Sports

IWL 2024-25: Bala Devi’s Hat-Trick Leads Sribhumi FC to Victory Over Sethu FC

Published

9 months ago

March 17, 2025

India international Ngangom Bala Devi achieved a remarkable hat-trick as the home team, Sribhumi FC, triumphed over Sethu FC with a 3-2 victory in the Indian Women’s League 2024-25 at Bibhuti Bhushan Stadium on Sunday.

Bala Devi showcased her exceptional skills and experience, finding the net for Sribhumi in the 39th, 49th (penalty), and 65th minutes. This came after Sethu initially took the lead with a goal from Hadijah Nandago in the 37th minute. Although Lisham Babina Devi scored for Sethu in the 88th minute, it wasn’t enough to alter the match’s outcome.

—

With this victory, Sribhumi FC climbed to third place in the standings with 12 points from eight matches, while Sethu remained at 10 points after their eight matches.

—

The initial 30 minutes of the match were dominated by the home team. Sribhumi was so aggressive that Sethu was fortunate not to have conceded multiple goals early on.

Bala Devi’s dynamic presence in the Sribhumi attack put immense pressure on the Sethu defense, supported well by Rimpa Haldar and Mousumi Murmu on the wings. However, they struggled to convert their chances into goals.

Sethu, against the run of play, managed to take the lead in the 37th minute. Striker Malavika P delivered a cross into the box, and the Ugandan forward Hadijah Nandago headed it in skillfully.

Their happiness was short-lived. Just moments later, Sribhumi took advantage when Sethu goalkeeper Sarangthem Khambi Chanu deflected a long-range shot, allowing Bala Devi to slot home the rebound confidently.

Bala Devi’s brilliance did not end there. Just three minutes into the second half, she converted a penalty, netting her second goal.

Sethu overlooked their prior mistakes, allowing Bala Devi to remain unmarked during a corner in the 65th minute. This lapse allowed her to complete her hat-trick by chesting the ball into the net with ease.

—

Sports

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

Published

3 weeks 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

4 weeks 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.

Sports

Sri Lankan Players Express Security Fears in Pakistan, Board Urges Them to Stay

Published

1 month ago

November 13, 2025

Namma Kudla

Some Sri Lankan cricketers in Pakistan have asked to return home after a bomb blast in Islamabad killed 12 people on Wednesday. The team is currently playing a three-match ODI series in Rawalpindi, which is close to Islamabad.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a statement that it had spoken to the players and assured them of their safety. The board is working with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and local authorities to ensure full security.

SLC has directed all players and staff to continue the tour. It warned that if anyone still chooses to return, replacements will be sent and a review will be held later.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are also set to play a T20I tri-series with Zimbabwe from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore. PCB chief and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is overseeing the security arrangements for all three teams.