Sports
RPL Season 1: Chennai Bulls Top the Table as Bengaluru Bravehearts Secure Dominant Victory Over Kalinga Black Tigers
On a rainy Monday at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex, both the Chennai Bulls and the Bengaluru Bravehearts delivered impressive performances, securing significant victories in Season 1 of the Rugby Premier League.
The Chennai Bulls triumphed over the Mumbai Dreamers for the second consecutive day, leading the points table with two wins, while the Bravehearts secured second place with one win and one draw.
—
In the day’s opening match, the Bengaluru Bravehearts showcased excellent form, defeating the Kalinga Black Tigers with a score of 35-10.
—
The Bravehearts faced a challenging start, falling behind in the first quarter to a try from Lucas Lacamp of the Kalinga Black Tigers. However, they swiftly turned the game around, with Philip Wokorach scoring two tries, complemented by one try each from Akuila Rokolisoa, Iowane Teba, and Mohit Khatri.
Despite the Kalinga Black Tigers struggling to convert their kicks, the Bravehearts successfully converted, earning an extra ten points. The kickers for the Bravehearts were Philip Wokorach, Iowane Teba (three kicks), and Akuila Rokolisoa, leading to their comfortable victory. The Bravehearts remain unbeaten after two matches, having drawn their first before this win.
In the second match of the day, the Chennai Bulls faced the Mumbai Dreamers and won decisively with a score of 31-17. The Bulls quickly took control, maintaining a steady lead over their opponents. Although the Dreamers attempted a comeback in the final quarter, the Bulls effectively countered, sealing their victory in the closing minutes.
For the Bulls, Vaafauese Maliko and Joseva Talacolo each scored two tries, while Filipe Sauturaga contributed another try. Joaquin Pellandini had two opportunities to kick, and Filipe Sauturaga added two more points to the scoreline.
The Dreamers managed tries from Waisea Nacuqu, James Turner, and Briar Barron, with Waisea Nacuqu successfully converting one kick. Unfortunately, the Dreamers have now lost both of their matches, while the Bulls have secured victories in both of their outings.
—
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.
READ MORE: Mandya: Wedding Preparations End in Tragedy
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.
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.
READ MORE :Six Killed in Separate Accidents in Andhra Pradesh
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.
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.
READ MORE : Chennai: Man Dies After Ignoring Dog Bite
India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.
Gold Prices Edge Up in India on January 19, 2026
Husband Arrested for Killing Wife After Drunken Argument
Chicken Malai Tikka Remains a Favourite North Indian Appetizer
Meet Bubu and Dudu: The Adorable Cartoon Couple Captivating Hearts Around the Globe!
“Hidden Love” Spin-Off “The First Frost” Now Streaming on Netflix
