CRICKET
New Zealand are the World Test Champions
New Zealand overcame rain interruptions, bad light and a gritty Indian side to clinch the inaugural World Test Championship in Southampton.
The Kiwis bagged their first-ever ICC trophy with an eight-wicket win over Virat Kohli’s men.
Williamson shows nerves of steel
Kane Williamson missed out on bringing the ODI World Cup to New Zealand two years ago, but he did not let anything get in his way in Southampton where top-ranked India battled for glory.
His patient, masterful and mature innings were crucial in the context of the game as NZ had lost their openers early in the run chase.
He made no mistake in flicking the ball down to square leg to see off India in the one-off historic Test.
The NZ skipper remained not out on 52 alongside Ross Taylor who was at 47.
The duo showed no signs of a hurry while chasing the meagre total of 139 in 53 overs.
The England tour edge
There’s no denying that New Zealand were a far better, well-rounded side throughout the game.
They were clinical with the bat and bowl nor did they let a fumble or two disrupt their concentration in the field.
But what made them adapt better to the English conditions seemed to be their early arrival.
The two Tests against Joe Root’s troops prepared Williamson’s the best.
After capping off a 1-0 series win over the hosts, the NZ were more than ready to caress the ICC Test mace.
This made the difference in Southampton.
It was expected that Indian batsmen will struggle a bit, but the woes only extended when the game got underway.
Apart from Ajinkya Rahane’s 49, Kohli 44 and Rishabh Pant’s 44, no Indian batsmen delivered the goods.
The veteran in Rohit Sharma did not stand tall throughout the game.
Known for hammering the opposition in white-ball cricket, the Hitman lost his wicket rather cheaply in both innings.
Cheteshwar Pujara had a similar scenario.
While Sharma did get going to register 64 runs in the match, Pujara made 23 only.
This was odd to watch for the fans who saw the same Indian batters push Australia to the ropes in their backyard.
Let the swing talk
In the recent Test series, New Zealand have been swinging the ball both ways around 2.4%, the highest among any Test-playing nation and this was visible in Southampton too.
How late they got the swing was also mesmerising for every cricket fanatic.
This was a familiar sight whether it was Tim Southee with the new ball or newcomer Kyle Jamieson.
They adapted to overcast conditions the best and did not let any Indian batsmen stick around too long.
In the first innings, it was Man of the Match Jamieson who got another five-for while the veteran Southee got four in the second innings to dismantle the Indian team for 170 only.
The fact that none of the Indian batsmen scored a fifty in both innings speaks volumes of the quality of the NZ pace cartel.
New Zealand 249 (Conway 54, Williamson 49, Shami 4-76) and 140 for 2 (Williamson 52*, Taylor 47, Ashwin 2-17) beat India 217 (Rahane 49, Kohli 44, Jamieson 5-31) and 170 (Pant 41, Southee 4-48) by eight wickets.
BIG NEWS
Robin Uthappa Arrest Warrant Issued Over Legal Dispute
An arrest warrant has been issued against former cricketer Robin Uthappa in connection with a legal matter. The warrant was issued after Uthappa failed to appear in court for a financial dispute.
The legal issue involves a business deal where Uthappa is accused of financial misconduct. Despite multiple court summons, the cricketer failed to appear, leading to the warrant.
Robin Uthappa, known for his explosive batting in international cricket, has previously been a respected figure in the sport. He represented India in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, contributing significantly to their victory.
Sources claim that the legal dispute revolves around a business transaction gone wrong, with Uthappa allegedly involved in financial wrongdoing. The case has raised concerns, as the cricketer’s failure to attend court led to a strong response.
Legal experts believe the Robin Uthappa arrest warrant may have serious consequences if ignored. Further actions may be taken if Uthappa does not respond to the summons promptly.
Fans and cricket fans alike are shocked by the news, as Uthappa has always been admired for his cricketing achievements. His legal team has yet to comment on the arrest warrant.
The case has attracted significant media attention, with many waiting for updates. Uthappa’s involvement in this matter has left his supporters eager for clarification.
The situation surrounding the Robin Uthappa arrest warrant remains fluid, and legal experts predict more developments in the coming days.
BIG NEWS
Pakistan’s Asia Cup Loss Against India Shook Team Morale
Pakistan Asia Cup Loss to India Left Players Devastated! Pakistan’s crushing defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2023 profoundly impacted the team, exposing vulnerabilities and sparking internal turmoil. Imam-ul-Haq, a key player, disclosed that the loss shattered team morale, with some players crying and isolating themselves in hotel rooms.
Pakistan Asia Cup loss to India intensified scrutiny, fueling rumors of discord within the squad. Imam acknowledged the psychological toll, explaining how players struggled to recover and maintain confidence in subsequent matches. This setback not only derailed their Asia Cup campaign but also affected their World Cup preparations.
Imam highlighted the immense pressure of high-stakes tournaments, where a single loss can overshadow months of effort and preparation. He described the emotional strain on the players, exacerbated by media speculation about rifts within the team. Such moments underline the mental challenges athletes face while representing their country on a global stage.
The Asia Cup defeat also revealed the importance of strong leadership and mental resilience during challenging times. Imam expressed hope that the team could learn from this experience and rebuild their confidence. He emphasized the need for unity and support within the squad to bounce back stronger.
Pakistan’s journey serves as a stark reminder of cricket’s unpredictability and the fine line between victory and defeat. The players’ emotional response reflected their dedication to the game and the weight of expectations from millions of fans.
BGT
PM Modi Pays Tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin After His Retirement
Ravichandran Ashwin retirement! Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin following his surprising retirement, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to Indian cricket. Ashwin, known for his skill and innovation, redefined spin bowling and established himself as one of the game’s greats.
During his illustrious 14-year career, Ashwin achieved 537 Test wickets and delivered match-winning performances across all formats. Modi highlighted his consistency, especially his ability to perform under pressure and against world-class opposition. The prime minister praised Ashwin’s commitment, which inspired countless young players to dream big and achieve greatness.
Modi reflected on the unwavering support Ashwin received from his family, acknowledging their sacrifices and vital role in his career. He also appreciated Ashwin’s iconic carrom ball, which revolutionized spin bowling and contributed to numerous memorable victories. Ashwin’s jersey number 99, synonymous with his presence on the field, will be dearly missed by fans and teammates alike.
Encouraging Ashwin to stay connected with cricket, Modi expressed hope that his post-retirement journey would continue to impact the sport positively. Ashwin’s retirement signifies the conclusion of an era but leaves behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration for future generations.
The prime minister’s heartfelt tribute emphasized the lasting impression Ashwin made both on and off the field, ensuring his name remains synonymous with greatness.
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