The WNBA is making significant changes to its playoff format, expanding the Finals to a best-of-seven series and introducing other adjustments aimed at enhancing fan experience and player well-being. The league also boasted record-breaking attendance and viewership figures for the 2024 season.
The Indiana Fever, led by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, have secured a playoff spot in the WNBA, but the exact seeding and matchups remain uncertain. The WNBA regular season concludes this week, with multiple teams vying for playoff berths and seeding. Clark has made a significant impact, setting both the single-season assist and rookie scoring records.
Chelsea will face Servette FC of Switzerland in the Europa Conference League playoffs, with the first leg taking place at Stamford Bridge on August 22nd. Servette qualified for the playoffs after losing to Braga in the Europa League third qualifying round.
iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans secured a playoff spot in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) after a thrilling 47-run victory over Trichy Grand Cholas. A crucial 84-run partnership between Maan K. Bafna and S. Ganesh helped Tiruppur reach a competitive total, while left-arm seamer T. Natarajan and left-arm spinners S. Ajith Ram and R. Sai Kishore delivered impactful bowling performances to restrict Trichy’s chase. Meanwhile, Lyca Kovai Kings edged out SKM Salem Spartans in a tense finish, thanks to a blistering half-century by Shahrukh Khan.
The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) season eight is nearing its end, with Lyca Kovai Kings and Chepauk Super Gillies already securing playoff spots. Trichy Grand Cholas and iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans will battle it out for the final playoff berth, while Dindigul Dragons and Nellai Royal Kings remain in contention. The final matches promise exciting contests as teams fight for a chance to compete for the championship.
After being benched for five games, veteran forward Corey Perry made a triumphant return to the lineup for the Edmonton Oilers in Game 4 of the Western Conference final against the Dallas Stars. Perry played on the second line with Leon Draisaitl and Ryan McLeod and contributed to the Oilers’ 5-2 victory by creating a rebound for McLeod’s goal. Despite initial concerns on social media, the move proved successful, with Perry showcasing his signature physical play and winning puck battles. Perry has a wealth of playoff experience with 53 goals and 72 assists in 207 career playoff games. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch praised Perry’s performance and his positive attitude while sitting out. With the series tied 2-2, Perry’s return could be a significant factor for the remainder of the Western Conference Final.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad have advanced to their third Indian Premier League (IPL) final with a convincing 36-run victory against the Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2. Despite Rajasthan captain Sanju Samson’s decision to field first, Rahul Tripathi provided a strong start for Hyderabad, scoring 37 from 15 deliveries. Heinrich Klaasen’s 50-run contribution helped Hyderabad reach a total of 175/9 in their 20 overs, despite the efforts of Rajasthan’s Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, and Avesh Khan. In the chase, Hyderabad’s spinners, Abhishek Sharma and Shahbaz Ahmed, proved dominant, exploiting the conditions to hinder Rajasthan’s progress. Avesh Khan’s 3/27 was also instrumental in restricting Rajasthan to 139/9, with Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten 56 being the lone bright spot. Shahbaz Ahmed, with his all-round performance of 3/23 and 18 runs, was named the player of the match.
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s impressive turnaround in the second half of the IPL 2024 season has sent a warning to the Kolkata Knight Riders, who are wary of facing the resurgent team in the final. Former India pacer Varun Aaron believes that RCB’s momentum and belief make them a formidable opponent, and KKR would prefer to avoid them in the title match.
With the IPL 2024 playoffs just around the corner, we take a look at the biggest strength, the one glaring weakness, and the X-factor for each of the four playoff teams: Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Legendary Pakistan seamer Wasim Akram has thrown his support behind under-fire Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, predicting that he will play a crucial role in helping the team reach the IPL 2024 playoffs. Despite a disappointing season with the bat, Maxwell’s cameo knock against CSK in a crucial match showcased his potential. Akram believes in Maxwell’s ability to rise to the occasion and deliver on the big stage.
