Category: 6. Sports

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj claimed six wickets on Day 3 of the second Test match against England, including his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket, after England’s Harry Brook and Jamie Smith put up a 300-run partnership. During Siraj’s post-match interview with BCCI, fellow squad member Arshdeep Singh interjected with a playful comment about Siraj’s famous dialogue needing an update. Arshdeep Singh interrupted the interview with a lighthearted remark, suggesting a modification to Siraj’s well-known statement. “Brother, there is a dialogue change. I only believe in myself and Jassi bhai,” Arshdeep Singh said at the beginning of the interview. The Indian bowling attack saw the emergence of Akash Deep, who supported Siraj effectively in India’s first bowling innings. Akash Deep secured four wickets but fell short of achieving his maiden five-wicket haul by one wicket. Siraj revealed his willingness to help his bowling partner achieve the milestone. “Akash Deep was waiting for his opportunity, and he showed his hunger today. I really enjoyed bowling with him. I enjoy responsibility and it is good that I did well today,” Siraj said. In a display of camaraderie, Siraj disclosed his attempt to assist Akash Deep in reaching the five-wicket milestone. “I would have loved if Akash Deep would have taken a five-wicket haul today. Your first 5-wicket haul is special. I told him that I would bowl 4 balls away from the stump to give him the best chance at taking 5, but he said no,” Siraj explained.

The match situation at the end of Day 3 saw India in a commanding position with a lead of 244 runs. KL Rahul and Karun Nair remained at the crease, looking to navigate through the morning session without losing wickets.

England’s approach to the final innings has been made clear, as they intend to pursue any target set by India. The Indian team aims to establish a competitive score that would keep England engaged in the chase during the final phase of play. The partnership between Brook and Smith proved significant for England, as they accumulated 300 runs together before Siraj’s intervention brought India back into the contest. Siraj’s six-wicket haul demonstrated his crucial role in India’s bowling attack.Quiz: Who’s that IPL player? Akash Deep’s performance in his bowling spell showcased his potential and readiness to contribute at the Test level. His four-wicket haul, though falling short of the five-wicket mark, indicated his capabilities in the longest format of the game. The day’s play highlighted the competitive nature of the Test match, with both teams showing determination. India’s position at the end of Day 3, with a substantial lead and wickets in hand, sets up an intriguing conclusion to the match. The interaction between Siraj and Arshdeep Singh during the interview reflected the positive atmosphere within the Indian team. Their exchange, coupled with Siraj’s willingness to help Akash Deep achieve a milestone, demonstrated the team’s supportive environment.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and elected to bat first in the second one-day international against Sri Lanka at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday.

Sri Lanka won the first match by 77 runs and is looking to take an unassailable lead in the three-match series.

Bangladesh will look to avoid another collapse after losing seven wickets for five runs in the first match.

Sri Lanka made two changes by bringing in spin bowling allrounder Dunith Wellalage and fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera in place of Milan Rathnayake and Eshan Malinga.

Bangladesh brought in allrounder Shamim Hossain and fast bowler Hasan Mahmud for Litton Das and Taskin Ahmed. Jaker Ali will be wicketkeeper for Bangladesh in place of Das.

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Lineups: Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (captain), Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando.

Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Shamim Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Tanzim Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

Lauren James: England’s ‘cheat code’

Two years ago, Olympics.com asked the question: Is Lauren James England’s next breakout star?

The answer was, quite comfortably, yes.

Her inclusion in the 23-player roster for EURO 2025 was thrown into question at the back end of the domestic season when she picked up an injury. Much to the relief of fans, James was named in the squad.

Any doubts over her inclusion were soon dismissed when James made a 30-minute appearance, in which she bagged an assist, in the Lionesses’ 7-0 thumping of Jamaica before jetting off to Switzerland.

James’s availability is a game-changer for the England camp.

She is a supreme footballer with bags of ability despite being just 23. The ball seems to act as a companion as opposed to an object when she’s in possession, gliding across the pitch and brushing off competitors with ease.

The Chelsea forward is one of those players that can change the game in an instant, a moment of magic out of nowhere to turn it on its head. A difference maker.

It has been acknowledged by national team captain Leah Williamson previously, the defender telling BBC Sport: “I think she’s a cheat code.

“I enjoy being on the same team as her. The girl is incredible.”

Make no mistake, football is a team game, and no single player is responsible for winning trophies.

When you have one that possesses the ability of James, though, being successful in the pursuit of said trophies becomes a whole lot easier.

LAUSANNE (Switzerland) – AJ Dybantsa came to Lausanne on a mission – winning the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2025 to become a back-to-back FIBA youth world champion.

The projected number 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft has United States just two wins from that goal thanks to an amazing all-around game and great off-court personality.

USA thus far has been challenged only twice, and both times Dybantsa has been there to shine for the team.
In the opening game against Australia, the Americans were never really able to fully put them away and Dybantsa collected 18 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. But most importantly, he was a menace driving to the basket, converting 12 of 15 free throws.

Dybantsa played his usual versatile game in the next three games with limited minutes on the floor, picking his spots and scoring 16 points against France and Cameroon and then totaling 7 points in 12 minutes in a blowout of Jordan in the Round of 16.

But USA were faced with a major challenge against Canada and Dybantsa was there for his best game of the tournament: 22 points on 5 of 8 shots and 12 of 13 free throws, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in a 108-102 win.

The 18-year-old himself is strictly business off the court with the media. He answers journalists’ questions but is short and to the point.

“It’s a blessing to be here and represent my country,” he said about being back on the global stage after taking the title at the FIBA U17 World Cup 2024. “It’s not any different, it’s the same mission. Gold, I’m only here for gold.”

Instead of pressing for more information from Dybantsa, why not let the people around him in Lausanne speak about him?

“He’s a world class talent but he’s also a world class teammate. He does a really good job playing through the team concept. He’s really not trying to play for himself. So that’s been really refreshing,” USA head coach Tommy Lloyd said about Dybantsa.

And when asked about what impresses him most about the guard, Lloyd added: “Amazing physical ability, good IQ, willingness to play within the team concept. I dont know if he is necessarily trying to come here and trying to be the leading scorer. I just think he’s trying to make sure USA comes out on top in the end.”

Daniel Jacobsen is playing with Dybantsa for the first time as the big man is part of the 2006-born generation, which played the FIBA U18 AmeriCup 2024 last summer.

“I think he’s a great player. Obviously he can do it all on the court. But more importantly he’s a really good teammate. He’s able to share the ball, especially with a star-studded team. He can play more of a role. He’s been awesome so far.”

Morez Johnson also played with the U18 team last summer and is teaming up with him for the first time on a USA squad.

“I don’t think AJ is worried about any pressure. That is important. The game is still a game at the end of the day. You can’t worry about that. And he’s handling that very well,” Johnson said.

And what about Dybantsa off the court?

“He’s a very vocal guy. He’s a leader by example and he talks. That is very important that you talk to the guys. A lot of guys are shy when they are around other good players – not AJ,” Johnson added.

Dybantsa is one of seven players in Lausanne who were on the USA team at last summer’s FIBA U17 World Cup.

“Obviously he’s gotten better. He’s shooting the ball better and he gets to his spots. People can’t guard him so you have to foul him. He’s getting to the free throw line at a higher rate,” said Caleb Holt about the difference between last summer and this one.

“AJ is great. Everybody knows he’s a team player and he can get a bucket. AJ’s the number one player in the country for a reason.”

Tyran Stokes got to know Dybantsa well after playing with him the entire 2023-24 season in high school and the AAU circuit and then last summer in Istanbul with USA Basketball. Dybantsa transferred high schools for this past season and Stokes sees a difference.

“I got to watch him day and night in the gym. I could see he has a great work ethic and great motor. Him being at Utah Prep and being out of the way really helped him a lot. He was able to lock in on what he was able to do, which is get better and stay in the gym. And I can really see that translate, especially from the high school level to the FIBA level,” Stokes said.

Another teammate from the U17 national team with Dybantsa against is JJ Mandaquit, who played with him this past season at Utah Prep.

“He’s grown a lot from a leadership standpoint, from his game. Obviously his shooting has gotten a lot better, but also the leadership part – making sure everybody stays together and plays the right way,” Mandaquit said.

And when asked how he shows that leadership, Mandaquit answered: “He jokes around a lot and dances. He’s always posting videos on TikTok. He gets our team going in the locker room with the music and dancing.”

Going back to Dybantsa himself, the dynamic guard said his experience in Türkiye helped him know what to expect in Lausanne.

“Just playing together. We’re kind of unbeatable with all the talent we have. So we just have to play together,” Dybantsa said.

And having that U17 core back is a benefit for the whole team, he says, adding: “It’s better for us because we have good chemistry.”

Mikel Brown also talked about Dybantsa and said he’s a big part of the team’s success.

“I am blessed to have the opportunity to play alongside him in this tournament. He does a little bit of everything. He’s kind of a Swiss army knife,” said Brown, who was a member of the U18 team last summer.

“AJ keeps it simple. He’s very unselfish and he wants the best for his teammates. That’s something that people don’t always see. He’s always being a good teammate.”

A good teammate who makes a great team even greater.

FIBA

Meanwhile, India’s Aryaveer Dewan claimed the boys’ U17 Asian junior squash title after defeating Malaysian top seed Nickhileswar Moganasundharam 3-0 (11-5, 11-8, 11-3) in the age-group final.

Two more Indian players – Ayaan Dhanuka in boys’ U13 and Saanvi Kalanki in girls’ U15 – had to settle for silver medals after losing in their respective finals.

Saanvi lost 3-0 (11-4, 11-6, 12-10) to Malaysia’s Jinoreeka Ning in her age group final, while Ayaan lost 3-1 (11-5, 11-2, 11-13, 11-6) to top-seeded Pakistani player Muhammad Sohail Adnan in the title clash.

Amarya Bajaj (boys’ U13), Aryaman Singh (boys’ U15) and Anika Dubey (girls’ U17) also clinched bronze medals from the continental meet by making the semi-finals of their respective events.

Squash is all set to make its Olympic debut at LA 2028.

Japan stormed back in the second half to beat Wales 24-19 on Kyushu Island on Saturday, extending the visitors’ record losing streak to 18 Test matches.

Japan were 19-7 down at the break before two second half tries saw them come back to overhaul the deficit.

Both sides scored three tries in an error-strewn clash at the Mikuni World Stadium, where Wales were hoping to end 18 months of misery, having last won a match at the 2023 Rugby World Cup against Georgia.

They looked to be well on course to break their drought at the break but fell apart in the second half as Japan rallied for the narrow victory.

Japan fullback Takuro Matsunaga scored in the first half, while his replacement Ichigo Nakakusu and fellow substitute Halatoa Vailea went over for two more tries.

All were converted by Lee Seungsin, who also kicked a penalty.

The tourists’ points came in the first half, with Ben Thomas and Tom Rogers going over, and Wales also awarded a penalty try. Sam Costelow kicked just one conversion.

Welsh rugby is seeking to rebuild after plunging to a new low in a 68-14 defeat to England in their final Six Nations game in March, but the loss in Japan is a further blow. They will now drop to 14th in the world rankings.

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