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.”
https://sports.inquirer.net/642900/pba-june-mar-fajardo-grateful-as-record-9th-mvp-looms
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
**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
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/
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
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
New York Red Bulls Host Cincinnati at Red Bull Arena in Key MLS Clash
This Saturday, the New York Red Bulls will host FC Cincinnati at the Red Bull Arena in a crucial MLS matchup as they seek only their 13th win of the 2025 season. The Red Bulls come into the game following a narrow 3-2 defeat against their city rivals, New York City FC. Despite mounting two comebacks during the match, a decisive goal from Thiago Martins in the 65th minute ultimately sealed their fate.
Currently, New York Red Bulls sit 10th in the Eastern Conference with 43 points from 32 games, having already been eliminated from playoff contention.
On the other side, FC Cincinnati holds second place with 59 points, just four shy of league leaders Philadelphia Union, with two matches remaining. The Orange and Blue are aiming to overtake the Union but will need some help, as Philadelphia must slip up for Cincinnati to have a shot at reaching the top spot.
Cincinnati’s recent form has improved after consecutive losses to New York City and Philadelphia. They have since gone unbeaten in their last three league games, registering wins over Nashville and LA Galaxy and a draw with Orlando City.
**Head-to-Head & Key Stats**
The two teams have met 19 times historically, with each side claiming eight wins. Cincinnati defeated the Red Bulls in their most recent encounter and are looking to secure back-to-back victories against New York for the first time since 2020 (excluding a 2023 penalty shootout win).
New York Red Bulls have managed only one victory in their last five MLS games. Meanwhile, Cincinnati remains unbeaten in their past three league matches. Interestingly, although Cincinnati ranks second in the Eastern Conference, they have the lowest goal tally (48) among the top nine teams.
**Match Prediction**
Overall, Cincinnati has enjoyed a stronger campaign this season and enters this fixture in better form. The Red Bulls have struggled consistently and may face a tough challenge against an in-form Cincinnati side.
**Predicted Score:**
New York Red Bulls 1 – 2 Cincinnati
**Betting Tips:**
– Result: Cincinnati to win
– Goals Over/Under 2.5: Over 2.5 goals
– Both Teams to Score: Yes
Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting matchup at Red Bull Arena!
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/new-york-red-bulls-vs-cincinnati-prediction-betting-tips-4th-october-2025
**IIM Indore to Host Sport and Business Conference 2.0: “Is India Ready to Host the 2036 Olympics?”**
Indore (Madhya Pradesh): As India’s aspirations to host the 2036 Olympics gain momentum, the Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM-I) has announced it will deliberate on the nation’s preparedness to take on this mega sporting event. The discussion will take center stage at the Sport and Business Conference 2.0, scheduled for October 9–10, under the theme **“Is India Ready to Host the 2036 Olympics?”**
The announcement was made during the celebration of IIM Indore’s 29th Foundation Day, where Director Prof. Himanshu Rai highlighted the institute’s growing global stature and its commitment to engaging with issues of national and international significance. Prof. Rai emphasized that the upcoming events calendar—featuring the Olympics-focused conference—underscores IIM Indore’s role as a hub for intellectual discourse and global collaboration.
### Exploring India’s Olympic Readiness
The Sport and Business Conference 2.0 is expected to bring together policymakers, academicians, industry leaders, and sports professionals to examine the feasibility of hosting the Olympic Games in India. Key topics will include infrastructure readiness, financing strategies, sports ecosystem development, and the potential impact on India’s global image.
This focus on the 2036 Olympics comes at a crucial juncture, amid rising calls for India to position itself as a serious contender for the Games. Analysts believe that forums like this can play a vital role in shaping public discourse and influencing policy direction.
### Faculty and Staff Recognized for Excellence
A highlight of the Foundation Day celebrations was the felicitation of faculty and staff for their outstanding contributions.
– **Best Teacher Award 2024** was conferred upon Prof. Prashant Salwan, recognizing his exceptional dedication to teaching and his ability to inspire students.
– **Best Case Award** went to Prof. Ganesh Nidugala for his case study titled *“Indian Rupee Crisis of 2013.”*
– **Best Teaching Innovation Award** was awarded to Prof. Sanjeev Tripathi for pioneering innovative classroom pedagogy that enhances student engagement and learning outcomes.
Moreover, students rated six faculty members among the top 5% of teachers at the institute. These highly rated professors include Prof. Manoj Motiani, Prof. Bhavin J Shah, Prof. Harshal Lowalekar, Prof. Shrihari S Sohani, Prof. Jatin Pandey, and Prof. Saumya Ranjan Dash.
### Upcoming Events at IIM Indore
The institute has an exciting lineup of events planned, including:
– **International Partners’ Day:** A platform for global institutions to come together in the spirit of collaboration, shared purpose, and trust.
– **Sport and Business Conference 2.0 (October 9–10):** Exploring the theme *“Is India Ready to Host the 2036 Olympics?”*—a timely reflection on national ambition, infrastructure, and collective imagination.
– **18th All India Conference of China Studies (October 24–26):** Examining *“Rewiring Globalisation: The China Factor in Trade, Technology, and Sustainability in a Multipolar World.”*
– **18th Eduniversal World Convention:** A landmark event reiterating IIM Indore’s leadership and commitment to intent-driven excellence on the global stage.
These events reinforce IIM Indore’s position as a premier institution addressing contemporary issues through collaborative and meaningful engagement.
*Story by Staff Reporter*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/indore-news-iim-indore-to-debate-over-indias-readiness-to-host-2036-olympics
**England thrash South Africa in ICC Women’s World Cup**
*Stats By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 03, 2025, 06:31 pm*
England’s women’s cricket team has made a spectacular start to their ICC Women’s World Cup campaign, overwhelming South Africa by 10 wickets in a dominant performance. The match, held in Guwahati on Friday, saw the Proteas bowled out for just 69 runs in 20.4 overs—their second-lowest total in World Cup ODI history.
### Bowling brilliance sets the tone
England’s decision to bowl first proved decisive as Linsey Smith delivered a standout performance, taking early wickets and restricting South Africa’s batting line-up. Smith struck in her first two overs, dismissing both openers. She trapped South African captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits each for 5 runs, with Wolvaardt caught and bowled by Smith. Lauren Bell also contributed with a crucial wicket, removing Sune Luus for 2.
Smith continued her onslaught by sending back Marizanne Kapp for 4 runs, leaving South Africa struggling at 38 for 5 after the 10-over powerplay. Her final bowling figures of 3 wickets for just 7 runs in 4 overs dismantled the top order and ensured England retained full control.
### Spin attack seals the win
Despite a gritty 22 off 36 balls by wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta—the South African top scorer—the Proteas were unable to stabilize their innings. Jafta was eventually bowled by left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone in the 18th over. Ecclestone finished with impressive figures of 2 for 19, also claiming Nadine de Klerk.
Charlie Dean wrapped up the tail with 2 wickets for 14 runs while Lauren Bell ended with 1 for 24, as South Africa crumbled for just 69 runs.
### England’s effortless chase
Chasing a mere 70 runs, England’s batters completed the job comfortably in just 14.1 overs. Amy Jones remained unbeaten on 40 off 50 balls, with Tammy Beaumont supporting with 21 not out off 35 balls. Their calm and steady partnership sealed a convincing 10-wicket victory and gave England a significant boost in net run rate ahead of their next game against Bangladesh, which is weather-dependent.
### Records and milestones
This victory marked England’s third 10-wicket win in ICC Women’s World Cup history and only their second such win over South Africa. The previous 10-wicket triumph against the Proteas was achieved by Australia in Bengaluru in 1997 with a target of 164 runs.
England’s 10-wicket World Cup wins include:
– vs India, Nelson, 1982 (target: 62)
– vs Ireland, Melbourne, 1988 (target: 110)
– vs South Africa, Guwahati, 2025 (target: 70)
On the other hand, South Africa’s total of 69 runs ranks as their third-lowest in Women’s ODIs. Their lowest team totals are:
– 51 vs New Zealand, Bowral, 2009 WC
– 63 vs Pakistan, Potchefstroom, 2019
– 69 vs England, Guwahati, 2025 WC
– 75 vs Bangladesh, Mirpur, 2012
– 77 vs England, Cuttack, 2013 WC
England’s commanding win sends a strong statement in the tournament, and fans will be eager to see if they can maintain this form in the upcoming matches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/england-tame-south-africa-in-women-s-world-cup/story
**1st Test: India Dominate Day 2 Proceedings Against West Indies**
*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 03, 2025, 05:10 PM*
The Indian cricket team ended Day 2 on a strong note against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Resuming the day at 121/2, KL Rahul (53*) and Shubman Gill (18*) were at the crease, providing a solid platform for Team India on Friday.
### Day 2 Summary
Rahul and Gill had added an unbeaten 31 runs on Day 1, and on Day 2, they stitched together another 67 runs before Gill was dismissed for 50. Thirty runs later, Rahul fell after playing a defiant innings of 100. Following their departure, Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja took charge, building a commanding partnership of 200 runs. Jurel has already scored a century, while Jadeja is firing on all cylinders, dominating the proceedings.
### Shubman Gill Equals Sunil Gavaskar’s Record
Gill was dismissed by the opposition captain and off-spinner Roston Chase right after completing his fifty. According to Cricbuzz, the last Indian captain to score 50+ runs in their debut innings leading the team at home was none other than Sunil Gavaskar. The legendary batsman had made a spectacular 205 against West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in 1978.
Playing his sixth Test as captain, Shubman Gill now owns 804 runs at an impressive average of 73.09 across 11 innings.
### Gill’s Impressive Test Stats
With this fifty, Gill has accumulated 2,697 runs from 38 Tests at an average of 41.49. His tally includes nine Test centuries and eight fifties. Notably, this was Gill’s maiden fifty in four Test innings against the West Indies. Across 18 home Tests, he has scored 1,227 runs at an average of 42.31, including ten 50-plus scores with four centuries.
### KL Rahul’s 11th Test Century
KL Rahul brought up his 11th century in Test cricket, scoring 100 off 197 balls with 12 fours. Playing his 64th Test, Rahul has now amassed 3,889 runs at an average of 36.00. He has scored 474 runs against West Indies at an average of 47.40, including two centuries and three 50-plus scores against the Caribbean side. This was Rahul’s 10th hundred as an opener.
### Rahul’s Home Record and First-Class Cricket Achievements
This century marks Rahul’s second Test hundred on home soil, where he has scored 1,249 runs at an average of 41.63. Overall, he boasts 12 scores of 50-plus in India.
In first-class cricket, Rahul is playing his 112th match and has accumulated 8,317 runs at an average of around 45. He now has 23 centuries and 39 fifties, according to ESPNcricinfo.
—
Team India’s dominant performance on Day 2 sets the tone for a commanding position in the Test, with key contributions from Rahul, Gill, Jurel, and Jadeja showcasing the depth and resilience of the batting lineup.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/india-vs-west-indies-1st-test-day-2-report/story
