International
Nicholls blazes to century as New Zealand eye Test win vs South Africa
Henry Nicholls smashed his eighth Test century, while wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell hit a patient 96 as New Zealand took control of the opening Test against South Africa on Day 2, scoring a mammoth 482 in reply to the visitors’ first innings total of 95 at the Hagley Oval here on Friday.
The Proteas were staring at a massive defeat after being reduced to 34/3 at stumps on Day 2 in the second innings, with the Tom Latham-led Blackcaps still leading by 353 runs going into Day 3.
After leaving South Africa in a shambles, dismissing them for 95 in the first innings on Day 1, New Zealand finished their innings on 482 all out, taking a massive 387-run lead.
Starting the day at an overnight score of 116/3, Nicholls and night-watchman Neil Wagner (49) continued to pile on the Proteas’ misery. Wagner took the attack to Kagiso Rabada in the second over of the day, smashing the South African pace bowler for three consecutive boundaries.
Wagner brought up the 50-run stand in style with a maximum off Glenton Stuurman and dished out the same treatment to the debutant a few overs later. However, Wagner fell just one run short of a second Test half-century as he picked out the deep square leg with the flick.
Daryl Mitchell joined Nicholls and took the hosts to lunch at 235/4, adding 119 runs at nearly 4.5 runs an over. The Proteas struck through Stuurman, who dismissed Mitchell (16) to pick up his maiden Test wicket. Nicholls (105 off 163 balls) reached his eighth Test ton but couldn’t make it a big one, with Duanne Olivier drawing the outside edge to second slip.
Colin de Grandhomme, making his maiden Test appearance since the World Test Championship final in June last year, counterattacked after the two quick dismissals. With Tom Blundell firm at the crease, de Grandhomme smashed a 42-ball 45, which included five fours and a maximum with the part-time spin of Aiden Markram bringing his downfall.
New Zealand bettered their first session, scoring 121 runs in their second as they headed into tea at 356/7 with a lead of over 250. The hosts lost Kyle Jamieson and Tim Southee after the break. Between the two wickets, Blundell got to his half century and was kept company by Matt Henry. Having already stamped his authority with a seven-wicket haul in the first innings, Henry showed what he was capable of with the bat as smashed the bowlers to all parts.
With Blundell closing in on a hundred, Henry curbed his game but managed to get to a fifty of his own. Blundell, however, fell four runs short of a century as South African skipper Dean Elgar successfully reviewed a caught behind. New Zealand finished their innings on 482.
New Zealand then picked up three wickets before the close of play to torment South Africa further. Sarel Erwee was sent back for a duck before Henry scalped Elgar for the second time in the match. Markram’s wicket saw the Proteas reduced to 4/3 before Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen ensured that South Africa don’t suffer any more damage, taking the side to 34/3 at stumps.
Brief scores: South Africa 95 and 34/3 vs New Zealand 482 (Devon Conway 36, Henry Nicholls 105, Neil Wagner 49, Tom Blundell 96, Colin de Grandhomme 45, Matt Henry 58 not out; Duanne Olivier 3/100). New Zealand lead by 353 runs.
International
₹136 Crore Per Year To Luxury Suite At Training Ground: All About Kylian Mbappe’s Bumper Deal At Real Madrid
In a move that has captivated football enthusiasts worldwide, Kylian Mbappe has officially transferred from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid as of Tuesday.
This long-anticipated switch concludes months of speculation and excitement among fans.
Real Madrid’s Exciting Acquisition
Real Madrid announced on Monday that they had secured a deal with the French superstar for the next five seasons, merging one of football’s brightest talents with its most illustrious club.
This deal follows years of interest from Madrid, eager to bring in the player seen as the heir to Lionel Messi’s throne in the sport.
Financial Details of Mbappe’s Move
The 25-year-old Parisian will reportedly earn 15 million Euros net per season at Real Madrid, translating to over ₹136 crores annually. This figure breaks down to an impressive ₹2.6 crore per week.
While this is a significant reduction from the €75 million net per year he received at PSG, the shortfall will be offset by a massive signing bonus. The bonus, around €150 million, will be disbursed over the course of his contract.
Perks and Anticipated Debuts
Aside from his substantial salary, Mbappe will enjoy a private luxury suite at Real Madrid’s training facility and will sport the iconic No.9 jersey, previously worn by legendary striker Karim Benzema.
His anticipated debut for Real Madrid will occur during the preseason, with their first friendly against AC Milan at Soldier Field in Chicago on July 31.
His competitive debut is expected in the UEFA Super Cup, where Real Madrid will take on Europa League winners Atalanta in Warsaw, Poland, on August 14.
Mbappe’s Stellar PSG Legacy
Mbappe joined PSG from Monaco in 2017 for €180 million and has since become the club’s all-time leading scorer.
Throughout his seven-year tenure in Paris, he consistently demonstrated his scoring prowess, netting at least 30 goals in six of those seasons. His move to Real Madrid marks the next chapter in an already illustrious career, as he aims to further his legacy at one of the world’s most storied football clubs.
International
ENG vs ESP, Euro 2024 Final: Spain Become The 1st Four-Time Champions Of Europe After Beating England 2-1 In Berlin
Match Result:
Spain triumphed over England with a 2-1 victory in the Euro 2024 final, held in Berlin, becoming the first team to win the championship four times.
The match saw a tense first half ending goalless, but Spain took the lead shortly after the break. Williams Jr. netted the opener in the 47th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by England.
England fought back, with Palmer leveling the score in the 73rd minute, igniting hopes for the Three Lions. However, Spain maintained their pressure, and in the 86th minute, Oyarzabal clinched the winner with a decisive strike.
This historic win cements Spain’s status as Europe’s most successful team, while England’s wait for a major international trophy continues. The final was a showcase of high-quality football and strategic mastery, ultimately seeing Spain emerge as deserved champions.
This historic win cements Spain’s status as Europe’s most successful team, while England’s wait for a major international trophy continues. The final was a showcase of high-quality football and strategic mastery, ultimately seeing Spain emerge as deserved champions.
Preview of Euro 2024 Cup final:
A strong Spanish outfit will meet a pesky England side in the final of Euro 2024 final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Spain battled France and defeated them by 2-1 in the semi-final, while England overcame the Netherlands by the same margin.
However, it wasn’t without a contentious penalty call that went in England’s favour. Despite not starting the contest as favourites, England’s ability to hang in there could work against Spain, who are seeking a 4th Euro title. By contrast, England are yet to lift the trophy.
A crucial stat which is in favour of England is the head to head battle, which the former lead by 13-10 against Spain in 27 outings.
International
Violent Clash Erupts Between Rival Supporters During Argentina vs Brazil 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers has been marred in controversy as the match between Brazil and Argentina saw violent clashes between rival supporters before the start of it. The high-profile fixture had to be delayed by 30 minutes as the Marcana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro witnessed ugly scenes, with disturbing visuals emerging on social media.
With the Brazilian and Argentinian players lining up for national anthems, the camera turned towards the stands as a section of rival fans exchanged blows. The local police officials could be seen beating up a section of Argentinian fans with batons and it did not go well with the tourists. By pointing at the violent scenes, Messi and co. decided to walk off the pitch.
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Congress gave another blow to BJP, senior leader and former MP Bhaskar Rao Patil Khatgaonkar and hundreds of workers joined Congress.
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