Sports Highlights, April 23: LA Lakers Beat Timberwolves In NBA Playoffs Round 1; Michael Slater To Be Released From Prison

Delhi Capitals dominated Lucknow Super Giants in a one-sided IPL match, winning by eight wickets. Chasing a target of 160, Delhi's openers Abhishek Porel and KL Rahul put on a 69-run partnership. Porel scored 51 off 36 balls, while Rahul remained unbeaten on 57 off 42 balls, guiding Delhi to victory in 17.5 overs. Rahul also reached a milestone, completing 5,000 runs in the IPL. Axar Patel contributed 34 not out off 20 balls. Earlier, Delhi bowlers restricted Lucknow to 159/6, with Mukesh Kumar taking 4/33 and Mitchell Starc claiming one wicket. Aiden Markram's 52 and Mitchell Marsh's quick 45 were standout performances for Lucknow, but Delhi's pacers effectively curbed their scoring opportunities.

KL Rahul added another feather to his illustrious cap on Tuesday, becoming the fastest batter in Indian Premier League (IPL) history to reach the 5000-run milestone. The stylish right-hander achieved this feat while playing for Delhi Capitals (DC) against his former team, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), during Match 40 of the IPL 2025 at Lucknow's Ekana Cricket Stadium.

The third edition of the T20 Mumbai League will be played at the Wankhede Stadium from May 26, the Mumbai Cricket Association said on Tuesday. The competition will feature eight teams with two new sides, Sobo Mumbai Falcons and Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals, in the fray. (PTI)

Dani Olmo's decisive goal, scored 41 seconds into the second half, propelled Barcelona to victory over Mallorca, extending their La Liga lead. Despite dominating the first half with 24 shots, Barcelona failed to capitalise, thanks to Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Roman's impressive saves, particularly against Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres. Roman and his defenders put on a remarkable display, repelling four Barcelona attacks within a 15-second span. Barcelona's relentless pressure finally paid off after halftime, courtesy of Olmo's goal.

Former Australian test cricketer Michael Slater has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to domestic violence charges, but is set to be released on time already served. The 55-year-old Slater was sentenced Tuesday in Maroochydore District Court, north of Brisbane in Queensland state. The remainder of Slater라이브 바카라 sentence has been suspended for five years. (AP)

Wisden editor Lawrence Booth has slammed the World Test Championship, calling it a "shambles masquerading as a showpiece." Booth also criticized the ICC, questioning the promotion of Jay Shah from BCCI secretary to ICC chairman, particularly given India's reluctance to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, the appointed host nation, around the same time.

Manchester City snatched a thrilling win over Aston Villa, with Matheus Nunes scoring in the 94th minute to send City third in the Premier League table. The match had seemed heading for a draw after Marcus Rashford equalized Bernardo Silva's early penalty. However, substitute Jeremy Doku delivered a brilliant cross in added time, allowing Nunes to score his first Premier League goal of the season and secure a crucial victory for City.

Sri Lanka's sports minister Sunil Gamage has revealed that national coach and batting great Sanath Jayasuriya has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assistance to build a cricket venue in Jaffna, and he is hopeful that the neighbouring country would respond positively to it. Gamage made this statement while addressing a ceremony held in Colombo on Tuesday night to inaugurate a new swimming complex at the Sri Lanka Cricket headquarters in Premadasa Stadium.

The Milwaukee Bucks struggled again in their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, losing 123-115 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 22. This puts the Bucks down 0-2 in the series heading into Games 3 and 4 in Milwaukee. The Pacers dominated the first quarter, taking a 40-30 lead behind strong shooting - 59.1% overall and 60% from three-point range. Indiana's lead grew to 15 points late in the game, but the Bucks mounted a comeback, cutting the deficit to within a couple of possessions, a familiar pattern from their previous game. Game 3 is set for April 25, and the Bucks will look to bounce back without their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is currently injured.

The Minnesota Timberwolves lost 94-85 to the Los Angeles Lakers, tying their series 1-1. Anthony Edwards scored 25 points, and the team's depth struggled with poor shooting. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 31 points, and LeBron James added 21 points. Game 3 is on Friday in Minneapolis. The Lakers' strong performance was marked by crucial plays in the final minutes, including James' steal from Edwards. The Timberwolves' inability to score beyond Edwards and one other player hindered their chances of winning.

The Oklahoma City Thunder extended their dominance over the Memphis Grizzlies, winning 118-99 to take a 2-0 lead in their playoff series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 27 points, Jalen Williams added 24, and rookie Chet Holmgren contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks. This win follows a historic 131-80 blowout on Sunday, marking the Thunder's sixth double-digit victory over Memphis this season. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 26 points, and Ja Morant scored 23. Memphis hosts Game 3 on April 25 (Thursday, April 25, would be Game 4 if games are played on consecutive days after April 24 game 3) to try and get back in the series.

Anthony Edwards has been fined $50,000 by the NBA for directing inappropriate language and making an obscene gesture towards a fan during a playoff game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The incident occurred when Edwards stepped in to defend teammate Rudy Gobert, who was being heckled in the third quarter of Game 1. Edwards' attempt to shut down the fan escalated into a lewd comment and gesture, resulting in the fine.

Keith Stackpole, the former Australian opening batsman, has passed away at 84. A stalwart of the Victorian team, Stackpole played 43 Tests from 1966 to 1974, scoring 2,807 runs at 37.42 with seven centuries. Notably, he participated in the inaugural one-day international in 1971, taking three wickets against England. Stackpole's career highlight was his double century (207) against England at the Gabba in 1970-71.

Five under-16 girls from Mizoram are among the 15 hockey players selected by the Sports Authority of India to be inducted into the various National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs). Seen as the building block for women's hockey in India, the girls have been chosen after the conclusion of the 2024-25 season of the ASMITA league matches. (PTI)

Tommy Fury is set to return to boxing on May 9, facing Kenan Hanjalic in Budapest. The 25-year-old cruiserweight hasn't fought in 18 months, since his win against KSI. Hanjalic, 27, has a record of four wins and one loss since turning pro in 2019.

Ben Youngs, England's most-capped men's rugby player, will retire at the end of the 2024-25 season. The 35-year-old scrum-half has earned 127 Test caps, winning four Six Nations titles and five Premiership titles with Leicester Tigers.

Katie Boulter, Britain's top tennis player, has achieved a milestone by winning her first-ever WTA Tour clay-court match at 28. She defeated Czech player Katerina Siniakova 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, securing a spot in the Madrid Open's second round. Despite being a top player, Boulter's experience on clay courts was limited before this win.

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