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Teenager Alcaraz sets up Indian Wells semifinal against Nadal

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World No. 19 Carlos Alcaraz secured a high-quality and intense 6-4, 6-3 victory over Cameron Norrie of the United Kingdom to set up an all-Spanish semifinal against Rafael Nadal for the first time in the history of BNP Paribas Open on Friday (IST).

This will be Alcaraz’s second career meeting with world No. 4 and winner of 21 Grand Slams Nadal.

Already the youngest BNP Paribas Open men’s quarterfinalist since a 17-year-old Michael Chang in 1989, Alcaraz is now the second-youngest semifinalist in tournament history behind only American Andre Agassi, also 17, in 1988, according to atptour.com.

Alcaraz, seeded 18th here, hit 31 winners to just 14 unforced errors to knock off the in-form Briton.

“It’s so special to be able to play my first semifinal in a Masters1000 here in Indian Wells, in Tennis Paradise,” Alcaraz said. “I’m enjoying every single second. I have no words to describe my feelings right now.”

Nadal overcame a gritty comeback attempt from Australian Nick Kyrgios 7-6(0), 5-7, 6-4 to secure a last-four berth. Nadal has extended his perfect season to 19-0 and improves his ATP head-to-head record against Kyrgios to 6-3, including wins in their past three meetings. A three-time champion in Indian Wells, Nadal returns to the semifinals for the 11th time.

Alcaraz, 18, said he feels ready to give the 36-time Masters 1000 champion Nadal a tough challenge in the semis.

“I think this time I trained with him a couple of times, I know more how to play against him. I think now it’s going to be a little bit different this match. Obviously he can destroy me again, but I don’t know what is going to happen,” said Alcaraz elaborating on their previous meeting where Nadal won 6-1, 6-2 in Madrid last spring.

Alcaraz and Nadal are a combined 31-1 in 2022, with Alcaraz at 12-1 and Nadal a perfect 19-0. The younger Spaniard won the Rio de Janeiro title in February, while Nadal has won three tour-level titles, including the Australian Open.

Alcaraz and Nadal are the first Spanish pair to reach the Indian Wells semifinals in the event’s 46-year history.

“It’s tough to play against Rafa but at the same time I will enjoy the moment, I will enjoy the match,” Alcaraz said. “It’s not every day you play against your idol. I’m going to be happy even if I lose that match. But I am focused right now to play my best against Rafa and be able to take my chances.”

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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International

PAK vs ENG, CWC 2023: ‘Broke 25 Crore People’s Hopes In 5 Seconds’, Netizens Troll Pakistan As England Almost Kill The Game At Toss

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Pakistan cricket fans were left ruing their luck at the toss as it fell in England’s favour at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. With Jos Buttler winning the toss marking the end of Pakistan’s campaign at the showpiece event, netizens have relentlessly trolled Babar Azam and his men for losing the contest at the toss.

Coming into the game, Pakistan were facing a near impossible equation as winning the toss was the first priority. After winning the toss, Pakistan had to beat them by a massive 287-run margin. As things stand currently, Babar Azam and co. must do the unthinkable, bowling out for a mere 20 runs and getting those in only 1.3 overs, which would be their best-case scenario.

As things stand, the target for Pakistan will get bigger and the overs will keep diminishing. Pakistan fans were already irked as Babar was excluded among the list of captains during the light show at the Gateway of India in Mumbai on Thursday. It’s worth noting that Pakistan haven’t qualified for the 50-over World Cup semi-finals since the 2011 edition.

Pakistan have also made one change from their last match, benching Hassan Ali for an extra spinner in Shadab Khan. England have gone ahead with an unchanged line-up.

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CWC 2023: South Africa vs Australia Semi-Final To Be Shifted To Mumbai If Pakistan Reach Knockouts, Confirm ICC Sources

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The ODI World Cup semi-final between South Africa and Australia will be shifted to the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai if Pakistan qualify for the knockouts, sources in the International Cricket Council confirmed to the Free Press Journal on Thursday.

If Pakistan manage to reach the semis then they will face arch-rivals India once again in this tournament. In that case, the semi-final will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 15.

But if Pakistan don’t reach the semis then India will face either New Zealand or Afghanistan in Mumbai and South Africa will take on Australia in Kolkata as per the original schedule.India are scheduled to play their semifinal match in Mumbai only if they don’t face Pakistan. The Men in Green have refused to play in Mumbai due to security reasons.

Pakistan qualification scenario explained

But Pakistan’s qualification depends on the result of the match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka which is being played at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru.

If New Zealand manage to beat Sri Lanka by a comfortable margin then Pakistan’s qualification will take a hit even if they defeat England in their last league game. A loss against the defending champions in Kolkata on November 11 will automatically knockout Pakistan from the race for the semis.

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