Connect with us

SportsNews

Indian spinners dominate as New Zealand post 251/7 in Champions Trophy final

Published

on

Varun Chakravarthy (Photo: X/@ICC) © Provided by Asian News International (ANI)

Dubai [UAE], March 9 (ANI): India‘s spinners put on a stellar show to restrict New Zealand to 251/7 in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday in Dubai. Despite a late counter-attack from Michael Bracewell, the Blackcaps struggled to accelerate in the middle against India‘s disciplined bowling attack.

After winning the toss, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner opted to bat first. The Kiwis got off to a flyer, with openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra putting on a strong partnership. They brought up 50 runs inside seven overs before Varun Chakravarthy dismissed Young for 15, breaking the opening stand at 57.

Ravindra continued his attacking approach, scoring 37 off 29 balls, including four boundaries and a six, but was cleaned up by Kuldeep Yadav as New Zealand found themselves at 69/2 in 10.1 overs. Kane Williamson, who scored a century in the semi-final against South Africa, couldn’t make an impact this time, falling to a brilliant caught-and-bowled effort by Kuldeep for just 11.

New Zealand reached 100 in 19.2 overs but kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Tom Latham (14) was trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja, while Glenn Phillips (34) was bowled by Chakravarthy, leaving the Kiwis at 165/5 in 37.5 overs.

Daryl Mitchell played the anchor role, scoring a patient 63 off 101 deliveries before falling to Mohammed Shami in the 46th over. Shami, despite being expensive (1/74 in 9 overs), claimed his ninth wicket of the tournament. Skipper Santner (8) was run out by Virat Kohli, adding to New Zealand‘s troubles.

However, Michael Bracewell‘s unbeaten 53 off 40 deliveries, featuring three fours and two sixes, provided a late flourish, ensuring New Zealandreached a competitive total of 251/7.

India‘s spinners were the key architects of the bowling performance. Varun Chakravarthy (2/45) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) were the standout performers, while Jadeja (1/30) and Axar Patel (0/29 in 8 overs) kept the pressure on with their economical spells.

With 252 runs required for victory, India will look to capitalize on the slow conditions and chase down the target to secure their third ICC Champions Trophy title.

Brief score: New Zealand 251/7 (Daryl Mitchell 63, Michael Bracewell 53*; Kuldeep Yadav 2/40) vs. New Zealand. (ANI)

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

Syndigate.info

).

SportsNews

Kano Pillars appoint new management for youth teams

Published

on

Kano Pillars have constituted a new management team for the Junior Pillars as well as its U-19, U-15 and U-13 teams.

Ibrahim Musa has been appointed as the technical adviser of Junior Pillars, while Saleh Garzali will take charge as head coach.

The U-19 side will be managed by Usman Ikramatu and Ahmed Mustapha, while Habu Kamara assumes the role of team manager.

Suleiman Ibrahim Yakasai (Lajin) has been tasked with overseeing the U-15 team, bringing his wealth of experience to guide the young talents.

At the U-13 level, Coach Nura Platini and Tasiu Pele will lead the technical team, ensuring the earliest stages of player development receive the highest standard of coaching and mentorship.

The restructuring is aimed at aligning the club’s youth development philosophy with global best practices.

Ekwutosblog recalls that Kano Pillars U-19 team took part in the inaugural edition of the National Youth League Super Cup tournament in Lagos.

Continue Reading

SportsNews

Ballon d’Or: Capello names three players who can win award

Published

on

Former Real Madrid manager, Fabio Capello has named three Los Blancos players who can win the Ballon d’Or in the future.

The Italian claimed that Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham could potentially lift the coveted Golden Ball.

The three players have been impressive since joining Real Madrid and have also been in the running for the top-individual prize in the past few seasons.

Last year, Vinicius, Bellingham and Mbappe finished in the top six Ballon d’Or final power rankings.

This year they are also expected to be among contenders for the Ballon d’Or.

Speaking with Gazzetta dello Sport (via AS h/t Madrid Universal), Capello said: “Vinicius, Mbappe, and Bellingham are three potential Ballon d’Or winners.”

The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced in September and the likes of Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, Vitinha, Raphinha and Mohamed Salah are expected to compete with the Real Madrid stars for the prestigious top-individual award.

Continue Reading

SportsNews

Transfer: Barcelona cannot register Nico Williams – LaLiga warns

Published

on

LaLiga President, Javier Tebas, has warned that Barcelona cannot register Nico Williams.

Barca are trying to trigger the release clause of Williams, who plays for their rivals Athletic Bilbao, this summer.

But Tebas has claimed they are not in a financial position to register the Spain winger.

Barcelona are already in a constant back-and-forth with LaLiga over the registrations of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor.

However, Tebas has made it clear that the Catalans are yet to reach the 1:1 rule.

Speaking at the Spanish football federation’s (RFEF) event on Tuesday, he said: “As of today, Barca would not be able to register Nico Williams.

“The registration period for players started today, and right now I wouldn’t be able to do it.”

Continue Reading

Trending