England smashes highest total in ODI cricket; Morgan highest run scorer for England

England smashes highest total in ODI cricket; Morgan highest run scorer for England

The inventors of cricket were in action again when they scored 481 runs and broke the record of most runs in One- Day International (ODI). The previous record of 444 runs in ODI was also held by England, which they scored in 2016 against Pakistan. They have now achieved this feat against the mighty Aussies in the 3rd ODI, played on 19th June 2018 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. Australia is on tour of England for 5 ODI's and 1 T20i match. Eion Morgan- Captain of England smashed the fastest ODI half century for England in just 21 balls. Morgan also becomes the highest run scorer for England in ODI, surpassing Ian Bell's mammoth 5416 runs. He has the record now in his name with 5443 runs.

Image source- timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first. From England, Bairstow and Hales are the centurions, while Roy and Morgan are the half centurions. England are dominating the Australians as they have won 2 out of 2 matches and are favorites to win this match too. It would be more difficult for Aussies as they are missing Steve Smith and opener David Warner. 

Lets find out,  whether Australia will chase the record breaking target, or will England seal the series!

Russia deafeats Saudi Arabia in the World Cup opener

Russia defeats Saudi Arabia in the FIFA World Cup opener

 The most awaited FIFA World cup has been kicked off . This time it's Russia to host it. A wonderful opening ceremony welcomed the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Reputed singer- Robbie Williams, sang few songs like 'Angels' and 'Let me entertain you'. President of Russia- Vladimir Putin was in attendance and gave an introductory speech. There are 32 teams competing against one other which are divided in 8 groups. 

The 1st match is won by Russia, who scored 5 goals and won the first game of the World cup with the biggest margin of 5-0 by beating Saudi Arabia.

Image source- ultra.zone

Match Summary:-

1st Half:

The hosts were to their target straight away as they scored the 1st goal of the edition in the 12th  minute. Iury Gazinsky scored his 1st international goal for the team and it was 1-0. Russia faced a break down when Alan Dzagoev (one of the best players they have) went out due to a sudden hamstring injury. Denis Cheryshev replaced Alan and smashed his maiden international goal for the team. It was 2-0 by the end of the 1st half. 

Russia would surely have been more relaxed team to enter the dressing room after the 1st half.

2nd Half

Saudi Arabia was pressurized when they entered the battle ground in the 2nd half. They tried to maximize their chances by scoring a goal and reverse the pressure, but they failed to do so. Russia looked really positive throughout the game. They were attacking positively and managed their 3rd goal in 71st minute. Subsitute- Artem Dzyuba scored a goal for Russia, It was 3-0 by then. Celebrations for the fans were not finished yet. They Got two chances more to celebrate when Denis Chreshev and Aleksandr Golovin scored a goal each in the extra time. It was 5-0 in the end and Russia becomes the only host nation to win the inaugural match of the World cup by a difference of 5 goals.

No host team has ever lost 1st match in the history of FIFA World Cup.

The match promised to be an exciting stuff for the audience. By this win Russia can proclaim that they have enough qualities to make it to the round of 16, which they are yet to do from last 32 years.

GOAL! Oh yeah, you will hear more sounds like this as the FIFA World Cup continuous.

  

Sunil Chettri guides his men to clinch the Intercontinental cup

Sunil Chettri guides his men to clinch the Intercontinental cup

The Intercontinental cup kicked off on 1st June, 2018; and it  has been won by India. Chettri scored two goals and ensured the team to victory. The final was held at Mumbai Stadium on 10th June against Kenya, who managed to qualify for the finals by scoring 4 goals and not conceiving any, in the group match against Chinese Taipei. Kenya having momentum was not able to carry the same in the final. Resultingly India crowned the championship.

Indian coach- Stephen Constantine lifts the cup.

Match Summary

1st half:-

Match started well for both the sides, but an 8th minute foul by Kenya, resulted a free kick;  which lead to a spectacular goal for India. It was 1-0. Kenya defended really well but then came another magnificent goal from the Indian captain in the 29th minute. With this Chettri equalized Messi's 64 goals. He is now behind of only Ronaldo. The 1st half came to an end with India leading the way by 2-0.

2nd half:-

Kenya initiated this half by aggressive attacking, but the Indian goal keeper- Gurpreet Sandhu was saving the goal sensationally well. Kenya was seeking to direct the ball to  the opposition net, while the Blue pilgrims restricted them as unscored. The 2nd half came to an end and despite of some good stuff by Kenya, the scored remained 2-0.

The match came to a memorable end for the Indians and they crowned the cup. Stephen Constantine and his men are the champions. Everyone in the stadium was delighted.

Here is a video of celebration after the game:

So, a successful event of football came to an end with all feeling of patriotism for India. All teams played outstandingly and only 1 could be a winner. But Sportsmen spirit is bigger than any cup or trophy.