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Pak coach Saqlain says India isn’t playing structural hockey

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Pakistan head train Muhammad Saqlain on Tuesday stated India are now not enjoying ‘structural hockey’ as the two arch competitors organized for their conflict in the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy hockey.

India and Pakistan will face-off in Chennai on Wednesday at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium.

While India have certified for the semifinals, Pakistan are but to e book their berth in the remaining four.

“India is now not enjoying structural hockey, however Pakistan is. India is definitely enjoying over fitness,” Saqlain stated for the duration of pre-match media conference.

“Structural hockey is performed by means of Korea and Japan. India has been enjoying in the back of the ball commonly and relying mostly on counter-attacking,” he added.

The Pakistan instruct admitted it will be a difficult ask for his younger aspect to get the higher of India.

“It’s been pretty some time seeing that Pakistan beat India in a aggressive hockey game. This is a younger facet consisting of 14 gamers who have in no way confronted India before,” Saqlain said.

Saqlain stated that whilst Pakistan have performed an attacking game, ending is nonetheless an region of concern.

“Finishing has been an vicinity of challenge for us. We have defined to the boys about their positioning all through the neglected chances. Our centre ahead will have an essential function to play tomorrow,” he said.

Saqlain, appointed as the head instruct of the Pakistan facet for this tournament, admitted they want greater time to work on the factor of bodily fitness.

“Our group has been taking part in in an attacking manner after pretty a lengthy time. We have been working with the facet for two months now. Physical health has been the most vital task. While different groups have spent over a month on fitness, we have not had the time yet,” he said.

The Pakistan instruct discovered some patterns and stated he would like his crew to put in force them in opposition to India.

“There are nevertheless some drawbacks in Indian hockey group as they drew towards Japan. Although they performed emphatically in opposition to Malaysia, South Korea did now not permit them to play freely. We will attempt our great to give up them,” he said.

“I experience India is following Australia’s sample of hockey in this event — start strongly and end the recreation early. The first quarter would be crucial. We will want to be patient,” he remarked.

While conceding that India will revel in an top hand, Saqlain stated Pakistan can shock their opponents.

“There is win or loss in each game. While we have a younger team, India has a some distance higher squad and have the top hand. India’s penalty nook is their largest advantage, which is the nice in the world,” he said.

“If we can shield in a similar way and one way or the other block India from scoring in the opening quarter, we have a proper threat of beating them. We can honestly shock India,” Saqlain added.

Pakistan skipper Umar Bhutta admitted his aspect lacked experience.

“India-Pakistan suits are normally aggressive. The group which will manipulate its aggression better, will operate the best. Despite having a younger facet who lack adequate experience, they are excited for this tie and will supply their best,” Bhutta said.

“I have been asking them to manipulate their nerves at some stage in this match, thanks to my journey of having performed India before.”

Bhutta stated it will be fundamental to minimise errors.

“The significance of this suit is to minimise the equal errors as we have finished before. It’s the remaining round-robin contest for us. Either we play the semis or the playoffs from here.

“You cannot underestimate any recreation as the scenario adjustments substantially in the pool games. Unfortunately, we have to play our most vital in shape at this time,” Bhutta said.

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India Takes 1-0 Lead as Gill’s 87 and Rana’s Three-Wicket Haul Sink England

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India Takes 1-0 Lead as Gill’s 87 and Rana’s Three-Wicket Haul Sink England

India started their three-match ODI series against England on a winning note, securing a four-wicket victory in the first match at VCA Stadium on Thursday. The win was powered by Shubman Gill’s 87-run knock and a three-wicket haul from debutant Harshit Rana.

England’s Innings: A Strong Start but a Sluggish Finish

After winning the toss, England skipper Jos Buttler opted to bat first. Openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett gave their team a flying start, adding 73 runs in just 53 balls. Salt was particularly aggressive, smashing 43 off 26 deliveries, including three sixes and five boundaries. However, a mix-up between the wickets led to his unfortunate run-out.

England then suffered a setback, losing two wickets in quick succession. Harshit Rana struck on his debut, dismissing Duckett (32) with a brilliant diving catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal. Soon after, Harry Brook was dismissed for a three-ball duck, reducing England to 77/3.

Veteran batter Joe Root (19) tried to stabilize the innings alongside Buttler, but Ravindra Jadeja trapped him LBW before he could make a significant impact.

Buttler and Bethell’s Effort Goes in Vain

Despite the setbacks, Jos Buttler played a responsible innings, scoring 52 off 67 balls, marking his first ODI half-century in India. He stitched a crucial partnership with Jacob Bethell, who contributed 51 off 64 deliveries, including three fours and a six.

However, once Buttler fell to Axar Patel in the 33rd over, England collapsed from 170/4 to 206/7. Rana sent Liam Livingstone (5) back to the pavilion, and Mohammed Shami cleaned up Brydon Carse (10). Jadeja then struck again, dismissing Bethell LBW, leaving England all out for 248 in 47.4 overs.

India’s Bowlers Shine

  • Harshit Rana (3/53) made an impressive debut.
  • Ravindra Jadeja (3/26) was economical and deadly.
  • Mohammed Shami (1/38) kept the pressure on.

India’s Chase: Gill Anchors the Innings

Chasing 249, India had a shaky start. Yashasvi Jaiswal, playing his maiden ODI, was caught behind for 15 off 22 balls. Skipper Rohit Sharma’s poor form continued, as he departed for just 2 runs.

Despite early setbacks, Shreyas Iyer took charge with a 31-ball half-century. His 59-run knock, featuring two sixes and nine boundaries, shifted momentum in India’s favor. He also shared a 94-run stand with Gill in just 64 balls, accelerating India’s chase.

Gill and Patel Take India Home

After Iyer’s dismissal, Axar Patel was promoted to No. 5, forming a 108-run partnership with Gill. Patel played a composed innings, scoring his maiden ODI fifty (52 runs off 58 balls).

Gill, on the other hand, paced his innings brilliantly. Battling cramps, he played some exquisite shots, hitting 14 boundaries in his 87-run innings off 96 balls. Unfortunately, he missed out on a century when Saqib Mahmood cramped him for room, leading to a catch at mid-on.

Despite his departure, India comfortably chased the target in 38.4 overs, winning with 11.2 overs to spare.

Series Status and Next Match

With this win, India leads the three-match series 1-0. The second ODI will be played in Cuttack on Sunday, where England will look to bounce back.

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NFC Secures Pro Bowl Games Victory with Flag Football Win Over AFC

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NFC Secures Pro Bowl Games Victory with Flag Football Win Over AFC

For the third year in a row, the NFC dominated the Pro Bowl Games and showcased its strength in flag football.

One week before the Kansas City Chiefs sought their third straight Super Bowl title, the NFC achieved its own three-peat, beating the AFC 76-63 in all events, including a 56-50 victory in the flag football matchup on Sunday.

Flag football’s dominance continues


Since the Pro Bowl switched to flag football in 2023, the NFC has gone undefeated in the new format.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff led the charge, earning Offensive MVP honors after completing 11 passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns.

On defense, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. made a huge impact in his first Pro Bowl, intercepting New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and returning him eight yards for a touchdown, earning him the Defensive MVP award.

A competitive leap with a big incentive

The shift to flag football has increased competition as players are not as concerned about injury risks compared to the previous tackle format.

However, a financial incentive also played a role in the NFC’s determination to win.

“We prepared to win,” exclaimed Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. “They told us what the price was, and I thought, ‘Maybe we should do something more.'”

Each member of the winning team took home $92,000, while the member of the losing team received $46,000.

A winning formula for the future of the Pro Bowl


After years of debate over the format of the Pro Bowl as a result of the declining intensity of tackle football, the flag football model appears to have revived the event.

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, who has played in both versions, has expressed a clear preference for flag football.

“I like this more because it gives the fans a chance to see our faces and who we are off the field,” Baker said. “We compete, but we keep it very civil.”

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold agreed: “Vlag is a lot of fun, especially after the season where the guys have been kind of chill for three weeks. It’s good to make a game like this.”

Skills Battle Highlights


In Sunday’s additional skills challenges, the NFC continued its dominance by winning the relays and tug-of-war competitions, while the AFC vouched for a victory in the “Point Perfect” event.

With three consecutive Pro Bowl victories, the NFC has cemented itself as the team to beat in the new era of flag football.

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Lamar Jackson Expresses Frustration After Ravens’ Playoff Exit Against the Bills

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Lamar Jackson Expresses Frustration After Ravens' Playoff Exit Against the Bills

After another disappointing playoff exit, Lamar Jackson made it clear he wouldn’t pin the Baltimore Ravens’ 27-25 AFC Divisional loss to the Buffalo Bills on Mark Andrews’ dropped pass during a critical late-game 2-point conversion.

Instead, the reigning NFL MVP channeled his frustration toward the Ravens’ three uncharacteristic turnovers.

“Every time we’re in situations like this, turnovers play a role,” Jackson said, slapping one hand against the other. “We can’t have that, and that’s why we lost the game. You can see it — we’re moving the ball beautifully, but we need to hold on to the ball. I’m sorry for my language, but this is frustrating. I’m tired of it.”

Despite the turnovers — including two by Jackson — the Ravens had a chance to force overtime in the fourth quarter. Jackson connected with Isaiah Likely for a 24-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 27-25 with just 1:33 remaining.

On the ensuing 2-point conversion, Jackson’s pass hit Andrews in the chest, but the ball slipped through his hands as he fell backward in the end zone.

“There’s no one with more heart or fight than Mark,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. “We wouldn’t even be in this position without him. Destiny is shaped by how you handle moments like these, and Mark will respond with resilience.”

Andrews declined to speak with reporters following a game in which he made rare mistakes. Before Sunday, he hadn’t dropped a pass since Week 6. Against the Bills, he dropped two, including the pivotal 2-point conversion, and fumbled near midfield during the fourth quarter — only the second fumble of his career.

Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton defended his teammate. “One play doesn’t define anyone,” he said. “Mark is the all-time-leading touchdown receiver in Ravens history. For anyone to criticize him is unfair. He’s been a consistent leader and workhorse for this team.”

Jackson also offered words of support for Andrews. “I’m just as hurt as Mark,” he said. “This loss isn’t on him. It’s a team effort. Everyone played a role. Mark has been incredible all season, and sometimes things just don’t go our way. We need to figure it out as a team.”

Jackson, however, wasn’t immune to errors. After throwing a career-low four interceptions all season, he threw one early in the game and fumbled on the following possession while scrambling under pressure. It was an uncharacteristically erratic performance, marking his fourth postseason game with both an interception and a fumble.

“Protecting the ball is the top priority, and I didn’t do that,” Jackson admitted. “As the leader, I need to set the example, and I didn’t deliver today. That’s on me.”

The Ravens have yet to win back-to-back playoff games during Jackson’s seven seasons as their starter. Now, he’ll face another offseason with the elusive Super Bowl remaining just out of reach.

“I have to get past this because we’re so close,” Jackson said. “I’m tired of being right there. We need to seal the deal, punch that ticket, and get it done. It starts with getting better in the offseason.”

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