An annual update that drops results from the 2019-20 season has resulted in Australia regaining their position at the top of the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings as the change now reflects all matches completed since May 2020.

Pakistan are in the second spot with India just a point away as the three teams look set to go into the year-end's ODI World Cup in India with a lot to play for.

Australia are two rating points clear of Pakistan at 118 points after the update, which weighs matches completed before May 2022 at 50 per cent and subsequent matches at 100 per cent.

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy held his nerve to defend nine run in the final over as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) registered a thrilling 5-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in an IPL 2023 match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, here on Thursday.

Riding on Nitish Rana's 42 off 31 and Rinku Singh's 46 off 35, KKR posted 171/9 on the board in front of SRH clinical bowling display. In reply, SRH seemed to be struggling to execute their plans as they lost the rhythm after middle overs and suffered a loss in another game at home.

Indian swimmer Aryan Singh Dadiala on Friday equalled the existing world record of the fastest male swimmer to swim the Sea of Galilee, braving extreme weather conditions.

Sea Of Galilee is the second lowest water body in the world, approximately 214 metres below sea level, and poses multiple challenges such as whirlpools and indefinite wind storms.

Dadiala, 21, who set a world record in November 2022 in Goa finishing 32 km open water sea swimming in 5 hours 36 minutes, is the first Asian swimmer to swim the Sea of Galilee.

He started his swim at 5.18 am on Friday when it was pitch dark and extremely cold and finished the challenging swim at 11.33 am, equalling an existing world record of the fastest male swimmer to swim the Sea of Galilee in his very first attempt.

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek of Poland swept past China's Zheng Qinwen here in the second round of the tennis WTA 500 Stuttgart Grand Prix.

The defending champion used one hour and 26 minutes on Thursday evening to defeat the Chinese rising star 6-1, 6-4, extending her unbeaten run in Stuttgart to five matches.

Playing in her first match in 45 days, Swiatek came back strongly from her injuries and hardly missed a beat to extend her head-to-head record over Zheng to 3-0. The Pole broke the reigning WTA Newcomer of the Year twice in each set to wrap up a straight-set win.

JioCinema has roped in Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma as its brand ambassador for the ongoing season of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.

"Star cricketer and captain of Indian men's team Rohit Sharma has come onboard as the brand ambassador for JioCinema. We'll keep building on our offerings and ensure that digital streaming gives an innovative and unique experience to millions of our viewers," a JioCinema official said.

Women’s Kho Kho Championship organised by Punjab Kho Kho Association in Patiala, Muktsar team emerged winner”Sports not only strengthens our body but also our mind,” says Mrs Sangeeta Joshi, Chief guest. The Women's Kho Kho Championship organized by the Punjab Kho Kho Association as a part of the Khelo India Dus ka Dum event for women's sports, was successfully concluded on 11th March 2023 at Polo Ground, Patiala.The event, held on the occasion of International Women's Day, saw some of the best women athletes from across the state compete for the honors.

"Football has the power to change people's lives," an oft-quoted phrase that not many take too seriously sometimes. But Sumati Kumari and Amisha Baxla, the two Jharkhand girls in the current India U-20 Women's National Team camp in Chennai, refuse to fall into this category.

New Zealand captain Tim Southee rued the drawn finish in the second Test against Pakistan at Karachi, saying the visitors' were just one ball away from getting a series win.On Friday, New Zealand were countered by Sarfaraz Ahmed's counter attacking 118, but bounced back to be a wicket away from victory while Pakistan needed 15 runs for the same, before bad light forced a draw."You play to win Test matches and we got ourselves in, probably, positions to win both of them. It was pretty tough going but the guys toiled away and we were one ball away from a series victory."

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Australian Open due to a right leg injury. The 19-year-old Spaniard, who last year became the youngest player to finish year-end No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, would have held the top seed at a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in his career.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam admitted that his team's home season hasn't panned out as per the expectations of people in the country. Pakistan's share of Test matches in their home season ended without a single win, with the latest being a thrilling drawn second Test against New Zealand at Karachi on Friday.The result meant Pakistan's two-match series against New Zealand at home ended in a 0-0 affair, after suffering a 3-0 thrashing in home conditions at the hands of England in December 2022.

SCG Trust Chairman Tony Shepherd said he is open to considering hosting a pink ball Test in their traditional new year slot to deal with light issues that have plagued the early part of the ongoing third Test between Australia and South Africa, which is heading for a draw.Six of the seven recent Tests played at the SCG have been interrupted by rain, with four of those matches ending in drawn affairs. A stat by ABC statistician Ric Finlay has shown 25 days of play have been lost to the weather at SCG Tests, more than every other Test venue in Australia combined.

Salem lad Sai Sanjay and Bengaluru's Chirag Ghorapde will continue their battle for the top spot in the F2000 category as the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Car Racing Championship 2022 resumes this weekend after a three-month breakThe second round of the competition is scheduled for January 6-8 at the Madras International Circuit.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday announced that nine out of 15 match officials will be present for the warm-up matches and group stage of the inaugural Under 19 Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa.It makes the tournament, starting from January 14, have the highest number of female match officials to be appointed for an ICC event. In all, 12 umpires and three match referees will officiate in the tournament, which will be played across four venues in the two host cities: Benoni and Potchefstroom.

Top-ranked Australian male tennis player Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the Adelaide International as he races to recover from an ankle injury before the Australian Open.Organisers in Adelaide on Thursday announced that Kyrgios will not compete in week two of the tournament, which is named "Adelaide International 2", due to start on January 9.It comes days after the world No. 22 withdrew from Australia's team for the United Cup due to an ankle injury.

Leeds United has confirmed the signing of Austrian international defender Max Wober for an 'undisclosed' fee which is thought to be in the region of around 15 million euros.Wober joins Leeds from Red Bull Salzburg on a four-and-a-half-year contract until the end of June 2027.

Australian batter Matthew Renshaw's Test recall got off to a bad start after testing positive for Covid-19 on the morning of the series finale against South Africa but he will continue to take part in the game at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), here on Wednesday.Playing his first Test since 2018, Renshaw, who returned a positive rapid antigen test after feeling unwell before play for the SCG Test, was named in the playing XI anyway, listed to bat at number six. The left-handed batter stood separately from team-mates during the anthems and was then seen sitting away from the dugout on the boundary edge.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has extended his support towards newly appointed national team's interim chief selector Shahid Afridi and said that the former skipper can take "bold decisions".Afridi was appointed as the selection committee's interim chair after Mohammad Wasim was sacked by the new PCB management after Pakistan suffered a humiliating first-ever 0-3 home series whitewash at the hands of England last month.

After starting a revamped and rejuvenated format of the Santosh Trophy at the end of last year and the second edition of the Futsal Championship set to follow, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) continues to expand football's frontiers.In the presence of Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran, the federation announced the groups and fixtures for the inaugural Hero National Beach Soccer Championship at the Football House, here on Monday.

Brentford moved up to within six points of the top four with a 3-1 win against Liverpool, their first victory over the Reds since 1938.Thomas Frank's side, missing top scorer Ivan Toney, broke the deadlock on 19 minutes when Bryan Mbeumo's corner bounced off Ibrahima Konate's leg and over the line.Brentford had two goals ruled out for offside before they doubled their lead three minutes before the break when Yoane Wissa's downward header from Mathias Jensen's delivery beat Alisson.

International speedskater Anoli Shah bagged three bronze medals at the 60th National Roller Skating Championship, here.She won one bronze in track point to point + elimination race, one in track elimination race, and one bronze in mixed relay race in the Championship.

With just ten days left for the start of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup 2023, the captain of the Indian Men's Hockey Team expressed the mood in the dressing room at the stellar Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.As hosts, India is fancied to finish on the podium and the expectations are far greater this time particularly after the team's stupendous performance at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 where they ended a 41-year long wait to stand on the podium again by bagging the Bronze Medal.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan is impressed with Hardik Pandya's captaincy approach and issued a warning to team management to focus on the all-rounder's fitness "if they are going to look at him as a long-time captain".Pandya will be handling the captaincy duties in a 3-match T20I series against Sri Lanka from January 3. Moreover, he will also be Rohit Sharma's deputy in a 3-match ODI series against Sri Lanka later in the month.Speaking to Star Sports ahead of the 1st T20I, Pathan said: "I think from what I have seen with Hardik Pandya's captaincy for Gujarat Titans or India last year, I can see he has been communicating well."

The former World Cup winner was suffering from cancer and was not doing well. Reports say that the soccer legend was admitted for over a month because of his cancer getting worse. He was also the former minister of sports of Brazil. He died after having a very long battle against colon cancer.

 Having won the inaugural edition of the FIH Women's Nations Cup 2022 in Valencia in grand style, the Indian hockey team arrived here on Monday morning, and were greeted with rapturous applause.The title for the Indian team means that they have also secured promotion to the 2023-24 FIH Hockey Women's Pro League."As a Captain, I am very proud and delighted with my teammates. Everyone gave their 100 per cent during the FIH Women's Nations Cup 2022, and we maintained our focus right from the start, on and off the field, and it really feels great to be part of such a team," captain Savita said.Savita also added that the Indian Women's Hockey Team are not taking their foot off the pedal, and have their eyes on the next year's calendar."We have had a good year in 2022 and going forward we will continue to aim for more wins and titles. We have the Asian Games 2022 coming up next year, and we will definitely try to come back with a good result," Savita said.

 Left-handed batter Mark Chapman on Monday was awarded his first New Zealand Cricket (NZC) central contract, filling in vacancy left by veteran opener Martin Guptill's departure in November.Chapman has played 22 T20Is and five ODIs for New Zealand since making his debut in 2018, making 381 runs and 111 runs respectively. He has also been a member of the New Zealand team in last two ICC Men's T20 World Cup campaigns.Before this, he had played 21 matches for Hong Kong. He has also played 128 matches for his domestic team Auckland. A powerful and inventive left-hand batsman, Chapman offers an option with his left-arm orthodox spin bowling and is a highly rated fielder in the New Zealand cricket circuit."We're delighted to have Mark join the central contract list after being there or thereabouts for a while. He's a fine player and we like the versatility and innovation he brings to his batting. He's a guy with a lot of talent and we see him being a big part of future BLACKCAPS squads," said head coach Gary Stead.On Sunday, Chapman was included in New Zealand's tour of India comprising three ODIs and as many T20Is, running from January 18 to February 1, with the side continuing to manage the workloads of their players and support staff.

Australia batter batsman Marnus Labuschagne has admitted the pitch at The Gabba was not up to the standard for a match in Test cricket after despite the hosts' defeating South Africa in the first Test of the three-game series.The first Test between Australia and South Africa was over in just two days after 34 wickets fell with the hosts' romping to a six-wicket victory on a green pitch which had the same green colour as the outfield."No. I think everyone understands that this is not what we want, that's not the ideal scenario," he said  on being asked if the pitch was fit for the match to be played."We love the pace of the wicket, we love the bounce, we love two fast bowling attacks going at it, but if we're going to finish in under two days it's obviously not ideal for Test cricket. But the reality is we've played on probably two of those in the last two years," he added.Labuschagne, who plays majorly at The Gabba due to it being the home ground of his state team Queensland, noted that with the quality of bowling attacks on both sides, a better-quality pitch should have been made for the first Test in Brisbane.

Kuldeep Yadav, Umesh Yadav and Axar Patel picked up a wicket apiece in the second session as India were able to keep a lid on the scoring rate, with Bangladesh reaching 176/3 at Tea and needing 337 more runs on day four of first Test at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, here on Saturday.
In the second session, there was some sharp turn from the pitch for India, who finally got some breakthroughs though debutant Bangladesh opener Zakir Hasan is still rock-solid at 82 not out.After four quiet overs at the start, India finally ended the 124-opening partnership when Najmul Hossain Shanto poked at one outside off-stump against Umesh. Virat Kohli fumbled at slip but Rishabh Pant showed quick presence of mind to take the catch on rebound at second attempt.Three overs later, Axar Patel took another wicket for India when a length ball drew Yasir Ali forward and got to spin past the outer edge to crash into the stumps. The visitors' could have got another wicket when Umesh went past Litton Das' outside edge, which was heard by none. Later, UltraEdge showed there was a spike.

Star Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who recently won the silver medal at World Championships, will undergo a five-month rehabilitation programme at NIS Patiala to nurse her shoulder and back injuries.The Tokyo Olympic silver medallist enjoyed a successful 2022 season with a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in August and then a silver medal at the world championships in December. However, there were also a few injury concerns for her.Mirabai was rested for the Asian championships in October due to back pain and a wrist injury she suffered during a training session in September.During her stay at the NIS Patiala, the 28-year-old from Manipur and her support staff will work on strengthening her shoulder and the rotator cuff before resolving the back issue.

 Reigning world champions France scored once in each half to overcome a spirited challenge of Morocco on Wednesday night at Al Bayt Stadium to set up a FIFA World Cup final showdown with Argentina on Sunday.The Les Bleus took the lead through Theo Hernandez's scrambled fifth minute goal. Randal Kolo Muani wrapped up matters in the 79th, less than a minute after coming on, after a fine solo from Kylian Mbappe.France ended the fairytale run of the Atlas Lions in the tournament, with Dider Deschamps side bidding to become the first team in 60 years to win back-to-back titles. Only Italy in 1938 and Brazil in 1962 have clinched back-to-back titles.France is the sixth nation to reach successive World Cup finals, the others being Italy (1934, 1938), Brazil (twice: 1958, 1962 and 1994, 1998, 2002), the Netherlands (1974, 1978), West Germany (1982, 1986, 1990) and Argentina (1986, 1990).Should France win, Didier Deschamps - who was a player when France won their first title in 1998 - will join Italy's Vittorio Pozzo as the only coach to win two World Cups in a row.

 France goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris said he expect a difficult World Cup final when his side takes on Argentina on Sunday.While Lionel Messi is looking to lift his first World Cup, France are looking to retain the title they won in 2018 in what promises to be a tough game for both sides."Argentina are a really great team. They have shown how competitive they are, and they have this player (Messi) who has left his mark on the sport," said Lloris after Wednesday's 2-0 semifinal win over Morocco."There is everything in place for it to be a great game, but we will try to turn things our way," he was quoted as saying by the news agency.The keeper reflected on a tough semifinal in which France were forced to defend for long periods after Theo Hernandez's fifth-minute opener and were even deep in their box after Kolo Muani netted a second goal in the 79th minute."We really suffered, and we are tired but satisfied because we have given ourselves a golden opportunity to make history for France. A second final in four years, so even everything wasn't perfect, from tomorrow we have to start our recovery," Lloris said.

France beats morocco by 2-0. France advances to the Finals with a historical victory against morocco, scoring 2 goals.

First goal was recorded at the 5th minute by T. Hernández followed by R. Kolo Muani goal at the 79th minute assisted by none other than K. Mbappe.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Shreyas Iyer smashed half-centuries to lead India's recovery from 48/3 to 278/6 at stumps on day one of first Test against Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, here on Wednesday.In the first session, Bangladesh had taken out Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli to reduce India to 48/3 in 19.3 overs. Pujara and Rishabh Pant (46) led the initial recovery for India through a counter-attacking 64-run stand.But once Pant fell in the second session, Pujara joined hands with Iyer to lead another rescue act for India through a solid 149-run stand for the fifth wicket. While Pujara was firm as a rock, Iyer was aggressive after a tentative start and had plenty of luck on his side.Though Pujara would fall ten runs short of his century as left-arm spinner Taijul Islam took him out to complete his three-wicket haul after beating him several times in the day, Iyer remained unbeaten on 82 off 169 balls on an absorbing day of Test cricket.Bangladesh, despite getting six wickets and Taijul being their standout bowler, would be wondering how the day would have been if they hadn't dropped Pujara and Iyer on 12 and 67 respectively.

 England pacer Tymal Mills, a white-ball expert, will not be available to play for Perth Scorchers in the 2022-23 Big Bash League (BBL) season that started on Tuesday due to a family emergency.The 30-year-old left-handed fast bowler was recruited by Perth in the inaugural BBL|12 Draft after playing an important role during the Scorchers' title-winning BBL|11 campaign."The Club fully supports Mills' decision, and sends its thoughts and best wishes to his family during this time," the Perth Scorchers said in a statement on Wednesday.Perth Scorchers are exploring their options to recruit a replacement international player, the club said in the statement.

 India's stand-in captain K.L. Rahul has won the toss and elected to bat first in the Test series opener against Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium here on Wednesday.After winning the toss for the first time on this tour, Rahul said India are playing three spinners -- Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav -- along with two fast bowlers in Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj."Looks like a good wicket and we'll put the runs on the board and use the footmarks later on to get wickets. They've been a few injuries but that gives an opportunity to the other guys," he said.Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan stated if he had won the toss, he would also have opted to bat first. "But we'll try to get some early wickets. If you got into the history (of this ground), more wickets have fallen on the opening day (than on the final). We will try to get early wickets and put them under pressure," he said.

India wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, one of the stars in the thrilling second T20I victory decided via Super Oval at the D.Y. Patil Stadium here, is itching to emulate MS Dhoni-like heroics as a crucial third T20I comes up against Australia at Brabourne Stadium on Wednesday evening.While revealing in the pre-match presser that she idolized Dhoni in her growing-up years and saw him script great finishes for India, Richa also expressed her desire to meet him in the future."Since childhood, I've followed Dhoni and how he used to finish the game. I haven't had the opportunity to meet him yet. There have been times when he would leave just before we were in for a camp or a match at a venue. Hopefully, I'll meet him someday."Richa also credited her father for teaching her cricket and backing her dream of playing for India. "The rest I have learned from my dad. My family and father helped me a lot and he would always accompany me to my games. He could not play for long, so he backed me to chase my dreams."