sports 39 - The Latremie Post

Afghanistan eliminated from Asia Cup after Sri Lanka defeat: Stats

**Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Qualify for Super 4; Group B Sees Exciting Performances**

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have secured their places in the Super 4 stage of the tournament, with Sri Lanka winning all three of their matches to top Group B. Bangladesh, who were eagerly awaiting this result, join Sri Lanka at the expense of Afghanistan, who have been eliminated. Earlier, Hong Kong was also ousted from the competition.

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### Afghanistan’s Thrilling Final Over Powered by Nabi

Afghanistan’s innings saw wickets tumbling at regular intervals, reducing them to a precarious 114/7 in the 17th over following Rashid Khan’s dismissal for 24 runs. However, a spectacular final over from Mohammad Nabi turned the tide, as he blasted Dunith Wellalage for five sixes, scoring a massive 32 runs—including a no-ball and a single on the last delivery.

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### Nabi Equals Afghanistan’s Fastest T20I Fifty Record

Nabi completed his half-century in just 20 balls, matching Azmatullah Omarzai’s record for the fastest T20I fifty by an Afghanistan batter. He was eventually run out for 60 off 22 balls, which included three fours and six sixes. Nabi’s quickfire 55-run partnership with Noor Ahmad for the eighth wicket also added lively momentum, with Noor scoring 48 off just 14 balls.

**Fastest T20I fifties for Afghanistan (by balls faced):**
– 20 balls – Azmatullah Omarzai vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, 2025
– 20 balls – Mohammad Nabi vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi, 2025
– 21 balls – Mohammad Nabi vs Ireland, Greater Noida, 2017
– 21 balls – Gulbadin Naib vs India, Bengaluru, 2024

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### Nabi Achieves Another Milestone

According to Cricbuzz, Mohammad Nabi is just the third player from a Full Member nation to score a 50-plus in Men’s T20 Internationals after turning 40 years old. The list includes:

– Chris Gayle (41 years 294 days): 67 vs Australia, Gros Islet, 2021
– Mohammad Nabi (40 years 260 days): 60 vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi, 2025
– Mohammad Hafeez (40 years 64 days): 99* vs New Zealand, Hamilton, 2020

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### Nabi’s Career Highlights and Records

Playing his 139th T20I match, Nabi has amassed 2,357 runs from 130 innings at an average of 22.44, with this innings marking his seventh T20I fifty and first against Sri Lanka. He has hit 117 sixes according to ESPNcricinfo. In overall T20 cricket, Nabi has crossed 6,500 runs, totaling 6,516 runs at an average of 21.08 with 18 fifties.

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### Thushara Nuwan Claims Third Four-Wicket Haul in T20Is

Sri Lankan pacer Thushara Nuwan impressed with figures of 4/18, bringing his wicket tally to 35 from 25 T20Is at an average of 18.28. This marked his third four-wicket haul in T20Is and he also has one five-wicket haul to his name.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Thushara has now taken 169 wickets in 127 T20 matches at an average of 19.71, including five four-wicket hauls and two fifers.

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### Notable Bowling Feats by Thushara

– This is Thushara’s second four-wicket haul against Afghanistan; he has 8 wickets at 10.37 in three T20Is versus them.
– He is the second Sri Lankan pacer to take a four-wicket haul in the Men’s T20 Asia Cup, following Pramod Madushan’s feat against Pakistan in 2022.

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### Sri Lanka Ace the Chase with a Brilliant Mendis Performance

Kusal Mendis starred with the bat for Sri Lanka, remaining unbeaten on 74 runs from 52 balls, hitting 10 fours. After early wickets fell (Pathum Nissanka for 22 and Kamil Mishara for 47/2), Mendis steadied the innings. He shared a 45-run partnership with Kusal Perera for the third wicket and a further 27 runs with Charith Asalanka.

Kamindu Mendis contributed an unbeaten 26, ending with a 52* run partnership alongside Mendis.

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### Mendis Surpasses 5,000 Runs in T20 Cricket

With his stellar innings, Kusal Mendis passed the milestone of 5,000 runs in men’s T20 cricket, becoming the fifth Sri Lankan to achieve this feat. He joins an elite group including Kumar Sangakkara (6,937 runs), Mahela Jayawardene (5,479 runs), Tillakaratne Dilshan (5,193 runs), and Dinesh Chandimal (5,131 runs).

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### Mendis’ Career Batting Stats

Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 74* has taken his career T20 runs to 5,067 at an average of 30.16, including 35 fifties and 2 centuries. In T20 Internationals specifically, he has scored 2,164 runs for Sri Lanka in 90 innings at 26.07, hitting 17 fifties.

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### Mohammad Nabi Shines with the Ball

Aside from his batting heroics, Nabi was also Afghanistan’s pick of the bowlers, delivering 3 overs for 1/20. The seasoned campaigner has now picked up 102 wickets in T20 Internationals at an average of 27.86 from 139 matches and 128 innings.

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**In summary, the Super 4 stage will feature some of the tournament’s best talents, with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advancing from Group B. Standout performances from players like Mohammad Nabi and Kusal Mendis have set the tone for an exciting remainder of the tournament.**
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/sri-lanka-vs-afghanistan-asia-cup-t20-report-and-stats/story

Nashik To Host State Table Tennis Championship From Sept 20

The State Championship Ranking Table Tennis Tournament will be held in Nashik from September 20 to 24. Organised by the District Table Tennis Association, the tournament promises to be a thrilling event for players and enthusiasts alike.

The competition will take place at Nashik Gymkhana, featuring eight tables to accommodate the matches. It will include 12 different age categories, covering boys’ and girls’ groups under-11, under-13, under-15, under-17, and under-19, as well as senior men’s and women’s categories.

A total of 793 entries have been received from across Maharashtra, highlighting the growing popularity of table tennis in the region. Matches will be played using pre-sized tables and Double Fish Company balls, ensuring high-quality gameplay.

Several top performers at the national level are expected to participate. Notable players include Keshika Purkar, the state’s top-ranked player in the girls’ under-13 category, and Swara Karmarkar, who holds the first rank in the girls’ under-19 category.

The Nashik District Table Tennis Association team is working diligently to ensure the success of the event. Key members involved include president Narendra Chhajed, vice president and chairman of the Coordinating Committee Shekhar Bhandari, organising secretary Rajesh Bharvirkar, and treasurer Abhishek Chhajed. Other dedicated members contributing to the event’s smooth running are Milind Kachole, Alka Kulkarni, Sanjay Vasant, Aliasgar Adamji, Suhas Agarkar, Jay Modak, Puneet Desai, Ajinkya Shintre, Raja Aher, Dhananjay Barve, and Swati Agarkar.

This championship is set to showcase some of the best talent in Maharashtra and promises exciting matches for all attendees.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/nashik-to-host-state-table-tennis-championship-from-sept-20

Leicestershire crowned County Championship Division Two champions after Kent washout

Leicestershire Crowned County Championship Division Two Champions After Kent Washout

By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 18, 2025 | 06:19 pm

Leicestershire have been crowned Division Two champions in the Rothesay County Championship, despite their final match against Kent being abandoned due to rain. Early morning showers left the outfield at Uptonsteel County Ground too wet for play, prompting umpires Hassan Adnan and Simon Widdup to call off any possibility of resuming the game after multiple inspections.

Title Secured: Promotion to Division One After 22 Years

Although the match was washed out, Leicestershire’s commanding 25-point lead entering the last two rounds of County games confirmed their promotion as Division Two champions. This success means the team will compete in Division One cricket next season for the first time since 2003.

While the players would have preferred to clinch the title on-field and receive their trophy before their home supporters, they remain proud of their achievement.

Celebrations Despite the Weather

Leicestershire’s players marked their title win with champagne and unveiled a ‘Champions’ board crafted from part of the boundary board. However, veteran seamer Chris Wright—who is retiring at the end of this season—was left disappointed. He had hoped for a farewell match in front of the home crowd but was denied that opportunity due to the weather.

Season Overview: Second Trophy in Three Seasons

This season, Leicestershire experienced several weather-affected draws, with four of their last six matches ending without results. Nevertheless, after winning five of their opening seven matches, they remained favorites to secure the title since late May.

This triumph marks Leicestershire’s second major trophy in three seasons, following their Metro Bank One-Day Cup victory in 2023. It is also their first County Championship title since 1998.

Top Performers for Leicestershire in 2025

Lewis Hill: The team’s top scorer in County Division Two, Hill amassed 877 runs at an average of 48.72, featuring two centuries and six half-centuries from 13 matches (19 innings).
Rehan Ahmed: Ahmed compiled 760 runs at an impressive average of 50.66, including five hundreds and one fifty to date.
Ian Holland: Leading the bowling attack, Holland took 35 wickets from 11 matches at an average of 19.62.

Leicestershire’s remarkable season culminates in their return to Division One, promising exciting cricket ahead.

Follow the celebrations and updates on Twitter with #Champions!

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/leicestershire-win-county-championship-division-two-title/story

International Olympic Committee rejects Spanish calls to expel Israel

**International Olympic Committee Rejects Spanish Calls to Expel Israel from 2026 Olympics**

The Spanish Prime Minister recently called for Israeli teams to be barred from participating in the 2026 Olympic Games, citing the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict as the reason for this demand. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially rejected these calls, emphasizing the importance of keeping politics separate from sports and allowing all qualified athletes to compete.

At the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games, Israel was proudly represented by flag bearers Romi Paritzki and Tom Reuveny, showcasing the country’s commitment to the Olympic spirit despite the current tensions.

*(Photo credit: Rob Schumacher/USA Today Sports)*

By JERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-868003

Mushfiqur Rahim set to play his 100th Test for Bangladesh

**Mushfiqur Rahim Set to Play His 100th Test for Bangladesh**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 18, 2025, 05:35 PM*

Bangladesh’s veteran cricketer Mushfiqur Rahim is poised to achieve a significant milestone in his distinguished career. He is set to play his 100th Test match during the upcoming home series against Ireland. This historic match will be held at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on November 19.

This announcement comes following confirmation by Cricket Ireland that they will participate in both Tests of the series.

### Milestone Achievement: A First for Bangladesh

Mushfiqur Rahim will become the first Bangladeshi cricketer to reach the milestone of 100 Test matches. Having played 98 Tests so far, the seasoned batsman has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh cricket since making his international debut at the age of 18 in 2005 at Lord’s.

Currently, Rahim is the only Bangladeshi batsman to have scored over 6,000 runs in Test cricket. His unbeaten 219 against Zimbabwe in 2020 remains the highest individual score by a Bangladeshi in the longest format.

### Upcoming Series Lineup

Following the Test series against Ireland, Bangladesh’s cricket calendar remains packed. In October, Bangladesh will host the West Indies for a six-match white-ball series, which includes three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and as many Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

– **ODIs:** October 18, 20, and 23
– **T20Is:** October 27, 30, and November 1

In the December-January window, Bangladesh is also expected to host the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) along with home series against Pakistan and New Zealand.

### Impressive Career Stats

Apart from this upcoming Test, Rahim is also set to play his 150th First-Class (FC) match. Over 98 Tests, he has accumulated 6,328 runs at an average of 38.12, including 12 centuries and 27 half-centuries.

In his 149 First-Class matches to date, Rahim has amassed 9,023 runs at an average of 38.23, featuring 18 centuries and 41 fifties.

The first Test against Ireland will thus mark two remarkable career landmarks for Mushfiqur Rahim—his 100th Test and 150th First-Class game—cementing his legacy as one of Bangladesh cricket’s finest.

Stay tuned as the nation comes together to celebrate this historic occasion and support Mushfiqur in his landmark appearance.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/mushfiqur-rahim-set-to-attain-mega-milestone-in-tests/story

World Athletics Championships: Neeraj Chopra finishes a disappointing 8th

**World Athletics Championships: Neeraj Chopra Finishes a Disappointing 8th**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 18, 2025, 05:53 PM*

India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra had a challenging day at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, finishing eighth in the men’s javelin final. This marks Chopra’s first medal-less finish at a World Championship since 2017. His best throw of the day measured 84.03 meters.

Chopra had successfully qualified for the finals by surpassing the automatic qualification mark of 84.50 meters with his very first throw in Group A. However, he wasn’t able to replicate or build upon that performance during the final.

### Championship Results: Walcott Claims Gold

The gold medal was claimed by Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott, who delivered a season-best throw of 88.16 meters. Walcott is a former Olympic champion, having triumphed at the London 2012 Games. This win represents Trinidad and Tobago’s first-ever gold medal in men’s javelin at the World Championships.

Grenada’s Anderson Peters secured the silver medal with a throw of 87.38 meters, while the bronze went to the USA’s Curtis Thompson, who achieved an effort of 86.27 meters.

### Rising Star Sachin Yadav Shines with 4th Place Finish

Another promising performance came from Indian javelin thrower Sachin Yadav. He finished fourth, setting a personal best with a throw of 86.27 meters on his very first attempt. Yadav was the only Indian to qualify for the sixth and final round of throws.

His performance was a surprise highlight of the final, as he outperformed notable competitors such as Germany’s Julian Weber (86.11 meters) and the reigning Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem (82.75 meters).

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Despite Chopra’s unexpected setback, India’s javelin scene is showing strong potential, highlighted by Yadav’s impressive emergence on the world stage. Fans will be looking forward to their performances in upcoming events.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/neeraj-chopra-finishes-8th-in-budapest/story

Best bowling figures for UAE in T20 Asia Cup

**Best Bowling Figures for UAE in T20 Asia Cup**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 18, 2025 | 01:15 pm*

In a stunning display of bowling prowess, United Arab Emirates (UAE) pacer Junaid Siddique claimed four wickets against Pakistan in the ongoing Men’s T20 Asia Cup. The match, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, witnessed Siddique’s exceptional bowling figures of 4/18 in his four overs, though it came in a losing cause.

### #1 Junaid Siddique – 4/18 vs Pakistan in 2025
Siddique’s stellar performance helped UAE restrict Pakistan to a modest total of 146/9. He began his wicket-taking spree by dismissing opener Saim Ayub for a two-ball duck. The pacer then removed Sahibzada Farhan for five runs in the third over, followed by dismissals of Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Haris later in the innings.

Despite Siddique’s impressive 4/18 from four overs, UAE fell short and lost the game by 41 runs.

### #2 Junaid Siddique – 4/23 vs Oman in 2025
Interestingly, Siddique had bettered his own record for the best bowling figures by a UAE bowler in the tournament just prior to the Pakistan game. Against Oman in Abu Dhabi, chasing a target of 173, Siddique struck early by dismissing both openers during the powerplay. He then picked up two more wickets to finish with figures of 4/23 from four overs.

His brilliant bowling effort powered the UAE to a convincing 42-run victory.

### Did You Know?
No other UAE bowler besides Junaid Siddique has taken at least four wickets in a T20 Asia Cup innings.

Before the 2025 edition, the best bowling figures for a UAE bowler in the competition were held by Mohammad Naveed, who claimed 3/24 against Hong Kong in the 2016 match at Fatullah.

Junaid Siddique’s remarkable performances in the 2025 T20 Asia Cup have clearly set a new benchmark for UAE bowling excellence in the tournament’s history.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/best-bowling-figures-by-uae-bowlers-in-t20-asia-cup/story

Trent Grisham slams 2 homers in Yankees’ win over Twins

Trent Grisham’s price keeps going up. The New York Yankees’ impending free agent drilled two homers on Wednesday night—his third in two games—as the Bombers defeated the Minnesota Twins 10-5 in the rubber match of a three-game set.

Grisham’s first homer of the night was a solo shot to tie the game at two in the top of the third inning. His second blast was a three-run shot in the fourth, expanding the Yankees’ lead to 6-2.

Grisham has been a revelation for the Yankees, effectively leaving rookie Jasson Dominguez, who went 1-for-3 with an RBI double on Wednesday, without an everyday role. The 28-year-old carried much of the offensive load for the Yankees in their victory, which was much-needed given a subpar starting pitching performance.

Luis Gil took the mound but was ineffective, breaking a streak of seven solid starts in a row. The right-hander tossed 4⅔ innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on nine hits. The reigning AL Rookie of the Year raised his season ERA to 3.33.

The Yankees saw another encouraging performance from Devin Williams. The right-hander tossed a scoreless seventh inning, allowing one hit but striking out three. It marked his fifth straight scoreless outing as he builds momentum heading into October.

Outside of Grisham, Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge were other big-time performers in the Yankees’ lineup. Both recorded multi-hit games. Judge went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a walk, while Bellinger went 2-for-4, including a ninth-inning two-run homer—his 29th of the season—to make the score 10-5.

Camilo Doval recorded the final three outs to secure the victory and give Minnesota the series win.

The Yankees will now travel to Baltimore to begin a four-game set with the Baltimore Orioles. Max Fried will take the mound against Cade Povich in their final road series of the regular season.
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/trent-grisham-slams-2-homers-025100339.html