Month: August 2023

Chinas Zhang Zhizhen earned a memorable 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 0-6, 6-2 second-round win against fifth-seed Casper Ruud at the US Open. With this win, Zhang became the first Chinese tennis player to earn a win against a top-five player since the beginning of the ATP Rankings (1973). The fixture not only turned out to be a highly competitive one but it also produced a heated argument between Ruud and umpire Richard Haigh. The controversial incident took place during the fifth set after Zhang decided to take a toilet break to change his gear. The Chinese tennis player seemingly took a long break which caused the match to be halted for seven-odd minutes. Ruud wasnt impressed with the stoppage of play and the Norwegian was even seen arguing with the umpire Richard Haigh.
Casper Ruud argues with the umpire
“You follow the rules so clearly sometimes and other times you don’t give a s**t, Ruud told the umpire.
According to reports, Ruud even claimed that he should have got a point for every 30 seconds Zhang went over the three minutes. Generally, players are allowed to take a maximum of three minutes once they enter the toilet. They are stipulated to receive two more minutes for a change of attire, along with a three-minute toilet break.
Despite Ruud’s desperate pleading, the umpire did not do anything. The Norwegian was visibly angry throughout the final set and his displeasure took a toll on his game. The break ruined Ruuds momentum totally as Zhang broke his serve in the game that followed and went on to claim the final set 6-2 to win the fixture.
I mean, Im not sitting here super disappointed with things that I could have done better or my level, but at the most important moments, he was the better player. He stepped up. That was different from Paris. I think in Paris I was the one who really stepped up when I had to. Its a different surface, of course. But he has a great serve, beautiful backhand, and forehand, also. When its on, its on and really dangerous, Ruud was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, Zhang Zhizhen became the first Chinese tennis player to feature in the main draw at Wimbledon in the professional era after he qualified two years back. The win against Casper Ruud was Zhangs second five-set victory at the Flushing Meadows this year. In the first round of the US Open, the 26-year-old had claimed a sensational 7-5, 7-5, 6-7, 4-6, 6-3 win against American opponent J.J. Wolf. Try to just keep playing and keep believing in yourself every single time. (Even in) tough moments, still try to believe in yourself. In the end, youll make it, Zhang said following his second-round win against Ruud.

The first T20I encounter between South Africa and Australia, part of the Australia tour of South Africa 2023, took place at Kingsmead in Durban on Wednesday. After winning the toss, South Africa chose to bowl first, setting the stage for a competitive battle.
Australia Innings:
Australia posted a formidable total of 226-6 in their allotted 20 overs. The batting highlights included a powerful knock from newly-appointed captain Mitchell Marsh, who scored a remarkable 92 not out off 49 deliveries. Tim David also played a pivotal role with a quickfire 64 runs off 28 balls. Their efforts contributed significantly to Australia’s commanding total.
Bowling figures for South Africa:
Lizaad Williams emerged as the standout bowler for South Africa, securing three crucial wickets while conceding 44 runs. Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee and Tabraiz Shamsi each claimed a wicket, albeit conceding runs in the process.
South Africa Innings:
In pursuit of Australia’s formidable target, South Africa struggled and managed to score 115/10 in 15.3 overs. Reeza Hendricks showcased an impressive performance with the bat, amassing 56 runs off 43 balls. However, remaining South Africa line-up struggled against the Australian bowlers.
Bowling figures for Australia:
Tanveer Sangha shone with the white leather on his T20I debut, capturing four wickets while conceding 31 runs. Marcus Stoinis and Spencer Johnson also contributed significantly with three and two wickets, respectively.
Result:
Australia secured a convincing victory, winning by a margin of 111 runs. South Africa’s defeat at home marked their heaviest in men’s T20I history.
Player of the Match:
Mitchell Marsh’s outstanding batting performance earned him the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ award.
Here are the top tweets from the first T20I between South Africa and Australia:
Early days in that SA vs Aus series. But Australia played that game on a different level.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) August 30, 2023
Tough night out for the Proteas. But theyll be back. I know what these guys are capable of.
Well played Aus
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) August 30, 2023
Liking Sangha’s revs on the ball. Not a bad back up in the spin department for Australia. Great debut, looking forward to more!. #SAvAUS
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) August 30, 2023
Tanveer Sangha Whatta debut , really looking forward to that amazing journey And how good was Bison show..#AUSvsSA
— Fawad Ahmed (@bachaji23) August 30, 2023
on a mission
. 20 – for our #SAvAUS#MitchellMarshpic.twitter.com/OXz777znoF
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) August 30, 2023
What a great start for Mitchell Marsh as T20I Captain of Australia:
Won the match as Captain.He scored 92*(49) in the match.Highest scorer of this match.Won MOM award.AUS beat SA by 111 runs.
He leads from the front for Australia – Brilliant, Captain Marsh..!!! pic.twitter.com/lRJQfZKmxC
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) August 31, 2023
Australia beat South Africa by 111 runs in the first T20I.
– Great start to the captaincy career of Mitchell Marsh including a fantastic knock with bat. pic.twitter.com/U5hREj2qqH
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 30, 2023
What a strong start as captain for Mitchell Marsh! 92* off just 49 balls with the bat and a 111-run win against South Africa in the first T20I match. Kudos #SAvAUSpic.twitter.com/FLLzTqk96N
— kamil khan (@13kamilkhan) August 31, 2023
Australia thrash South Africa in the series opener: https://t.co/0drdIwsR4x#SAvAUS#1stT20Ipic.twitter.com/CZ4Bf4IwXH
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 31, 2023
Rollercoaster! Tanveer Sangha landed in South Africa just 24 hours before snaring four wickets on international debut #SAvAUSpic.twitter.com/8dT8PSzpu2
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) August 31, 2023
An emphatic start to our men’s T20 tour of South Africa.
Mitch Marsh (92no), Tim David (64) and Tanveer Sangha (4-31) the stars of the show as we take a 1-0 series lead #SAvAUSpic.twitter.com/eQPfD0yNqI
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) August 30, 2023

Truth, at times, can be harsh and for cricket fans, it can also be cruel. There is a good chance, and that is stating it as moderately as possible, that the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Group A match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, which is a 30-minute drive from Kandy, may be washed out. It has been raining quite heavily for the last two days in Pallekle and if the different weather apps are to be believed, things could worse on Saturday (September 2), when the India vs Pakistan is scheduled to take place. The lowest predicted rain percentage by weather for Saturday is 91%, which makes it nearly impossible for the match to take place unless a miracle happens.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam and India skipper Rohit Sharma pose with Asia Cup photo(ACC)
Miracles related to sunshine and clear weather in Sri Lanka during August-September are wishful thinking even for the optimistic. There is a reason why cricket matches are rare during these two months. It rains heavily and becomes increasingly difficult for even the skilled ground staff of Sri Lankan stadiums to make a complete match possible. Pallekele has hosted 33 ODIs so far and only three of them have been during August-September, giving a clear indication that the Sri Lanka Cricket Board avoids hosting cricket matches during this time due to peak monsoon season.
Then why is the Asia Cup happening at this time? It was a last-minute decision. The Asian Council had no choice but to go for a hybrid model once it was clear that India wouldn’t get government clearance to travel to Pakistan, the original solo hosts of the tournament. The majority of the Asia Cup 2023 matches had to be shifted to Sri Lanka despite the weather predictions.
What is the current situation like Pallekel?
Before the India vs Pakistan Group A match on Saturday, home team Sri Lanka are set to kick off their Asia Cup campaign against Bangladesh in a Group B match at the same venue on Thursday. According to an Indian Express report, there are high chances of that match being halted by rain and a wet outfield. The consistent rain and gloomy weather for the last three days have made it difficult for the ground staff to make the field ready. There are multiple patchy areas in the playing area. There is good news though, morning pictures showed bright sunshine. If the rain Gods relent in the evening then this match could show the way for the big-ticket IND vs PAK match on Saturday.
What would happen if the India vs Pakistan is washed out?
The only saving grace is that this is a 50-over contest and the ground staff will get a lot of time to try their best to make sure that a curtailed game takes place. If push comes to shove and the weather Gods relent then be prepared for a 20-over contest between the two sides. But if even that is not possible then India and Pakistan will share points. Pakistan will automatically qualify for thee Super 4 stage as they have already beaten Nepal – the other team in Group A. India then will have to beat Nepal in their group fixture to advance to the next round.

Australia have made a late addition to their ODI squad for the upcoming series against South Africa, and added a dynamic middle-order option to their line-up. This puts the young batter in contention for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.The Singapore-born Tim David provides an added option in Australia’s middle-order. 
The 27-year-old is yet to make his debut in the ODI format, but has impressed in the shortest format of the game. He has scored 804 runs at an average of 38.28 and a strike-rate of 163.41.
The ICC Review: Ponting’s high praise for Tim David
His latest exploit in the opening T20I against South Africa, where he scored 64 off merely 28 balls, in a 111-run win for Australia had grabbed eyeballs. Arriving in at 77/4, David joined skipper Mitchell Marsh for a 97-run stand, which came off merely 50 balls. 
David hit seven fours and four sixes during his scintillating knock. 
Marsh spoke of David’s importance to the Australia team after the game. 
“The great thing about Tim is he’s very level-headed. He knows his role in T20 cricket can be inconsistent. But his ability to win us matches is why he’s in this team and we’ve got full faith in that.
“I want him to play however he wants to play every game and I know that if he does that, he’ll win us games. He’s an outstanding asset for Australian cricket.”
Mahela Jayawardena on Tim David | The ICC Review
David’s addition boosts the middle-order in the absence of regular options. Steve Smith, missing out due to a wrist injury, and Glenn Maxwell, absent because of a wrist injury and the impending the birth of his first child, are unavailable for the South Africa ODIs.
This has provided David an opportunity to impress in the 50-over format. Though he hasn’t featured in a List A game in almost two years, David averages an impressive 82.77 at a strike-rate of 123.14.
His biggest selling point is the ability to conjure fireworks as a finisher.
Australia selector Tony Dodemaide believes David’s inclusion provides them with an added option at the back end of the innings.
“Tim is already here for the T20 series which offers an opportunity to see how his game can translate to the one-day format,” Dodemaide said. “He will provide an extra option for us in that power role at the back end of an innings.”
The five-match ODI series will take place from 7 to 17 September.
Australia ODI squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Tanveer Sangha, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa

India scripted a stunning 12-2 win over Oman before going down 4-5 against arch-rivals Pakistan at the men’s Asian Hockey 5s World Cup Qualifier is Salalah on Wednesday. In the second game of the night against Pakistan, Maninder Singh (17th, 29th minutes), Gurjot Singh (12th), and Mohammad Raheel (21st) scored for India. For Pakistan, Ahtisham Aslam (2nd, 3rd), Zikriya Hayat (5th), Abdul Rehman (13th) and Abdul Rana (26th) were on target to help set up the win.
The match started with Pakistan maintaining possession in the early minutes and Aslam caught India’s defence off-guard with a reverse hit to get an early goal.
As India tried to get back into the match with a quick move, Pakistan goalkeeper Ali Raza made a good save and initiated a counter-attack, leading to Aslam doubling their lead.
Maninder tried to hold the ball in the middle, but Hayat intercepted and took a shot from a distance to score another goal for Pakistan.
A few minutes later, Gurjot made the most of an attacking move from the right flank and scored India’s first goal.
Abdul found the back of the net late in the first half as India went into half time trailing 1-4.
Needing to cover the deficit, the Indians started on a attacking note in the second half.
But Pakistan continued to threaten from the left, forcing India goalkeeper Suraj Karkera to remain on his toes.
After receiving a long pass, Maninder struck a reverse hit to score the second goal for India.
Raheel then combined with Pawan Rajbhar deep in Pakistan’s half to score the third goal for India.
Just when it looked like India might cover the deficit, Pakistan captain Rana struck a reverse hit to extend his side’s lead with just a few minutes left on the clock.
India earned a late challenge in the match and Maninder made no mistake and converted it with ease.
But Pakistan kept possession of the ball in the final minutes to register a close win.
Earlier, in the day, India mauled hosts Oman 12-2. Raheel (2nd, 9th, 30th), Rajbhar (9th, 10th, 21st), and Maninder (16th, 23rd, 26th), scored a hat-trick each, while Jugraj Singh (3rd, 28th) scored a brace. Sukhvinder (29th) also scored a goal.
Fahad Al Lawati (16th) and Rashad Al Fazari (18th) scored the two goals for Oman.
On Tuesday night, Maninder and Raheel scored four and three goals respectively as the India hammered Bangladesh 15-1 in their tournament opener.
India will next face Malaysia and Japan on Thursday.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

A strange triumvirate of cricketing rivalries will pop up this Asia Cup. The oldest is India vs Pakistan, but two other battles too come with spice warnings. Afghanistan vs Pakistan of course that even dragged in a retired Shoaib Akhtar during the last Asia Cup after chairs flew around in the stands but the most surprising development in the recent years is the third rivalry: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh. In some ways, it would have been understandable had the politics centred on the birth of a nation had spilled over to the cricket field when Pakistan and Bangladesh face each other. Instead, Bangladeshs fiercest rivalry is with Sri Lanka, notwithstanding mauka-mauka taunts amongst their fans and Indias. Sri Lanka, usually regarded on par with New Zealand as a nice friendly cricketing nation, get into simmering battles with Bangladesh.And it all started with a funny dance. When Bangladesh left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam Abu broke into a naagin snake dance, little he would have known it would be the one that ignites a rivalry. From the Bangladesh Premier League in 2016 when Nazmul brought out the hooded-snake celebration much to the amusement of his captain Darren Sammy, it has metamorphosed into a different beast. In 2018, when he made his T20 debut against Sri Lanka at home, Nazmul did his naagin act for each of his four wickets, including when he took out Danushka Gunathilaka. Next game, the last of the series, Gunathilaka took two wickets in an over to win the game and pulled out his version of the naagin. That was it. A month later, the rivalry gas lit by Gunathilaka exploded into a huge fireball during the Nidahas Trophy in 2018 when after a victorious chase of 215, Bangladeshs senior player Mushfiqur Rahim, who walloped a 35-ball unbeaten 72, pulled out the Naagin dance. Boom.While most of these celebrations and tensions that followed came in the bilateral series, it has garnered extra eyeballs and attention in big events where these two teams have fought closely-fought contests that have literally gone down to the wire. And considering the Asia Cup got off with a one-sided affair between Pakistan and Nepal, Sri Lankas opener against Bangladesh at Pallekele is perhaps the sort of opener this tournament needs.Sri Lanka have been a world champion in 50-overs and T20s and are heading into the Asia Cup, which it has won a record six times, as defending champions. Even before it attained Test status it produced players who were considered world class. And once it started featuring in long formats it has given the world the highest wicket-taker in Tests. In Aravinda de Silva, its the home to arguably the most devastating middle-order batsman since Viv Richards. It has given the sport such graceful, eye-pleasing batsmen who you could watch all day when they build long partnerships. And more than all of it, one of the greatest ever captains Arjuna Ranatunga to grace the game, who looks unrecognizable after a drastic weight loss these days, hails from here.
And facing them is a team of under-achievers who havent always walked the talk. They received Test status when they were least prepared and unsurprisingly, for years it showed in the results though they orchestrated a few upsets. Then in the past decade they started living up to the nickname of Tigers, ratcheting up famous wins but at home. But it is a side that is heavily invested in emotions, where passionate fans and following at home reminds you of how cricket was in India in the 80s and 90s. In the ODIs, they have players who can definitely fight for a berth among other teams. The growth is visible and so is the rivalry between the two.
What a viewNagin Dance By Chamika karunaratne #AsiaCupT20#BANVSSL@ChamikaKaru29pic.twitter.com/47yxsHLelL
Sumit Raj (@Iam_SUMITRAJ) September 1, 2022
Sri Lankas captain Dasun Shanaka shed light into the relationship between the two teams. He started off playing it safe, similar to what Shakib Al Hasan did a few minutes earlier, or rather underplayed it. The noise is outside, Shanaka said when asked about the rivalry between the two teams. Between the teams there’s a good relationship. We can’t control the outside noise. It’s a good brotherhood. We have that respect.
Shanaka then even spent time elaborating as to why this rivalry has taken shape from a Bangladesh point of view, where he said it was similar to how Sri Lanka approached their matches against India in the 90s, where they took the field wanting to prove a point to their much esteemed neighbours. Before heading into the World Cup, it is very important to play against Sri Lanka or any of the other countries (in Asia Cup). So, thats where the rivalry begins they need to start from somewhere. Earlier, Sri Lanka was playing mainly against India, and we came most of the time ahead. But now its different. So, Bangladesh wants to beat us first and move on from there. Its the nature of the game, he said.
When we come to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka has a history of playing good cricket in World Cups and Asia Cups we have proven that we are a good side. Bangladesh also is a good team but unfortunately, they havent won the Asia Cup or any of the World Cups. They have good potential, Shanaka explained.
Ultimately, Shanaka would talk about the actual bonding that exists between the two players. In recent times, former Sri Lanka players have joined Bangladesh as support-staff. And the current Tigers coach Chandika Hathurusingha jumped ship from Bangladesh to Sri Lanka a year before the 2019 World Cup before heading to Dhaka earlier this year. Unlike the IPL, which has led to improved relationships between India and Australia players post the Monkeygate, the Lanka Premier League hasnt been able to improve the relationship between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh players.
There is an advantage in having been able to play with Shakib in the LPL. The Bangladesh players are sometimes a bit too quick in the way they take decisions. I wasn’t able to learn a lot because he isn’t someone who speaks a lot. Although we played on the same team, we don’t share a lot. When there’s an Asia Cup coming up it’s better not to give your plans away, Shanaka said.
Bangladesh have often struggled to keep their emotions in check in crunch moments. It has led to altercations with the umpires and confrontation between players has spilled even after the match ends. It has led to even dressing room glass doors being broken. By all means, the drama looks set to continue in Pallekele too.

Photograph: Kind Courtesy Shubman Gill/Instagram
As the excitement builds for Asia Cup 2023, the Indian cricket team arrived in Colombo on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
Photograph: Kind courtesy ACC/X (formerly Twitter)
The scene at Colombo airport was abuzz with anticipation as the Indian team stepped onto Sri Lankan soil.
Among the familiar faces, seasoned batter Virat Kohli and versatile allrounder Hardik Pandya engaged in an animated conversation, setting the tone for the challenges ahead.
Inside the team bus, camaraderie was on full display. Skipper Rohit Sharma, the ever-dependable Ravindra Jadeja, the prolific Mohammad Shami and the guiding force of the team, Head Coach Rahul Dravid, were seen sharing jovial moments and hearty laughs.
India left for Sri Lanka after completing a 6-day preparatory camp in Bengaluru where Shreyas Iyer, above, showed that he has recovered from injury.

New captain Mitchell Marsh led a powerful Australian batting performance and set up a crushing 111-run win in the first Twenty20 international against South Africa at Kingsmead on Wednesday.
Australia cricketers celebrate(REUTERS)
Marsh clubbed a T20 career-best 92 not out off 49 balls as Australia piled up 226 for six after being sent in.
Opening batsman Reeza Hendricks hit 56 for South Africa but the hosts were bowled out for 115.
Debutant leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha took four for 31 after receiving a late call-up when Adam Zampa fell ill.
“He’s a fantastic young talent,” said Marsh.
Both sides were missing several key players.
Australia went on an all-out attack, with Marsh slamming 20 runs off the second over, bowled by Lungi Ngidi.
New cap Matt Short (20) and Tim David (64) shared stands of 63 off 26 balls for the second wicket and 97 off 50 deliveries for the fifth wicket with Marsh.
“I thought Tim was fantastic. It was a really good partnership,” said Marsh.
There were 11 sixes in the Australian innings, with both Marsh and David hitting the ball out of the ground and into a road over Kingsmead’s old main stand on the leg side.
The Australian onslaught meant that South Africa needed to mount a record second-innings chase. It never looked likely after Marcus Stoinis bowled Temba Bavuma in a first over which cost only one run.
“It’s been an interval since we last played and it showed tonight,” said South African captain Aiden Markram.
The next two T20 matches, both to be played again in Durban, take place on Friday and Sunday.