February 16 turned out to be a historic day for India. Ayhika Mukherjee and Sreeja Akula stunned world no.1 and no.2 players Sun Yinghsa and Wang Yidi in World Table Tennis Team Championships. Meanwhile, India women's badminton team – PV Sindhu, Ashmita Chaliha, and the duo of Ashwini Ponappa and Tanisha Crasto – assured a historic medal at the Asia Team Championships.
Let's have a look at the top 10 trending sports news on February 16's sports roundup:
Indian women's team secures historic medal at Badminton Asia Team Championships quarterfinals
In a significant victory, Indian women shuttlers ensured their first-ever medal at the Badminton Asia Team Championships by effortlessly defeating Hong Kong with a 3-0 score in the quarterfinals. Following their remarkable triumph over top-seeded China in the group stage, India dominated Hong Kong, propelled by victories from PV Sindhu, Ashmita Chaliha, and the doubles duo of Ashwini Ponappa and Tanisha Crasto.
Ayhika, Sreeja catch world no.1 and 2 by surprise
In an electrifying showdown at the World Table Tennis Team Championships, Indian paddlers Ayhika Mukherjee and Sreeja Akula delivered a stunning performance by defeating the world's top two players, Sun Yingsha and Wang Yidi. However, their efforts fell short as defending champions China clinched victory with a narrow 3-2 scoreline.
Kane Williamson breaks Steve Smith's record
Kane Williamson became the fastest to 32 Test centuries breaking Australia's Steve Smith's record. Williamson also recorded joint-most centuries in the fourth innings of a Test and successful run chases in the format.
New Zealand register first-ever Test series win over South Africa
Williamson’s unbeaten 133 and Will Young’s half-century helped New Zealand beat South Africa by seven wickets. The Kiwis completed a clean sweep to register their first-ever Test series win over South Africa in the 92-year-old Test history of the two nations.
Five-run penalty to India
The umpire Joel Wilson awarded a five-run penalty to India after Ravichandran Ashwin ran into the danger area of the pitch. The umpires had earlier warned Ravindra Jadeja for the same. England will start their first innings at 5/0.
Kylian Mbappe to leave PSG
Reports suggest that Paris Saint Germain's (PSG) star forward Kylian Mbappe has informed the club that he will leave in June this year. However, it is not clear whether Mbappe will join Spanish club Real Madrid or not.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami conclude turbulent MLS preseason with 1-1 draw against Newell's Old Boys
In a symbolic encounter, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami wrapped up their eventful Major League Soccer preseason with a 1-1 draw against the Argentine's childhood club, Newell's Old Boys. This marked the first time the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner faced the club he and Inter Miami coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino both have deep roots with, hailing from Rosario, Argentina.
ICC bans Rizwan for 17-and-a-half months
Rizwan Javed, a club cricketer based in the UK, has been handed a severe 17-and-a-half-year ban from all cricket activities. This penalty comes as a consequence of his involvement in multiple attempts to fix matches during the Abu Dhabi T10 League in 2021.
"Rizwan Javed has received a lengthy ban from cricket for his repeated and serious attempts to corrupt professional cricketers," ICC General Manager Integrity, Alex Marshall said in an ICC statement.
Ishan Kishan a no show in Ranji Trophy again
Jharkhand's Ishan Kishan has once again opted out of participating in the final round of Ranji Trophy matches. Along with Kishan, Deepak Chahar and Shreyas Iyer have opted out of the Ranji Trophy encounters as well. The move may not go down well with the BCCI as the board wants centrally contracted players to play in IPL when they are not with the senior side.
Dubai Capitals knock out defending champions Gulf Giants to reach ILT20 final
After a clinical bowling display helped Dubai Capitals restrict Gulf Giants' score to 138/6, opener Leus du Plooy's unbeaten 63 helped them win the match by nine wickets and 25 balls to spare. Dubai Capitals will now face MI Emirates in the ILT20 final on February 18.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
ICC bans Rizwan for 17 and half years for corrupting players in Abu Dhabi T10 League
