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I can’t wait to get that red Dukes ball in my hand: Shabnim Ismail

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On the verge of playing the second Test match when South Africa face England in a four-day affair from June 27-30, tearaway quick Shabnim Ismail is itching for getting the feel and bowling with the red Dukes ball.

South Africa last played a Test match in 2014 against India, where they suffered a huge defeat by an innings and 34 runs. Shabnim, who had made her Test debut as a teenager against the Netherlands at Rotterdam, had missed out on the 2014 match due to a broken finger.

“I can’t wait to get that red Dukes ball in my hand. I’ll swing it around corners. They say that the Dukes is the best ball in the world to bowl with if you’re a swing bowler. We’ll stack the slips with lots of catchers and be attacking straight away. That’s my style. But I know I have to be patient. I’m confident I’ll get it right,” Shabnim was quoted as saying by BBC in the run-up to the Test match.

The prospect of bowling in Test cricket has ignited the fire in Shabnim to prove that she can do a good job in the longest format of the game. “I don’t think the first one (against the Netherlands) counts. I was still a baby then. And I was so frustrated to miss the game in India, even though we lost badly (by an innings and 34 runs). I want to prove that I’m a great. All the greats step up with the red ball in Test matches and I’m desperate to show what I can do. I know my game. I know what I can do. I want to go out there and do it.”

Picking up wickets in Test cricket is very different from doing so in white-ball cricket, something which Shabnim, who has taken 189 ODI wickets and 112 T20I scalps, is definitely aware of. “It’s definitely something I’m conscious of. But it will be difficult. My natural instinct is to run in and bowl as quick as I can every ball.

“I look to bowl bouncers and yorkers. I do try and set the batter up but I genuinely want to take a wicket with every ball. That’s fine in white-ball cricket because I can bowl short spells. I’ll need to adapt for this Test.”

Shabnim hadn’t got much time to prepare for the one-off Test as she was rested from the three-day warm-up game against England A and missed out on inter-squad red-ball matches as she participated in the Fairbreak Invitational T20 tournament in Dubai.

She signed off by stating her focus in on present rather than what will be the future of women’s Test cricket, which has been a great point of debate after ICC Chairman Greg Barclay’s doubtful comments.

“Whatever happens in the future is for the future. We can’t go into this Test worrying about the future of women’s Test cricket. All I can do is run in as hard as I can to take wickets and that’s what I plan to do.”

International

₹136 Crore Per Year To Luxury Suite At Training Ground: All About Kylian Mbappe’s Bumper Deal At Real Madrid

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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.

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ENG vs ESP, Euro 2024 Final: Spain Become The 1st Four-Time Champions Of Europe After Beating England 2-1 In Berlin

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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.

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International

Violent Clash Erupts Between Rival Supporters During Argentina vs Brazil 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

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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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