Sports

High-Flying India Aim to Dominate South Africa in Second T20I at New Chandigarh


Mullanpur, New Chandigarh: India will look to tighten their grip on the ongoing T20I series as they face South Africa in the second match at the New Chandigarh Cricket Stadium on Thursday. After a commanding performance in the series opener, the Men in Blue enter the contest with momentum, confidence, and home advantage firmly on their side.

In the first T20I, Hardik Pandya was the standout performer, blasting a quickfire 59 off 28 balls and contributing with the ball to dismantle South Africaโ€™s middle order. Indiaโ€™s pacers, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, delivered with early breakthroughs that left the visitors struggling to recover.

With a batting lineup that runs deep until number eight, India have the luxury of multiple power-hitters capable of accelerating at any stage. The team is expected to retain its winning combination, maintaining stability as they eye a comprehensive series win.

Gill Under the Radar

Shubman Gillโ€™s T20 form since his Asia Cup return has been inconsistent, making his role at the top critical. Despite modest scores, team management continues to back him, hoping he can turn starts into significant contributions. A strong innings from Gill could add immense weight to Indiaโ€™s already formidable top order featuring in-form batter Abhishek Sharma, Indiaโ€™s current No.1 T20I player.

Suryakumar Yadavโ€™s Chance to Settle

Captain Suryakumar Yadav, navigating a year of fluctuating form, will look to bring stability and explosive middle-order firepower as India prepare for their T20 World Cup title defence on home soil.

South Africa Face Steep Climb

South Africa suffered a dramatic 74-run collapse in the first match and will need quick recalibration. With little turnaround time, the visitors must build partnerships, rotate strike efficiently, and counter Indiaโ€™s multi-dimensional attack.

However, Indiaโ€™s balanced side, fearless approach, and favourable conditions in New Chandigarh make a South African comeback an uphill battle.

Match starts at 7 PM IST.

Sports

BCCI Announces 15-Member Team India Squad for Asia Cup 2025


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which will be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28.

In a major decision, Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as captain, marking his return to leadership duties. Young batting star Shubman Gill has been entrusted with the role of vice-captain, highlighting the selectorsโ€™ vision for grooming future leaders of Indian cricket.

On the bowling front, Indiaโ€™s pace attack will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, who continues to be the strike weapon in crucial tournaments. With a balanced squad comprising both experienced stalwarts and emerging talents, India looks confident heading into the tournament.

The Asia Cup 2025 will serve as an important platform for testing combinations and strategies ahead of the ICC global tournaments scheduled next year. Cricket fans are eagerly anticipating high-voltage clashes, especially against traditional rivals Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as India aims to add another continental trophy to its illustrious cabinet.

The tournament will kick off on September 9, with the grand finale scheduled for September 28. Team India will begin its campaign with high hopes and a powerful lineup.

Stay tuned for match updates, analysis, and exclusive coverage on allycaral.com.

Sports

When Legends Meet: Shubman Gill and Bruno Fernandes in a Captains’ Crossover


In a moment that delighted sports fans globally, Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill met Manchester Unitedโ€™s charismatic midfielder and captain Bruno Fernandes at a crossover event that blended the passion of football with the tradition of cricket.

Held in an atmosphere charged with fan energy and camaraderie, the meet-up symbolized more than a photo-opโ€”it was a celebration of global sports culture. Gill, fresh off a successful cricket season, shared a friendly exchange with Fernandes, known for his strategic brilliance on the football pitch.

The event featured banter, mutual admiration, and a light exchange of gearโ€”cricket bats and football jerseys were signed and shared, creating a unique moment that transcended sport.

Social media exploded as fans from both worlds reacted with enthusiasm. Memes, mashups, and dream-team scenarios lit up timelines.

This crossover underscores the evolving narrative of sport as a unifying global force. Whether itโ€™s a cricket stadium in Mumbai or Old Trafford in Manchester, the language of sport connects all.

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Sports

Shubman Gill Eyes Four Historic Cricket Records Against England, Including Bradmanโ€™s Legacy


As India locks horns with England in their latest cricket series, all eyes are on Indiaโ€™s prodigious batter, Shubman Gill. The 24-year-old has been in stellar form and now has the rare chance to challenge history โ€” by breaking four world records, including three held by the iconic Sir Donald Bradman.

Whatโ€™s at Stake?

  1. Fastest to 2000 Test Runs
    Gill is just a few innings away from this milestone. If he gets there in the next couple of matches, he could eclipse Bradman’s record of 22 innings.
  2. Highest Average After 15 Tests
    Bradmanโ€™s average after 15 Tests was an astonishing 99.96. Gill, who currently averages over 63, needs big scores to even come close โ€” but the possibility exists.
  3. Most Centuries Before Age 25 in Tests
    With multiple centuries already to his name, Gill could match or surpass Bradmanโ€™s tally of 10 Test centuries before turning 25.
  4. Consecutive 50+ Scores in England Series
    No Indian batter has scored 50+ in five consecutive innings against England. Gill is currently on a streak โ€” and if it continues, heโ€™ll set a new benchmark.

Gillโ€™s Mental Game

In interviews, Gill has credited his calm mindset and disciplined preparation. โ€œI donโ€™t look at records before matches. My job is to stay in the moment and score for my team,โ€ he said before the series opener.

The Bradman Shadow

Sir Donald Bradman, widely regarded as the greatest batter in cricket history, set standards that have remained unmatched for decades. For Gill to come close or surpass them, even partially, would be a feat few in modern cricket could boast of.

Conclusion

Whether or not Shubman Gill breaks all four records, his consistency, flair, and hunger for runs make him one of Indiaโ€™s brightest stars. The England series could well be his defining moment โ€” a modern chapter written in the shadow of a timeless legend.