The Indian women’s team made history in the Badminton Asia Team Championship (BATC) 2024 by securing a maiden finals berth defeating Japan 3-2 in the semis, here at, Malaysia on Saturday.
Facing a formidable Japanese side, the Indian team showcased remarkable performance, rallying behind their young talents to secure a memorable win.
The encounter kicked off with a setback as PV Sindhu, India's ace shuttler, faltered against Aya Ohori (17-21, 20-22) in the opening match making India trail 0-1. However, undeterred by the early setback, the Indian team mounted a spirited fightback.
Doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand delivered a stellar performance, clinching a hard-fought victory (21-17, 16-21, 22-20) over the world no. 6 Japanese pair of Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida, leveling the tie at 1-1.
The momentum swung in India's favor as Ashmita Chaliha stunned the experienced Nozomi Okuhara with a commanding straight-game win (21-17, 21-14), extending India's lead to 2-1.
In the fourth rubber, India went with a scratch pair of Sindhu and Ashwini Ponnappa, in the absence of injured Tanisha Crasto, and Japanese duo Rena Miyaura and Ayako Sakuramoto did not find it hard to beat the Indian pair 21-14, 21-11.
The stage was set for a thrilling finale, with 17-year-old Anmol Kharb stepping up to the challenge despite her limited experience in the tournament.
The reigning national champion Kharb showcased nerves of steel and impeccable skill, overpowering world number 29 Natsuki Nidaira in straight games (21-14, 21-18) to seal India's historic victory and secure a spot in the final.
Gukesh wins Candidates tournament, becomes the challenger for world title
Seventeen-year-old Indian chess Grandmaster D. Gukesh on Monday became the youngest player to win the FIDE Candidates tournament and to become the challenger for the world chess title.
IPL 2024: Iyer, Salt, Russell star as KKR survive Karn scare to beat RCB by one run
With 21 runs needed off the final over, Karn sliced Starc over backward point for six and survived a caught-behind appeal on the very next ball. Karn stayed deep in the crease and smacked Starc for sixes over extra cover and backward point.
IPL 2024: Jos Buttler’s century outshines Virat Kohli’s ton as RR beat RCB by six wickets
Opener Jos Buttler announced his return to form in his 100th IPL match with a magnificent 58-ball century as he outshined Virat Kohli’s ton to help Rajasthan Royals make it four wins from four matches at Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 after beating Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Saturday.
IPL 2024: Virat Kohli's unbeaten 113 lifts Royal Challengers Bengaluru to 183/3
Talismanic batter Virat Kohli brought out his vintage self to slam his eighth Indian Premier League (IPL) century and ninth overall in T20 cricket to lift Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a competitive 183/3 in 20 overs against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Saturday evening.
IPL 2024: Quinton de Kock's 81, Pooran's 40 off 21 help LSG post 181/5 against RCB
Opener Quinton de Kock hammered a 56-ball 81 but Royal Challengers Bengaluru pulled things back in the death overs to restrict Lucknow Super Giants to in Match 15 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Tuesday.
IPL 2024: BCCI reschedules KKR vs RR, GT vs DC matches
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced the rescheduling of two Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 matches -- swapping the dates of the Kolkata Knight Riders versus Rajasthan Royals and that between Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals.
IPL 2024: Mohit Sharma picks three as bowlers help Gujarat restrict Hyderabad to 162/8
Veteran fast-bowler Mohit Sharma picked a brilliant 3-25 to lead a good bowling show for the Gujarat Titans in restricting Sunrisers Hyderabad to 162/8 in 20 overs of the IPL 2024 match at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Sunday.
IPL 2024: It's just a lot more comfortable batting at the top, says Rachin Ravindra on opening role for CSK
Rachin Ravindra has slowly emerged as a fan favourite of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) supporters, thanks to his eye-catchy strokes in the power-play, coming at a strike rate of 237.14. The New Zealand all-rounder, who’s stepped into the role of an injured Devon Conway, said being an opener is just about being a lot more comfortable at the top and is close to unlocking his potential in that position.