Australia reached the Under-19 World Cup 2024 final with a thrilling one-run win over Pakistan. Australia will face India for the third time in Under-19 World Cup history. After a bizarre series of events, India and Bangladesh were declared joint winners of the SAFF Under-19 Championships.
Here's a look at the top 10 news on February 9's sports roundup:
No India vs Pakistan in Under-19 World Cup final
Azan Awais, Arafat Minhas' half-centuries, and Ali Raza's four-wicket haul went in vain as Australia beat Pakistan by one wicket with five balls to spare in a thrilling semifinal to book the final spot against India. Australian pacer starred in the semi-final with a record-breaking six-wicket haul.
India, Bangladesh share trophy
After a bizarre series of events, India and Bangladesh were declared joint winners of the SAFF Women's Under-19 Football Championships. After the match ended in a 1-1 draw, the scoreline reached 11-11 in a penalty shootout. At one point, India were declared winners by coin toss only to be reversed by the match commissioner. Eventually, India and Bangladesh were declared joint winners.
AB de Villiers admits to making ‘big mistake’ on reason behind Kohli’s absence
Former South Africa captain AB De Villiers issued an apology for spreading misinformation about the reason behind Virat Kohli’s absence from India’s Test squad in the ongoing series against England. De Villiers also backed Kohli’s decision to choose family over cricket.
Klaasen’s demolishing act guides Durban Super Giants to SA20 final
In the SA20 League Qualifier 2, Keshav Maharaj-led Durban Super Giants beat Joburg Super Kings by 69 runs to reach the final against Sunrisers Eastern Cape Town. Heinrich Klaasen's whirlwind 30-ball 74 and Wiaan Mulder's 23-ball 50 followed by Junior Dala's four-wicket haul helped Durban Super Giants register a comprehensive win.
Table-toppers MI Emirates lose to Gulf Giants
In the ILT20 2024 league stage clash, James Vince-led Gulf Giants beat table-toppers MI Emirates by five runs. After Vince's 59-run knock, Chris Jordan's economical spell helped Gulf Giants register their fifth win of the season despite England all-rounder Jordan Thompson scoring 24 runs in the last over.
Australia’s Test squad for New Zealand tour announced
Cricket Australia (CA) announced a 14-member Test squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand starting later this month. Fast-bowling all-rounder Michael Neser earned a recall considering the seamer-friendly conditions in New Zealand.
Australia Test squad for New Zealand: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc.
Dan Lawrence leaves England squad to play ILT20
Dan Lawrence who replaced Harry Brook in the Test squad for the ongoing series against India has been permitted to join the ILT20 franchise Desert Vipers for two matches. Lawrence was not included in the playing eleven for the first two Tests. After playing two league games, he will rejoin Ben Stokes-led England Test squad which will travel to India from UAE ahead of the third Test in Rajkot.
Frances Tiafoe reaches Dallas Open quarterfinals
Frances Tiafoe, the top seed, secured his spot in the quarterfinals of the Dallas Open by defeating fellow American Alex Michelsen with a 6-4, 6-3 victory on Thursday night. Tiafoe clinched the win with a remarkable backspinning drop volley that landed so close to the net that it bounced back over to his side, leaving Michelsen with no chance to return the ball.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner faces Friday hearing after claims about behaviour
Red Bull team Principal Christian Horner is scheduled to appear at a hearing on Friday to address allegations of "inappropriate behavior" against him. The 50-year-old vehemently denies the accusations, which are reported to have been made by a fellow staff member at the British-based team, according to the PA news agency. Red Bull has confirmed the initiation of an independent investigation following the allegations.
No Shanaka in ODI squad against Afghanistan
Sri Lanka announced a 16-man squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan. Former captain Shanka could not find a place in the ODI series which will be played from February 9 to 14. Shanaka is currently playing for Dubai Capitals in ILT20.
Sri Lanka's squad for ODI series against Afghanistan: Kusal Mendis (c), Charith Asalanka (vc), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan, Sahan Arachchige, Akila Dananjaya, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, and Shevon Daniel.
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