It were crazy, crazy scenes at the the third and final T20I between India and Sri Lanka. The Lankan Lions bottled a simple run-chase in order to hand a 3-0 cleansweep to the Suryakumar Yadav-led side. On the other side, it was another historic day for the nation as Manu Bhaker rewrote record books by claiming her second Olympics medal in Paris. By doing so, she has become the first ever Indian female to bag multiple medals in a single Olympics event.
What did Rohit Sharma do?
Rohit Sharma, a cricketing legend often mocked for his physique, is now at the center of a photoshop controversy. A photo shared by the BCCI showed a different Rohit than the one he posted on social media. His right arm appeared unnaturally curved, and his belly looks slimmer in the latter. Fans speculate if the ‘Hitman’ edited his image to appear thinner, adding a new chapter to the ongoing body-shaming debate surrounding the star player.
Pakistan to force India not to host Asia Cup?
It looks like the India-Pakistan rivalry is set to intensify. After the Champions Trophy drama, the Asia Cup 2025 in India looms large. However, Pakistan has threatened to boycott in retaliation for India’s refusal to visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025. The T20 World Cup in 2026 could be another target, which is set to be hosted in India, Sri Lanka. The situation could escalate unless India changes its stance and agrees to play in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. However, given the current political climate, this seems unlikely.
Absolute drama in IND vs SL 3rd T20I
Sri Lanka’s nightmare unfolded in the final T20I against India. Needing 30 off 30 with nine wickets in hand, victory seemed assured. However, a batting collapse and Suryakumar Yadav’s startling bowling forced a Super Over. Even Rinku Singh, who bowled the fifth time in his T20 career, got two wickets. In a dramatic twist, India clinched the match and series with a boundary off the first ball of the Super Over. It was a heart-wrenching defeat for Sri Lanka, who were whitewashed at home.
Manu Bhaker & Sarabjot Singh bag bronze for India
Manu Bhaker etched her name in Indian sporting history by clinching two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics. She became the first Indian athlete to achieve this feat. Bhaker’s initial bronze came in the women’s 10m air pistol event. She followed it up with another bronze alongside Sarabjot Singh in the mixed team event, making it India’s second medal at the Games. Following the win, even PM Modi congratulated Sarabjot.
Matthew Mott steps down as England coach
England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed Matthew Mott’s resignation as white-ball coach. The 2019 World Cup winners struggled in the 2023 ODI World Cup, finishing seventh. While their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign showed promise, they lost to India in the semis. Mott had earlier led England to T20 World Cup 2022 glory. ECB’s Rob Key thanked Mott for his contributions, highlighting his World Cup win as a significant achievement. Marcus Trescothick has been named as interim whiteball coach for the Three Lions.
Golden boy Neeraj Chopra arrives in Paris!
India’s star javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, had arrived in Paris for the 2024 Olympics. He had made history by becoming India’s first Olympic gold medalist in track and field at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Neeraj and fellow Indian Kishore Kumar Jena competed in the javelin throw qualification on August 6th, with the final held on August 8th. Neeraj had trained extensively in Poland with the Indian athletics team before heading to Paris.