<p>The T20 World Cup 2022 edition is living up to expectations. After Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning win over Pakistan on Thursday (October 27), there were two games set to be held on Friday (October 28). Ireland-Afghanistan and Australia-England were to be held, one after the other, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne. However, both games were washed out without a ball being bowled.</p>

<p>Ireland, after their five-run win over 2010 winners England a few days back, were set to lock horns with Mohammad Nabi-led Afghan side but the clash didn't even see a toss taking place, due to rain. After the match was abandoned, the focus shifted to the defending champions Australia taking on England&nbsp;at the same venue. Nonetheless, not a single ball was possible due to persistent rain.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-how-can-pakistan-still-enter-t20-wc-semi-finals-after-shocking-result-vs-zimbabwe-529112"><strong>EXPLAINED: How Pakistan can still enter T20 WC semi-finals after shocking result vs Zimbabwe</strong></a></p>

<p>While there was no rain for more than an hour, before the final announcement, umpires remained concerned&nbsp;about the damp spots.&nbsp;Thus, the points have been shared in both games. After the twin wash-out encounters, top-ranked New Zealand as well as England, Ireland, and Australia are all tied at three points each. Aaron Finch-led Aussies, however,&nbsp;have&nbsp;the worst NRR. Thus, Group 1 continues to be&nbsp;wide open even though&nbsp;many games have&nbsp;been washed out due to rain.</p>

<p>On Saturday (October 29), only one game will be held which will see New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka, at the SCG, Syndey, with no rain forecast.</p>


The T20 World Cup 2022 edition is living up to expectations. After Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning win over Pakistan on Thursday (October 27), there were two games set to be held on Friday (October 28).

The T20 World Cup 2022 edition is living up to expectations. After Zimbabwe pulled off a stunning win over Pakistan on Thursday (October 27), there were two games set to be held on Friday (October 28). Ireland-Afghanistan and Australia-England were to be held, one after the other, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne. However, both games were washed out without a ball being bowled. Ireland, after their five-run win over 2010 winners England a few days back, were set to lock horns with Mohammad Nabi-led Afghan side but the clash didn't even see a toss taking place, due to rain. After the match was abandoned, the focus shifted to the defending champions Australia taking on England at the same venue. Nonetheless, not a single ball was possible due to persistent rain. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: How Pakistan can still enter T20 WC semi-finals after shocking result vs Zimbabwe While there was no rain for more than an hour, before the final announcement, umpires remained concerned about the damp spots. Thus, the points have been shared in both games. After the twin wash-out encounters, top-ranked New Zealand as well as England, Ireland, and Australia are all tied at three points each. Aaron Finch-led Aussies, however, have the worst NRR. Thus, Group 1 continues to be wide open even though many games have been washed out due to rain. On Saturday (October 29), only one game will be held which will see New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka, at the SCG, Syndey, with no rain forecast.

T20 WC: After Ireland-Afghanistan, Australia vs England also washed out without a ball being bowled

<p>Virat Kohli produced a masterclass at the iconic MCG, Melbourne as India took on arch-rivals Pakistan in the Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup (T20 WC) on Sunday (October 23). In a humdinger of a clash, India went past Pakistan on the last ball of the contest to win by four wickets and kick off their campaign in a memorable fashion.</p>

<p>After Rohit Sharma-led India opted to bowl first and restricted Pakistan to 159-8. In reply, India were tottering at 31 for 4 before a 113-run fifth-wicket stand between Kohli (82 not out off 53 balls) and Hardik Pandya (40 off 37 balls) revived the run-chase but it all boiled down to 16 off the last six balls. With the last over comprising two wides, a waist-high delivery going for a six, no-ball, free-hit, and two wickets falling, there was drama of the highest order before R Ashwin's last ball four took India past the finish line.</p>

<p>Talking about Kohli's knock, the 33-year-old was at his very best as he timed his acceleration to perfection and took India to a memorable victory. <strong>Here's how head coach Rahul Dravid reacted as he gave a warm hug to Kohli for his batting masterclass:</strong></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-are-the-king-twitter-hails-virat-kohli-after-his-chasing-masterclass-against-pakistan-in-t20-world-cup-527789"><strong>'You are the king': Twitter hails Virat Kohli after his chasing masterclass against Pakistan in T20 World Cup</strong></a></p>

<p>At the post-match presentation, Kohli said, "It's a surreal atmosphere, I have no words, no idea how that happened. I am really lost for words. Hardik believed we can do it, if we stayed till the end. When Shaheen bowled from the pavilion end, that's when we decided to take him down. Haris is their prime bowler, and I hit those two sixes. The calculation was simple. Nawaz had one over to bowl, so if I could take Haris down, they would panic. From 28 in 8, it came down to 16 to 6. I tried to stick to my instincts. The first one was back of a hand slower ball (the one over long-on).&nbsp;Standing here I just feel like it was meant to be. Till today Mohali was my best innings against Australia. Today I will count this one higher. Hardik kept pushing me. The crowd has been phenomenal. You guys (fans) kept backing me and I am grateful for your support."</p>

<p>India will now take on the Netherlands on October 27 (Thursday) at the&nbsp;Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney.</p>


Virat Kohli produced a masterclass at the iconic MCG, Melbourne as India took on arch-rivals Pakistan in the Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup (T20 WC) on Sunday (October 23).

Virat Kohli produced a masterclass at the iconic MCG, Melbourne as India took on arch-rivals Pakistan in the Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup (T20 WC) on Sunday (October 23). In a humdinger of a clash, India went past Pakistan on the last ball of the contest to win by four wickets and kick off their campaign in a memorable fashion. After Rohit Sharma-led India opted to bowl first and restricted Pakistan to 159-8. In reply, India were tottering at 31 for 4 before a 113-run fifth-wicket stand between Kohli (82 not out off 53 balls) and Hardik Pandya (40 off 37 balls) revived the run-chase but it all boiled down to 16 off the last six balls. With the last over comprising two wides, a waist-high delivery going for a six, no-ball, free-hit, and two wickets falling, there was drama of the highest order before R Ashwin's last ball four took India past the finish line. Talking about Kohli's knock, the 33-year-old was at his very best as he timed his acceleration to perfection and took India to a memorable victory. Here's how head coach Rahul Dravid reacted as he gave a warm hug to Kohli for his batting masterclass: View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × ALSO READ | 'You are the king': Twitter hails Virat Kohli after his chasing masterclass against Pakistan in T20 World Cup At the post-match presentation, Kohli said, "It's a surreal atmosphere, I have no words, no idea how that happened. I am really lost for words. Hardik believed we can do it, if we stayed till the end. When Shaheen bowled from the pavilion end, that's when we decided to take him down. Haris is their prime bowler, and I hit those two sixes. The calculation was simple. Nawaz had one over to bowl, so if I could take Haris down, they would panic. From 28 in 8, it came down to 16 to 6. I tried to stick to my instincts. The first one was back of a hand slower ball (the one over long-on). Standing here I just feel like it was meant to be. Till today Mohali was my best innings against Australia. Today I will count this one higher. Hardik kept pushing me. The crowd has been phenomenal. You guys (fans) kept backing me and I am grateful for your support." India will now take on the Netherlands on October 27 (Thursday) at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney.

T20 WC: Rahul Dravid hugs Virat Kohli after India beat Pakistan in a humdinger at MCG - watch

<p>Virat Kohli's unbeaten 82 took India to a four-wicket win over Pakistan in a riveting Super 12 clash at the&nbsp;T20 World Cup 2022 edition on Sunday (October 23). Chasing 160, India were 31 for 4 and required 115 off the last 60 deliveries. However, Kohli's top inning (laced with 6 fours and 4 sixes) along with some help from Hardik Pandya (40&nbsp;off 37 balls) took Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. past the finish line on the last ball of the contest.</p>

<p>After opting to bowl first, at the MCG, Melbourne, India rode on Arshdeep Singh and Hardik's three-fers to restrict the Babar Azam-led Men in Green for 159-8 before a Kohli special sent the plethora of Indian fans, at the venue, into a frenzy. Ahead of the match, Kohli was seen giving a pep talk in Team India's huddle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the post-match press conference, captain Rohit spilled the beans on what Kohli told in the huddle.&nbsp;"Pep-talk? Yeah no, I mean, it was just about the occasion. Obviously, some of the (India) guys have not played in Australia and some of the guys were playing for the first time in the World Cup and seeing 90,000 people (at the Melbourne Cricket Ground). It is not going to be easy," Rohit said after the match.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/id-have-taken-a-bullet-for-you-but-not-have-hardik-pandya-tells-virat-kohli-after-duos-mcg-heroics-527920">'I'd have taken a bullet for you but not have...': Hardik Pandya tells Virat Kohli after duo's MCG heroics</a></strong></p>

<p>"And that is what he said. Just we need to hold ourselves and we need to focus on what we need to do, because we are here to do a job. Obviously, there will be a lot of support on the ground for us. So it was just focus on what we need to do, and our full focus has to be (on) what we need to get out of this game," Rohit added.</p>

<p>Rohit-led India have now opened its account in the T20 WC, in Australia, and will now square off with the Netherlands on October 27 (Thursday) at the SCG, Sydney.</p>


Virat Kohli's unbeaten 82 took India to a four-wicket win over Pakistan in a riveting Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup 2022 edition on Sunday (October 23). Chasing 160, India were 31 for 4 and required 115 off the last 60 deliveries.

Virat Kohli's unbeaten 82 took India to a four-wicket win over Pakistan in a riveting Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup 2022 edition on Sunday (October 23). Chasing 160, India were 31 for 4 and required 115 off the last 60 deliveries. However, Kohli's top inning (laced with 6 fours and 4 sixes) along with some help from Hardik Pandya (40 off 37 balls) took Rohit Sharma & Co. past the finish line on the last ball of the contest. After opting to bowl first, at the MCG, Melbourne, India rode on Arshdeep Singh and Hardik's three-fers to restrict the Babar Azam-led Men in Green for 159-8 before a Kohli special sent the plethora of Indian fans, at the venue, into a frenzy. Ahead of the match, Kohli was seen giving a pep talk in Team India's huddle. In the post-match press conference, captain Rohit spilled the beans on what Kohli told in the huddle. "Pep-talk? Yeah no, I mean, it was just about the occasion. Obviously, some of the (India) guys have not played in Australia and some of the guys were playing for the first time in the World Cup and seeing 90,000 people (at the Melbourne Cricket Ground). It is not going to be easy," Rohit said after the match. ALSO READ | 'I'd have taken a bullet for you but not have...': Hardik Pandya tells Virat Kohli after duo's MCG heroics "And that is what he said. Just we need to hold ourselves and we need to focus on what we need to do, because we are here to do a job. Obviously, there will be a lot of support on the ground for us. So it was just focus on what we need to do, and our full focus has to be (on) what we need to get out of this game," Rohit added. Rohit-led India have now opened its account in the T20 WC, in Australia, and will now square off with the Netherlands on October 27 (Thursday) at the SCG, Sydney.

'He told us to...' - Rohit Sharma reveals Virat Kohli's pep talk ahead of Indo-Pak T20 WC clash

<p>India were tottering at 31 for 4, in pursuit of 160, in their T20 World Cup opener versus Pakistan at the MCG, Melbourne on Sunday (October 23). After opting to bowl first, Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue restricted Pakistan to 159-8 but found them way behind at the halfway mark, with 115 to get off 60 balls.</p>

<p>Nonetheless, Virat Kohli was joined by all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who instilled a lot of belief in their 113-run fifth-wicket partnership and played the aggressor's role. While Hardik did slow down a bit towards the end overs, Kohli took the mantle and pressed the accelerator with his timely and unbelievable strokes, taking on Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, etc., to take India past the finish line in a thrilling last-over run-chase.</p>

<p>Hardik was dismissed for 40 (37) but Kohli kept his cool and ended the run-chase for India, with R Ashwin hitting the winning shot on the final ball of the contest. After the riveting encounter, at the MCG, Melbourne, Kohli and Hardik got together and relived their match-winning stand.</p>

<p>"I would have taken a bullet for you at that point of time, but I would not have let you get out. My goal was simple, whatever I can do to make your life easier, I'll do it. You have done it so many times and no one is better at handling pressure than you," said Hardik in a video posted by BCCI.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Of special knocks, game-changing sixes &amp; thrilling victory at the MCG! 👌 💪<br />
<br />
𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹: Men of the moment - <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hardikpandya7</a> - chat after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> beat Pakistan in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a>. 👏 👏 - By <a href="https://twitter.com/RajalArora?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RajalArora</a><br />
<br />
Full interview 🎥 🔽 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvPAK</a><a href="https://t.co/3QKftWa7dk">https://t.co/3QKftWa7dk</a> <a href="https://t.co/sK7TyLFcSI">pic.twitter.com/sK7TyLFcSI</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1584408357972025347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-i-was-12-of-21-virat-kohli-thought-he-was-messing-the-game-up-during-mcg-blitz-vs-pakistan-527906">'When I was 12 of 21...' - Virat Kohli thought he was 'messing the game up' during MCG blitz vs Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<p>Hardik also lauded King Kohli for his two amazing hits in the penultimate over, off Rauf, as he brought down the equation from 28 off 8 balls to 16 needed off the final over. In this regard, he&nbsp;said, "Those two shots played by Virat Kohli, just because I know how important those two shots were, if you had missed even shot, still they were running ahead with the game. I have hit a lot of sixes, but those two sixes were really really special. What it meant for both of us, we actually were so pumped. Those two shots, I told him that I have played so much cricket but I do not think anyone could have played those two shots except Mr. Kohli."</p>

<p>India will now meet the Netherlands, who lost to Bangladesh by nine runs in their Super 12 opener on Monday (October 24), on Thursday (October 27) at the SCG, Sydney.</p>


India were tottering at 31 for 4, in pursuit of 160, in their T20 World Cup opener versus Pakistan at the MCG, Melbourne on Sunday (October 23). After opting to bowl first, Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue restricted Pakistan to 159-8 but found them way behind at the halfway mark, with 115 to get off 60 balls.

India were tottering at 31 for 4, in pursuit of 160, in their T20 World Cup opener versus Pakistan at the MCG, Melbourne on Sunday (October 23). After opting to bowl first, Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue restricted Pakistan to 159-8 but found them way behind at the halfway mark, with 115 to get off 60 balls. Nonetheless, Virat Kohli was joined by all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who instilled a lot of belief in their 113-run fifth-wicket partnership and played the aggressor's role. While Hardik did slow down a bit towards the end overs, Kohli took the mantle and pressed the accelerator with his timely and unbelievable strokes, taking on Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, etc., to take India past the finish line in a thrilling last-over run-chase. Hardik was dismissed for 40 (37) but Kohli kept his cool and ended the run-chase for India, with R Ashwin hitting the winning shot on the final ball of the contest. After the riveting encounter, at the MCG, Melbourne, Kohli and Hardik got together and relived their match-winning stand. "I would have taken a bullet for you at that point of time, but I would not have let you get out. My goal was simple, whatever I can do to make your life easier, I'll do it. You have done it so many times and no one is better at handling pressure than you," said Hardik in a video posted by BCCI. Of special knocks, game-changing sixes & thrilling victory at the MCG! 👌 💪 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹: Men of the moment - @imVkohli & @hardikpandya7 - chat after #TeamIndia beat Pakistan in the #T20WorldCup. 👏 👏 - By @RajalArora Full interview 🎥 🔽 #INDvPAKhttps://t.co/3QKftWa7dk pic.twitter.com/sK7TyLFcSI — BCCI (@BCCI) October 24, 2022 × ALSO READ | 'When I was 12 of 21...' - Virat Kohli thought he was 'messing the game up' during MCG blitz vs Pakistan Hardik also lauded King Kohli for his two amazing hits in the penultimate over, off Rauf, as he brought down the equation from 28 off 8 balls to 16 needed off the final over. In this regard, he said, "Those two shots played by Virat Kohli, just because I know how important those two shots were, if you had missed even shot, still they were running ahead with the game. I have hit a lot of sixes, but those two sixes were really really special. What it meant for both of us, we actually were so pumped. Those two shots, I told him that I have played so much cricket but I do not think anyone could have played those two shots except Mr. Kohli." India will now meet the Netherlands, who lost to Bangladesh by nine runs in their Super 12 opener on Monday (October 24), on Thursday (October 27) at the SCG, Sydney.

'I'd have taken a bullet for you but not have...': Hardik Pandya tells Virat Kohli after duo's MCG heroics

<p>There isn't much time before the India-Pakistna T20 World Cup 2022 clash gets underway. Ahead of the big-ticket encounter, there has been a lot of talk regarding the weather conditions in Melbourne. One can expect rain showers to interrupt the match but it shouldn't be a rain-abandoned encounter. A rain-curtailed contest can be on cards for the high-voltage clash at the MCG, Melbourne.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cricket lovers from both sides are also eager to know the pitch conditions for the marquee encounter. The last time both sides met each other in the T20 WC, Babar Azam-led Pakistan made early inroads as Shaheen Afridi got enough assistance in the early overs and bowled the right lengths to rattle India's top order. After India managed to post 151-7, Pakistan chased down the score with ten wickets in hand, courtesy of openers Babar and Md Rizwan's unbeaten half-centuries.</p>

<p><strong>Here's the expected pitch conditions at the MCG, Melbourne for the T20 WC marquee clash</strong></p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2022-india-vs-pakistan-live-cricket-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-epic-face-off-527678"><strong>T20 World Cup 2022: India vs Pakistan, Live Cricket Streaming: When and where to watch epic face-off?</strong></a></p>

<p>Ahead of the match, MCG pitch curator Michael Salvatore has said that the wicket will remain consistent throughout the course of the game. "T20 wickets are usually really consistent for the whole match. So it should make for a really good game. We have brought it from our wicket nursery which is just outside the ground. It's literally 200 meters outside the ground so we can move and monitor and maintain the wickets all year around. And the wickets were installed three weeks ago," Salvatore said during an interaction with A Sports.</p>

<p>"So we have drop-in wickets here at the MCG. So for the cricket season we bring the wickets in and I sit on some sand and bed in nicely. And then once cricket finishes, we have got the football stadium. We have the ability to take them out and put them up in our special week anniversary where we can look after and maintain them," he added.</p>

<p>India and Pakistan are placed in Pool B in the Super 12 round, along with Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Netherlands.</p>


There isn't much time before the India-Pakistna T20 World Cup 2022 clash gets underway. Ahead of the big-ticket encounter, there has been a lot of talk regarding the weather conditions in Melbourne.

There isn't much time before the India-Pakistna T20 World Cup 2022 clash gets underway. Ahead of the big-ticket encounter, there has been a lot of talk regarding the weather conditions in Melbourne. One can expect rain showers to interrupt the match but it shouldn't be a rain-abandoned encounter. A rain-curtailed contest can be on cards for the high-voltage clash at the MCG, Melbourne. The cricket lovers from both sides are also eager to know the pitch conditions for the marquee encounter. The last time both sides met each other in the T20 WC, Babar Azam-led Pakistan made early inroads as Shaheen Afridi got enough assistance in the early overs and bowled the right lengths to rattle India's top order. After India managed to post 151-7, Pakistan chased down the score with ten wickets in hand, courtesy of openers Babar and Md Rizwan's unbeaten half-centuries. Here's the expected pitch conditions at the MCG, Melbourne for the T20 WC marquee clash ALSO READ | T20 World Cup 2022: India vs Pakistan, Live Cricket Streaming: When and where to watch epic face-off? Ahead of the match, MCG pitch curator Michael Salvatore has said that the wicket will remain consistent throughout the course of the game. "T20 wickets are usually really consistent for the whole match. So it should make for a really good game. We have brought it from our wicket nursery which is just outside the ground. It's literally 200 meters outside the ground so we can move and monitor and maintain the wickets all year around. And the wickets were installed three weeks ago," Salvatore said during an interaction with A Sports. "So we have drop-in wickets here at the MCG. So for the cricket season we bring the wickets in and I sit on some sand and bed in nicely. And then once cricket finishes, we have got the football stadium. We have the ability to take them out and put them up in our special week anniversary where we can look after and maintain them," he added. India and Pakistan are placed in Pool B in the Super 12 round, along with Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Netherlands.

'Should make for a...' - MCG pitch curator on nature of surface for India-Pakistan T20 WC clash

Australia reports first fatality due to the widespread flash floods. This comes despite heavy rains easing and flood levels going down across the southeast. The 71-year-old victim was found dead in the backyard of his property in northern Melbourne.

Australia battles floods: One dead due to flash flooding

<p>Babar Azam-led Pakistan is set to get a massive boost as premier pacer Shaheen Afridi is on the cusp of joining the national side in Australia on Saturday (October 15). Shaheen had been ruled out of action, after an knee injury he sustained during the Sri Lanka Tests in the island nation early this year, and missed the Asia Cup before also being out of the&nbsp;home T20Is versus England and the ongoing New Zealand T20I tri-series.</p>

<p>Shaheen is in recovery mode&nbsp;and is '90 per cent ready' -- as per PCB chief Ramiz Raja -- for the T20 World Cup, which will get underway in Australia on October 16. Babar-led Men in Green are placed in Pool B along with India, Bangladesh, and South Africa whereas two more teams will join them from the qualifiers. Pakistan will open their campaign in the main draw of the mega event, facing India at the iconic MCG, Melbourne on October 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharing Shaheen's fitness update, Ramiz said in a recent interview, "I have spoken to him we are in touch with his doctors and the feedback we have got is he is 90 per cent ready."</p>

<p>"But knee injuries can be delicate and technical and we have to see if he feels any soreness after playing the warm-up games. On his part he says he is ready and I think we are also ready," the former Pakistan captain added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nz-t20i-tri-series-babar-breaks-kohlis-record-becomes-fastest-asian-batter-to-attain-historic-feat-525117"><strong>NZ T20I tri-series: Babar breaks Kohli's record, becomes fastest Asian batter to attain HISTORIC feat</strong></a></p>

<p>Shaheen, who has represented Pakistan in 25 Tests, 32 ODIs and 40 T20Is, has been a mainstay in the national side and starred in his side's ten-wicket win over arch-rivals India in the 2021 T20 WC, in the UAE. The left-arm pacer returned with match-winning spell of 3 for 31, removing India's famed top-three Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, to restrict the Men in Blue for 151-5. In reply, Babar and Md Rizwan's unbeaten half-centuries propelled the Men in Green to a memorable ten-wicket win over their Asian neighbours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At present, Pakistan is involved in a T20I tri-series in New Zealand, including Bangladesh, in the run-up to the T20 WC. They defeated the Bangla Tigers by seven wickets in the last group stage encounter on Thursday (October 13), in Christchurch, and will now face the hosts in the tournament finale on Friday (October 14).</p>


Babar Azam-led Pakistan is set to get a massive boost as premier pacer Shaheen Afridi is on the cusp of joining the national side in Australia on Saturday (October 15).

Babar Azam-led Pakistan is set to get a massive boost as premier pacer Shaheen Afridi is on the cusp of joining the national side in Australia on Saturday (October 15). Shaheen had been ruled out of action, after an knee injury he sustained during the Sri Lanka Tests in the island nation early this year, and missed the Asia Cup before also being out of the home T20Is versus England and the ongoing New Zealand T20I tri-series. Shaheen is in recovery mode and is '90 per cent ready' -- as per PCB chief Ramiz Raja -- for the T20 World Cup, which will get underway in Australia on October 16. Babar-led Men in Green are placed in Pool B along with India, Bangladesh, and South Africa whereas two more teams will join them from the qualifiers. Pakistan will open their campaign in the main draw of the mega event, facing India at the iconic MCG, Melbourne on October 23. Sharing Shaheen's fitness update, Ramiz said in a recent interview, "I have spoken to him we are in touch with his doctors and the feedback we have got is he is 90 per cent ready." "But knee injuries can be delicate and technical and we have to see if he feels any soreness after playing the warm-up games. On his part he says he is ready and I think we are also ready," the former Pakistan captain added. ALSO READ | NZ T20I tri-series: Babar breaks Kohli's record, becomes fastest Asian batter to attain HISTORIC feat Shaheen, who has represented Pakistan in 25 Tests, 32 ODIs and 40 T20Is, has been a mainstay in the national side and starred in his side's ten-wicket win over arch-rivals India in the 2021 T20 WC, in the UAE. The left-arm pacer returned with match-winning spell of 3 for 31, removing India's famed top-three Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, to restrict the Men in Blue for 151-5. In reply, Babar and Md Rizwan's unbeaten half-centuries propelled the Men in Green to a memorable ten-wicket win over their Asian neighbours. At present, Pakistan is involved in a T20I tri-series in New Zealand, including Bangladesh, in the run-up to the T20 WC. They defeated the Bangla Tigers by seven wickets in the last group stage encounter on Thursday (October 13), in Christchurch, and will now face the hosts in the tournament finale on Friday (October 14).

T20 World Cup: Beware Team India! PCB chief Ramiz Raja reveals Shaheen Afridi is '90 per cent' fit

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<p>Mohammed Siraj has soon become one of India's main pacers in the red-ball format. After a good IPL 2020, Siraj soon made his Test debut for India during their historic 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy versus Australia Down Under.</p>

<p>During the second Test, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Siraj received his maiden Test cap and recently recalled what thought went inside him as he missed his late father, who had passed away during the Australia tour.</p>

<p>Speaking to Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) official website, the speedster recalled how his father's health had deteriorated during IPL 2020, however,&nbsp;his family did not inform him about it.</p>

<p>"It was really tough for me. My dad was ill during the IPL too. But family members hadn't told me that the matter was serious. I got to know about his condition when I landed in Australia," Siraj was quoted as saying by RCB's website.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/siraj-said-youre-a-kid-behave-like-a-kid-riyan-parag-opens-up-on-altercation-with-harshal-patel-in-ipl-485574"><strong>Siraj said you're a kid, behave like a kid: Riyan Parag opens up on altercation with Harshal Patel in IPL 2022</strong></a></p>

<p>"There was Covid-19 protocol as well. We had to quarantine. When we had our practice, I got to know about dad's death. My mother made me strong during that period. She told me, 'Fulfil your dad's dream and make your country proud'. This was my only motivation. I didn't even know if I will get a chance to play. There were senior bowlers in the team," Siraj further revealed.</p>

<p>Recalling his Test debut, Siraj went onto add, "I finally got an opportunity in the second Test... When I wore my cap in Melbourne, I thought 'dad should've been here'. After Mohammed Shami got injured, I got a chance to play for India. One thing was there in my mind that I had performed well for India A and had scalped 8 wickets against Australia A. So, it gave me the confidence to do well in my first Test series for India."</p>

<p>Siraj returned as India's highest wicket-taker in the four-match Test series Down Under, with 13 scalps. So far, he has played 12 Tests and has accounted for 36 scalps.&nbsp;</p>


Mohammed Siraj has soon become one of India's main pacers in the red-ball format. After a good IPL 2020, Siraj soon made his Test debut for India during their historic 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy versus Australia Down Under.

Mohammed Siraj has soon become one of India's main pacers in the red-ball format. After a good IPL 2020, Siraj soon made his Test debut for India during their historic 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy versus Australia Down Under. During the second Test, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Siraj received his maiden Test cap and recently recalled what thought went inside him as he missed his late father, who had passed away during the Australia tour. Speaking to Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) official website, the speedster recalled how his father's health had deteriorated during IPL 2020, however, his family did not inform him about it. "It was really tough for me. My dad was ill during the IPL too. But family members hadn't told me that the matter was serious. I got to know about his condition when I landed in Australia," Siraj was quoted as saying by RCB's website. ALSO READ | Siraj said you're a kid, behave like a kid: Riyan Parag opens up on altercation with Harshal Patel in IPL 2022 "There was Covid-19 protocol as well. We had to quarantine. When we had our practice, I got to know about dad's death. My mother made me strong during that period. She told me, 'Fulfil your dad's dream and make your country proud'. This was my only motivation. I didn't even know if I will get a chance to play. There were senior bowlers in the team," Siraj further revealed. Recalling his Test debut, Siraj went onto add, "I finally got an opportunity in the second Test... When I wore my cap in Melbourne, I thought 'dad should've been here'. After Mohammed Shami got injured, I got a chance to play for India. One thing was there in my mind that I had performed well for India A and had scalped 8 wickets against Australia A. So, it gave me the confidence to do well in my first Test series for India." Siraj returned as India's highest wicket-taker in the four-match Test series Down Under, with 13 scalps. So far, he has played 12 Tests and has accounted for 36 scalps.

'I thought 'dad should've been here': Md Siraj recalls memorable Test debut at the MCG

<p>A gamble on building a professional basketball team in Australia`s smallest state has paid off in spades, with the Tasmania JackJumpers moving within reach of a fairytale championship in their debut season. Having entered the National Basketball League (NBL) as favourites to finish last, the JackJumpers knocked out defending champions Melbourne United 76-73 in a Game Three semi-final decider on Monday. "Our guys were gritty, tough, never give up ... just an incredible effort for our group,” said ecstatic American coach Scott Roth.</p>

<p>"To defend the island (Tasmania) again and impact a state like these guys have done is just a fantastic thing for our group and the state." The JackJumpers will travel to the Sydney Super Dome to take on three-times champions Sydney Kings for Game One of a best-of-five Grand Final series. The Tasmanian team are named after a species of venomous ant most frequently found in the island state. The ants are known for their ability to jump long distances and their sting is potentially fatal for allergic humans.</p>

<p>Few, if any, could have imagined the JackJumpers would leap all the way to the Grand Final.<br />
With a modest roster stitched together through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were low expectations for a team operating in a state shunned by Australia`s top sporting competitions.<br />
Tasmania`s previous professional basketball team, the Hobart Devils, folded in 1996 due to financial problems.</p>

<p><strong>`ANGRY ANTS`</strong><br />
Crippled by homesickness, Roth was within a whisker of booking a flight to Florida before the season started to reunite with his family, who he had not seen in over a year.<br />
"When you`re away from your wife for 14 months and your daughter for 18 months .... it was getting difficult for me, mentally, to see if I’d ever actually get home to see them," he told reporters. "All I was thinking about was just going to the airport and going home ... I was just crashing and burning."</p>

<p>A rough start to the season tested Roth`s faith further as his team slumped to 2-6 but the JackJumpers rallied to sneak into the semi-finals, drawing raucous crowds to their home Derwent Entertainment Centre.<br />
A pre-game calf injury to Melbourne United captain Chris Goulding hurt the home side in the semi-final decider on Monday, but the JackJumpers` defensive grit and 30 points from American guard Josh Adams ultimately proved the difference.</p>

<p>The Sydney Kings swept their semi-final series against the Illawarra Hawks and are hungry for a fourth title, with COVID-19 having ended their championship hopes two years ago. With foreign players fearing for their families overseas as the pandemic spread, the Kings pulled out midway through the 2019/20 Grand Final series, leaving the NBL to award the championship to the Perth Wildcats.</p>

<p>Having stung Melbourne at their home John Cain Arena, the "angry ants" from Tasmania are unlikely to be overawed by the Kings. "It`s a special group," Roth said of his team. "It`s been a celebration all year for us and we continue."</p>


A gamble on building a professional basketball team in Australia`s smallest state has paid off in spades, with the Tasmania JackJumpers moving within reach of a fairytale championship in their debut season.

A gamble on building a professional basketball team in Australia`s smallest state has paid off in spades, with the Tasmania JackJumpers moving within reach of a fairytale championship in their debut season. Having entered the National Basketball League (NBL) as favourites to finish last, the JackJumpers knocked out defending champions Melbourne United 76-73 in a Game Three semi-final decider on Monday. "Our guys were gritty, tough, never give up ... just an incredible effort for our group,” said ecstatic American coach Scott Roth. "To defend the island (Tasmania) again and impact a state like these guys have done is just a fantastic thing for our group and the state." The JackJumpers will travel to the Sydney Super Dome to take on three-times champions Sydney Kings for Game One of a best-of-five Grand Final series. The Tasmanian team are named after a species of venomous ant most frequently found in the island state. The ants are known for their ability to jump long distances and their sting is potentially fatal for allergic humans. Few, if any, could have imagined the JackJumpers would leap all the way to the Grand Final. With a modest roster stitched together through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were low expectations for a team operating in a state shunned by Australia`s top sporting competitions. Tasmania`s previous professional basketball team, the Hobart Devils, folded in 1996 due to financial problems. `ANGRY ANTS` Crippled by homesickness, Roth was within a whisker of booking a flight to Florida before the season started to reunite with his family, who he had not seen in over a year. "When you`re away from your wife for 14 months and your daughter for 18 months .... it was getting difficult for me, mentally, to see if I’d ever actually get home to see them," he told reporters. "All I was thinking about was just going to the airport and going home ... I was just crashing and burning." A rough start to the season tested Roth`s faith further as his team slumped to 2-6 but the JackJumpers rallied to sneak into the semi-finals, drawing raucous crowds to their home Derwent Entertainment Centre. A pre-game calf injury to Melbourne United captain Chris Goulding hurt the home side in the semi-final decider on Monday, but the JackJumpers` defensive grit and 30 points from American guard Josh Adams ultimately proved the difference. The Sydney Kings swept their semi-final series against the Illawarra Hawks and are hungry for a fourth title, with COVID-19 having ended their championship hopes two years ago. With foreign players fearing for their families overseas as the pandemic spread, the Kings pulled out midway through the 2019/20 Grand Final series, leaving the NBL to award the championship to the Perth Wildcats. Having stung Melbourne at their home John Cain Arena, the "angry ants" from Tasmania are unlikely to be overawed by the Kings. "It`s a special group," Roth said of his team. "It`s been a celebration all year for us and we continue."

Tasmania JackJumpers land in Australia's NBL final by ousting defending champions Melbourne United

<p>A host of former teammates and international stars were among those present to bid farewell to former Australia spinner Shane Warne at a private funeral in Melbourne on Sunday.</p>

<p>Warne tragically died from a heart attack at the age of 52 earlier this month.</p>

<p>As per an official ICC release, Warne will be given a full public service at his beloved Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) later this month, but approximately 80 of his nearest and dearest friends and family were in Melbourne on Sunday to pay their respect.</p>

<p>Former England captain Michael Vaughan was in attendance, while Australian stars Glenn McGrath, Merv Hughes, Ian Healy and Mark Waugh were among a group of his former teammates also at the private event.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-virat-kohli-wasim-jaffer-names-indian-youngster-who-should-open-with-faf-du-plessis-for-rcb-in-ipl-2022-463973">Not Virat Kohli! Wasim Jaffer names Indian youngster who should open with Faf du Plessis for RCB in IPL 2022</a></p>

<p>A group of former Australia Test captains also attended with Allan Border, Mark Taylor and Michael Clarke among a group of Warne's closest friends that paid their respect to the Victorian.</p>

<p>Warne's public service on March 30 is expected to attract a large crowd at the MCG, a venue which Warne made his own over his 15-year international career.</p>

<p>Warne famously claimed his 700th Test wicket at the ground on Boxing Day in 2006 when he dismissed England captain Andrew Strauss and finished his career with 56 Test wickets at the iconic venue.</p>


A host of former teammates and international stars were among those present to bid farewell to former Australia spinner Shane Warne at a private funeral in Melbourne on Sunday.

A host of former teammates and international stars were among those present to bid farewell to former Australia spinner Shane Warne at a private funeral in Melbourne on Sunday. Warne tragically died from a heart attack at the age of 52 earlier this month. As per an official ICC release, Warne will be given a full public service at his beloved Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) later this month, but approximately 80 of his nearest and dearest friends and family were in Melbourne on Sunday to pay their respect. Former England captain Michael Vaughan was in attendance, while Australian stars Glenn McGrath, Merv Hughes, Ian Healy and Mark Waugh were among a group of his former teammates also at the private event. ALSO READ: Not Virat Kohli! Wasim Jaffer names Indian youngster who should open with Faf du Plessis for RCB in IPL 2022 A group of former Australia Test captains also attended with Allan Border, Mark Taylor and Michael Clarke among a group of Warne's closest friends that paid their respect to the Victorian. Warne's public service on March 30 is expected to attract a large crowd at the MCG, a venue which Warne made his own over his 15-year international career. Warne famously claimed his 700th Test wicket at the ground on Boxing Day in 2006 when he dismissed England captain Andrew Strauss and finished his career with 56 Test wickets at the iconic venue.

Family, friends bid farewell to Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne at private funeral in Melbourne

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<p>The charter plane carrying the body of Shane Warne landed in his home city of Melbourne on Thursday evening after an eight-hour flight from Thailand, where the Australian cricketing great died last week at the age of 52. Warne died while on holiday on the Thai island of Koh Samui last Friday. Local authorities said an autopsy showed his death was caused by a suspected heart attack and congenital disease.</p>

<p>On Thursday morning, his coffin, wrapped in the Australian flag, was taken from the morgue to Bangkok airport before being loaded onto a private Dassault Falcon 7X jet. The popular former spin-bowler and media personality will be buried at a private funeral, his family said last week. A state memorial service will follow at the 100,000-seater Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on March 30.</p>

<p>Dan Andrews, the Premier of the state of Victoria, said the evening service would be free and a large turnout could be expected. "There will be no limits on crowds and that sort of stuff," he said. "It will be a very big event. It will be a celebration of his life as it should be."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-legend-shane-warnes-state-memorial-service-to-be-held-at-melbourne-cricket-ground-on-march-30-460555"><strong>Australian legend Shane Warne's state memorial service to be held at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 30</strong></a></p>

<p>Warne took his 700th test wicket in front of a crowd of 89,155 at the MCG during the fourth Ashes test against England on Boxing Day, 2006. The Great Southern Stand at the stadium will soon be renamed in his honour. A statue of Warne outside the cavernous arena has become an impromptu shrine to the leg-spinner, who was popular as much for his effervescent and grounded personality as his all but peerless skill with the cricket ball.</p>

<p>Tributes from across the world have continued to pour in for Warne since his death, both from fellow cricketing greats and the likes of rock star Mick Jagger and Oscar winner Russell Crowe. Australia`s Prime Minister Scott Morrison called Warne "one of our nation`s greatest characters".</p>


The charter plane carrying the body of Shane Warne landed in his home city of Melbourne on Thursday evening after an eight-hour flight from Thailand, where the Australian cricketing great died last week at the age of 52.

The charter plane carrying the body of Shane Warne landed in his home city of Melbourne on Thursday evening after an eight-hour flight from Thailand, where the Australian cricketing great died last week at the age of 52. Warne died while on holiday on the Thai island of Koh Samui last Friday. Local authorities said an autopsy showed his death was caused by a suspected heart attack and congenital disease. On Thursday morning, his coffin, wrapped in the Australian flag, was taken from the morgue to Bangkok airport before being loaded onto a private Dassault Falcon 7X jet. The popular former spin-bowler and media personality will be buried at a private funeral, his family said last week. A state memorial service will follow at the 100,000-seater Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on March 30. Dan Andrews, the Premier of the state of Victoria, said the evening service would be free and a large turnout could be expected. "There will be no limits on crowds and that sort of stuff," he said. "It will be a very big event. It will be a celebration of his life as it should be." ALSO READ | Australian legend Shane Warne's state memorial service to be held at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 30 Warne took his 700th test wicket in front of a crowd of 89,155 at the MCG during the fourth Ashes test against England on Boxing Day, 2006. The Great Southern Stand at the stadium will soon be renamed in his honour. A statue of Warne outside the cavernous arena has become an impromptu shrine to the leg-spinner, who was popular as much for his effervescent and grounded personality as his all but peerless skill with the cricket ball. Tributes from across the world have continued to pour in for Warne since his death, both from fellow cricketing greats and the likes of rock star Mick Jagger and Oscar winner Russell Crowe. Australia`s Prime Minister Scott Morrison called Warne "one of our nation`s greatest characters".

Charter plane carrying Shane Warne's body arrives in his home city of Melbourne

Australia is hosting India, Japan and the United States for the fourth quarter foreign ministers meeting and the top diplomats are seeking to bolster cooperation in areas including economy, security, coronavirus pandemic and free and open Indo-Pacific. Vaccine, tech and China are on the QUAD-meet agenda.

Quad ministers address Indo-Pacific 'coercion', China aggression, COVID

Australia is hosting India, Japan and the United States for the fourth quarter foreign ministers meeting and the top diplomats are seeking to bolster cooperation in areas including economy, security, coronavirus pandemic and free and open Indo-Pacific.

Quad talks open in Melbourne; vaccine, tech and China on agenda

35-year-old Rafael Nadal overcame a long-standing injury to clinch his 21st Grand Slam title in Melbourne. What can we learn from Nadal's comeback? What qualities make a true champion? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: What can we learn from Rafael Nadal's triumph?

<p>A protester jumped on to the court and interrupted play at a crucial stage of the Australian Open men`s singles final between Russian world number two Daniil Medvedev and Rafa Nadal of Spain at Melbourne Park on Sunday.</p>

<p>Security officials promptly made a human shield around the players as some others dragged the person, who appeared to carry a banner reading "abolish refugee detention", off the court at the Rod Laver Arena.</p>

<p>Nadal was attempting to save a break point while serving at 5-3 up in the second set as the person fell awkwardly from the stands behind Medvedev`s end of the court, halting play for a few minutes.</p>

<p><strong>Read Also |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-barbara-krejcikova-and-katerina-siniakova-fight-back-to-win-womens-doubles-title-448925">&nbsp;Australian Open: Barbara Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova fight back to win women's doubles title</a></strong></p>

<p>The Spaniard, who is chasing a 21st Grand Slam title, went on to lose the game and the second set in a tiebreaker.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, protesters criticised Australia`s harsh asylum policies when top-ranked Novak Djokovic was held in an immigration detention hotel after his visa was revoked on his arrival at Melbourne.</p>

<p>The Serbian was eventually deported from the country after a court upheld the government`s decision to cancel his visa, capping days of drama over Australia`s COVID-19 entry rules and his unvaccinated status.</p>


A protester jumped on to the court and interrupted play at a crucial stage of the Australian Open men`s singles final between Russian world number two Daniil Medvedev and Rafa Nadal of Spain at Melbourne Park on Sunday.

A protester jumped on to the court and interrupted play at a crucial stage of the Australian Open men`s singles final between Russian world number two Daniil Medvedev and Rafa Nadal of Spain at Melbourne Park on Sunday. Security officials promptly made a human shield around the players as some others dragged the person, who appeared to carry a banner reading "abolish refugee detention", off the court at the Rod Laver Arena. Nadal was attempting to save a break point while serving at 5-3 up in the second set as the person fell awkwardly from the stands behind Medvedev`s end of the court, halting play for a few minutes. Read Also | Australian Open: Barbara Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova fight back to win women's doubles title The Spaniard, who is chasing a 21st Grand Slam title, went on to lose the game and the second set in a tiebreaker. Earlier this month, protesters criticised Australia`s harsh asylum policies when top-ranked Novak Djokovic was held in an immigration detention hotel after his visa was revoked on his arrival at Melbourne. The Serbian was eventually deported from the country after a court upheld the government`s decision to cancel his visa, capping days of drama over Australia`s COVID-19 entry rules and his unvaccinated status.

Intruder halts play in Australian Open final between Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev

<p>Seventh seed and last year`s Wimbledon finalist, Italy`s Matteo Berrettini, demonstrated his winning mentality, overcoming American wild card Stefan Kozlov 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in two hours and 38 minutes to reach the third round at the Melbourne Park for the second time here on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
The Italian, who suffered from stomach problems in the first round, overcame the American with the help of 53 winners.<br />
<br />
"It was a tough match. I think I started really well but then he started playing better and I wasn`t feeling my strokes after the first set, but I am happy to be through," Berrettini was quoted as saying by atptour.com. "My stomach is better, but it is never easy to recover from something like that, so that is why my energy wasn`t its highest. I am really happy to win."<br />
<br />
Berrettini will take on Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz in the next round after the youngest Grand Slam seed in more than 30 years defeated Dusan Lajovic of Serbia 6-2, 6-1, 7-5 to advance to the third round.<br />
<br />
After a strong start, Berrettini struggled to find his rhythm against Kozlov, who hit aggressively and with great depth to force the 25-year-old into errors. However, the world No. 7 was able to rely on his powerful serve to dig him out of holes, firing 21 aces and saving four of the five break points he faced in their first meeting on the ATP.</p>

<p><strong>Read Also |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/australian-open-rafael-nadal-advances-to-third-round-with-easy-win-over-yannick-hanfmann-445912"><strong>Australian Open: Rafael Nadal advances to third round with easy win over Yannick Hanfmann</strong></a><br />
<br />
Berrettini is making his fifth appearance at the first major of the season, with his best result a fourth-round spot last year. However, the Italian has a strong Grand Slam pedigree, having reached Wimbledon final in 2021 where he lost to Serbia`s world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.<br />
<br />
The 31st seed Alcaraz has yet to drop a set in Melbourne and will be targeting another deep run at a slam, after advancing to the quarterfinals at the US Open in September. The 18-year-old is the youngest player to be seeded at a major since Michael Chang at the 1990 US Open.<br />
<br />
"I`m really happy with the performance today. It wasn`t an easy day with all the wind," Alcaraz said. "I knew that I`d have to be really focused on the match, really focussed on what I had to do."</p>

<p><a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/australian-court-to-release-reasons-for-dismissing-novak-djokovic-case-on-jan-20-445909"><strong>Read Also |&nbsp;Australian court to release reasons for dismissing Novak Djokovic case on Jan 20</strong></a><br />
<br />
Coached by former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz had to advance through qualifying to make his main draw debut last year, but after a breakout season in 2021, he has returned as the 31st seed.<br />
<br />
Looking ahead to his clash with Berrettini, whom the Spaniard beat in a third-set tie-break in their lone meeting last year indoors in Vienna, Alcaraz said, "It was a really close match... and I think I have grown up since that match. I`m going to have fun and let`s see what happens."</p>


Seventh seed and last year`s Wimbledon finalist, Italy`s Matteo Berrettini, demonstrated his winning mentality, overcoming American wild card Stefan Kozlov 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in two hours and 38 minutes to reach the third round at the Melbourne Park for the second time here on Wednesday.

Seventh seed and last year`s Wimbledon finalist, Italy`s Matteo Berrettini, demonstrated his winning mentality, overcoming American wild card Stefan Kozlov 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in two hours and 38 minutes to reach the third round at the Melbourne Park for the second time here on Wednesday. The Italian, who suffered from stomach problems in the first round, overcame the American with the help of 53 winners. "It was a tough match. I think I started really well but then he started playing better and I wasn`t feeling my strokes after the first set, but I am happy to be through," Berrettini was quoted as saying by atptour.com. "My stomach is better, but it is never easy to recover from something like that, so that is why my energy wasn`t its highest. I am really happy to win." Berrettini will take on Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz in the next round after the youngest Grand Slam seed in more than 30 years defeated Dusan Lajovic of Serbia 6-2, 6-1, 7-5 to advance to the third round. After a strong start, Berrettini struggled to find his rhythm against Kozlov, who hit aggressively and with great depth to force the 25-year-old into errors. However, the world No. 7 was able to rely on his powerful serve to dig him out of holes, firing 21 aces and saving four of the five break points he faced in their first meeting on the ATP. Read Also | Australian Open: Rafael Nadal advances to third round with easy win over Yannick Hanfmann Berrettini is making his fifth appearance at the first major of the season, with his best result a fourth-round spot last year. However, the Italian has a strong Grand Slam pedigree, having reached Wimbledon final in 2021 where he lost to Serbia`s world No. 1 Novak Djokovic. The 31st seed Alcaraz has yet to drop a set in Melbourne and will be targeting another deep run at a slam, after advancing to the quarterfinals at the US Open in September. The 18-year-old is the youngest player to be seeded at a major since Michael Chang at the 1990 US Open. "I`m really happy with the performance today. It wasn`t an easy day with all the wind," Alcaraz said. "I knew that I`d have to be really focused on the match, really focussed on what I had to do." Read Also | Australian court to release reasons for dismissing Novak Djokovic case on Jan 20 Coached by former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz had to advance through qualifying to make his main draw debut last year, but after a breakout season in 2021, he has returned as the 31st seed. Looking ahead to his clash with Berrettini, whom the Spaniard beat in a third-set tie-break in their lone meeting last year indoors in Vienna, Alcaraz said, "It was a really close match... and I think I have grown up since that match. I`m going to have fun and let`s see what happens."

Aus Open 2022: Matrettini Berrettini and Alcaraz set up mouth-watering clash in 3rd round

<p>Melbourne Stars captain Glenn Maxwell on Wednesday registered the highest individual score in the history of the Big Bash League (BBL).</p>

<p>Maxwell played a knock of 154 runs off just 64 balls with the help of 22 fours and 4 sixes to help the Melbourne Stars post 273/2 in the allotted twenty overs against Hobart Hurricanes. In reply, the Hurricanes managed 167-6, losing by a whopping 106 runs in match 56 at MCG, Melbourne.</p>

<p>This total by Melbourne Stars is also the highest team score in the history of the competition. This was Maxwell`s 100th game in the BBL.</p>

<p><strong>Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/what-are-you-doing-rizwan-recalls-hilarious-chat-with-kohli-during-high-voltage-indo-pak-t20-wc-tie-445969">'What are you doing' - Rizwan recalls hilarious chat with Kohli during high-voltage Indo-Pak T20 WC tie</a></strong></p>

<p>Stoinis and Maxwell put on 132 runs for the third wicket for the Stars. The right-handed Marcus Stoinis also rose to the occasion as he scored 75 runs off just 31 balls with the help of 4 fours and 6 sixes.</p>

<p>In the entire innings, Melbourne Stars managed to register 29 boundaries and 10 sixes.</p>


Melbourne Stars captain Glenn Maxwell on Wednesday registered the highest individual score in the history of the Big Bash League (BBL). Maxwell played a knock of 154 runs off just 64 balls with the help of 22 fours and 4 sixes to help the Melbourne Stars post 273/2 in the allotted twenty overs against Hobart Hurricanes.

Melbourne Stars captain Glenn Maxwell on Wednesday registered the highest individual score in the history of the Big Bash League (BBL). Maxwell played a knock of 154 runs off just 64 balls with the help of 22 fours and 4 sixes to help the Melbourne Stars post 273/2 in the allotted twenty overs against Hobart Hurricanes. In reply, the Hurricanes managed 167-6, losing by a whopping 106 runs in match 56 at MCG, Melbourne. This total by Melbourne Stars is also the highest team score in the history of the competition. This was Maxwell`s 100th game in the BBL. Read Also | 'What are you doing' - Rizwan recalls hilarious chat with Kohli during high-voltage Indo-Pak T20 WC tie Stoinis and Maxwell put on 132 runs for the third wicket for the Stars. The right-handed Marcus Stoinis also rose to the occasion as he scored 75 runs off just 31 balls with the help of 4 fours and 6 sixes. In the entire innings, Melbourne Stars managed to register 29 boundaries and 10 sixes.

Melbourne Stars post record total courtesy Glenn Maxwell's highest individual score in BBL

<p>Have you ever spent hours grinding your mind predicting one’s death? Well, the answer is pretty simple. Take a scan of your eyes, and everything will be revealed.</p>

<p>Australian researchers have devised a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) programme that can help predict a person’s years of life simply by looking at their retina—the tissue at the back of the eye.</p>

<p>The findings, published on Wednesday in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, are based on studies of the retina—which the scientists claimed acts as a “window” in allowing doctors to take a deeper look at someone’s health.</p>

<p>The researchers from Melbourne's Centre for Eye Research claimed that the AI algorithm accurately predicts the retinal age after analysing almost 19,000 fundus scans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The retina offers a unique, accessible window to evaluate underlying pathological processes of systemic vascular and neurological diseases that are associated with increased risks of mortality,” wrote study author Dr Mingguang He, a professor of ophthalmic epidemiology in the University of Melbourne and Centre for Eye Research in Australia.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://bjo.bmj.com/content/early/2021/11/17/bjophthalmol-2021-319807#">study </a>analysed over 130,000 retinal images from samples given by people participating in the UK BioBank, a long-term government study of over 500,000 UK participants&nbsp;between the ages of 40 and 69.</p>

<p>There was a 2 per cent increase in the risk of death from any cause for each year of difference between a person's actual age and the older biological age identified in the eye, the study found.</p>

<p>“The significant association between retinal age gap and non-cardiovascular/non-cancer mortality, together with the growing evidence of the link between eye and brain, may support the notion that the retina is the 'window' of neurological diseases,” the authors&nbsp;write.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


Have you ever spent hours grinding your mind predicting one’s death? Well, the answer is pretty simple. Take a scan of your eyes, and everything will be revealed.

Have you ever spent hours grinding your mind predicting one’s death? Well, the answer is pretty simple. Take a scan of your eyes, and everything will be revealed. Australian researchers have devised a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) programme that can help predict a person’s years of life simply by looking at their retina—the tissue at the back of the eye. The findings, published on Wednesday in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, are based on studies of the retina—which the scientists claimed acts as a “window” in allowing doctors to take a deeper look at someone’s health. The researchers from Melbourne's Centre for Eye Research claimed that the AI algorithm accurately predicts the retinal age after analysing almost 19,000 fundus scans. “The retina offers a unique, accessible window to evaluate underlying pathological processes of systemic vascular and neurological diseases that are associated with increased risks of mortality,” wrote study author Dr Mingguang He, a professor of ophthalmic epidemiology in the University of Melbourne and Centre for Eye Research in Australia. The study analysed over 130,000 retinal images from samples given by people participating in the UK BioBank, a long-term government study of over 500,000 UK participants between the ages of 40 and 69. There was a 2 per cent increase in the risk of death from any cause for each year of difference between a person's actual age and the older biological age identified in the eye, the study found. “The significant association between retinal age gap and non-cardiovascular/non-cancer mortality, together with the growing evidence of the link between eye and brain, may support the notion that the retina is the 'window' of neurological diseases,” the authors write. (With inputs from agencies)

Can eyes predict death? Scientists in Australia claim to hold potential evidence

<p>Crowds at the main Australian Open tennis stadiums will be capped at 50% capacity under updated COVID-19 restrictions, organisers said on Thursday, as authorities battle a surge of cases in Melbourne.</p>

<p>Face masks will also be mandatory for all patrons, except when eating or drinking, and there will be density limits of one person per two square metres at indoor hospitality venues.</p>

<p>Tennis Australia (TA) said the 50% cap only applied for ticket sales at the Rod Laver Arena centre court and the second show court Margaret Court Arena.</p>

<p>"There are no changes to ground pass access and we still expect to see strong crowds," TA executive Ben Slack said in a statement.<br />
"We are confident in the `COVIDSafe` measures we have in place."</p>

<p><strong>Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/world-no-1-novak-djokovic-in-australian-open-draw-as-visa-decision-looms-444345">World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in Australian Open draw as visa decision looms</a></strong></p>

<p>Victoria, which hosts the Grand Slam in state capital Melbourne, reported 37,169 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and 25 deaths.<br />
The tally of cases is slightly down from Wednesday`s count of 40,127.</p>

<p>The buildup to the Australian Open, which starts Monday, has been overshadowed by doubt surrounding the participation of men`s champion Novak Djokovic.</p>

<p><strong>Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/exclusive-hes-been-playing-by-his-own-rules-tsitsipas-opines-on-novak-djokovic-aus-open-saga-444346">EXCLUSIVE | He's been playing by his own rules: Tsitsipas opines on Novak Djokovic Aus Open saga</a></strong></p>

<p>Djokovic had his visa cancelled and was detained by Australian border authorities for several days before being released on Monday after winning a court case.</p>

<p>The Victoria government said all tickets purchased to the Grand Slam to date remained valid, implying usually brisk sales at the main courts had not reached 50% capacity for any sessions.</p>


Crowds at the main Australian Open tennis stadiums will be capped at 50% capacity under updated COVID-19 restrictions, organisers said on Thursday, as authorities battle a surge of cases in Melbourne.

Crowds at the main Australian Open tennis stadiums will be capped at 50% capacity under updated COVID-19 restrictions, organisers said on Thursday, as authorities battle a surge of cases in Melbourne. Face masks will also be mandatory for all patrons, except when eating or drinking, and there will be density limits of one person per two square metres at indoor hospitality venues. Tennis Australia (TA) said the 50% cap only applied for ticket sales at the Rod Laver Arena centre court and the second show court Margaret Court Arena. "There are no changes to ground pass access and we still expect to see strong crowds," TA executive Ben Slack said in a statement. "We are confident in the `COVIDSafe` measures we have in place." Read Also | World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in Australian Open draw as visa decision looms Victoria, which hosts the Grand Slam in state capital Melbourne, reported 37,169 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and 25 deaths. The tally of cases is slightly down from Wednesday`s count of 40,127. The buildup to the Australian Open, which starts Monday, has been overshadowed by doubt surrounding the participation of men`s champion Novak Djokovic. Read Also | EXCLUSIVE | He's been playing by his own rules: Tsitsipas opines on Novak Djokovic Aus Open saga Djokovic had his visa cancelled and was detained by Australian border authorities for several days before being released on Monday after winning a court case. The Victoria government said all tickets purchased to the Grand Slam to date remained valid, implying usually brisk sales at the main courts had not reached 50% capacity for any sessions.

Australian Open: Crowds to be capped at 50% capacity under revised COVID-19 restrictions

<p>Rafael Nadal defeated Finland`s Emil Ruusuvuori on Saturday to book a place in the final of the Melbourne Summer Set. The Spaniard battled past Ruusuvuori by 6-4, 7-5 in one hour and 56 minutes.</p>

<p>Nadal who is targeting the 89th career singles title in Melbourne will now face American qualifier Maxime Cressy, who will be appearing in his first ATP Tour final. Pressure mounted on Ruusuvuori in the first set, which ended with a double fault and a forehand error.</p>

<p>Nadal broke clear for a 5-3 lead in the 69-minute second set when Ruusuvuori made another groundstroke error, but the 22-year-old bounced back immediately.</p>

<p><strong>Read More |<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/mostly-incommunicado-border-agents-held-novak-djokovic-for-eight-hours-in-melbourne-says-lawyers-443176">&nbsp;Mostly incommunicado, border agents held Novak Djokovic for eight hours in Melbourne, says lawyers</a></strong></p>

<p>Nadal regained his composure and the match ended with the Finn making a forehand error. Earlier in the day, Maxime Cressy continued his dream run on Saturday at the Melbourne Summer Set.</p>

<p>The 24-year-old reached his first ATP Tour final after the American knocked out former World No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria 7-5, 7-6(9) in two hours and four minutes.</p>


Rafael Nadal defeated Finland`s Emil Ruusuvuori on Saturday to book a place in the final of the Melbourne Summer Set. The Spaniard battled past Ruusuvuori by 6-4, 7-5 in one hour and 56 minutes.

Rafael Nadal defeated Finland`s Emil Ruusuvuori on Saturday to book a place in the final of the Melbourne Summer Set. The Spaniard battled past Ruusuvuori by 6-4, 7-5 in one hour and 56 minutes. Nadal who is targeting the 89th career singles title in Melbourne will now face American qualifier Maxime Cressy, who will be appearing in his first ATP Tour final. Pressure mounted on Ruusuvuori in the first set, which ended with a double fault and a forehand error. Nadal broke clear for a 5-3 lead in the 69-minute second set when Ruusuvuori made another groundstroke error, but the 22-year-old bounced back immediately. Read More | Mostly incommunicado, border agents held Novak Djokovic for eight hours in Melbourne, says lawyers Nadal regained his composure and the match ended with the Finn making a forehand error. Earlier in the day, Maxime Cressy continued his dream run on Saturday at the Melbourne Summer Set. The 24-year-old reached his first ATP Tour final after the American knocked out former World No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria 7-5, 7-6(9) in two hours and four minutes.

Melbourne Summer Set: Rafael Nadal beats Emil Ruusuvuori to enter final

<p>Tennis legend Novak Djokovic's participation in the Australian Open 2022 is jeopardised as he is unable to enter the country&nbsp;after his visa was denied on his arrival in Melbourne on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Djokovic was stopped at Melbourne's Tullamarine and was left stranded there for hours overnight. He is now reportedly being taken to a government detention hotel and his departure is pending after border forces announced he had not met entry rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aiming to defend his Aus Open title, the tennis world number one was initially granted a medical exemption from the country's coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination requirements.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shame-shame-shame-australia-reacts-to-novak-djokovics-australian-open-vaccine-exemption-442330">'Shame!! shame, shame': Australia reacts to Novak Djokovic's Australian Open vaccine exemption</a></strong></p>

<p>For the unversed, Djokovic has declined to reveal his vaccine status and Melbourne has endured the world's longest cumulative lockdown.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a media conference on Thursday, the Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt said, "The advice that I have literally just received before joining you is that the visa for Novak Djokovic has been cancelled."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It's a matter for him whether he wishes to appeal that, but if a visa is cancelled, somebody will have to leave the country," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Australian PM says 'rules are rules'</strong></p>

<p>Immediately after the incident the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic summoned the Australian ambassador in Belgrade and demanded that they immediately release Djokovic to play, as per Serbian media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: 'Rules are Rules': Australia bars Novak Djokovic from Australian Open</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-rules-are-rules-australia-bars-novak-djokovic-from-australian-open-442759/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>On his Instagram, Vucic posted: "I've just finished my telephone conversation with Novak Djokovic. I told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him and that our bodies are doing everything to see that the harassment of the world's best tennis player is brought to an end immediately. In line with all norms of international law, Serbia will fight for Novak, truth and justice. Novak is strong, as we all know."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said "rules are rules". Taking to his official Twitter handle, Morrison wrote, "Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-open-2022-world-no-1-novak-djokovic-lands-amid-vaccine-storm-but-held-up-by-visa-issue-442501">Aus Open 2022: World No. 1 Novak Djokovic lands amid vaccine storm but held up by visa issue</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant.</p>
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Tennis legend Novak Djokovic's participation in the Australian Open 2022 is jeopardised as he is unable to enter the country after his visa was denied on his arrival in Melbourne on Thursday.

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic's participation in the Australian Open 2022 is jeopardised as he is unable to enter the country after his visa was denied on his arrival in Melbourne on Thursday. Djokovic was stopped at Melbourne's Tullamarine and was left stranded there for hours overnight. He is now reportedly being taken to a government detention hotel and his departure is pending after border forces announced he had not met entry rules. Aiming to defend his Aus Open title, the tennis world number one was initially granted a medical exemption from the country's coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination requirements. ALSO READ | 'Shame!! shame, shame': Australia reacts to Novak Djokovic's Australian Open vaccine exemption For the unversed, Djokovic has declined to reveal his vaccine status and Melbourne has endured the world's longest cumulative lockdown. During a media conference on Thursday, the Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt said, "The advice that I have literally just received before joining you is that the visa for Novak Djokovic has been cancelled." It's a matter for him whether he wishes to appeal that, but if a visa is cancelled, somebody will have to leave the country," he added. Australian PM says 'rules are rules' Immediately after the incident the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic summoned the Australian ambassador in Belgrade and demanded that they immediately release Djokovic to play, as per Serbian media reports. Watch | Gravitas: 'Rules are Rules': Australia bars Novak Djokovic from Australian Open On his Instagram, Vucic posted: "I've just finished my telephone conversation with Novak Djokovic. I told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him and that our bodies are doing everything to see that the harassment of the world's best tennis player is brought to an end immediately. In line with all norms of international law, Serbia will fight for Novak, truth and justice. Novak is strong, as we all know." Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said "rules are rules". Taking to his official Twitter handle, Morrison wrote, "Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant." ALSO READ | Aus Open 2022: World No. 1 Novak Djokovic lands amid vaccine storm but held up by visa issue Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant. — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 5, 2022 ×

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic's visa to enter country cancelled, PM Scott Morrison says 'rules are rules'

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