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Asia Cup 2023: WATCH – Shaheen Shah Afridi presents special souvenir to Haris Rauf | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Haris Rauf played a pivotal role in Pakistan's resounding seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first Super Fours clash at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.Rauf's exceptional bowling performance earned him the well-deserved Man of the Match award. Additionally, he achieved a significant milestone in his ODI career by reaching 50 wickets. Rauf boasts an impressive tally of 53 wickets in the 27 ODIs he has played so far.Following the match, Rauf's teammate and star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi presented him with a trophy on behalf of the entire team to honour his remarkable achievement.Pakistan Cricket Broad (PCB) took to X (formerly Twitter) and shared a video where Shaheen handed Rauf the special souvenir.In the video, Shaheen praised Rauf for his contribution t...
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Watch: Novak Djokovic loses his cool after a fan shouts ‘out’ during US Open quarterfinal against Taylor Fritz

Novak Djokovic lost his cool on a fan when he shouted “out” midpoint during his US Open quarterfinal match against Taylor Fritz. The fan was later thrown out as the distracted the 23-time Grand Slam champion enough to cost him that point and then having screams directed back at him when Djokovic lost the next point, too. “He was actually in the box where some of my friends were. I don’t know who the guy was; but yeah, I was pretty annoyed by him at that point. I was communicating with my friends to have a little chat with him,’ Djokovic said after the match. A fan just yelled “Out!” while Novak Djokovic & Taylor Fritz were playing a point. Fans that do this should be kicked out immediately & don’t deserve a 2nd chance. Beyond disrespectful to both players. pic.twitter.com/S...
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Naomi Osaka returns to the US Open for a discussion about mental health with Michael Phelps

Naomi Osaka returned to the US Open — the site of some of the tennis star’s greatest triumphs on a court and some difficult moments off it — for the first time in about a year to participate in a panel about mental health in sports, a topic she helped focus a spotlight on two years ago. “For me coming back here, it means a lot. This room, in particular. There were some tears shed. A lot,” Osaka, who won two of her four major championships at Flushing Meadows, said with a chuckle in the Grand Slam tournament’s main interview room. “I feel a lot of joy coming back here. It’s kind of like seeing an old friend I haven’t seen in a long time.” Wednesday’s gathering, which also included Michael Phelps, a 23-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer, and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, touched on t...
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Carlos Alcaraz defeats Alexander Zverev to reach US Open Semifinals | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Top seed Carlos Alcaraz defeated Alexander Zverev in straight sets on Wednesday to cruise into the US Open semi-finals and keep his title defence on track.The Spaniard will play third seed Daniil Medvedev on Friday for a place in the final after sweeping Zverev aside 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in another clinical performance.Alcaraz was not at his spectacular best but dominated at critical moments with Zverev perhaps feeling the effects of a 4hr 41min outing in the last 16 in the tournament's longest match so far.The world number one converted all four of his break points, while Zverev failed to take any of his five chances."I'm feeling really comfortable playing on this court, playing in New York," said Alcaraz, who has dropped just one set en route to the last four."I'm feeling strong. ...
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Only 17 years old, but Aditi Swami’s humble home overflows with medals | More sports News – Times of India

Aditi Swami won a gold medal at the World Archery Championship this year, making her youngest-ever world champion in the sport. The TOI #Unstoppable21 jury has picked the teenager from Maharashtra as one of the Unstoppable 21 Indians under 21 yearsAt age 10, Aditi Swami accompanied her father to a multisport event at Shahu Stadium in Satara, Maharashtra. It was during that event that she first witnessed the bow being used to shoot arrows, igniting an immediate interest in the sport.They met coach Pravin Sawant, who runs Drushti Archery Academy in Satara. "Since Aditi was slender, Sawant sir proposed a 15-day fitness test before admitting her to the academy. Observing Aditi's concentration level, Sawant sir granted her admission," recalls her father Gopichand Swami, a teacher at a taluka...
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Mitchell Starc eyes return to IPL in 2024 | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc is setting his sights on a comeback to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the 2024 season, marking his return to the lucrative Twenty20 tournament after an absence of eight years.Left-arm pacer Starc had last represented Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2015 IPL edition. In recent years, he had opted to skip the IPL to manage his workload and concentrate on his responsibilities with the national team.Starc expressed that participating in the IPL would serve as valuable preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is set to take place in the United States and the West Indies."Look it's been eight years. I’m definitely going back in (next) year," the 33-year-old told the 'Willow Talk' podcast."Amongst other things, it’s a great lead-u...
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Madison Keys stuns Marketa Vondrousova to reach US Open semis | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Madison Keys from the United States pulled off an impressive upset against Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, earning herself a spot in the semi-finals of the US Open on Wednesday.Keys, who reached the US Open final in 2017, displayed exceptional discipline on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court, securing a convincing 6-1, 6-4 victory in just 1 hour and 26 minutes.The 17th-seeded American will now face off against the second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus on Thursday for a chance to advance to the final.Marketa Vondrousova, the Czech ninth seed who made history by becoming the first unseeded woman to win Wimbledon in July, must have been disappointed as she couldn't capitalize on any of the nine break points she had against Keys. In contrast, Keys capitalized on all three b...
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‘The legacy lives on’: Cristiano Ronaldo says rivalry with Lionel Messi is over

Cristiano Ronaldo in an interview with Record, a Portuguese newspaper, has made it clear that his 15-year long “rivalry” is over. “I don’t see things like that, the rivalry is gone. It was good, spectators liked it,” said Ronaldo. “If you love Cristiano Ronaldo, you don’t have to hate (Lionel) Messi. We have both changed the history of world football. “We shared the stage for 15 years so the respect is there. I’m not saying that we are friends, I never chatted with him, but do I respect him.” Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami star who led Argentina to the World Cup title in December, is in prime contention to win his eighth Ballon d’Or award.Most Read 1 Madhuri Dixit was asked to wear just a bra on screen, Tinnu Anand fired her when she refused: ‘I said you have to, sh...
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Daniil Medvedev douses Andrey Rublev with ‘cold shower’ to reach US Open semis | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Daniil Medvedev secured his spot in the semi-finals of the US Open by defeating his fellow Russian Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 o Wednesday. This victory marked his fourth appearance in the US Open semi-finals, setting the stage for a potential showdown with the defending champion, Carlos Alcaraz.Medvedev, seeded third and the 2021 US Open champion, displayed remarkable resilience as he battled back from a deficit in all three sets. He handed Rublev his ninth consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final defeat, leaving the frustrated opponent in disappointment.Medvedev's next opponent in the semi-finals will be determined from a match between Alcaraz and the German 12th seed, Alexander Zverev. The match against Rublev proved to be physically demanding, with the temperature soaring to ...
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Morning Digest | Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks require proper response, PM Modi tells Ministers at informal meeting; Ready to hold polls as per legal provisions, CEC on ‘one nation, one election’, and more

Sanatana Dharma | Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks require proper response, PM Modi tells Ministers at informal meetingPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reportedly told his Ministerial colleagues that DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s remarks on Sanatana Dharmarequired a “proper response” based on “facts of the issue” within the contemporary situation and emphasised that the Constitution does not allow for abuse of any religion. On the issue of Bharat being substituted for India in government communication in English as well, Mr. Modi reportedly said that only those authorised to speak on behalf of the government should comment on the issue.Ready to hold polls as per legal provisions, CEC on ‘one nation, one election’Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kuma...
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I want to be player of the series in this Asia Cup: Haris Rauf

In the first Super 4 game at the 2023 Asia Cup, Pakistan started off with a win against Bangladesh in Lahore by seven wickets, keeping their unbeaten record at the tournament intact. While the chase of 194 took its time to be wrapped up – in the 40th over – the pacers had already set the game on the platter before the batters took over. Guided by Haris Rauf, who nabbed a four-wicket haul, the Pakistan quicks shared a total of eight of the 10 wickets between them. “It was hot out there, but I’ve played a lot of cricket here. I play PSL for Lahore, the crowd always expects us to perform here,” Rauf told afterwards.Most Read 1 As ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 goes into sleep mode, project director Veeramuthuvel says scientific objectives were completely met 2 ...
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Hardik has a very mature head on his shoulders, says skipper Rohit

Vital cog: Hardik is widely predicted to be crucial to India’s fortunes in the World Cup.  | Photo Credit: File photo In November 2021, with a chronic injury reducing him primarily to a batter who could bowl a bit, many feared whether Hardik Pandya would be able to revive his international career. Cut to October 2023, and the all-rounder could well emerge as the key to India’s World Cup campaign. Having gone through a rigorous rehab and training programme, changed his approach and lifestyle, Hardik 2.0 has resurfaced as a composed and reliable player. No wonder then that captain Rohit Sharma is heavily dependent on his deputy to continue his dream run for the next two and a half months, starting with India’s first Asia Cup Super Four outing against arch-rival Pakistan here on Sunday. “Y...
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Asia Cup prey to India-Pak spat, poor choice of venues

Few know Sri Lanka, cricket and Sri Lankan cricket better than Sidath Wettimuny. Part of their first-ever Test Match in 1982, he has also functioned as the chairman of the national board as well as president of the Asian Cricket Council. The family name is somewhat of a cricketing royalty in the country. Sidath opened the batting with his brother Mithra in two matches as Sri Lanka took its first steps in Test cricket. Another brother, Sunil played in the 1975 and 1979 World Cups. After his playing days, Sidath stayed involved with the game as a match referee and Sri Lanka’s chairman of selectors. When someone with his experience feels that September is not the right time to host a tournament on the island, one has to take it seriously.“It is unfortunate. Maybe our rains are slightly unu...
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Why Pakistan is the strongest team in the Asia Cup despite low-key build-up

Before their departure to Hambantota, where they played Afghanistan in a three-match series in the second-half of August, Pakistan had played only eight ODIs the whole of 2023. Even for a team known to be unpredictable, Pakistan came as a sort of unknown. The eight ODIs that they had played all came against the same opponent, New Zealand, who had taken a depleted side sans those featuring in the IPL for five of those matches. So in terms of build up to the World Cup, Pakistan has been worse than India. Yet, the Babar Azam-led team, which is ranked No 1 in ICC rankings, would go into the World Cup as one of the favourites to reach the semifinals and beyond. If you had any doubt, they are already firing warning shots in the Asia Cup, where they look the team to beat. Despite all the low-k...
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Asia Cup: How all-round Pakistan tamed Bangladesh to start Super Fours in style | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: An all-round Pakistan team outclassed Bangladesh to register a comprehensive seven-wicket victory in the first match of the Asia Cup Super Fours stage at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday.First it was Pakistan's famed pace trio who blew away Bangladesh's batting line-up after they opted to bat first. Despite a valiant 100-run stand for the fifth wicket between skipper Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh were bundled out for a below-par 193 in 38.4 overs.As it happened: Pakistan vs BangladeshChasing a small target, Pakistan batters started their innings steadily and did not allow early breakthroughs to the Bangladesh pacers, who bowled quite brilliantly. Without much scoreboard pressure, Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan hit half-centuries and took Pakistan ...
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Harry Brook added to England squad for New Zealand ODI series

Batsman Harry Brook has been added to the England squad for the four-match one-day series against New Zealand starting on Friday.Most Read 1 As ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 goes into sleep mode, project director Veeramuthuvel says scientific objectives were completely met 2 Pakistan vs Bangladesh Live Score, Asia Cup 2023: Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq guide PAK to a win by seven wickets See More Brook, left out of England’s provisional World Cup squad, was also named in the squad for three ODIs against Ireland this month in which the team will be captained by Zak Crawley. Three uncapped players were included, batter Sam Hain, wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith and fast bowler George Scrimshaw. The World Cup in India s...
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‘Better to send out message of love and respect’: Afridi reacts to Gambhir’s remark | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In a heartwarming gesture, the players of India and Pakistan were seen sharing a laughter after the Asia Cup match between both the teams was washed out in Pallekele on Saturday.But the camaraderie of both the team's players did not go well with former India opener Gautam Gambhir who said the friendship should be honoured outside the stadium and players must have game face on the field.Asia Cup 2023 | What triggered Gautam Gambhir: ‘Kohli Kohli’ chant or anti-India slogans?"When you play on the field for your national team, you must leave the friendship outside the boundary ropes. Game face hona zaroori hai. Dosti bahaar rehni chahiye. (It is important to have a game face. The friendship can remain outside during the match). There has to be an aggression in the eyes of both s...
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‘An exciting challenge’: Yuzvendra Chahal joins Kent for County Championship | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Yuzvendra Chahal, who was overlooked by national selectors for the ongoing Asia Cup and the next ODI World Cup, has signed with English county club Kent to play three County Championship games.Chahal is expected to play in Kent's remaining home games against Nottinghamshire and Lancashire, as well as the away game against Somerset."This is an exciting challenge for me, playing in English county cricket, and one I'm very much looking forward to," Chahal said in a club statement.He will become the second Indian player to play for the side, following seamer Arshdeep Singh, who appeared in five games for Kent in June-July, taking 13 wickets."We're delighted to have secured a spinner of Yuzvendra's quality for the last three Championship matches of the season, with Matt Parkinson ...
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Yuzvendra Chahal joins Kent for maiden county cricket stint

After getting snubbed from Team India’s ODI World Cup and Asia cup squads, spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has joined Kent for his maiden spell in county cricket. “Kent Cricket is delighted to announce the signing of India international leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal for the Club’s remaining LV= Insurance County Championship matches, subject to regulatory approval,” the club said on Wednesday. Chahal has 87 wickets to date in 33 first-class appearances, with best figures of 6-44 coming for his Haryana against Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy. ✍️🇮🇳 We’re delighted to announce the signing of India leg-spinner @yuzi_chahal for our remaining @CountyChamp matches! — Kent Cricket (@KentCricket) September 6, 2023 He will be available for selection in Kent’s remaining two home Championship matches against...
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Asia Cup 2023: Ground staff in a race against time to get Premadasa Stadium match-ready

Stern test: A view of the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement In an island nation like Sri Lanka, which faces intermittent – if not heavy – showers even during the supposed dry spell of mid-June till mid-September, ground staff at various international cricket venues are the silent heroes.While the 100-odd groundsmen at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium worked wonders on Monday to ensure a result in India’s last preliminary round match against Nepal, their counterparts at the nerve centre for Sri Lankan cricket will be in focus over the next fortnight. The ground-staff at the R. Premadasa Stadium have been working overtime ever since last week’s heavy downpour subsided. And their chief in command is confident that near-perfect condi...