Sports

Ngidi Expresses Relief After Taking Smith’s Key Wicket in WTC Final

Published

1 year ago

June 14, 2025

After a slow start in the ICC World Test Championship Final, South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi burst into action during the second innings at Lord’s, putting his team in a strong position against Australia by the conclusion of Day 2.

The 29-year-old, who struggled on Day 1, made a significant impact on Day 2 with three essential wickets, including the key dismissal of Steve Smith for 13—a moment Ngidi views as one of the highlights of his career.

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“Given the significance of the match, that wicket was probably the best I could have gotten,” Ngidi shared with ICC Digital.

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“Having faced challenges in the first innings, securing that wicket was monumental for me. The relief I felt is hard to describe.”

Ngidi’s dismissal of Smith marked the beginning of an impressive spell. He followed it up by getting rid of the dangerous Beau Webster, causing Australia to falter and finish Day 2 at 144/8 with a mere 218-run lead.

In the first innings, Ngidi’s performance was overshadowed by his teammates Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, who collectively took eight out of ten wickets. Ngidi ended up with modest figures of 0/45 from eight overs and acknowledged the pressure he had placed on himself.

“I probably tried to accomplish too much too soon, which led to leaking runs and putting myself under pressure,” he explained.

“Watching my teammates excel in the first innings, I wanted to maintain that momentum.” A timely conversation with the coach helped him to refocus.

“In Test cricket, you have two opportunities as a bowler. The coach advised me to focus on my game and not dwell on past performances—‘This is your moment. Make it count when you have the ball.’”

This shift in perspective proved beneficial as Ngidi rediscovered his rhythm and executed his plans effectively.

“The first innings didn’t go as expected, but once I found my rhythm from the other end, I knew I was hitting the right spots and that the wicket still had some assistance. I felt confident that would lead to a dismissal,” he reflected.

“I executed my plans well, which made me very happy.”

Ngidi’s inspired spell reignited belief within the Proteas, even after conceding a first-innings lead of 74 runs.

“We’re excited about our position,” he said.

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Sports

Suresh Raina Opposes IPL Impact Player Rule

Published

1 day ago

September 5, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Former Chennai Super Kings player Suresh Raina has opposed the Impact Player rule in the IPL.

Raina said the rule gives batters an extra advantage and puts more pressure on bowlers. He noted that teams are now scoring 200-plus runs more frequently, with some even approaching the 300-run mark.

“Bowlers have nothing left,” Raina said, adding that the rule has made their job much harder.

Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and several other players have also criticised the rule.

The Impact Player rule allows teams to replace one player during a match with a batter or bowler, depending on the situation. The rule was first tested in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before being introduced in the IPL in 2023.

Sports

Messi Announces Retirement from International Football

Published

5 days ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football legend and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39.

Messi shared the emotional decision through a post on Instagram. He said that the decision was painful but felt that it was the right time to step away from the national team.

His retirement came after Argentina’s defeat against Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina lost the final 1-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

Messi had led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. Argentina defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final held in Doha, Qatar.

Messi made his international debut for Argentina in August 2005. During his remarkable international career, he played 207 matches and scored 125 goals for his country.

He also appeared in six FIFA World Cups and became one of the greatest players in the history of football.

Messi’s retirement marks the end of a glorious international career that spanned more than two decades. His decision has left football fans around the world emotional.

Entertainment

Cristiano Ronaldo Marries Longtime Partner Georgina Rodriguez

Published

3 weeks ago

August 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has married his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, in a private ceremony.

Ronaldo reportedly tied the knot with Georgina on Tuesday, August 11. The couple surprised fans by sharing an official wedding photo on social media.

The picture shows Ronaldo and Georgina holding hands while wearing their wedding rings. The couple appeared happy as they marked the special occasion.

The wedding took place in Cascais, a picturesque coastal town near Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. The ceremony was kept extremely private, with only their five children reportedly attending the occasion.

Ronaldo and Georgina first met in Madrid in 2016. They have been together for nearly a decade.

The couple has five children: Cristiano Jr., twins Eva and Mateo, Alana Martina, and Bella Esmeralda.

Ronaldo is one of the most decorated footballers in the world. He has scored a record 146 goals for Portugal in international football and has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award five times.

He recently represented Portugal at the FIFA World Cup, making it the sixth World Cup of his career. At club level, Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

He is expected to return to action when the new domestic season begins on Saturday.