RESULTS from the Grand Slam, Wimbledon Men's Doubles matches held on Wednesday (July 4, 2019).
First Round Results
(Reuters)
Site Navigation
Search
Latest Stories
Start your day right!
Get latest updates and insights delivered to your inbox.
Related News
More For You
Hideo Kojima introduces Death Stranding 2: On the Beach at SXSW 2025, revealing a new trailer packed with Metal Gear-style nods and confirming its PS5 release date
Instagram/kojipro2015_official
Hideo Kojima reveals Death Stranding 2 trailer and release date, packed with metal gear references
Mar 10, 2025
Hideo Kojima is back in the spotlight, and he’s bringing some familiar vibes with him. At SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas, Kojima presented a brand-new look at Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. The nearly 10-minute trailer gave fans plenty to chew on: gameplay reveals, creepy visuals, and a release date, June 26, 2025, exclusive to PlayStation 5. Players who go for the Digital Deluxe or Collector’s Editions can dive in early on June 24. Pre-orders kick off March 17.
The trailer introduces a fresh face: Neil, portrayed by Italian actor Luca Marinelli. Fans immediately noticed his striking resemblance to Solid Snake from Kojima’s Metal Gear series. Neil throws on a bandana and commands a shadowy squad, making the connection even clearer. Kojima actually predicted this comparison back in 2020, when he said Marinelli would be the “spitting image” of Snake if he wore a bandana. Now, that prediction seems to have come full circle.
- YouTubeyoutu.be
But that’s not all that hints at Kojima’s Metal Gear roots. The trailer also brings the Magellan Man, a towering, tar-covered mech that’s controlled much like a Pacific Rim robot. Its design even echoes Metal Gear Rex, adding to the déjà vu. If you’re a collector, the special edition includes a 15-inch statue of this eerie machine.
Death Stranding 2 continues the story that began in 2019, with Sam Porter Bridges, played by Norman Reedus embarking on another dangerous journey. This time, though, the game’s theme raises a chilling question: “Should we have connected?” It’s a direct follow-up to the original’s mission of rebuilding society and now seems to question whether it was the right move at all.
Kojima Productions isn’t stopping there. They’ve announced The Strands of Harmony concert tour, covering 19 cities worldwide and featuring music from the game’s iconic soundtrack. Plus, Kojima is juggling several other projects, including a Death Stranding movie with A24 and two other games: OD for Xbox and Physint for Sony.
It’s shaping up to be a busy year for Kojima and his fans!
Keep ReadingShow less
Most Popular
The world’s top-ranked ODI team remained unbeaten throughout the eight-nation tournament, which was played in Pakistan and the UAE. (Photo: BCCI)
India beat New Zealand to claim third Champions Trophy title
Mar 10, 2025
INDIA secured their third Champions Trophy title with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final on Sunday.
Rohit Sharma led from the front with a crucial 76, supported by a disciplined spin attack that restricted New Zealand to 251-7 in Dubai.
Chasing 252, India started aggressively with Rohit's first half-century of the tournament, while KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 34 to guide the team home with six balls to spare. This win adds to India's previous titles in 2002 and 2013, surpassing Australia's two trophies.
The world’s top-ranked ODI team remained unbeaten throughout the eight-nation tournament, which was played in Pakistan and the UAE.
One Team
One Dream
One Emotion!
🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/MbqZi9VGoG
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2025
"It is very nice," Rohit said. "We played some good cricket through the tournament. To have the result our way is a great feeling."
Virat Kohli added: "It's been amazing, we wanted to bounce back after a tough Australia tour. Lovely playing with a bunch of amazing youngsters. They're stepping up and taking India in the right direction."
"When you leave, you want to leave in a better position. So many impactful knocks (Shubman) Gill, Shreyas (Iyer), Rahul have played. The team is in good hands," he said.
Both Kohli and Rohit came into the tournament following a poor run in India's 3-1 Test series loss in Australia, with speculation over their ODI futures.
On a slow Dubai pitch, New Zealand's spinners kept India under pressure, reducing them to 203-5 after dismissing Rohit and Shreyas Iyer, who made 48. However, Rahul, along with Hardik Pandya (18) and Ravindra Jadeja, steadied the chase, with Jadeja hitting the winning boundary. A majority Indian crowd cheered as the team sealed victory.
India played all their matches in Dubai, having declined to travel to host nation Pakistan due to political tensions.
Phillips’ stunning catch
India relied on spin in their last three matches, a strategy that paid off in the final. Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav claimed two wickets each as New Zealand, who elected to bat first, were limited to 251-7.
In response, Rohit started aggressively, attacking the pacers and hitting a six and two fours in one over off Nathan Smith. He reached his half-century in 41 balls.
New Zealand fought back through their spinners. Glenn Phillips took a spectacular diving catch at extra cover to dismiss Shubman Gill for 31 off Mitchell Santner. Kohli fell in the next over, lbw to Michael Bracewell for one, shifting the momentum.
Rohit was stumped after a maiden over from Bracewell, misjudging a charge against Rachin Ravindra. India slipped from 105-0 to 122-3.
Iyer, dropped earlier by Kyle Jamieson, steadied the innings but was later dismissed by Santner. Axar Patel and Pandya also fell, but Rahul held firm to see India through.
"It’s been a good tournament," said Santner. "We have been challenged along the way and the way we have grown as a group. We lost to a better side today."
New Zealand missed key fast bowler Matt Henry, who was ruled out of the final with a shoulder injury. Captain Kane Williamson also could not take the field after scoring 11, due to a quad strain.
Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 63, while Bracewell’s unbeaten 53 gave New Zealand a late boost.
However, Kuldeep’s two quick wickets—removing Ravindra for 37 and Williamson soon after—proved decisive as India completed a double over New Zealand in the tournament.
(With inputs from AFP)
Keep ReadingShow less
India enters the final as favourites and is expected to have strong crowd support at the 25,000-capacity venue. (Photo: Getty Images)
Champions Trophy final: 5 factors that may shape India-New Zealand clash
Mar 08, 2025
INDIA and New Zealand will meet in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday to determine the winner of the eight-team ODI tournament.
The match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where India has played all its games after opting not to travel to Pakistan, the designated host, due to political tensions.
India enters the final as favourites and is expected to have strong crowd support at the 25,000-capacity venue.
ALSO READ: Unbeaten India set to face New Zealand in Champions Trophy final
However, New Zealand has the upper hand in recent encounters. They swept India 3-0 in a Test series last year and have a better record in global white-ball tournaments, with nine wins, six losses, and one no-result.
Here are five key factors that could influence the final:
Henry's opening burst
New Zealand's Matt Henry leads the wicket-taking charts in the tournament with 10 scalps, including five in their earlier match against India.
In that group-stage game, Henry dismissed Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli early, reducing India to 30-3 before a middle-order recovery helped them reach 249-9.
He finished with figures of 5-42, though his team ended up on the losing side.
His early spell in the final could be crucial for New Zealand in setting the tone.
Chakravarthy's mystery spin
Wrist spinner Varun Chakravarthy was a late addition to India's squad and made an immediate impact, taking 5-42 against New Zealand in his first match of the tournament.
That was only his second ODI, having debuted against England in February. The 33-year-old added two more wickets in the semi-final against Australia.
If he is included in the XI, Chakravarthy’s variations could be key for India, especially on pitches that have supported spin.
Ravindra, Williamson threat
Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson head into the final on the back of centuries against South Africa in Lahore.
The pair shared a 164-run stand in the semi-final and are known for their ability to handle spin.
Williamson, 34, also scored 81 in New Zealand's previous match against India, while 25-year-old Ravindra has been in good form throughout the tournament.
New Zealand's skipper and left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner noted that having Williamson and Ravindra in form makes life "a little easier" for the team’s bowlers.
Rohit's start
India captain Rohit Sharma has not posted a big score in the tournament, with his highest being 41 in the opening match against Bangladesh.
However, his brief innings against Pakistan and Australia provided India with quick starts, allowing the middle order to build on them.
While critics have pointed out his inability to convert starts into bigger scores, head coach Gautam Gambhir has defended his contributions.
"You evaluate from the runs; we evaluate from the impact. That's the difference," Gambhir said when asked about Rohit's form.
The pitch factor
The playing surface in Dubai has been a major talking point, as India has played all its matches at the venue after opting not to travel to Pakistan.
The pitch has been slow and favoured spinners, with the highest total in the tournament being Australia’s 264, which India chased down with 11 balls to spare.
Meanwhile, matches in Pakistan have produced higher scores. New Zealand posted a Champions Trophy record of 362-6 before restricting South Africa to 312-9 in Lahore.
While India remains at its chosen venue for the final, Ravindra said New Zealand is prepared to adjust.
"We pride ourselves in adapting and playing the situation in front of us," he said.
(With inputs from AFP)
Keep ReadingShow less
Chhetri, who is the fourth-highest men's international goalscorer, played his last match for India in June 2024 during a World Cup qualifier. (Photo: Getty Images)
Sunil Chhetri comes out of retirement at 40 to rejoin India squad
Mar 07, 2025
INDIAN footballer Sunil Chhetri has decided to return to the national team at 40, reversing his retirement announced last year.
The former captain, who is the fourth-highest men's international goalscorer, played his last match for India in June 2024 during a World Cup qualifier.
At the time, he said his decision to retire was based on "instinct" and played his farewell match in front of nearly 59,000 fans in Kolkata.
On Thursday, India head coach Manolo Marquez confirmed Chhetri’s return for the March international window.
India is out of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and is now focusing on securing a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup.
"The qualification for the Asian Cup is very crucial for us. Given the importance of the tournament and the matches ahead, I discussed with Sunil Chhetri about making a comeback to strengthen the national team," Marquez said in a statement from the All India Football Federation.
"He agreed, and so we have included him in the squad."
India will play a friendly against the Maldives on 19 March before an Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on 25 March.
Football in India has struggled to gain widespread popularity compared to cricket, which dominates the sporting landscape.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter once described India as a "sleeping giant" of football.
Chhetri, a well-known name in Indian football, made his international debut against Pakistan in 2005, scoring India’s only goal in that match.
He had brief stints in Portugal and the United States but spent most of his career in India.
In 2009, he was offered a contract by English club Queens Park Rangers but could not secure a work permit.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
Shami is currently in Dubai as part of India’s squad for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy and is the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament so far. (Photo: Getty Images)
Cleric says cricketer Mohammed Shami committed sin by not fasting
Mar 06, 2025
A MUSLIM cleric in India has criticised cricketer Mohammed Shami for not fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramzan, calling it a sin under Islamic law.
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, national president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, said on Thursday that the Indian pace bowler had violated religious obligations by not observing the fast.
“In the eyes of Shariat, he is a criminal, he should not have done this at all,” Barelvi said.
In a video, he mentioned that Shami was seen drinking from a bottle during a match against Australia on Tuesday and advised him to follow Islamic rules.
“It is the responsibility of all Muslims to follow the rules of Shariat. Fasting is obligatory in Islam. If a person does not keep a fast intentionally, he is considered a sinner according to Islamic law,” Razvi said.
“Playing cricket is not bad, but Mohammed Shami should fulfil his religious responsibilities. I advise Shami to follow the rules of Sharia and be responsible towards his religion,” he added.
Shami’s cousin, Mumtaz, defended him, saying he is focused on playing for the country and criticised those blaming him for not fasting.
“He is playing for the country. There are many Pakistani players who have not kept 'Roza' and are playing matches, so this is nothing new. It is very shameful that such things are being said about him. We will tell Mohammed Shami not to pay attention to these things and prepare for the match on March 9,” Mumtaz told ANI.
Shami is currently in Dubai as part of India’s squad for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. He is the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament so far.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
Load More
© Copyright 2025 Garavi Gujarat Publications Ltd & Asian Media Group USA Inc