Smriti Mandhana 96 Runs: RCB Skipper Misses Century but Secures 4th Straight Win; Federer Steals the Show in Australia
The world of sports witnessed a day filled with high-octane drama, emotional comebacks, and environmental protests. From the cricket pitch in India to the tennis courts of Melbourne and the chess halls of the Netherlands, headlines were made across the globe.
In the Women’s Premier League (WPL), the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) juggernaut continued to roll, powered by a masterclass from their captain. Smriti Mandhana played a breathtaking innings, raining boundaries all around the park. Although she missed a well-deserved century by a mere 4 runs, her knock ensured RCB’s dominance remained unchallenged.
Simultaneously, down under, tennis legend Roger Federer made a grand return to the spotlight, while the intellectual world of chess was rocked by a bizarre protest involving coal. Here is a detailed wrap of these breaking sports stories.
WPL: Smriti Mandhana’s Firepower Keeps RCB Unbeaten
The second match of the ongoing WPL season, played at the Navi Mumbai stadium on Saturday, turned into a one-sided affair thanks to RCB’s brilliance. Royal Challengers Bangalore decimated the Delhi Capitals by 8 wickets, continuing their dream run.
With this victory, Bangalore has solidified its position in the tournament, maintaining a clean sheet with four consecutive wins.
The match began with Delhi Capitals struggling against a disciplined RCB bowling attack. Their top order collapsed like a house of cards, with 4 key wickets falling for just 10 runs. However, Shafali Sharma showed resilience, scoring a gritty 62 to steady the ship. She found support in Lucy, who contributed 36 runs. Their partnership helped Delhi post a respectable total of 166/10. For RCB, Lauren Bell and Sayali Satghare were the destroyers-in-chief, claiming 3 wickets each.
The 96-Run Spectacle: Joy and Heartbreak
Chasing a target of 167, RCB came out swinging. Leading from the front was captain Smriti Mandhana. She treated the Delhi bowlers with disdain, playing shots that were both elegant and destructive.
Her innings of 96 runs was the cornerstone of RCB’s victory. However, a moment of collective heartbreak silenced the stadium when Mandhana was dismissed just 4 runs short of what would have been a magnificent century.
Despite missing the milestone, Mandhana walked off with a smile, knowing she had done her job. She was ably supported by Georgia Wareham, who remained unbeaten on 54, guiding the team across the finish line. RCB chased down the total comfortably, scoring 169 for the loss of just 2 wickets.
Australian Open: Federer Returns to Rod Laver Arena
While Mandhana ruled the cricket pitch, Roger Federer ruled hearts at the Australian Open. For the first time in the history of the Grand Slam, a formal opening ceremony was held at the iconic Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the presence of the Swiss Maestro. As Federer walked onto the court, the house-full stadium erupted in a standing ovation.
Federer didn’t just wave to the crowd; he picked up a racket. In a treat for tennis fans, he participated in a memorable ‘Exhibition Match,’ teaming up with legends Andre Agassi and Ashleigh Barty to play against Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt. Seeing so many legends on a single court was a historic moment for the sport.
Chess Tournament Disrupted by ‘Coal Protest’
In a stark contrast to the cheers in Australia, the prestigious Tata Steel Masters Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands, began with chaos. On the opening day, environmental activists staged a unique and disruptive protest.
Protesters dumped large quantities of coal at the main gate of the venue, blocking the entrance. This unprecedented act in the quiet world of chess caused significant delays.
Players and organizers were left stranded as the entrance was blocked, forcing the first round of the tournament to start several hours later than scheduled. The incident has sparked a debate about security measures at intellectual sporting events.
Chinnaswamy Stadium Ban Lifted: IPL Returns to Bangalore
Good news has arrived for the loyal fans of RCB. The clouds of uncertainty hovering over their home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, have finally cleared.
Following a mishap during the victory celebrations of RCB’s maiden IPL triumph last season, authorities had imposed a ban on hosting matches at the venue. This had forced the franchise to look for alternative venues for the upcoming season.
However, the state government has now given the green light to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The ban has been lifted, paving the way for IPL and international matches to return to the heart of Bangalore.
Gujarat Official Selected for U-19 Boxing World Cup
In a proud moment for Gujarat, Gaurang Solanki has been selected for a prestigious international role. The Under-19 World Boxing Future Cup is scheduled to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from March 8 to 15, 2026.
To select the Indian contingent for this event, trials will be held at the Army Sports Institute in Pune from January 17 to 23. The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has appointed Gaurang Solanki as a Referee and Judge for these crucial trials. Solanki, who holds the distinction of being a BFI Star-3 and Star-2 qualified official, represents Gujarat’s growing footprint in the administration of national sports.
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