2nd ODI: ‘Want to finish matches, bat till 40-45 overs and build that habit,’ says Gill on mindset behind match-winning 154
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La Liga: Raphinha ruled out of Barcelona’s El Clásico against Real Madrid
Madrid, Oct 25 (IANS) Barcelona will visit La Liga leader Real Madrid for Sunday’s El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabeu without Brazil forward Raphinha, assistant coach Marcus Sorg confirmed on Saturday, as the Catalan side continues to grapple with a mounting injury crisis.
The 28-year-old winger has failed to recover from a leg muscle injury and joins a growing list of absentees that includes Dani Olmo, Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, and goalkeepers Joan Garcia and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. With 10 players sidelined since August, Barca’s squad has been stretched thin ahead of one of the most pivotal fixtures of the season.
Despite Raphinha’s absence, the reigning Spanish champion remains hopeful of having key players Ferran Torres, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, and Frenkie de Jong available, after all took part in Saturday’s training session.
“Any team would miss Raphinha, but the situation is what it is. He is injured,” Sorg told a press conference. “We’ll see if Ferran (Torres) starts, we’ll decide tomorrow. Jules Kounde also trained this morning and may play. I still have no idea about the starting eleven.”
Ferran Torres left Spain’s national team camp early due to leg muscle fatigue, while Frenkie de Jong missed three training sessions this week because of illness. Defender Jules Kounde, meanwhile, was forced off during the 6–1 Champions League victory over Olympiacos after taking a knock to the leg.
The setbacks have further complicated Barcelona’s selection options for the crucial clash against La Liga leader Real Madrid, which currently sits two points clear of second-placed Barca after eight matches.
Assistant coach Marcus Sorg will take charge of the team on Sunday, with head coach Hansi Flick serving a suspension following his red card during the 2–1 win over Girona on October 18. Flick was sent off in the closing stages of that match for protesting refereeing decisions.
This is the season’s first El Clásico, and both Barcelona and Real Madrid would like to win three points to have early bragging rights in the season. The archrivals are once again in a neck-to-neck battle for the La Liga title.
–IANS
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5th T20I: Abhishek Sharma blazes second-fastest T20I century for India
Mumbai, Feb 2 (IANS) India’s young batting sensation Abhishek Sharma smashed the second-fastest T20I century for India. The left-hander reached the three-figure mark in just 37 balls during the fifth and final T20I against England, here at the Wankhede Stadium.
After being sent in to bat, India suffered an early setback with the dismissal of Sanju Samson. However, Abhishek wasted no time in counter-attacking, launching a brutal assault on England’s pace attack.
His fireworks began in the third over when he took on Jofra Archer, smashing the express pacer for a four and two towering sixes.
His aggression only intensified as he took the attack to Mark Wood and Jamie Overton. Overton, in particular, bore the brunt of Abhishek’s onslaught as the southpaw smashed him for consecutive sixes in the fifth over to reach his half-century in just 17 balls. Abhishek continued his aggressive charge, dispatching every bowler that came his way, and reached his century in just 37 balls, the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is.
Tilak Varma, batting at the other end, also joined the carnage and helped India register their highest-ever Powerplay score in T20 internationals. By the end of the six-over fielding restrictions, India had posted a staggering 95/1, leaving England struggling for answers.
Abhishek’s blistering knock placed him in elite company, as only Rohit Sharma has recorded a faster T20I century for India. The former T20I captain had smashed a 35-ball hundred against Sri Lanka in 2017, a record that still stands.
Abhishek had already shown his ability to score rapid hundreds when he equaled the record for the fastest T20 century by an Indian, scoring a 28-ball hundred for Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in late 2024.
–IANS
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I extend my warmest wishes to all Indians on 80th Independence Day: Graeme Smith
New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS) SA20 League Commissioner and former South African cricketer Graeme Smith extended his warm wishes to Indians across the world on the country’s 80th Independence Day on Saturday, reflecting on his personal association with India and highlighting the role of cricket in strengthening the longstanding relationship between India and South Africa.
Smith, who played international cricket for South Africa, recalled his experiences of visiting India as a player and said the country’s people, culture and passion for the sport had left a lasting impression on him. He also pointed to the growing connection between the two countries through the SA20, with the South African franchise league attracting a strong following among Indian cricket fans.
“India has always been very special to me. I have some fond memories from my time playing cricket there, and what has always stayed with me is the warmth of the people, the richness of the culture and the extraordinary passion for cricket,” Smith told SA20.
Smith’s message comes as India marks 80 years of Independence, with the occasion once again bringing the country’s sporting and cricketing connections with the rest of the world into focus. For the former South Africa captain, the relationship between the two cricket-loving nations has extended beyond the field and gained further momentum through the SA20.
“India and South Africa share a very special friendship, and it has been incredible to see that relationship grow through the SA20, with so many Indian fans embracing the league,” he added.
The SA20 has emerged as an important link between the cricketing communities of the two countries, with Indian players, franchises and supporters playing a significant role in the league’s wider ecosystem. Smith said the enthusiasm from Indian fans had added another dimension to the relationship between the two nations.
On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, Smith also extended his greetings to Indians living both within the country and overseas, while celebrating what he described as a special bond between India and South Africa.
“On India’s 80th Independence Day, I extend my warmest wishes to all Indians across the country and around the globe and celebrate the special bond between India and South Africa,” he stated.
The SA20 commissioner also underlined cricket’s ability to transcend sporting boundaries and bring communities together. With India and South Africa sharing a deep cricketing history, Smith expressed hope that the sport would continue to help bring the people of both countries closer.
“Cricket has a unique ability to bring people together, and I hope the game continues to strengthen the connection between our two countries and bring our people even closer,” Smith concluded.
–IANS
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