CRICKET
Day 1: Rahul’s brilliant ton as India dominate
Rahul played a superb knock and smashed another away hundred for India.
Indian batters punished the inexperienced South African bowling lineup as India finished day 1 on 272-3.
Mayank Agarwal and Kl Rahul put up a brilliant opening stand for their side.
Rabada and Ngidi bowled nicely but the Indian batters still batted comfortably today.
All the 3 wickets that fell on day 1 were picked up by Lungi Ngidi.
India 1st innings 272-3
KL Rahul 122* (248) Ngidi 3-45 Agarwal 60 (123) Rahane 40*(81)
India won the toss today and surprisingly they elected to bat first.
As there was some overnight rain in Centurion, the pitch was under covers for a good amount of time.
Everyone thought the teams will like to bowl first on this pitch but Kohli made a surprising decision that proved right at the end of the day.
And when it came to selection, India raised some eyebrows by picking up Rahane in the team instead of the inform Shreyas Iyer.
The selectors have shown a big amount of confidence in Rahane by picking him but now he has to deliver with the bat in this match to prove himself.
South Africa also made 1 surprising change in their playing 11 by picking up Marco Jensen in the team who is playing his 1st Test match today.
Indian openers shine
The openers gave India a brilliant start with the bat as they smashed a superb partnership of 117 runs for the first wicket.
Both Rahul and Agarwal batted nicely to negotiate the tough period with the new ball early on.
They played Rabada and Ngidi’s overs patiently in the start.
Agarwal continued his form and score another crucial knock at the start of the innings.
Agarwal scored 60 runs before getting LBW out on Lungi Ngidi’s delivery.
But Rahul stayed calm till stumps on day 1 and he scored a great hundred today.
After the 117 run opening stand, Ngidi picked up two wickets in two balls in the 41st over.
He first dismissed Agarwal and then he picked up the important wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara on the very next ball of his over.
Pujara got out on a 1st ball duck which is very rare.
After losing back-to-back wickets, the skipper Virat Kohli joined Agarwal for the 3rd wicket.
Virat and Rahul put up a superb 82 run stand for the 3rd wicket.
Virat Kohli was also looking good today but unfortunately, he was again dismissed in the 30s and the fans will have to wait more for Virat’s 71 International hundred.
Kohli was dismissed on 35 runs by Ngidi who picked up his 3rd wicket of the day.
Rahane and Rahul played excellent cricket at the end of the day.
Rahul is still unbeaten on 122* runs while Rahane is playing on 40 runs and he is inching closer to a much-needed half-century.
Rahul’s Ton
Kl Rahul displayed a superb knock with the bat today to give his side a good start to their innings.
Rahul scored an unbeaten knock of 122 runs today which is the joint biggest innings in terms of runs by any Indian opener in an away Test match.
It was the 5th Test hundred for the Indian opener outside Asia.
KL Rahul will be looking to convert his 122 runs knock into a double hundred tomorrow.
CRICKET
Virat Kohli to Move to London with Family, Coach Confirms
Virat Kohli’s childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, has confirmed that Kohli, wife Anushka Sharma, and their children, Vamika and Akaay, plan to relocate to London. Sharma revealed that the cricketer envisions settling in the UK post-retirement. Virat Kohli frequently visits London, where their son Akaay was born earlier this year on February 15.
The couple owns property in London, where they are expected to reside after the move. “Yes, Virat plans to move to London with his family soon. However, he is currently focused on cricket and spending time with his family,” Sharma stated.
Kohli has balanced cricket commitments and family time this year. After the birth of his son, he returned to India following the T20 World Cup in June and played series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Currently participating in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, his next major assignment is the Champions Trophy, followed by IPL 2025.
Despite a dip in form during recent matches against Australia, Sharma expressed confidence in Kohli’s ability to deliver. “Virat scored a brilliant century in Perth and will bounce back in the Boxing Day and Sydney Tests,” Sharma said.
Regarding Kohli’s career longevity, Sharma dismissed retirement rumors. “Virat is fit and will continue playing for at least five more years. He will likely participate in the 2027 World Cup in South Africa,” he added. Sharma emphasized Kohli’s passion for cricket and his ability to perform under pressure.
As Kohli continues to shine on the field, his potential relocation marks a new chapter for the cricket icon and his family.
CRICKET
Bhandari’s Half-Century Powers Sudurpaschim Royals into NPL Final
Sudurpaschim Royals in NPL final! Binod Bhandari’s unbeaten half-century guided Sudurpaschim Royals to an emphatic eight-wicket win against Janakpur Bolts, securing their spot in the NPL final. Chasing a target of 140, Bhandari displayed exceptional composure, scoring 58 runs off 55 balls. His partnerships with Saif Zaib and Brandon McMullen were instrumental in steadying the chase after an early loss of wickets.
The Royals’ bowling unit also played a crucial role, with captain Dipendra Singh Airee taking three wickets! Restricting Janakpur Bolts to a modest total. Airee’s leadership with the ball ensured the Royals maintained control throughout the first innings. Janakpur Bolts struggled to build momentum, with only James Neesham and Subash Khakurel making notable contributions of 44 and 26 runs, respectively.
Bhandari’s calculated innings included strategic boundaries and well-timed strikes, proving his experience and resilience in pressure situations. His efforts were well-supported by Saif Zaib, who contributed a steady 30 runs, and McMullen, who added 20 to ensure a smooth chase.
The victory sends Sudurpaschim Royals into the final, where they will face the winner of the second qualifier. The Royals’ all-around performance underlined their strength as a cohesive unit, showcasing both batting depth and bowling prowess.
Janakpur Bolts will now battle the second qualifier against Karnali Yaks to keep their title hopes alive. The thrilling contest promises an exciting final ahead in the Nepal Premier League.
BGT
Rohit Sharma Reveals Ashwin’s Words Before Confirming Retirement
Ravichandran Ashwin confirmed his retirement from international cricket, reflecting on his role within the Indian team. Rohit Sharma revealed Ashwin’s conversation, where Ashwin stated that if he wasn’t needed, he would retire.
Ashwin’s contribution to Indian cricket is unparalleled, especially in Test matches, where he holds significant records. His impact has been especially visible in overseas conditions, where he has delivered match-winning performances.
Rohit praised Ashwin for his commitment to the team and his remarkable all-around abilities. Ashwin’s decision to retire shows his deep understanding of team dynamics and priorities.
Rohit acknowledged Ashwin’s importance in Indian cricket, considering him a key player in the team’s success. Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket, signaling a transition.
His decision also opens space for younger players to take up leadership roles. Ashwin’s legacy will remain as one of India’s finest match-winners, contributing immensely over the years.
Rohit’s words reflected the respect and admiration Ashwin earned over his career. Despite retiring, Ashwin remains a vital figure in cricket history.
His decision to step down was based on his awareness of the team’s evolving needs. Ashwin leaves behind an indelible mark on Indian cricket, especially in Test formats.
Rohit and other teammates will always remember Ashwin’s invaluable contributions.
-
FILMY1 year ago
WATCH: Tripti Dimri shocks audiences with daring nude sequence in Ranbir Kapoor starrer ‘Animal’
-
BIG NEWS2 years ago
Riva Arora, aged 12, romances with Karan Kundrra in viral video
-
BIG NEWS2 years ago
Meet the sexiest female golfer ever!
-
LATEST2 years ago
The sexiest tennis star on the planet. Do you agree?
-
CRICKET1 year ago
‘Bloody dump captain’ – Former Pakistan cricketer lashes out at Babar Azam and staff for mismanagement of fast bowlers in Asia Cup 2023
-
FILMY1 year ago
WATCH: After Tripti Dimri, Rashmika Mandanna’s intimate scene with Ranbir Kapoor in ‘Animal’ goes viral on internet
-
CRICKET1 year ago
Top 10 hairstyle of MS Dhoni from 2007 to 2023
-
FILMY1 year ago
Did you know Simi Garewal dated India’s iconic industrialist Ratan Tata? Know more about this