Women's Pro League: Spain edge out India 4-3 in close encounter

IANS | February 18, 2025 8:39 PM

Bhubaneswar, Feb 18 (IANS) Sakshi Rana scored an impressive goal on her senior international debut but India went down fighting 4-3 against Spain in the Women's FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 at the Kalinga Stadium on Tuesday. Besides Sakshi (38’), Baljeet Kaur (19’) and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal (45’) scored for India, while Estel Petchame (25’, 49’), Sofia Rogoski (21’), and Captain Lucia Jimenez (52’) netted goals for Spain.

Real Madrid will ‘try to have a beautiful night’ vs Man City, says Valverde

IANS | February 18, 2025 8:20 PM

Madrid, Feb 18 (IANS) Real Madrid and Manchester City, the European giants that have treated football fans to some exhilarating clashes in the past few years, will face off in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League knockouts play-offs on Thursday (IST). The defending champions head into the game with a 3-2 advantage after having secured a late win at the Etihad Stadium last week. Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde has stated their team will be hoping to have a ‘special night’ at the Bernabeu when the two giants clash again.

Ranji Trophy: Parth Rekhade’s magical over puts Mumbai on the backfoot

IANS | February 18, 2025 7:50 PM

Nagpur, Feb 18 (IANS) In just his second First-Class match, Parth Rekhade produced a game-changing spell that rattled Mumbai’s formidable middle-order and left them with an uphill task in their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha on Day Two at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha here on Tuesday.

Ranji Trophy: Mohammed Azharuddeen’s ton puts Kerala in control against Gujarat

IANS | February 18, 2025 6:27 PM

Ahmedabad, Feb 18 (IANS) Mohammed Azharuddeen’s long-awaited century, his second in First-Class cricket and his first in seven years, and half-centuries by Sachin Baby and Salman Nizar ensured Kerala took firm control of the Ranji Trophy semifinal against Gujarat here on Tuesday. Azharuddeen’s unbeaten 149 off 303 balls, decorated with 17 boundaries, was the cornerstone of Kerala’s innings as they reached 418 for seven at the end of day two.

Champions Trophy: Babar is the right man to open, says Pakistan skipper Rizwan

IANS | February 18, 2025 5:25 PM

Karachi, Feb 18 (IANS) Ahead of the Champions Trophy opener on Wednesday, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan emphasized the need for greater awareness and professionalism in the national team’s approach to high-stakes tournaments. As Pakistan prepare to face New Zealand in the third match this month following their twin defeats in the Tri-series, Rizwan acknowledged the challenges that have plagued Pakistan’s performances in ICC events in recent years and expressed confidence in his squad’s potential.

Youth Cup: Alexandersson wants his players to show big heart while playing for India

IANS | February 18, 2025 4:36 PM

Manavgat (Turkiye), Feb 18 (IANS) The Indian U20 women's team will take on Jordan in the first match of the Pink Ladies U20 Youth Cup at the Emirhan Sports Centre here on Wednesday. For India, this friendly tournament is part of their preparations for the SAFF U20 Women's Championship (July) and the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers (August).