Dubai: After a scintillating performance in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka, Mohammed Siraj has regained his position as the world's No. 1 ODI bowler. This marks his second stint at the top, having previously held the position from January to March 2023 before briefly being displaced by Josh Hazlewood.
Siraj's impressive showing in the Asia Cup, where he claimed ten wickets at an average of 12.20, propelled him eight places to the pinnacle of the rankings. The highlight of his performance was a remarkable spell of 6 for 21 that decimated the Sri Lankan batting lineup, resulting in their dismissal for a mere 50 runs in the final. Siraj's four-wicket over during this spell was a rare feat, achieved only three times in men's ODI history prior to this.
The Asia Cup also proved fruitful for Afghanistan's spin duo, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman (No. 4) and Rashid Khan (No. 5) both securing spots in the top five rankings. They each contributed with two wickets in the group stage. Josh Hazlewood (second) and Trent Boult (third) round out the top five ODI bowlers.
On the other hand, Kuldeep Yadav, who managed to secure five wickets at the Asia Cup with an average of 11.44, has slipped three places in the rankings from sixth to ninth. Meanwhile, Keshav Maharaj has seen an impressive rise from 25th to 15th after his significant role in South Africa's remarkable comeback from a 0-2 deficit against Australia. Maharaj claimed eight wickets in the series at an average of 16.87, including a crucial 4 for 33 in the series decider.
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Manipal: A second-year PUC student died by suicide at Balkattu in Hirebettu village, reportedly after being upset over advice to focus on her studies.
The deceased has been identified as Samanvi, daughter of Mallika and a resident of Balkattu. She was studying in the second year at the Udupi Government Women’s Pre-University College.
According to police, on the evening of December 26, Samanvi’s mother advised her to study for the upcoming examinations as she was speaking on the phone instead. Following this, Samanvi is said to have been distressed.
Later, she allegedly attempted suicide by hanging herself from a fan in the bedroom. Family members immediately rushed her to a hospital in Manipal, but she succumbed during treatment.
A case has been registered at the Manipal police station, and further investigation is underway.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
