Pakistan completely dominated the second day of the first Test against West Indies at the Multan Cricket Stadium, building a commanding 202-run lead by the close of play. The day was highlighted by some sharp sledging from Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and a devastating spin-bowling performance that left the West Indies reeling.

After being bowled out for 230 in their first innings, Pakistan’s spin twins, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, wreaked havoc on the West Indies batting order. The West Indies were reduced to a perilous 42/6 in just 11.2 overs, unable to cope with the relentless spin.

As Kevin Imlach became Noman Ali’s fifth victim, Rizwan, welcoming Kevin Sinclair to the crease, delivered a now-viral piece of sledging captured on video. “Yeah brother, come to the graveyard. You enjoying the bowling brother,” Rizwan was heard saying.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed their first innings with Saud Shakeel and Rizwan well-set. The pair extended their partnership to 141 runs before Shakeel fell to Sinclair for 84. However, Pakistan’s lower order crumbled against the spin bowling of Sinclair (2/61) and Jomel Warrican (3/69), eventually dismissed for 230. Rizwan himself departed for 71, also falling to Sinclair.

Despite the relatively low first-innings score, Pakistan secured a substantial 93-run lead thanks to a remarkable bowling performance. Noman Ali claimed his seventh five-wicket haul in Tests, finishing with figures of 5/39, while Sajid Khan provided strong support with 4/65. This devastating spell bowled out the West Indies for a paltry 137.

Pakistan then capitalized on their first-innings advantage, with captain Shan Masood anchoring a strong start to their second innings with a half-century (52 off 70). They ended the day on 109/3, a commanding 202-run lead over West Indies, with Kamran Ghulam and Saud Shakeel at the crease. The second day belonged firmly to Pakistan, setting the stage for what promises to be a compelling conclusion to the match.

Real Kashmir FC (RKFC) faced a crucial I-League encounter against Sporting Club Bengaluru this Sunday at the TRC Ground, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 PM.

Head coach Ishfaq Ahmad expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure a victory despite acknowledging the strength of their opponents. “Sporting Club Bengaluru has a strong side,” Ahmad admitted in a pre-match press conference, “but we are hopeful that our players will perform well and secure three points from this match.”

Ahmad praised his team’s resilience following their recent draw against Sreenidi Deccan FC, a match played with ten men after an early red card. “Despite the setback, the players demonstrated exceptional spirit and managed to earn a draw,” he noted, adding, “I hope they can channel that same determination on Sunday.”

The coach acknowledged the challenges RKFC faces in away matches, particularly their struggles to convert possession into goals. “We have been dominating possession in our away games, yet we’ve been unable to convert that dominance into goals,” Ahmad said. “We’ve been actively working on this, and I am hopeful for better results in the upcoming fixtures.”

He also highlighted the club’s commitment to developing local talent from Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for young athletes.

Defender Mohammad Hammad echoed the coach’s sentiments, but also highlighted the need for improved football infrastructure in the region. “Our region has immense potential,” Hammad stated, “but we currently lack the necessary facilities to support the game’s growth.” He urged fans to turn out in large numbers to support the team on Sunday.

Sporting Club Bengaluru’s head coach, Chinta Chandrashekhar Rao, and player Carlos Lomba also addressed the media, outlining their own preparations for the upcoming match. The game promises to be a compelling contest, with both teams eager to secure a valuable three points in the I-League standings.

In a tragic turn of events, the family of India’s celebrated shooter Manu Bhaker is grieving after the untimely loss of her maternal uncle and grandmother. This sorrowful news comes just two days after Manu received the esteemed Khel Ratna Award from the President of India.

The fatal accident occurred on the Mahendergarh Bypass Road when Yudhveer Singh, Manu’s uncle, and his grandmother, Savitri Devi, were riding a scooter. Reports indicate that their scooter was struck by a speeding Brezza car that was travelling on the wrong side of the road. The collision was so severe that both victims were thrown to the ground and died on impact.

Yudhveer Singh, employed as a driver with the state roadways, was on his way to work at the time of the incident. Savitri Devi was accompanying him to visit her younger son in Loharu Chowk. As they approached the Kalyana Mod area, the Brezza, which was speeding and out of control, crashed into their scooter, resulting in a tragic collision that also caused the car to overturn.

In the aftermath of the accident, the driver of the Brezza fled the scene. Local police quickly arrived to recover the victims’ bodies, which were subsequently sent to the Civil Hospital for post-mortem examinations. Authorities have initiated a manhunt to locate the driver responsible for this hit-and-run.

The local community is in shock, with condolences flooding in for Manu Bhaker and her family during this incredibly difficult time. The tragedy strikes just as the young athlete is celebrating her national recognition.

The police investigation into the incident is ongoing, with efforts focused on tracking down the driver. Just days before this incident, Bhaker, a double Olympic medallist, had been honoured with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award by President Draupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

At the summer 2024 Paris Games, the 22-year-old shooter made history as independent India’s first athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic edition. She opened India’s medal tally at the Olympics by securing third place in the women’s individual 10m air pistol event, becoming the country’s first female shooter to win an Olympic medal.

She later teamed up with Sarabjot Singh to clinch a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol (mixed team) event, marking India’s first-ever shooting team medal.