Category: SPORTS

Abu Dhabi, December 22:
All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan delivered a match-winning performance as MI Emirates defeated table-toppers Desert Vipers in the International League T20 (ILT20) on Sunday, registering a crucial victory in the tournament.

Shakib played a pivotal role with both bat and ball, making vital contributions at key moments of the match. His disciplined bowling spell put pressure on the Desert Vipers’ batting lineup, while his calm presence with the bat helped MI Emirates either stabilise the innings or finish strongly, depending on the match situation.

Despite coming into the contest as league leaders, Desert Vipers failed to capitalise on crucial phases, losing momentum against MI Emirates’ controlled bowling and sharp fielding. The win helped MI Emirates gain valuable points and boost their position on the points table, while also underlining Shakib Al Hasan’s continued impact in franchise cricket.

New Delhi, December 22:
Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) new recruit Cooper Connolly has said that playing cricket in India is “very different to Australia,” highlighting the unique conditions and challenges he expects to face in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The young Australian all-rounder shared his thoughts after being picked by PBKS ahead of the upcoming season.

Connolly noted that factors such as pitch conditions, weather, crowd atmosphere and style of play in India are markedly different from what players experience back home in Australia. He said Indian pitches demand adaptability, especially for batters and spinners, and added that learning to adjust quickly will be key to performing well in the IPL.

Expressing excitement about joining Punjab Kings, Connolly said he is looking forward to learning from experienced international and Indian players in the squad. He added that the IPL offers a great platform for young cricketers to grow, test themselves against top talent, and gain exposure to high-pressure situations at the highest level of franchise cricket.

Bangkok, December 22:
Thailand women’s cricket players Nattaya Boochatham and Rosenan Kanoh have announced their retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to their significant contributions to the growth of the sport in the country.

Nattaya Boochatham, one of Thailand’s most experienced all-rounders, played a key role in the team’s rise on the international stage, including appearances in ICC tournaments. Known for her consistent performances with both bat and ball, she was regarded as a pillar of the national side and an inspiration for young cricketers in Thailand.

Rosenan Kanoh, who represented Thailand across formats, was also instrumental in establishing the team as a competitive force in women’s cricket. Thailand Cricket Association officials acknowledged the duo’s contribution, stating that their dedication helped popularise the sport and lay a strong foundation for future generations. Both players expressed gratitude to teammates, coaches and fans, while confirming they will continue to support cricket’s development in Thailand in other capacities.

New Delhi, December 22:
India captain Rohit Sharma has candidly spoken about the emotional impact of India’s defeat in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final, admitting that the loss left him completely devastated. Rohit said the heartbreak was difficult to process, especially after the team’s dominant run throughout the tournament.

Reflecting on the final, Rohit said India had performed consistently well and entered the title clash with confidence, making the defeat even harder to accept. He acknowledged that the team had put in immense effort and preparation, and falling short at the last hurdle was emotionally draining for both players and fans.

The Indian skipper added that such setbacks are part of the game but take time to overcome. He said the experience has strengthened his resolve to bounce back stronger and continue contributing to Indian cricket. Rohit also expressed gratitude to fans for their unwavering support, stating that their encouragement motivates the team to keep striving for future success.

Chennai, December 22:
Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has picked his best possible Chennai Super Kings (CSK) XI for IPL 2026, suggesting Sanju Samson as an opener while placing veteran MS Dhoni at number seven in the batting order.

Ashwin said Samson’s aggressive intent and ability to score quickly in the powerplay make him an ideal choice at the top of the order. He added that a strong opening partnership would allow CSK to dominate early overs and set a solid foundation for the middle order.

Explaining Dhoni’s position, Ashwin noted that batting at number seven would allow the former India captain to play a finishing role while also managing workload during the long tournament. He emphasised Dhoni’s experience and calmness as crucial assets in pressure situations.

Cricket experts said Ashwin’s XI reflects a balance between youth and experience, with flexibility in batting depth and bowling options. The discussion around CSK’s possible lineup has generated strong interest among fans ahead of the IPL 2026 season.

New Delhi, December 22:
India’s path to the World Test Championship (WTC) Final has become clearer following New Zealand’s dominant victory over West Indies, which has significantly impacted the points table and qualification scenarios.

With the win, New Zealand consolidated their position on the WTC standings, while West Indies slipped further down. As a result, India’s qualification now largely depends on their performance in the remaining Test matches, particularly against key rivals in upcoming series.

According to the updated calculations, India will need to win a majority of their remaining Tests to maintain a points percentage (PCT) high enough to finish in the top two. Even a drawn series could keep India in contention, provided other teams drop points.

Cricket analysts noted that while New Zealand’s victory has reduced competition from West Indies, India must focus on consistency and avoid series defeats. Experts said the qualification race remains tight, making every Test result crucial as the WTC cycle approaches its conclusion.

London, December 22:
Former England captain Michael Vaughan admitted that England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach was exposed after Australia comfortably retained the Ashes, highlighting shortcomings in England’s strategy during the series.

Vaughan said that while Bazball brought excitement and positive intent to England’s Test cricket, the method struggled against Australia’s disciplined bowling and tactical awareness. He noted that Australia’s ability to absorb pressure and exploit mistakes proved decisive throughout the series.

The former opener added that England’s batting lacked adaptability in challenging conditions, stressing that aggressive cricket must be balanced with situational awareness. According to Vaughan, Australia’s consistency and experience ultimately separated the two sides.

Cricket analysts echoed Vaughan’s assessment, stating that England will need to refine their approach ahead of future Test series. Australia’s Ashes retention was seen as a reflection of their depth, planning and ability to counter high-risk strategies.

New Delhi, December 22:
Young cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been widely hailed as a generational talent, with experts and former players praising his natural ability and early performances. However, cricket analysts have cautioned that sustained success at the highest level demands much more than raw talent alone.

Observers noted that while Suryavanshi possesses exceptional batting skills, hand-eye coordination and temperament at a young age, the transition from junior and domestic cricket to the international stage requires consistency, discipline and mental resilience. They stressed that handling pressure, adapting to different conditions and continuous skill development are crucial for long-term growth.

Former cricketers emphasised the importance of proper guidance, workload management and a strong support system to help young talents avoid burnout. They added that patience from selectors, fans and media is equally important to allow players like Suryavanshi to mature naturally.

Experts said that if nurtured carefully, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has the potential to become a key figure in Indian cricket in the future. However, they reiterated that success in the sport ultimately depends on perseverance, adaptability and sustained performance over time.

New Delhi, December 22:
Cricket’s newest sensation Vaishnavi Sharma scripted a memorable chapter in her sporting journey as she made her T20 International debut for Team India, showcasing the rise of a young talent from promising youth star to an international cricketer.

Born and raised in a small town, Vaishnavi’s cricketing journey began at the grassroots level, where her talent quickly caught the attention of coaches and selectors. Excelling in age-group tournaments, she dominated domestic youth circuits with consistent performances, powerful stroke play and impressive all-round skills, earning her reputation as a prodigy in Indian women’s cricket.

Selectors recognised her potential following standout performances in major domestic competitions, which included high scores and match-winning contributions, eventually leading to her selection in the national T20 squad. Vaishnavi made her debut in India’s recent T20 series, where she displayed composure and flair under pressure, drawing praise from teammates and experts alike.

Cricket pundits said Sharma’s rise adds strength to India’s women’s batting lineup, highlighting the effectiveness of the national cricketing ecosystem in identifying and nurturing young talent. Her success story is seen as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the country.

London, December 20:
Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua delivered a dominant performance as he knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round to secure a convincing victory on Saturday. The bout showcased Joshua’s power and experience against the YouTuber-turned-boxer.

Joshua controlled the fight from the opening rounds, using his superior technique and ring awareness to dictate the pace. The decisive moment came in the sixth round when a powerful combination sent Paul to the canvas, prompting the referee to stop the contest.

Fans and boxing experts hailed Joshua’s performance, calling it a statement win that reaffirmed his elite status in the heavyweight division. Jake Paul, meanwhile, acknowledged the challenge and credited Joshua’s experience and strength following the bout.London, December 20:
Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua delivered a dominant performance as he knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round to secure a convincing victory on Saturday. The bout showcased Joshua’s power and experience against the YouTuber-turned-boxer.

Joshua controlled the fight from the opening rounds, using his superior technique and ring awareness to dictate the pace. The decisive moment came in the sixth round when a powerful combination sent Paul to the canvas, prompting the referee to stop the contest.

Fans and boxing experts hailed Joshua’s performance, calling it a statement win that reaffirmed his elite status in the heavyweight division. Jake Paul, meanwhile, acknowledged the challenge and credited Joshua’s experience and strength following the bout.