Author: Snehasis Mukherjee

East Bengal’s winless streak finally ended last night, as they defeated Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings 4-0 in their second group stage match of the AFC Challenge League in Thimphu, Bhutan. All four goals came in the first half, making it feel as though the game was already decided. The Bangladeshi side looked completely disjointed, delivering a surprisingly poor first-half performance. However, the real test for the Red and Gold brigade will be in their next match against Nejmeh SC. Yet, this victory has sparked significant talking points among East Bengal fans. First half with World-Class goals and a clean sheet It…

East Bengal aims to get back to winning ways as they face Bangladesh’s Basundhara Kings in the AFC Challenge League 2024-25 group stage at Thimphu’s Changlimithang Stadium. In their tournament opener, the Red and Gold brigade had a chance to end a six-game losing streak from the Indian Super League (ISL). However, they could only manage a 2-2 draw against Paro FC, missing multiple opportunities to score. Meanwhile, Basundhara suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Lebanon’s Nejmeh SC. Both teams will push for a win, as a loss today could end their progression hopes. Following the draw with Paro FC,…

After a strong start to the series, India’s women’s cricket team suffered a heavy 76-run loss in the second ODI against New Zealand, while chasing a target of 260. With the series now tied, fans eagerly await today’s decider at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. However, the persistent struggle in run chases has become a critical concern for this Indian team in the 50-over format. In the past two years, India has won just one out of their last six ODIs while chasing, with four losses and a tie. Their last successful chase was against South Africa in June 2024 in…

East Bengal kicked off their AFC Challenge League 2024-25 campaign with a determined 2-2 draw against Paro FC at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan. Despite an early lead courtesy of Madih Talal, the Kolkata giants conceded twice in the first half. However, a crucial equaliser from Dimitrios Diamantakos saved the team from a defeat in their tournament opener. Paro started the game with a strong attacking approach, creating some early chances. However, it was the visitors who struck first, thanks to their star midfielder, Madih Talal. Captain Saul delivered a low cross, which Talal expertly directed into the bottom-left…

Pooja Vastrakar missed several matches in the recent Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE due to fitness concerns. During many practice sessions, she was often seen performing fitness stretches and drills, sometimes with knee and ankle straps, raising doubts about her availability. When India’s squad for the ODI series against New Zealand was announced, Pooja was excluded, with the BCCI releasing a statement, saying “rested for the series”. It appeared that the team was allowing her time to recover from her recent injuries, which seemed reasonable for a player working to regain full fitness. Yet, surprisingly, Pooja has been…

After a commanding 59-run victory in the first ODI, India Women are preparing for the second game of the series against New Zealand Women at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India’s bowlers, particularly the spinners, were outstanding in defending 227 in the opener. However, fans are increasingly concerned about the form of their lead fast bowler, Renuka Singh Thakur, who went wicketless, conceding 30 runs in seven overs. Renuka has played 12 ODIs so far, taking 20 wickets at an economy rate of 4.79. Her debut year in 2022 was exceptional; in seven innings, she took 18 wickets with…

India Women secured a 59-run win over New Zealand Women in the first game of the three-match ODI series in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The bowlers were the stars for the home team, successfully defending a total of 227. Several Indian batters got off to good starts but failed to score big. However, the bowlers, especially Radha Yadav, restricted New Zealand’s batters with her variations and prevented them from scoring freely. Fans were eager to see how Harmanpreet Kaur would lead the team after the disappointment of the recent Women’s T20 World Cup in UAE. However, at the toss, Smriti Mandhana…

Snehasis Mukherjee The India Women’s cricket team is set to begin a three-match home ODI series against New Zealand Women, starting tomorrow in Ahmedabad. After a disappointing group stage exit in the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, Harmanpreet Kaur and her team will aim to perform well in front of the home crowd. As hosts of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, India are already qualified for the tournament. On the other hand the White Ferns are still fighting for a spot. They are currently sixth in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 cycle, with 18…

Snehasis Mukherjee in Dubai After 23 exciting matches, the carnival of the 9th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has come to an end. New Zealand defeated South Africa by 32 runs to claim the title. The journey of the White Ferns from their initial struggles to this triumph has been a rollercoaster ride. Throughout the event, fans showed their unwavering support and witnessed some top performances, whether with the ball or the bat. Here are the top five talking points of the tournament: New Zealand, the ‘Champions’ The White Ferns lifted their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup,…

Snehasis Mukherjee in Dubai New Zealand made history last night at the Dubai International Stadium by defeating South Africa in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, securing their first-ever title. Player of the tournament and highest wicket-taker, Amelia Kerr, was also named player of the match. However, while setting a total of 158 runs, Brooke Halliday’s contribution was equally significant. Her crucial 38-run knock from 28 balls supported Kerr at the other end, helping to build a 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket from 44 balls. It ended up being Halliday’s highest individual score in her career…