Toss India opt to bowl vs Sri Lanka
Rain disrupted the start of the second T20I between India and Sri Lanka in Pallekele. India, having won the toss, opted to bowl first. Sanju Samson replaced Shubman Gill in the Indian lineup due to a neck injury. Sri Lanka must win to level the series after losing the first match by 43 runs.
India has opted to bowl first in the match, making a strategic decision to chase the target set by their opponents. In a notable change to the playing XI, Sanju Samson has been included in the lineup, replacing Shubman Gill. This adjustment suggests the team's focus on strengthening their batting order and adapting to the conditions of the game. Samson's inclusion brings fresh energy and skill to the squad, aiming to enhance India's performance in this crucial encounter.
Israel has vowed to take revenge after a rocket strike killed 11 young people in the Golan Heights. The attack, which resulted in significant casualties, has intensified tensions in the region. Israeli officials have condemned the strike and promised a strong response to those responsible. The incident adds to the ongoing volatility in the area, highlighting the fragile security situation and the potential for further escalation.
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Sofia Manner will make her debut start in goal for the Pride, while Evelina Duljan and Alex Kerr also earn their first starts with the team. Additionally, Mariana Larroquette will be starting her first match of 2024.
The Pride will have three goalkeepers on the bench today: McKinley Crone, Kenna Caldwell, and Anna Moorhouse.
Here is the rest of the Pride’s lineup ahead of kickoff at 7 p.m. ET on Paramount+:
Orlando Pride lineup:
Substitutions:
Seattle, WA (July 26, 2024) – Sounders FC kicked off their Leagues Cup 2024 campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Minnesota United at Lumen Field. The home crowd was treated to an exciting performance as the Sounders showcased their skill and determination in their opening match of the tournament.
The game began with both teams vying for control in midfield, but it was Sounders FC who struck first. In the 23rd minute, forward Raúl Ruidíaz broke the deadlock with a clinical finish, capitalizing on a precise cross from Nicolás Lodeiro. The goal ignited the Sounders' offense, and they continued to press Minnesota's defense throughout the half.
Sounders FC maintained their momentum into the second half. The pressure paid off again in the 60th minute when Jordan Morris doubled the lead. Morris, known for his speed and agility, received a through ball from João Paulo and calmly slotted it past the Minnesota goalkeeper.
The Sounders' defense was solid, with goalkeeper Stefan Frei making several crucial saves to keep a clean sheet. Center-backs Yeimar Gómez Andrade and Jackson Ragen effectively neutralized Minnesota's attacking threats, ensuring the home team remained in control.
Head Coach Brian Schmetzer praised his team's performance, highlighting their cohesive play and resilience. "We executed our game plan well and took our chances when they came. It’s a great start to the tournament," Schmetzer said.
Raúl Ruidíaz, who was named Man of the Match, expressed his satisfaction with the team's effort. "We worked hard and stayed focused. This win gives us confidence for the upcoming games," Ruidíaz commented.
With this victory, Sounders FC set a positive tone for their Leagues Cup journey. They will look to build on this performance as they prepare for their next group stage match.
Sounders FC will face Liga MX side Club América in their next Leagues Cup fixture on August 2, 2024, at Lumen Field.
### Internet Shutdown in Bangladesh Persists Despite Calm After Protests
Bangladesh remains without internet for a fifth day, and the government has declared a public holiday on Monday. Authorities continue to exercise tight control despite the apparent calm following a court order that reduced a controversial system for allocating government jobs.
Earlier in the week, a curfew with a shoot-on-sight order was implemented, and military personnel were seen patrolling the capital and other areas.
The South Asian country recently experienced clashes between police and mainly student protesters, who demanded the end of a quota reserving 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence. According to at least four local newspapers, the violence has resulted in over a hundred deaths. However, authorities have not yet released official death tolls.
No immediate violence was reported on Monday morning after the Supreme Court ordered on Sunday that the veterans' quota be reduced to 5%. This decision means that 93% of civil service jobs will now be merit-based, while the remaining 2% will be reserved for ethnic minorities, transgender individuals, and disabled people.
On Sunday night, some student protesters called on the government to restore internet services. Hasnat Abdullah, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, announced to the Associated Press that they were withdrawing their calls for a complete shutdown, which they had attempted to impose the previous week.
“We are issuing an ultimatum for 48 hours to stop the digital crackdown and restore internet connectivity,” he said. He added that security officials deployed at various universities should be withdrawn, student dormitories reopened, and steps taken to ensure students can return to their campuses safely. Abdullah also demanded the government end the curfew and return the country to normal within two days.
Students have also called for the resignation of certain university officials who failed to protect campuses. Sarjis Alam, another coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, stated that they would continue their protests if all demands were not met. “We cannot step back from our movement like cowards,” he added.
Nahid Islam, another key organizer of the student protests, told reporters that the internet shutdown had disrupted their ability to communicate, alleging that authorities were trying to create divisions among protesters. “I am mentally traumatized ... our unity is being destroyed,” he said.
The US Embassy in Dhaka described the situation on Sunday as “extremely volatile” and “unpredictable,” noting that guns, tear gas, and other weapons had been used near the embassy. The embassy reported the deployment of the Bangladeshi army and urged Americans to be vigilant, avoid large crowds, and reconsider travel plans.
The protests represent the most serious challenge to Bangladesh’s government since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won a fourth consecutive term in January elections that were boycotted by the main opposition groups. Universities have been closed, the internet has been shut off, and the government has ordered people to stay at home.
Protesters argued that the quota system was discriminatory and benefited supporters of Hasina, whose Awami League party led the independence movement, and sought its replacement with a merit-based system. Hasina defended the quota system, asserting that veterans deserve the highest respect regardless of political affiliation.
The main opposition, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has backed the protests, vowing to organize its own demonstrations as many of its supporters joined the student-led protests.
The Awami League and the BNP have frequently accused each other of fueling political chaos and violence, most recently in the lead-up to the national election, which was marred by a crackdown on several opposition figures.
On Friday, Bangladeshi police detectives forced the discharge of three student protest leaders from a hospital, taking them to an undisclosed location, hospital staff reported to AFP. The students, Asif Mahmud, Nahid Islam, and Abu Baker Majumder, are members of Students Against Discrimination, the group that organized recent street rallies against civil service hiring rules.
The police crackdown and ensuing clashes resulted in at least 193 deaths, according to an AFP count of victims reported by police and hospitals. This represents some of the worst unrest during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's tenure.
There have been arson attacks on the French rail network, causing significant delays for travelers, especially just before the start of the Olympic ceremony. The rail company SNCF described this as a "massive attack" aimed at crippling the network.
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