Sporting action was on high all around the world last week but the dismal news of the Australian cricketer Phil Hughes’ demise diminished the zeal. Cricketers as well as other sportsperson all over the world paid homage to this stylish batsman. Australian cricket players are still recovering from this shocking incident, eyeing which the board announced to postpone the 1st test match to be played against India. Although the sports world slowed down after this dreadful incident, some of the matches in football, tennis and cricket helped the action go on.
Football
Chelsea was counterattacked strongly by Sunderland on Saturday to finish the game in draw 0-0. Although Jose Mourinho’s side settled with one point only, they continued their unbeaten start to the season to 20 games now. On Sunday, Manchester City took the game by storm beating Southampton 3-0 to leap into second place in the Premier League Table. The game was even till the first half but the City strikers Lampard, Toure and Clichy fired in the 2nd half to seal the victory. Now, Man City is only 6 points behind the table leader Chelsea. In the Indian Super League, Brazilian Bruno Pelissari’s maiden goal helped Chennaiyin FC beat Kerala Blasters 1-0 and inch closer to the semifinals.
Tennis
Serena Williams made a good comeback just before 2015 women’s tour defeating Kirsten Flipkens 6-3 in the first edition of International Premier Tennis League (IPTL). Earlier the world number one playing with his mixed double partner Lleyton Hewitt the Singapore Slammers team lost to Flipkens and Andy Murray of the Manila Mavericks team. Murray registerd another wins this weekend against Williams’ Singapore Slammers teammate Nick Kyrgios. The IPTL tour will be coming to New Delhi after Singapore. Back in India, Pune Marathas won the inaugural trophy of Champions Tennis League defeating Delhi Dreams in the final 27-23. Marcos Baghdatis nailed world number 16 Kevin Anderson 6-3 in the final men’s singles match.
Cricket
New Zealand registered a wonderful win of an innings and 80 runs against Pakistan in the 3rd test of the series making it a 1-1 tie. The most fascinating part of this match was New Zealand bowler took all 20 wickets of Pakistan without bowling any bouncer. Yes! It was their homage to Phil Hughes. Brendon McCullum smashed 202 runs well supported Williamson who scored 192 making it a massive total of 690 in the first innings. Pakistan collapsed for 351 and 259 in the two innings against the bowling attack of New Zealand led by Mark Craig who took 10 wickets in the match.