Sports

New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) India’s M.R Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan blamed costly mistakes and their inability to close out a tight opening game after their men’s doubles campaign at the BWF World Championships 2026 ended with a straight-game defeat to South Korea’s M.H. Kang and D. Ki in the Round of 32 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Wednesday.

The Indian pair, having progressed to the last 32 after their opponents in the first round, Scott Guildea and Paul Reynolds of Ireland, retired due to injury, were beaten 21-17, 21-14 by the Korean pair.

Reflecting on the defeat, Amsakarunan said the match was closely fought until the Indians began making errors at a crucial stage of the opening game.

“We were playing good. That Korean defense was like, we knew before the match only; it’s not an easy match. We have to get points of 10 to 12, 15 rallies minimum. That was good. Our game was close, like very close, neck and neck, 15-all. After that, simple errors on our side. The second set was, you know, that one, like a slower set; we went to a slower set. That smashes and all, can’t finish. So, it’s okay; it’s a good game.

“Looking forward to next tournament,” Hariharan said.

Arjun, meanwhile, insisted that the pace of the Korean pair was not the main problem, pointing instead to the Indians’ failure to execute their game plan in the decisive moments.

“No, it was definitely not the pace, because in the first game we were scoring points with pace, I believe. I mean, our tactics were to, you know, start from the faster side, get those attacking smashes. And, you know, with the pace, make them move side to side. Koreans typically have a game style in which they are very strong in defense. They are not very fast with the side-to-side movement. But, yeah, our tactics were that. We executed it well in the first, but couldn’t close out the first. That cost us the match,” Arjun said.

The Indians had also surrendered several points after the score reached 15-15 in the opening game, but Arjun did not single out their service as the decisive factor.

“No, service- all of those were the same. I think in the first game, from 15-all, we wouldn’t have made those, I mean, errors that cost us the match. It was an either-side match if we had won the first set. Because playing from that side was a difficult task because of the slower shuttle. But, yeah, mistakes cost us the match,” Arjun said.

The Indians found the second match more difficult since the slower conditions harmed their attack and enabled the Koreans to apply more pressure on their defence.

When asked about the Korean pair's ability to attack with smashes at a height around the knee, Arjun stated that the reason for the difference was mainly due to the depth of the shuttle rather than any particular tactic on the part of their opponents.

“No, I mean, I didn’t think they had a tactic as you said. Probably people sitting outside would have felt that because, you know, coming from the faster side. Or if you had seen us starting from the faster side, our tactics were almost the same to, you know, get those attacks. So when we went on to the second set to the slower side, probably our lifts were not going that high or behind. That’s why they got the smashes. I mean, the depth was pretty much, you know, coming down to our knees,” Arjun said.

The defeat brought an end to the Indian pair’s run at the home World Championships, with Arjun and Amsakarunan unable to build on their opening-round progression after their Irish opponents retired while trailing in the second game.

--IANS

hs/bsk/

New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) Unnati Hooda's campaign at her debut BWF World Championships ended in the second round after the Indian suffered a close, hard-fought loss at the hands of Michelle Li of Canada on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old Indian, agonisingly close to shocking her higher-ranked Canadian opponent, suffered a heartbreaking 21-11, 9-21, 21-23 defeat in a match that lasted just under an hour here at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex.

Unnati had come in the second round after a hard-fought straight-games win over Myanmar’s Thet Htar Thuzar 22-20, 21-16. In 2025, she picked up one of the biggest wins of her career when she defeated the two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu at the China Open.

Unnati had a solid start as she pocketed four points in quick succession, making her intentions clear early in the game to take a 4-1 lead. The Indian maintained her advantage, heading into the interval with a three-point cushion at 11-8 in the opening game."

A risky gamble by Li at the net cost Unnati the point and her serve, but the Indian still held a comfortable lead. Unnati made her experienced opponent work for every point before closing out the opening game in style.

Unnati carried the confidence from the opening game into the second, starting with a 3-1 lead. However, momentum shifted in Li’s favour in the blink of an eye as the Canadian marched ahead 6-4 and headed into the mid-game interval with an 11-5 advantage. Unforced errors from Unnati allowed Li to elevate her game and take the second set 21-9

"In the decider, the Indian fought hard and found some brilliant winners along the way. She earned five points on the trot to take a 5-4 lead. While both players made mistakes around the net, Unnati held a slender 10-9 advantage.

Just one rally later, poor shot selection brought Li level at 10-all, leaving Unnati in disbelief. The match remained evenly poised at 19-all before a clever deception and a solid smash gave Unnati match point opportunity at 20-19. However, she was unable to convert. A misjudged shot at the crucial moment allowed Li to fight back and close out a 23-21 win, handing Unnati a heartbreaking loss on her World Championships debut.

--IANS

bc/hs

Galle, Aug 19 (IANS) India's robust first-class ecosystem and 'A' team exposure tours have significantly reduced the gap for youngsters stepping into the high-pressure environment of Test cricket, said vice-captain KL Rahul after the side secured a dominant 165-run victory over Sri Lanka here on Wednesday.

At the Galle International Stadium, India unearthed match-winners like top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal and left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who played pivotal roles in the crucial triumph. While Suthar had a match haul of ten wickets, including six in the second innings, Padikkal smashed 167 and 44 to ensure India were always ahead in the game.

“A lot of credit goes to how our first-class setup is done and how some of these guys are in the India A structure that has been there for at least, I know, the last few years. The teams are touring to countries that we are going to play in a couple of months before. So Devdutt was here a month or six weeks before the Test series and played a couple of games there, and then we played a practice game here to get used to those conditions.

“But once you sort of put players in those positions and give them the exposure and the experience that they need at that level, I feel like that really helps them understand what they need to do when they come into the national team, and they're better prepared and give themselves a better chance to do well at this level.

“It's not like you go from playing Ranji Trophy cricket straight into an Indian team and a Test match in a couple of months, where that difference is huge. The standard from there to here is a big jump, so then sometimes players are found wanting, and they need to figure out their game at an international level and when there's already so much pressure, that becomes hard sometimes,” Rahul said in the post-match press conference.

Both Suthar and Padikkal were India ‘A’ regulars, including in the 1-0 win in Sri Lanka in June-July, before shining now in Galle. Rahul also noted that proper planning by the authorities allows talented players to arrive ready for the highest level.

“But because of the way Indian cricket is structured, and first-class cricket is structured, I feel like they go from first-class Ranji Trophy to playing a lot of India A games, and they've toured Australia, Sri Lanka, England and all of these places. So it helps them get better at their game and understand their game, and by the time they've got their Test cap, they're well aware of their own game and the expectations of playing at international cricket and what they can do to do well here.

“So I think a lot of credit goes to that, and obviously they're all special players. They've done well for their states and scored runs or taken a lot of wickets. They're special players and have the skill, but helping them by giving them the right opportunities and sending them to the right places to play cricket and test their own game, I think, gets them ready for international cricket, and that's what's helped the Indian team in the last few years,” he added.

Lavishing praise on Padikkal for his magnificent 167 in the first innings, especially coming after B Sai Sudharsan was ruled out due to a right foot injury, Rahul, who hit 82 and 35 in the match, described the knock as the turning point of the Galle Test going in India’s favour.

“Firstly, on his innings, I think that innings was for me the defining part of this Test match. The way he batted, the tempo that he batted with, and to go on and get a big hundred in the first innings really set up the game for us. The conditions were really hot, and it was challenging physically as well, so for him to get through that and firstly to get his first hundred, it's a special moment.

“But to go on from there and get a big first innings total really set up this Test match, so that was really pleasing and someone who I've played a lot of cricket with and seen him grow up and come from Bengaluru and play for Karnataka was really happy to be there and to witness his first hundred and hopefully carries this confidence into the next game and into his Test career as well.”

Detailing a review discussion during their partnership on day four, where Rahul survived a close LBW call after Devdutt Padikkal convinced him to take a DRS review, which eventually saved him from being dismissed, Rahul said, “The conversation there was, obviously you would have seen the video, I was walking back, and I felt like it was out.

“The only doubt that I had was, did I get outside the line, and he said, ‘No, I don't think it's outside the line, but I think it might be high,’ and then he said, ‘Might as well, we have three reviews, so just take it, I think it might be a little high.’

“So I reluctantly took it, and then when it happened to be missing, then obviously, I didn't get too many runs after that, but when you get chances like that as a batter, it's a gift, it's a second chance, and I'm a little disappointed that I couldn't convert it, but it was a sweet moment.”

Turning his attention to what makes Suthar an effective red-ball bowler, Rahul pointed out the subtle trickery that makes him difficult for international batters to face. “I think whatever we have played of him in the nets, it's the subtle variations. With the same actions and angles, and without changing his arm speed, he's able to bowl slower, and with the same arm speed he's able to bowl quicker as well.

“Just very subtle variations. Sometimes the angles, especially in Galle, when the wind was blowing from one side, he used that drift really well, and from there the ball straightens or comes in. That's something that he's always done. Even in India A, when I went to Australia, he played there as well. We played against him at home.

“So that's something that he's been really good at. I think he's very consistent. Just using subtle variations, he's able to do that throughout the day. So the batsmen will also think, if he's not moving, then I'll have to do something. When you get a batter in that sort of mindset, you're winning the contest. In two Test matches that he's played, he's been able to do that.

“Hopefully he'll just keep getting better and better. But I think his greatest thing is his pace that he bowls at and his consistency to always challenge all modes of dismissal because the line he bowls can be LBW as well. If there's a little turn, it can be caught behind as well. So that's a special skill to have. He possesses that and hopefully he keeps getting better and does well for India,” he concluded.

--IANS

nr/bsk/

Mackay, Aug 19 (IANS) Wicketkeeper batter Alex Carey believes Matt Renshaw is in the right mental space to make an immediate impact on his Test return as Australia look to bounce back from their nine-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the series opener.

Renshaw has been recalled to Australia’s Test squad after a three-year absence and is set to open alongside Travis Head in the second Test at Great Barrier Reef Arena, beginning Saturday.

The 30-year-old replaced Jake Weatherald at the top of the order and was among the first Australian batters to hit the nets on Wednesday as the hosts prepared for a must-win contest.

Carey, who is set to play his 50th Test, has backed Renshaw to make the most of his opportunity, highlighting the Queenslander’s mental growth and development over recent years.

“Renners (Renshaw) is in a really good place mentally, and his cricket is showing that. He has got a young family now, and he has played some international white-ball cricket, so he has been around the group a fair bit the last couple of years," Carey told reporters.

“Every challenge that has come his way, he has really stood up to it. I’m looking forward to seeing Renners out there alongside Trav (Head),” he added.

Renshaw’s return comes after an impressive domestic campaign. He scored 499 runs at an average of 49.9 in the Sheffield Shield, including three centuries, despite Queensland enduring a difficult season.

Carey believes the left-hander has developed into a more complete cricketer since making his Test debut as a 20-year-old in 2016.

“Renners has definitely matured as a cricketer, as you do when you move into your 30s, as you learn a lot about yourself, the game and the challenges that come with that,” Carey said.

Australia will be desperate for a response after Bangladesh secured a historic nine-wicket victory in Darwin in the opening Test. Carey said the defeat had only strengthened Australia’s determination to level the series.

“We are a proud group of cricketers and obviously last week didn’t go to plan. When this team has been challenged, we always find a way to bounce back in a big way. I am looking forward to Saturday,” he said.

--IANS

sds/

London, Aug 19 (IANS) Aston Villa have strengthened their squad ahead of the new Premier League season by completing permanent deals for Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and Italian defender Matteo Ruggeri.

The English club confirmed the arrivals on Wednesday, with both players joining as Villa look to build further depth across the squad under manager Unai Emery.

Suzuki, 23, arrives from Serie A side Parma and has quickly established himself as one of Japan’s leading goalkeeping prospects. The shot-stopper was part of Japan’s FIFA World Cup 2026 squad and has already made 22 appearances for the senior national team.

His footballing journey began in Japan with Urawa Red Diamonds, where he made his first-team debut at only 16. After gaining experience in Belgium with Sint-Truiden, Suzuki moved to Italy and spent the last two seasons with Parma.

His performances in Serie A and continued development at international level have made him one of the more sought-after young goalkeepers in Europe. His move to Villa also gives Emery another option in goal as the club plans for the future.

Ruggeri, meanwhile, makes the switch from Atletico Madrid to Villa after a season in Spain. The 24-year-old left-back came through Atalanta's youth system and went on to establish himself in the senior side.

He made more than 100 appearances for the Italian club and was part of the Atalanta side that lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy in 2024. Ruggeri moved to Atletico Madrid last summer, then returned to Italy’s Serie A, and is now making the next step in his career in England.

Although Ruggeri has represented Italy at multiple youth levels, he is still waiting for his senior international debut. He has, however, been involved with the senior setup after receiving a national team call-up.

The arrivals of Suzuki and Ruggeri add further competition in two key positions for Villa. The club is preparing for another demanding campaign that will involve Premier League football alongside their European commitments.

--IANS

sds/bsk/

London, Aug 19 (IANS) The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has provisionally suspended Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme after the 31-year-old tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine in June.

Kyrgios provided a sample during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca, Spain, on June 22. On July 17, a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.

Cocaine is classified a stimulant and substance of abuse on the WADA Prohibited List and is banned in competition under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme. Reduced sanctions apply for substances of abuse for athletes who test positive for the substance out of competition.

"Because of the nature of the substance, a provisional suspension is mandatory and has been in place since August 4. Kyrgios, who reached a career-high world singles ranking of 13 in October 2016, has the right to appeal the provisional suspension but has not done so to date," ITIA said.

As a result of suspension, Kyrgios is not allowed to play in, coach at, or attend any events organised or sanctioned by World Tennis, WTA, ATP, the Grand Slams, or any national association.

Taking full responsibility for the violation, Kyrgios broke his silence in a statement released on social media. Addressing the factors behind his recent struggles, the former Wimbledon finalist pointed to a gruelling stretch of physical setbacks that have hampered his career.

"I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it. I'm sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors, and everyone close to me. Above all, I'm sorry to the kids who follow me. I know the example this sets, and I'm deeply disappointed in myself," he shared on Instagram.

Kyrgios continued, "I'm not going to make excuses, but I do want to give some context about where I've been. The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally. My body hasn't been able to do what my mind expects it to do, and coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined.

"I've always said I didn't choose tennis—tennis chose me. But letting go of something that has been my whole life is one of the hardest things I've ever had to face. At times, I've felt helpless and alone.

"None of that excuses what I did. However, the good news is that this has given me a wake-up call."

Kyrgios said he would be stepping away from social media and public life for the next 28 days to "focus on getting myself right".

"For the next 28 days, I'll be stepping away from social media and public life while I focus on getting myself right. I'd ask that people respect my privacy during that time, and most importantly, the privacy of my family," he said.

The Australian has played just four singles matches this season, as he has struggled with knee and wrist injuries in recent years. He last played in the men's doubles at Wimbledon, where he and his partner Alexander Bublik lost in the first round.

Kyrgios has won seven ATP Tour singles titles and reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, losing in four sets to Novak Djokovic. He and compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis won the Australian Open men's doubles title together in 2022.

--IANS

bc/

New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) Former India spinner and Women’s ODI World Cup-winning selector Neetu David has been appointed as the head of scouting for UP Warriorz (UPW) ahead of the 2027 Women's Premier League (WPL) season, the franchise announced on Wednesday.

Neetu had joined the support staff led by head coach Abhishek Nayar in last week’s off-season camp for their domestic players at the Sai Krishnan Grounds in Bengaluru, as the team looks to overhaul its talent identification process following consecutive lean seasons in the WPL. UPW support staff also includes fielding coach Saurabh Bandekar and mentor Lisa Sthalekar.

"Thrilled to have the selector of India’s World Cup-winning squad as our Head of Scouting. Welcome to UP Warriorz, Neetu David!" the franchise posted on 'X' on Wednesday.

Widely regarded as one of India's finest slow left-arm orthodox spinners, Neetu brings immense administrative and talent identification credentials to the franchise after having previously served as the chairperson of the India women's selection committee.

In her new role, Neetu will be tasked with unearthing emerging domestic talent to bolster a franchise that has struggled to find consistency across the first four editions of the tournament.

UP Warriorz are the least successful side in the league's short history - securing just 12 victories in 33 matches. After qualifying for the playoffs in the inaugural 2023 season, the franchise suffered group-stage exits in the subsequent three editions - finishing at fourth spot in 2024 before ending at the bottom of the points table in both 2025 and 2026.

In a distinguished 13-year international career from 1995 to 2008, David represented India in 10 Tests and 97 ODIs, capturing 182 international wickets across both formats. She is also remembered for taking 8-53 in a women’s Test match against the West Indies at Jamshedpur in 1995.

--IANS

nr/

Dubai, Aug 19 (IANS) England batter Harry Brook reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings, dethroning Australia opener Travis Head, who dropped down the list following his low scores in the first match of the ICC World Test Championship series against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh produced a superb team performance to defeat Australia by nine wickets in the opening match of their two-match series in Darwin.

It is the fourth stint at the top for Brook, who first achieved the number one position in December 2024. Joe Root (second) and Steve Smith (third) have also overtaken Head, who could only manage scores of 22 and 17 in Darwin. Smith scored 71 and 44 to move up to third position.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, who struck an excellent innings of 84 in the first innings to help setup the victory, shot up nine places to reach a career-best 20th position.

Shanto moved above the likes of India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and compatriot Liton Das. His tally of 659 rating points is the sixth highest for a batter from his country.

Teammate Mominul Haque (up five rungs to 31st) and Australia all-rounder Cameron Green (up five slots to 30th) also made ground on this list, while Travis Head relinquished his place as the top-ranked Test batter following scores of 22 and 17 across the match.

Cameron Green's second-innings century has enabled him to advance five positions to 30th while Mominul Haque (up five places to 31st), Shadman Islam (up three places to 58th), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (up five places to 59th) and Tanzid Hasan (up 84 places to joint-88th) are the others to move up the batting rankings.

There's just 33 rating points between those first four batters, meaning there could be further movement following England's home Test series with Pakistan and the second match of Australia's series against Bangladesh.

Seam bowler Hasan Mahmud has made headway with his Player of the Match effort. He is up 26 places to 38th after returning figures of six for 55 in the first innings, while Mehidy’s haul of five for 66 in the second innings lifts him three places to 24th, ICC reports.

In the ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings, the biggest mover this week is Afghanistan left-hander Sediqullah Atal, whose scores of 143 and 98 in the last two matches of their five-match series against Ireland have helped him advance 37 places to 33rd.

Ireland’s Curtis Campher’s scores of 84 and 96 have lifted him 23 places to 36th.

Canada batter Pargat Singh’s knock of 42 against Scotland in an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match in Dundee has helped him move up 10 places to 85th, while Ireland’s Andrew Balbirnie is up five places to 47th.

--IANS

bc/

Johannesburg, Aug 19 (IANS) Young fast bowlers Caitlin Wyngaard, Nthabiseng Nini, and off-spinner Luyanda Nzuza have earned their maiden national call-ups to South Africa women’s team for the historic, first-ever T20I series against Zimbabwe starting next month.

Regular skipper Laura Wolvaardt will lead the side for the five-match series, scheduled to be played entirely at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from September 11 to 19. With several senior stars away participating in global franchise leagues and domestic competitions, the selectors have opted to test their bench strength and next generation players.

The 15-member squad features a raft of players who missed out on the recently concluded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England, including reigning domestic T20 Player of the Year Faye Tunnicliffe, who’s included alongside Anneke Bosch, Ayanda Hlubi, Eliz-Mari Marx, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, and Miané Smit.

Experience comes in the squad in the form of wicketkeeper-batters Sinalo Jafta and Karabo Meso, alongside all-rounders Kayla Reyneke and Annerie Dercksen. Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi highlighted the significance of the historic tour while framing it as a critical building block for future global events.

“The tour to Zimbabwe is an exciting one for a few reasons. Firstly, and most importantly, we’re preparing for our first trip as a team to our African neighbours, which is something very special to be a part of. I would also like to thank Zimbabwe for welcoming us to their nation,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Explaining the youth-centric selection policy, Mashimbyi noted that the absence of established senior players creates a golden opportunity for pipeline performers. “Another reason to be excited about these T20Is is the young group we will be taking to Bulawayo.

“With a number of players away representing South Africa in franchise leagues across the world, we saw it fitting to select a young and ambitious squad and provide international opportunities to notable performers within the pipeline and pathway structure to the Proteas,” he added.

Focusing on the three uncapped prospects Caitlin, Nthabiseng and Luyanda, who impressed during the SA Emerging team's tour against Bangladesh Emerging side, Mashimbayi expressed eager anticipation for their debut on the international stage.

“Nini, Nzuza and Wyngaard are youngsters whose development we’ve kept a close eye on over the last 12-18 months, and I can’t wait to see what they will bring to the international stage,” he observed.

With the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy scheduled for February next year, Mashimbyi stated the strategic importance of the five matches in Bulawayo alongside the upcoming home series against India, to be held in December this year.

“This tour will also play an important role on the road to the ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in February next year. We have around eight matches to fine-tune our plans for that competition, if you include the India T20Is in December, which adds another dimension to the trip to Zimbabwe.”

The South African squad will participate in a preparatory camp at the Irene Cricket Club from September 2 to 6 before leaving for Zimbabwe on September 7.

South Africa T20I Squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu, Nthabiseng Nini, Luyanda Nzuza, Kayla Reyneke, Nondumiso Shangase, Miané Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, and Caitlin Wyngaard.

--IANS

nr/

New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) India received a significant boost in their World Test Championship (WTC) final qualification hopes after defeating Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test in Galle on Wednesday, although the Shubman Gill-led side remained fifth in the latest points table.

India’s percentage of points (PCT) improved from 48.15 to 53.33 following the victory, which earned them 12 crucial WTC points. However, they could not climb above fifth place as fourth-placed Bangladesh also strengthened their position after beating Australia in the opening Test of their series in Darwin last week.

Sri Lanka remained sixth in the standings, but their PCT dropped from 37.50 to 33.33 following the defeat. Australia are still on top of the standings with 77.78 PCT as they marginally hold the second-placed South Africa behind them, who have a PCT of 75. New Zealand are placed third behind the previous two finalists with a PCT of 72.22 in six matches, while Bangladesh are fourth. England (24.36), Pakistan (22.22) and West Indies (20.83) remain in the bottom three positions respectively.

India’s latest victory was powered by young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who produced a match-winning performance on a sluggish Galle surface. Playing only his second Test, Suthar claimed 6-55 in the second innings to finish with match figures of 10-101 and register his maiden ten-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Chasing 372 for victory, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 in 77.4 overs in the second innings. Sonal Dinusha top-scored with 84, while Dhananjaya de Silva made 59, but Suthar’s decisive spell ended the hosts’ resistance.

India had earlier taken control of the Test through Devdutt Padikkal’s magnificent 167 in the first innings, which helped them post 462 and secure a 178-run first-innings lead. Rishabh Pant then scored a crucial 66 in the second innings as India set Sri Lanka a challenging target.

The victory was particularly important for India, who have already lost four of their 10 Tests in the current WTC cycle. With seven Tests still remaining, every match assumes greater significance for the Gill-led side as they look to secure a place in the WTC final.

India will get an immediate opportunity to strengthen their position in the standings when they face Sri Lanka in the second Test in Colombo from August 23.

Following the Sri Lanka series, India are scheduled to travel to New Zealand for a two-Test series in November. India will then conclude their WTC campaign with a five-Test home series against Australia next year.

--IANS

sds/