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IPL 2026: Remodelled action, greater control — How Ravi Bishnoi has found a fresh start in IPL at Rajasthan Royals  It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.READ | ‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor formIt didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per        Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past. Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                            

                            Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                                                    “He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.Published on Apr 25, 2026  #IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals

IPL 2026: Remodelled action, greater control — How Ravi Bishnoi has found a fresh start in IPL at Rajasthan Royals

It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.

Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.

But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.

Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.

READ | ‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor form

It didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.

Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.

For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”

In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.

Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.

At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.

“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.

The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.

Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past.

IPL 2026: Remodelled action, greater control — How Ravi Bishnoi has found a fresh start in IPL at Rajasthan Royals  It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.READ | ‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor formIt didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per        Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past. Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                            

                            Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                PTI
                                                    “He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.Published on Apr 25, 2026  #IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI

lightbox-info

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point. | Photo Credit: PTI

“He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.

The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.

“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals

It wasn’t too long ago that Ravi Bishnoi was India’s premier T20 spinner. In fact, in December 2023, he was ranked No.1 in ICC’s T20 bowling charts.

Back then, he was also Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) lead spinner, having taken 16 wickets in IPL 2023, at a stifling economy of 7.74.

But, over the course of a tepid two-year spell, Bishnoi’s stocks took a serious hit.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s meteoric rise came at the expense of Bishnoi’s spot in the national side.

Bishnoi’s IPL returns dwindled steadily – just 19 wickets from IPL 2024 and 2025 – resulting in LSG to favour the mystery spin of Digvesh Rathi.

READ | ‘He’s hitting well, just needs to stitch together few more runs’ – Sangakkara not losing sleep over Parag’s poor form

It didn’t surprise many when LSG released Bishnoi ahead of IPL 2026.

Despite his struggles, Bishnoi attracted serious attention at the auction and was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs. 7.2 crore.

For Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara, this was the perfect outcome. “When he was released into the auction, we were sure that he was the right candidate.”

In the end, it proved to be a mutually beneficial deal. In Royals, Bishnoi has found a fresh start, while in Bishnoi, Royals has found an incisive spin threat.

Halfway into IPL 2026, Bishnoi is Royals’ joint-highest wicket-taker (alongside Jofra Archer) with 11 scalps.

At the heart of this revival has been a greater control over his bowling lengths, as admitted by Bishnoi himself.

“Last season was difficult. I had one weakness. If my length was wrong, then I was getting hit for fours and sixes. I played ⁠a whole domestic ‌season and worked on perfecting my lengths. Hitting my lengths made it difficult for ‌batters,” said Bishnoi after Royals’ win against Gujarat Titans earlier this season.

The 25-year-old has refrained from overpitching in IPL 2026, sticking to the hard lengths. In fact, as per Cricviz, Bishnoi has bowled just a solitary full delivery this season. In comparison, in IPL 2025, 12.61 per cent of all his deliveries were full, while in 2024, it was 13.74 per cent.

Driving this improved control are the technical changes Bishnoi has adopted. The most noticeable of those tweaks is a higher release point. At the point of delivery, Bishnoi is now more upright than he was in the past.

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

lightbox-info

Ravi Bishnoi’s success in the ongoing IPL season is due to greater control over lengths, driven by technical changes such as a higerh release point.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

“He’s remodelled his action a little bit more. Worked on the angles, worked on a simple plan. We have a spin coach – Richard Das Neves, who’s come from South Africa. He has worked with him a little bit,” said Sangakkara.

The Royals coach, though, emphasised that the credit for Bishnoi’s revival rests with Bishnoi himself.

“He’s a guy who works really hard. He’s a really smart guy when he’s bowling. A lot of the credit should go to Bishnoi himself because he has worked his butt off to come back. So, he’s hungry, and he’s bowling well. We just want him to keep it going,” added Sangakkara.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

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#IPL #Remodelled #action #greater #control #Ravi #Bishnoi #fresh #start #IPL #Rajasthan #Royals

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Deadspin | Aurora Gaming, BetBoom Team close in on PGL Wallachia 8 final <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/11882973.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/11882973.jpg" alt="Syndication: Westchester" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">The hands of an esport gamer clutching the controler at Encore Esports Gaming Lounge in New Rochelle on Thursday, December 20, 2018. E Sports<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Aurora Gaming and BetBoom Team rallied for 2-1 wins on Friday, earning spots in the upper-bracket final of the PGL Wallachia Season 8 event at Bucharest, Romania.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Aurora Gaming roared back against PARIVISION, and BetBoom Team charged past Team Liquid.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Lower-bracket action got underway on Friday, with South America Rejects edging HEROIC 2-1 and Team Falcons taking down Team Spirit 2-0.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Sixteen teams began the $1 million Dota 2 tournament with the top eight advancing from the Swiss-system group stage. The double-elimination playoffs continue with all matches best-of-three until the best-of-five grand final on Sunday. The winning side will take home $300,000.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>On Friday, PARIVISION opened with a 29-minute win on red, but Aurora Gaming responded with a two victories on red, in 43 minutes and 59 minutes. Indonesia’s Rafli “Mikoto” Fathur Rahman paced Aurora Gaming with a 19-6-34 kill-death-assist ratio. Ukraine’s Volodymyr “No[o]ne-” Minenko wound up at 17-12-28 for PARIVISION.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>After Team Liquid took a 35-minute victory on green, BetBoom Team pulled level in 46 minutes on green, then sealed the series in 43 minutes on red. Russia’s Ilya “Kiritych” Ulyanov posted a 23-9-34 K-D-A ratio for BetBoom Team. Poland’s Michal “Nisha” Jankowski ended up at 22-14-25 for Team Liquid.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>South America Rejects sandwiched two wins on green, in 45 minutes and 48 minutes, around HEROIC’s 51-minute triumph on red. Peru’s Frank “Frank” Ayala registered a 27-12-46 K-D-A ratio for South America Rejects. Another Peruvian player, Santiago “TaiLung” Aguero Gustavo, finished at 26-18-39 for HEROIC.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Team Falcons toppled Team Spirit in 41 minutes on green and 66 minutes on red. Jordan’s Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf powered Team Falcons with a 23-8-34 K-D-A ratio. Ukraine’s Bohdan “Batyuk” Batiuk notched a 13-17-17 K-D-A ratio for Team Spirit.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>The weekend schedule:</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Saturday</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Upper-bracket final — Aurora Gaming vs. BetBoom Team</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Lower-bracket quarterfinal — Team Liquid vs. South America Rejects</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Lower-bracket quarterfinal — PARIVISION vs. Team Falcons</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>Lower-bracket semifinal — Team Liquid/South America Rejects winner vs. PARIVISION/Team Falcons winner</p> </section> <section id="section-15"> <p>Sunday</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Lower-bracket final — Lower-bracket semifinal winner vs. Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team loser</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Grand final — Aurora Gaming/BetBoom Team winner vs. lower-bracket final winner</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>PGL Wallachia Season 8 prize pool</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>1. $300,000 — TBD</p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>2. $175,000 — TBD</p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>3. $120,000 — TBD</p> </section><section id="section-22"> <p>4. $80,000 — TBD</p> </section><section id="section-23"> <p>5-6. $60,000 — TBD</p> </section><section id="section-24"> <p>7-8. $40,000 — HEROIC, Team Spirit</p> </section><section id="section-25"> <p>9-11. $20,000 — GamerLegion, Xtreme Gaming, MOUZ</p> </section><section id="section-26"> <p>12-14. $15,000 — Vici Gaming, Virtus.pro, Natus Vincere</p> </section><section id="section-27"> <p>15-16. $10,000 — Team Yandex, Tundra Esports</p> </section><br/><section id="section-28"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Aurora #Gaming #BetBoom #Team #close #PGL #Wallachia #final

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Deadspin | Three teams post Round 1 sweeps at CDL Stage 3 Minor <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/15180850.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/15180850.jpg" alt="Syndication: The Courier-Journal" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">A custom gaming keyboard backlit with red LED lights waits for tactile input before Manual took on Boone County in a Rocket League match, which was streamed on YouTube on Thursday, March 5, 2020.<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Miami Heretics, G2 Minnesota and Toronto KOI opened with sweeps while the Riyadh Falcons also prevailed in Round 1 of the Call of Duty League Stage 3 Minor on Friday to reach the quarterfinals.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>All 12 CDL teams are competing in the tournament, which will reward $20,000 and 30 CDL points to the champion. The single-elimination bracket is seeded based on teams’ standing following Major 2. All matches are best-of-five.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Taking on the Boston Breach, the Heretics rolled to victory with wins on Colossus Hardpoint (250-199), Raid Search and Destroy (6-0) and Exposure Overload (4-3).</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Minnesota made quick work of Cloud9 New York, posting consecutive victories on Scar Hardpoint (250-93), Scar Search and Destroy (6-1) and Exposure Overload (6-5).</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Facing the Carolina Royal Ravens, Toronto opened with a 250-249 win on Scar Hardpoint, then followed up with a 6-4 victory on Raid Search and Destroy before closing out the sweep 4-1 on Scar Overload.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>The Vancouver Surge posted a match-opening 250-246 win over Riyadh on Den Hardpoint, but the Falcons bounced back with three straight wins — 6-2 on Plaza Search and Destroy, 4-3 on Scar Overload and 250-174 on Sake Hardpoint.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The Saturday schedule (quarterfinals):</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>–OpTic Texas vs. Toronto KOI</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>–Los Angeles Thieves vs. G2 Minnesota</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>–FaZe Vegas vs. Riyadh Falcons</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>–Paris Gentle Mates vs. Miami Heretics</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Call of Duty League’s Stage 3 Minor prize pool</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>1. $20,000, 30 CDL points</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>2. no money, 20 CDL points</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>3-4. no money, 10 CDL points</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>5-8. no money, no CDL points</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>9-12. no money, no CDL points — Carolina Royal Ravens, Cloud9 New York, Vancouver Surge, Boston Breach</p> </section><br/><section id="section-18"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #teams #post #sweeps #CDL #Stage #Minor

#Indy #qualifying #Weather #forces #scheduling #change">Indy 500 qualifying 2026: Weather forces scheduling change  Due to persistent rain in the area on Saturday, qualifying for the 110th Indianapolis 500 has been moved to Sunday, making the event a single-day affair.Under the scheduling change, all all qualifiers will line up starting at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, based on Friday’s qualifying draw and have one attempt to post a traditional four-lap qualifying speed. The fastest 12 qualifiers will move on, while the other 21 drivers will slot into spots 33-13 in the field for the 110th Indianapolis 500.The top 12 will head directly to a knockout round, scheduled for approximately 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. As with previous years, the order of the Top 12 begins in reverse of qualifying speeds from the cars’ initial qualifying attempts, leading off with the 12th-fastest car all the way through the fastest car from the initial qualifying attempt. Each car will have one attempt in this knockout stage. Those finishing seventh through 12th will fill out starting positions seven through 12 according to their time and speed.The fastest six will advance to the next round of Indianapolis 500 qualifying — the Firestone Fast Six — determine positions one through six.Here is the qualifying order as set during Friday’s draw:  #Indy #qualifying #Weather #forces #scheduling #change

Pre-match chatter centred on Cristiano Ronaldo and whether the AFC Champions League Two final could finally end his wait for a major trophy with Al-Nassr. But Gamba Osaka had other ideas, beating the Saudi side 1-0 to lift the title on Saturday.

Gamba, the 2008 AFC Champions League winner, had gone into the final seeking to become the first Japanese club to win the AFC Champions League Two trophy. The Osaka side also completed Japan’s domestic treble in 2014, underlining its pedigree on big stages.

The only goal of the match came in the 29th minute after a move that began with a mistake from Ronaldo. Ryotaro Meshino was involved in the build-up before Tokuma Suzuki found Issam Jebali, who played the ball into the feet of Deniz Hummet. The forward, left unmarked inside the box, slotted home calmly to give Gamba the lead.

“I feel amazing. To bring this title for our supporters, I’m happy to score and help the team win,” Hummet told the broadcasters after the match.

ALSO READ: How Chennaiyin FC found a Chennai story in S. Prakadeswaran

Al-Nassr pushed for an equaliser, but Gamba goalkeeper Araki stood firm. Ronaldo, who was largely anonymous for most of the contest, had his only real opening towards the end of the first half, but grazed his header wide.

Sadio Mane and Joao Felix were also heavily involved as Al-Nassr tried to force its way back into the contest. Mane hit the side-netting, while Felix struck the post in the second half before seeing another effort cleared away.

Aiman Yahya also had a good chance to level when he collected the ball in the middle of the box, but he lashed his shot off target.

Gamba, however, defended with discipline and composure, surviving Al-Nassr’s late pressure to protect its one-goal lead and secure another memorable continental triumph.

Published on May 17, 2026

#AFC #ACL #Final #Gamba #Osaka #crowned #champion #Ronaldos #wait #major #trophy #AlNassr #continues">AFC ACL Two Final: Gamba Osaka crowned champion, Ronaldo’s wait for major trophy with Al-Nassr continues  Pre-match chatter centred on Cristiano Ronaldo and whether the AFC Champions League Two final could finally end his wait for a major trophy with Al-Nassr. But Gamba Osaka had other ideas, beating the Saudi side 1-0 to lift the title on Saturday.Gamba, the 2008 AFC Champions League winner, had gone into the final seeking to become the first Japanese club to win the AFC Champions League Two trophy. The Osaka side also completed Japan’s domestic treble in 2014, underlining its pedigree on big stages.The only goal of the match came in the 29th minute after a move that began with a mistake from Ronaldo. Ryotaro Meshino was involved in the build-up before Tokuma Suzuki found Issam Jebali, who played the ball into the feet of Deniz Hummet. The forward, left unmarked inside the box, slotted home calmly to give Gamba the lead.“I feel amazing. To bring this title for our supporters, I’m happy to score and help the team win,” Hummet told the broadcasters after the match.ALSO READ: How Chennaiyin FC found a Chennai story in S. PrakadeswaranAl-Nassr pushed for an equaliser, but Gamba goalkeeper Araki stood firm. Ronaldo, who was largely anonymous for most of the contest, had his only real opening towards the end of the first half, but grazed his header wide.Sadio Mane and Joao Felix were also heavily involved as Al-Nassr tried to force its way back into the contest. Mane hit the side-netting, while Felix struck the post in the second half before seeing another effort cleared away.Aiman Yahya also had a good chance to level when he collected the ball in the middle of the box, but he lashed his shot off target.Gamba, however, defended with discipline and composure, surviving Al-Nassr’s late pressure to protect its one-goal lead and secure another memorable continental triumph.Published on May 17, 2026  #AFC #ACL #Final #Gamba #Osaka #crowned #champion #Ronaldos #wait #major #trophy #AlNassr #continues

How Chennaiyin FC found a Chennai story in S. Prakadeswaran

Al-Nassr pushed for an equaliser, but Gamba goalkeeper Araki stood firm. Ronaldo, who was largely anonymous for most of the contest, had his only real opening towards the end of the first half, but grazed his header wide.

Sadio Mane and Joao Felix were also heavily involved as Al-Nassr tried to force its way back into the contest. Mane hit the side-netting, while Felix struck the post in the second half before seeing another effort cleared away.

Aiman Yahya also had a good chance to level when he collected the ball in the middle of the box, but he lashed his shot off target.

Gamba, however, defended with discipline and composure, surviving Al-Nassr’s late pressure to protect its one-goal lead and secure another memorable continental triumph.

Published on May 17, 2026

#AFC #ACL #Final #Gamba #Osaka #crowned #champion #Ronaldos #wait #major #trophy #AlNassr #continues">AFC ACL Two Final: Gamba Osaka crowned champion, Ronaldo’s wait for major trophy with Al-Nassr continues

Pre-match chatter centred on Cristiano Ronaldo and whether the AFC Champions League Two final could finally end his wait for a major trophy with Al-Nassr. But Gamba Osaka had other ideas, beating the Saudi side 1-0 to lift the title on Saturday.

Gamba, the 2008 AFC Champions League winner, had gone into the final seeking to become the first Japanese club to win the AFC Champions League Two trophy. The Osaka side also completed Japan’s domestic treble in 2014, underlining its pedigree on big stages.

The only goal of the match came in the 29th minute after a move that began with a mistake from Ronaldo. Ryotaro Meshino was involved in the build-up before Tokuma Suzuki found Issam Jebali, who played the ball into the feet of Deniz Hummet. The forward, left unmarked inside the box, slotted home calmly to give Gamba the lead.

“I feel amazing. To bring this title for our supporters, I’m happy to score and help the team win,” Hummet told the broadcasters after the match.

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Al-Nassr pushed for an equaliser, but Gamba goalkeeper Araki stood firm. Ronaldo, who was largely anonymous for most of the contest, had his only real opening towards the end of the first half, but grazed his header wide.

Sadio Mane and Joao Felix were also heavily involved as Al-Nassr tried to force its way back into the contest. Mane hit the side-netting, while Felix struck the post in the second half before seeing another effort cleared away.

Aiman Yahya also had a good chance to level when he collected the ball in the middle of the box, but he lashed his shot off target.

Gamba, however, defended with discipline and composure, surviving Al-Nassr’s late pressure to protect its one-goal lead and secure another memorable continental triumph.

Published on May 17, 2026

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