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

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. (
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SportsNews
2026 WCQ: South Africa confirm they are under FIFA investigation as Benin, Nigeria wait

Lydia Monyepao, the Chief Executive Officer of the South African Football Association, SAFA, has confirmed they have received communication from FIFA over an investigation into the Teboho Mokoena suspension saga.
The world football governing body has written to Bafana Bafana, demanding an explanation as to how Mokoena played against Lesotho in March this year.
The midfielder was ineligible to feature in the 2026 World Cup qualifier having picked up two yellow cards.
FIFA’s investigation could now overturn South Africa’s 2-0 win to a 3-0 defeat.
“We have received communication from FIFA about the investigation they have launched in terms of the Lesotho match that Teboho Mokoena was fielded, we received it yesterday,” Monyepao said via Idiski Times.
“So we’re preparing our response to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee which is ultimately required of us as an association…”
With two games left to play, Nigeria occupy third spot in Group C with 11 points, trailing South Africa, who have 17 points, and Benin Republic on 14 points.
Both Benin and Nigeria will be eagerly awaiting FIFA’s verdict on the matter.
SportsNews
UCL: They taught us lesson, I’ve never played team like Barça before – Newcastle’s Gordon confesses

Newcastle United attacker, Anthony Gordon, has admitted that he has never played a team like Barcelona before.
He said that Barça are above the level of Premier League top sides, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.
The England international made the confession following Newcastle United’s 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League on Thursday night.
On-loan Manchester United forward, Marcus Rashford scored twice to give Barcelona all three points at St James’ Park.
Gordon scored Newcastle’s lone goal in the 90th minute.
Barcelona barely gave Newcastle the opportunity to equalise before the full-time whistle.
Gordon told BeIN Sports, “I think the way they keep the ball was a learning experience.
“We don’t play against that kind of style in England, not at that level anyway, I thought they were the best I’ve played against in that sense of the game. Some of that play in midfield was really top.
“We’ve played against some top teams, City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, but the way they pass the ball, the midfielders, the way they were fluid in their movement and combining, made it really hard for us to press, and it’s not easy coming here and doing that.
“We press with intensity, we’re very physical but to be fair to them, they did really well.”
SportsNews
UCL: Haaland becomes fastest player to hit 50 goals

Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland, has become the fastest player in Champions League history to score 50 goals.
Haaland achieved the feat on Thursday night, after he opened the scoring in their 2-0 win over Napoli.
The Norway striker headed City in front at the Etihad to tally his half-century of goals in just 49 appearances.
He has now broken the previous record set by former Manchester United striker, Ruud van Nistelrooy, who needed 62 games.
It took Lionel Messi 66 games, although the Argentina captain remains the youngest player to hit 50.
Messi was 24 years and 284 days when he achieved the feat, with 25-year-old Haaland displacing Kylian Mbappé in second.
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