Category Archives: sports

cricket, india, sports, west indies

‘Been Plaguing For Last Two Series’: Roston Chase Reflects On West Indies’ Batting Struggles After Innings Defeat In IND vs WI 1st Test

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West Indies captain Roston Chase has identified the team’s poor batting performance as the primary reason behind their humiliating defeat in the first Test. “We had a poor batting display. We have not been able to bat for 80 overs. It has been plaguing us for the last two series. We are not getting 250-300 runs,” he admitted.

Reflecting on the decision to bat first after winning the toss, Chase stated that it was not a wrong call. “I don’t think it was a bad decision. It was a good wicket to bat on. We didn’t start well and never put any partnerships in place. That hurt us,” he explained.

Chase also shared the team’s learnings when facing spin bowling in the Test match. “Defence needs to be a bit tighter. It was a wicket that we could bat on. We need to trust our defence and be more solid in it.”

Addressing concerns about the financial challenges impacting West Indies cricket, Chase was candid. “I don’t want to touch too much on it. It’s a struggle in the Caribbean for finances. The system in the Caribbean is a bit poor. The onus is on the players to find some way to get performances,” he remarked.

When asked about the prospects of a revival in West Indies cricket, Chase remained optimistic. “I wouldn’t be a true West Indian if I said no. We have to take some small steps and work towards that. There have been times where other teams have been down and we have been up. So it’s possible,” he added.

Lastly, the West Indies skipper dismissed any suggestions of a lack of desire or motivation within the dressing room. “The guys are eager to play and make an impression and make a living for themselves. So I absolutely don’t see any lack of desire in the dressing room,” he concluded.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/been-plaguing-for-last-two-series-roston-chase-reflects-on-west-indies-batting-struggles-after-innings-defeat-in-ind-vs-wi-1st-test

australia, badminton, sports

Sportvot x FPJ: Badminton Continues To Thrill In Perth

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The YONEX U13/U17 Australian National Team and Individual Championships 2025 continued in full swing at Perth, Australia, showcasing exceptional young talent from across the nation. Running from 30th September to 6th October, the tournament witnessed another exciting day of competitive badminton as rising stars battled for supremacy on the court.

In the Under-17 category, Maxwell Liu delivered a strong performance in the opening match, defeating Deqi Wang with a close scoreline of 30–26. Maxwell displayed both composure and strategic shot-making under pressure, setting a high standard for the matches that followed.

Following that, A. Nirmal impressed the crowd with a commanding straight-game victory over Siyuan Xu. With a decisive 21–10, 21–4 scoreline, Nirmal asserted his dominance from start to finish, leaving no doubt about his form.

Another thrilling Under-17 clash saw X. Ling edge past T. Shirshova in a nail-biting game, clinching the win 21–19. The match was filled with long rallies and high intensity, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last point.

The Under-13 matches also featured remarkable performances from the younger shuttlers. Claire Zhang displayed outstanding control and accuracy as she comfortably defeated Renae Cheng 30–11. Meanwhile, Ruiqi Chen dominated L. Kurniawan with a stunning 21–3, 21–5 victory, demonstrating her potential as one of the brightest emerging stars in the category.

As the tournament progresses, these young athletes continue to impress, promising an exciting conclusion to the YONEX U13/U17 Australian National Team and Individual Championships 2025.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/sportvot-x-fpj-badminton-continues-to-thrill-in-perth

cricket, india, sports, west indies

‘Been Plaguing For Last Two Series’: Roston Chase Reflects On West Indies’ Batting Struggles After Innings Defeat In IND vs WI 1st Test

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West Indies captain Roston Chase has identified poor batting as the primary reason behind the team’s humiliating defeat in the first Test. “We had a poor batting display. We have not been able to bat for 80 overs. It has been plaguing us for the last two series. We are not getting 250-300 runs,” he explained.

Reflecting on the decision to bat first after winning the toss, Chase stated that it was not the wrong call. “I don’t think it was a bad decision. It was a good wicket to bat on. We didn’t start well and never put any partnerships in place. That hurt us,” he added.

Chase also shared insights on the team’s experience against spin bowling during the Test. “Defence needs to be a bit tighter. It was a wicket that we could bat on. We need to trust our defence and be more solid in it,” he said.

Addressing concerns about the financial challenges facing West Indies cricket, Chase was candid. “I don’t want to touch too much on it. It’s a struggle in the Caribbean for finances. The system in the Caribbean is a bit poor. The onus is on the players to find some way to get performances,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, Chase remained optimistic about the chances of a revival in West Indies cricket. “I wouldn’t be a true West Indian if I said no. We have to take some small steps and work towards that. There have been times where other teams have been down and we have been up. So it’s possible,” he stated.

Finally, the West Indies skipper dismissed suggestions that there is a lack of desire or motivation within the dressing room. “The guys are eager to play and make an impression and make a living for themselves. So I absolutely don’t see any lack of desire in the dressing room,” he concluded.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/been-plaguing-for-last-two-series-roston-chase-reflects-on-west-indies-batting-struggles-after-innings-defeat-in-ind-vs-wi-1st-test

cricket, entertainment, india, international, sports

Ahmedabad Test: Decoding Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round brilliance vs West Indies

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**Ahmedabad Test: Decoding Ravindra Jadeja’s All-Round Brilliance vs West Indies**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 04, 2025, 03:58 PM*

India’s vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja was the star of the show in the first Test against the West Indies at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. His unbeaten century and a four-wicket haul played a pivotal role in India’s emphatic innings and 140-run victory. The match concluded on Day 3 after the West Indies were bowled out for just 146 runs in 45.1 overs in their second innings.

### Match Highlights

Jadeja’s bowling was instrumental in the West Indies’ second innings. He claimed four wickets for 54 runs from 13 overs, making him the standout bowler. This all-round effort brought him close to the rare ‘ton and five-for’ achievement in a Test match—a feat he has accomplished twice before.

The left-arm spinner trapped three of West Indies’ top-five batters—John Campbell, Brandon King, and Shai Hope—and also dismissed Johann Layne. It is notable that Jadeja had bowled three wicket-less overs in the first innings.

### Batting Masterclass: An Unbeaten Century

Chasing the West Indies’ first innings total of 162, Jadeja came to the crease at 218/4 and built a commanding 206-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Dhruv Jurel. While Jurel scored a fluent 125, Jadeja’s aggressive and composed batting ensured India maintained a strong lead.

His unbeaten knock of 104 runs off 176 balls was an ideal mix of defense and aggression, especially against spinners. During his innings, Jadeja struck six fours and five sixes, remaining not out to steer India forward.

### Impressive Stats

– **15th Four-Wicket Haul in Tests:** According to ESPNcricinfo, this was Jadeja’s 15th four-wicket haul in Test cricket. He also has as many five-wicket hauls to his name.

– **Career Figures:** Playing his 86th Test, Jadeja has amassed 334 wickets at an impressive average of 25.07.

– **Dominance Against West Indies:** Versus the West Indies, he has taken 27 wickets in eight Tests at an excellent average of 20.2. Although he is yet to achieve a five-wicket haul against the Caribbean team, he boasts 242 wickets in home Tests at an average of 20.65.

### Batting Milestone: Approaching 4,000 Test Runs

With the bat, Jadeja has scored 3,990 runs at a remarkable average of 38.73, including six centuries and 27 fifties. At 36 years old, he is now just 10 runs away from becoming the fourth cricketer ever to score over 4,000 runs and take more than 300 wickets in Test cricket.

This innings marked Jadeja’s second century in eight Tests against the West Indies (along with two fifties), accumulating 399 runs at an outstanding average of 66.50 against them.

—

Ravindra Jadeja’s stellar all-round performance in Ahmedabad once again underscored his immense value to the Indian cricket team, highlighting his mastery with both bat and ball on home soil.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/ravindra-jadeja-s-all-round-heroics-guide-india-to-win-over-wi/story

awards, basketball, pba, philippines, sports

PBA: June Mar Fajardo grateful as record 9th MVP looms

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MANILA, Philippines – As June Mar Fajardo is set to claim a record-extending ninth PBA Most Valuable Player award, he was once again counting his blessings.

“Who would have thought?” Fajardo said in Filipino. “I was never a huge basketball fan at the beginning, but here I am possibly winning another MVP.”

READ: PBA: June Mar Fajardo

https://sports.inquirer.net/642900/pba-june-mar-fajardo-grateful-as-record-9th-mvp-looms

cricket, entertainment, international, sports

Mitchell Marsh hammers his maiden century in T20Is: Key stats

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Australia have clinched the T20I series against New Zealand following a thrilling final match.

The home side secured a three-wicket victory, sealing the series in spectacular fashion.

This win highlights Australia’s dominance and resilience throughout the series, making it a memorable contest for fans on both sides.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/mitchell-marsh-gets-to-his-maiden-t20i-hundred/story

cricket, entertainment, india, international, sports

Ravindra Jadeja averages 82.37 with bat in 2025 Tests: Stats

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**Veteran Team India All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja Continues Dream Run with the Bat in Test Cricket**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 04, 2025, 11:22 am*

Veteran Team India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has continued his phenomenal form with the bat in Test cricket. He scored a stunning century in the first Test between India and West Indies at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. His unbeaten 104-run knock helped India declare at 448/5, responding strongly to West Indies’ first innings score of 162 all out.

### A Stellar Knock from Jadeja

Jadeja came to the crease after KL Rahul’s dismissal at 218 for four and forged a formidable 206-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Dhruv Jurel. While Jurel scored a fluent 125 off 176 balls, featuring 15 fours and three sixes, Jadeja’s aggressive batting ensured India maintained a commanding lead.

His unbeaten 104 was a perfect blend of defense and aggression, particularly effective against spinners. During his 176-ball stay, Jadeja smashed six fours and five sixes, finishing the innings unbeaten and setting a strong platform for India.

### Second-Most Runs in Tests in 2025

Playing his seventh Test in 2025, Jadeja has raced to 659 runs at a stellar average of 82.37 across 13 innings. This includes two centuries and seven fifties. According to ESPNcricinfo, each of Jadeja’s seven 50-plus scores this year have come in his last nine Test innings.

In terms of Test runs in 2025, the southpaw is second only to his skipper Shubman Gill, who has scored 837 runs. No other batter with at least 600 runs in 2025 boasts an average over 70.

### His Best Year in Terms of Test Runs

Jadeja, who made his Test debut back in 2012, has never crossed the 600-run mark in Tests in any other calendar year before 2025. Additionally, he has not recorded six or more 50-plus scores in any other year.

The only other year in which Jadeja hammered multiple Test hundreds was 2022, making 2025 his best year to date in terms of batting performances.

### Record-Breaking Run in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

Jadeja was in exceptional form during the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against hosts England, where India earned a 2-2 draw. The southpaw finished the series with 516 runs from 5 Tests (10 innings) at an outstanding average of 86.

He registered one century and five fifties in the series, achieving the joint-most 50-plus scores at No. 6 or lower by any batter in an away Test series – a total of six.

### Other Feats in the England Series

Jadeja set the record for the most 50-plus scores for India in a Test series in England, accumulating six such scores. He also became the first Indian to score over 500 runs in a Test series while batting at six or lower.

Overall, he recorded the third-most runs at this position in an away Test series, underscoring his vital role in India’s batting lineup.

### Jadeja Inches Closer to 4,000 Test Runs

Playing his 86th Test, Jadeja has now amassed 3,990 runs at an average of 38.73, including six centuries and 27 fifties. The 36-year-old is just 10 runs away from becoming the fourth cricketer ever to score 4,000 runs and take over 300 wickets in Test cricket – a remarkable all-round milestone.

During his innings, Jadeja also became the fourth Indian to complete 80 Test sixes, joining the elite company of Virender Sehwag (90), Rishabh Pant (90), and Rohit Sharma (88).

—

Ravindra Jadeja’s consistent brilliance with both bat and ball continues to be a cornerstone of Team India’s success in Test cricket. His remarkable form in 2025 signals yet another memorable chapter in his illustrious career.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/decoding-ravindra-jadeja-dream-test-run-in-2025/story

basketball, entertainment, sports, WNBA

A’ja Wilson and Dana Evans lead Las Vegas Aces past Phoenix Mercury 89-86 in WNBA Finals opener

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LAS VEGAS (AP) — Aja Wilson and Dana Evans each scored 21 points as the Las Vegas Aces edged the Phoenix Mercury 89-86 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Friday night.

Wilson contributed 12 of her points over the final 14 minutes, helping the Aces hold on after Phoenix’s Satou Sabally missed a long 3-pointer with just 2 seconds left that would have tied the game. Game 2 is set for Sunday in Las Vegas.

Evans led a dominant Aces bench that outscored the Mercury reserves 41-16. Reserve Jewell Loyd added 18 points for second-seeded Las Vegas, while starter Jackie Young contributed 10 points. Wilson also pulled down 10 rebounds, and Chelsea Gray dished out 10 assists.

For the fourth-seeded Mercury, Kahleah Cooper scored 21 points. Sabally added 19 points, and Alyssa Thomas nearly recorded a triple-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.

Cooper had a strong first half, scoring 19 points — just one shy of her playoff career high for a half. Her personal best came against the Mercury as well, when she scored 20 points for Chicago in the first half of Game 3 of the 2021 Finals. The five 3-pointers she made in the first half topped her previous single-game high of four.

If Game 1 was any indication, this best-of-seven series — the first in WNBA Finals history — promises to be tightly contested throughout. The largest lead was nine points, and the game featured 12 lead changes and nine ties.

Phoenix threatened to seize control multiple times, but the Aces responded with timely runs. In the closing moments, Las Vegas nearly pulled away before Phoenix kept the margin close.

With the Mercury down by one point and 24.6 seconds remaining, Thomas went to the free-throw line but missed both shots. On the other end, Young was fouled with 13.5 seconds left and made both free throws, sealing the final margin.

Stay tuned for Game 2 as these two teams continue their battle for the championship.

___

AP WNBA: Copyright.
https://wtop.com/wnba/2025/10/aja-wilson-and-dana-evans-lead-las-vegas-aces-past-phoenix-mercury-89-86-in-wnba-finals-opener/

crime, judiciary, legal, sports

Relief For Robin Uthappa As Sessions Court Sends 2019 Cheque Bounce Case Back For Fresh Hearing

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In a relief to former cricketer Robin Uthappa, the sessions court has sent the cheque bouncing case against him back to the magistrate court for a fresh hearing due to non-compliance with mandatory legal provisions.

Earlier, the magistrate court had initiated proceedings against the firm where Uthappa served as a director in connection with the cheque bouncing case. However, the sessions court has now set aside the summons issued by the magistrate against Uthappa. The court noted that the magistrate court should have carried out a preliminary investigation under the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code to determine if there were sufficient grounds to summon the accused, especially since Uthappa resides outside the court’s jurisdiction.

Accordingly, the sessions court has directed the magistrate court to hear the case afresh.

### Background of the Case

The complaint was filed against Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd, where Robin Uthappa was a director. It is claimed that Centaurus Lifestyle had engaged Senior Marketing as their sole distributor for their products in Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai.

### Cheques Bounced in 2019

The dispute arose when Centaurus Lifestyle engaged two additional distributors in October 2017 without the consent of the complainant firm. Following a meeting, the complainant returned all stocks, and Centaurus agreed to make the payment.

In July 2018, goods were dispatched, and in February 2019, Centaurus issued post-dated cheques amounting to Rs. 22.22 lakh. However, these cheques bounced in March 2019 due to insufficient funds, leading to the current proceedings.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/relief-for-robin-uthappa-as-sessions-court-sends-2019-cheque-bounce-case-back-for-fresh-hearing

cricket, international, sports, women, worldcup

‘We’re much, much better than 69 all out’: Laura Wolvaardt

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By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 03, 2025, 10:31 pm

**South Africa Captain Laura Wolvaardt Defends Team’s Performance in ICC Women’s World Cup Opener**

South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt has defended her team’s disappointing performance in their ICC Women’s World Cup opener against England. The match, played in Guwahati, saw South Africa bowled out for a mere 69 runs — their third-lowest total in women’s ODIs. The team suffered a heavy 10-wicket defeat.

Wolvaardt attributed the poor showing to “one of those days where the top order and middle order failed on the same day.”

### Team Resilience: No Blame on the Pitch

Wolvaardt was quick to dismiss any suggestions that the pitch conditions contributed to the collapse.

“I think our prep has been good, I don’t think there were too many demons in the pitch,” she said after the match. “It was just one of those days where everyone went out early, and that happens in cricket sometimes. It was not a pitch that we were super foreign to. We spent a lot of time in these conditions in the last couple of months, so definitely wouldn’t put it on the wicket.”

### “We Are Much, Much Better Than 69 All Out”

Despite the crushing defeat, Wolvaardt remains confident in her team’s abilities.

“We are much, much better than 69 all out. As a group, we just need to put it behind us as quickly as we can and move forward, because if we’re going to take that into the next game, it’s going to be a very long tournament for us.”

### Preparation and Game Plan Against Left-Arm Spin

Ahead of the match, South Africa’s batting coach Baakier Abrahams closely monitored Wolvaardt’s preparation against left-arm spin. Net bowlers varied their angles, bowling from wide of the crease to challenge her footwork and shot selection.

However, despite these preparations, Wolvaardt was dismissed early — caught off a return catch in the second over by England’s Sophie Ecclestone. This early dismissal set the tone for South Africa’s innings as they lost four wickets within the first 31 balls.

### Middle Order Under Scrutiny

South Africa’s middle order, despite a strong ODI batting record since 2023, came under intense scrutiny following this match.

Wolvaardt, however, defended her middle order unit. “I don’t think that we have any trouble in our middle order at the moment,” she explained. “It’s just one of those days where both top order and middle order didn’t fire.”

### Looking Ahead: Upcoming Match Against New Zealand

South Africa will face New Zealand in their second World Cup match on October 6 in Indore. The team will be looking to bounce back strongly and prove their mettle on the international stage.

Despite the setback, Wolvaardt remains optimistic about her team’s potential. She is focused on moving forward and is eager for the upcoming challenges in the tournament.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/wolvaardt-says-her-side-is-better-than-69-all-out/story