Sports - NEWS Of KASHMIR

India Clinches 142-Run Win in Third ODI Against England, Completes Clean Sweep

February 12, 2025 by NOK Desk

Fine bowling performances by bowlers and top knocks by Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli helped India secure a clean sweep series win over England, with a 142-run win in the third ODI at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday.

This concludes India’s successful home white-ball series against England, securing 4-1 win in T20Is and 3-0 win in ODIs. This is Gautam Gambhir’s first ODI series win as head coach.

In the run chase of 357 runs, openers Ben Duckett and Phil Salt gave the Three Lions a fine start. Duckett was an aggressor against Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, scoring four successive boundaries off Arshdeep in the fifth over.

England reached the 50-run mark in just 5.2 overs.

The opening stand of 60 runs was undone by Arshdeep, who removed Duckett for 34 in 22 balls, with eight fours. A fine catch by Rohit Sharma at mid-off put India ahead. India was 60/1 in 6.2 overs.

An uppercut attempt by Salt went into the hands of Axar Patel, removing the batter for 23 in 21 balls, with four boundaries. Arshdeep got both openers dismissed, at 80/2 in 8.4 overs.

Tom Banton joined forces with Joe Root, making his international return in five years. He welcomed Washington Sundar with a four and six while Root took his time against Indian spinners. England reached the 100-run mark in 13.3 overs.

Banton was caught behind by KL Rahul on a Kuldeep Yadav delivery for 38 in 41 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes. England was 126/3 in 18 overs.

After that, it was all downwards for England as Root (24 in 29 balls, with two fours) was cleaned up by Axar, followed by Harshit Rana and Hardik Pandya wiping out the middle order and tail, reducing England to 193/9.

Axar cleaned up Gus’s stumps, ending his fine cameo of 38 in 19 balls, with six fours and a six. England was all out for 214 runs in 34.2 overs.

An incredible century by super-consistent Shubman Gill and well-made fifties from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer helped India reach a total of 356 runs in their 50 overs during the third ODI against England at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday.

After England won the toss and elected to bowl first, India was off to a poor start, losing skipper Rohit Sharma for just one run in two balls. A catch behind the stumps by Phil Salt on a Mark Wood delivery extended Rohit’s wait for 11,000 ODI runs. India was 6/1 in two overs.

From then on, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli started to consolidate and stabilise the innings. While Gill was the aggressor on the other end, Virat also hit some fine shots against pace while trying to regain his confidence and form. At the end of 10 overs, India was 52/1, with Gill (28*) and Virat (17*) unbeaten.

As innings progressed, Virat took on really well against spin, hitting Joe Root for four boundaries. His shot arsenal looked strong as he made use of cuts and sweeps.

India reached the 100-run mark in 16.4 overs. Virat reached his 73rd ODI fifty in 50 balls, with seven fours and a six. Gill had also reached his fifty in 50 in 51 balls, with nine fours and six.

The 116-run stand was broken by Adil Rashid’s spin, trapping Virat for the fifth time in his career for a well-made 52 in 55 balls, with seven fours and a six. India was 122/2 in 19 overs. This came after the duo had collected 16 runs off Liam Livingstone’s previous over, including a six each by Virat and Gill.

Shreyas Iyer and Gill carried on the momentum further, helping India reach the 150-run mark in 23.3 overs.

India reached the 200-run mark in 30.4 overs, with Iyer and Gill having built a 78-run stand.

With a boundary against Mark Wood, Gill reached his seventh ODI ton in 95 balls, with seven fours and a six.

Iyer also reached his half-century in 43 balls, with six fours and six.

Rashid once again became the partnership breaker, removing Gill for 112 in 102 balls, with 14 fours and three sixes to end a 104-run stand between Iyer and Gill. India was 226/3 in 34.3 overs.

India reached the 250-run mark in 37.3 overs.

Rashid once again ended another partnership, getting Iyer caught behind by Salt for 78 runs in 64 balls, with eight fours and two sixes. India was 259/4 in 38.2 overs.

Hardik Pandya was next on the crease and trying to impose his will on Rashid with two successive sixes.

However, the bowler got the last laugh, removing Pandya for 17 in nine balls, with two sixes. India was 289/5 in 41 overs.

Axar teamed up with KL Rahul, taking India to the 300-run mark in 42.3 overs. However, Tom Banton, at long-off, took down Axar for 13 in 12 balls on a Root delivery, leaving India to 307/6 in 43.5 overs.

India kept losing wickets despite a solid run-rate, with Saqib Mahmood’s pace beating KL Rahul, removing him for 40 in 29 balls, with three fours and a six. India was 333/7 in 46.4 overs.

Buttler took the catch while Atkinson gets Harshit for 13 in 10 balls. India was 353/8 in 49 overs. Wickets kept falling as Wood got Washington Sundar for 14 in 14 balls. India was 353/9 in 49.3 overs.

Arshdeep was run out by Salt, ending the innings at 356 in 50 overs.

Rashid bowled a brilliant spell, taking 4/64 in his ten overs. Wood took 2/45 in his nine overs. Root, Atkinson and Mahmood got one each.

Brief Scores: India: 356 (Shubman Gill 112, Shreyas Iyer 78, Adil Rashid 4/64) beat England: 214 (Tom Banton 38, Ben Duckett 34, Axar Patel 2/22). (ANI)

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Sports

Kerala Secures Semifinal Spot in Ranji Trophy with Thrilling Draw Against Jammu and Kashmir

February 12, 2025 by NOK Desk

Kerala secured their place in the Ranji Trophy semifinals for only the second time in history after a thrilling draw against Jammu and Kashmir at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Wednesday.

The match went down to the wire, but Kerala advanced thanks to their slender one-run lead in the first innings.

Starting the final day at 100/2 while chasing a daunting target of 299, Kerala’s approach, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), was clear—survival over scoring.

The first session saw Akshay Chandran and Sachin Baby showing remarkable patience, adding just 13 runs in the first 10 overs while keeping their wickets intact.

The J&K’s pacers—Umar Nazir Mir, Yudhvir Singh, and Auqib Nabi—tried to force a breakthrough with short-pitched bowling, but Kerala’s batters refused to budge.

J&K finally got a breakthrough after 44 overs when Chandran, who had battled for 48 off 183 balls, was dismissed at short leg following a successful review. By lunch, Kerala had reached 146/3, still needing to bat out two sessions for survival.

The second session saw J&K’s bowlers turn the heat up. Sachin Baby (48) edged a rising delivery behind, and Jalaj Saxena followed soon after, lured into a drive.

At 194/6, Kerala was in deep trouble. But just when the game seemed to be slipping away, Salman Nizar, who had scored a brilliant 112 in the first innings, once again came to Kerala’s rescue.

Nizar and Mohammed Azharuddeen stood firm, soaking up the pressure. Their partnership lasted 42.4 overs, adding 70 crucial runs and frustrating J&K’s bowlers. Azharuddeen, who had struggled earlier in the tournament, delivered a timely 67, ensuring Kerala’s safe passage.

With just 30 minutes left in the game, J&K’s last desperate push fell short. Kerala finished at 295/6 in 126 overs, securing their semifinal berth on first-innings advantage and leaving J&K heartbroken—(KNO)

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Developing Story / Sports

Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Harshit Rana Named Replacement

February 12, 2025 by NOK Desk

In a setback for Team India as it gears up for the Champions Trophy, Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the tournament due to a lower back injury. Harshit Rana has been named the replacement of the ace pacer.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday night released a statement to confirm Bumrah’s absence from the tournament.

“Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to a lower back injury. The Men’s Selection Committee has named Harshit Rana as Bumrah’s replacement.”

Another prominent change in India’s 15-member squad includes youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal being dropped from the squad and mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy coming in as his replacement.

“Team India have also named Varun Chakaravarthy in the squad. The spinner will replace Yashasvi Jaiswal who was initially named in the provisional squad,” the statement added.

Bumrah has been missing from on-field action since January. His last appearance was in Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia in Sydney.

After bowling 10.1 overs in the first innings, the A-Lister was visibly in discomfort and went for scans. He was advised by the Australian doctors not to participate in the remainder of the Sydney Test. He came out to bat in the second innings but didn’t take up his duties with the ball.

On the other hand, Jaiswal’s omission comes after his ODI debut in the three-match series opener against England. Jaiswal was initially named in the provisional squad, while Chakaravarthy was left aside.

In his ODI debut, the young southpaw failed to deliver with the bat and flopped with a knock of 15(22). In the second ODI, Jaiswal was dropped from the playing XI for Virat Kohli, and Chakaravarthy made his ODI debut. He returned with figures of 1/54 in his 10-over spell.

India will begin its campaign in the Champions Trophy on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai.
India’s squad for ICC Champions Trophy, 2025: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Non Travelling substitutes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube. The three players will travel to Dubai as and when required. (ANI)

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Sports

Hanif Mohammad to be Posthumously Inducted into PCB Hall of Fame, Shoaib Mohammad to Receive Plaque

February 10, 2025 by NOK Desk

Pakistan cricket great Hanif Mohammad will be posthumously inducted into the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Hall of Fame on Feb. 12, with his son Shoaib Mohammad set to receive the commemorative plaque and cap, PCB sources said on Saturday.

Hanif, who was among the initial inductees announced in 2021, had his formal induction ceremony delayed due to various factors, including management changes and scheduling conflicts.

“Yes, but due to various reasons – sometimes due to non-availabilities and sometimes due to management changes – this couldn’t take place earlier,” a PCB source told Reuters.

The ceremony will be held during Pakistan’s triangular series match against South Africa in Karachi, marking the first international match in the city since May 2023, the source added.

Meanwhile, the formal inductions of former cricketers Saeed Anwar and Mushtaq Mohammad will take place after the 2025 Champions Trophy, as the players were unavailable for the current series.

“Saeed Anwar was not available due to his prior commitments while Mushtaq Mohammad is overseas. Their inductions will take place after CT25 as and when they are available,” the source said.

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Sports

Auqib Nabi Breaks Jammu & Kashmir’s Record for Most Wickets in a Single Ranji Trophy Season

February 10, 2025 by NOK Desk

Auqib Nabi has set a new benchmark in Jammu & Kashmir’s cricket history by breaking the record for most wickets in a single Ranji Trophy season.

The pacer achieved this feat during the ongoing quarter-final match against Kerala, where he now has 40 wickets in just eight matches at a remarkable average of 12.80, surpassing the previous record of 38 wickets set by former J&K skipper Parvez Rasool in the 2016-17 season.

Auqib’s achievement includes five five-wicket hauls. Notably, this record-breaking feat from a pacer comes after more than 13 years, as Auqib also surpassed the record of Samiullah Beigh, a former J&K Ranji pacer who had taken 35 wickets in 9 matches with two five-wicket hauls.

Samiullah Beigh, who was known for his fiery pace and swing, praised Auqib’s achievement, specially noting the challenges a fast bowler faces in maintaining such high performance across matches. Beigh while showering praise on Auqib on his social media handle—Facebook wrote, “Records are meant to be broken! But never thought any other fast bowler would come even close. For a spinner, it is easy to keep bowling from one end all day, but for a fast bowler, to keep bowling so well, especially when you are at the mercy of your captain all the time, is highly commendable.”

Beigh continued, “Auqib Nabi breaking the record in just eight matches with five fifers is really appreciative. Speaks volumes about his fitness, control of length/line, and good bowling brain. Well done, Auqib! Loved your spell today as well. Wishing you all the very best! Long way to go. Onwards and upwards.”

Sports

Ravi Shastri Backs Defending Champions Pakistan to Shine in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

February 10, 2025February 10, 2025 by NOK Desk

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri feels that defending champions Pakistan will do well in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy and could be very dangerous in their home conditions if they make it to the knockout stages.

Shastri was speaking on the latest episode of the ICC Review. Pakistan will be playing their ICC Champions Trophy campaign opener against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. Despite a loss to the Kiwis at the start of their home tri-nation series featuring South Africa, there is plenty of momentum with Pakistan due to series wins in Australia and South Africa leading up to the tournament.

Shastri acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with playing at home, particularly in sub-continent conditions.

Despite this, Shastri believes Pakistan possesses the depth and potential to thrive on familiar turf.
“There is always pressure when you play at home in the sub-continent – whether it is India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, or Pakistan – the expectations are massive,” Shastri remarked as quoted by ICC.

“But I think Pakistan are the kind of side that, with the exposure they have had in the last six to eight months in white-ball cricket, have put up some really strong performances, especially in South Africa.”

Shastri also touched on the absence of talented young opener Saim Ayub, who is currently sidelined due to an ankle injury.

“They have missed Ayub at the top, and he is a crucial player,” Shastri noted.

“But Pakistan have enough depth to be dangerous, especially in home conditions. I would say they should qualify for the semi-finals and from there, it’s anyone’s game,” he added.

Shastri remains confident that, if they make it through to the knockout stages, Pakistan could pose a serious threat to any team.

“Pakistan are still very, very dangerous, and if they qualify, they will be doubly more dangerous,” he concluded.

Pakistan’s next match will be against South Africa on February 12 at Karachi, a must-win affair for them.

Pakistan’s Group Stage Fixtures:

February 19 – Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi.
February 23 – Pakistan vs India, Dubai.
February 27 – Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi.
Pakistan squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi. (ANI)

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Sports

Pakistan Humiliated by New Zealand in Tri-Series Opener! Bowlers Crumble, Fans Furious Over Disastrous Performance!

February 9, 2025 by NOK Desk

New Zealand delivered a dominant performance against Pakistan in the opening match of the tri-series, securing a convincing 78-run victory at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Despite a strong start from Pakistan’s bowlers, Glenn Phillips’ outstanding century turned the tide in New Zealand’s favor. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s bowling unit came under heavy criticism for their lackluster performance, raising concerns ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy.

New Zealand’s Commanding Batting Display

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, New Zealand capitalized on a flat batting surface, posting a massive total of 331 runs in 50 overs. The innings was built on solid contributions from Kane Williamson (58 runs off 62 balls) and Daryl Mitchell (81 runs off 74 balls), but it was Glenn Phillips’ unbeaten 106 off 74 balls that made the biggest impact.

Phillips, who registered his maiden ODI century, accelerated the scoring rate in the final overs, smashing boundaries at will. His explosive hitting put immense pressure on Pakistan’s bowlers, who struggled to contain the run flow.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi took three wickets but had an expensive outing, conceding 88 runs in his 10 overs. Naseem Shah also proved costly, leaking 70 runs in his 10 overs without much success. Haris Rauf showed promise with two wickets for 23 runs but was forced to leave the field after just 6.2 overs due to rib pain.

Pakistan’s Struggles in the Chase

Chasing a daunting 332-run target, Pakistan needed a strong start, but their top order failed to deliver. Fakhar Zaman was the lone warrior, playing an aggressive knock of 84 off 69 balls, featuring seven fours and four sixes. However, his dismissal left Pakistan’s middle order exposed, and no other batsman could capitalize.

Agha Salman (40 off 51 balls) and Tayyab Tahir (30 off 45 balls) tried to steady the innings, but the required run rate kept climbing. With wickets falling at regular intervals, Pakistan ended their innings at 254 for 9, falling short by 78 runs. Haris Rauf, who was unable to bat, further weakened Pakistan’s chances.

For New Zealand, Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner took three wickets each, while Michael Bracewell claimed two scalps, ensuring that Pakistan never got close to the target.

Social Media Reactions: Praise for Phillips, Criticism for Pakistani Bowlers

As expected, cricket fans took to social media to share their reactions. Glenn Phillips was widely praised for his explosive innings, with even Indian cricket fans expressing concerns about his ability to change a game in the final overs.

However, Pakistani fans were deeply frustrated with their team’s bowling performance. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s final two overs, where he conceded 42 runs, became a major talking point. One user noted, “This is a worrying sign before the Champions Trophy. Our bowlers are losing their edge at the worst possible time.”

Another fan humorously remarked, “Pakistani bowlers took a beating as if it was a good deed.” This sentiment was echoed across social media, where many pointed out that Pakistan’s bowling unit, once feared, now seems inconsistent and vulnerable.

Naseem Shah also came under fire, with fans questioning his lack of impact since returning from injury. One user commented, “Naseem Shah is not the same bowler he used to be. He doesn’t look dangerous anymore.”

Haris Rauf’s injury was another worrying factor. Fans speculated about his fitness and how it might affect Pakistan’s campaign in upcoming tournaments.

What’s Next?

With this victory, New Zealand takes an early lead in the tri-series, while Pakistan will need to reassess their bowling strategies before their next match. The third team in the tournament, South Africa, will face New Zealand on Monday, while Pakistan’s next match is against South Africa on February 12.

As the tournament progresses, Pakistan must address its bowling woes and find a way to regain momentum. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, the team cannot afford more performances like this if they want to compete with the best.

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Sports

Pakistan and New Zealand Set for Dress Rehearsal Ahead of Champions Trophy in Tri-Nation Series Clash

February 7, 2025 by NOK Desk

Rival captains Mohammad Rizwan and Mitchell Santner said on Friday that Pakistan and New Zealand’s weekend clash in a tri-nation series will be a dress rehearsal for their Champions Trophy showdown.

Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa will play a warm-up series ending on February 14 before the eight-team Champions Trophy starts five days later.

“We have the best choice of players so it is an important series and the best preparation for the bigger event, the Champions Trophy,” Pakistan skipper Rizwan told reporters ahead of Saturday’s match in Lahore.

Defending champions Pakistan have suffered a poor record in all formats of cricket in recent years, but their performance has piqued somewhat recently.

They hope to carry forward a winning momentum since Rizwan took the reins in November and they won their first series in Australia in more than two decades by a 2-1 margin.They have also beat Zimbabwe and inflicted the first-ever home whitewash on South Africa in December.
Pakistan and New Zealand will also play the opening match of the Champions Trophy in Karachi, kicking off a tournament due to end on March 9.

“I think it’s good prep for us as we are playing a game against Pakistan in similar conditions to probably what we’re going to face in Karachi,” Santner said.

The visiting skipper said his team “have got good fast bowling stock raring to go”, including veteran pacers Tim Southee and Trent Boult, as well as newcomers.

Boult and Southee share 432 ODI wickets between them and last played ODIs for New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup held in India.

The current team has Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, Matt Henry and Nathan Smith with extra frontline pacer Lockie Ferguson recovering from injury and unlikely to play on Saturday.

New Zealand will take on South Africa in the second match, also in Lahore, on Monday before the hosts play South Africa in Karachi on February 12 with a finale staged two days later.Santner, who took over New Zealand’s white-ball captaincy last year, said the Champions Trophy would be “at the back of the mind” of his players on Saturday.

J&K CM Omar Abdullah Meets Proud Sportspersons Umar Ashraf and Suhail Ahmad

February 7, 2025 by NOK Desk

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today met Umar Ashraf and Suhail Ahmad Proud Sportspersons from Jammu and Kashmir.

Omar Abdullah Shared a post on Instagram, “This Morning I met Mr Umar Ashraf and Mr Suhail Ahmad proud sportspersons from j&K .Their dedication, resilience, and recent victory in Sri Lanka as part of the India Deaf Cricket team are truly commendable.”

“Celebrating their success, which serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across J&K. Wishing them continued achievements and greater milestones ahead.” he added.

Sports

ICC Announces Match Officials for 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan and UAE

February 5, 2025 by NOK Desk

The International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed a list of 15 Match Officials for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan and United Arab Emirates, starting February 19.

The tournament will take place in four iconic venues: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan, and Dubai in the UAE from February 19 to March 9. A distinguished panel of 12 umpires will officiate the 8-team event, as per ICC.

This includes six returning officials from the 2017 edition, including Richard Kettleborough, who stood in the final of the previous Champions Trophy in the UK. Kettleborough, a veteran of 108 Men’s ODIs, will be joined by fellow umpires Chris Gaffaney, Kumar Dharmasena, Richard Illingworth, Paul Reiffel, and Rod Tucker, who also officiated in the 2017 tournament.

Dharmasena will be extending his stint of officiating 132 ODIs at the upcoming tournament, a record for an umpire from Sri Lanka in the One-Day format.

Kettleborough and Illingworth, who both stood together during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad, They are joined by Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Ahsan Raza, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Alex Wharf, and Joel Wilson, all of whom officiated at the World Cup in India.

The panel of match referees will be led by David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle, and Andrew Pycroft, all esteemed members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Boon officiated the 2017 Champions Trophy final, while Madugalle returns after officiating the 2013 final, and Pycroft also featured in the 2017 tournament.

Sean Easey, ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees, commented as quoted by ICC:

“We are pleased to announce this highly credentialed team of match officials for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. Their collective expertise and experience will be invaluable in ensuring the tournament runs smoothly.”

“We always strive to appoint the most deserving officials for such prestigious events, and we are confident that this group will do an outstanding job in both Pakistan and the UAE. We wish them all the best for a memorable tournament.” he also added.

Match Officials: Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Ahsan Raza, Paul Reiffel, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Rodney Tucker, Alex Wharf, Joel Wilson.Match Referees: David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft. (ANI)