap their losing streak, drawing on the positives from their spirited performance against New York.

The game also marked a potential milestone for Marc-Andre Fleury, who faced his former team possibly for the last time, given his uncertain future and current contract situation with the Wild. Fleury’s competitive spirit and impact on the game were highlighted by both his coach and teammates.

As both teams look ahead to their next matchups, the Rangers carry momentum from their overtime victory, while the Blackhawks seek to convert their work ethic and resilience into wins.

by Matt Windsor (US)

Fleury Shines Against Former Team as Wild Top Penguins 3-2

ST. PAUL, Minn. — In a memorable showdown against his former team, goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury’s 34-save performance was pivotal in the Minnesota Wild’s 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins at Xcel Energy Center on Friday. Fleury, who could potentially be playing his last season, showcased his competitiveness and skill, particularly in the game’s closing moments to secure the win. This victory may mark a significant moment in Fleury’s career, given his deep ties and success with the Penguins, including three Stanley Cup victories.

Wild coach John Hynes praised Fleury’s impactful presence on the team, emphasizing his battle spirit and how it motivates the entire roster. Despite speculation about his future, the 39-year-old goalie remained focused on contributing to the Wild’s success, underscoring his resilience and dedication to the game.

Kirill Kaprizov netted the go-ahead goal in the third period, helping the Wild secure their second consecutive win. The game also featured strong performances from Matt Boldy and Jonas Brodin, who each contributed a goal and an assist, demonstrating Minnesota’s collective effort to overcome the Penguins.

The Penguins, led by Sidney Crosby’s continued excellence and contributions from Reilly Smith, put up a resilient fight, reflecting the game’s competitive nature. Crosby extended his point streak to nine games, showcasing his enduring talent and leadership. Despite their efforts, Pittsburgh struggled to surpass Fleury’s goaltending, particularly in the game’s critical moments.

The matchup was not only a testament to Fleury’s enduring legacy but also highlighted the strategic depth of both teams. As the Wild look to build on this victory, the Penguins aim to regroup and focus on their upcoming challenges.

The game also served as a celebration of Fleury’s 1,000th NHL game, a milestone he reached on December 31. The Wild honored Fleury with a pregame ceremony, showcasing the respect and admiration he commands within the hockey community.

As both teams continue their season, this game will be remembered for Fleury’s standout performance and the competitive spirit displayed by the Wild and Penguins. Fleury’s future may be uncertain, but his impact on the game and his teammates is undeniable.

by Richard Miller (US)

Lakers Dominate Pelicans 139-122 with Explosive 87-Point First Half

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers showcased an offensive masterclass in a commanding 139-122 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, buoyed by an 87-point first half. D’Angelo Russell led the scoring with 30 points, including six 3-pointers, while Austin Reaves contributed 27 points in a game that marked the Lakers’ fourth win in their last five outings.

LeBron James had a standout performance with 21 points and 14 assists, demonstrating his playmaking prowess. Rui Hachimura and Anthony Davis also played pivotal roles, scoring 21 and 20 points, respectively, with Hachimura’s first-half contribution being particularly notable.

The Lakers, playing on the second night of a back-to-back set, surged ahead with a 51-point second quarter, their most prolific half of the season and tying a franchise record. The team’s remarkable shooting accuracy and dynamic play left the Pelicans struggling to keep pace, despite Zion Williamson’s 30-point effort and Brandon Ingram’s 22 points.

The Pelicans, who had been on a four-game winning streak, found themselves unable to counter the Lakers’ onslaught, with coach Willie Green pointing to a lack of physical defensive presence as a key factor in their defeat.

Russell’s return from a one-game injury absence due to left knee soreness was instrumental, with his recent performances being a crucial factor in the Lakers’ decision not to make moves at the trade deadline. The Lakers, still eyeing reinforcements on the buyout market, had Spencer Dinwiddie, a potential addition, watching the game from the stands alongside Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.

The Pelicans faced their own challenges, with Jonas Valanciunas playing through a bruised calf and contributing 10 points and 10 rebounds. Despite an impressive 39-point opening period from New Orleans, the Lakers’ record-tying second quarter shifted the momentum decisively in their favor.

As the Lakers look forward to hosting the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, they’ll aim to build on this performance and solidify their position in the Western Conference standings. The Pelicans, meanwhile, will seek to bounce back against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, hoping to regain their winning form.

by Richard Miller (US)

Sabonis Leads Kings to Victory Over Nuggets, Tops NBA Triple-Double List

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a standout performance, Domantas Sabonis recorded his 16th triple-double of the season to lead the Sacramento Kings to a convincing 135-106 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Sabonis’ stellar play, featuring 17 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists, propelled him past Nikola Jokic for the NBA triple-double lead this season. Jokic, a formidable opponent and the triple-double leader for the past two seasons, contributed 23 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists for the Nuggets but couldn’t match Sabonis’ impact on the game.

The matchup was not only a battle between two of the NBA’s best but also had significant implications for the Western Conference standings. The defending champion Nuggets missed an opportunity to overtake the Minnesota Timberwolves for the top spot in the conference, suffering their first loss in four games.

Malik Monk shone brightly for the Kings, adding 23 points to Sacramento’s cause. De’Aaron Fox played a crucial role with 15 points, 10 assists, and five steals, while rookie Keegan Murray scored 17 points, showcasing the depth and potential of the Kings’ roster.

Sabonis’ achievement highlighted his importance to the Kings’ postseason ambitions, as they seek consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since 2004-06. Despite not making the All-Star team this season, Sabonis’ efficiency and productivity have been instrumental in keeping Sacramento in playoff contention.

The Kings rebounded strongly from a loss to the Detroit Pistons, dominating the Nuggets with a lead that stretched to 32 points at one stage. Sacramento’s defense forced 21 turnovers, converting them into 37 points, and outscored Denver’s bench 65-42, underlining a comprehensive team effort.

Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively, for the Nuggets, with Jamal Murray adding 12 points. However, Denver’s performance was marred by turnovers, which Nuggets coach Mike Malone identified as a key factor in their defeat.

The Kings’ victory was punctuated by Monk’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of the first quarter, a play that epitomized Sacramento’s determination and focus throughout the game. Coach Mike Brown emphasized his belief in the team’s potential for greatness, calling for consistent focus and execution as the season progresses.

As the Nuggets look to regroup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, the Kings aim to build on their momentum when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, with both teams eyeing strong finishes to the regular season.

by Richard Miller (US)

Bucks Dominate Hornets 120-84, Rivers Climbs NBA Wins List

MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Bucks delivered a resounding 120-84 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, marking a significant milestone for coach Doc Rivers, who ascended to eighth place on the NBA’s regular-season wins list. Damian Lillard led the charge with 26 points in his return from a two-game absence due to injury, while Malik Beasley’s sharpshooting from beyond the arc contributed significantly to the win.

The Bucks, showing considerable improvement to move to 2-5 under Rivers, demonstrated a dominant performance that saw them leading by 28 points at halftime and extending their advantage to as many as 42 points in the second half. Giannis Antetokounmpo, playing just 24 minutes, tallied 15 points and 15 rebounds, further highlighting Milwaukee’s overwhelming presence on the court.

Lillard’s performance was particularly noteworthy, not just for his scoring, but also for his eight assists over 29 minutes. The star guard emphasized the team’s increased physicality and defensive prowess, a point of pride that resonated with the Bucks’ aspirations to be considered serious contenders in the league.

The Hornets, facing their 10th consecutive loss, struggled to find their rhythm, hindered by a short-handed roster that saw just 10 available players following a series of trade deadline moves. Despite the effort from Brandon Miller and Nick Richards, who each scored 16 points, Charlotte’s overall shooting percentage languished at 34.2%, a testament to Milwaukee’s defensive pressure.

Beasley’s performance was a bounce-back from a previous outing, with the guard setting a new Bucks franchise record for games with five or more 3-pointers, surpassing Ray Allen’s mark set during the 2001-02 season. His focus on defense and rebounding from a 0-for-9 3-point shooting night against Minnesota was a key factor in Milwaukee’s commanding lead.

Patrick Beverley’s debut for the Bucks, following a trade from Philadelphia, added a new dimension to Milwaukee’s play. Beverley’s immediate impact and connection with Rivers, stemming from their time together with the LA Clippers, underscored the veteran guard’s importance to the team’s defensive strategy moving forward.

As the Bucks prepare to host the Denver Nuggets, they’ll look to build on this comprehensive win, leveraging their defensive improvements and offensive firepower. The Hornets, on the other hand, aim to regroup and integrate new acquisitions Seth Curry and Grant Williams as they return home to face the Memphis Grizzlies, hoping to end their losing streak and start a new chapter post-trade deadline.

by Richard Miller (US)

Celtics Clinch 40th Win, Overcome Wizards 133-129

BOSTON — The Boston Celtics showcased their resilience and offensive firepower to notch their 40th win of the season, defeating the Washington Wizards 133-129 on Friday night. Jayson Tatum led the charge with 35 points, igniting a pivotal third-quarter rally that underlined the Celtics’ determination and depth. Kristaps Porzingis contributed significantly with 34 points and 11 rebounds, while Jrue Holiday added 20 points to the effort.

The Celtics (40-12) reached the 40-win milestone the fastest since the 2008-09 team, underscoring their dominant position atop the NBA standings. Tatum’s performance marked his 20th game this season scoring 30 or more points, highlighting his crucial role in Boston’s success.

Despite facing a determined Wizards team that led by as much as eight in the third quarter and challenged the Celtics deep into the final minute, Boston’s ability to close out the game at the foul line proved decisive. The Wizards, who have now lost five straight, remained competitive throughout, buoyed by Deni Avdija and Corey Kispert, each scoring 24 points, and Bilal Coulibaly’s 21-point effort.

Washington’s proficiency from beyond the arc, going 20 of 47 on 3-pointers, kept them in contention, but Boston’s third-quarter resurgence, outscoring the Wizards 36-16, shifted the momentum in favor of the Celtics. This quarter saw Boston clamp down defensively, limiting Washington to 7-of-22 shooting from the field and forcing six turnovers.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the team’s focus on responding to in-game challenges rather than dwelling on occasional lapses. This approach was evident in their third-quarter performance, which Mazzulla lauded as one of the season’s best.

The Wizards initially capitalized on Boston’s defensive vulnerabilities, leading 71-64 at halftime and exploiting fast-break opportunities against the NBA’s top-rated defense. However, Boston’s offensive adjustment in the second half, coupled with improved defense, ultimately led to their victory.

As the Celtics look ahead to their next challenge against the Miami Heat on Sunday, their performance against the Wizards reinforces their status as championship contenders. The Wizards, on the other hand, aim to bounce back and demonstrate resilience as they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, seeking to end their losing streak and regain momentum.

by Richard Miller (US)

Raptors Edge Out Rockets 107-104, Secure Fourth Consecutive Home Win Against Houston

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors clinched a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets with a 107-104 scoreline on Friday night, marking their fourth consecutive home win against Houston. Immanuel Quickley led the scoring for the Raptors with 25 points, while RJ Barrett contributed 21 points, helping Toronto secure back-to-back wins after a challenging stretch.

Jakob Poeltl delivered a double-double performance, scoring 16 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Scottie Barnes added another double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, narrowly missing a triple-double with eight assists, showcasing his playmaking skills that impressed Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic.

Despite building a 22-point lead, Toronto saw their advantage dwindle to a single point in the final 30 seconds, thanks to a 3-pointer by Dillon Brooks. Barrett’s clutch free throws extended the Raptors’ lead, and missed 3-point attempts by Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green in the final moments sealed the Rockets’ fate.

Brooks was instrumental for Houston in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 of his 20 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. contributed a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Cam Whitmore’s 17 points were crucial for the Rockets before he exited the game due to a sprained right ankle. The loss extended Houston’s road struggles, dropping their fourth consecutive game away from home.

The game also featured a touching moment for former Raptors guard Fred VanVleet, who was honored with a video tribute during the game’s first timeout, acknowledging his contributions to the team, including the 2019 NBA title.

New Raptors additions Ochai Agbaji and Kelly Olynyk, acquired in a recent trade with Utah, were active but did not see game time. The Rockets, having recently defeated Toronto at home, failed to carry over their performance, according to coach Ime Udoka.

The Raptors’ early intensity, highlighted by capitalizing on Rockets turnovers, set the tone for the game, although Houston’s second-quarter rally briefly shifted momentum. Toronto’s ability to recover and maintain the lead going into the fourth quarter was crucial for their victory.

Both teams are set to continue their campaigns on Saturday, with the Rockets visiting Atlanta and the Raptors hosting Cleveland, as they aim to build on their performances and navigate through the remainder of the season.

by Richard Miller (US)

Young Leads Hawks to Victory Over Short-Handed 76ers, 127-121

PHILADELPHIA — The Atlanta Hawks clinched a critical win against the Philadelphia 76ers with a final score of 127-121 on Friday night, breaking a two-game losing streak. Trae Young spearheaded the Hawks’ offense, scoring 37 points and playing a pivotal role in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. Onyeke Okongwu and Saddiq Bey also made significant contributions, with Okongwu adding 21 points and Bey securing a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Philadelphia faced the challenge without several key players, including reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid, who is recovering from a meniscus tear. The 76ers’ lineup, affected by injuries, illness, and the recent integration of new players, struggled defensively, allowing the Hawks to amass 73 points by halftime and establish a 17-point lead.

Kelly Oubre Jr. led the scoring for the 76ers with 28 points, followed by Tobias Harris with 21 points. Despite the team’s defensive difficulties, Philadelphia’s coach, Nick Nurse, acknowledged the effort and potential improvement had the team been more organized defensively from the start.

The 76ers also missed the presence of Tyrese Maxey, Nic Batum, De’Anthony Melton, and Robert Covington due to various ailments. However, newly acquired Buddy Hield and Cam Payne, who both scored 20 points in their debut, showed promise and competitiveness on the court.

Atlanta’s strategy focused on 3-point shooting, which proved effective as they led by 22 points entering the fourth quarter. Philadelphia managed to reduce the deficit to six and even four points in the final moments, but Young’s aggressive play and clutch scoring prevented a comeback.

Coach Quin Snyder praised Young’s performance, highlighting his crucial plays in the final quarter. Young, who also tallied 12 assists, demonstrated his ability to carry the team’s offensive load, especially in critical moments.

The Hawks’ victory was a testament to their resilience and strategic execution, while the 76ers continue to navigate through a challenging period marked by key absences. Both teams are set to face their next opponents on Saturday, with the Hawks hosting the Houston Rockets and the 76ers visiting the Washington Wizards.

Before the game, 76ers team president Daryl Morey expressed hope for Embiid’s return in time for a postseason run, emphasizing the team’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the roster for the remainder of the season and beyond.

by Abhishek Shukla

Top Indian player Ramkumar gets wild card for DafaNews Bengaluru Open

Bangalore, February 10: Ramkumar Ramanathan, India’s second-highest-ranked player, has been granted a wild card entry into the singles main draw of the DafaNews Bengaluru Open, the organisers announced on Saturday.

Ramkumar, who led India in the recent Davis Cup clash against Pakistan, has reached the singles final on the ATP Challenger circuit seven times, winning his lone title in Manama, Bahrain, in November 2021.

Interestingly, Ramkumar had won his seventh and last doubles Challenger title in Bengaluru with compatriot Saketh Myneni, two years back. 

“I am extremely happy and grateful that Bengaluru Open has granted me the singles main draw wild card. I am looking forward to the tournament. Bengaluru has always been a happy hunting ground for me and I have had many special memories here. I just want to thank the entire organisation for trusting me. Let the best player win. I am going to give my best,” said Ramkumar, ranked 459. 

The Bengaluru Open will be the second Challenger tournament of the season for Ramkumar, who made the Nonthaburi event in January through Qualifiers.

“Ramkumar is a terrific talent and played a crucial role in ensuring India’s victory in Davis Cup Tie against Pakistan recently. He recently Won two ITF M25 World Tennis Tour events in Karnataka on his comeback and we are proud to have him in the Main draw of the Bengaluru Open which he totally deserves. His wild card makes the Indian presence stronger and we wish him the best.” Tournament Director Sunil Yajaman said.

The organisers have also awarded wild card entries to Prajwal Dev and his partner Siddhant Banthia in the doubles main draw along with the team of Manish Sureshkumar and Sai Karteek Reddy.

“We have also decided to give wild card entries to two Indian pairs in our endeavour to support the country’s players,” Yajaman added.

The organisers have also awarded wild card entries to Prajwal Dev and his partner Siddhant Banthia in the doubles main draw along with the team of Manish Sureshkumar and Sai Karteek Reddy.

“We have also decided to give wild card entries to two Indian pairs in our endeavour to support the country’s players,” Yajaman added.  

Bengaluru Open is being organised by Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) at KSLTA Stadium. The ATP Challenger event will begin on February 12 and conclude on February 18. 

by Abhishek Shukla

‘We’ll look to finish in the top four positions’ says Haryana Steelers’ Head Coach Manpreet Singh

KOLKATA, 10 FEBRUARY 2024: The Haryana Steelers registered their third consecutive victory after defeating U.P. Yoddhas 50-34 in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 10 on Friday. With the victory, the Steelers moved to the fifth spot in the standings. 

When asked about the importance of the win ahead of the Playoffs, Haryana Steelers’ Head Coach Manpreet Singh said, “It’s great to collect wins just before our home leg. The team is high on confidence at the moment. We’ll look to win all of our games in Panchkula and finish in the top four at the end of the league.”

Manpreet Singh also lauded the Steelers’ defenders for their performance this season, “Our defense unit has been playing really well. If the defenders continue to perform the way they have been doing then we’ll certainly win our last four games. And the raiders also gain confidence when the defense unit is doing well.”

Speaking about the most important aspect for the team ahead of the business end of the competition, the Head Coach said, “It’s important for all the players to be fit for the business end of the tournament. We have to play four games in quick succession in our home ground and then we’ll go into the playoffs. So we have to monitor the fitness of the players more closely during the current phase of the tournament.”

The Haryana Steelers will be up against Patna Pirates in their next match at the Tau Devilal indoor stadium, Panchkula on Friday, 16 February 2024.
 

Please find below the schedule for PKL Season 10 matches today

Game 1 – Patna Pirates vs U Mumba – 8 pm

Game 2- Bengal Warriors vs Telugu Titans – 9 pm

Venue: Kolkata

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

Commonwealth Gold Medalist and Arjuna Awardee Nayanmoni Saikia Applauds Khelo India University Games 2023 as Gateway to Sporting Glory

Assam February 10, 2024; – As anticipation builds for the upcoming Khelo India University Games 2023, Arjuna Awardee and Commonwealth Gold Medalist Nayanmoni Saikia, hailing from Golakhat District in Assam’s Sarupathar, shares her heartfelt enthusiasm and support for the prestigious sporting event. With a diverse background in weightlifting and a triumphant transition to Lawn Bowls, Saikia emphasizes the significant impact of platforms like Khelo India University Games in shaping the futures of young athletes.

“Khelo India University Games provides an invaluable platform for every aspiring youth to prosper and advance in their sporting journey,” says Saikia.

“As an athlete who has witnessed firsthand the impact of such initiatives, I wholeheartedly wish all the participants the very best for the games.”

Reflecting on Assam’s proud sporting heritage and the significance of hosting the Games in the state, Saikia remarks, “Seeing the Games hosted in Assam fills me with immense pride. It’s a testament to our state’s growing prominence in the sporting arena and an opportunity for our talented athletes to shine on the national stage.”
Saika’s own journey from overcoming an injury to clinching gold at the Commonwealth Games 2022 exemplifies the spirit of resilience and determination that defines athletes from the region. “Lawn Bowls wasn’t particularly prominent in Assam until the hosting of the 2007 National Games, which provided a significant platform for the sport to gain recognition within our state.”

Sharing more about her support from SAI, Saikia adds, “As a former weightlifting athlete, I underwent extensive rehabilitation and training under the guidance of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Assam. Despite encountering a back injury in 2007, I persisted and waited until 2008 to embark on my journey in Lawn Bowls. With the invaluable support and resources provided by SAI, I was able to overcome my injury and prepare diligently for my inaugural participation in the sport.”

Reflecting on the transformative impact of sporting events like Khelo India University Games, Saikia emphasizes, “The participation of accomplished athletes like Lovlina Borgohain from Assam, emphasizes the state’s vital contribution to India’s sporting landscape. Events like these provide a platform for talent to flourish and garner the recognition it deserves.”

 Highlighting the surge in sporting participation and success in Assam, Saikia notes, “Initiatives like Khelo India University Games not only nurture talent but also bring recognition to the state”

Looking ahead to the upcoming edition of Khelo India University Games, Saikia expresses her excitement and commitment to supporting the athletes, particularly those representing Assam. “I am eagerly looking forward to cheering for Assam’s athletes and inspiring the next generation of sporting talent alongside them.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Road to the Final: A look back at India and Australia’s route to the epic finale

After 21 days and 40 matches, India and Australia will battle it out for supremacy in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final on Sunday 11 February in Benoni.

This sets the stage for another chapter in the recent history of these two cricketing nations, as their senior sides clashed in pinnacle finals last year at both the World Test Championship Final and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Both teams have showcased remarkable consistency throughout the tournament, maintaining unbeaten streaks as they head into the Final.

As the two teams gear up for an epic clash, we take a look back at their journeys in the tournament.

India

India beat Bangladesh by 84 runs

India kicked off their World Cup campaign with a convincing win against Bangladesh. 

Maruf Mridha broke through early for Bangladesh, removing Arshin Kulkarni and Musheer Khan inside the Powerplay.

Adarsh Singh and captain Uday Saharan struck a fifty each to bail India out of trouble with a brilliant 116-run stand for the third wicket.

Maruf was at the top of his game, bagging a five-wicket haul in the first game of the tournament, however, late contributions from Aravelly Avanish and Sachin Dhas propelled India to a formidable total of 251/7.

In reply, Bangladesh put on a steady 38-run stand for the opening wicket but the good work was undone by wickets in the Powerplay courtesy of Raj Limbani and Saumy Pandey.

The team went from 38/0 to 50/4 before Ariful Islam and Mohammad Shihab James stabilised the innings, yet once Musheer broke the partnership, the remaining Bangladesh wickets fell quickly, and they were eventually bowled out for 167.

Player of the Match: Saumy Pandey (4/24)


India beat Ireland by 201 runs

India showcased dominance with both bat and ball in a resounding victory over Ireland, securing the first of their three wins by a margin of 200 or more runs.

Musheer Khan and Uday Saharan were the stars of the batting innings, registering a century and fifty respectively as they forged a 156-run stand for the third wicket. 

Aravelly Avanish and Sachin Dhas once again played handy cameos to take India’s total past the 300-run mark.

In pursuit of 302, Ireland faced early setbacks as Naman Tiwari ran through the top order with a four-wicket haul. Saumy Pandey picked up three wickets as Ireland were bundled out for 100, with only four batsmen managing to reach double-digit scores.

Player of the Match: Musheer Khan (118 off 106)


India beat USA by 201 runs

The Indian juggernaut rolled on with yet another victory by a massive margin against USA in the final group-stage match.

Batting first again, India managed to put on another massive 300-run plus score on board. Arshin Kulkarni anchored the majority of the innings en route to his century and was well supported by Musheer Khan’s fifty.

The lower order came to the party again, taking India to 326/5.

In reply, USA lost three wickets inside eight overs and struggled to come to terms with India’s depth of bowling talent. Utkarsh Srivastava’s resilient 40 prevented a complete collapse, allowing USA to bat out the full 50 overs. 

USA could only muster a total of 125/8 in the innings with Naman Tiwari continuing his impressive form, recording his second consecutive four-wicket haul.

Player of the Match: Arshin Kulkarni (108 off 118)


India beat New Zealand by 214 runs

India carried forward their momentum from the Group Stages to the Super Six with another massive win over New Zealand.

Musheer Khan played a stellar innings, smashing his second century of the tournament with a brilliant score of 131, guiding India to a total of 295/8. Adarsh Singh played a crucial supporting role, again contributing with a fifty.

Raj Limbani put India on top early with a blend of pace and swing contributing to two quick wickets, before Saumy Pandey picked up another four-wicket haul to roll New Zealand over for just 81.

Player of the Match: Musheer Khan (131 off 126 and 2/10)


India beat Nepal by 132 runs

India punched their ticket to the semi-final with a resounding victory over Nepal in the final Super Six game.

Uday Saharan and Sachin Dhas smashed a century each as they forged a 215-run stand – the highest fourth wicket partnership in U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup history.

Chasing 298, Nepal put on a solid 48-run stand for the opening wicket but were rocked by the flurry of wickets that followed, led by Saumy Pandey’s four-for.

With only five batters reaching double-digit scores, Nepal concluded their innings at 165/9, falling short of the target set by India by 132 runs.

Player of the Match: Sachin Dhas (116 off 101)


India beat South Africa by 2 wickets

Chasing for the first time in the tournament in the semi-finals, India encountered a stiff challenge from the tournament hosts South Africa, but ultimately emerged victorious in a thrilling contest.

Fifties from Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Richard Seletswane laid a solid foundation for South Africa before Juan James and Tristan Luus finished with a flourish to take the Proteas to a competitive 244/7.

Kwena Maphaka and Luus had India in trouble early with an exceptional display of pace and swing. India were staring down the barrel at 32/4 when Uday Saharan and Sachin Dhas delivered the rescue act – a 171-run stand steering India away from a perilous position.

Although Maphaka concluded his spell with two crucial wickets, Saharan held one end strong and his captain’s knock left India on the brink of a dramatic victory.

Raj Limbani hit the winning runs to take India to their fifth consecutive U19 Men’s CWC final.

Player of the Match: Uday Saharan (81 off 124)


Australia


Australia beat Namibia by 4 wickets

In the opening game of the tournament, Namibia tested Australia’s mettle, pushing them to the brink in a closely contested match in Kimberley.

Callum Vidler’s four-wicket haul and Tom Straker’s three wickets bundled Namibia out for just 91.

It looked like it would be a stroll in the park before Jack Brassell’s inspired bowling performance turned the match on its head. Australia found themselves in a challenging position at 57/5, facing the possibility of an opening day upset. 

In the face of adversity, captain Hugh Weibgen led by example, forming a crucial partnership with Raf MacMillan. Together, they navigated Australia through the difficult situation and secured a hard-fought victory by four wickets.

Player of the Match: Callum Vidler (4/17)

Australia beat Zimbabwe by 225 runs

Australia responded to the close shave against Namibia in a dominant style with a massive win over Zimbabwe in their next game.

The top three of Sam Konstas, Harry Dixon and Hugh Weibgen were amongst the runs, with the latter two registering half-centuries. Tom Campbell’s late flourish propelled Australia to an imposing total of 296/7.

The bowlers continued the momentum with a brilliant display, dismantling Zimbabwe for a lowly 71, the key destroyer being Harkirat Bajwa, whose spin threat was highlighted with figures of 4/15.

Player of the Match: Harry Dixon (89 off 108)


Australia beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets

Callum Vidler’s brilliant start to the tournament continued with two early wickets against Sri Lanka. Each of the six bowlers on the day got in on the action but Dinura Kalupahana’s 64 helped Sri Lanka post a competitive total of 208.

Australia began their innings with a brisk 71-run opening stand, but a minor collapse saw them slip to 80/3. In stepped Ryan Hicks, displaying composure and control, hitting an unbeaten 77 to guide Australia to victory and secure passage to the Super Six stage.

Player of the Match: Ryan Hicks (77* off 104)


Australia beat England by 110 runs (DLS method)

Australia kicked off their Super Six journey with a thumping victory over traditional rivals England.

Captain Hugh Weibgen led from the front, playing a captain’s knock with a top-class century. Walking in to bat in the first over, Weibgen nearly spent the entire innings at the crease, forming crucial partnerships with the middle order to guide Australia to a total of 266/6.

In response, England took on the Australian attack, but their momentum was halted by a stunning display of fast bowling from Callum Vidler. Vidler picked up four wickets in the Powerplay, leaving England reeling at 60/4.

The match was interrupted by rain and the target was revised to 214 off 24 overs. England had no choice but to go gung-ho and in the process, were bowled out for a paltry score of 104.

Player of the Match: Hugh Weibgen (120 off 126)


Australia vs West Indies ended in No Result

Rain played spoilsport in the virtual knockout clash between Australia and West Indies, with Weibgen’s side securing semi-final qualification as points were shared in Kimberley.

In challenging conditions, Sam Konstas emerged as the lone warrior for Australia, crafting a resilient innings of 108 and guiding the team to a total of 227/8.

The match promised an exciting showdown, but unfortunately, rain interrupted play with West Indies at 24/2. Unfortunately, no further play was possible, and as a result, Australia advanced to the semi-finals.


Australia beat Pakistan by 1 wicket

The second semi-final of the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 between Australia and Pakistan unfolded as a memorable contest that will be etched in memory for years to come.

Tom Straker ran through the Pakistan batting line-up, leaving them in disarray at 79/5 before Azan Awais and Arafat Minhas came to Pakistan’s rescue with solid half-centuries.

Straker returned to claim more victims, and finished with figures of 6/24, the best bowling figures in either semi-finals or finals at an U19 Men’s CWC to bowl Pakistan out for 179.

It looked like a routine chase for Australia, who put on a 33-run opening stand before 15-year-old Ali Raza wreaked havoc. Harry Dixon was the only player to make a major contribution in the top-order with a fifty.

At 102/5, Oliver Peake and Tom Campbell came together and threatened to take the game away from Pakistan when Minhas struck to bring his team back into the contest.

Campbell’s dismissal triggered a collapse, and Australia found themselves at 164/9, still needing 16 runs for victory. 

In a nerve-racking ending, the game reached its conclusion in the final over when an inside edge from the bat of Raf MacMillan carried to the boundary beyond the desperate dive of Ubaid Shah to cue wild Australian celebrations.

Player of the Match: Tom Straker (6/24)

by Abhishek Shukla

Squash: ElShorbagy Survives Bonmalais Scare In Epic Pittsburgh Open Quarter-Final Clash

In a Pittsburgh Open quarter-final that included five tie-breaks, England’s Marwan ElShorbagy came back from the brink as he defeated World No.35 Sebastien Bonmalais after the Frenchman squandered match balls in the third and fourth game.

Their last encounter was in Singapore and saw Bonmalais retire early after suffering a thigh injury in the fourth game.

The two players were inseparable as they began their match in Pittsburgh, staying within two points of each other for the whole first game. Both players were hitting a good length, but the hot ball made it difficult to play for winners at the front of the court.

Bonmalais earned the first chance to win game one at 10-9, but hit the tin on a drop attempt at the front of the court to push the match to its first of many tie-breaks.

It was another error from the Frenchman, hitting the tin from further back on the court this time, that gave the Englishman his chance at a lead in the match. After a no-let decision against ElShorbagy, two cross-courts from Bonmalais, the first of which buried itself deep into the corner, and the other that sped past the out-stretched racket of ElShorbagy, gave the No.6 seed the lead in the match.

The two players remained level again in the second game up to 10-10, but Bonmalais earned a second game ball by forcing his opponent to the right of the court before hitting a snap-shot in the other direction, and the Frenchman sealed his two-game advantage with a stroke as ElShorbagy blocked the line for Bonmalais after a counter-drop.

Again the pair exchanged points evenly at the start of the third game, but this time the match was on line after Bonmalais caught his opposition out with a thin cross-court to go 10-9 up.

The 26-year-old couldn’t get out the way of his own straight drive as a stroke brought the game back to parity, then a well-placed boast from the Englishman and a well-timed straight drive from the Frenchman brought the score to 11-11.

The No.2 seed got the better of a counter-drop battle in the front-left corner, then secured his first game of the match after forcing Bonmalais into a mistake.

Again ElShorbagy and Bonmalais were evenly matched, but the Englishman pulled away at the end as he gave himself three game balls. The Frenchman forced the match’s fourth tie-break with a beautiful drop into the nick after ElShorbagy hit the tin twice in a row.

The No.6 seed set up his second match ball of the day, however an immaculately accurate kill shot from ElShorbagy off of Bonmalais’ serve levelled the game, and two errors from the Frenchman forced the thrilling affair to a fifth game after 65 minutes.

ElShorbagy earned his first match ball of the encounter at 10-7, but the 30-year-old hit the tin three successive times to drag the match to yet another tie-break.

The fatigued Frenchman guessed the wrong way as ElShorbagy’s cross-court earned his second match ball, and the match was won by a soft shot into the centre of the front-court that Bonmalais, despite a desperate yet spectacular dive, couldn’t reach, calling an end to the 79-minute thriller.

“It was tough coming back from two games down, especially as I lost two tie-breaks in the first two games and I felt like I was in control, but he kept coming back,” said ElShorbagy after the encounter, “Every shot I played he kept coming back so I had be patient and calm.

“I knew I was doing the right thing, sometimes I was impatient, sometimes I was losing my focus a little bit, but overall I’m happy to come back. It wasn’t easy out there.

“I was telling myself to be patient, I didn’t feel like I was doing the wrong thing, I just needed to keep doing it for as long as I could. It was tough because sometimes I got the opportunity to go for a winner, but then I would think about it too much because I knew it had to be inch-perfect.

No.1 seed Karim Abdel Gawad continued his Pittsburgh Open campaign with a strong performance over England’s Adrian Waller.

The World No.6 always felt in control of the encounter, despite Waller staying close on points. Gawad won his first game at the first time of asking after an unforced error from the 34-year-old.

The former World No.1 found himself at 10-9 again in the second game, and swiftly converted the opportunity with a shot towards the on-rushing Waller that the Englishman couldn’t react to quickly enough.

The No.2 seed finished his quarter-final clash in style with a quick cross-court at 10-8 to win the match and set up a semi-final clash with compatriot Youssef Ibrahim.

Speaking after the match, Gawad said, “Adrian Waller is a great player. Playing against him is always hard, and I tried as much as possible to put pressure on most of the points and rallies but it was hard because he also has very good ball control and movement on court. It was hard to put the pressure on him, but I tried my best today.”

In the first match of the day, Ibrahim earned a place in his first semi-final of the season with a convincing win over India’s Velavan Senthilkumar. The Indian found his spot in the quarter-finals after a second round upset over No.8 seed Faraz Khan, but struggled in the early stages of his last-eight match as the in-form Egyptian played fast, aggressive squash.

Ibrahim kept a lot of the early rallies on his back-hand and stretched the 25-year-old with cross-courts, earning himself a healthy 10-2 lead, taking the first game with the tightest of squeezes along the left wall.

Senthilkumar looked stronger in the second and third games, but Ibrahim always looked a step ahead as he surged to the semi-final with a comfortable 3-0 win.

“I’m very happy, a 3-0 win is always good. I haven’t been used to winning 3-0 for a while so it feels good. Velavan is such a good player. We’ve played so many times and he’s always given me a hard time on court so to win like that and be so mentally consistent throughout the games is a really positive thing for me and I’m just glad I held it together and did well.

In the final match of the day, No.3 seed Youssef Soliman defeated Switzerland’s Yannick Wilhelmi, who earned his place in the quarter-finals with a dramatic comeback win over Mexico’s Cesar Salazar.

The World No.12 looked in form in the early stages, covering the court well and quickly, amounting a 10-5 advantage. The Egyptian won the first game by forcing an error from the Swiss player with a tight squeeze on the left wall.

Soliman continued his dominance in the second game and quickly found himself with six game balls. The Egyptian took the game with his first chance as his shot sailed past the out-of-position Wilhelmi.

The Egyptian carried his momentum into the third game as he quickly earned his first match ball. Wilhelmi clung on, finding the nick at 10-6, then producing a pin-point accurate drop at 10-7 before hitting the tin attempting another drop to concede the match to the World No.12.

After the match, Soliman said, “I just had to be solid. It’s tricky to play someone when you have no idea what to expect from them. I had the same thing with Simon [Herbert] yesterday and it was the same with Yannick. You don’t know what to expect, you have to be solid from the beginning and that’s pretty much what I did.”

The semi-finals of the Pittsburgh Open commence at 13:00 (GMT-5) on Saturday, 10th February, with action from court two live on SQUASHTV.

Results: Pittsburgh Open Quarter-Finals
[4] Youssef Ibrahim (EGY) bt Velavan Senthilkumar (IND) 3-0: 11-2, 11-4, 11-8 (30m)
[1] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt [5] Adrian Waller (ENG) 3-0: 11-9, 11-9, 11-8 (31m)
[2] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG) bt [6] Sebastien Bonmalais (FRA) 3-2: 11-13, 10-12, 13-11, 13-11, 12-10 (79m)
[3] Youssef Soliman (EGY) bt Yannick Wilhelmi (SUI) 3-0: 11-5, 11-4, 11-8 (36m)

Draw: Pittsburgh Open Semi-Finals
13:00 [1] Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) v [4] Youssef Ibrahim (EGY)
13:45 [3] Youssef Soliman (EGY) v [2] Marwan ElShorbagy (ENG)

by Abhishek Shukla

Squash: Elaraby Stuns World No.3 Gohar In Semi-Final Thriller At DAC Pro Squash Classic

Egypt’s Rowan Elaraby came from 2-1 down to claim her first-ever victory over compatriot and World No.3 Nouran Gohar in a thrilling 61-minute semi-final at the DAC Pro Squash Classic in Detroit.

The World No.10, who had lost all seven of her prior encounters against Gohar, progressed to the title decider of the PSA World Tour Silver event with a performance full of quality and determination in equal measure. Defending champion Olivia Weaver will be Elaraby’s opponent in the final after the American defeated Hollie Naughton in four games. 

The all-Egyptian affair began in feisty fashion, with the opening game littered with refereeing decisions and interference in the middle of the court. Both players attempted to assert themselves at the T, but it was Gohar’s powerful strokes into the back two corners that gave her the edge in the opening exchanges. Despite spurning three game balls, the ‘Terminator’ made no mistake at the fourth time of asking, moving into a 1-0 lead thanks to a stroke decision.

Despite holding a one-game advantage, Gohar re-entered the court in edgy fashion, with Elaraby capitalising on a couple of soft early errors. The No.3 seed moved Gohar around the court well and hit her targets with devastating effect, sailing into a 9-0 lead and subsequently levelling the match.

The match flipped emphatically back in Gohar’s favour in the third as the top seed cruised into a 6-0 lead, with Elaraby visibly struggling with some of her movement towards the latter stages of the game. After the top seed claimed a one-sided third game to move 2-1 up, Elaraby called for the physio.

Despite this issue, Elaraby raised her levels again in the fourth, rediscovering her impeccable length from the second game. Strokes were awarded to both players as the game progressed, but it was Elaraby who moved into an 8-5 lead. The 23-year-old’s impressive execution into the front two corners and ability to keep the ball away from Gohar’s volley was evident in the latter stages as she forced a decider following a tight 11-9 fourth game.

Elaraby continued to force Gohar into a number of tough retrievals in all four corners of the court as the match entered the fifth, racing into an early 5-3 lead. From there though the No.3 seed claimed five out of the next six points to hold six match balls on her own racket. Gohar hit some quick-fire counter-punches to save four match balls in a flash and pile the pressure back on her opponent, but at the fifth time of asking, Elaraby finally sealed victory, screaming in delight after claiming one of the biggest wins of her career. 

After the match, Elaraby said: “I’m really, really happy. I’ve been waiting for this win for so long and I think I worked very hard to get this win today. I’ve been playing my best squash ever since the start of the season so I just needed a win like that to prove to myself that I can beat the top players.

“One thing I wanted to do today was not be very passive. My game plan was to just move her around, keep the ball away from her volleys and don’t be afraid to attack.

“I need to calm myself down now for tomorrow because the tournament is not done yet, so I’ll be happy for the next couple of hours and then go back to grounding myself for tomorrow. It’s another match tomorrow and I’m looking forward to it.”

In the second semi-final of the evening, World No.6 Weaver kept her title defence alive in Detroit following a hard-fought victory over Naughton.

The No.2 seed started the match in an impressive manner, finding her length and pushing Naughton into the back two corners. The American moved through a strong first game to take the opener by an 11-6 scoreline after nine minutes of action.

Naughton bounced back in the second game, managing to get more of a grip in the middle of the court and moving Weaver well with some powerful strokes. Despite missing out on three game-balls when 10-5 up, the Canadian No.1 successfully levelled the match at the fourth time of asking.

With the match firmly in the balance at the beginning of the third, both players were happy to engage in some lengthy rallies before looking for an opening to attack; trading points up to 4-4. However, from that point, it was Weaver who began to assert her dominance, taking seven of the next eight points to retake the lead in the match.

After the impressive end to the third game, Weaver continued to grow in confidence, not just relying on her renowned physicality but also using a smart variety of shots to upset the rhythm of Naughton. After racing into a 7-2 lead in the fourth, the match never looked in doubt, with Weaver booking her spot in the final after 39 minutes of action.

After the match, Weaver said: “I’m really happy. I feel Hollie played great today, it was a battle out there and I feel like I had to fight for every single point. Obviously, in the second game I felt like I lost my length a little bit, but I’m really proud with how I bounced back and really pleased with how I finished the match.

“Every opponent you come up against, you know some of their strengths and some of their weaknesses, but I have just been looking at myself and playing my game and trusting that. So that was my plan, and for phases of the match, I executed it again.

On her upcoming final against Elaraby, she added: “Rowan has been in incredible form. She had a great run at ToC and obviously taking out Nouran is going to be massive for her confidence. I haven’t played Rowan in a while, so I’m looking forward to it. It’s a big opportunity for both of us, so I’m looking forward to it.”

The final of the DAC Pro Squash Classic 2024 commences at 16:30 (GMT-5) on Saturday, 10th February and will be available to watch live on SQUASHTV.

Results: DAC Pro Squash Classic 2024 Semi-Finals 

[3] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) bt [1] Nouran Gohar (EGY) 3-2: 9-11, 11-1, 1-11, 11-9, 11-8 (61m)

[2] Olivia Weaver (USA) bt [6] Hollie Naughton (CAN) 3-1: 11-6, 8-11, 11-5, 11-3 (39m)

Draw: DAC Pro Squash Classic 2024 Final 

16:30 [3] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) v [2] Olivia Weaver (USA) 

by Abhishek Shukla

DafaNews Bengaluru Open 2024 ropes in twelve notable sponsors

Bengaluru, February 10, 2024: DafaNews Bengaluru Open 2024, organized by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA), has onboarded twelve gold sponsors who have pledged their support to elevate the stature of the tournament, set to take place at the KSLTA Stadium from February 12 to 18.

Led by real estate companies such as Prestige Group and Brigade Group, cable and broadband company ACT Fibernet, the country’s public sector banks Canara Bank and Bank of Baroda as well as conglomerates Hitachi and JSW Group have been roped in by the ATP 100 Challenger Event.

These sponsors aim to not only showcase their commitment to supporting sports but also to bolster community engagement.

Additionally, Ultratech Cement, Brigade Group, SKME, Baranj Coal Mines Pvt Ltd, Ramco Cement, Prestige Group, ACT Fibernet, and Suprada Constructions Pvt Ltd., have all joined as gold sponsors.

The collective involvement of these distinguished corporate and business companies will play a vital role in contributing to the growth of tennis in the city.

By leveraging the tournament’s prominence, the sponsors will be enhancing their visibility across diverse sports audiences nationwide.

Mr Maheshwar Rao IAS, Hon. Secretary KSLTA and Secretary, Organising Committee, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with the prominent sponsors by saying, “We are delighted to welcome our valued sponsors for the DafaNews Bengaluru Open 2024. All our sponsors will play a pivotal role in increasing the prominence of this prestigious event and their support is integral to its success. With a shared vision for promoting tennis in the country, we look forward to delivering an exciting week of tennis in Bengaluru.”

While DafaNews will maintain its association as the title sponsor of the tournament, it will be joined by the Government of Karnataka’s Department of Tourism who will be continuing its role as the presenting sponsor.

Furthermore, Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd will also retain its role as the platinum sponsor for this year.

Sumit Nagal will lead India’s challenge in the singles for the event. Nagal had knocked out world number 27 Alexander Bublik at the Australian Open in the main draw first round.In doubles, the country’s Davis Cuppers, including Ramkumar Ramanathan and N Sriram Balaji, who played a key role in India’s commanding win over Pakistan with their singles performances in Islamabad, will compete in the doubles event.

by Abhishek Shukla

FORMULA E ANNOUNCES NXT GEN CUP AS SUPPORT SERIES FOR NEXT GENERATION OF DRIVERS

LONDON, United Kingdom. Fri. 9 Feb. 2024 – Formula E has today announced the NXT Gen Cup, the world’s first 100% electric junior touring car series with both male and female drivers, as a support series to help develop the next generation of young talent in key motorsport markets.

The NXT Gen Cup will feature at all four European race events of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s Season 10 including Misano, Monaco, Berlin and its season finale in London.

It is planning for its strongest calendar to date with six European races in total, with the start of its driver line-up, many of whom are aged under 17 years old, to be announced from next week.

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship introduces the NXT Gen Cup as a dedicated support series giving young male and female talent the opportunity to compete on the same circuits as Formula E’s 22 world-class drivers. It also benefits Formula E’s mission of showcasing new formats of sustainable electric racing in iconic locations around the world while giving fans additional on-track action as part of the race-day spectacle. 

Subject to final FIA approval, the NXT Gen Cup’s inaugural appearance in the Formula E paddock will kick off in Misano, Italy, on the 13th and 14th April marking the start of the World Championship’s European tour and the first time it has raced at the World Circuit.

Alberto Longo, Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer of Formula E, said:

“We are delighted to welcome the NXT Gen Cup after their hugely successful debut last year. The addition of an all-electric junior category to the European part of our calendar will further contribute to the essential nurturing of young talent, a key part to our sport and give them the opportunity to race on the same stage as our world-class drivers and teams.”

Fredrik Lestrup, series founder of NXT Gen Cup, said:

“For NXT Gen Cup to go from an idea on paper less than two years ago to racing together with the ABB FIA Formula E and DTM this year is mind-boggling and an inspiring proof on the hard work by everyone involved.

“We have together with Formula E and DTM created a spectacular calendar which will provide our junior drivers with a robust foundation to start their racing careers and show their talents to some of the best teams and partners in the world. I want to extend a huge thanks to everyone who has made this possible and we are thoroughly motivated to start our most exciting season so far!”

The Swedish-born series will feature two 20-minute practice sessions (except Monaco with just FP1), a 20-minute qualifying session and a 20-minute race, also bolstering Formula E’s commitment to growing sustainable motorsport and EV technology.

The NXT Gen Cup is a fully electric racing series for 20 young drivers aged 15-25 taking their first steps into racing, with the aim to educate them and develop their talents in order to build a successful racing career.

The single-make series runs an all-electric car developed and built by Lestrup Racing Team, the LRT NXT1 – a 1150kg machine based on an electric MINI Cooper SE road car. The front-wheel drive, 180bhp race car boasts an extra 60bhp when push-to-pass features are active, with a 30kWh battery and 800 V system. Features also include regen when braking, adjustable Ӧhlins shock absorbers and Hankook Semi-slick all-weather tyres. 20 race cars have been built for the series, giving all drivers equal equipment. All charging operations are handled together with NXT Gen Cup’s Official charging partners ABB E-Mobility.

2024 NXT Gen Cup Calendar*

  1. 13-14 April – Misano – Italy – ABB FIA Formula E World Championship
  2. 27 April – Monaco – ABB FIA Formula E World Championship
  3. 11-12 May – Berlin – Germany – ABB FIA Formula E World Championship
  4. 05–07 July – Norisring – Germany – DTM
  5. 20-21 July – London – Great Britain – ABB FIA Formula E World Championship
  6. 18-20 October – Hockenheim – Germany – DTM

* = Subject to FIA approval

by Abhishek Shukla

‘It’s the stuff of dreams:’ Sikandar Raza after leading Dubai Capitals to victory

Dubai, 10 February 2024: Sikander Raza was in his best form as the Dubai Capitals secured an important victory over the Desert Vipers in the DP World ILT20 clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday. Chasing 171 for victory, Raza hit a six in the last ball of the match to help his team in the race for the playoffs.


Speaking about the moment that he won his team the match, the Zimbabwean all-rounder said, “It’s the stuff of dreams. From my point of view, we needed this win to stay alive in the competition. And a win like that goes a long way to boost our confidence. It has suddenly made us believe that we can win from any position. We are confident that we can make it to the semifinals. Going into the game against MI Emirates, we have a chance to stay in the hunt for the playoffs because of this win.”
Raza also revealed his thoughts during such a crunch moment in the tie, “When 2 balls were remaining, and we needed 6 runs for the win, I just wanted to put the ball through extra cover, but Ali Naseer bowled a good slower which bounced on me, which I missed. From there, it was just Do-Or-Die, with my back against the wall. In that situation, I decided to give it my best.”
Young UAE bowler Ali Naseer, who was hit for a six in the final ball of the match, received motivation from Raza, “I feel sorry for the young lad as well. My advice to him is that we have all been in that situation through our cricketing careers. At just 19, bowling the final over of the match takes immense courage. Keep your head up, brother, you’ve got a great future ahead of you.”
Dubai Capitals’ final game of the league stage is against MI Emirates on Saturday, February 10, as they chase a place in the playoffs.

by Abhishek Shukla

India and Australia set to renew rivalry In U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Final

The final of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 will see India and Australia compete for silverware once again following a scintillating round of semi-final fixtures.

India confirmed their spot in the final after beating hosts South Africa by two wickets in a tense matchup on Tuesday. Chasing 245 for victory, India battled back from 32 for four to seal a memorable win thanks to a brilliant match-winning partnership between Sachin Dhas and captain Uday Saharan.

Thursday’s second semi-final also provided no shortage of drama, as Australia emerged victorious over Pakistan by one wicket in the final over of the contest. Having bowled out Pakistan for a seemingly below par total of 179, Australia stuttered in their chase before their middle and lower order formed crucial partnerships to help them edge home in thrilling fashion.

The highly anticipated final between the two sides will be hosted on Sunday 11 February at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, the same venue that staged both semi-finals, with the action commencing at 10h00 local time (SAST).

India and Australia both head into the final undefeated, having topped their respective groups in both the initial stage and the Super Six stage, and can boast some of the most exciting young talent on the planet.

Among the future stars that have impressed throughout the competition are skippers Uday Saharan of India and Hugh Weibgen of Australia, and both have their sights firmly set on lifting the coveted trophy on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the final, India captain, Uday Saharan said: “As we approach the World Cup final, we carry the dreams of a billion hearts on our shoulders. Our journey has been a testament to our hard work, unity, and love for the game.

“In this final battle, we aim to create a legacy that inspires the next generation. It’s not just a game; it’s a chance to etch our names in history.

“Right from our first game, we have played with passion, determination, and a belief that we will get the coveted title home. In the final, against Australia, it is going to be no different as we go one step closer to defending the title successfully. Together, as one team, one nation, we march into the final, ready to seize our moment and make India proud.

“As a captain, I couldn’t have asked for anything more from my team as we stand at the cusp of creating history.”

Australia captain, Hugh Weibgen: “We’re really pleased to have made it through to the final after a close game against Pakistan and we can’t wait to take on India in Sunday’s final.

“The whole squad has done a terrific job throughout the tournament, and it would mean so much to us as a group to lift the trophy on Sunday. This is an opportunity to make our coaches as well as family and friends extremely proud. They have helped and supported us along the journey.

“India have obviously also had an outstanding tournament so far and are a class team. We’re expecting they will provide a challenge for us, and we are looking forward to it.”

These sides have met twice before in an ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final, with India having won on both previous occasions in 2012 and 2018.

Match Official appointments for Sunday’s final have also been confirmed, with Allahudien Palekar and Langton Rusere selected as the on-field umpires. Rashid Riaz will assume the role of TV umpire, with Roland Black acting as fourth umpire and Shaid Wadvalla as Match Referee.

Fans in Benoni wanting to see the U19 Men’s CWC 2024 champions being crowned can do so for free at Sunday’s final. The on-field action will be accompanied by a vibrant festival atmosphere, with live music and entertainment offerings that will enhance what promises to be a memorable showcase of cricket.

Fans in India will be able to watch the action unfold on Star Sports 1 and Disney+ Hotstar, with free-to-air coverage available on Doordarshan. In Australia, Prime Video will be providing live coverage across devices.

In the host nation South Africa, SuperSport Cricket will be presenting live coverage which also extends to Sub-Saharan Africa.

Criclife Max and Starzplay will provide coverage in the MENA region, while the match will be broadcast across Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event channels in the UK, with additional live coverage provided by Willow (USA & Canada), ESPN Caribbean (Caribbean) and on Sky Sport 2 in New Zealand.

In all other territories, broadcast of the final will be available live and free on ICC.tv.