Sports
New Zealand Claim Historic First Women’s T20 World Cup Title
In a thrilling final, New Zealand’s White Ferns made history by winning their first Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa by 32 runs in Dubai. This victory marks a remarkable turnaround for the team, who entered the tournament on the back of 10 consecutive losses. It is also their first T20 title after falling short in the finals of 2009 and 2010.
Batting first, New Zealand posted a formidable 158-5, thanks to a pivotal 57-run partnership between Melie Kerr (43 from 38 balls) and Brooke Halliday (38 from 28 balls). The duo helped anchor New Zealand’s innings after South Africa’s bowlers fought back in the middle overs. The Proteas’ attack, however, struggled with discipline, conceding 10 wides and three no-balls, allowing the White Ferns to rack up 48 runs in the final five overs.
South Africa’s response started well, with captain Laura Wolvaardt leading from the front, scoring a fluent 33. Despite a strong start, the Proteas collapsed from 51-0 to 126-9 as New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Kerr (3-24) and Rosemary Mair (3-25), applied relentless pressure. Kerr, who became the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, shone with both bat and ball, delivering a complete performance.
For South Africa, it was a bitter disappointment, having lost their second consecutive T20 World Cup final. Despite their best efforts, they couldn’t handle the growing pressure as the required run rate soared.
This emotional win was particularly significant for New Zealand veterans Suzie Bates and captain Sophie Devine, who were moved to tears after the long-awaited victory. As a historic first, the International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded equal prize money to both men’s and women’s tournaments, with New Zealand taking home $2.34 million (£1.75 million) and South Africa receiving $1.7 million (£878,000).
New Zealand’s all-around brilliance on the day ensured that their long wait for a T20 title ended in style.
Sports
Tottenham Crush Manchester City in Historic Etihad Triumph
James Maddison inspired Tottenham Hotspur to a sensational 4-0 victory over Manchester City, ending the hosts’ incredible 52-match unbeaten streak at the Etihad Stadium. This marks City’s first five-game losing run since 2006 and their heaviest home defeat since 2003.
Maddison delivered a stellar performance, scoring twice to put City on the back foot. Pedro Porro added a third with a clinical finish, while Brennan Johnson sealed the emphatic win with a last-minute goal, capping an unforgettable night for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Despite missing key players and coming off a disappointing loss to Ipswich, Tottenham defied expectations with a disciplined and clinical display. Postecoglou’s team, featuring a youthful bench, rose to the occasion and moved up to sixth in the league, just four points behind City.
The result leaves City in second place, vulnerable to an eight-point gap if league leaders Liverpool win at Southampton on Sunday. The loss will heighten pressure on Guardiola, who recently signed a two-year extension, as City looks to regroup after this alarming dip in form.
Sports
Everton Held to Frustrating Draw Against 10-Man Brentford
Everton endured a disappointing goalless draw against Brentford in the Premier League, failing to capitalize on a second-half numerical advantage after Christian Norgaard’s red card.
Sean Dyche’s side, with just two wins this season, remains three points above the relegation zone. Despite only one loss in their last eight matches, their inconsistent form continues to leave them precariously close to danger.
The Toffees started strongly at Goodison Park, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin testing Brentford’s goalkeeper, Mark Flekken. Flekken delivered a stunning save to deny Calvert-Lewin’s flicked header and later blocked another attempt at the near post.
Brentford almost scored against the run of play through Yoane Wissa, but Everton’s Jordan Pickford made a crucial save with his outstretched leg. Momentum appeared to shift when Norgaard was sent off late in the first half for a dangerous knee-high tackle on Pickford. Referee Chris Kavanagh reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor before showing the red card.
Despite their one-man advantage, Everton struggled to break down a resolute Brentford defense in the second half. Idrissa Gueye’s long-range strike was expertly saved by Flekken, while Vitaliy Mykolenko squandered a golden opportunity from close range.
Brentford nearly stole a victory late on, but Keane Lewis-Potter’s effort was straight at Pickford. Thomas Frank’s side earned their first away point of the season, climbing to 10th in the table.
Sports
Murray to coach Djokovic at Australian Open 2025
Andy Murray, Britain’s three-time Grand Slam champion, is set to coach Novak Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open, marking a surprising and historic collaboration between two former rivals.
Murray, who retired in August after a stellar 19-year career, expressed excitement about his new role. “I’m looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change,” he said. This will be Murray’s debut as a coach since retiring from professional tennis.
The partnership begins during the off-season as they prepare for the Australian Open, scheduled for January 12–26, 2025. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner and 10-time Australian Open champion, has famously defeated Murray in four Melbourne finals.
The announcement was accompanied by a playful video posted by Djokovic on X (formerly Twitter), captioned: “He never liked retirement anyway.” The video featured highlights of their legendary matches, underscoring the depth of their rivalry.
Reflecting on their journey, Djokovic said: “We played each other since we were boys—25 years of rivalry and pushing each other to our limits. I thought our story was over, but it turns out there’s one more chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner.”
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