Champions Trophy: Virat is trying a bit too hard, feels Kumble

IANS | February 21, 2025 12:42 PM

New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) Former India captain and head coach Anil Kumble feels that Virat Kohli is "trying too hard" to come out of his lean patch after he scored 22 off 38 against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy clash in Dubai on Thursday.

Qatar Open: Rublev converts 8th match point in dramatic win over De Minaur in Doha

IANS | February 20, 2025 11:41 PM

Doha, Feb 20 (IANS) Andrey Rublev dug deep and took a difficult route to the semifinals of the Qatar Open, converting his eighth match point in a dramatic win over second seed Alex de Minaur in the ATP 500 event here on Thursday. The fifth seed Rublev came back after losing the second set for a dramatic 6-1, 3-6, 7-6(8) triumph over De Minaur of Australia, in which he let slip seven match points before crossing the line.

Champions Trophy: What was good to see was that Gill stayed there till the end, says Rohit Sharma

IANS | February 20, 2025 11:14 PM

Dubai, Feb 20 (IANS) After India began their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign with a six-wicket win over Bangladesh, skipper Rohit Sharma said it was good to see vice-captain Shubman Gill, who hit an unbeaten 101, stay till the end in the chase of 229 at the Dubai International Stadium. Gill took his time before grinding it hard on a sluggish pitch and amidst the pressure of wickets falling around to hit an unbeaten 101 off 129 balls, laced with nine fours and two sixes.

Champions Trophy: Jamie Smith back as England name playing 11 for opener vs Australia

IANS | February 20, 2025 10:40 PM

Lahore, Feb 20 (IANS) Jamie Smith will bat at No.3 for the first time in his ODI career and keep wicket for England in their Champions Trophy opener against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Saturday. Joe Root, England’s long-time No. 3, moved down to No.4 in the final match of their recent 3-0 ODI series loss in India and will continue in that role. Smith, who has only batted at No.5 or 6 in his seven-match ODI career, steps into a new position in his first ICC tournament appearance.