Sports

Sydney Smash Challenger Final
Sports

Sydney Smash Challenger Final: Sydney Thunder Triumph Over Sydney Sixers in a Nail-Biting Clash

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In a dramatic Sydney Smash showdown, the Thunder claim victory and secure their place in the BBL final against the Hobart Hurricanes. Sydney Smash Challenger Final: A Match for the Ages The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) came alive on January 24, 2025, as the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder battled it out in the Sydney Smash Challenger Final. With a packed stadium of 32,107 fans, the electrifying match determined who would advance to the Big Bash League (BBL) final. The Thunder rose to the challenge, defeating the Sixers by four wickets with an over to spare, ending their six-match losing streak against their city rivals. The thrilling chase saw the Thunder overcome the Sixers’ total of 7/157, securing their spot in the BBL final against the Hobart Hurricanes. The match was a testament to the high-stakes drama and intense rivalries that define the BBL. Why Was the Run-Out Controversial? A pivotal moment unfolded in the ninth over when Thunder’s Matthew Gilkes was controversially run out. Replays showed that Sixers’ Jack Edwards had dislodged the bails with his hands before the ball hit the stumps. Despite expectations that Gilkes would be ruled safe, the third umpire declared him out. This decision sparked debates among players and commentators. Mark Waugh and Michael Hussey supported the ruling, explaining that the bails illuminated after the ball’s contact. However, other voices, including commentator Mark Howard and Thunder’s wicketkeeper Sam Billings, criticized the decision as inconsistent. The controversy highlighted the need for clearer decision-making processes in cricket. Sydney Thunder’s Remarkable Comeback Despite losing early wickets, the Thunder’s middle order stepped up. Alex Ross and Daniel Sams played pivotal roles, stabilizing the innings and building partnerships under pressure. Captain David Warner’s leadership was evident as he guided the team through tense moments. Ultimately, Chris Green hit the winning runs, sparking jubilant celebrations among Thunder players and fans alike. Pre-Match Tensions and Bold Claims The build-up to the match was marked by bold statements from both camps. Thunder spinner Tanveer Sangha claimed the Sixers were “scared to play us” and appeared “vulnerable” without star players like Steve Smith and James Vince. However, Sixers’ Jordan Silk dismissed these remarks, pointing to the team’s consistent dominance over the Thunder in recent years. Even Thunder veteran Chris Green refrained from endorsing Sangha’s comments, acknowledging the Sixers’ depth and strength despite their missing stars. These exchanges added an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the clash. What’s Next for the Thunder? The Sydney Thunder now turn their attention to the BBL final against the Hobart Hurricanes in Hobart. As underdogs, the Thunder will rely on their renewed confidence and momentum from this victory. Captain David Warner and the team are determined to clinch their second BBL title and cement their place in the league’s history. A Spectacle to Remember The Sydney Smash Challenger Final will go down as one of the most exciting matches in BBL history. From controversial decisions to stellar performances, the game had it all. Fans are now eagerly awaiting the grand finale, where the Thunder will face off against the Hurricanes in what promises to be an epic conclusion to the season.  

Sports

Defensive Strategies to Enhance the Dallas Stars’ Offense

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The Dallas Stars As the Dallas Stars continue their journey in the 2024 Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers, it’s crucial to address not only offensive strategies but also defensive adjustments that can unlock their offensive potential. This article explores how refining defensive plays can lead to a more potent offensive performance. The Importance of Defensive Adjustments Defensive Accountability One key area where the Stars need improvement is in their defensive accountability. The “first man back” policy requires the first forward to return to a defensive position, typically assuming the role of a center. However, the Stars have struggled with this, particularly against Edmonton’s fast-paced play. The Oilers have exploited this weakness, leading to multiple odd-man rushes in Game 5. Solution: Forwards need to fully commit to backchecking, ensuring they are defensively responsible. Adjusting the positioning of the center when entering the offensive zone can also help. By maintaining a more conservative approach, the Stars can reduce the number of odd-man rushes against them. Handedness in Defensive Play The handedness of players significantly impacts both defensive and offensive plays. Players like Miro Heiskanen, a left-handed shooter, often find themselves on their weak side, which can lead to turnovers. Solution: Aligning players so that left-handed players cover the left side and right-handed players cover the right side can enhance puck control and passing efficiency. This strategic alignment facilitates smoother breakouts from the defensive zone and more effective puck handling in the offensive zone. Enhancing Offensive Opportunities through Defense The Stars’ ability to transition from defense to offense is critical. By focusing on solid defensive strategies, the team can create more high-quality scoring chances. For example, during Game 5, a goal resulted from strong backchecking and a well-executed transition play. Such moments underscore the importance of defensive discipline in generating offensive success. To advance in the playoffs, the Dallas Stars must prioritize defensive accountability and consider handedness in their lineup adjustments. These defensive refinements can reduce turnovers, mitigate Edmonton’s counterattacks, and ultimately create more offensive opportunities. By doing so, the Stars can improve their chances of success in the Western Conference Final and beyond.

Sports

The Vegas Showdown: Alvarez vs. Munguia

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A Detailed Preview of the Cinco de Mayo Boxing Spectacle Introduction to the Fighters On May 4th, 2024, the boxing world sets its sights on the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will clash with Jaime Munguia. This bout is not just a fight; it’s a narrative of experience against youth, a decorated champion against a hungry challenger. The Odds: Alvarez Holds the Favor Canelo Alvarez is entering the ring as the heavy favorite, with odds reflecting his proven prowess and championship experience. Bookmakers list him at -525 to -600, highlighting his status as a formidable force in the ring. His strategy typically involves a calculated approach, using the early rounds to analyze his opponent, followed by more aggressive tactics as the fight progresses​ (Odds Shark)​​ (Betting Insider Journal)​. The Challenger: Jaime Munguia’s Uphill Battle Jaime Munguia, though less experienced, carries the hopes of an upset with his aggressive style and power. His odds range from +380 to +425, signifying a notable, but not insurmountable, challenge. Munguia’s strategy revolves around high-volume punching and maintaining pressure, aiming to overwhelm Alvarez early in the fight​ (Odds Shark)​​ (Betting Insider Journal)​. Predictions: How the Fight Could Unfold Experts suggest that Alvarez might secure a victory through a technical knockout between rounds 6 and 8. This prediction aligns with his historical performance, where his adaptability and precise counterattacks usually come to the fore in the later rounds. On the other hand, Munguia’s best chance lies in leveraging his youthful vigor and power to disrupt Alvarez’s rhythm early on​ (Odds Shark)​​ (Betting Insider Journal)​. Conclusion: A Must-Watch Match The fight promises to be a riveting encounter, with each boxer bringing distinct strengths to the ring. While Alvarez is favored to win, the unpredictable nature of boxing means all eyes will be on Munguia to see if he can craft a narrative of triumph against the odds. This bout is not just a test of skill but also a spectacle of strategy and resilience, making it a highlight for boxing fans worldwide. This Cinco de Mayo weekend, Alvarez vs. Munguia is set to be a classic showdown, encapsulating the essence of boxing: a blend of drama, strategy, and raw power, all playing out under the bright lights of Las Vegas.

5 best bowling performances from the WTC
Sports

5 best bowling performances from the WTC, 2019-21 in a match

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1) Kyle Jameison 11/117 off 41 overs; 14 maidens, Economy Rate: 2.85 vs Pakistan, 2nd Test, Hagley Oval, Christchurch, 2020-21. New Zealandís pace attack ripped through Pakistan in the 2nd Test at Christchurch earlier this year. In particular, Kyle Jamieson wreaked havoc with the ball picking up 2 five-fors for the match. Jamieson used his height to his advantage. He got an extra bounce off awkward lengths and generated swing and movement off the Hagley Oval pitch. In the end, that was just too much for the Pakistani batsmen to deal with. In the first innings, Jamieson kept bowling the right lines and making the batsmen play. His delivery to dismiss Fawad Alam in the first innings was a brute of a delivery. The ball kicked off a short length and was close to unplayable. Alam tried to duck out of the way, but he gloved the ball to BJ Watling. Alam was lying on the pitch in complete shock. Jamiesonís 1st innings figures read 5/69 off 21 overs; 8 maidens at an economy rate of 3.28 runs per over. Jamieson was near unplayable in the 2nd innings. The delivery he bowled to Mohammad Rizwan was a peach of a delivery. The ball pitched outside off the stump and it swung as well as seamed back into the stumps. Rizwan missed the ball while Jamieson hit the stumps. It was an excellent delivery. The Aucklander completed his 4th Test five-for in his brief career so far and picked up his 1st Test match 10-wicket haul. Jamiesonís 2nd innings figures read 6/48 off 20 overs; 6 maidens at an economy rate of 2.40 runs per over. 6 of his wickets for the match came from a good length and 2 from a full length. 2 of his wickets came from a short of a good length, and 1 wicket came from a short length. Pakistan lost the match by an innings and 176 runs and lost the 2-Test series, 2-0. 2) Nathan Lyon, 10/118 off 47.3 overs; 14 maidens, Economy Rate: 2.48 vs New Zealand, 3rd Test, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, 2019-20. New Zealandís tour of Australia back in 2019-20 ended horribly with a 279-run thrashing in the 3rd Test at the SCG. The Kiwis lost that series, 3-0. Australian off-spinner, Nathan Lyon gave the Kiwis a horrid time at the SCG. He changed his pace well and bowled excellent lines and lengths. In the first innings, Lyon got rid of Tom Latham, and Jeet Raval at crucial points in the innings. The pair established a 49-run partnership for the 2nd-wicket and got New Zealand to 117/1 off 49 overs. Nathan Lyon then dismissed both batsmen in the space of 3 balls to set the game up for the Aussies. He then cleaned up the tail to complete his 17th Test five-for. Lyonís 1st innings figures read 5/68 off 30.4 overs; 10 maidens at an economy rate of 2.21 runs per over. In the 2nd innings, Lyon used his guile and variations to pick up Test five-for no.18 and complete his 3rd Test 10-wicket match haul. Even though Colin de Grandhomme was scoring runs freely, Lyon still tossed the ball up and tempted de Grandhomme to come out of his crease. Lyon had de Grandhomme caught in the deep and won that battle. Lyonís 2nd innings figures read 5/50 off 16.5 overs; 4 maidens at an economy rate of 2.97 runs per over. 2 of Lyonís wickets came from a full-length, 6 wickets came from a good length, and 2 came from a short of a good length. 3) Axar Patel 11/70 off 36.4 overs; 6 maidens, Economy Rate: 1.90 vs England, 3rd Test, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, 2020-21. India lost the 1st Test against England by 227 runs in Chennai, but India came back in the 2nd Test at the same venue, winning that Test by 317 runs. Axar Patel made his Test debut in that Test and picked up his maiden Test five-for in the 2nd innings. In just his 2nd Test, he picked up his 2nd and 3rd Test five-for, and his maiden Test 10-wicket match haul. Patel spun webs around the English batsmen and was close to unplayable on a difficult pitch for batting. He bowled excellent lines and extracted enough turns and bounces to have the English batsmen in disarray. 4 of his 1st innings wickets were of Englandís top 7 batsmen including the big wicket of Ben Stokes. 3 of his wickets in the 1st innings were lbws, 2 bowled, while 1 batsman was caught in the deep by Jasprit Bumrah off Patelís bowling. Patelís 1st innings figures read 6/38 off 21.4 overs; 6 maidens at an economy rate of 1.75 runs per over. In the 2nd innings, he had 2 batsmen lbw, 2 bowled, and 1 caught behind by wicket-keeper, Rishabh Pant. Patelís 2nd innings figures read 5/32 off 15 overs at an economy rate of 2.13 runs per over. India won the match by 10 wickets and all but sealed their spot in the World Test Championship Final. The Gujarati all-rounder has had an outstanding start to his Test career. He has played 3 Tests, picking up 27 wickets, averaging 10.59 at a strike rate of 28.30 with an economy rate of 2.24 runs per over. Patel has 4 five-fors and 1 10-wicket match haul to his name in his brief Test career. 4) Hasan Ali 10/114 off 31.4 overs; 4 maidens vs South Africa, 2nd Test, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, 2020-21.Hasan Ali came back to the Pakistani Test team after 2 years. He came back into the squad after a form slump and a serious stress fracture in his back that threatened to end his international career. The Pakistan Cricket Board did not even offer Hasan Ali a Central Contract, hence why the fears of his international career ending seemed more legit. Ali did not have a great return in the 1st test at Karachi picking up just 2 wickets. However,

Steve Smith
Sports

5 Best Batting Performances from the World Test Championship, 2019-21.

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1) Steve Smith 144 off 219 balls; 16 fours, 2 sixes vs England, 1st Test, Edgbaston, Birmingham, 2019. Steve Smith came back to the Australian cricket team after serving a 1-year ban for ball-tampering. Australia at the time did not have a great run in Smithís absence losing 2 out of 3 Test Series. The Aussies lost 4 Tests, won 3 Tests and drew 2 Tests in Smithís absence. The team had an arduous task at hand: playing England at Edgbaston. The Edgbaston crowd have a history of being hostile towards the opposition and England has a good record at Edgbaston. Plus England came off a successful World Cup campaign. The Aussies had an arduous task at hand, and the visitors tottered at 122/8 after 44 overs. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Steve Smith came to the party for Australia. He formed two vital partnerships with the no.10 and no.11 batsmen, Peter Siddle worth 88 runs, and Nathan Lyon, worth 74 runs, respectively. The former Australian Test captain was at his unorthodox best and reached his 24th Test hundred. Smith put on 5 hours and 36-minute epic Ashes masterclass. He got the Aussies to 284, and in the end, the Aussies won the 1st Test by 251 runs. Smith scored another hundred in the 2nd innings and received the Man of the Match Award for his excellent batting display in both innings. The boos Smith received from the Edgbaston faithful did not deter him from rescuing the team from a difficult situation. It was an outstanding performance from the Aussie star batsman. 2) Ben Stokes 135 not out off 219 balls; 11 fours, 8 sixes vs Australia, 3rd Test, Headingley, Leeds, 2019. The Headingley Miracle. This innings will remain in Ashes folklore as all-time great innings. Ben Stokes continued his excellent English Summer with an unforgettable Ashes hundred that kept the 2019 Ashes series alive. Chasing 359 to win the Test and level the Ashes series, England needed someone to come to the party. Ben Stokes arrived at the crease with England on 141/3 after 59.3 overs. Joe Root departed 18 overs later with the score at 159/4. From that moment onwards, viewers at home, the world over, and the people watching at Headingley saw epic innings. Stokes struggled for the first 67 balls, mustering just 3 runs. After facing 100 balls, he was on 29 runs. He then established an 86-run partnership with Jonny Bairstow before Bairstow departed with England’s score at 245/5 off 102.2 overs. 13 overs later, England stared at a defeat with the score at 286/9 needing 73 runs to win the Test. Then came the miracle. An unbeaten 76-run partnership off 62 balls with no.11 batsman, Jack Leach. The number 11 batsman faced just 17 balls and scored 1 run in that unbelievable partnership. Stokes scored 75 runs off 45 deliveries. The Southpaw smacked Pat Cummins through the off-side and Edgbaston had scenes of jubilation all around it. The Ashes were still alive, and Ben Stokes had written his name in Ashes folklore. A memorable day of cricket, not for Aussie cricket fans, but most cricket fans will never forget that innings for a long time. 3) Mohammad Rizwan 115 not out off 204 balls; 15 fours vs South Africa, 2nd Test, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, 2020-21. Mohammad Rizwan has now become an integral part of Pakistanís batting line-up and has harnessed a reputation for scoring tough runs, i.e., runs when his team needs it. The 2nd innings hundred against South Africa in the 2nd Test at Rawalpindi is the perfect example of Rizwan scoring tough runs for his team. Pakistanís innings did not offer any positive with the score at 143/7 off 56.1 overs. The home side led by just 204 runs at that stage and South Africa had a solid chance of winning the Test. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Mohammad Rizwan scored his maiden Test hundred and remained unbeaten after 4 hours, and 52 minutes at the crease. He stitched 2 valuable partnerships with Yasir Shah worth 53, and Nauman Ali worth 97. Out of the 155 runs, the last 3 partnerships contributed to Pakistanís total, Rizwan scored 78 of those runs. The last-wicket partnership was the only partnership where Rizwan contributed less than his partner. Rizwan scored 34 runs through the cover region and his most productive shot was the pull shot which yielded 21 runs, including 4 fours. He displayed a control rate of 87%. Rizwan got Pakistan to 298 and helped his team set South Africa a target of 369 to win the 2nd Test. South Africa fell 95 runs short of the target, and Pakistan won the Test and the Series, 2-0. Rizwan did not get the Man of the Match Award in that Test match. He received the Player of the Series Award though, for his outstanding work with the willow and gloves throughout the series. 4) Rishabh Pant 89 not out off 138 balls; 9 fours, 1 six vs Australia, 4th Test, GABBA, Brisbane, 2020-21. India was chasing 329 to win the 4th Test and the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. India still had an outside chance of winning both the Test and the Series after all the injuries, and off-field drama the team endured on tour. That was quite remarkable. Shubman Gill, and Cheteshwar Pujara laid the foundation for the chase, and the swash-buckling wicket-keeper batsman, Rishabh Pant, played his most important Test innings to date. In a 3-hour epic, Pant slayed the Australian bowling line-up to all parts of the GABBA. His counter-attacking innings caught the Aussies off-guard and help India win the match by 3 wickets. Pant got India the win and the Series win along with the World Test Championship points. Plus, he helped India become the first team since the great West Indies team of the late 1980s to beat Australia at the GABBA in a Test match since 1988. Pant smacked a Josh Hazlewood delivery down the

Tennis
Latest Now, Sports

Defending champ Federer to miss this month’s Miami Open; will work hard to ‘work his way back’

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Roger Federer will not compete at this month’s Miami Open as the Swiss maestro proceeds to work his way back to fitness after two knee operations within the past 12 months, the Miami Herald reported on Monday. Federer will miss out on guarding his Miami Open title at the March 22-April 4 Masters 1000 event, although Australian Open champions Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka are expected to require portion alongside Serena Williams and Rafa Nadal. Federer beat John Isner 6-1, 6-4 within the 2019 final to win the Miami Open the final time it was held. The competition was one of handfuls that were called off last year when the professional tennis tours went on rest for a few months since of the coronavirus pandemic. Federer also won trophies at the hard-court event in 2005, 2006 and 2017. The 20-time Grand Slam champ Federer will make his long-awaited return to the court at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha another week and the 39-year-old may play an occasion in Dubai after that his specialist, Tony Godsick, affirmed to the Miami Herald. But after those occasions, Federer will take a training break, the paper reported. He last played within the 2020 Australian Open, where he fell to Djokovic in the semi-finals. News Reference from Reuters

Silences are sounds 5
Latest Now, Sports

Parkour: Cool Extreme Sports

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Parkour – What is Parkour? Parkour is all almost moving through your environment productively and Parkour auctioneers, who are repeatedly called traceuers (from the French for ‘to trace’), hop, climb, and vault over impediments in their way. Their objective is to urge from point A to point B as efficiently as possible. The history of parkour is beautiful, interesting. It began in France and has its roots in military elude and avoidance strategies and 19th century physical culture. In truth, the word “parkour” begins from the French expression “parcours du combattant:” the deterrent course-based strategy of preparation utilized by the French military. So, whereas we think of parkour nowadays as essentially a curious shape of diversion, it was really created as a strategic aptitude and way to construct the wellness of soldiers. The Distinction Between Parkour and Freerunning Parkour and freerunning get utilized traded. Whereas they share a part in common, there’s a little difference. Parkour is basically around maneuvering through your environment productively utilizing bounced, swings, and vaults. No requirement for flips, divider turns, and other trapeze artistry. With freerunning, proficiency is less of a concern, and you’ll be able toss in these sorts of cool-looking gymnastic developments as well. https://youtu.be/S8b1zWOgOKA Why Practicing Parkour: Parkour is fun! In parkour, you fundamentally treat the world around you like a monster play area. It’s fun to discover novel ways to move through your environment, and, yes, imagine you’re running absent from ninja professional killers and/or zombies. It tackles your inward child that has long been torpid and fair needs to run around, investigate without limits, and essentially play again. Parkour is an incredible workout. Running, bouncing, climbing, swinging. Parkour may be a full-body workout that will at the same time make strides in your body’s mindfulness and coordination. Parkour could be a challenge. Parkour will require you to push yourself physically and rationally. Beginning out, you will not be able to do certain moves, but with time, you’ll pick up the strength and coordination you wish to ace them. You’ll confront obstacles you simply think you’ll never overcome, but once you burrow profound inside yourself, you’ll discover that you simply can thrust your body past what you saw as its limit. In brief, parkour can help actuate the primal switch of manliness inside all of us for a challenge. As you overcome these challenges, you’ll pick up certainty in yourself that will carry over into other parts of your life. Parkour could be an incredible way to create new companions. Parkour could be a social wear. It’s ordinarily exhausted bunches, and the parkour community is exceptionally inviting and strong. It’s not competitive; or maybe, the objective is to have a great time and to assist each other improve. Parkour can help spare your life. We’re huge advocates of the thought that each man ought to be able to save his possessive life ought to emerge. Parkour gives you the abilities and physical conditioning to do that. We joke around zombies and have to elude and avoid in an urban environment, but what on the off chance that the day comes when your life depends on being able to run, hop, and climb over impediments? Would you be able to do it? Parkour can help. It’s especially convenient after you must bounce from housetop to rooftop. Parkour makes you more inventive. Parkour requires you to see your environment inventively. Rather than association and maneuvering through the world as a few modelers or city designers wanted you to, you are doing it the way you need. Stairs? We don’t require no stinking stairs! Oh, you need me to utilize this small person on the foot bridge. I’ll fair bounce over this crevice and swing beneath this rail. Every fence, divider, or crevice gets to be an opportunity to undertake a modern move. This sort of perkiness and inventiveness can leak over to other regions of your life, making a difference you discover inventive arrangements to issues at work or in your relationships. How to get started with Parkour? Find a parkour group. The most perfect way to get begun in parkour is to find a neighborhood group and go to a parkour jam. Individuals within the sport’s community are super neighborly and steady of one another. You’ll get experiences from people who have been doing it for a moment, furthermore you’ll have somebody there to spot you on especially difficult moves. And of course, in case you take a terrible drop, you’ll have someone who can take you to the clinic. Most enormous cities have parkour meetups; you’ll find them on Meetup.com and the American Parkour forums. Be safe. Don’t take superfluous dangers. Your objective is to have a great time and thrust yourself past your consolation zone, but without harming yourself. You begin to address some time recently any development ought to be, “How can I do this without harming myself?” Make beyond any doubt to prepare with a group or an accomplice so they can spot you on requesting moves and call for offer assistance on the off chance that is required. Sometime recently any preparing session, check the environment for any potential dangers, like broken glass and the like. In brief, don’t be stupid. Take it moderate. Know your limits. Fair since those around you’re doing insane flips and aerials from monster buildings, doesn’t it cruel you’ve got to. Don’t try to do as much as well before long. It’s getting to take for a short time for your body to adjust to the physical requests of parkour. Don’t move on to more complicated moves until you’ve aced the essentials. On a related note, don’t get so cocky around your capacities merely don’t take each move genuinely. Respect private property. Adhere to doing parkour in open spaces like parks and city squares. Attempt to maintain a strategic distance from times with tall person on foot activity. If somebody asks you to take off, politely say, “Sure thing!” On the

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Sports

Who will win the Champions League in 2020-21?

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Who will win the Champions League in 2020-21? The top picks, untouchables, underdogs & most recent chances   The Champions’ League group organize has been drawn and the 32 groups know who there to begin with six games of the competition will be against.  Bayern Munich won the competition final season after beating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 within the last in Lisbon, and Objective looks at who the favorites are to be triumphant this time around.  Who are the favorites to win the Champions League?   Bayern Munich is 11/4 (3.75) to win the Champions League once more after their triumph at Estadio da Luz in August 2020.   Kingsley Coman scored the winning objective to round off an unpredicted campaign by the Bundesliga champions, with Hansi Flick’s men winning each solitary amusement and netting 43 times within the handle.   The title holders will be sure of coming to the knockout stages once more, having taken nine focuses after beating each of Atletico Madrid, Ruddy Bull Salzburg and Lokomotiv Moscow in their opening three Gather A games.  Manchester City are 9/2 (5.50) to break their duck and win the Champions League for the first time. Pep Guardiola has already won the competition with Barcelona, but has however to advance past the quarter-finals amid his four seasons with City.   Liverpool won the Champions Association in 2018-19 and are 6/1 (7.0) to lift the trophy for the seventh time in their history.          Drawn into Bunch D, the Reds will be backing themselves to advance and have begun amazingly with wins over Ajax, Atalanta and Midtjylland, winning nine focuses from a conceivable nine so distant.  Who are the underdogs to win the Champions League?   PSG came to the Champions League last for the first-time final season and are 14/1 (15.0) to go one step ahead this time.   Boasting one of the foremost fearsome assaults in world football, the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe will ought to be at their best to overcome a destitute beginning in an extreme gathering highlighting Manchester United and RB Leipzig.   Barcelona is too 14/1 (15.0) after a turbulent summer saw them nearly offer Lionel Messi. Most neutrals will certainly be happy that Messi remained at the club as Barca are in Gather G nearby Juventus, meaning the Argentine will clash with Cristiano Ronaldo once more.  Juventus are estimated at 14/1 (15.0) to win the Champions Association for the primary time in 25 a long time. The Serie A champions have misplaced it within the last five times since finally winning it in 1996, and although they ought to advance from Gather G, whether that’s, to begin with, or moment will likely rest on the shape of Ronaldo.   Real Madrid is 16/1 (17.0) to win the Champions Association for the fifth time in eight seasons. Zinedine Zidane’s side won it an uncommon four times between 2014 and 2018 and, as the foremost effective side within the competition’s history, will be out to lift the trophy for the 14th time in their history. 

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Sports

Dale Steyn’s Six Spells of Brilliance

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For most of his career, Dale Steyn remained at the top of the ICC Test Bowling Rankings. From 2008-14, he remained at the no.1 spot on the Rankings for a record 263 weeks. In fact, Steyn has spent 2356 days at the no.1 position in the ICC Test Bowling Rankings. This is the longest reign at the top of the Bowling Rankings by any bowler since World War II. His record is impeccable and there are cases being made that Dale Steyn is the greatest fast bowler since World War II. Dale Steyn’s Test Stats read: Matches: 93, Wickets: 439, Average: 22.95, 5 Wickets in Innings: 26, 10 Wickets in Match: 5, Best – Innings: 7/51 vs India, Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, 2010., Best – Match: 11/60 vs Pakistan, Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, 2013. Economy Rate: 3.25, Strike Rate: 42.39. Quite an amazing record. In honour of a wonderful career, I have reflected on some of his greatest Test match bowling performances. Here are six brilliant performances from the South African great: 7/51 vs India, Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, 2010. Overs: 16.4, Maidens: 6, Runs: 51, Wickets: 7, Economy Rate: 3.06. Dale Steyn has a wonderful record in India. From 6 Tests in India he has picked up 26 wickets at an average of 21.38, and an economy rate of 3.46 to his name. His strike rate in India was 37.12. He has taken 2 5fers and 1 10-wicket match haul in India. In the Nagpur Test of the 2010 Test series between South Africa and India, Steyn produced one of the greatest spells by a bowler in Asian conditions. Using pace, reverse-swing and seam movement, Steyn removed three of the Indian top five. The wicket to remove Murali Vijay (4) was a beauty as he set Vijay up well. He set Vijay up with two deliveries that went away from him and then got one ball to move off the seam back into him. Vijay left the ball, and it hit the stumps. Steyn then dismissed Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar (7) nicked ball a ball that went away from his body to wicketkeeper, Mark Boucher. Ashwell Prince caught debutant, Subramaniam Badrinath (56) to give Steyn his 3rd wicket. Steyn came back later in the innings to clean up the tail. His last 5 wickets came in 3 overs and only went for three runs. Steyn bowled Wriddhiman Saha (0) and had Harbhajan Singh (8) trapped in front. He then bowled Zaheer Khan (0) and Amit Mishra (0) to bowl India out for 233 in 64.4 overs. India lost their last 6 wickets for only 12 runs. Steyn had his 13th Test 5-wicket haul.  South Africa enforced the follow-on.   Steyn ended up with match figures of 10/108 off 34.5 overs with 7 maidens to his name. This was his 4th Test 10-wicket match haul. South Africa won the match by an innings and 6 runs. However, South Africa lost the last Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, and ended up drawing the series, 1-1 with India. 6/8 vs Pakistan, Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, 2013. Overs: 8.1, Maidens: 6, Runs: 8, Wickets: 6, Economy Rate: 0.97. 39 dot balls Pakistan had no answer to Dale Steyn, as he tore their batting line-up apart in the 1st Test. Mohammad Hafeez (2) nicked a full and wide delivery to wicketkeeper, AB de Villiers, after a 10-ball spell where Steyn pinned Hafeez on the crease. Steyn bowled Nasir Jamshed (2) with an inswinger. Graeme Smith caught Younis Khan (0) in the slips. AB de Villiers caught Saeed Ajmal (1) and Sarfaraz Ahmed (2). Faf du Plessis caught Rahat Ali (0) to give Steyn 6 wickets for the innings. Steyn ended up with his 20th Test 5-wicket haul and finished the Test match with his 5th Test 10-wicket haul. Steyn tormented the Pakistanis with accuracy, pace, swing and bounce. Pakistan collapsed and never recovered in the Test match. South Africa bowled Pakistan out for 49 in 29.1 overs. The home side hammered Pakistan by 211 runs. Steyn picked up his best match figures of 11/60 after 36.5 overs, with 16 maidens. South Africa won the remaining two Tests at Newlands Stadium, Cape Town, and SuperSport Park, Centurion. They swept the Pakistanis, 3-0 in the 3-match Test series.  5/67 vs Australia, MCG, Melbourne, 2008. Overs: 20.2, Maidens: 3 Runs: 67, Wickets: 5, Economy rate: 3.46.                   In a man of the match performance at the MCG in 2008, Dale Steyn was at his best. He picked up 5/87 off 29 overs with 6 maidens to his name in the first innings. However, his 2nd innings performance was the key to South Africa winning their first Test series in Australia. South        Africa became the first team to beat Australia in Australia since the West Indies in 1992-93                   Steyn dismissed Matthew Hayden (23), who hit the ball straight to JP Duminy at short extra-  cover. The in-form, Simon Katich (15) went after a loose ball from Dale Steyn and edged behind to wicketkeeper, Mark Boucher.                   Steyn broke the 96-run partnership between Ricky Ponting (99) and Michael Clarke (29) for the 4th wicket. Michael Clarke hit a short and wide delivery straight to Neil McKenzie at the cover. Steyn pitched the ball up to Andrew Symonds. He got some away swing and Symonds (0) edged the ball to Kallis at 2nd slip. Steyn came back and dismissed the final batsman, Peter Siddle (6) with a good length delivery that had a little extra bounce off the pitch. Boucher took the catch off a faint edge from Siddle and Steyn had his 2nd 5-wicket haul of the match and a 10-wicket match haul. This was his 11th Test 5-wicket haul and his 3rd 10-wicket match-haul. South Africa won the match chasing down 183 in 48 overs with 9 wickets to spare to take an unassailable 2-0 series lead in the Test series. 6/49 vs New Zealand, SuperSport Park, Centurion, 2007. Overs: 10.3, Maidens: 1, Runs: 49, Wickets:

Curtly
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Sir Curtly Ambrose: Four Times the Windies Great ripped through the opposition

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  Sir Curtly Ambrose destroyed batting line-ups throughout his career and he formed one of the greatest bowling partnerships with Courtney Walsh. Ambrose was regarded as one of the most fearsome fast bowlers of his era. He could trigger crazy batting collapses with his pace, bounce and accuracy. Here’s a look at Sir Curtly Ambrose’s Test career stats: Matches: 98, Wickets: 405, Average: 20.99, 5 Wickets in Innings: 22, 10 Wickets in Match: 3, Best – Innings: 8/45 vs England, Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, 1990, Best – Match: 11/84 vs Queens Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 1994, Economy Rate: 2.31, Strike Rate: 54.58 8/45 vs England, Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados in 1990: Overs: 22.4 overs, Maidens: 10, Runs: 45, Wickets: 8, Economy Rate: 1.99.   England lead the 5-match Test series, 1-0 heading into the 4th Test at Bridgetown, Barbados. They needed to win this match to take an unassailable lead in the 5 match series. England required 356 to win the Test, but they ended up losing the match by 164 runs.  They lost the last Test and the series, 2-0.   The reason for their defeat was an incredible spell of fast bowling from Ambrose. This spell elevated Ambrose elevated him to the league of legends. Ambrose had Rob Bailey (6) caught behind by the wicketkeeper, Jeff Dujon. Gladstone Small (0) departed after Ambrose trapped him plumb in front. Sir Vivian Richards caught Alec Stewart (37) at first slip to give Ambrose his 3rd wicket. Allan Lamb (10) nicked behind to Jeff Dujon. England were tottering at 5/97.   A 6th wicket partnership worth 69-runs between Robin Smith and Jack Russell helped England to 5/166. Ambrose came back and picked up the last 5 wickets. He broke the partnership between Russell and Smith by picking up Russell. Ambrose bowled Jack Russell (55) with a delivery that kept low and jagged the off-stump back. Ambrose then dismissed the final four batsmen, i.e., Nasser Hussain (0), David Capel (6), Phil DeFreitas (0), and Devon Malcolm (4), all lbw. England lost their last 5 wickets for 25 runs. They went from 5/156 to 191 all out. Ambrose ended up with match figures of 10-127 off 47.4 overs with 12 maidens to his name.   Ambrose kept bowling with aggression and pulled off a brilliant last spell on Day 5. He kept bowling tight to the English batsmen, that too at pace. The Day 5 pitch helped Ambrose, and he bowled one of the greatest fast bowling spells of all-time.   7/25 vs Australia, WACA, Perth, 1993: Overs: 18, Maidens: 9, Runs: 25, Wickets: 7, Economy Rate: 1.38.   The Windies bowled first on a helpful WACA pitch that had something for the bowlers if they could hit the right line and lengths. Ian Bishop removed Justin Langer and Steve Waugh before lunch as Australia went into lunch with the score at 2-59.   Ambrose later mentioned that he didn’t hit the right lines and lengths and that’s why he didn’t get the rewards. However, after lunch, it was an unconventional story. Ambrose wreaked havoc as The Australians went from 2/85 to 119 all out in 47.2 overs. They lost their last 8 wickets for just 34 runs. It was a collapse of epic proportions as Ambrose pulled off one of the greatest spells of fast bowling of all-time.   Ambrose’s first victim was Mark Waugh (9) who edged a ball behind to wicketkeeper, Junior Murray. Ambrose’s next victim was David Boon (44) who edged the ball to Windies captain, Richie Richardson at third slip. Then Ambrose dismissed Australian captain, Allan Border (0) for a first-ball duck, as Border nicked behind to Murray. The delivery surprised Border with the extra bounce off an awkward length. Then Ian Healy (0) departed as he edged the ball to Brian Lara at first slip. Ambrose’s 5th wicket was Merv Hughes (0) who scooped a good-length delivery to Keith Arthurton, and then Damien Martyn (13) edged the ball to second slip, Phil Simmons. The 7th wicket was Jo Angel (0) who nicked behind to Murray. Ambrose picked up 7/1 in the space of 32 deliveries.   It was an incredible spell of fast bowling on a helpful pitch for fast bowling. The Windies ended up winning the game by an innings and 25 runs and they won the best of 5 Test-match series, 2-1.   6/24 vs England, Queens Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, 1994. Overs: 10, Maidens: 6, Runs: 24, Wickets: 6, Economy Rate: 2.40.   194 to win the Test and come back in the 5- match series. England was in the driver’s seat to win the 3rd Test at Queens Park Oval in Port of Spain in 1994. They had two obstacles to overcome though: Walsh and Ambrose. England could not overcome both obstacles. Ambrose and Walsh annihilated England. The West Indies bowled England out for just 46 in 19.2 overs.    Ambrose removed 5 of the England top 7 and claimed the wicket of Jack Russell to destroy the English batting line-up. Pace, Accuracy, and Bounce. The three ingredients Ambrose used to dismantle the English. Ambrose was lethal and performed well on a helpful pitch.   Ambrose removed Mike Atherton (0) first ball of the innings with a delivery that had the England captain trapped, plumb in front. The delivery came back into Atherton and had in plumb in front.  Ambrose’s next victim was Robin Smith (0) who was clean bowled by an Ambrose beauty. The ball came back in and went through the forward defence of Smith between the gap of Smith’s bat and pad. Ambrose bowled Alec Stewart (18) with a ball that hit the Stewart’s off-stump. Graeme Hick (6) got caught on the crease and nicked behind to wicketkeeper, Junior Murray. Phil Simmons caught Jack Russell (4) to give Ambrose his 5th wicket. Ambrose bowled a bouncer aimed at Russell’s chest. Russell edged the ball to Simmons who was at 2nd slip.

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