Sports

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, and New Zealand’s Journey to Recapture the Magic of 2000

Published

1 year ago

March 9, 2025

Stephen Fleming. Nathan Astle. Scott Styris. These names are forever linked to New Zealand’s historic victory in the men’s white-ball tournament. The Black Caps’ exhilarating four-wicket win over India in the 2000 Champions Trophy final in Kenya is not just a milestone but a moment that ignited passion for cricket across a generation.

Fast forward 25 years, and a new generation of Black Caps is on the brink of repeating that success as they gear up to challenge India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final in Dubai. Among them is 32-year-old opener Will Young, who draws inspiration from his country’s most celebrated white-ball achievement, fueled by fond memories from his childhood.

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“Those iconic players in that squad were role models for many of us in this team,” Young remarked before the final.

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“It’s special to be aiming for the same goal 25 years later. I was just eight years old at that time, and it was when I first fell in love with cricket.”

The team maintains a strong connection to New Zealand’s cricketing heritage. Prior to their tournament journey, they held a special ceremony where Scott Styris, a key figure from 2000, recounted stories from that historic run.

“Acknowledging our past is important, as New Zealand has achieved this before. It’s about passing the baton, and we hope to replicate that success in a few days,” Young said.

“I am very aware of New Zealand’s achievements in that tournament, and it was exhilarating to watch them lift the trophy.”

This current New Zealand team, much like its predecessor, has relied on a formidable opening partnership in the UAE and Pakistan. Rachin Ravindra has already made an impact with two centuries, while Young set the tone with a spectacular hundred in the tournament opener against Pakistan.

Although they suffered a setback against India in the group stage at the same venue, Young believes that experience will be beneficial.

“There’s a lot we can analyze from that match, particularly as a batter, and I’m sure our bowlers took valuable insights into India’s batting approach as well,” he noted.

“It was a great chance to observe the style of cricket they’ll deliver, especially in these conditions. We’ll aim to adapt to the challenges we face on Sunday and trust that our skills and composure will guide us to victory.”

Now, on the brink of history, New Zealand has an opportunity to recreate the magic of 2000 and establish a new legacy.

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Entertainment

Cristiano Ronaldo Marries Longtime Partner Georgina Rodriguez

Published

1 day 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.

Sports

India Wins Two Silver Medals at Commonwealth Games

Published

2 weeks ago

July 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports:India added two more silver medals to its Commonwealth Games tally as Gulveer Singh and Harjinder Kaur delivered impressive performances.

Gulveer Singh created history by becoming the first Indian to win a medal in the men’s 10,000m event. He finished second with a time of 27:49.78, while Australia’s Kai Robinson won gold.

In weightlifting, Harjinder Kaur claimed the silver medal in the women’s 69kg category. The 29-year-old improved on her bronze medal from the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and earned India’s seventh weightlifting medal at the Games.

Sports

India Opens Medal Account at Commonwealth Games as Jhandu Kumar Wins Bronze

Published

3 weeks ago

July 25, 2026

Namma Kudla

Glasgow: India opened its medal account at the Commonwealth Games after para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar won the bronze medal in the men’s heavyweight event on Friday.

The 28-year-old athlete, who is affected by polio, delivered a strong performance in the competition. Jhandu successfully lifted 181 kg in his first attempt.

He then lifted 190 kg in his second attempt. He attempted 196 kg in his final lift but was unable to complete it.

He finished with a total of 130.9 points to secure the bronze medal. Nigeria’s Idris Rilwan won the gold medal with 132.8 points.

Great Britain’s Matthew Harding claimed the silver medal with 131 points. Another Indian athlete, Sudhir, finished sixth with 114.1 points in the same event.

Earlier on the opening day of the Games, Indian para powerlifter Ashok Malik narrowly missed a medal after finishing fourth.

Jhandu Kumar’s bronze medal gave India its first medal of the Commonwealth Games.