CRICKET

India Win ODI Series. Shocking Defeat By NZ: Prior to the 4th ODI, India was three up against New Zealand, but the absence of Dhoni and Kohli got the Kiwis to strike back with an eight wicket victory! Man of the Match Trent Boult’s magnificent five wicket haul (5-21) helped New Zealand restore parity during the fourth ODI at Hamilton. Batting first, India were skittled out for a shocking 92 in 30.5 overs. NZ cruised to victory reaching 93-2 in just 14.4 overs, avoiding a whitewash. India looks to end the tournament on a high with one ODI left.

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Sheldon, Pujara Get Saurashtra To Ranji Final: Powerful batting performances from Man of the Match Cheteshwar Pujara (131 not out) and Sheldon Jackson (100) during the 4th innings helped Saurashtra seal its spot in the Ranji Trophy Finals. Batting first Karnataka notched up 275 during the first innings as Shreyas Gopal top scored with 87. Amongst Saurashtra bowlers, skipper Jaydev Unadkat grabbed 4 for 56, supported by Kamlesh Makvana getting 3 for 74. In reply, the tourists managed 236 in 71 overs. Ronit More landed a six wicket haul. In their second innings, Karnataka were bundled out for 239 thanks to Dharmendrasinh Jadeja’s 5 for 78 spell. Pujara and Jackson steered their team to finish at 279-5 with a 214-runs partnership. Saurashtra will face defending champs Vidarbha in the Finals.

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TENNIS

Djoko Wins 7th Australian Open: World No. 1, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic beat his strongest opponent – second seed Rafael Nadal, at Rod Laver Arena, in straight sets 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 (2 hours, 4 mts) to clinch a record magnificent seventh Australian Open title victory, making this his 15th Grand Slam.

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Osaka Clinches Australian Open Women’s Title: A thrilling contest between arch rivals Naomi Osaka and Petra Kvitova kept spectators enthralled. Japan’s Osaka held her nerve and emerged victorious beating Kvitova in three sets 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4 in two hours and 27 minutes to lift the Australian Open, becoming the New World No. 1

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Krejcikova-Ram Grab Mixed Doubles Crown: The Czech-American mixed doubles pair of Barbora Krejcikova and Rajeev Ram outclassed the Australian duo Astra Sharma and John Patrick Smith 7-6, (7/3), 6-1, to win their first Mixed Doubles title at the Australian Open.

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BADMINTON

Saina Wins Indonesia Masters: Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal had luck favouring her in the final of the Indonesia Masters Women’s Singles contest after opponent Carolina Marin had to pull out due to injury. The Spanish seed was leading 10-4 before she got hurt and had to end her journey. Saina went on to win the Final.