Category: Sports

The Paris Summer Olympics are rapidly approaching, with athletes worldwide gearing up for the competition. However, the Games face several issues, including political instability in France and complaints about the accommodations provided to the athletes.

KEY FACTS

Political Turmoil:The political scene in France is unstable, casting doubt on who will hold key government positions when the Games begin. The recent election resulted in a hung parliament, with the French left-wing New Popular Front party winning the most seats but not securing a majority. This has led to violent protests and clashes with the police.

River Seine Contamination:Some swimming events, such as triathlons and marathons, may be postponed, canceled, or relocated due to high levels of E. coli in the River Seine. Despite a $1.5 billion investment in cleaning the river, officials are concerned about the safety of the water.

River Seine “Poop Protest”:A viral protest planned to highlight the Seine’s contamination coincided with President Emmanuel Macron and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s scheduled swim in the river to demonstrate its safety. This protest, originally an internet joke, was set for June 23 but may not have happened due to the elections delaying the officials’ swim.

No AC in the Olympic Village: To reduce the city’s carbon footprint, the athletes’ living quarters will not have air conditioning. This decision has prompted countries like the U.S., Great Britain, Australia, Italy, Canada, Greece, and Denmark to bring their own units to protect their athletes from potential heat waves.

“Anti-sex” Bed Rumors: The Olympic Village will feature twin beds made of cardboard frames and recycled fishing net mattresses. Some media outlets and former athletes claimed these beds were designed to collapse under the weight of more than one person, discouraging sexual activity. However, organizers denied this, explaining that the beds are recyclable to minimize environmental impact.

HOW CAN YOU WATCH THE OLYMPICS?

NBC is the primary U.S. broadcaster for the Games, offering at least nine hours of live daily coverage. Events will also be broadcast on NBC’s sister stations CNBC, Telemundo, USA, and NBCSN. Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, will provide live coverage of all events. The Opening Ceremony on July 26 will be broadcast live at 12 p.m. EDT on NBC and Peacock, with a Spanish broadcast on Telemundo starting at 1 p.m. EDT.

HOW MANY ATHLETES WILL COMPETE IN THE OLYMPICS?

Approximately 10,500 athletes from 206 countries will compete in 45 different sports, vying for medals in 329 events. This is the second-highest number of Olympic events, following the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, which featured 339 events.

SURPRISING FACT

This isn’t the first time Olympic organizers have faced criticism for using cardboard bed frames. The Tokyo Olympics also utilized cardboard beds, leading to similar claims that they were meant to discourage sexual activity. These rumors were partly fueled by the Olympics’ COVID-era “anti-intimacy” rules. The beds, announced in January 2020 before the pandemic, were designed to be recyclable after the Games.

WHY IS THE OLYMPIC VILLAGE ECO-FRIENDLY?

Sustainability is a key element of Olympic Agenda 2020, a set of recommendations for the future of the Olympics. This agenda encourages host cities to adopt eco-friendly practices, reduce travel impact, and include sustainability in their daily operations. Paris Olympics officials have emphasized that the Olympic Village is designed to be transformed into a neighborhood for locals post-Games. Spread across three cities, the village will be converted into housing and office spaces for 6,000 residents and 6,000 workers by 2025. Organizers aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions by half compared to previous Summer Games, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s goal to reduce local carbon emissions by 100% by 2050.

TANGENT

Olympian Simone Biles appeared to criticize her former teammate MyKayla Skinner after Skinner made negative comments about the 2024 U.S. gymnastics team in a since-deleted YouTube video. Skinner stated, “besides Simone, I feel like the talent and the depth just isn’t like what it used to be.” Biles, without naming Skinner, responded on Threads, saying, “not everyone needs a mic and a platform.” The 2024 U.S. gymnastics team includes Suni Lee, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, and Hezly Rivera

Afghanistan has astounded the cricket world by advancing to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 after defeating Bangladesh by 8 runs (DLS) in their Super 8 match on Tuesday, June 25, at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent. This triumph eliminated Australia, the 2021 champions, from the tournament following their defeats to India and Afghanistan. Despite interruptions due to rain in the second innings, Afghanistan maintained their composure.

With this victory, Afghanistan finished second in the table with 4 points and a net run rate of -0.267, securing two wins out of three games. Following a substantial 47-run loss to India, Rashid Khan’s team made a remarkable recovery. They are set to face Aiden Markram’s South Africa in the first semi-final on June 27 at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad.

Afghanistan opted to bat first but faced challenges, posting a total of 115 for 5 in 20 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran established a 59-run partnership for the first wicket but struggled to accelerate the run rate. Rishad Hossain dismissed Ibrahim, who scored a slow 18 from 29 balls, while Gurbaz managed 43 runs with a strike rate of 78.18.

The middle-order batsmen, including Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, and Karim Janat, also found it difficult to score quickly. Captain Rashid Khan’s unbeaten 19 off 10 balls, featuring three sixes, provided the innings with some late impetus.

Bangladesh’s chase was disrupted by rain, and with their score at 31 for 3 in 3.3 overs, they faced a daunting target. Soumya Sarkar and Towhid Hridoy contributed 10 and 14 runs respectively before falling to Rashid Khan. Despite Litton Das’s valiant effort with an unbeaten 54 from 49 balls, Bangladesh fell short, being bowled out for 105 in 17.5 overs while chasing a revised target of 114 in 19 overs.

Afghanistan’s pacer Naveen-ul-Haq, who was named Player of the Match, expressed his emotions, stating, “We have worked so hard over the past few years and we were dreaming and working for this day. I’m lost for words. (On his spell) We always knew that they were going hard in the powerplay to chase the total down in 12.1 overs so we knew we were in the game as long as we kept picking wickets. We had confidence that these wickets are not high-scoring wickets. As long as we don’t give easy runs we knew we would have a chance.”

The Group 2 winners, South Africa, will compete against Afghanistan in the first semi-final, while the Group 1 leaders, India, will face England in the second semi-final. The South Africa vs. Afghanistan match is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM local time on Wednesday, June 26, at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. The India vs. England match will take place at 10:30 AM local time on Thursday, June 27, at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Afghan cricket, showcasing their determination and resilience on the international stage. Their journey to the semi-finals has been nothing short of inspiring, as they overcame formidable opponents and adverse conditions to secure their place among the top four teams in the tournament.

The Afghan team’s performance has been characterized by their collective effort and individual brilliance. Rashid Khan, known for his leadership and bowling prowess, played a pivotal role in guiding his team through challenging matches. His contributions with both bat and ball have been crucial in their success.

Naveen-ul-Haq’s emotional reaction highlights the dedication and hard work that the team has put in over the years. His ability to deliver under pressure and maintain composure during crucial moments has been instrumental in Afghanistan’s journey to the semi-finals. The young pacer’s performance in the Super 8 match against Bangladesh was a testament to his skill and determination.

Afghanistan’s batting lineup, while facing some inconsistencies, showed glimpses of their potential. The opening partnership between Gurbaz and Zadran laid a solid foundation, although the team struggled to build on it in the middle overs. Rashid Khan’s late surge with the bat provided much-needed momentum, emphasizing the importance of finishing strong in T20 cricket.

On the bowling front, Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq led the attack with precision and discipline. Rashid’s ability to take crucial wickets at critical junctures turned the tide in Afghanistan’s favor, while Naveen’s spell in the powerplay put Bangladesh on the back foot early in their chase.

Looking ahead to the semi-final against South Africa, Afghanistan will need to maintain their composure and continue to play to their strengths. South Africa, known for their aggressive batting and disciplined bowling, will pose a formidable challenge. However, Afghanistan’s confidence and momentum from their recent victories could give them an edge in this high-stakes encounter.

The second semi-final between India and England promises to be an exciting contest, featuring two of the most consistent teams in the tournament. Both teams have shown remarkable form and depth in their squads, making this match a highly anticipated clash.

As the T20 World Cup 2024 progresses, the competition intensifies, with the remaining teams vying for a place in the final. Afghanistan’s journey has already captured the hearts of cricket fans worldwide, and their upcoming match against South Africa presents another opportunity for them to create history.

Afghanistan’s remarkable journey to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and skill. Their victory over Bangladesh and the subsequent advancement to the semi-finals highlight their growth as a competitive cricketing nation. With key players like Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq leading the charge, Afghanistan is poised to continue their impressive run in the tournament. The cricketing world eagerly awaits the semi-final clashes, anticipating more thrilling performances and unforgettable moments.

Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic and world champion in javelin, claimed a gold medal at the renowned Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland on June 18. With an impressive throw of 85.97 meters, Chopra outshone a strong field of competitors, marking a successful return to competition following a brief break due to a minor adductor muscle strain.

The event commenced with Chopra taking the lead with his initial throw of 83.62 meters. However, Finland’s Oliver Helander temporarily overtook him with an 83.96-meter throw in the second round. Chopra quickly responded with determination. His third attempt, marked by his signature celebratory roar and raised hands, soared 85.97 meters, reclaiming and holding the lead for the remainder of the competition.

Another Finnish athlete, Toni Keranen, achieved a personal best of 84.19 meters, securing the silver medal. Helander, despite his strong early performance, ended up with the bronze.

“Neeraj Chopra strikes gold again! With a stunning throw of 85.97m, he clinches victory at the Paavo Nurmi Games 2024 in Finland. Congratulations Champ️,” tweeted Anurag Thakur on June 18, 2024.

Chopra’s victory at the Paavo Nurmi Games, a key event in the track and field calendar, highlights his dominance in the sport. His triumph also establishes him as a strong contender for the upcoming Paris Olympics. This achievement follows his strategic withdrawal from the Ostrava Golden Spike, where he chose to sit out to avoid worsening a minor injury.

Reflecting on his performance, Chopra noted that the winning distance was not among his personal bests but expressed contentment with securing the gold medal. This victory adds to his illustrious career, which includes a silver at the same event in 2022 with a throw of 89.30 meters and an improved mark of 89.94 meters at the Stockholm Diamond League later that year.

The Paavo Nurmi Games marked Chopra’s second significant competition of the season, following his participation in the Doha Diamond League in May, where he finished second with an 88.36-meter throw, his ninth best. Prior to that, he won gold at the National Federation Cup Senior Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar with a throw of 82.27 meters.

Chopra’s next competition will be at the Paris Diamond League on July 7. His performance in Finland sets a positive trajectory for his upcoming Olympic campaign, where he aims to replicate and exceed his previous successes.

India dominated the USA at the T20 Cricket World Cup, winning by seven wickets in New York on Wednesday. Despite an earlier historic victory against Pakistan, the USA could not replicate their success against the formidable Indian team, though they put up a strong fight.

India now leads Group A with six points, having won all three of their matches. The USA, with four points, sits in second place. The USA still has a chance to progress to the next round if they win their final group stage game against Ireland.

Early Indian Dominance

India quickly quashed any hopes of an upset after winning the toss and opting to field first at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, a venue that has been favorable for bowlers throughout the tournament. Arshdeep Singh was given the new ball and struck immediately, dismissing USA’s opening batter Shayan Jahangir with the first delivery of the game, trapping him leg before wicket (LBW).

Singh continued his impressive start by taking the wicket of Andries Gous in the same over, putting India firmly in control. The USA struggled to build momentum after this early setback, as the Indian bowlers maintained their dominance. Despite a valiant effort from Nitish Kumar, who top-scored for the USA with 27 runs, the home team managed only 110-8 in their 20 overs.

Singh was the standout performer for India, taking four wickets for just nine runs in his four overs.

USA Battles Back

Chasing a modest target of 111, India was expected to achieve an easy victory. However, USA bowler Saurabh Netravalkar had other plans. He claimed the invaluable wicket of Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s greatest batters, on Kohli’s first ball. Netravalkar also dismissed Indian captain Rohit Sharma, sending jitters through the Indian camp.

Despite these early breakthroughs, Indian batters Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav steadied the innings with a solid partnership. Just when India seemed to be cruising towards the target, USA’s Ali Khan bowled out Pant for 18, reigniting hopes for the home team.

As the pressure mounted, dot balls began to accumulate, giving the USA a glimmer of hope. However, India’s resilience shone through as Yadav, alongside Shivam Dube, kept the scoreboard ticking. Yadav scored a crucial 50 runs, ensuring India stayed on course for victory.

A pivotal moment came when the USA was penalized for slow over rates, conceding five penalty runs to India. This penalty dented the USA’s hopes at a crucial juncture. Despite this setback, the USA can be proud of their spirited performance.

USA’s Spirit and Future Prospects

USA captain Aaron Jones expressed pride in his team’s effort, particularly the bowling unit. “I’m really proud of the bowling unit today,” Jones said post-match. He highlighted the importance of their growing fanbase, stating, “This is something that we’ve been talking about over the last couple of years, wanting more fans for USA cricket, so now is a time that we’re really enjoying it.”

The USA’s performance against India, despite the loss, showcased their potential and determination. Their ability to push a cricket powerhouse like India to the brink is a testament to their growing prowess in the sport. The upcoming match against Ireland will be crucial for the USA, as a win would secure their spot in the knockout stages and further establish their presence in international cricket.

India’s Formidable Position

India’s victory over the USA cements their position as the team to beat in Group A. Their all-around performance, led by Arshdeep Singh’s exceptional bowling, has set a high standard in the tournament. The team’s ability to handle pressure, as demonstrated in their chase against the USA, underscores their strength and depth.

With key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma leading the team, and emerging talents like Suryakumar Yadav stepping up, India is well-positioned for a deep run in the World Cup. Their performance against the USA not only added valuable points but also showcased their ability to recover and adapt in challenging situations.

Looking Ahead

As the T20 World Cup progresses, both India and the USA have crucial matches ahead. For India, maintaining their winning streak will be essential to securing a top spot in the group and gaining a favorable position for the knockout stages. For the USA, the focus will be on harnessing their positive momentum and securing a vital victory against Ireland.

The excitement and competitiveness of the tournament have been highlighted by unexpected results and close matches, adding to the allure of the T20 format. Fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters as the teams vie for a place in the knockout rounds.

India’s triumph over the USA showcased their strength and adaptability, while the USA’s spirited performance demonstrated their growing potential in international cricket. Both teams have much to play for in the remaining matches, promising more exciting cricket action ahead.

India’s aspirations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers took a significant hit with a 3-0 loss to Qatar at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. This match ended India’s impressive 15-match unbeaten streak at home. The Indian side, led by head coach Igor Stimac, was outplayed by a well-organized Qatari team, which capitalized on early defensive lapses by the hosts.

The match started on a troubling note for India when Moustafa Tarek Mashal scored in the fourth minute, exploiting a defensive mix-up within the Indian box. Despite India’s attempts to regroup and create opportunities, they found it challenging to break through Qatar’s defense. Anirudh Thapa and Udanta Singh had notable chances towards the end of the first half, but neither could convert.

Qatar doubled their lead immediately after halftime, with Almoez Ali scoring in the 47th minute, effectively dampening India’s spirits. The visitors maintained their dominance throughout the second half, with Yusuf Abdurisag sealing the victory with a goal in the 86th minute. Despite substitutions and tactical adjustments, India struggled to mount a comeback.

India had their moments, with notable saves from goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, who was chosen over regular starter Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. However, the missed opportunities and defensive errors were too significant to overcome. Akram Afif of Qatar posed a constant threat, although he missed several chances, allowing India to keep the scoreline respectable until the final moments.

Post-match, Indian head coach Igor Stimac acknowledged the gap between the two teams, noting, “We tried to stay compact and hit on the counter, but Qatar’s quality shone through.” The Indian squad now faces a crucial encounter against Afghanistan in March 2024, which will be pivotal in their quest to advance in the qualifiers.

Reflecting on the defeat, Indian defender Sandesh Jhingan, who received a yellow card early in the match, mentioned, “We need to learn from these games and improve our concentration and execution in crucial moments.” This loss serves as a learning experience for the Blue Tigers as they aim to refine their strategies and performances in upcoming matches.

Qatar’s coach, Carlos Queiroz, praised his team’s performance, emphasizing their control and execution throughout the match. “Our players maintained their composure and stuck to the game plan, which was crucial in securing this victory,” Queiroz stated. Qatar’s victory reinforces their strong position in the qualifiers, showcasing their preparedness for higher challenges ahead.

India’s 3-0 defeat to Qatar highlights the challenges they face in their World Cup qualifying campaign. The team must regroup and address their shortcomings, particularly in defense and finishing, to keep their hopes alive for advancing to the next round. The upcoming match against Afghanistan will be a test of their resilience and ability to bounce back from this setback.

Jasprit Bumrah showcased his brilliance, securing figures of 3-14 as India clinched a hard-fought six-run triumph against Pakistan in a pulsating T20 World Cup encounter in New York.

Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah delivered commendable performances, both ending with impressive figures of 3-21 as India’s innings concluded at 119 runs in 19 overs amidst tricky conditions following morning rain.

Despite Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 42, crucial for India, their formidable bowling initially lacked its usual sting, allowing their opponents to reach 80-3 with six overs remaining, with Muhammad Rizwan leading the chase diligently.

The momentum shifted in India’s favor following Rizwan’s dismissal for 31, bowled by the exceptional Bumrah, who spearheaded India’s resurgence from a precarious position.

Requiring 18 runs off the final over, bowled by Arshdeep Singh, Pakistan managed only 10 runs, falling agonizingly short.

India has now emerged victorious in seven of their last nine encounters with Pakistan in T20 World Cups, with one match ending in no result.

This triumph at a New York stadium, scheduled for dismantling after the US leg of the T20 World Cup, holds particular significance for India. It not only edges their winless rivals closer to elimination but also places them on the verge of advancing to the Super 8s.

India’s batting prowess plays a pivotal role

Rohit Sharma adeptly tackled a challenging pitch in the opening victory against Ireland at the same venue, placing immense responsibility on India’s captain and most skilled batsman.

The fervent chants of “Rohit, Rohit, Rohit” echoed from the stands as he effortlessly dispatched the third ball of the match from Shaheen Afridi over the ropes. While this should have set the stage for a substantial total, India faltered as Virat Kohli fell to Naseem’s delivery and Rohit was caught in the deep while attempting a similar shot against Shaheen, exposing India’s vulnerable middle order.

However, there was no indication that India would settle for mere consolidation, especially with Pant striding to the crease in his characteristic flamboyant style. The left-hander played with his trademark audacity, swinging hard and connecting sporadically, contributing six crucial boundaries in a 31-ball innings that propelled his side to a moderately competitive total, with Axar Patel (20) among the few to reach double figures.

Pakistan’s seamers exhibited remarkable discipline throughout the innings, with Naseem and Rauf excelling as India’s last six wickets fell for a mere 24 runs.

Pakistan squander opportunity as Bumrah dazzles

India endured an early setback in Pakistan’s response, with misfields and missed catches, before Bumrah skillfully induced an edge off Babar Azam’s bat, leading to a fine slip catch by Suryakumar Yadav.

The majority of the packed crowd, numbering 34,028 and witnessing a sold-out Eisenhower Park, fervently backed India as their bowlers relentlessly pursued wickets.

Despite the imposing presence of the “blue wall,” Pakistan’s batters initially stood firm amidst sunny conditions and favorable batting conditions. Rizwan anchored the innings with a patient 44-ball knock before a lapse in judgment resulted in his dismissal while attempting to dispatch Bumrah through the leg side.

At that juncture, Pakistan remained the favorites, but the mounting pressure stifled their middle and lower order, who struggled to find boundaries against disciplined bowling.

Although Imad Wasim (15) offered resistance, India’s bowlers tightened the screws as the required run rate climbed. Bumrah played a pivotal role, complemented by Hardik Pandya (2-24) and Mohammed Siraj, who, despite remaining wicketless, conceded a mere 19 runs.

Following a surprising defeat to the United States in their opening match, Pakistan faces an uphill task. Even for a team known for its unpredictability, qualifying for the next stage from this position presents a daunting challenge.

Reactions from the captains:

India captain Rohit Sharma remarked, “We didn’t bat well enough – we were 15 runs short. With our bowling line-up, you feel confident. It is the never-say-die attitude in the team. You need everyone to show up and a little contribution for everyone makes a big difference, and we did that.”

Regarding the crowd, he added, “There is no doubt about it, the crowd was superb. They never disappoint, wherever we play in the world.”

Pakistan captain Babar Azam reflected, “We bowled well. At the halfway stage when batting we wanted to keep it simple, how we normally play. We didn’t capitalize properly and made the same mistakes in the last overs. We need to win big in our last two matches. We’ll discuss our mistakes.”

In a stunning display of resilience, newcomers USA triumphed over former champions Pakistan in a Super Over to secure their most significant victory in a T20 World Cup match on Thursday. This win not only highlighted the declining state of cricket in Pakistan but also drew parallels with their infamous three-wicket loss to Ireland in the 2007 ODI World Cup, which led to their early exit from that tournament.

With this victory, USA ascended to the top of Group A, having won both their matches so far. They had previously defeated Canada by seven wickets in their opener. This impressive performance sets the stage for their upcoming clash against India.

Electing to field first, USA’s left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige delivered an impressive spell, taking three wickets for 30 runs. Pakistan struggled to gain momentum and managed a total of 159 for seven. Kenjige’s ability to restrict Pakistan’s batsmen played a crucial role in keeping their score within reach.

In response, USA matched Pakistan’s total, scoring 159 for 3. Skipper Monank Patel led from the front with a crucial 50 off 38 balls, supported by Aaron Jones, who remained unbeaten with 36 off 26, and Andries Gous, who added a brisk 35 off 26. Their collective effort ensured the match ended in a tie, necessitating a Super Over.

During the Super Over, USA accumulated 18 runs, with eight of those coming from extras bowled by Mohammad Amir. Saurabh Netravalkar then showcased his composure, restricting Pakistan to just 13 runs, thus sealing a memorable win for USA.

Kenjige’s impactful performance set the tone early in the match, putting Pakistan on the back foot. Despite their efforts, Pakistan found it challenging to accelerate, managing only 159 for seven. Kenjige’s three wickets for 30 runs were pivotal in keeping Pakistan in check.

USA’s chase was spearheaded by Monank Patel, who displayed his prowess through the off-side, particularly against Iftikhar Ahmed, hitting two consecutive boundaries through the cover region. Patel’s aggressive approach was evident as he hit Afridi for a boundary over mid-off and followed it up with a six over the bowler’s head, bringing up his 50 off 34 balls. However, his 68-run second-wicket partnership with Gous was eventually broken by Haris Rauf, who bowled a quick delivery that dismissed Gous.

Pakistan managed to pick up crucial wickets, including that of Patel, who edged a delivery from Mohammad Amir to Rizwan. Aaron Jones, continuing his excellent form from the previous match against Canada, remained unbeaten on 36 off 26 balls. Together with Nitish Kumar (14 not out off 14), Jones guided USA into the Super Over.

The chase saw Jones needing to score 12 runs off the last three balls. He hit a full toss from Rauf over square leg for a six, followed by a single, reducing the target to five off the final ball.

Earlier in Pakistan’s innings, they lost Usman Khan early, who mistimed a delivery from Kenjige. Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive attempt was short-lived as he was caught off a simple catch by Taylor from Ali Khan’s delivery in the fifth over, leaving Pakistan at 26 for 3. Shadab Khan (40 off 25) and skipper Babar Azam (44 off 43) then steadied the ship, particularly with Shadab hitting two consecutive sixes off Jasdeep Singh and Azam finishing the 10th over with a boundary, accumulating 20 runs.

The partnership between Shadab and Babar injected momentum into Pakistan’s innings as they attacked Harmeet Singh’s bowling. However, Kenjige’s double strike in the 13th over, dismissing both Shadab and Azam Khan on consecutive deliveries, brought USA back into contention. Shadab was caught at short fine leg, while Azam Khan was trapped in front of the wicket. Azam, who narrowly missed another half-century, went for a review, but the decision stood.

Towards the end of Pakistan’s innings, contributions from Iftikhar Ahmed (18 off 14) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (23 not out off 16) pushed the score beyond the 150-run mark. Despite their efforts, it wasn’t enough to secure a win against a determined USA side.

USA’s positive body language was evident throughout the match, especially with Patel and Gous leading the charge. Patel’s capability to score through the off-side and his aggressive play against Afridi highlighted his innings. His half-century off 34 balls, marked by a six over the bowler’s head, was a key moment in USA’s chase. The dismissal of key players like Patel and Gous by Rauf and Amir, respectively, brought tension into the match, but Jones’ calm presence ensured USA stayed in the game.

In the climactic Super Over, USA’s 18 runs, boosted by extras from Amir, set a challenging target for Pakistan. Netravalkar’s disciplined bowling under pressure restricted Pakistan to 13 runs, clinching a remarkable victory for the USA.

This historic win not only underlines USA’s potential in international cricket but also serves as a wake-up call for Pakistan, reflecting the tumultuous state of their cricket. As USA prepares for their next match against India, they will carry the confidence of this landmark victory.

Disregarding the guidance of Ravi Shastri during a low-scoring match between India and Ireland on Wednesday, Indian captain Rohit Sharma aggressively targeted the opposition bowlers, helping the 2007 T20 World Cup champions secure a victory. This impressive performance by the seasoned Indian opener ensured a smooth win for the team, which also features Virat Kohli, in the eighth match of the T20 World Cup held at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

Teaming up with batting star Kohli to start the innings, Rohit delivered a rapid-fire performance in the opening match for the Asian powerhouse. Despite Kohli’s uncharacteristic failure in this ICC event, Rohit achieved his first half-century of the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York. However, his powerful innings was cut short when he retired hurt in the 10th over.

In the eighth over bowled by Joshua Little, Rohit was struck on the arm. Although Ireland requested a review, the third umpire ruled Rohit not out since Ultra Edge technology confirmed there was no contact with the bat. Undeterred, Rohit hit two sixes off Little in the same over, taking his score to 42 off 33 balls. He completed his half-century in Mark Adair’s over, guiding India to a score of 76-1 in 10 overs. However, after the drinks break, Rohit was seen leaving the field with the team physio, feeling discomfort in his shoulder. He retired to the dugout after scoring 52 runs off 37 balls.

During his explosive 52-run innings, Rohit shattered several records for the Men In Blue against Ireland. At 37, he surpassed 4,000 runs in T20 cricket and crossed the 1,000-run milestone in T20 World Cups. Known as Hitman, Rohit also became the first player to hit 600 sixes in international cricket.

“Yeah, just a little sore (the arm). I said it at the toss as well. Quite unsure of what to expect from the pitch. Not aware on what it is to play like on a pitch that’s five months old. I don’t think the wicket settled down even when we batted second. There was enough for the bowlers,” Rohit commented post-match.

If the intention of this T20 World Cup is to captivate new viewers in the United States, it is falling short in its opening week. For the second consecutive game at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Long Island, New York, the team batting first was bowled out for less than 100 runs. On Monday, Sri Lanka was dismissed for 77, led by South Africa’s Anrich Nortje who took four wickets. On Wednesday, Ireland managed only 96 runs due to a collective bowling effort by India. Hardik Pandya took 3/27, while Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh each claimed two wickets, with Bumrah being named player of the match.

The disparity in quality meant that India reached the target with 46 balls to spare, securing an eight-wicket victory to start their campaign. However, the matches have been played on challenging drop-in pitches, which are not ideal for T20 cricket. Additionally, the slow outfield has not been conducive to the game. The only concern for India was their captain, Rohit Sharma, who retired hurt on 52 after 10 overs following a blow to his right forearm from left-arm pacer Josh Little. The injury occurred in the ninth over, but Rohit responded by hitting the next two balls for sixes. India will hope Rohit is fit for their next Group A match against Pakistan on Sunday.

While there isn’t much to dissect from this match, India’s team selection was interesting. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s exclusion was evident from the warm-up game against Bangladesh. However, the composition of India’s bowling attack included two surprises: they chose to use all three specialist pacers in the squad with Pandya as a fourth seam-bowling option, and they left out left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, a key player in white-ball cricket over the past few years, for Axar Patel.

The pace-heavy strategy was fitting for Wednesday given the early start, cloud cover, and uncertainty about the pitch. After opting to bowl first, India’s pace attack quickly found their rhythm. Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj set the tone by exploiting the lateral movement available. The variable bounce also kept the batters on edge—a delivery from Arshdeep in the first over went on the bounce to the wicketkeeper while others rose sharply from a length.

Arshdeep struck twice in a two-run third over. Ireland’s captain Paul Stirling managed only a top edge on an attempted pull, allowing Rishabh Pant, returning to the team after a long absence due to a car accident, to take the catch. Five balls later, Andy Balbirnie, the other opener, was bowled trying to steer the ball through third man, leaving Ireland at 9/2 after three overs.

Ireland’s situation worsened as Bumrah began his spell in the sixth over, immediately troubling the batsmen with his movement. Hardik Pandya, brought into the attack in the seventh over, also made an impact. Despite a disappointing IPL season with Mumbai Indians, Pandya appeared rejuvenated. He had performed well in the warm-up game against Bangladesh, scoring an unbeaten 40 off 23 balls, and continued his good form with the ball.

In his first over, Pandya bowled Lorcan Tucker with a nip-backer that hit the stumps. Tucker had previously hit Siraj and Arshdeep for boundaries but misjudged his shot against Pandya. “I really liked the first wicket. Generally, I don’t hit the stumps often; I have a tendency to bowl back of a length, but on this wicket, I needed to be a lot fuller to be in the game,” Pandya said during the mid-innings break.

Bumrah followed up by dismissing Harry Tector in the next over. Tector, who struggled for 4 off 15 balls, was undone by a fierce bouncer from Bumrah, which he tried to pull but was late, resulting in a glove and helmet deflection to Virat Kohli at cover.

Ireland, from 36/4, quickly slid to 44/5, 46/6, and 49/7, as Pandya added to his tally. The pitch did not favor aggressive strokes, but Ireland contributed to their downfall with poor shot selection. Axar Patel also chipped in with a caught-and-bowled in the 12th over, his only over of the innings, claiming Ireland’s eighth wicket. Only two Irish batters reached double figures, but Gareth Delany and Josh Little swung their bats towards the end, helping Ireland reach 96 before a run-out ended their innings.

While India’s bowlers performed admirably, the challenge posed by the pitch raises concerns for the tournament’s appeal. For cricket to attract new fans in the United States, especially with venues like Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Long Island, the playing conditions must be conducive to an exciting, competitive format that showcases the best of T20 cricket. As the tournament progresses, both the quality of the pitches and the performances will need to improve to meet the expectations of the global audience and achieve the tournament’s promotional goals.

Cricket embarks on a mission to captivate American audiences and their financial support this week with the T20 World Cup commencing on Saturday in Dallas, showcasing the sport’s finest talents in a relatively untapped region. The opening match sees the United States facing Canada, co-hosted by the West Indies, while a temporary venue in Nassau County, New York, will host its first of eight games on Monday. Lauderhill, Florida, is set to host four more matches.

Globally, cricket commands a following of over a billion fans, yet it remains underappreciated in the lucrative North American market, where sports enthusiasts are more familiar with New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge wielding a bat than cricket stars like Rohit Sharma or Jos Buttler.

“This is the start of a journey,” stated International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Geoff Allardice to Reuters. “The awareness that we’re bringing in more elite cricket to the USA is something that’s been a strategic priority for us.”

The journey began with the inauguration of Major League Cricket in the United States last year and aims to culminate in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, marking cricket’s return to the Olympic program for the first time since 1900.

“In the lead up to the Los Angeles Olympics, I think we’ll be continuing to try and raise the profile of cricket, not just for the established cricket fans in the USA but for new fans,” Allardice added.

The tournament, which has Jamaican track legend Usain Bolt as an ambassador, represents a dream come true for U.S. immigrants who make up much of the sport’s American fan base and are typically accustomed to watching the games on television rather than live.

“I mean, (India have) got some of the biggest names in world sport as part of their team,” said Allardice. “And to be able to get close to them and see them in action, I think it’s an opportunity that’s something that comes along (not) very often for cricket fans in the USA.”

The ICC T20 World Cup runs from June 1-29.

The ninth edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will award the tournament winner at least 2.45 million USD, marking the highest prize money ever in the event’s history, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The winning team will receive this prize along with the trophy, to be presented at Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29. This comes from an overall prize pool of 11.25 million USD sanctioned by the ICC. Each participating team will receive a minimum of 225,000 USD.

The runners-up are set to receive at least 1.28 million USD, while the losing semifinalists will earn 787,500 USD each. Teams that do not advance past the Super 8 stage will each get 382,500 USD. Teams finishing ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth will each receive 247,500 USD.

Teams placed between thirteenth and twentieth positions will pocket 225,000 USD each. Additionally, every team will earn an extra 31,154 USD for each match victory, excluding the semifinals and final. “This event is historic in so many ways, so it is fitting that the prize money for players reflects that. Hundreds of millions of fans around the world will be entertained by the players in what we’re hoping to be an Out of This World event,” said ICC CEO Geoff Allardice.

The tournament, spanning 55 matches and involving 20 teams, will be played over 28 days across nine venues in the West Indies and USA, making it the largest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup ever. The 20 teams will be divided into four groups of five for the first round.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super 8 stage, where they will be divided into two groups of four. The first and second seed teams from each initial group will retain their seeding in the Super 8, provided they qualify. Specifically, finishers A1, B2, C1, and D2 will be in one Super 8 group, while A2, B1, C2, and D1 will be in the other group.

The top two teams from each Super 8 group will move on to the semifinals, scheduled in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago on June 26 and 27 respectively. The final will take place in Barbados on June 29.

In a stellar display of skill and determination, reigning Asian Junior champions Nisha (52kg) and Akansha (70kg) secured medals, leading a formidable contingent of Indian pugilists who confirmed their places on the podium during the seventh day of the IBA Junior World Boxing Championships 2023 in Yerevan, Armenia.

The Indian girls showcased their dominance as all five boxers in action emerged victorious, advancing to the semifinals. Akansha (70kg) started the day aggressively, but her Uzbekistan counterpart, Kurbonboeva Rayhona, posed a challenge with a counterattack. Despite the setback, Akansha claimed victory with a 4-1 split decision. Nisha (52kg) exhibited her strength against Grace Conway of Ireland, securing a unanimous 5-0 decision. Shrushti displayed prowess in the 63kg category, winning comfortably as the referee stopped the contest in round two against Mariia Kazaova of Russia. Kritika (75kg) mirrored the dominance, preventing Melendez Sanchez of Mexico from settling down and winning the bout by referee stopping the contest in round one. Vini (57kg) advanced to the semis with a walkover as her opponent Nunez Naiomi of Trinidad and Tobago conceded.

While the girls excelled, the boys had a mixed day. Three out of the five competing boxers progressed to the final four. Hemant Sangwan (80+kg) and Sikandar (48kg) exhibited exceptional performances, winning with identical 5-0 decisions against Bachevvski Roselin of Bulgaria and Urmanov Ramzidin of Kyrgyzstan, respectively. In the 75kg quarterfinals, Sahil faced a tough challenge from Ruslan Esanov of Uzbekistan but secured a 3-2 split decision victory, showcasing impressive quick movements and decision-making. However, M. Kabiraj Singh (63kg) and Rahul Kundu (70kg) faced defeats in the quarterfinals.

With eight more medals added, India’s total medal count now stands at an impressive 17, with Megha (80kg) having already confirmed a medal after receiving a bye in the initial two rounds. A total of 17 Indian boxers, including 12 girls, are set to compete in the semifinals, reflecting the nation’s prowess on the international boxing stage.

Two days after the Cricket World Cup final, India has absented itself from voting on a General Assembly resolution on sports promoting “understanding among peoples and nations”.

Being absent during the voting on Tuesday does not amount to a formal abstention as it is not put on record.

The resolution, “Building a Peaceful and Better World through Sport and the Olympic Ideal”, was adopted with 118 votes while only Russia and Syria formally abstained.

India’s UN Mission did not respond to an IANS query about the absence.

The Assembly session was sparsely attended and 73 countries had stayed away.

The resolution said, “Sports can contribute to an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding among peoples and nations.”

Sponsored by France, it tied the resolution to the Paris Olympics next year and called for an international truce for the event in a tradition going back to 776 BCE when the ancient Greeks stopped fighting during the games.

The truce is “to ensure the safe passage, access and participation of athletes, officials and all other accredited persons” attending the “Olympics and the Paralympic Games,” the resolution said.

It also called for ensuring the safety of the Games.

“Sports can play to prevent and counter-terrorism and violent extremism” and build “resilience against radicalisation to violence and terror recruitment,” it added.

Introducing the resolution on behalf of France, Tony Estanguet, the President of the Paris 2024 Olympic Organising Committee, said, “The games are the best incarnation of the powers of sport because they bring together tolerance, respect and sharing as values throughout the world.”

The Olympics show that “it is possible to live in harmony and in respect of other people,” said Estanguet, a former Olympic athlete. However, rancour and politics crept in.

Russia’s delegate complained that there was a “dangerous trend of political interference in sport and of turning it into an instrument for exerting political pressure”.

“Our Olympic and Paralympic athletes are being stripped of their dreams for which they’ve lived and worked” of competing under their own country’s flag, she said.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said that ensuring non-discrimination and political neutrality in international sports competitions is “crucial for building a better and more peaceful world through sport”.

But he countered Russia’s complaint, saying that it was suspended because it violated the Olympic Charter by including athletes from regions of Ukraine it had invaded and infringing on the territorial integrity of that country’s Olympic committee. (IANS)

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, England’s World Cup journey has taken a devastating blow with their sixth defeat in seven matches, leaving no room for mathematical possibilities of making it to the final four. This formidable defeat marked the end of their title defense aspirations. Fakhar Zaman, on the other hand, emerged as the savior for Pakistan, playing a spectacular innings to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Currently, Pakistan and New Zealand find themselves in a neck-and-neck battle, both standing on equal points with one league game remaining. The outcome of this crucial fixture will determine their final rankings. Pakistan is set to face England in their last league match, while New Zealand takes on Sri Lanka. Kane Williamson’s Kiwi team, currently sitting at fourth place on the points table, holds the advantage in terms of net run rate.

Australia, on the other hand, continues to march on relentlessly, securing their fifth consecutive victory with a 33-run triumph over England. While their spot in the semi-finals is yet to be confirmed, they are well-positioned with upcoming matches against Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Adding further intrigue to the mix, Afghanistan remains a dark horse, still in contention. They must clinch victories in at least one of their final two games against Australia and South Africa and heavily rely on their net run rate to keep their semi-final hopes alive. The World Cup stage is set for thrilling showdowns as teams vie for a coveted spot in the final four.

The cricketing world, with luminaries such as Kapil Dev and Virender Sehwag, came together to bid farewell to the legendary Indian spinner, Bishan Bedi. Bedi, who had been battling illness, passed away at the age of 77. His last rites were attended by a host of Indian cricket legends, including the World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev, Madan Lal, Virender Sehwag, Kirti Azad, Ashish Nehra, Ajay Jadeja, and Murali Kartik, who had learned the art of spin bowling under the guidance of Bedi.

This solemn gathering also included several first-class cricketers, emphasizing the profound impact Bedi had on both the professional and personal lives of those who shared the field with him.

Bishan Bedi, hailing from Amritsar and born in 1946, had a distinguished career, representing India in 67 Test matches. During his illustrious career, he managed to claim 266 wickets, which included an impressive 14 five-wicket hauls and one memorable 10-wicket haul. He was an integral part of Indian cricket’s renowned quartet of spin bowlers, alongside Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chadrasekhar, and Srinivas Venkataraghavan. Together, they formed the backbone of India’s bowling lineup for over a decade, from 1966 to 1978.

Not only was Bishan Bedi an exceptional cricketer, but he was also a remarkable human being, as acknowledged by a former cricketer who attended the ceremony at the Lodhi Crematorium.

In addition to his on-field achievements, Bedi made substantial contributions off the pitch. He briefly served as the manager of the Indian cricket team in 1990, accompanying them on tours to New Zealand and England. His cricketing acumen made him a valuable national selector, and he was a mentor to numerous budding spin bowlers, including Maninder Singh, Sunil Joshi, and Murali Kartik, all of whom cherished his technical insights.

Bishan Bedi was also celebrated for his leadership qualities. He captained the Indian cricket team for nearly four years in Test matches, taking the reins after the retirement of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi in 1975 and leading the team until 1979. His legacy as a cricketer, leader, mentor, and human being remains etched in the annals of Indian cricket history, and his presence will be dearly missed by the cricketing fraternity.

Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson announced the launch of a new sports league and another cricket team for the city as part of the new venture, National Cricket League (NCL). He was joined by Azhar Qasmi, NCL CEO, Dallas business executive Arun Agarwal who is serving as NCL chairman and advisor, Haroon Lorgat, former chairman of the International Cricket Council, as well as cricketers and Lollywood and Bollywood celebrities to celebrate the impending Dallas team launch.

The NCL also announced the new Dallas headquarters and the league’s first event, a nine-day nonstop cricket tournament taking place in December.

The NCL is an exciting new venture that aims to introduce the short, fast-paced form of cricket, called “sixty strikes”, to the United States. It includes six teams with international players, coaches and mentors from all over the world. Cricket is the second most popular sport in the world after soccer. In the U.S. alone, there are over 30 million cricket enthusiasts, with 4.4 million subscribers paying to watch cricket on various TV channels. It has rapidly gained popularity, especially the “sixty strikes” format.

“It is my hope that we will be able to cheer on our city’s team in a stadium in Dallas soon. The National Cricket League has my full support as it works to bring the first dedicated cricket stadium to Dallas,” said Mayor Johnson.

The mayor and NCL leadership stressed that the new Dallas team and stadium location will be announced very soon. “This will be a Dallas team. When we say Dallas, we mean Dallas – not Arlington, not Frisco. We’re proud to create another team to represent our city,” said Agarwal.

The first league tournament will be December 19-29 at Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida. In addition to cricket, this nine-day nonstop tournament will feature 30+ performances from celebrities around the world.

In 2022, sporting events in Dallas produced more than $647 million in economic impact for the city, supported more than 4,000 jobs and generated $16 million in local tax revenue. And more major sporting events are coming soon to Dallas, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2030 NCAA Men’s Final Four, and the 2031 NCAA Women’s Final Four.

“If you aren’t already one of the 30 million cricket enthusiasts in America, now is the time to familiarize yourself with the sport,” said Mayor Johnson. “Sports present unique opportunities to bring together people of all backgrounds under one roof. They strengthen communities. They generate excitement. And they foster civic and national pride.”

More details about the Dallas team and stadium location will be revealed in the coming weeks. The names of the six league team owners are also forthcoming, and the drafting of players is expected to take place in October.

National Cricket League

The National Cricket League is an exciting venture that aims to introduce the short and fast-paced “sixty strikes” format of cricket to the United States. “Sixty strikes” matches typically last around 90 minutes and are known for power hitting and high-scoring matches. While cricket may be new to the American audience, it is incredibly popular in other parts of the world with 2.5 billion global followers. For more information, visit nclcricket.com.

Having set a target of 357, India bowled out Pakistan for 128 runs, its third-lowest total against India. It was India’s biggest margin of victory — by runs — over its neighbor and bitter rival.

After bad weather halted play on Sunday, when Pakistan won the toss, the game extended to the reserve day and threatened to end in no result after several more rain interruptions but India’s bowlers bowled out the opposition in just 32 overs. Two injured bowlers did not bat for Pakistan.

Kuldeep Yadav finished with a five-wicket haul as Pakistan struggled against the left-arm wrist spinner. As well as taking five wickets, his eight overs cost only 25 runs.

Earlier, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul posted unbeaten hundreds as India amassed 356-2.

Kohli and Rahul put on an unbroken 233 for the third wicket off 194 balls, India’s highest partnership for any wicket in the Asia Cup.

It is also the fourth-highest total at the R Premadasa Stadium, with no one-day international team having successfully chased 357 at the venue, and India’s joint highest ODI total against Pakistan, equalling the 356 scored in Visakhapatnam in 2005.

“We wanted to walk out to the park and have some game time. Many of the guys didn’t have game time,” India captain Rohit Sharma said. “Virat and Rahul batted so well when we had to score big runs, and then the bowlers were superb when it was our time to bowl.”

“We have back-to-back games [playing Sri Lanka on Tuesday] and it’s tough on the players, but we are looking forward for the challenge.”

India resumed on Monday on 147-2 and soon took complete control.

Rahul, back in the side after injury, scored a run-a-ball century. It was his sixth ODI hundred and the first since March 2021. He finished 111 not out off 106 balls with 12 fours and two sixes.

Only former captain Kohli could do better than that as he became the quickest batter to get to 13,000 ODI runs. The previous record holder, Sachin Tendulkar, needed 321 innings to reach the milestone but Kohli got there in 267.

Kohli’s 47th ODI hundred came off 84 balls — after reaching his fifty in 55 deliveries — and it was his fourth consecutive century at the ground. Only Hashim Amla of South Africa has scored four successive tons at the same venue, at Centurion.

Kohli finished unbeaten on 122 off 94 deliveries with nine fours and three sixes.

“India’s batters had a plan for our bowlers. And then Rahul and Kohli followed up and finished very well,” Pakistan captain Babar Azam said. “It was disappointing as we were never in the hunt during the run chase.”

Pakistan’s bowling looked strong when the teams met in a first-round game in Kandy but this time India went on the attack.

Pakistan’s bowling was weakened without Haris Rauf. The paceman sent down five overs on Sunday but wasn’t available to bowl on Monday as he felt “discomfort in his right flank”, the Pakistan Cricket Board said. Naseem Shah also walked off midway through his final over with a shoulder niggle. Neither bowler batted.

India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka all have one win apiece in the Super Four round. India is top on net run rate.

Bangladesh is the fourth team in the group and has lost two matches.

India made two changes for the match from the line-up that beat Nepal in its previous game. Rahul, who missed the group stage, returned in place of Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah, who had flown back to India and missed the Nepal game due to personal reasons, replaced Mohammad Shami.

Pakistan opted to play an unchanged team, sticking to the same XI that had beaten Bangladesh in their first Super Four game in Lahore.

The first-round day-nighter between India and Pakistan was washed out after India was bowled out for 266 in the 49th over. (Virat Kohli notches 47th one-day international century as India thrash Pakistan in Asia Cup – ABC News)

With the 2023 ODI World Cup set to take place in India from October 5 to November 19, cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating an exhilarating display of skill and entertainment. The focus will undoubtedly be on the host nation, which, despite consistently fielding a formidable team, has faced disappointment by failing to clinch an ICC trophy since 2013.

Over the years, India has repeatedly come close to securing another coveted ICC title, only to stumble at the semi-final hurdle. One persistent issue has been their middle-order dilemma. The middle-order batsmen have often faltered during crucial moments, eliciting substantial criticism. This problem was evident in the T20 World Cup last year, where India’s journey came to an end in the semi-finals, succumbing to eventual champions, England.

Matthew Hayden, the former Australian cricketer, weighed in on the upcoming World Cup by unveiling his own India squad selections. Hayden’s choices included a few unexpected inclusions. He listed five batters: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Suryakumar Yadav. Additionally, he opted for three wicket-keepers: KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, and Sanju Samson.

Drawing from his extensive experience as a two-time World Cup victor, Hayden identified his trio of all-rounders as Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. Jadeja and Axar would also serve as spin bowling options. Furthermore, his selections for seam bowlers encompassed Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Shardul Thakur. An intriguing omission from Hayden’s roster was Kuldeep Yadav, who had secured a spot in the Asia Cup squad. Also noteworthy was the inclusion of the sidelined Sanju Samson.

Delving deeper into his analysis of India’s challenges in ICC tournaments, Hayden shared his insights during an interview with PTI. He remarked, “The issue certainly isn’t rooted in skill. Thus, it becomes a matter of both seizing opportunities and adopting the right mindset. 

Cricket occupies a central place in the Indian way of life, representing the very DNA of sports and facing limited competition from other pursuits. Contrarily, in Australia, I could stroll down the street without being readily recognized, especially with my rather unkempt beard and cap (chuckles). Our nation also boasts a plethora of competitive sports apart from cricket—rugby, football, water sports, surfing, and outdoor activities. In India, however, the focus remains largely insular, accompanied by a considerable amount of pressure.”

As the anticipation for the 2023 ODI World Cup intensifies, former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has presented an intriguing perspective on India’s potential squad composition. Hayden’s choices, while surprising in some instances, reflect his strategic insights into building a robust team for the tournament. 

Moreover, his assessment of the challenges faced by the Indian cricketing ecosystem sheds light on the unique pressures and expectations that surround the sport in the country. Cricket’s significance in India’s cultural fabric is undeniable, shaping not only the players’ performance but also the collective mindset of a nation that holds the sport in unparalleled esteem.

Following quite a while of premature moves, men’s tennis at last has a legitimate conflict between the ages.

In a frightening rebound that shook the All Britain Club’s respected Center Court, Carlos Alcaraz, the 20-year-old Spanish star who has blitzed the game in his concise profession, pulled off the almost unimaginable, beating Novak Djokovic in a Wimbledon last on the grass that the man generally perceived as the best ever to play the game has long treated as his back yard.

In addition to attempting to win a Grand Slam, Djokovic wanted to put an end to the hopes of another well-known newcomer who was trying to challenge his dominance of the sport, which has resulted in 23 Grand Slam tournament victories. Alcaraz is the leading figure of the following gathering of players who should move the game past the time of the Huge Three, a period that incorporates Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal and that Djokovic has administered longer than many anticipated.

Alcaraz won the U.S. Open last year in exciting, gymnastic design, serving notice that men’s tennis would have been stirred up by a strange ability. This year, he pulled out from the Australian Open to nurture a physical issue and was crushed by Djokovic in the elimination rounds at the French Open. In any case, the buzz around him and his future won’t ever lessen.

“It’s perfect for the new age,” Alcaraz said, “to see me beating him and making them feel that they are proficient to make it happen.”

Down after the principal set and battling just to stay away from shame, Alcaraz rediscovered his novel blend of speed, power and contact and sorted out the nuances of grass-court tennis at the last possible second.

In an epic, 85-minute second set, when he was one point away from what appeared to be an insurmountable two-set deficit, he clawed his way back into the match.

He took control of the match in the middle of the third set, but in the fourth set, he faltered as Djokovic, the four-time defending champion and seven-time winner of Wimbledon, rediscovered the footwork that has been the foundation of his success for a long time.

Alcaraz rose once more to claim victory, 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, not only overcoming Djokovic’s endless skills and talents but also breaking his spirit. Djokovic is as dangerous as he has ever been when facing defeat.

At the point when the energy swung one final time, as Alcaraz wrenched a strike down the line to break Djokovic’s serve right off the bat in the fifth set, the Serb with the steely brain crushed his racket on the net post. He had wasted a chance to take control a few points earlier by hitting a floating forehand in the middle of the court and sending it into the net. Presently, only a couple of moments later, what has so seldom happened to him as of late — a misfortune to an overall novice on a fabulous stage, particularly this terrific stage — was occurring.

Djokovic, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, finally beat Nadal and Federer, his longtime rivals, last month. But this defeat cost him a chance at one of the few prizes he hasn’t won: becoming the first player since 1969 to win all four major tournaments in a single year and complete the Grand Slam in men’s singles. Two years ago, he was one match away from accomplishing the feat. This time, at 36 years of age, an age when most bosses have resigned to the transmission corner, he was eight matches away.

It appeared to be so close, but Alcaraz demonstrated why everyone has been so obsessed with him for so long in the final game. He beat Djokovic with his most seductive shots: a silky drop shot, a skillful topspin lob, a powerful serve, and a final ripping forehand that Djokovic reached for but was unable to hit over the net.

Alcaraz dropped to the ground and moved on the grass, his hands over his face in dismay. He embraced Djokovic at the net, warmly greeted the umpire, got a free ball from the grass and drop-kicked it into the group prior to heading into the stands to embrace his folks and his mentor, Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Alcaraz stated, “It’s amazing for me to beat Novak at his best, in this stage, make history, and be the guy to beat him after 10 years unbeaten on that court.”

In the wake of taking the top dog’s prize from Catherine, Princess of Ridges, on a day that drew out Top notch VIPs like the entertainers Brad Pitt, Daniel Craig, Emma Watson and Hugh Jackman and the vocalist Ariana Grande, he got to mess with Lord Felipe VI of Spain, who additionally watched the youthful Spanish player’s victory. Alcaraz addressed the king, “Now that I won, I hope you are coming to more of my matches.”

One of Alcaraz’s many tutors, Nadal, the incomparable Spanish player who had deposed one more Wimbledon symbol, Federer, in 2008, composed via virtual entertainment that Alcaraz had brought “monstrous satisfaction” to Spanish tennis.

“A very firm hug, Champion, and enjoy the moment!!!” wrote Nadal, who had recent hip and abdominal surgery and was unable to participate in the tournament.

The misfortune made an intriguing second for Djokovic, who recognized that on this day basically he had lost to a superior player.

“An extreme one to swallow,” Djokovic said of the misfortune. After that, he looked at his son, who was smiling at him from a seat near the courtroom, and fought back tears. He thanked his family for supporting him. We can all love one another, and I’ll give you a big hug.

On Saturday, Mats Wilander, the seven-time Huge homerun victor who is currently quite possibly of the most regarded voice in the game, put Djokovic’s possibilities beating Alcaraz and winning the four 2023 Huge homerun occasions at 90%.

“He has such a large number of weapons,” Wilander said. ” He is familiar with the sport in its entirety. He knows everything exactly how to do it. The rivals aren’t prepared for him.”

Wilander appeared to be prescient in the opening minutes of Sunday’s final. It appeared as though the most important men’s tennis match would be fought between two players who had entered Centre Court under completely different circumstances.

Djokovic had his typical July Sunday. However, Alcaraz was playing in his most memorable Wimbledon last, and that weight was made heavier after the pressure prompted, full-body cramps he endured during his elimination round confrontation with Djokovic at the French Open a month ago. That had been the principal significant second when Alcaraz, the favorite and the world No. 1, did not live up to his promise.

Sunday was unique. Be that as it may, not from the start.

From the initial minutes, Djokovic stuck Alcaraz in the back corner of the court with low cutting shots that made it unthinkable for Alcaraz to go on the assault. He squashed assistance returns, focusing on the earthy colored patches of soil at Alcaraz’s feet and sending him running in reverse.

Before the half-hour mark of the match, Djokovic had a 2-0 lead and was being set up.

After an epic second set that lasted three times as long as the first, Alcaraz’s chance of reaching his first Wimbledon final came down to a crucial tiebreaker. Djokovic excels at tiebreakers. Entering the last, he had won 14 straight in Huge homerun matches.

The second drawn out the best in the two players — the huge serves to the corners; frightful drop shots; fresh, point-saving victors with the adversary shutting in at the net — and the stuffed group, with rotating serenades of “Novak, Novak,” and “Carlos, Carlos” reverberating around the Middle Court overhangs.

And afterward right when maybe Djokovic was ready to snatch a directing two-set lead, he sent two strikes into the net to allow Alcaraz an opportunity to draw even. Alcaraz then broke Djokovic’s serve with a backhand return down the line to tie the match at one set apiece.

The previous heavyweight champion Mike Tyson once said that everybody has an arrangement until they get hit in the mouth.

Alcaraz had handled a shot to Djokovic’s jaw, and Djokovic felt it. Djokovic made a lot of mistakes in the third set. He fought to recapture a traction in the match, never more so than a game halfway through that went to 13 deuces, that finished with a Djokovic forehand into the net.

As he generally does when he is down, Djokovic took an extensive restroom break before the fourth set. He talks to himself in the mirror while splashing water on his face. Ordinarily, he arises an alternate player, and Sunday was the same, as he held onto the drive again, breaking Alcaraz’s serve halfway through, getting back in his mind and accepting the set as Alcaraz, again tense and on edge, twofold blamed.

They were back where they started nearly four hours later. Almost five hours of show would boil down to a couple of seconds.

“He astounded me. Djokovic said of Alcaraz, “He surprised everyone.” In his eyes, Alcaraz had taken elements of his, Nadal’s, and Federer’s styles and produced a prowess on grass — his grass! — much sooner than he anticipated. I haven’t played a player like him, of all time.”

Four years after stepping away from international cricket, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has impressively reinvented himself as a powerful lower-order batsman for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sports journalist Suresh Menon ponders the extraordinary transformation of the 41-year-old cricket icon.

When this IPL season concludes, it might be worth considering naming the trophy after someone who truly embodies the spirit and significance of the tournament – none other than Dhoni. As a perpetual face of the IPL, the “MS Dhoni Trophy” has an appealing sound.

In the first edition of the IPL in 2008, Dhoni was the highest-priced player, and 15 years later, he remains CSK’s most valuable asset. His presence encapsulates the very best and most thrilling aspects of the T20 franchise tournament.

Even among Chennai’s revered film stars and politicians, Dhoni holds a unique place during IPL season. The bond between CSK and its fans is exceptional, with Dhoni serving as the embodiment of the team. As a gifted six-hitter and skilled leader, he ensures no match is lost as long as he’s on the field.

Since the IPL’s inception in 2008, Dhoni has guided CSK to four victories. Every year since his international retirement, questions about him leaving cricket altogether have arisen. However, Dhoni remains focused on leading CSK to another title, potentially matching the Mumbai Indians’ record of five championships.

Dhoni’s originality as a captain and mentor to young players is still evident in the IPL. As he approaches 42, his leadership alone justifies his place on the team.

Dhoni once said that he desired a team willing to give their all when it mattered most, and he has found that in CSK. Despite carrying a knee injury this year, Dhoni has opted to bat at No. 8, telling his teammates, “Don’t make me run a lot.” His role, he explained, is “to bat at the death and hit out.”

Dhoni’s current strike rate in the IPL is 204, with 96 runs from just 47 balls and a six every 4.7 deliveries. His arrival at the crease as a No. 8 batsman generates immense anticipation.

His teammate Ravindra Jadeja admits to not being eager to enter at No.7, as the crowd often chants “Dhoni, Dhoni” in hopes of witnessing another wicket fall.

Dhoni’s reinvention holds lessons for players who bat below No.3 and for older batters. In T20 cricket, making an impact through big hits is essential. Dhoni demonstrates that a 20 off nine balls is more valuable than a 50 off 70.

Maintaining the fitness and passion to play T20 at 41 requires self-awareness and humility, qualities Dhoni has consistently displayed. He recognizes that the days of scoring big hundreds and fifties may be behind him, and there’s no sense trying to relive past glories.

Dhoni’s future in the IPL remains uncertain, but naming the trophy after him would be a fitting tribute. After all, it was his team that secured India’s victory in the 2007 World Cup, paving the way for the IPL’s inception.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has suspended superstar Lionel Messi for two weeks and intends to dock his pay following his decision to fly to Saudi Arabia to attend promotional events for Visit Saudi, his personal sponsor. Messi’s absence from PSG’s upcoming matches could compromise the club’s chances of securing what would be a historic 11th Ligue 1 title, as they are only five points ahead of the team in second place, Marseille, with five matches left to play. As senior officials at PSG have stated, the club intends to create a culture focused on a collective brand rather than on individual stars.

This point is particularly relevant to PSG, which has previously been accused of having a “team of superstars” rather than a true team working together. Hence, this suspension is the club’s way of drawing a line and setting the record straight. PSG’s President, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who leads Qatar Sports Investments, is determined to establish a new culture of team spirit at the club.

While PSG’s decision to suspend Messi is a brave one, it could cost them his services in the future. Despite being on a two-year deal, it’s likely that Messi will leave PSG this summer, with rumours of possible moves to Saudi Arabia, Inter Miami, or even back to Barcelona.

This incident comes in the months following Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup and this year’s world cup which saw Messi finally lift the trophy he had been chasing for so long. In contrast, Saudi Arabia hosted some of Messi’s promotional events. However, Qatar and Saudi Arabia may face a different type of battle: hosting the 2030 World Cup.

The bidding process for hosting the 2030 World Cup began in June this year, and the winner will be announced at the 74th FIFA congress in 2024. There are currently four confirmed bids. The first is a joint bid by Spain, Portugal, and Ukraine which was announced in 2022. The second bid is a South American co-production comprised of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile. In March of this year, Morocco replaced Ukraine and joined forces with Spain and Portugal following their semi-final finish at the World Cup. Finally, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Greece are expected to submit a combined bid.

However, Saudi Arabia’s bid may be negatively impacted by Messi’s recent suspension, which could suggest a lack of discipline and possibly affect the country’s ability to host large international tournaments.

“A South American bid for 2030 is very strong,” its co-ordinator Fernando Marin told The Athletic. “The region is a generator of talent that expresses itself all over the world. Additionally, on the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup in Uruguay in 1930, it would be a fitting location.”

Lionel Messi’s recent agreement to promote tourism in Saudi Arabia could possibly hinder South America’s joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup. Messi became an ambassador for “Vision 2030” last year, which according to the government is a “unique transformative economic and social reform blueprint that is opening Saudi Arabia up to the world”. As hosting the World Cup is linked to promoting tourism, it is speculated that Saudi Arabia’s bid for the tournament is connected to their overall vision. Saudi Arabia has been making efforts to improve its reputation globally by making it more attractive for foreign investors. Some of these include acquiring the English Premier League club Newcastle United, backing the LIV Golf breakaway tour, a 10-year, $650million deal to host Formula One races, and hosting the 2019 heavyweight boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz.

Messi signed the agreement with Saudi Arabia last year, and its terms and length have not been disclosed. Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly rejected a promotional offer worth over £5million per year to promote Saudi tourism. However, sources familiar with ambassadorial roles in the Gulf region claimed that Messi’s deal may be worth five times Ronaldo’s annual fee. Representatives for Messi declined to disclose the figures involved, and the Saudi government did not respond to requests for comment.

The joint bid between Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile for the 2030 World Cup was first introduced in 2017, where Messi and Luis Suarez of Barcelona teamed up to promote their countries. While Messi initially expressed great interest in supporting the bid, his role as an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is raising concerns that it could impact South America’s chances of hosting the tournament.

The bid itself has been seen as a symbolic one, as the inaugural World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930, with Argentina finishing runners-up in that tournament. However, it has also been received with mixed reviews due to political tensions between Chile and Argentina that emerged from the Falklands War. The bid is also in competition with the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Morocco for the hosting rights.

Messi’s ambassadorial role in Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry has raised questions due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record which includes the imprisonment of activists and financing of international terrorism. Since Saudi Arabia is considered a controversial destination for sports teams and fans due to these issues, Messi’s agreement has been met with criticism from fans and human rights organisations like Amnesty International.

The relationship between Messi’s role in Saudi Arabia and the 2030 World Cup bid remains uncertain. While there is some concern that Messi’s Saudi ties could harm the South American joint bid, there has been no official statement from the Argentina Football Association or Messi himself on the matter. For many fans, the priority remains on the ethics of Messi’s association with Saudi Arabia and the impact it could have on promoting tourism in a country with a questionable human rights record.

“This is not his first visit to the kingdom and it will not be the last,” said Ahmed al-Khateeb, the Saudi minister of tourism, in a tweet that showed Messi’s welcome at King Abdulaziz International Airport.

“Discovering the Red Sea #VisitSaudi,” read the caption on Instagram, where Messi has over 370 million followers. The post was labelled as a “paid partnership” with Visit Saudi, which is a subsidiary company of the Saudi Tourism Authority.

Messi later joined Princess Haifa Al-Saud, assistant minister of tourism, on a tour of old Jeddah. “I am glad that he was mesmerized by its essence, heritage and beauty,” Princess Haifa said on Twitter.

Amidst a great number of scandals concerning the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lionel Messi has taken  a role in promoting their country as a tourist destination. The page now on the Visit Saudi website featuring Messi urges people to “unleash their inner thrill-seeker” and take part in all that the nation has to offer. Whilst his representatives have been tight-lipped about how regularly he will visit or if this partnership will clash with his home country’s efforts to host a World Cup in 2030 – the potential conflict of interests between him and UNICEF remain unclear.

The region is reportedly backed by ample resources which may aid in staging the global sporting event nine years from now should they choose to pursue their bid; however, there are worries that Morocco’s involvement with Spain/Portugal’s joint bid may steal away votes from Middle Eastern/North African countries who may have otherwise supported them, thus making it more likely for them to wait for 2034. Coupled with this, FIFA pulled out of sponsoring Visit Saudi for the Women’s World Cup following protests by many nations – though Messi’s mission remains vital. When asked about Neymar Jr.’s agreement to promote tourism in Saudi Arabia despite any alleged human rights violations, his team were not available for comment.

As a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF since 2010, it raises suspicion as to whether his connection with such a state could go against his position. For example, UNICEF reported in 2021 that over 10,000 children had suffered death due to Saudi-led conflicts in nearby Yemen – but neither NEYMAR JR., UNICEF nor any other associated parties responded when asked about this apparent dilemma. Regardless of these issues, Neymar Jr.’s involvement is expectedly driven by immense financial gain – having earned an estimated $120million during 2020 according to Forbes Magazine alone – through partnerships such as one with Cryptofan Token Firm Socios ($20million deal), NFT-based game Sorare and much more besides Adidas, Pepsi, Budweiser and Ooredoo. Clearly there exists an ever growing tension between how much our most influential figures are willing to be used and what degree we are prepared accept them being sponsored/associated with depending on its negative influences – if any exist at all.

Therefore one can assume it may only get harder for Messi and other celebrities like him to make decisions and form relationships without coming under scrutiny from those around them.

The United States of America (USA) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) have qualified for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier after finishing in the top two places of the six-team ICC Mens Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off in Namibia.

USA finished on top of the table with four wins from five matches, ahead of the UAE on head-to-head, who scored a final-day win over Jersey to level with the USA on points. Hosts Namibia and Canada put in some strong performances but fell just short of progressing with three wins each from their five games.

“It’s a great feeling to be able to progress to the Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, even though we see this as a big accomplishment for USA Cricket, we the players also know that it’s going to require lots of improvements for us to compete with the bigger teams.

The players and support staff has worked tirelessly prior and during this event, and the hard work paid off. As I said prior to the play-offs, we have an opportunity to play in two World Cups in less than twelve months, and this group continues to believe and work towards that goal,” USA captain Monank Patel was quoted as saying by the ICC.

The USA and UAE will now be vying with eight other teams during the qualifier tournament in Zimbabwe for two places in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to be held in India in October-November.

In the qualifying tournament, the three automatic qualifiers from ICC CWC League 2 — Scotland, Oman and Nepal will be present in addition to the bottom five-placed teams in the ICC ODI Super League.

Currently, Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, West Indies are confirmed to feature at the Qualifier in Zimbabwe, while Ireland must beat Bangladesh 3-0 in their upcoming Super League series to leapfrog South Africa and gain direct entry to the World Cup.

“We are absolutely delighted to confirm our spot for the qualifiers in Zimbabwe. Heading into the tournament in Namibia, we had a clear objective of delivering our best and playing positive and fearless cricket. I want to thank the players and our entire support staff for their untiring efforts that have resulted in our success.

Our batters have been exceptional for us recently and the bowlers and fielders have backed them up really well. The entire team needs to perform at the same level and display the same commitment and passion for us to excel in Zimbabwe,” said Mohammad Waseem, UAE captain.

Namibia’s Gerhard Erasmus was named Player of the Tournament in the qualifier play-off, with 279 runs in five games at an average of 69.75. USA’s Ali Khan topped the wicket charts with 16 wickets at an average of 12.37. (IANS)

Argentina captain Lionel Messi passed 100 international goals as he scored his seventh international hat-trick in a friendly win at home to Curacao.

The 35-year-old forward reached the landmark when he opened the scoring on 20 minutes in Santiago del Estero.

He added two more before the break to complete a quickfire treble.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez also scored, before Argentina paraded the World Cup trophy in front of more than 42,000 supporters.

It was Argentina’s second match on home soil since beating France in Qatar on penalties in December to win the World Cup.

Messi scored his 800th career goal – and 99th for Argentina – in a 2-0 win over Panama in Buenos Aires last week as part of the team’s World Cup homecoming tour.

The Paris St-Germain striker reached three figures for his country when he took a pass from Villarreal’s on-loan Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani lo Celso and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.

Three minutes later Nicolas Gonzalez outjumped goalkeeper Eloy Room to head home from four yards before the Fiorentina winger set up Messi for his second of the night.

Fernandez made it 4-0 with a shot from distance before Lo Celso released Messi to notch his third in just the 37th minute.

Angel di Maria and Gonzalo Montiel rounded off the scoring in the second half but the night belonged to Messi, who extended his record as Argentina’s all-time record scorer – Gabriel Batistuta is a distant second on 56.

He remains third on the men’s all-time international scoring list behind Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (122) and Iran’s Ali Daei (109).

India secured a 2-1 series win over Australia after the fourth Test petered out into a draw last week in Ahmedabad, India. The tourists batted throughout day five in Ahmedabad and declared on 175-2 with a lead of 84 before the teams shook hands.

India secured their place in the World Test Championship final after Sri Lanka’s earlier final-ball defeat by New Zealand. They will play Australia for the Test title at The Oval on 7-11 June.

India’s place in the World Test Championship final against Australia is locked in after New Zealand ended Sri Lanka’s slim hopes of reaching the decider.

Sri Lanka needed to win their series in New Zealand 2-0 and rely on India not winning their fourth and final Test against Australia in Ahmedabad.But a classic knock of 121 not out from Black Caps star Kane Williamson steered New Zealand to a thrilling two-wicket win against Sri Lanka on the final ball of the match in Christchurch.

Australia started the day trailing by 91 runs on first innings after India amassed 571, with Virat Kohli scoring a majestic 186.  But Australia’s batters defied India on a flat wicket as Marnus Labuschagne finished unbeaten with a gritty 63 from 213 balls.

Earlier, opener Travis Head made 90 from 163 balls in a partnership of 139 for the second wicket with Labuschagne. Nightwatchman Matthew Kuhnemann was the first wicket to fall for six to Ravichandran Ashwin, with spinners bowling the majority of the overs in batter-friendly conditions.

It was India’s 16th consecutive series win at home, and will be their second appearance in the World Test Championship final after they lost to New Zealand in the previous final in 2021.

Australia’s place was confirmed after their victory over India in the third Test in Indore, but India were still battling with Sri Lanka for the second spot.

With India avoiding defeat, it means Sri Lanka can no longer qualify even if they beat New Zealand in the second Test of their series, which starts on Friday.

The draw also ensured India won the Border-Gavaskar trophy for the fourth successive time. India will next face Australia in three one-day internationals, with the first on Friday. India and Australia will meet in the second WTC final at The Oval in London, starting on 7 June.

Virat Kohli finally put an end to his run-drought in Test cricket by hitting his first half-century in red-ball cricket in 16 innings – the longest for him without a Test fifty. Kohli did that on Day 3 of the India vs Australia fourth and final Test in Ahmedabad. In the process, Kohli also became the fifth Indian to reach 4000 Test runs at home, joining an illustrious list headed by Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag.

Virat Kohli now has more than 4000 Test runs in India at an average of 58.82. This is the best among batters who have scored more than 4000 Test runs in India.

Kohli is the third fastest to reach 4000 Test runs in India. Kohli did it in his 77th innings in India. He went past current India head coach Rahul Dravid (88) and the legendary Sunil Gavaskar (87). Kohli needed 42 runs to reach the milestone and he got there in the final session on Saturday with a boundary off Nathan Lyon.

A few minutes later, Kohli also reached his fifty. This was his first Test fifty in close to 14 months. The last time he had reached half a ton was back in January, 2022 against South Africa.

Kohli now has more than 4000 Test runs in India at an average of 58.82. This is the best among batters who have scored more than 4000 Test runs in India.

Sehwag is the fastest to reach 4000 Tests in India in just 71 innings. At No.2 is Tendulkar in 78 innings. The little master, however, sits on top among the highest run-scorers in Tests in India with 7216 runs in 153 innings. He is followed by Dravid (5598), Gavaskar (5067) and Sehwag (4656).

Kohli came to the crease after India lost Cheteshwar Pujara just at the stroke of Tea on Day 2. India were in a good position but they were still a long way behind Australia’s first innings total of 480. India needed Kohli to stand up and put another noteworthy stand with Shubman Gill, who had just reached his century.

The former captain had a few nervous moments before the Tea break against Nathan Lyon. He got beaten once and got an outside edge that thankfully did not carry to Steve Smith at first slip. But Ahmedabad saw a different Kohli in the last session. He was confident and assured.

He made good use of the best pitch of the series and slowly started to make the scoreboard ticking. He put up a 58-run stand with Gill before the latter was dismissed for a well made 128.

Ravindra Jadeja then joined hands with Kohli and the two made sure there was no further damage. Kohli was unbeaten on 59 and Jadeja was batting on 16 when stumps was called on Day 2 with India at 289/3, trailing Australia by 191 runs.

In a development that will help the game of cricket reach the next level in the USA, Cricket Hall of Fame (CHoF) announced their acquisition of the team dedicated to cricket education in the country, the American Cricket Education Council (ACEC).

The first cricket game in the USA was played in 1845 but it has missed adequate and organic education programs with qualified and knowledgeable people to sustain the growth and development of the game here, said a release issued by CHoF.

The ACEC is an important step in making a difference in educational institutions with proper coursework to start or expand programs at schools and colleges.

ACEC is prepared to begin programs with the 2023-24 academic year in the USA through CricEdu.com. The link will also be accessible under Crickethof.org.

Commenting on the development, CHoF Executive Director, Mr Michael Chambers said, “In an important addition to support our mission and vision to ‘Educate Americans for Cricket’ CHoF has launched the American Cricket Education Council (ACEC) and it supersedes USA Center for Excellence in Cricket (USACEC) which has been around since 2008. Our Hall of Fame members and supporters will offer their time and expertise as key investments to promote and support cricket in western part of the world (Americas).”

The Cricket Hall of Fame (CHoF), first in the world established in 1981 is a non-profit organization dedicated to cost-sharing development of and meaningful support for our heroes (Honorees and Inductees) who have contributed to the game of cricket over the years, from maintaining the grounds to advancing trusted community engagement, and who in the true spirit of the game have also been engaged in quality of life development activities that their local urban or rural communities view as important and sustainable.

CHoF Board Director and Visionary, Mr Jatin Patel said, “Our credentialing is to combine resources, expertise, and infrastructure to empower scholastic cricket to educators and faculty members at colleges / Universities with enhanced resources and professional development opportunities and strengthen the future of the cricket coaches’ / educators and institutional instructors. Our Apex Panel members work in a variety of settings and carry vast experience with expertise in the US education & sports system and field of cricket. CHoF will connect to its vast network of legends and Cricket Hall of Fame inductees, including professionals in all these settings.”

Patel also added that rapid changes in the sport of cricket demands that instructors frequently update and enhance training skills to keep pace with their expanding role and increased responsibility with regards to legal requirements in the USA & to meet sports culture.

“ACEC advocates for rigorous education and training to prepare coaches or instructors at schools and colleges / universities within the USA education and sports system to adhere to best professional practices and promote cricket education in the academic profession through professional activities. Apex panel will lead and manage the programs with plans to expand the team to include other expertise who carry common values to support our vision and mission,” said Patel.

Soccer fans worldwide are united in grief after the death of a sports legend who inspired generations. Pelé, the Brazilian soccer icon and the only man to win the World Cup three times, died Thursday at 82. In Brazil, where he played for soccer club Santos, mourners paid tribute to a global star who made the nation synonymous with soccer excellence. Pelé’s hypnotizing moves and creative style transfixed sports fans and revolutionized the game. “How to grieve the passing of a man who, through football, took the name of Brazil to the world?” Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said. Fellow Brazilian soccer star Neymar described Pelé’s moves as art, adding that while he’s gone, his magic will remain. Pelé died from organ failure caused by colon cancer.

Pelé’s skill and grace on the field was unparalleled, and his goal-scoring prowess earned him a place in history. Sources list his tallies at anywhere between 650 (league matches) and 1,281 (all senior matches, some against low-level competition). His greatest moment on the field was the 1958 World Cup, where he scored two goals in Brazil’s 5-2 win over the host country in the final. He also played a key role in Brazil’s 1970 World Cup victory, scoring in the final and setting up Carlos Alberto with a nonchalant pass for the last goal in a 4-1 victory over Italy.

Pelé’s fame extended well beyond the soccer pitch. He was an ambassador for UNESCO and the United Nations, and was a key figure for Black people’s pride in Brazil. In 1997, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his achievements.

Pelé’s legacy will live on forever in the annals of soccer history. He will be remembered as one of the sport’s most beloved and talented athletes, and his name will continue to be mentioned alongside the likes of Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo in any conversation about soccer’s greatest players.

On Monday, thousands of mourners gathered in Santos, Brazil to pay their respects to the late soccer legend, Pelé. The funeral was attended by high school students, supreme court justices, and Brazil’s newly inaugurated president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. A Catholic Mass was held at the stadium in honor of Pelé, and a song titled “Eu sou Pelé” (“I am Pelé”) was played.

Geovana Sarmento, 17, and her father attended the funeral wearing a Brazil shirt with Pele’s name. “I am not a Santos fan, neither is my father,” Sarmento said, “But this guy invented Brazil’s national team. He made Santos stronger, he made it big, how could you not respect him? He is one of the greatest people ever, we needed to honor him.”

Pelé was perhaps the world’s most famous athlete in the 1960s and 70s and his legacy lives on today. FIFA President Gianni Infantino asked every country to name a stadium after Pelé, and said “I am here with a lot of emotion, sadness, but also with a smile because he gave us so many smiles.” Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes said that Pelé was a humble man despite his global fame.

Pelé led Brazil to three World Cup titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970, and remains one of the team’s all-time leading scorers with 77 goals. Neymar tied Pelé’s record during this year’s World Cup in Qatar. He had undergone treatment for colon cancer since 2021, and passed away due to multiple organ failure as a result of the cancer.

On Monday, Brazil said goodbye to one of its most beloved figures. Thousands of mourners gathered at the Vila Belmiro stadium in Santos to pay their respects to the late soccer legend, Pelé. High school students, supreme court justices, and Brazil’s newly inaugurated president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attended the funeral, which included a Catholic Mass and a song titled “Eu sou Pelé” (“I am Pelé”).

Pelé was a beloved figure throughout Brazil and the world, credited with putting the country on the world stage for the first time. He led Brazil to three World Cup titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970, and remains one of the team’s all-time leading scorers with 77 goals. Neymar tied Pelé’s record during this year’s World Cup in Qatar. Pelé’s legacy will live on, and his casket will be taken through the streets of Santos before his burial on Tuesday.

Qatar 2022 will go down as the most “compact” FIFA World Cup in history – but 2026 will be very different. While all matches this time around were played within an hour’s drive of each other, the next World Cup will be played across three nations – Canada, the United States and Mexico.

And it will be an expanded competition, with 16 additional teams taking part, meaning more matches. However, the tournament will still be played out within five weeks from mid-June 2026.

Questions will be asked about the amount of travel players and fans will have to make, with the tournament being held in 11 US cities, along with three venues in Mexico and two in Canada.

Sustainability will, therefore, be an important issue with the considerable number of flights needed to transport teams, fans, media and Fifa officials across three countries.

Why will there be more teams than ever before in 2026?

FIFA is expanding the next men’s World Cup finals from 32 to 48 teams.

It means more money will be generated through sponsorships, merchandising, ticket sales and broadcast revenues, with FIFA expecting to earn $11bn over the four-year cycle up to December 2026.

Bumper crowds are expected at the next World Cup as the popularity of football in North America continues to grow. FIFA is projecting as many as 5.5 million fans will attend the next tournament, beating the record 3.6m supporters who attended games in 1994, when there was an average attendance of 68,000 at each game.

The governing body claims that much of the increased profit will be redistributed to football development around the world, with projects including investment to expand the women’s game.

The expanded format will increase the number of competing teams from Africa and Asia.

In 2022, there were a total of 11 teams from across the two confederations at the finals – including Qatar, who qualified automatically as hosts, and Australia, who took part in the Asian qualifiers and then beat Peru in an intercontinental play-off.

In 2026, there will be a minimum of 17 teams from across the two confederations – and there could be as many as 19, depending on which two countries win through the six-team intercontinental play-offs for the finals.

A minimum of six Concacaf teams will qualify for the World Cup, including Canada, Mexico and the United States as hosts – and the federation will have two sides in the play-offs as well.

Where will the matches be played in 2026?

The 16 venues were announced in June, with all the grounds already built, and with the majority of big-capacity stadiums used by NFL teams in the United States.

Some of the stadiums will be upgraded before 2026 and some will require the laying of grass surfaces, as artificial turf is not permitted by FIFA.

As it stands, the format for 2026 will mean 80 matches across the tournament – although that could still change. The United States would host 60 matches, including every match from the quarter-finals onward, while neighboring Canada and Mexico would each host 10 matches.

Both the US and Mexico have hosted the World Cup before – but most of the venues in 2026 will be different. The US is using none of the stadiums from 1994, while Mexico has just one venue from 1970 and 1986 – the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

The host venues for 2026 are:

United States

New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium)

Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium)

Dallas (AT&T Stadium)

San Francisco Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium)

Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)

Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

Seattle (Lumen Field)

Houston (NRG Stadium)

Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)

Kansas City, Missouri (Arrowhead Stadium)

Boston/Foxborough (Gillette Stadium)

Canada

Toronto (BMO Field)

Vancouver (BC Place Stadium)

Mexico

Guadalajara (Estadio Akron)

Mexico City (Azteca Stadium)

Monterrey (BBVA Bancomer Stadium)

The geographical spread for the next World Cup has not yet been announced but it is likely that teams will play their group-stage games in regionalized zones.

There are three main venue clusters, which should help reduce the amount of travel needed at least for part of the tournament.

How will the 2026 finals be structured?

A final decision will be made by the FIFA Council in 2023.

The initial favored option was to have 16 groups of three teams. Each team would play two group games, rather than three, with the first two teams progressing to a new round of 32.

But the downside to that could be that the two teams playing in the last fixture could play out a specific result to send both teams through. That was alleged to have happened in 1982 when West Germany and Austria advanced at the expense of Algeria in the so-called ‘Disgrace of Gijon’.

Given the success of the four-team group format in 2022, the structure for 2026 will be revisited, according to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

“I have to say after this World Cup, and the success of the groups of four, we have to revisit or rediscuss the format whether we go for 16 groups of three or 12 groups of four.” The indications are that it will end up being 12 groups of four, effectively split into two halves (like two Euros in one go).

Another possibility, though one that appears unlikely, is that group games may not be allowed to finish as a draw. If the teams were level after 90 minutes, the outcome could be decided with a penalty shootout, without the need for extra time.

Where will the FIFA World Cup 2026 final be played?

The MetLife Stadium in New Jersey could host the final That decision has not yet been made but it will be in the next year.

The front-runner to host the final is the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which has a seated capacity of 82,500 and is home to the New York Giants and New York Jets NFL teams. The Azteca in Mexico has been put forward as a potential host for the opening match.

Both venues are contenders to host the 2026 final, but FIFA president Infantino said world football’s governing body will take their time with a decision. “There are still some discussions to go on and we’ll certainly choose the best cities for the openings and the finals,” said Infantino. “But every match will be like a final at this World Cup.”

And what about 2030?

That will be a special centenary event, 100 years after the first FIFA World Cup in Uruguay, which was contested by just 13 teams. Uruguay has claimed for some time that it should be awarded the tournament, possibly in a joint bid with Argentina.

Spain and Portugal hope to be put forward by UEFA, but England dropped its interest in favor of bidding for UEFA Euro 2028 along with Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Saudi Arabia could be another potential bidder, though that could mean another winter tournament because of the high summer temperatures in the Middle East. A decision on the hosts of the 2030 tournament will be made by the FIFA Council in 2024.

Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad arrived home to a jubilant Buenos Aires in Arentina, with massive crowds lining the streets and cheering their champions’ return. Captain Lionel Messi stepped off the plane first, holding the gold trophy aloft, followed by his triumphant team onto a red carpet at the airport, greeted by reporters, officials and a live band.

As the team bus departed the airport, it was immediately swarmed by cheering supporters dressed in the national colors of blue and white. Videos show the bus inching forward slowly behind a police escort, surrounded by tens of thousands of people waving the Argentine flag and setting off firecrackers in the night.

The air was filled with cheers as the crowd sang and danced; the players, standing on the open top deck, waved to their adoring supporters.

Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to line the streets of the capital later on Tuesday, which has been declared a national holiday, for the team’s victory parade following their thrilling penalty shootout victory over France in Qatar on Sunday, December 19th.

Crowds of supporters had camped out at the training site on Monday ahead of the team’s arrival, with photos showing fans spilling out of cars parked on its grounds. Some laid on blankets on the grass while others lounged on picnic chairs around coolers.

The team’s highly-anticipated return continues several days of nonstop celebration across the country and among fans overseas, following Argentina’s explosive win against France.

Superstars Messi and Kylian Mbappé faced off on the pitch, in what has widely been called the greatest World Cup final of all time.

Mbappé was defending France’s 2018 win at the tournament in Russia, while 35-year-old Messi was playing in his final World Cup match, looking to claim the trophy which had eluded him for so long.

Argentina took an early lead in the first half – but France roared back in the second half, reaching a 2-2 tie that forced the match into extra time.

Messi scored his second goal of the match to restore his team’s lead – but Mbappé scored a second penalty to grab his hat-trick and take the final to a penalty shootout, which ended with triumph for Argentina after France missed two shots.

Hundreds of thousands of people poured onto the streets of Buenos Aires after the World Cup triumph, flooding the central 9 de Julio Avenue. Social media videos showed jubilant fans climbing on top of street poles to wave the Argentine flag; others on the ground danced, sang and chanted in celebration.

The triumph in Doha was Argentina’s third World Cup win and its first since 1986, when the legendary Diego Maradona led the team to victory in Mexico. Sunday’s win also marked a change in fortunes for Argentina after three recent defeats in major finals – the 2014 World Cup, and the Copa America in 2015 and 2016.

“I cannot believe that we have suffered so much in a perfect game. Unbelievable, but this team responds to everything,” said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni after the match Sunday, according to Reuters. “I am proud of the work they did,” he added, fighting back tears as he was embraced by his players. “I want to tell people to enjoy, it’s a historic moment for our country.”

Those losses prompted Messi at one point to announce his retirement from international football – though the almost-unanimous national outcry convinced him to reverse track, before wining the Copa América in 2021. Now, with the World Cup also under his belt, Messi has cemented his status as one of the all-time soccer greats alongside Maradona and Brazil’s Pelé. (Courtesy: Reuters)

It’s Kylian Mbappé vs. Lionel Messi on Sunday, December 18^th, 2022 at the Soccer World Cup Finals in Qatar, just about everyone was waiting for — and hoping for.

France and Mbappé are headed back to the biggest game in soccer, and to a much-anticipated matchup with Argentina, after ending Morocco’s historic run at the World Cup.

In front of the country’s president, Emmanuel Macron, France beat Africa’s first ever semifinalist 2-0 on Wednesday, with Mbappé playing a part in goals by Theo Hernandez in the fifth minute and substitute Randal Kolo Muani in the 79th.

Mbappé became a global phenomenon by leading France to the World Cup title in Russia in 2018 and has a chance to cement his status as the sport’s new superstar when he comes up against the 35-year-old Messi, who has dominated the game with Cristiano Ronaldo for the past 15 years.

For some, that makes it the dream final, with France looking to become the first team to retain the title since Brazil in 1962 and Argentina on a mission to win soccer’s ultimate prize in what is likely to be Messi’s last World Cup.

“We need all our strength, all our energy to face a very competitive team with one of the legends in the sport with Messi,” France goalkepeer Hugo Lloris.

Earlier this week, the streets of Argentina turned into a party Tuesday as the national team beat Croatia by a comfortable 3-0 and earned this soccer-crazed South American country a spot in the World Cup final.

Fans poured onto the streets of the capital of Buenos Aires as soon as the match ended, with people waving Argentina flags out of their cars while others jumped and sang in joy amid a sea of wearing the national team’s jersey.

Buenos Aires had come to a standstill on what was a scorching summer afternoon as fans packed cafes, restaurants and public plazas, where giant screens followed the exploits of the Lionel Messi-led team.

The agonizing start of the tournament for Argentina was followed by a string of victories that have brought some much-needed joy to a country stuck in an economic standstill with one of the world’s highest inflation rates, closing in on almost 100% per year, and where close to four of every 10 people live in poverty.

The sky-high hopes for the Argentina team only increased here after the quarter-final against the Netherlands, an agonizing match that ended in a penalty shootout and led to a collective feeling the team that had shocked the world by losing its opening match against Saudi Arabia had finally found its groove.

There will be no team from the Arab world in the final of the first World Cup in the Middle East, a prospect that seemed nigh impossible before the tournament yet nearly happened in Qatar.

Morocco has been widely lauded for breaking ground for Africa and generated an outpouring of pride among Arab nations after topping a group containing Croatia and Belgium and eliminating two more European powers — Spain and Portugal — in the knockout stage. Their players gave France a far-from-easy ride, too, before collapsing on the ground in despair after the final whistle.

Remarkably, Hernandez’s early goal was the first scored against them by an opposition player in the tournament — the other had been an own-goal in the group stage — but Morocco responded to that and injury issues in its defense with a brave performance in front of tens of thousands of fans who dominated the 60,000-seat Al Bayt Stadium.

France was forced into some last-ditch defending at times but has developed a knack of pulling out victories despite not playing its best.

Mbappé helped create the goal for Hernandez because his shot deflected off a defender and into the path of the left back, who let the ball bounce before driving a downward effort into the net from a tight angle.

Typically a defense-first team, Morocco was forced to come out and play even though it was reeling from losing Nayef Aguerd to injury in the warmup and another center back, captain Romain Saiss, after only 21 minutes because of a hamstring injury. Both players were doubts ahead of the game but were risked by Morocco coach Walid Regragui.

Roared on by its red-and-green-clad fans, Morocco came closest to scoring when Jawad El Yamiq hit the post with an overhead kick in the 44th minute and forced France to defend in numbers.

However, Mbappé enjoyed more space as Morocco tired late in the second half and, after dribbling past two defenders, his deflected shot was tapped in by Kolo Muani, who had been on the field for less than a minute.

The goal was celebrated in the VIP seats by Macron, who flew in for the match and had earlier visited the Souq Waqif bazaar in Doha before traveling to the stadium.

Mbappé is France’s leader on the soccer field and although he was kept relatively quiet by Morocco right back Achraf Hakimi — his teammate at Paris Saint-Germain — he showed glimpses of his skills and lethal pace, including a 60-meter run down the left that had supporters out of their seats.

At the end, Mbappé consoled a distraught Hakimi and they swapped jerseys before France’s players ran in a line toward their small pocket of fans behind one of the goals.

France will be competing in the final for the fourth time in the last seven World Cups.

TOP SCORER

The World Cup trophy isn’t the only thing at stake on Sunday. Messi and Mbappé are tied as the leading scorers with five goals as they chase the Golden Boot award.

THIRD PLACE

Morocco’s World Cup isn’t over. The team will play the third-place playoff match against Croatia at Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday.

USA Cricket is all set to co-host the premier cricketing extravaganza — the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup — in 2024. The tournament will be historic in two ways. The USA is not only co-hosting a global event but also has qualified as a participant for the first time. The 2024 edition of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will see more than a dozen teams taking part, including the USA.

ICC’s decision to hold the tournament in the USA aims to promote the gentlemen’s game in the continent and inspire the next generation to play cricket. USA became an Associate member of ICC in 1965 and since then the game has been slowly growing and it has made rapid advances in the last 10 years. Acquiring status as an ODI playing nation, in 2019, was a major landmark.

Interim CEO, Vinay Bhimjiani, welcoming the ICC decision, said, “I am absolutely thrilled with this announcement. USA cricket is committed to making this event an unparalleled experience. The exhibition of the world’s best cricketing talent on US soil will act like a springboard for future growth of this game in this country. The arrival of the world’s second most watched sport to the world’s largest media market provides unprecedented value and exposure.”

Chairman, Dr Atul Rai, said that the association is extremely delighted with the ICC’s decision. “The event will not only promote cricket in the United States but also boost our strategic partnership with the ICC to open new avenues to host future events. The tournament will take cricket towards mainstream status.”

Conducting the World Cup of Cricket in the USA and West Indies will further enhance prospects for the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi has secured his place among the best and the greatest football players in history. Messi, by leading Argentina into World Cup quarter finals with his record goals in the World Cup 2022, has a carved a place in history for himself and for the South American nation. 

Lionel Messi’s passionate performances at the Qatar World Cup 2022 are earning him oodles of love from Argentines, but their old favoritism for Diego Maradona may resurface unless he brings home the trophy on his final attempt.

Lionel Messi scored his first goal in a World Cup knockout round in his 1,000th match to beat Diego Maradona’s tournament tally, as Argentina beat off a frenzied Australia fightback to win 2-1 on Saturday,  December 3rd and helped reach his country the quarter-finals.

Captaining his national team for the 100th time, Messi ignited this last-16 match midway through the first half, curling home cutely after some neat build-up play – his 789th career goal.

Messi led his side ahead after 35 minutes with a coolly taken low strike for his 94th international goal, passing the great Maradona’s eight World Cup goals, in a match where he was instrumental in almost every Argentine attack.

Messi’s quest to win that elusive World Cup title had a rocky start at Qatar 2022 – Argentina was stunned by Saudi Arabia in its opening group game – and La Albiceleste barely troubled Australia in the opening half hour. 

Many soccer pundits have passed comment on just how much Messi tends to walk in matches these days, but that wasn’t the case when the 35-year-old closed down Behich as he attempted to clear the ball. 

With over 750 senior goals for club and country, Lionel Messi’s credentials as one of the greatest goal scorers in football history are beyond any doubt.

However, the Argentinian master hasn’t quite lived up to these lofty standards on the FIFA World Cup stage.

Lionel Messi has scored nine goals in 23 matches at the FIFA World Cup, spanning five editions (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022). Messi is the second-highest goal-scorer for Argentina at the football World Cup.

Lionel Messi has netted 94 goals in 169 international matches in his career, making him the top goal scorer of all time for Argentina. Messi is also fourth on the list of highest goal scorers in international football and second amongst active players, only behind rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi has a come a long way ever since he had entered the world soccer arena. The world had heard about Messi at Barcelona, the first time he came to play for Argentina. He did not say much then, but the country gave him a massive warm welcome to the team and quickly realized just how good he was. He played in 2005 Under-20 World Cup in the Netherlands when he was 17, winning the tournament together, it was mostly down to him!

Messi has won everything there is to win in club football, but he was desperate to come back and help us win something too. So it was amazing to see him winning his first major trophy at international level, at the Copa America last year.

Messi is not just a best player, he is the true leader of the team – even manager Lionel Scaloni has said that himself many times – and he will be helping them through this difficult start in that way too, not just by scoring goals.

Man of the match Messi admitted the final moments were tense.

“Things got complicated in the end with their goal but it’s a World Cup and it’s never easy,” Messi said.

“Now we have a really tough clash with Holland, who play very well. They have great players and a great coach, it’s going to be hard-fought. If a World Cup has been tough from the start, it gets even tougher at this stage.”

It has been a long journey for him to this moment. Of course, everyone can change off the field and learn different things. Messi now, at 35, is more mature, he has more experience and he is a family man – but he is still an amazing footballer too.

If he does win this World Cup then he should just retire straight away because he will have achieved everything possible. There will be nothing left for him to win.

All 32 teams started the 2022 FIFA World Cup with one goal: get to the knockout rounds.

Any player and coach will tell you that, in the single-elimination knockout stage, anything can happen. That’s why teams don’t care how they get there. They just want to get there.

Some paths will prove easier than others in the knockouts depending on the teams that qualify and the final pairings. The Round of 16 matchups are all predetermined with teams slotting in based on their finish in their respective groups (group winner or group runner-up).

Those nations that win their group are paired with a runner-up from a different group in the Round of 16 and a favorable first match can really set a team on its way to a deep run.

France became the first side to reach the Round of 16 on November 26 and since then nine other sides have followed them.

Like France, Brazil and Portugal also mathematically qualified after just two matchdays, but they’re still waiting to see if they’ll go through as a group winner or group runner-up when they play their finales. Meanwhile, Groups A-D were the first ones to wrap up play.

England booked their place in the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup with a 3-0 win over Wales to top Group B. They will be joined by USA who beat Iran 1-0.

Earlier on the same day, Netherlands and Senegal finished in the top two positions in Group A to seal their places in the knockout stages.

The Dutch beat tournament hosts Qatar whose sorry campaign ended with three defeats from three, while Senegal edged past Ecuador who could have qualified with a draw.

They join France, Brazil and Portugal who each confirmed qualification with a game to spare in groups D, G and H respectively.

The defending champions became the first team to progress to the last 16 after snatching victory over Denmark on Saturday, with Brazil and Portugal joining them 48 hours later.

Finishing second in Group D are Australia who recovered from an opening match hammering from the French to win back-to-back games against Tunisia and Denmark respectively.

Here, we break down the permutations – including what Lionel Messi’s Argentina need to do to make the last 16 – for all the groups. How are they shaping up? And what does each nation need to qualify?

Oh, and think you know what will happen? You can still dive into our bracket game, where you can give your predictions, challenge friends and create mini-leagues.

How does Round of 16 work in World Cup?

The Round of 16 is the start of what is commonly referred to as the knockout rounds because every match is single elimination from here on out.

There are no points earned. There are no standings. There’s simply a winner and a loser.

What happens if knockout matches finish tied?

There has to be a winner on the day in the case of each Round of 16 match and for subsequent knockout-round matches. If teams are tied after 90 minutes of regulation, the match goes into a 30-minute period of extra time.

If the deadlock persists after those 30 minutes of extra time, then a penalty shootout will determine the team that moves on to the quarterfinals.

The Round of 16 pairings are set in advance of the World Cup Draw. Teams that finish in first place in the group stage match up against teams that are runners-up in their respective groups.

Round of 16 fixtures and schedule

Saturday December 3

R16 1 – Netherlands vs. USA (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan; 3pm)

R16 2 – Argentina vs. Australia (Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan; 7pm)

Sunday December 4

R16 3 – France vs. Poland (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha; 3pm)

R16 4 – England vs. Senegal (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor; 7pm)

Monday December 5

R16 5 – Winners of Group E vs. Runners-up of Group F (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah; 3pm)

R16 6 – Winners of Group G vs. Runners-up of Group H (Stadium 974, Doha; 7pm)

Tuesday December 6

R16 7 – Winners of Group F vs. Runners-up of Group E (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan; 3pm)

R16 8 – Winners of Group H vs. Runners-up of Group G (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail; 7pm)

After 12 years of planning, $220 billion in government investment and countless controversies involving everything from workers’ rights to beer sales, the 2022 World Cup kicked off On November 20th, 2022 on the edge of the Qatari desert in a massive stadium built to look like a Bedouin tent.

It was a spectacular setting for the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East and the first to be held in a majority-Muslim country. And the night began with pomp worthy of those circumstances, with Morgan Freeman hosting a 30-minute opening ceremony that involved two sheiks, three camels, four drummers, the last 14 World Cup mascots and 32 dancers dressed as giant replicas of the participating teams’ jerseys.

A packed crowd of over 67,000 fans filled the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, for a match between the hosts and Ecuador. Making its first World Cup appearance, Qatar looked severely outclassed. The opening game between the host nation and Ecuador ended in a 2-0 win for Ecuador, making Qatar the first host country to lose a World Cup opener.

Ecuador thought they had made a dream start within three minutes when they silenced the home fans as Enner Valencia headed in, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR for offside in the build-up. Thirteen minutes later, Ecuador did take the lead after Valencia dribbled round Qatari goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb who grabbed his shin and the referee pointed to the spot. Valencia coolly rolled home the penalty.

Valencia added a second goal to seal Ecuador’s 2-0 win. That spoiled the team’s tournament debut and disappointed many in the sellout crowd, but the night was about more than just soccer.

The tournament has been awash in controversy from the start, however, with the bid process that awarded it to the country in 2010 marred by allegations of corruption and bribery. Five years later, FIFA, the governing body of global soccer, backed away from promises the tournament could be played in Qatar’s intense summer heat and moved the World Cup to the winter for the first time, scrambling domestic league schedules everywhere.

Qatar’s ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, was greeted with loud cheers by the home crowd as he officially opened the tournament, inside a stadium designed to look like a traditional Bedouin tent.

“From Qatar, from the Arab world, I welcome everyone to the World Cup 2022,” the 42-year-old said. “How lovely it is that people can put aside what divides them to celebrate their diversity and what brings them together.”

For Qataris, the hope is this tournament will prove the country, the smallest and youngest ever to host the event, is ready to become a major global player.