Sports

India must work on batting depth after Windies loss, says Dravid

Published

3 years ago

August 14, 2023

Staff Reporter

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AFP

India must improve their batting depth with the 50-overs World Cup on the horizon, coach Rahul Dravid said after his team lost their Twenty20 series against the West Indies 3-2 in Florida on Sunday.

A young Indian side missing several big names battled back from 0-2 down in the five-match series but crashed to an eight-wicket defeat at Lauderhill, with opener Brandon King helping West Indies chase down the victory target with an unbeaten 85.

Suryakumar Yadav hit 61 off 45 balls but had little support from the middle and lower order as India posted a modest 165-9 in 20 overs. The West Indies finished 171-2 from 18 overs with Nicholas Pooran (47) supporting King.

Dravid said mistakes were made in the series but was hopeful that their one-day team would fare better in the World Cup, which India will host from October 5 to November 19.

“Our one-day team is really different to the squad that we had here. But yeah, it didn’t allow us the flexibility to change the combinations a little bit,” Dravid told reporters.

“But going forward, we’ve got to look at certain areas in which we can get better. Finding depth in our batting has been an area we’re trying to address.

“As these games go on, scores are becoming bigger … even the West Indies had Alzarri Joseph coming in at number 11 and he can hit a mean ball. You have sides that have depth. We’ve got some challenges on that front.”

Dravid said India showed courage to level the series after a poor start but their batsmen could have done better throughout.

“But that can happen. It’s a young team, a developing team so there are going to be times when we have our ups and downs,” he added. “Of course we’re disappointed. To be able to win from 0-2 down would have been special.”

Rio Ferdinand house for sale: Man Utd legend puts Kent mansion on market after Dubai move

Published

2 weeks ago

April 24, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.

The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.

Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.

Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.

He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.

He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.

Sports

Big game tonight: Expect traffic delays around Dubai’s Al Wasl Club

Published

2 weeks ago

April 22, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.

The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.

Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.

To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.

The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.

News

Free 5KM run in Abu Ahabi, but expect road closures

Published

3 weeks ago

April 17, 2026

Michael Gomes

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If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.

The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.

But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.

Here’s what’s happening
Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.

To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area.
There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:

• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am)
• Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19

Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).

What should motorists do
• Leave earlier than usual
• Follow diversion signs
• Avoid the area if possible during peak hours

While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.

So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.