Sports

AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Hong Kong Hands India Disappointment with Last-Minute Goal

Published

7 months ago

June 11, 2025

The Indian national football team suffered a 1-0 loss to Hong Kong during the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at Kowloon’s Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday. A last-minute penalty from Stefan Pereira earned the home team all three points, leaving the Blue Tigers with just one point from two matches, while Hong Kong advanced to four points.

With both teams eager to bounce back after dropping points in their opening matches, the game was marked by urgency and offensive play. The initial moments featured thrilling end-to-end action, although neither team managed to create a significant scoring opportunity.

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In the 25th minute, Hong Kong’s Raphael Lee tested Indian goalkeeper Vishal Kaith with a long-range shot, but Kaith stood firm. Liston Colaco responded with an attempt from afar, which was easily gathered by the opposing keeper.

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Anwar Ali made a vital interception around the half-hour mark, perfectly timing his tackle at the edge of the box to thwart a dangerous Hong Kong advance. Had he failed to connect, it could have posed serious problems for the Blue Tigers.

India’s best opportunity of the half came in the 35th minute when Brandon Fernandes intercepted the ball near the halfway line. He then sent Liston Colaco through to Ashique, but the forward couldn’t keep his shot on target from close range.

Right before halftime, Hong Kong nearly capitalized when Juninho attempted a swift free-kick to catch the Indian defense off guard, but they reacted promptly to avert any danger. Both teams went into the break with the score at 0-0.

Five minutes into the second half, Ashique found himself in another favorable position, but his half-turn shot went wide. In the 57th minute, he was replaced by Sunil Chhetri after appearing to struggle with discomfort, while Naorem Mahesh Singh came on for Brandon Fernandes.

Minutes later, Wangjam lost possession in a risky area, giving Manuel Rodriguez a chance on goal, but Kaith was able to tip his shot over the crossbar for a corner.

In the 80th minute, Mahesh and Chhetri linked up well, with Chhetri providing a through ball to Liston Colaco, who missed the target. Just moments later, Lallianzuala Chhangte made a strong run and set up Chhetri, whose shot was blocked by Leon Jones for another corner.

The turning point came in the first minute of injury time when Kaith conceded a penalty. Pereira stepped up to take the shot, which brushed against the inside of the post before finding the back of the net, sealing the victory for Hong Kong.

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Sports

Storm in the First Over: RCB Create New WPL Record

Published

2 days ago

January 17, 2026

Namma Kudla

Royal Challengers Bengaluru created history in the Women’s Premier League by scoring the highest number of runs in the first over of a match. RCB scored a massive 23 runs in the opening over, setting a new WPL record.

This historic moment took place during the match against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Gujarat Giants bowler Renuka Singh Thakur conceded 23 runs in the first over, making it the most expensive opening over in WPL history.

Renuka began the over with a wide delivery. The ball went past the wicketkeeper and crossed the boundary, resulting in five runs. RCB batter Grace Harris then took charge of the over. She smashed four consecutive boundaries, putting the Gujarat Giants under pressure.

During the over, Renuka Singh bowled two more wides, adding extra runs to the total. On the final delivery of the over, Grace Harris struck another boundary. This completed a dramatic and record-breaking first over for RCB.

With this, Renuka Singh Thakur recorded the most expensive first over ever bowled in the Women’s Premier League. The previous record was held by Tanuja Kanwar. She had conceded 21 runs in the first over while playing for Gujarat Giants against Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season.

In the same match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru batted first and put up a strong total. RCB scored 182 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. The team showed aggressive batting throughout the innings.

Gujarat Giants chased the target but failed to keep up with the required run rate. They were bowled out for 150 runs in 18.5 overs. As a result, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the match by 32 runs.

This victory strengthened RCB’s position in the tournament and added a historic achievement to the Women’s Premier League records.

Sports

Historic Test Debut in Guwahati as South Africa Reach 247/6 on Day 1

Published

2 months ago

November 23, 2025

Namma Kudla

On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.

South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.

India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.

The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.

Sports

India A Post 297/4 as Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes 144 Off 42 Balls

Published

2 months ago

November 14, 2025

Namma Kudla

India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.

Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.

India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.