Is Christian McCaffrey playing tonight vs the Rams? 49ers RB’s status revealed for Week 5 TNF

The Los Angeles Rams’ rushing defense is preparing to face a significant challenge in Week 5.

They will need to contain the San Francisco 49ers’ standout running back, Christian McCaffrey, who is known for his versatile and dynamic playing style.

Containing McCaffrey will be crucial for the Rams as they aim to limit the 49ers’ offensive production on the ground. Fans can expect an intense matchup as both teams battle for control.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/is-christian-mccaffrey-playing-tonight-vs-rams-49ers-rb-s-status-revealed-week-5-tnf

Philippines in talks to host first WTA 125 tennis event

The Philippines is aiming to host its first-ever Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 125 tournament, with discussions currently underway for the event to take place early next year.

The proposal was brought up during a meeting on September 29 between Navotas Mayor and Philippine Tennis Association secretary-general John Rey Tiangco, and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio.

This potential event marks a significant step for the country’s tennis community, promising to showcase top-level women’s tennis and boost local sports development. Further updates are expected as plans progress.
https://sports.inquirer.net/642662/philippines-in-talks-to-host-first-wta-125-tennis-event

Massive Street Fight confirmed for The Hurt Syndicate in AEW

The Hurt Syndicate issued a massive challenge on the sixth anniversary edition of Dynamite.

For several weeks, the trio has been embroiled in a fierce feud with The Demand, escalating tensions between both factions.

Fans can expect this rivalry to continue intensifying in the upcoming episodes.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/aew/news-massive-street-fight-confirmed-the-hurt-syndicate-aew

Artemi Panarin awaiting taste of Rangers action with consequential season on tap

Artemi Panarin is entering a pivotal contract year with the New York Rangers, and the team’s longtime scoring leader hopes to see his first game action of the preseason Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils. This will help him prepare for the start of his seventh year in New York.

Panarin missed a few days of practice last week due to a lower-body injury but returned to the ice on Friday. In recent days, he has been upgraded from wearing a red non-contact jersey to becoming a full participant in practice.

“I think it’s very important to have a couple of [preseason] games at least, just for timing,” Panarin said after Wednesday’s nearly 90-minute practice session in Tarrytown. “It’s more about timing, it’s not so much about conditioning. It’s just to feel how fast people are moving around you, how the puck’s moving, just kind of to remind yourself of some things, and then the season starts.”

The 33-year-old left winger can become an unrestricted free agent next summer, when the seven-year, $81.5 million contract he signed as a free agent in 2019 expires. That deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $11.64 million.

Since joining the Rangers, Panarin has led the team in scoring every season, amassing 186 goals and 550 points over 430 regular-season games. However, his numbers have dipped in postseason play, with 12 goals and 23 assists for 35 points in 46 playoff appearances. The Rangers missed the playoffs entirely last season, which led to the firing of head coach Peter Laviolette.

Laviolette was replaced by longtime Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, who did not disclose his lineup plans for Thursday’s game at Madison Square Garden, beyond noting that captain J.T. Miller will be out due to a lower-body injury.

“[Panarin] looks good. He looks strong. Obviously, he’s an incredible player. The things he does with the puck, he’s a unique player in that regard,” Sullivan said after practice. “You see what he does on the power play, for example, when we worked on our power play in practice today. But I think he looks strong, healthy, fit, all of the above. I don’t know whether we’re going to put him in the lineup [Thursday] or not. But we really like the way he’s trending. I think the last couple of days have been quality practice for him.”

On Wednesday, Panarin skated mostly alongside Vincent Trocheck and Will Cuylle. His regular linemate, Alexis Lafrenière, was aligned for a second straight day with Mika Zibanejad and Gabe Perreault in Miller’s absence.

The Rangers will conclude their preseason schedule Saturday afternoon in Boston before opening the 82-game regular season Tuesday at home against the Penguins.

“Like I said before, we have a pretty good group of guys, and then obviously the coaches have had success in the NHL already,” Panarin said, referencing his 37 goals and 52 assists in 80 games last season. “I know they have good experience in the playoffs… so I think only good things for our team this year.”

One of those good things, according to Panarin, would be to suit up for either or both of the remaining preseason contests. However, Sullivan believes that playing in preseason games is not imperative.

“I just think for anybody, in a perfect world, you’d like to have everybody get at least a game. Preferably two would be even better in a perfect world,” Sullivan said. “But as we all know, the world’s not perfect, and so I’m sure, regardless of whether or not he gets one or he doesn’t get one, he’s going to be fine. He’s a talented player, and he’ll adjust on the fly. But ideally, we’d like to get him in some action before we start playing meaningful hockey.”
https://nypost.com/2025/10/01/sports/artemi-panarin-awaiting-rangers-action-with-consequential-season-on-tap/

Peers say Purdue's Matt Painter best at Xs and Os: 'His sets are almost impossible to stop'

**Matt Painter Ranked No. 1 Coach at Xs and Os in CBS Sports Candid Coaches Survey**

WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue men’s basketball coach Matt Painter has long been known for his detailed and sometimes complex explanations of strategy and play design in postgame interviews. This knack for strategy has helped amplify Painter’s national reputation as a top-tier tactician—not just among the media, but also among his coaching peers.

A recent CBS Sports candid coaches survey polled roughly 100 college basketball coaches to determine who is the nation’s best at Xs and Os. Painter earned the largest share of the vote, capturing 19% and edging out UConn’s Dan Hurley, who received 18%. Creighton’s Greg McDermott followed closely behind with 16%—the only other coach to garner more than 7% of the votes.

Painter and Hurley notably faced off in the 2024 national championship game, where Hurley’s Huskies defeated Purdue 75-60 to repeat as champions.

Voters praised Painter for his ability to scheme Purdue to victory even when faced with talent disparities. They also highlighted how he has elevated the games of unheralded recruits like Braden Smith and Zach Edey.

One anonymous coach said, “When he has a dynamic playmaker, his sets are almost impossible to stop. Then he has a ton of counters. You think you know what’s coming, then he flops it. Then he flips the flop. You gotta turn them over, ’cause you can’t get enough misses.”

In other recent CBS Sports candid coaches features, Purdue was also selected as the nation’s best team for the 2025-26 season, and Braden Smith was named the nation’s best player.

Matt Painter’s strategic prowess continues to earn him high praise, solidifying his status as one of college basketball’s elite coaches.
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/purdue/2025/10/01/purdue-basketball-coach-matt-painter-best-xs-os-survey-candid-coaches/86459005007/

Sportvot x FPJ: Menna Walid & Omar El Torkey Win HCL PSA Challenger Tour 2025

The HCL PSA Challenger Tour 2025 Bangalore, hosted from 26th to 30th September in Bengaluru, concluded with spectacular high-octane action in both the men’s and women’s finals. The tournament brought together some of the most promising international squash players, and the final day lived up to expectations with two contrasting yet equally enthralling encounters.

In the women’s final, Egypt’s Menna Walid showcased her grit and skill against Harleein Tan. Walid started the contest in dominant fashion, quickly taking the first two games 11-6, 11-5 with sharp strokes and relentless pace. Tan, however, refused to bow down, mounting a spirited comeback in the third game to win it 11-6 and keep the contest alive. Despite Tan’s resistance, Walid’s early lead proved decisive, and she was crowned champion with a 2-1 victory, underlining her growing stature on the PSA circuit.

The men’s final featured an all-Egyptian showdown, with Omar El Torkey putting on a masterclass against compatriot Seif Shenawy. Right from the opening rally, El Torkey dictated the tempo of the match, blending power with precision. He claimed the opening two games 11-8, 11-8, breaking Shenawy’s rhythm with consistent pressure. The third game saw El Torkey completely dominate, sealing the title with a commanding 11-4 win and completing a 3-0 sweep.

The victory not only gave El Torkey the Bangalore crown but also strengthened his reputation as a rising force in world squash.

Adding to the success of this edition was the seamless execution of the tournament and the engaging live broadcast powered by SportVot. The live coverage brought the thrill of world-class squash to fans across the globe. The smooth organization, combined with top-level competition, made the Bangalore leg of the Challenger Tour a memorable sporting spectacle.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/sportvot-x-fpj-menna-walid-omar-el-torkey-win-hcl-psa-challenger-tour-2025

Women’s WC: Crowd attendance in IND-SL match breaks records

**Women’s WC: Crowd Attendance in IND-SL Match Breaks Records**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 01, 2025, 09:26 AM*

The opening match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 between India and Sri Lanka has set a new benchmark in women’s cricket attendance. Held on September 30 at Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the game attracted an unprecedented crowd of 22,843 fans. This marks the highest attendance ever recorded for a group stage match in Women’s World Cup history, surpassing the previous record of 15,935 set during the India-Pakistan clash in 2024.

### Endorsement from Sachin Tendulkar

ICC Hall of Famer Sachin Tendulkar praised the remarkable progress made by women’s cricket in recent years. He hailed the Women’s Premier League (WPL) as a game-changer that has significantly enhanced visibility and financial security for women cricketers. Tendulkar also acknowledged the efforts of former BCCI secretary Jay Shah for championing equal match fees for men and women and for laying the foundation for the WPL.

### Recognition of ICC’s Initiatives

Tendulkar further lauded the ICC for announcing record prize money for the Women’s World Cup—an amount even higher than what was awarded for the men’s World Cup in 2023. He emphasized that such administrative measures not only transform lives but also send a powerful message that women’s cricket deserves equal respect. According to the former Indian cricket legend, initiatives like these inspire young girls by showing them that their passion is valued and supported equally.

### Match Highlights: India vs Sri Lanka

In a rain-curtailed encounter, India batted first and posted a competitive total of 269/8 in 47 overs. Notable contributions came from Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma, both scoring vital fifties to steady the innings after early setbacks. Sri Lanka struggled in the middle order and were eventually all out for 211 runs.

Deepti Sharma also made an impact with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 54 runs. With these wickets, she became India’s second-highest wicket-taker in women’s ODI cricket, overtaking former spinner Neetu David.

The record-breaking attendance and the growing prominence of women’s cricket underscore a new era of recognition and support for the sport worldwide.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/ind-sl-women-s-wc-encounter-sets-benchmark-with-22-843-fans/story

Women’s WC: Crowd attendance in IND-SL match breaks records

**Women’s WC: Crowd Attendance in IND-SL Match Breaks Records**

*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 01, 2025, 09:26 am*

The opening match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 between India and Sri Lanka has set a new milestone in women’s cricket. Held at Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium on September 30, the game attracted an unprecedented crowd of 22,843 fans. This marks the highest attendance ever recorded for any group stage match in the history of the Women’s World Cup, surpassing the previous record of 15,935 during the India-Pakistan clash in 2024.

**Endorsements and Praise**

ICC Hall of Famer Sachin Tendulkar has applauded the impressive progress made by women’s cricket in recent years. He credited the Women’s Premier League (WPL) as a transformative platform, providing much-needed visibility and financial security to women cricketers.

Tendulkar also expressed gratitude towards Jay Shah, former BCCI secretary, for his advocacy of equal match fees for men and women and for laying the foundation of the WPL. According to Tendulkar, these developments have been game-changers for the sport.

**Recognition for ICC’s Initiatives**

In addition, Tendulkar lauded the ICC for announcing record prize money for the Women’s World Cup, which even exceeds the amount offered for the men’s World Cup in 2023. He highlighted that such administrative measures not only change lives but also send a powerful message that women’s cricket deserves equal respect.

The former Indian cricketer emphasized that initiatives like these inspire aspiring young girls by showing them that their passion is valued equally on the global stage.

**Match Highlights**

In a rain-curtailed encounter, India emerged victorious over Sri Lanka by 59 runs (DLS method). India batted first and posted a competitive total of 269/8 in 47 overs. Crucial half-centuries from Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma helped stabilize the innings after a shaky start.

Sri Lanka’s innings faltered with a middle-order collapse, and they were eventually bowled out for 211 runs. Deepti Sharma delivered a standout performance with both bat and ball, taking three wickets for 54 runs (3/54). With this feat, she became India’s second-highest wicket-taker in women’s ODI cricket, surpassing former spinner Neetu David.

The match not only set new attendance records but also showcased the growing competitiveness and popularity of women’s cricket worldwide.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/ind-sl-women-s-wc-encounter-sets-benchmark-with-22-843-fans/story

Women’s World Cup: India beat Sri Lanka in tournament opener

**India Innings: Amanjot, Deepti Power Indian Batting Effort**

Batting first, India started well and were comfortably placed at 81/1 at one stage, thanks to solid contributions from Pratika Rawal (37) and Harleen Deol (48). However, left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera’s magical spell triggered a dramatic collapse, reducing the hosts to 124/6.

At this crucial juncture, Amanjot came to the crease to join Deepti, and the duo batted with great intent, steering India to a competitive total of 269/8 in their allotted 47 overs.

### Amanjot Joins Vastrakar with Maiden Fifty

Amanjot played a crucial innings, scoring 57 runs off 56 balls, which included five fours and a maximum. She became only the second Indian batter to register a 50-plus score from No. 8 or lower in Women’s ODIs, joining Pooja Vastrakar, who has four such scores to her name.

This was Amanjot’s maiden fifty in the format, taking her career runs to 155 at an average of 19.37. She later contributed with the ball as well, picking up 1/37 from six overs.

### Deepti Registers Her 16th WODI Fifty

Deepti made a composed, run-a-ball 53, hitting three boundaries during her knock. This was her 16th fifty in WODIs, and she now has amassed 2,577 runs at an average of 37.89.

Notably, Deepti has scored 341 runs against Sri Lanka at an average of 42.62, including three fifties. This innings marked her third World Cup fifty.

### Sensational Year for Deepti in 2025

Deepti continues to enjoy a dream run with the bat in 2025. Having played 15 WODIs this year, she has already accumulated 434 runs at an outstanding average of 72.33. The fifty against Sri Lanka was her fourth in the calendar year, underscoring her consistent form.

### Record Partnership

According to ESPNcricinfo, Deepti and Amanjot forged the second-highest seventh-wicket partnership in Women’s World Cup history. Their unbeaten 103-run stand is only behind their compatriots Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar’s 122-run partnership against Pakistan in the 2022 edition.

No other Indian pair has recorded a 100-plus stand for the seventh wicket or lower in Women’s ODIs, highlighting the significance of this partnership.

### Other Indian Batters’ Contributions

Opener Pratika Rawal played a gritty innings, scoring 37 off 59 balls, which included three fours and a six. Pratika shared a 67-run opening stand with Harleen Deol, who narrowly missed out on her fifth WODI fifty with 48 runs off 64 balls, hitting six boundaries.

Sneh Rana provided a late flourish, remaining unbeaten on an explosive 28 from just 15 balls, including two fours and two sixes. The spinner also contributed with the ball, taking 2/32 from 10 overs.

### Inoka Ranaweera’s Spin Magic

Sri Lanka’s Inoka Ranaweera was the standout bowler for her side, claiming four wickets for 46 runs from nine overs. Her spell included three wickets in a single over and was her third four-wicket haul in WODIs, with her best figures being 4/39.

Ranaweera has now taken 84 WODI wickets at an average of 32.84 and an economy rate of 4.55. This was her second four-wicket haul against India. In Women’s ODI World Cups, she has picked up 13 wickets from 12 matches at an average of 30.15.

### Sri Lanka Innings: Indian Spinners Dominate

Chasing a revised target of 271 in 47 overs, Sri Lanka started well, reaching 82/1 before suffering a severe collapse. Indian spinners Deepti (3/54), Sneh Rana (2/32), and Shree Charani (2/37) were instrumental in strangling the Sri Lankan middle order.

No Sri Lankan batter could reach a half-century, and the team was bowled out for 211 in 45.4 overs.

### Sri Lankan Batters Throw Away Starts

Sri Lanka’s skipper, Chamari Athapaththu, looked in great touch, smashing four boundaries and three sixes during her 43-run innings off 47 balls. However, her dismissal triggered the collapse.

Athapaththu had shared a 52-run partnership with Harshitha Samarawickrama, who also failed to convert her start, scoring 29 off 45 balls with three boundaries.

Nilakshi de Silva provided some late resistance with a fiery 35 off 29 balls, which included four fours and a six.

### Deepti Becomes India’s Second-Highest Wicket-Taker in WODIs

With her three wickets in this match, Deepti passed Neetu David to become India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Women’s ODI cricket. She now has 143 wickets at an average of 28.19, with an economy rate of 4.29.

The 28-year-old spinner’s tally includes two four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls. She currently trails only the legendary Jhulan Goswami, who has taken 255 wickets.

India’s impressive all-round performance, led by Amanjot and Deepti, helped set a challenging target and ensured a dominant bowling display, powering India to a notable victory in this encounter.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/women-s-world-cup-india-vs-sri-lanka-key-stats/story

South Africa-West Indies T20I series shortened to three matches: Here’s why

**South Africa-West Indies T20I Series Shortened to Three Matches**

*By Parth Dhall | September 30, 2025, 03:47 PM*

South Africa’s upcoming home international T20I series against the West Indies has been shortened from five matches to three. The reduction is due to a scheduling conflict with the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, which necessitates concluding the series earlier than initially planned.

Originally, the five T20Is were scheduled to take place between January 27 and February 6, 2026. However, the series will now wrap up by January 31, marking the start of the support period for the T20 World Cup.

**Venue Changes**

As a result of the revised schedule, two venues have been dropped from the original lineup. Cape Town’s Newlands and Buffalo Park in East London, which were set to host two matches, will no longer be part of the series.

Instead, the three T20Is will be played at Boland Park in Paarl, Centurion’s SuperSport Park, and the iconic Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. These matches are slated for January 27, 29, and 31 respectively.

**Special ‘Pink Day’ T20I in Paarl**

With no ODI cricket planned in South Africa for the 2025/26 season, the final T20I of the series will carry special significance. The match held at Boland Park in Paarl will be observed as “Pink Day,” an annual event where the South African team dons pink jerseys.

Pink Day is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for breast cancer treatment and remains a key highlight in South Africa’s home season calendar.

**South Africa’s Packed International Schedule Ahead**

South Africa’s busy international calendar continues to shape their scheduling decisions. The Proteas are currently on an overseas tour that runs until December 19, 2025.

Next month, they will begin their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title defense with a series against Pakistan, which includes Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. Following that, South Africa will embark on an all-format tour to India featuring two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is.

Looking ahead, South Africa is also set to co-host the 2027 ODI World Cup alongside Zimbabwe and Namibia, adding further excitement to their international cricket commitments.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/south-africa-to-play-three-t20is-against-west-indies/story

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