MANILA, Philippines – Amid a lingering title drought, Scottie Thompson hopes Barangay Ginebra can turn its frustration into fuel as the PBA opens its milestone 50th season.
“I think it’s important for us to come into the season with hunger to win,” Thompson said as the crowd darlings prepare to face the Magnolia Hotshots in their Philippine Cup opener.
https://sports.inquirer.net/642956/pba-scottie-thompson-urges-hungry-ginebra-to-end-drought
WACO, Texas (AP) — Connor Hawkins kicked a 53-yard field goal with 31 seconds left to secure a dramatic 35-34 victory for Baylor over Kansas State on Saturday.
The thrilling finish came shortly after Jacob Redding’s go-ahead 66-yard interception return for a touchdown. Baylor rallied twice in the fourth quarter to overcome the Wildcats, showcasing resilience and clutch play down the stretch.
The win adds an exciting chapter to Baylor’s season as they continue to battle in a competitive conference. Fans witnessed a hard-fought game that went down to the wire, highlighting the determination of both teams.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/connor-hawkins-kick-jacob-reddings-195503751.html
MANILA, Philippines— University of the Philippines stifled National University with a 66-59 win on Saturday in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament held at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Fighting Maroons improved their record to 2-2, handing the Bulldogs their first loss of the young season after a strong 3-0 start.
https://sports.inquirer.net/642947/uaap-up-defense-delivers-as-nu-suffers-first-defeat
**Shreyas Iyer Becomes India’s New Vice-Captain in ODIs: Key Stats**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | October 4, 2025*
In a significant leadership reshuffle, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Shubman Gill as the new captain of the Indian ODI team, taking over from Rohit Sharma. Alongside this change, Shreyas Iyer has been named the vice-captain for the ODI format, chosen ahead of contenders like KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah.
### Iyer’s Role in the Leadership Group
Shreyas Iyer’s appointment as vice-captain formally inducts him into the leadership group for India’s white-ball cricket. Although he had previously served as a stand-in leader, this new role entrusts him with a key responsibility to assist Shubman Gill in leading the team during future 50-over matches. Iyer’s maiden leadership assignment in an official capacity will begin with the upcoming ODI series against Australia, starting on October 19.
### Recent Performances Boost Iyer’s Case
Iyer’s recent form, particularly in India’s successful Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year, significantly strengthened his claim for the vice-captaincy. He amassed 243 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 48.60, including two fifties. Although his strike rate of 79.41 was on the lower side, it reflected the challenging batting conditions in Dubai, where matches saw modest totals. Notably, Iyer was the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament, behind New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra who scored 263 runs.
### Stellar Numbers in ODIs
This year, Iyer has been in exceptional form across eight ODI matches, accumulating 424 runs at an average of 53.00, with four half-centuries. Overall, in his ODI career spanning 70 games, he has scored 2,845 runs at an average of 48.22 and a strike rate of 100. His tally includes five centuries and 22 fifties, underscoring his consistency and class in the format.
### Impressive Record in ICC ODI Events
Iyer’s performance on the big stage has been remarkable. In the 2023 Cricket World Cup, he scored 530 runs, finishing as the tournament’s seventh-highest run-scorer with an average of 66.25 and a strike rate of 113.24. He became the first middle-order batsman to cross 500 runs in a single World Cup edition. Adding his Champions Trophy 2025 exploits, Iyer has accumulated 773 runs in 16 ICC ODI matches, averaging 59.46, including five fifties and two centuries.
### IPL 2025 Heroics
Apart from his international performances, Iyer led Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final as captain. He enjoyed a stellar season with the bat, scoring 604 runs at an average of 50.33. His campaign featured six half-centuries and a remarkable strike rate of 175.07. Iyer also smashed 39 sixes during the season—the highest by any captain in a single IPL edition—highlighting his aggressive yet consistent batting style.
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With his impressive track record and leadership qualities, Shreyas Iyer now embarks on a new chapter as India’s ODI vice-captain, poised to play a pivotal role alongside Shubman Gill in shaping the future of Indian white-ball cricket.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/shreyas-iyer-becomes-new-vice-captain-of-india-s-odi-team/story
**Shreyas Iyer Becomes India’s New Vice-Captain in ODIs: Key Stats**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 04, 2025, 03:25 PM*
In a significant leadership reshuffle, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Shubman Gill as the new captain of the Indian ODI team, replacing Rohit Sharma. Alongside this change, Shreyas Iyer has been named the vice-captain for One Day Internationals, selected ahead of prominent players like KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah.
### Shreyas Iyer’s Role in the Leadership Group
Iyer’s elevation to vice-captain marks his formal induction into the leadership group for India’s white-ball cricket. While he had previously been part of this elite group on a stand-in basis, his new appointment signals the trust placed in him by the team management. With Gill at the helm, Iyer will play a crucial role in supporting the captain in future 50-over matches.
The upcoming ODI series against Australia, starting October 19, will mark Iyer’s first major leadership assignment representing India.
### Recent Performances Bolstering Iyer’s Case
Iyer’s recent form, especially during India’s victorious Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year, played a pivotal role in boosting his claim for the vice-captaincy. He accumulated 243 runs in five matches at an average of 48.60, including two half-centuries. Although his strike rate (79.41) was on the lower side, conditions in Dubai were challenging, with no match seeing scores above 270.
Notably, he was the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament, just behind New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra (263 runs).
### Impressive ODI Statistics
The Mumbai-born batsman has enjoyed a stellar run in ODIs this year, scoring 424 runs in eight matches at an average of 53.00, with four fifties. Overall, Iyer has amassed 2,845 runs from 70 ODI games at an excellent average of 48.22 and a strike rate of 100. His career tally includes five centuries and 22 half-centuries.
### Stellar Record in ICC ODI Events
Iyer’s performance in ICC ODI tournaments has been outstanding. He scored 530 runs in the 2023 World Cup, finishing as the seventh-highest run-scorer with an average of 66.25 and a strike rate of 113.24. He became the first middle-order batsman to cross 500 runs in a single World Cup edition.
With his exploits in the 2025 Champions Trophy, Iyer has now scored 773 runs across 16 ICC ODI matches, maintaining an average of 59.46. This includes five fifties and two centuries.
### Leadership in IPL 2025
Shreyas Iyer also demonstrated strong leadership in the IPL 2025 season by leading Punjab Kings to the final. The campaign was remarkable for Iyer with the bat, as he piled up 604 runs at an average of 50.33, including six half-centuries. He also struck 39 sixes—the most by any captain in a single IPL edition. His strike rate of 175.07 ranked third among batsmen scoring 600-plus runs that season.
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With his consistent performances and leadership abilities, Shreyas Iyer appears well-poised to play a key role in India’s ODI setup under Shubman Gill’s captaincy. Fans and experts alike will be watching closely as he takes on this important responsibility.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/shreyas-iyer-becomes-new-vice-captain-of-india-s-odi-team/story
In a major shake-up, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Shubman Gill as the new captain of the Indian ODI team.
This significant decision marks a new chapter for Indian cricket as Gill takes on the leadership role in the One Day International format.
Cricket fans and experts alike are eager to see how the young and talented cricketer will steer the team in upcoming matches and tournaments.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the future of Indian cricket under Shubman Gill’s captaincy.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/shreyas-iyer-becomes-new-vice-captain-of-india-s-odi-team/story
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Aja Wilson and Dana Evans each scored 21 points as the Las Vegas Aces edged the Phoenix Mercury 89-86 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Friday night.
Wilson contributed 12 of her points over the final 14 minutes, helping the Aces hold on as Phoenix’s Satou Sabally missed a long 3-pointer with 2 seconds left that would have tied the game. Game 2 is set for Sunday in Las Vegas.
Evans led a dominant Aces bench that outscored the Mercury’s reserves 41-16. Reserve Jewell Loyd added 18 points for second-seeded Las Vegas, while starter Jackie Young contributed 10 points. Wilson also grabbed 10 rebounds, and Chelsea Gray led the team with 10 assists.
For the fourth-seeded Mercury, Kahleah Cooper scored 21 points. Sabally added 19 points, and Alyssa Thomas closely missed a triple-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.
Cooper’s 19 first-half points were just one shy of her playoff career high for a half. Interestingly, her personal best of 20 points in a first half also came against the Mercury, during Game 3 of the 2021 Finals when she played for Chicago. Cooper’s five 3-pointers in the first half surpassed her previous high of four made threes in a game.
If this opening game was any indication, this WNBA Finals — the first-ever best-of-seven series — is set to be tightly contested throughout. The largest lead was nine points, and the game featured 12 lead changes and nine ties.
The Mercury threatened to take control on several occasions, only for the Aces to respond with timely runs. In the closing moments, with Phoenix down by one point and 24.6 seconds remaining, Thomas went to the free-throw line but missed both attempts.
On the other end, Young was fouled with 13.5 seconds left and calmly sank both free throws, sealing the final margin and giving Las Vegas the Game 1 victory.
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AP WNBA: Copyright.
https://wtop.com/wnba/2025/10/aja-wilson-and-dana-evans-lead-las-vegas-aces-past-phoenix-mercury-89-86-in-wnba-finals-opener/
Last week, the Dallas Cowboys made the surprising decision to bench Trevon Diggs for their clash against the Green Bay Packers.
The game proved to be an intense battle, ultimately ending in a 40-40 overtime tie. Both teams had multiple opportunities to secure the win, making it a closely contested matchup that could have easily gone in either direction.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-https-x-com-jonmachota-status-19741552172108350
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys will be without at least three starters on their offensive line, and possibly four, when they visit the New York Jets.
Left tackle Tyler Guyton is in the concussion protocol and was ruled out of Sunday’s game, sidelining him along with center Cooper Beebe (foot) and rookie right guard Tyler Booker (high ankle sprain). Standout left guard Tyler Smith is questionable with a knee injury, having not practiced all week. The only healthy starter remaining on the line is right tackle Terence Steele.
Nate Thomas will start in Guyton’s place. This will be the first career start for the second-year player, who missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury. Brock Hoffman will start in place of Beebe, who is on injured reserve and will miss the third of at least four games. Booker will be out for the second week in a row. T.J. Bass replaced Booker in last week’s 40-40 tie with Green Bay. If Smith can’t play, Bass may move to left guard, with either Trevor Keegan or Hakeem Adeniji likely filling the fifth starting spot on the line.
In addition to the offensive line injuries, the Cowboys will be without receiver and kick returner KaVontae Turpin, who has been ruled out with a foot injury. No. 1 receiver CeeDee Lamb will miss his second game due to a high ankle sprain.
Dallas will also be without a fifth starter on defense—safety Malik Hooker, who injured a toe against the Packers. It appears Hooker will miss multiple games.
Running back Miles Sanders is questionable with knee and ankle injuries, opening the door for rookie Jaydon Blue to be active for the first time.
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AP NFL: Copyright.
https://wtop.com/nfl/2025/10/cowboys-are-down-at-least-3-offensive-linemen-and-maybe-4-against-jets/
**2nd Unofficial ODI: Tilak Varma Slams 94 Against Australia A**
*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 03, 2025, 06:23 PM*
Tilak Varma once again proved his class for India A in the 2nd unofficial ODI against Australia A at Green Park, Kanpur. Despite India A being bowled out for 246 in 45.5 overs, Varma was the standout performer with a brilliant knock of 94 runs off 122 balls.
Varma’s innings featured 5 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing a blend of elegance and power. This impressive knock was part of a crucial 101-run partnership with Riyan Parag that steadied the Indian innings after early setbacks.
Playing his 40th List A match, Varma has now accumulated 1,642 runs at an average of over 46. The 94-run effort marked his 10th fifty and added to his tally of 5 centuries in List A cricket, highlighting his consistent form and growing stature.
India A’s innings began shakily, losing early wickets to find themselves reeling at 17 for 3. Varma came in at 0/1 and took charge, anchoring the innings even as wickets fell at the other end. After Parag’s dismissal, Varma held firm, guiding the innings with maturity and resilience.
Ultimately, Varma was the last India A batsman to fall, dismissed for 94 by Jack Edwards. His knock, however, remains a significant highlight in India A’s performance against a competitive Australia A side.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/tilak-varma-slams-solid-94-runs-versus-australia-a/story
