Delhi Royals set a target of 173 after posting 172/7 in 15 overs. Chhattisgarh Warriors, led by Gurkeerat Singh Mann in Suresh Raina’s absence, were rocked early by Lakhwinder Singh and Parvinder Awana, leaving them struggling at 40/2. However, Gurkeerat and Pawan Negi revived the chase with a brilliant 106-run partnership.

Both players reached their half-centuries, but the match turned when Lakhwinder Singh dismissed Negi (51) with a stunning catch. Jerome Taylor then struck twice, removing Gurkeerat (64) and Peter Trego, leaving the Warriors needing 20 off the final eight balls.

With 15 required from the last over, Abhimanyu Mithun’s explosive hitting — including two sixes and a four — sealed the victory for the Warriors, who chased the target with two balls to spare. The thrilling finish gave the home crowd a reason to cheer as Chhattisgarh Warriors secured a dramatic five-wicket win over Delhi Royals.

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“2011 World Cup is a memory I would like to relive. The journey and dream that started in 1983. I made many attempts, failed but never lost hope. So, that’s the best moment of my life,” Tendulkar shared.

The 2011 World Cup final saw India defeat Sri Lanka by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. After Sri Lanka posted 274/6, India chased the target with resilience. Despite early wickets from Sehwag and Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir’s 97 and MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 91 steered India to victory, securing the nation’s first World Cup in 28 years.

In his speech, Tendulkar also paid tribute to his childhood coach, Ramakant Achrekar, who played a vital role in his development as a cricketer. Achrekar, who passed away in 2019, was honored with the Dronacharya Award for his coaching contributions and the Padma Shri in 2010.

Tendulkar’s recent recognition with the Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI Awards further solidified his legacy. With over 34,000 international runs and 100 centuries, Tendulkar remains a global cricket icon, known as the ‘God of Cricket.’ His remarkable career spanned from his debut in 1989 to his retirement in 2013, cementing his place as one of the greatest cricketers in history.

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The South African team struggled on a slow pitch, bowled out for a mere 82 runs. India’s bowlers, particularly the spinners, took full advantage of the conditions, with Trisha Gongadi leading the way, claiming three wickets for just 15 runs. Parunika Sisodia also shone, picking up two wickets for six runs. The Indian bowlers applied consistent pressure, supported by some sharp fielding, to dismantle the South African batting line-up.

When India came to bat, Trisha Gongadi starred with the bat, following up her excellent bowling performance with an unbeaten 44 off 33 balls. Alongside her, Sanika Chalke supported well, contributing 26* from 22 balls, as India chased down the modest target of 83 in just 11.2 overs. The duo exhibited solid technique, rotating strike efficiently, and punishing the loose deliveries to ensure India remained firmly in control throughout the chase.

From the outset, India’s top order looked in complete command, with Trisha hitting boundaries with ease, particularly off leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu. India’s early progress was swift, reaching 36 for no loss in just four overs. Though G Kamalini fell after a brief cameo, Sanika and Trisha maintained composure, bringing India closer to victory with every over.

The final moments saw Sanika’s confident shot to the boundary to bring India within striking distance, followed by Trisha’s well-timed four to seal the victory, as India lifted the trophy once again.

This victory also highlighted the remarkable consistency of the Indian team, as they became the first side to win the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup without losing a single game throughout the tournament. Their comprehensive win underlined the strength and depth of Indian cricket at the grassroots level, with the team looking poised for future success in the women’s game.

Brief Scores:

• South Africa: 82 all out (Mieke van Voorst 23, Fay Cowling 15; Trisha Gongadi 3-15, Parunika Sisodia 2-6)
• India: 84/1 in 11.2 overs (Trisha Gongadi 44*; Sanika Chalke 26*; Kayla Reyneke 1-14)

India’s title win reinforces their position as a cricketing powerhouse at the youth level, and with performances like this, they will continue to be a force to reckon with on the global stage.

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Chelsea’s managerial instability continued after Potter’s departure, with Mauricio Pochettino taking over but facing similar challenges. However, the Blues have begun to find some stability under their current head coach, Enzo Maresca, and are now sitting in seventh place in the Premier League.

As Potter leads West Ham into an eagerly awaited Premier League clash against Chelsea, he will return to Stamford Bridge, this time in charge of a direct rival. For Potter, the match is not just about securing three points—it represents a chance to demonstrate how much he has grown since his Chelsea tenure.

With West Ham aiming to make their mark in the league, Potter is determined to use his past experiences to lead the Hammers to success. His return to Chelsea promises to be a moment charged with emotion, drama, and the possibility of redemption.

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With his parents cheering him on from the audience, the moment was surreal for Agni, who now finds himself among Indian cricket’s elite. Standing alongside cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, and Smriti Mandhana, Agni called it a dream come true.

“I’ve watched Rohit bhai for most of my life, and to receive the award from him was truly a full-circle moment,” Agni said. “It felt even more special with my parents there, who have supported me throughout my journey, especially when I faced challenges in my cricketing career.”

A key turning point in Agni’s career came from a piece of advice from his father: “Whatever profession you pursue, give it your best shot.” Taking this advice to heart, Agni decided to step out of his comfort zone, leaving Mumbai to pursue first-class cricket with Mizoram, a state with a developing cricket culture.

Mizoram embraced Agni, and his hard work culminated in this recognition. “It’s incredibly special to receive an award for the Ranji Trophy. I’m grateful for the recognition and hope to take Mizoram cricket to new heights,” Agni expressed.

With his eyes set on furthering Mizoram’s success and earning a spot in the Indian Test team, Agni Chopra’s cricketing journey is one to watch.

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India’s successful defense of their title, won two years ago under Shafali Verma’s leadership, was celebrated with uncontainable joy. As the final moments unfolded, the entire team ran onto the field, draped in the Indian flag, to celebrate their triumph.

Trisha’s aggressive start set the tone, smashing three fours in the first over and another three in the fourth over. South Africa’s Reyneke dismissed Kamalini, but India’s pursuit remained strong. Chalke, joining Trisha, played a stylish cover drive, pushing India past half the target during the powerplay. Trisha was dropped on 38, but the Indian team needed just 15 more runs to seal the victory. Chalke wrapped it up with a boundary in the 12th over, finishing the chase in style.

Trisha, who scored 309 runs in the tournament, was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament for her exceptional contributions.

Earlier, India’s spinners dominated the final, taking nine wickets among them to bowl South Africa out for just 82. Opting to bat first, South Africa struggled against India’s spin attack, and the decision backfired. Trisha took three wickets, while the left-arm spin trio of Parunika Sisodia, Aayushi Shukla, and Vaishnavi Sharma claimed two wickets each.

Trisha’s pivotal wickets, including that of South Africa’s captain Kayla Reyneke, ensured India kept the pressure on. Aayushi’s middle-stump removal of Karabo Meso left South Africa reeling at 44/5. The Proteas’ resistance, in the form of a 30-run stand from Fay Cowling and Mieke van Voorst, was short-lived, with Trisha taking two quick wickets to finish off their hopes. Vaishnavi cleaned up the tail, securing India’s dominant performance with a comprehensive win.

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With India leading 2-0 in the tie, the team needed to win just one of the three remaining matches of the day. Balaji and Bollipalli delivered the victory early, defeating M’lapa Tingou Akomolo and Hod’abalo Isak Padio in their first match. Togo’s decision to replace their best player, Thomas Setodji, with M’lapa Tingou Akomolo due to an arm injury proved detrimental as Akomolo struggled to hold serve throughout the match.

Balaji was exceptional with his serving, losing just one point on his serve in the entire match. The Indian pair dominated the court from the start, securing their first break in the third game. Akomolo’s double faults further contributed to the Indian victory, handing them two set points in the opening set, with Bollipalli sealing it with a stunning overhead volley winner.

The second set saw India continue their relentless attack. They broke early, virtually eliminating any chance of a comeback from Togo. Balaji and Bollipalli maintained their composure, and despite a brief challenge from Padio, they secured the tie with a 6-1 scoreline in the second set.

India’s convincing performance puts them in a strong position for the upcoming matches, and young Karan Singh is expected to make his debut in the dead rubber. The win marks a significant step for India in securing a place in the prestigious World Group I of the Davis Cup.

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The tournament will begin with the qualifying rounds on February 1, followed by the main draw starting on February 3. The event will culminate with the finals on February 9. The launch of the event took place at CCI on Thursday, with several dignitaries and key figures in attendance, including OP Gupta (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) of the Government of Maharashtra, Pravin Darade (IAS), Principal Secretary to the Governor of Maharashtra, and Sanjay Khandare (IAS), Principal Secretary, Water Supply and Sanitation, Government of Maharashtra. The event also saw the participation of key members from the organizing committee and corporate sponsors.

Some of the world’s top tennis players will compete for the prestigious title at the Mumbai Open. The tournament is set to feature a stellar lineup, with world No. 73 Tatjana Maria headlining the main draw. The German player, known for her career-high ranking of No. 42, has enjoyed success on the WTA circuit, including a Wimbledon semi-final appearance in 2022. Maria, who clinched the Copa Colsanitas WTA 250 Event in Colombia in 2023 and 2024, will be aiming for her fourth singles title in Mumbai.

Additionally, defending champion Darja Semenistaja from Latvia returns to the tournament, along with rising star Alexandra Eala from the Philippines. Eala, who trains at Rafael Nadal’s tennis academy, has gained significant attention for her talent and potential in the sport.

Past champions of the Mumbai Open include some of the best players in the world, such as world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka (2017) and Thailand’s Luksika Kumkhum (2018), both of whom have left their mark on the tournament’s rich history.

In a statement, OP Gupta (IAS), Chairman of the Organizing Committee, expressed enthusiasm about the tournament’s return. “We are delighted to be back for yet another edition of the L&T Mumbai Open, and the Government of Maharashtra is keen to use this opportunity to support more grassroots programs in tennis,” he said. He emphasized the importance of high-prize-money events like the Mumbai Open in the development of Indian tennis.

Anup Sahay, Head of Corporate Strategy and Special Initiatives at L&T, the title sponsor of the event, also shared his support. “The Mumbai Open has a very unique legacy and has consistently provided Indian tennis with plenty of hope. We are confident that this edition will add yet another memorable chapter to this partnership,” he said.

Sanjay Khandare (IAS), Treasurer of the Organizing Committee, highlighted the significance of the event for Indian tennis. “The Mumbai Open is one of the most-awaited tennis tournaments in India, and the fourth edition is definitely going to be grander than before. It’s a great platform for our Indian players, and we hope they continue their good work,” he stated.

Pravin Darade (IAS), Organizing Secretary of the tournament, concluded by expressing his confidence in the event’s success. “The fourth edition of the Mumbai Open is all set to become one of the most memorable chapters in Indian tennis. We are geared up for this week and are confident that the Mumbai Open will be a tremendous success.”

As the tournament draws near, tennis fans can look forward to world-class action and thrilling competition at the 4th Mumbai Open, marking another milestone in the growth of tennis in India.

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Throughout the year, Omarzai was a key figure in Afghanistan’s impressive ODI campaigns. He finished the year as his national team’s second-highest run-scorer, just behind Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and also claimed the second-most wickets, trailing only AM Ghazanfar. His contributions were instrumental in Afghanistan winning four of their five ODI series in 2024, including triumphs over Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.

Though Afghanistan fell short in their series against Sri Lanka at the start of the year, Omarzai’s individual brilliance shone through, particularly in a thrilling encounter against Sri Lanka where he blasted an unbeaten 149*, leading his team in a challenging defeat. His ability to perform under pressure became a defining theme of the year.

Notably, his 86* from just 50 balls against South Africa in the second ODI helped Afghanistan set up a dominant victory. In the ODI series against Bangladesh in November, Azmatullah delivered an unforgettable performance in the series-deciding match. With Bangladesh threatening a strong finish, Omarzai’s bowling came to the fore, as he claimed 4/37 in seven overs, restricting the opposition’s run chase and ensuring Afghanistan’s victory.

With the series hanging in the balance, Omarzai’s batting heroics sealed the win. Chasing 245, Afghanistan found themselves struggling at 84/3, but Omarzai’s composed 70* from 77 balls guided them across the line with a massive six, securing the series win with ten balls to spare.

In what was a breakthrough year for the all-rounder, Omarzai’s impressive batting average of 52.12 and his wicket-taking ability at an average of 20.47 were key factors behind his success. His all-round excellence and match-winning contributions made him the standout performer of 2024, earning him the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award, a well-deserved recognition for a player who continues to shine on the world stage.

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Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, reflecting on the success of the competition, emphasized the growing enthusiasm for sports in Ranchi. He stated, “You are seeing the excitement for sports in Ranchi is ever-growing. The Hockey India League, which concluded today, went on for 12-14 days. The world’s best women’s hockey players came here to play, and they made their game more exciting. I have said this earlier as well, that the government is very serious about sports this time.”

The final match was an intense battle between two strong sides, but it was Odisha Warriors who triumphed thanks to two crucial goals from Rutuja Dadaso Pisal. The game was a thrilling contest from start to finish, with both teams showing incredible skill and determination.

Rutuja opened the scoring for Odisha in the second quarter, capitalizing on a deflection from a Victoria Sauze pass to loft the ball over Soorma goalkeeper Savita. However, Soorma quickly responded with a penalty corner converted by Penny Squibb to level the score at 1-1. The teams fought fiercely throughout the match, with Soorma creating several scoring opportunities, but Odisha’s defense stood strong.

In the final quarter, with the match hanging in the balance, Rutuja once again became the hero for the Warriors. On a counterattack, she pounced on a loose ball in the circle and sent it past Savita’s legs to give Odisha a 2-1 lead. Despite Soorma’s best efforts in the final minutes, Odisha’s defense held firm, and the Warriors clinched the title.

The final was a testament to the high level of play, with both teams showcasing their skill, speed, and tactical intelligence. With the success of the inaugural edition, the Women’s Hockey India League has certainly set a new standard for women’s sports in India.

The victory marked a historic achievement for the Odisha Warriors and added to the growing legacy of women’s hockey in the country. The league’s success also reflects the increasing investment and support for women’s sports in India, with the state government of Jharkhand demonstrating a clear commitment to nurturing athletic talent and bringing international competitions to the region.

As the tournament wrapped up, Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed his satisfaction, stating, “This event is a clear indication that sports are becoming an integral part of Ranchi’s identity, and we are looking forward to more such events in the future.”

The Women’s Hockey India League is poised to become a mainstay in the country’s sports calendar, offering an exciting platform for players to showcase their talent and for fans to experience world-class competition. With the growing excitement for sports in Ranchi, it’s clear that the future of women’s hockey in India is brighter than ever.

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