sports 37 - The Latremie Post

Suryakumar Yadav records his 23rd duck in T20s: Key stats

**Suryakumar Yadav Records His 23rd Duck in T20s: Key Stats**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 22, 2025, 01:33 AM*

Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav endured a disappointing outing as he recorded his 23rd duck in T20 cricket. The 35-year-old was dismissed for a three-ball duck against Pakistan during a crucial Super 4 match at the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 held in Dubai.

The wicket fell in the 11th over of India’s innings when Pakistan’s Haris Rauf delivered a full ball outside off stump, angled in. SKY attempted his trademark leg-side flick but managed only a leading edge, resulting in an easy catch by Abrar Ahmed.

Despite Suryakumar’s early dismissal, India successfully chased down the target of 172 runs, winning the match by 6 wickets.

**Suryakumar Yadav’s Duck Record in T20s**

According to ESPNcricinfo, this was SKY’s 6th duck in T20 Internationals. The match marked his 87th T20I appearance and 82nd inning played. Notably, this was his first duck against Pakistan in seven T20I matches.

His previous ducks in T20Is came against Australia (1), England (2), Ireland (1), and New Zealand (1).

Overall, across all T20 matches, Suryakumar Yadav has now registered 23 ducks in 329 matches and 304 innings.

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Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/suryakumar-yadav-registers-duck-versus-pakistan-in-asia-cup/story

Asia Cup: Abhishek Sharma makes records with 74 versus Pakistan

**Abhishek Sharma Shines Against Pakistan in Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 21, 2025, 11:53 pm*

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma delivered a spectacular performance against Pakistan in the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Super 4 clash between the two cricketing giants saw Pakistan post a competitive total of 171/5 in their 20 overs. In response, Abhishek, alongside Shubman Gill, put on a commanding 105-run opening partnership.

India, however, faced a setback when Abhishek was dismissed at 123/3. The talented batter finished with an impressive 74 runs off 39 balls.

### Abhishek’s Gutsy Knock

Abhishek set the tone for India’s chase by smashing a six off the very first ball, targeting Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi. From there, he never looked back. With Shubman Gill at the other end, the duo dominated the Pakistani bowling attack, helping India reach 69 runs in the powerplay.

Abhishek reached his half-century in just 24 balls, doing so by the 8th over. His aggressive approach kept India in the hunt until he finally fell for 74.

### First-Ball Sixes on Two Occasions

Notably, Abhishek has now hit six off the first ball of India’s innings twice in T20 internationals. Prior to this match, he achieved the feat during India’s Asia Cup Group A game against UAE on September 10, also held in Dubai.

According to Cricbuzz, Abhishek is the **only Indian batter to hit first-ball sixes twice in T20Is**. Other Indian players like Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sanju Samson have managed it once.

### Milestone: 50+ T20I Sixes

Abhishek’s innings included six fours and five sixes, helping him exceed the milestone of 50 sixes in T20 internationals. The second six of his innings marked the record, bringing his tally to 53 sixes.

### Second-Fastest Fifty in India vs Pakistan T20Is

Abhishek’s 24-ball fifty is the **second-fastest fifty in all India vs Pakistan T20 matches**. Here’s how it ranks:

– 23 balls – Mohd Hafeez, Ahmedabad 2012
– 24 balls – Abhishek Sharma, Dubai 2025*
– 29 balls – Yuvraj Singh, Ahmedabad 2012
– 32 balls – Iftikhar Ahmed, Melbourne 2022
– 33 balls – Misbah-ul-Haq, Durban 2007

### Highest Opening Stand for India vs Pakistan (T20Is)

The 105-run stand between Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill is now the highest opening partnership for India against Pakistan in T20 internationals. The previous record was 77 runs, set by Gautam Gambhir and Ajinkya Rahane in Bengaluru, 2012.

### Additional Stats and Highlights

– This was Abhishek’s **3rd T20I fifty** in his 21st international T20 appearance.
– He has scored 708 runs at an average of 35.40 in T20 internationals, with a strike rate of 197.21.
– According to ESPNcricinfo, Abhishek played his **150th T20 match** (including domestic leagues).
– Across all T20 matches, he has accumulated 4,207 runs at an average of 31.87 from 146 innings.
– This innings also marked his 23rd fifty in all T20 formats, including 7 centuries.
– Abhishek now owns 255 sixes in T20 cricket overall.

Abhishek Sharma’s outstanding performance in the high-pressure encounter against Pakistan highlights his rising stature in the world of T20 cricket. Fans will be eagerly awaiting more fireworks from this promising southpaw in the upcoming matches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/abhishek-sharma-hammers-74-versus-pakistan-in-asia-cup-2025/story

From Test pain to T20 gain: Jordan Cox’s comeback

By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 22, 2025, 01:13 am

**England Cricketer Jordan Cox Opens Up About Injury Struggle and Triumphant Return**

England cricketer Jordan Cox has opened up about his struggle to cope with an injury that denied him a Test debut last December. Despite this setback, Cox was determined not to let his white-ball comeback follow the same path.

### Setback: Missed Test Debut Due to Thumb Injury

Cox was initially set to play in a three-match Test series against New Zealand last December. However, his plans were derailed when he broke his thumb during net practice. This unfortunate injury led to Jacob Bethell stepping in, whose impressive performances have since propelled him across all formats.

Reflecting on this setback, Cox admitted it was “really hard” to have such a significant opportunity taken away from him.

### Resilience: Cox’s Determination Leads to T20 Success Against Ireland

Despite the earlier injury, Cox was adamant about not letting another chance slip by. During England’s recent T20 series against Ireland, he faced a scare with a knee injury sustained while attempting a catch but was resolute about batting.

“There was no chance I wasn’t going to bat because I might have to wait for another two years,” Cox told Sky Sports News.

His determination paid off as he scored a fiery 55 runs, helping England secure a six-wicket victory and clinch the T20 series 2-0.

### Comeback: Oval Invincibles Star Ready for the Next Challenge

Cox rebuilt his confidence this summer with a stellar performance for Hundred champions Oval Invincibles. Finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 367 runs, he hopes to carry the same approach into future matches.

“I seem to do well when I’m in that Oval shirt, so why not try and do it everywhere?” he said.

Looking ahead, Cox is focused on England’s upcoming white-ball tour in October against New Zealand.

### Match Highlights: Cox’s 55 Runs Help England Defeat Ireland

In the match, Ireland posted 154/8 in their 20 overs, with Adil Rashid shining by taking three wickets. Cox came in at number four and made an aggressive 55 runs off 35 balls, including 4 fours and 4 sixes, guiding England to a comfortable victory.

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Jordan Cox’s resilience and determination not only helped him overcome injury setbacks but also marked a promising chapter in his international career. Fans will be eager to see how he performs in the upcoming fixtures.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/cox-opens-up-about-his-struggle-with-test-debut/story

Roy Keane tells Pep Guardiola to stop complaining about Man City’s schedule

Roy Keane had little sympathy for Pep Guardiola following the Manchester City manager’s comments about his team’s schedule after Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Arsenal.

Guardiola felt his players showed the effects of a busy week that included last weekend’s derby and a Champions League clash with Napoli. “Hats off to the team, their resilience,” he said on Sky Sports after seeing Erling Haaland’s early opener cancelled out by Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time strike.

“To score is so difficult when you’re not effective at high pressing, you’re not effective in the build-up. The mindset has to be strong, but we have a lot of fatigue with the same players, we have, you know, how many injured.”

When asked why he felt his team were not effective, Guardiola explained: “(Arsenal) were better and we were incredibly tired. Sometimes people don’t realise, the game against Napoli in the Champions League was so emotional. After that, a recovery day and the day after you have to (travel) four, five hours (to London).”

Pressed on his feelings regarding the schedule, he added:
“But if you want to bring up the fact that now I’m complaining about the schedule, OK. OK, I’m complaining about the schedule! Are you satisfied? OK!”

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, speaking as a pundit on Sky Sports, responded bluntly:
“If you’re talking about fatigue and schedules, we’re in September and they’re on the back of two home matches. The United game they were fairly comfortable, Napoli had a man sent off after 20 minutes. They’ve not travelled from Russia or Poland when you’ve had a tough away game.

“We all know the challenges of being a footballer is being robust and playing two or three games a week. We look at their players on the bench, I’m sure there must be other managers in the Premier League looking at Pep thinking, ‘Pep, if you think you’ve got problems with schedules and the strength in depth, my goodness.’ I didn’t like that angle Pep was coming from.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/roy-keane-pep-guardiola-napoli-champions-league-sky-sports-b2830922.html

Asia Cup: Sahibzada Farhan’s gun gesture after half-century draws flak

**Asia Cup 2025: Sahibzada Farhan’s Gun Gesture After Half-Century Draws Flak**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 21, 2025, 09:53 pm*

Pakistan cricketer Sahibzada Farhan has come under widespread criticism for his controversial celebration during the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash against India. After scoring a well-crafted half-century, Farhan made a gun-firing gesture towards his dugout, a move that has sparked outrage, especially in light of the recent tragic Pahalgam terror attack.

### The Incident

Farhan reached his 50 with style by smashing a huge six off India’s Axar Patel in the 10th over, injecting momentum into Pakistan’s innings. However, his subsequent celebration – mimicking a firing gun towards his teammates – immediately drew heavy criticism on social media. The gesture was seen as insensitive, given that just months earlier, the Pahalgam terror attack claimed the lives of 26 innocent Indian tourists, an act attributed to Pakistan-based militants.

### Public Reaction

Social media users expressed strong disappointment and outrage over Farhan’s actions. One fan remarked, “Disappointed with Sahibzada Farhan’s gun gesture after his 50 in the Ind vs Pak match. Felt like a jab at India’s hospitality.” Another user commented, “Sahibzada Farhan showing how his brothers killed innocent tourists in Pahalgam through his half-century celebration.”

### Match Summary

In the cricketing action at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, Pakistan lost three wickets during the powerplay overs. Sahibzada Farhan eventually fell to Shivam Dube for 58 runs off 45 balls. Earlier, Dube had also dismissed Pakistan’s Saim Ayub, who scored 21 runs.

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman’s innings ended controversially when he was caught behind off Hardik Pandya’s bowling, with Sanju Samson taking the catch. Later, Kuldeep Yadav claimed the wicket of Hussain Talat, as India sought to keep Pakistan’s scoring in check in this crucial Super 4 encounter.

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The incident involving Farhan has overshadowed the thrilling cricket on display and has raised questions about sportsmanship and sensitivity in moments of celebration.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/pakistan-cricketer-sahibzada-farhan-s-gun-gesture-anger-fans/story

T20 Asia Cup 2025 first stage and tri-series round up

**T20 Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan’s Journey and Performance Analysis**

The T20 Asia Cup 2025 is currently underway in the UAE, with Pakistan entering the tournament on the back of a confident and impressive run, having recently won the T20 Tri-Nation Series. Their triumph in the final against Afghanistan was a significant morale booster, setting high expectations for their Asia Cup campaign.

### Pakistan’s Asia Cup Campaign So Far

Pakistan kicked off their Asia Cup journey against Oman, delivering a commanding performance. Batting first, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 160/7. Wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Haris, batting at number 3, impressed with a brilliant 66 off 43 balls, striking at an impressive rate of 153.48, including 3 sixes and 7 boundaries.

The bowling unit then dismantled Oman’s batting lineup, bowling them out for a mere 67 runs in just 16.4 overs. The highlight was Pakistan’s spin attack combination — the spin trio of Muhammad Nawaz, Sufyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed — alongside the experienced Saim Ayub, who collectively shared the wickets and flattened the opposition with great control.

### Clash Against India: A Need for Improvement

Pakistan’s second match saw a tough rivalry clash against arch-rivals India, where unfortunately, Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat. Opting to bat first, Pakistan managed only a below-par 127/9. Nevertheless, Shaheen Afridi’s quickfire cameo of 33 not out off just 16 balls, featuring 4 sixes, was a silver lining batting at number 9.

India chased down the modest target comfortably in 15.5 overs, led by skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 47 off 37 balls. Notably, Shaheen Afridi targeted the key Indian bowlers, including Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, hitting powerful sixes and boundaries. This signified that these bowlers can be vulnerable and are targetable, raising questions about Pakistan’s top-order batsmen’s struggles.

### Batting Concerns and Strategy Suggestions

It becomes clear that Pakistan’s batting approach needs urgent revision. The current “kamikaze” style is self-destructive and ineffective against disciplined bowling attacks. Instead, Pakistan should adopt a balanced method combining flair with stability, mixing strike rotation with boundary hitting.

A one-dimensional assault won’t suffice; calculated aggression anchored by strategic innings-building is essential to set or chase formidable totals. Proper cricketing shots and shot selection must be emphasized. For example, had Pakistan posted around 170 against India, the chase could have been far more challenging for their opponents, given Pakistan’s dynamic bowling arsenal featuring both pace and spin options.

Shaheen Afridi was the standout bowler for Pakistan in this match, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs in 4 overs. However, the batting line-up must consistently provide defendable totals for such a well-rounded bowling unit.

### Team Composition and Batting Order Adjustments

Wicket-taking spinner Sufyan Muqeem remains a vital asset for Pakistan and deserves continued backing with consistent opportunities. Meanwhile, Saim Ayub has struggled with the bat, registering three consecutive ducks in Asia Cup games. It may be worth experimenting by promoting Fakhar Zaman — who is in good form — to an opening position and pushing Ayub to number 3. Fakhar has a successful history opening for Pakistan and can stabilize the top order.

Pakistan’s latest match in the initial round against UAE was a must-win, and they delivered, progressing to the Super Four stage. Despite Saim Ayub’s continued batting woes, Fakhar Zaman scored a crucial 50 off 36 balls, anchored by Shaheen Afridi’s explosive 29 off 14 from the lower order. Pakistan posted 146/9, then restricted UAE to 105, with the bowling attack once again firing on all cylinders.

### Reading Spin: An Area for Improvement

One noticeable challenge for Pakistan’s batsmen has been reading spin bowling from the hand. Except for Captain Salman Agha, most have had difficulty adjusting to variations. The batsmen should train more on reading the spin from the pitch and preparing for the deliveries accordingly.

Additionally, reconsidering the batting order to maximize player strengths could be beneficial. For example, opening with Muhammad Haris and Fakhar Zaman could best utilize Haris’ timing and skill during the powerplay overs. Haris’ courageous innings of 41 runs off 20 balls in Auckland against New Zealand in 2024 showcased his ability to accelerate and clear the boundary efficiently.

### Looking Ahead: Super Four Round and Final Thoughts

Pakistan’s first Super Four match will be a high-octane rematch against India on September 21. Learning from previous encounters and refining their batting approach will be crucial.

Reflecting on their recent Tri-Nation Series final victory against Afghanistan in Sharjah, Pakistan displayed sheer dominance. Facing a spin-friendly and tricky surface, Pakistan managed a respectable 141/8 batting first. Coach Mike Hesson and Skipper Salman Agha were confident that the total would be challenging for Afghan batsmen.

In response, Afghanistan was bowled out for just 66 runs in 15.5 overs. The specialist spin trio of Nawaz, Abrar, and Muqeem were instrumental, with Muhammad Nawaz particularly standing out, claiming 5 wickets including a hat-trick, while maintaining an economy rate of 4.75. Nawaz also contributed with a valuable 25-run cameo earlier. Pakistan’s spin-heavy strategy effectively gave Afghanistan a taste of their own medicine on home conditions.

### Conclusion

Pakistan’s campaign in the T20 Asia Cup 2025 has been a mixture of dominance and areas requiring improvement. Their bowling attack, especially the spinners, has been exceptional and remains a key strength. However, the batting lineup must overcome its vulnerabilities by adopting a more balanced and strategic approach.

The upcoming matches in the Super Four stage present Pakistan with an opportunity to build momentum and showcase their full potential. With tactical adjustments and consistent performances, Pakistan can emerge as a formidable contender in this edition of the Asia Cup.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1345092-t20-asia-cup-2025-first-stage-and-tri-series-round-up

AEW subtly drops huge John Cena reference during All Out

During All Out: Toronto tonight, AEW made a very subtle reference to John Cena during one of the major matches.

The promotion included a small nod to the WWE Superstar without directly mentioning him. This clever inclusion caught the attention of fans, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.

AEW continues to find creative ways to acknowledge wrestling legends while maintaining their own unique identity.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/aew/news-aew-subtly-drops-huge-john-cena-reference-all-out

EA FC 26 Edin Dzeko Flashback SBC: All tasks and cheapest solutions

EA Sports has released the EA FC 26 Edin Dzeko Flashback SBC in Ultimate Team, giving gamers the chance to add an 85-rated version of the Bosnian striker to their squads. This is the second player SBC launched as part of the Early Access week for the game, offering an impressive item that can be a formidable presence on the virtual pitch.

The Fiorentina forward has previously represented some of Italy’s biggest clubs, including AS Roma and Inter Milan. However, this EA FC 26 Edin Dzeko Flashback SBC item takes a nostalgic look back at his rise to prominence in European football during his time at Manchester City, where he delivered multiple impactful performances as a substitute striker.

### EA FC 26 Edin Dzeko Flashback SBC: Tasks and Cheapest Solutions

Similar to the recently released Reece James SBC, the Edin Dzeko Flashback SBC requires completing multiple squads. Below are the requirements and some of the cheapest player solutions for each segment:

#### Task 1 + 2: 82-Rated Squad
– **Minimum Team Rating:** 82
– **Cheapest player options:**
– Gavi (83)
– Kamara (83)
– Ilkay Gundogan (83)
– Bowen (83)
– Dejan Kulusevski (83)
– Naeher (82)
– Lee Kang In (79)
– Kaku (79)
– Bouanga (79)
– Provod (78)
– Sallai (78)

#### Task 3: 83-Rated Squad
– **Minimum Team Rating:** 83
– **Cheapest player options:**
– Dali (83)
– Artem Dovbyk (83)
– Athenea (83)
– Van de Donk (83)
– Ilkay Gundogan (83)
– Kamara (83)
– Bowen (83)
– Dejan Kulusevski (83)
– Cerci (83)
– Hendrich (82)
– Eriksson (82)

#### Task 4: 84-Rated Squad
– **Minimum Team Rating:** 84
– **Cheapest player options:**
– Romelu Lukaku (84)
– Alexander Sorloth (84)
– Greggi (84)
– Nusken (84)
– Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (84)
– Alex Greenwood (84)
– Damaris Egurrola (84)
– Fox (84)
– Hampton (84)
– Van de Donk (83)
– Ilkay Gundogan (83)

### EA FC 26 Edin Dzeko Flashback SBC: Review

The overall cost to complete this SBC is estimated to be around 35,000 coins. When compared to other meta Serie A strikers like Marcus Thuram, Dzeko’s Flashback card features the stats necessary to perform well on the pitch, especially under the FC IQ system.

The SBC requirements are not overly demanding, as many gamers will already own several 82 and 83-rated players suitable for these squads. This makes the challenge relatively accessible for most Ultimate Team players.

In summary, the Edin Dzeko Flashback SBC is worth completing, particularly if you can minimize costs by using untradeable player items. However, spending coins on SBCs at this early stage of the game might not be the best investment, so weigh your options carefully before committing.

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Stay tuned for more updates and tips on EA FC 26 Ultimate Team content!
https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/ea-fc-26-edin-dzeko-flashback-sbc-all-tasks-cheapest-solutions

The 1000 Goal Chase: Can Ronaldo or Messi Achieve the Impossible?

In the modern era of football, reaching 1,000 career goals is an achievement widely considered impossible. Yet, Cristiano Ronaldo has taken another step toward football immortality. Following his brace against Al Riyadh SC on 20 September 2025, the Al Nassr star reached 945 official goals, keeping alive the dream of becoming the first modern player to score 1,000 career goals.

### Who’s Really Leading the Race?

Ronaldo is the undisputed frontrunner. With 945 official strikes, he needs just 55 more to hit the magic four-digit mark. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi remains distant on 885 goals. With Messi now playing for Inter Miami, the gap between the two stars is becoming increasingly difficult to bridge.

### How Do We Count the Goals?

Career tallies can be calculated in two ways:

– **Official competitive goals:** This method is trusted by bodies like RSSSF and IFFHS and includes goals scored in league, cup, continental, and international matches.
– **All matches:** A looser standard that inflates totals by including friendlies, which is why legends like Pelé and Romário are often listed above 1,000 goals.

### The Rest of the Pack

Other prolific scorers trail behind Ronaldo and Messi by a significant margin. Robert Lewandowski sits at 715 goals, Harry Kane at 479, Neymar at 445, while Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland have 393 and 315 goals respectively. Although talented, they are still hundreds of goals away from the elusive 1,000 milestone.

### The Big Picture

At 40 years old, Ronaldo remains football’s only realistic hope of reaching the mythical 1,000-goal landmark. Messi is too far back, and while the next generation is bursting with talent, few may match Ronaldo’s longevity and consistency.

Do you think we will see a player reach 1,000 goals in the modern era? Share your thoughts below!
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/1000-goal-chase-ronaldo-messi-235500240.html

Mensah, Castle lead Duke to comeback past N.C. State, 45-33

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Darian Mensah threw three touchdown passes as Duke snapped a two-game losing streak, overcoming a 13-point deficit to beat N.C. State 45-33 on Saturday.

The Blue Devils (2-2, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference opener) scored 21 points in less than four minutes of game time, spanning the two halves, to surge into the lead. Anderson Castle added three rushing touchdowns, including a clinching 66-yard dash on third down with 2:19 remaining.

For N.C. State (3-1, 1-1), CJ Bailey tossed two touchdown passes to Terrell Anderson but was intercepted three times. Hollywood Smothers rushed for 123 yards and one touchdown, while Will Wilson had two 1-yard TD runs. Anderson finished with 166 yards on six catches.

Mensah was 19-for-28 passing for 269 yards. Castle gained 92 rushing yards on 12 attempts.

N.C. State drove 99 yards to score on the second play of the second quarter on Bailey’s 6-yard throw to Anderson and later extended the lead to 20-7. The game-changing play came inside of two minutes in the first half when Duke linebacker Tre Freeman intercepted Bailey’s fourth-down pass, returning it 67 yards to set up a go-ahead 1-yard touchdown run from Castle.

**The Takeaway**

*N.C. State:* The Wolfpack racked up 535 yards of total offense but struggled with defensive lapses that prevented them from securing a second consecutive in-state road victory.

*Duke:* The Blue Devils were minus-6 in turnover margin entering the game, but their plus-4 effort on Saturday proved crucial in toppling the Wolfpack for the third season in a row. Duke, which also blocked a third-quarter field goal attempt, has now won five of the last six meetings.

**Up Next**

– *N.C. State:* Saturday at home vs. Virginia Tech
– *Duke:* Saturday at Syracuse

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. [Sign up here.](#)

AP college football coverage continues.
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/uncategorized/2025/09/20/mensah-castle-lead-duke-to-comeback-past-n-c-state-45-33