Afghanistan successfully kicks off their Asia Cup campaign with a comfortable 94-run victory over Hong Kong. Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai's explosive half centuries help Afghanistan reach a total of 188 for six. Hong Kong's chase is derailed by Afghanistan's strong bowling attack, with Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib taking two wickets each. Despite a valiant effort from Babar Hayat, Hong Kong falls short, struggling against Afghanistan's experienced bowlers.
Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah proved why he's considered one of the best bowlers in the world as he made a successful T20I comeback against UAE in the Asia Cup 2025. With a searing yorker, Bumrah knocked over opening batter Alishan Sharafu, giving his team an early breakthrough. However, former India captain Ajay Jadeja felt that the star bowler should have been rested for the match against a weaker UAE side. Although there are concerns about his workload, Bumrah continues to shine on the field.
In their opening game of the 2025 Asia Cup, India displayed a dominant performance against the UAE, winning by a staggering margin of 103 runs. Kuldeep Yadav's four-wicket haul and Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy and batting prowess led the team to victory. This marks India's first T20 match since February and the team showed no signs of rustiness, asserting their status as one of the top teams in the format.
In the opening match of the Asia Cup 2025, India shakes up their playing XI as they drop Arshdeep Singh and make Hardik Pandya share the pace bowling duties with Jasprit Bumrah. The reason for Singh's exclusion is unclear, but it could be due to the team's preferred combination. Shubman Gill makes a comeback to the T20I squad, and Sanju Samson retains his spot in the team despite speculation. UAE, on the other hand, will rely on their experienced players to cause an upset.
Young Indian cricket sensation Shubman Gill marked his 26th birthday on Monday. Gill has become a popular figure in the Indian cricket team, recently being appointed as the Test team captain and also serving as the vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is. Wishes poured in from fans and fellow cricketers, with the BCCI, IPL team Gujarat Titans, and Punjab Cricket Association posting messages on social media. Gill's remarkable rise in the cricket world serves as an inspiration to young players everywhere.
The Indian men’s football team achieved their first-ever victory against higher-ranked West Asian rivals, Oman, by emerging victorious in the third-fourth place classification match of the CAFA Nations Cup. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, but India ultimately won 3-2 on penalties, with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu making critical saves and Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahul Bheke, and Jithin MS scoring for India. This marks a significant milestone for India, who have previously lost six out of nine matches against Oman since 2000.
Despite being ranked lower than most of their competitors and facing criticism for their defensive style of play, India's national football team secured a historic bronze medal at the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup with a thrilling 3-2 penalty shootout win over Oman. Head coach Khalid Jamil's first assignment proved to be a success, with the team showcasing their defensive prowess and their ability to capitalize on chaos in the opposition's half. However, their struggles in the final third were evident, as missed opportunities and gaps in communication led to a goalless first half and a close call for Oman. With this achievement, India solidifies its position as a rising force in international football and gives hope for a brighter future for the sport in the country.
As Shubman Gill turns 26, it's hard not to marvel at the teenage prodigy's meteoric rise in the world of cricket. From being identified as a prodigy by Rahul Dravid to becoming an integral member of the Indian cricket team across formats, Gill has made waves with his elegant batting style. His achievements, including being India's highest run-scorer in the U19 World Cup and his crucial knock of 91 in India's historic Gabba chase, prove that he is a promising talent to watch out for in the future.
Carlos Alcaraz once again asserted his dominance in the tennis world by clinching a second US Open title and reclaiming the top spot in the rankings. The 22-year-old Spaniard displayed an impressive performance, defeating Sinner in four sets to secure the win. With his consistent and determined game, Alcaraz made a strong case for being practically unbeatable on the court.
All eyes were on Barcelona's young star, Lamine Yamal, after Spain's big win against Turkey as he was caught on camera smiling at his phone with girlfriend, Nicki Nicole's picture as his wallpaper. Speculation about their relationship was put to rest when Yamal's teammate, Nico Williams, shared the clip with the caption 'My boy is in love'. This comes as a response to recent rumors of a break-up between the couple, proving that love conquers all - even in the world of sports.