Sports

Macarton Louis Nickson Earns First Call-Up for Upcoming Bangladesh Match

Published

9 months ago

March 23, 2025

Midfielder Macarton Louis Nickson of NorthEast United has received his first call-up to the Indian national team ahead of their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying match against Bangladesh.

Having recently turned 21 on March 19, Macarton has been pivotal in helping NorthEast secure a spot in the Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs, marking the club’s first advancement since 2020.

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Macarton joined the Highlanders in 2023 from FC Bengaluru United and had a breakthrough season last year, appearing in 14 matches.

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Originally from Karnataka, Macarton was part of NorthEast’s victorious Durand Cup squad last summer and has secured his position in the starting lineup. This season, the defensive midfielder has played 20 matches, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

His selection comes after star midfielder Brandon Fernandes was ruled out due to injury following India’s commanding 3-0 victory over the Maldives, with Udanta Singh stepping in as his replacement.

In the recent match against the Maldives, veteran defender Rahul Bheke (34’) and Player of the Match Liston Colaco (66’) found the net with powerful headers from corner kicks, while skipper Sunil Chhetri celebrated his 95th international goal, converting a Colaco cross with a quick header in the 76th minute.

This victory marked a much-needed end to India’s 15-month international winless streak and was their first under Spanish coach Manolo Márquez. The Blue Tigers are set to face Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers at the same venue on March 25.

The atmosphere at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, hosting its first senior men’s international match, was electric as legendary striker Chhetri made his return to the national team after 286 days, playing in his 152nd match.

India will take on Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers at the same venue on March 25.

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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.