74% big-turn deliveries: Manav Suthar out-turns Jadeja, Kuldeep in Galle

Manav Suthar played an important role in keeping the Sri Lankan batters under pressure. He also produced the highest percentage of deliveries with a large turn in the match so far. As many as 74% of his deliveries turned more than 4.5 degrees, the best among all the spinners. Suthar returned figures of 4/76 as India bowled Sri Lanka out for 284 after posting 462 in their first innings at the Galle International Stadium.

Edinburgh [Scotland], August 18 (ANI): Scotland head coach Owen Dawkins is confident his side is well placed to break a 12-year drought and qualify for next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. fishroad-app.com

The Scots have only featured in three previous editions of the 50-over World Cup, and you have to go way back to 2015 to find the last time they made it through to the ODI showcase when they went winless across six matches in Australia and New Zealand.

But having already booked their place at next year’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier event on the back of some strong efforts in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 tournament, Scotland are now just one step away from featuring in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia next year.

Scotland require a top four finish at the Qualifier event at the start of 2027 to book their place at the World Cup and Dawkins – who only took over as the head coach at the end of last year – sees no reason why his team won’t feature.

“We are in a good place just now,", Dawkins told Cricket Scotland, as quoted by ICC.

“This series has demonstrated the character and quality within this Scotland side. Securing qualification for the Global Qualifier is a significant achievement, and everyone involved can be proud of the progress we have made."

“ODI cricket remains a hugely important format for the global game, and it would be a magnificent achievement if we reached the World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. It would represent the pinnacle for us as a group. This is a format that we need and world cricket need to continue investing in to help our players develop and to enable our sport to grow, strengthen and thrive," he continued.

Much of Scotland’s good form during League 2 action has been on the back of their batting group, with left-hander George Munsey, all-rounder Brandon McMullen and skipper Richie Berrington all making strong contributions with the bat as the side moved to the top of the standings during a recent tri-series at home against Canada and the UAE.

McMullen has also proven a consistent performer with the ball for Scotland across the League 2 competition, while young spinner Lyle Robertson recently impressed with a six-wicket haul on debut against Canada.

It means there is now stiff competition for spots within Scotland’s best XI and Dawkins welcomes the selection headaches that await him in the lead-up to the Qualifier tournament next year.

“There were some outstanding individual performances over the last fortnight. Fin McCreath scored his maiden international century, Richie Berrington produced a fantastic hundred in the final match, while Lyle Robertson enjoyed an amazing debut, with the fourth-best bowling figures in ODI cricket history," Dawkins said.

“However, it is the team performances that give me the most satisfaction. Two matches in the series went right down to the final few overs, while four of our last six victories have come in the closing stages of games.

“That success is not down to luck, but from the skill levels within the squad, backed up by hard work, commitment and dedication shown by everyone involved. It’s also a reflection of the excellent work done by the coaching and support staff, helping the players become clearer in their plans, fitter, more robust and better able to stay the distance and win those tight games," he signed off. (ANI)

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New Delhi, August 17, 2026: Ayush Shetty has announced himself on the biggest stage in spectacular fashion. Making his debut at the BWF World Championships, the 21-year-old Indian produced a remarkable comeback victory over reigning champion and world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi of China in the men’s singles opening round in New Delhi.

Shetty, ranked No. 22 in the world, defeated the top seed 21-14, 13-21, 21-19 to move into the second round and send a packed home crowd into celebration.

From three defeats to a career-defining victory

The result was significant not only because of Shi’s status as the world’s top-ranked player and defending champion, but also because of Shetty’s history against him.

Before Monday’s contest, Shetty had lost all three of his previous meetings with the Chinese star. Their most recent encounter came in the final of the Badminton Asia Championships in April, where Shi comfortably won 21-8, 21-10.

Four months later, the story changed dramatically.

Playing in front of his home supporters, Shetty refused to be intimidated by the occasion. He attacked from the beginning, particularly around the net, and took the opening game 21-14. Shi responded with greater control in the second game and levelled the contest at 1-1 with a 21-13 win.

Shetty holds his nerve in a dramatic decider

The deciding game became a test of composure as much as badminton ability.

Shetty established an early advantage and moved 11-5 ahead, putting the defending champion under immediate pressure. Shi, however, showed why he sits at the top of the world rankings by fighting his way back into contention.

With the match approaching its decisive moments, Shetty kept his attacking intent intact and managed to prevent Shi from completing the comeback. He closed out the deciding game 21-19, securing the biggest win of his young career.

Scorecard

Ayush Shetty (India) bt Shi Yu Qi (China): 21-14, 13-21, 21-19

Round: First Round, Men’s Singles

Tournament: BWF World Championships 2026

Venue: New Delhi, India

Shetty’s ranking: World No. 22

Shi’s ranking: World No. 1

Head-to-head before match: Shi Yu Qi led 3-0

Current head-to-head: Shi Yu Qi 3-1 Ayush Shetty

A victory built on belief

The significance of Shetty’s victory goes beyond one result. The young Indian had already shown signs of his growing stature earlier this season, reaching the Badminton Asia Championships final after defeating several highly rated opponents. He also won the 2025 US Open, his maiden BWF World Tour title.

His challenge in New Delhi was always expected to be enormous. The World Championships draw had placed him against the defending champion in the very first round, making it arguably one of the toughest possible starts to a maiden World Championships campaign. Indian chief national coach Pullela Gopichand had earlier identified Shetty’s attacking game as a potential weapon against Shi.

That prediction came alive on court.

Home support makes the difference

Playing a major championship on home soil added another dimension to Shetty’s performance. The crowd remained firmly behind the Indian throughout the contest, particularly during the tense final stages of the decider.

After the match, Shetty acknowledged the importance of the home support, saying the energy from the crowd helped him maintain his intensity during the battle.

What this means for Indian badminton

Shetty’s victory immediately becomes one of the headline moments of India’s World Championships campaign. More importantly, it signals that India’s next generation of men’s singles players are beginning to challenge the established elite.

For Shi Yu Qi, the defeat ends his title defence at the first hurdle. For Shetty, however, the tournament has only just begun.

The Indian youngster entered the World Championships as an emerging talent. He leaves the opening round as one of the tournament’s biggest stories.

The next challenge now is simple: can Ayush Shetty turn a stunning upset into a deep World Championships run?

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