New Delhi, July 1 (IANS) The T20 World Cup 2024 final’s ‘Player of the Match’ Virat Kohli certainly bowed out on a high from the T20I format of the game. He ended his international career in the format with the most runs of any player at Men’s T20 World Cups (1,292 runs) between 2012 and 2024, in 33 innings across 35 matches.

After delivering a match-winning knock for his team of 76 runs against South Africa in the final which led India to a seven-run victory, Kohli hung his boot from the T20I format ending his T20I career as India’s second-highest run-scorer in the format, through 4188 runs in 125 games at an average of 48.69 and strike rate of 137.04.

As he stepped back from representing India in T20 internationals, it’s a fine time to look back at some of his superlative performances in T20 World Cups.

78 not out vs Pakistan, 2012

In a memorable match in Colombo during the Super Eights, Kohli scored an unbeaten 78 off 61 balls, forming a vital third-wicket partnership with Yuvraj Singh to secure an eight-wicket win for India. Kohli’s all-round skills shone as he also contributed with the ball, taking 1/21, earning him the Player of the Match award.

72 not out vs South Africa, 2014

The 2014 semifinal against South Africa was a stage set for Kohli. Chasing a target of 173, he hit 72 off 43 balls, including five fours and two sixes, steering India to the final. Despite India finishing as runners-up, Kohli was named Player of the Tournament, having scored the most runs with 319 to his credit.

82 not out vs Australia, 2016

In Mohali, Kohli once again showcased his mastery in run-chases. With India needing 161 but teetering at 49/3, Kohli anchored the innings. As the chase reached a critical point, India required 39 from the final 18 balls. Kohli delivered, hitting 32 off 11 balls, leading India to a Super 10 stage win.

82 not out vs Pakistan, 2022

In a thrilling Super 12 match at the MCG, Kohli proved he never knows when he’s beaten. With India struggling at 31/4 while chasing a target of 160, Kohli partnered with Hardik Pandya to orchestrate an unlikely victory on the final ball. His unbeaten 82 off 53 balls captivated the crowd and secured a memorable win for India.

76 vs South Africa, 2024

Kohli saved his best for last, signing off with a match-winning performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. Despite an ambivalent form earlier in the tournament, he stepped up to hit 76 off 59 balls, earning yet another Player of the Match award.

His knock was instrumental in India clinching the T20 World Cup title by seven runs, marking a fitting end to his illustrious T20I career.

–IANS

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New Delhi, July 1 (IANS) China’s 17-year-old shuttler Zhang Zhi Jie passed away after collapseing in court during a match against Japan’s Kazuma Kawano at the Asian Junior Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Zhang was rushed to the hospital immediately but any attempt to help him went in vain as he passed away at 11:20 PM local time on Sunday night.

Following the devastating news, ace Indian shuttler PV Sindhu paid her respect for the ‘remarkable talent’.

“Absolutely heartbreaking news coming from the Junior Asian Badminton Championships about the loss of young badminton player Zhang Zhi Jie. I offer my deepest condolences to Zhang’s family during this devastating time. The world has lost a remarkable talent today,” read the post by Sindhu on X.

A moment of silence was held at the tournament on Monday with the Chinese contingent wearing black armbands in his honour. Zhang joined China’s national youth squad last year.

Earlier this year, he won the singles title at the prestigious Dutch Junior International young competition.

“China’s Zhang Zhijie, a singles player, collapsed on the court during a match in the evening.He was sent to the hospital where he passed away at 23:20 local time yesterday. He was attended to by the tournament doctor and medical team. He was taken in the standby ambulance in less than two minutes and sent to hospital. The world of badminton has lost a talented player,” read a joint statement by the Badminton Asia and the Badminton Association of Indonesia on Monday.

“Zhang Zhijie loved badminton and was an outstanding athlete of the national youth badminton team. At present the local hospital has not yet identified the cause of death,” Chinese Badminton Association said in a statement.

–IANS

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New Delhi, July 1 (IANS) The Round of 16 stage is on in full swing in the 2024 European Championship as Switzerland, Germany, England and Spain have already booked four of the eight spots in the quarterfinals.

France will be gearing up to take on a feisty Belgian side in their matchup. Les Blues have only scored two goals in three games with no goal coming from open play, one being an own goal and the other a penalty. Belgium on the other hand scraped through to the net round after all four teams of Group E ended the Group Stage with four points to their name.

Portugal, on the other hand, will take on Slovenia, a side they lost to in friendlies in March. Slovenia has been in top notch form, they have only lost one game in the past 15 games which was the 2-1 loss against Denmark in the group stage of the tournament.

A win for both Portugal and France would see the two face each other in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

The Copa America, on the other hand, is nearing the completion of it’s Group Stages and all attention will be on USA as they get ready to face the record holders of the competition, 15-time champions Uruguay.

The hosts won their opening encounter against Bolivia but were awarded a red card in the opening 20 minutes of their second game against Panama which saw them lose 2-1.

If the USA were to lose against Uruguay, only Panama losing against Bolivia would keep the hosts in the tournament.

Euro 2024 schedule-

France vs Belgium 9:30 PM IST

Portugal vs Slovenia 12:30 AM IST

Copa America 2024

Bolivia vs Panama 6:30 AM IST

United States of America vs Uruguay 6:30 AM IST.

–IANS

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New Delhi, July 1 (IANS) Vancouver Knights have appointed Mohammad Rizwan as their captain for the GT20 Canada 2024, opting for his leadership over that of Babar Azam.

“The Vancouver Knights have chosen their captain for GT20 Season 4: Sir Mohammad Rizwan. With his exceptional batting skills and sharp wicketkeeping, he’s ready to lead us to victory. Get ready, Knights!” GT20 Canada franchise said in a statement.

While Rizwan has never captained Pakistan at the international level, he has led Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Babar, on the other hand, currently leads Pakistan’s national team and Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL.

The Knights’ squad includes four Pakistani cricketers: Rizwan, Babar Azam, veteran fast bowler Mohammad Amir, and middle-order batter Asif Ali. The team is also bolstered by international players like Dwaine Pretorius, Sandeep Lamichhane, Dipendra Singh Airee, Paul van Meekeren, and Ruben Trumpelmann.

The season four of the league is scheduled from July 25 to August 11 in the city of Brampton.

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Frankfurt, July 1 (IANS) Portugal and Slovenia will be facing off at the Deutsche Bank Park on Monday as both sides will be hoping to progress to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals. The two teams previously met for a friendly in March which Slovenia won 2-0.

Ahead of the highly awaited game, Bruno Fernandes spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo’s importance in the side and how he always puts the team ahead of him.

“For Cristiano Ronaldo, the most important thing is for the team to succeed. For him (passing to Fernandes against Turkey) was the best decision at the moment but if he had taken a shot, we would have had the same result,” said Bruno Fernandes to reporters in the pre-game conference.

Slovenia has been in top notch form, they have only lost one game in the past year which constituted 15 games which was the loss against Denmark in the group stage of the tournament.

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez spoke on the difficult opposition that lays ahead labeling the game as a ‘do or die’, situation.

“It’s do or die. It’s not easy to play at a Euros but we are prepared. Slovenia are very well organised and competitive and we need to be at our best. This tournament starts now. Portugal is fresh and we’re ready,” said Head Coach Martinez

“We want to win every single game so that means reaching the final and winning the final. No team wants to go home early, least of all Portugal because we are aware of our quality. We had a friendly when they beat us and this needs to put us on our toes. They had a great defence but we need to find solutions,” added Manchester United captain Fernandes.

–IANS

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