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Munsey Shines as Tigers and NYS Lagos Win Big on Zim Afro T10 Day 6

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George Munsey put on an absolute masterclass at the Harare Sports Club on Day 6 of the second season of the Zim Afro T10, as he scored the first century ever in the history of the competition which helped the Harare Bolts post a record total, and in the process knocked out the Durban Wolves out. After that the Jo’Burg Bangla Tigers were clinical against the Bulawayo Brave Jaguars, and the NYS Lagos also put in a fine all-round performance to pick up an important win against the Cape Town Samp Army.

Batting first, the Harare Bolts made good use of the conditions, and started brightly. Lahiru Milantha (13) and Janishka Perera (24) scored freely in the initial overs, before George Munsey decided to take charge. The Scotsman, who is well known for his ability to hit a long ball, put on a masterclass in attacking, as he scored a 38-ball 100, and remained unbeaten. Munsey smashed 10 maximums and six boundaries, as the Bolts posted a record 173/2 in 10 overs. In response, the Wolves made a solid start as well as Sharjeel Khan (25) and Will Smeed (16) attacked from the get-go. Colin Munro added a quickfire 32, after which the Bolts’ bowling attack tightened the screws and closed out a comfortable 54-run win, with Richard Gleeson finishing as the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/2.

In the second game of the day, there were more runs of course, as the Jo’Burg Bangla Tigers’ top order put in a remarkable performance. The duo of Hazratullah Zazai (49) and captain Sikandar Raza (51) played freely, and ensured the Bulawayo Brave Jaguars’ bowlers would not have much to cheer about. The two of them stitched together a fantastic unbeaten 108-run stand for the third wicket, which propelled the score to 128/2. In response the David Warner led side, found it hard to build momentum. Tinashe Muchawaya had Warner’s number yet again, and George Linde picked three more wickets to keep the Jaguars in check. Carlos Brathwaite top scored for the Jaguars with 18 runs, as they were restricted to 91/9 in their 10 overs, giving the Tigers a resounding 37-run win.

The runs continued to flow in the final game of the day, as the NYS Lagos took first strike and openers Rassie van der Dussen (51) and Avishka Fernando (66) played brilliantly. The openers used all their experience and attacked the right deliveries, putting on an opening partnership of 122. The NYS Lagos finished with 133/2 in their 10 overs. In response, the Cape Town Samp Army started brightly as Brian Bennett scored a fast paced 40. After that Jack Taylor added 37 more, but the likes of Oshane Thomas bowled brilliantly and restricted the big hitters. Eventually, NYS Lagos came away with a 42-run win on the day, and secured qualification for the next round.

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Nick Kyrgios Fires Back at Mahut in Explosive Tennis Comeback

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Adapted from an exclusive with Telecom Asia Sports

Abu Dhabi, December 20, 2024 – Nick Kyrgios is back, and he’s not holding back. After a hard fought defeat in his match against Andrey Rublev at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi, the Australian tennis star hit out at former doubles World No. 1 Nicolas Mahut amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Kyrgios’ comments about Jannik Sinner, the current world No. 1.

The drama began after Kyrgios, never one to mince words, expressed his desire to face Sinner at the upcoming Australian Open, vowing to turn the crowd against the Italian. Speaking on the Nothing Major podcast, Kyrgios said: “Let’s be honest, I just want to go out there and I really want to play Sinner. If I played him in the Australian Open, I’d get every person in the crowd to get on him. It would turn into an absolute riot. All respect would go out the window, and I would just do anything to win.”

Kyrgios’ comments came in the wake of Sinner’s doping controversy earlier this year, where the Italian tested positive for the banned substance clostebol. While Sinner was ultimately cleared of any fault by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), the case remains under appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Kyrgios has been vocal about his disapproval of the ruling, previously calling for Sinner to be banned.

Mahut, a former doubles World No. 1 and five-time Grand Slam champion, publicly condemned Kyrgios for what he deemed unnecessary and disrespectful remarks. Speaking to Eurosport, Mahut said: “I don’t like these kinds of statements. Kyrgios gave his opinion about Sinner’s positive tests, which is fine, but to let it escalate like this? Sinner has never disrespected anyone, and he’s the No. 1 in the world. There’s no need to let yourself go like this.” Mahut also dismissed Kyrgios’ chances of defeating Sinner, predicting, “Even if the crowd gets excited, Sinner will win that match easily with 6-3s.”

In an interview following his match at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi, Kyrgios responded to Mahut’s criticism with characteristic bluntness. Speaking exclusively to Telecom Asia Sports, he remarked: “I don’t know if there’s a back-and-forth. Nicolas Mahut, on a global level, hasn’t made inroads like I have, so I’ll let that be. And I don’t think the world necessarily cares too much about what Nicolas Mahut has to say.”

The 29-year-old, returning to the court after over a year recovering from wrist reconstruction surgery, also addressed his ability to compete at the highest level. “I wasn’t retiring. Trust me, I was two sets away from winning a Grand Slam. I didn’t retire; I was forced to stop playing for a while. It was very, very hard because I was playing the best tennis of my life,” Kyrgios told Telecom Asia Sports. “It’s been about 16 months since my surgery, and I’ve done everything the right way—no shortcuts, just rehab and hard work. I’ve put myself in the best position I can, and now I’ll let my tennis do the talking.”

Kyrgios didn’t shy away from addressing Mahut’s criticism of his confidence, saying: “I have people like Mahut telling me to be realistic. He was an amazing doubles player, a Grand Slam champion, no doubt, but he didn’t have the singles career I’ve had. That’s probably why he has his opinion. But on the singles court, he never had the belief I have, so that opinion means nothing to me.” He added, “Federer, Nadal, Djokovic—they were the greatest because people were defeated before they even stepped on the court with them. I don’t want to be that player. I’ll always back my ability and my belief.”

While Kyrgios acknowledged the current dominance of players like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, he remained defiant. “There’s no doubt that Sinner, Alcaraz—these guys are the best in the world right now, hands down. But that doesn’t mean I won’t believe in myself. I’ll always back myself and do everything I can to compete,” he stated.

Kyrgios is set to make his much-anticipated return to the Australian Open in January, marking his first appearance at his home Grand Slam in three years. He will also partner with Novak Djokovic in the doubles draw at the Brisbane International, a pairing that has already created buzz in the tennis world.

As Kyrgios reenters the spotlight, one thing is clear—his unfiltered approach and unwavering confidence continue to make him one of tennis’ most polarizing and fascinating figures. Whether or not he faces Sinner, Kyrgios has made it clear that he’s ready to fight for his place among the game’s elite.


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Dubai Welcomes Kabaddi with a Spectacular Exhibition Match

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The Real Kabaddi League (RKL), known for redefining grassroots sports in India, is set to captivate the Gulf region with an exhilarating Kabaddi exhibition match at Al Ahli Sports Club, Dubai, at 6 PM onwards. This highly anticipated event will feature two specially created dummy teams—Indian Warriors and Gulf Gladiators, showcasing raw and emerging talent on an international platform.

Supported by the Dubai Sports Council, the event symbolizes a monumental step in introducing the traditional Indian sport to a global audience, particularly the Gulf region. With a blend of sportsmanship, entertainment, and education, this evening is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of Kabaddi.

The evening kicks off with a breathtaking Arabic Emirati performance, setting the stage for an unforgettable cultural exchange.
A high-energy dance performance post-match (by Zara Khan) will close the event on a vibrant note.

Bollywood legend Suniel Shetty and Indian Wrestler Sangram Singh will lend their star presence, elevating the event’s appeal.

To familiarize Gulf audiences with Kabaddi, RKL has developed animated explainer videos that simplify the sport’s rules in an engaging format, ensuring everyone in attendance can fully immerse themselves in the action.

True to its mission, RKL will showcase young and raw Kabaddi players, making this match a gateway for unexplored talent to shine on a global stage.

Lavish Choudhary, Co-Founder in RKL, emphasized: “The aim behind RKL is always to promote young, raw, and rural unexplored talent and give them a stage to shine.”

Shubham Choudhary, Founder of RKL, added: “This exhibition match serves as the base ground for the Kabaddi sport to enter Gulf countries, and I believe people are going to love it.”

The match will be broadcast live on the Real Kabaddi League’s YouTube channel, enabling fans worldwide to experience the unmissable action. The event is open to all sports enthusiasts, welcoming everyone intrigued by Kabaddi’s dynamic energy and team spirit.

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Jaffna Titans secure dominant win over Colombo Jaguars on rain-hit Day 2 of Lanka T10

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Jaffna Titans registered a comprehensive win against Colombo Jaguars by 40 runs to add two more points to the tally in Lanka T10 Super League at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on a rain-marred second day. Jaffna rode on some spectacular batting from opener Kusal Mendis and his Sri Lankan teammate Charith Asalanka to post a mammoth 138/6 in 10 overs on the board.

While Mendis struck 37 off just 19 deliveries, Asalanka notched up 56 off 24 with the help of five maximums and as many fours. For Jaguars, skipper Angelo Mathews and Ali Khan picked up two wickets each.

Later, bowlers and especially youngster Treveen Mathew who has been gathering praise from everyone for his spin bowling did the job for the Titans and restricted the opposition to 98/6. Colombo Jaguars never really got the start they needed and lost wickets at regular intervals.

Treveen Mathew once again showed his skills and returned with bowling figures of 3/18 in 20 overs.

Earlier, first match on Day 2 between Kandy Bolts and Nuwara Eliya Kings was called off due to rain after just 3.3 overs. Kandy Bolts who were batting first had put up 38/1 with Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka being not out at 26 off 11 when rain arrived. The second fixture between Galle Marvels and Hambantota Bangla Tigers was abandoned without toss.

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