Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Run-outs and Ashwin boost India against South Africa

Two run-outs and the bowling of Ravichandran Ashwin gave India the edge on the first day of the second Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park on Saturday.

South Africa finished on 269 for six. They had been cruising at 246 for three and seemed set for a big total after winning the toss and batting on an easy-paced pitch.


Aiden Markram (94) and Hashim Amla (82) were mainly responsible for getting South Africa into a strong position despite some good bowling by off-spinner Ashwin, who took three for 90 in 31 overs.

The day changed dramatically with an outstanding piece of fielding by Hardik Pandya, who ran out Amla for 82. Two more wickets fell in the next 14 balls.

Amla, who looked set for a century to end a poor run of form which had brought scores of 5, 3 and 4 in his previous three Test innings, played a ball from Pandya to the on-side and was called for a sharp single by South African captain Faf du Plessis.

Amla, on his back foot, was slow to start and Pandya raced to pick up the ball, turned and threw down the stumps at the bowler's end.

The second new ball was due but Indian captain Virat Kohli persisted with Ashwin and was rewarded when De Kock edged Ashwin to Kohli at slip to be out first ball.

It got worse for South Africa when Vernon Philander set off for a suicidal run and found himself at the same end as Du Plessis to be run out without scoring.

Contrary to expectations, there was no assistance for the fast bowlers and Ashwin carried the bowling attack, taking two for 53 in an unchanged 17-over first spell before coming back to bowl another lengthy spell.

Markram, playing in his fifth Test, looked set for a third century to go with hundreds he made against the modest opposition of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. He struck the ball with authority, particularly off the back foot, before he tried to guide a ball from Ashwin towards third man and was caught behind by Parthiv Patel.

Markram made 94 off 150 balls and hit 15 fours.

Markram and a struggling Dean Elgar (31) put on 85 for the first wicket before Elgar went down the wicket and was caught by Murali Vijay at silly mid-off, checking a drive when Ashwin bowled the ball a bit shorter so that Elgar could not reach the pitch of the ball.

Hashim Amla made his 82 off 153 balls with 14 fours. He survived a half-chance to Hardik Pandya at short midwicket off Ashwin on 14 and a diving catch to Patel when he glanced Ishant Sharma to the wicketkeeper's left with his score on 30, but then played with authority.

Patel was playing in place of Wriddhiman Saha, who had a hamstring injury.

India made two other changes. Lokesh Rahul replaced Shikhar Dhawan as an opening batsman and fast bowler Ishant Sharma came in for Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

South Africa again opted for a four-pronged pace attack, picking new cap Lungi Ngidi in place of the injured Dale Steyn. Ngidi, 21, played in three Twenty20 internationals last season but has played in only nine first-class matches, taking 31 wickets at an average of 20.45.

More For You

Aryan Khan’s 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood' trailer shocks with digs at nepotism and a comic twist on Shah Rukh Khan

The Bads of Bollywood trailer lands with bold humour drama and unexpected industry jabs

Netflix Screengrab

Aryan Khan’s 'The Ba***ds of Bollywood' trailer shocks with digs at nepotism and a comic twist on Shah Rukh Khan

Highlights:

  • Aryan Khan makes his directorial debut with Netflix series
  • The Ba**ds of Bollywood trailer teases starry cameos, including Shah Rukh Khan
  • Bobby Deol, Lakshya and Sahher Bambba headline the cast
  • Series premieres worldwide on 18 September

The much-awaited The Ba**ds of Bollywood trailer has finally dropped, marking Aryan Khan’s official entry into the industry as a director. Released by Netflix, the series takes viewers deep into the glamour and chaos of Bollywood, with a fresh satirical spin. Featuring a special cameo by Shah Rukh Khan, it highlights both the allure and the darker realities of the industry, promising a bold new narrative.

The Bads of Bollywood trailer lands with bold humour drama and unexpected industry jabs Netflix Screengrab

Keep ReadingShow less
Rashmika Mandanna

Rashmika Mandanna’s five biggest films of 2025 and why her Gond warrior role is the boldest yet

Getty Images

Rashmika Mandanna leads five most awaited pan India films of 2025 including 'Pushpa 3' and 'Mysaa'

Rashmika Mandanna has steadily built her place as one of the most loved stars in Indian cinema. From the breezy charm of Geetha Govindam to the emotional depth of Animal, and more recently with blockbuster turns in Pushpa: The Rise, she has managed to win audiences across languages and industries. Now, she is heading into what looks like one of the busiest and most exciting phases of her career, with films that span genres and styles.

Rashmika Mandanna Rashmika Mandanna’s five biggest films of 2025 and why her Gond warrior role is the boldest yet Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Chandra

Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Chandra embraces Kerala folklore with superhero strength in Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra

Instagram/lokahofficial

‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra’ shows how superhero costumes can become storytelling devices rooted in Kerala’s cultural heritage

Highlights:

  • Malayalam cinema’s first female superhero film blends tradition and modernity
  • Costume design by Melwy J. and Archana Akhil Rao praised for authenticity
  • Colour symbolism, especially red, drives character arcs and mythology
  • Costumes used as narrative devices rather than just visual styling

Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra has redefined how superhero cinema can be told in India. The Malayalam blockbuster, directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Dulquer Salmaan, does far more than just dress the characters; the costumes are a fundamental part of the film's narrative engine. Led by designers Melwy J. and Archana Akhil Rao, the costumes merge Kerala’s deep-rooted folklore with sleek contemporary aesthetics, giving India’s newest cinematic hero an identity that is both culturally authentic and powerfully modern.

Kalyani Priyadarshan\u2019s Chandra Kalyani Priyadarshan’s Chandra embraces Kerala folklore with superhero strength in Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra Instagram/lokahofficial

Keep ReadingShow less
Vijay-Mallya-Getty

Vijay Mallya, accused of loan defaults of over about £756 million, has been living in the UK and is contesting extradition. (Photo: Getty Images)

UK team inspects Delhi jail as India pursues extradition of fugitives

INDIA’s efforts to secure the extradition of high-profile economic offenders from the United Kingdom, including Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya, have moved forward with a recent visit by a team from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to Tihar Jail in Delhi, an official said on Sunday (September 7).

The CPS delegation visited the prison last week to review jail conditions as required by UK courts before deciding on extradition requests, the official said.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Rise of Non-KYC Gambling Platforms in Emerging Markets

The Rise of Non-KYC Gambling Platforms in Emerging Markets

The online gambling landscape is evolving rapidly, and KYC-free cryptocurrency casinos are at the forefront of this transformation. In emerging markets, where traditional banking infrastructure may be limited or regulatory barriers may be high, players are turning to platforms that allow fast, private, and secure access to blockchain games and new cryptocurrency casinos . Among these platforms, Toshi.bet—as seen on CoinMarketCap —stands out as a prime choice for players seeking reliable rewards, innovative gameplay, and complete transparency .

This article explores the rise of no-KYC gambling platforms , why they attract players in emerging markets, and how Toshi.bet compares to other popular platforms .

Keep ReadingShow less