“Caitlin Clark Nation weeping right now” – WNBA fans erupt as Aces-Mercury Finals Game 1 shatters 28 years viewership record despite Fever’s exit

The 2025 WNBA Finals kicked off with a bang, as the opening game became the most-watched Game 1 since the league’s inaugural season in 1997.

This impressive viewership milestone highlights the growing popularity and expanding fan base of the WNBA. Basketball enthusiasts across the country tuned in to witness the thrilling start to the championship series, signaling a bright future for women’s professional basketball.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/wnba/news-caitlin-clark-nation-weeping-right-now-wnba-fans-erupt-aces-mercury-finals-game-1-shatters-28-years-viewership-record-despite-fever-s-exit

“Caitlin Clark Nation weeping right now” – WNBA fans erupt as Aces-Mercury Finals Game 1 shatters 28 years viewership record despite Fever’s exit

The 2025 WNBA Finals kicked off with a bang, as the opening game reportedly became the most-watched Game 1 since the league’s inaugural season in 1997.

This milestone highlights the growing popularity and increasing viewership of the WNBA, showcasing the league’s expanding fan base and the excitement surrounding women’s professional basketball.

Fans and analysts alike are optimistic about what this means for the future of the league, anticipating even more thrilling moments and record-breaking attendance in the seasons to come.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/wnba/news-caitlin-clark-nation-weeping-right-now-wnba-fans-erupt-aces-mercury-finals-game-1-shatters-28-years-viewership-record-despite-fever-s-exit

PVL: Choco Mucho spoils Bella Belen debut, beats Capital1

RODRIGUEZ, Rizal — Choco Mucho spoiled Bella Belen’s much-awaited PVL debut by sweeping her team in straight sets, 33-31, 26-24, 25-23. The victory marked a strong start for Choco Mucho as they kicked off their Reinforced Conference campaign on a high note on Tuesday night at Ynares Center Montalban.

The Flying Titans showcased their impressive depth throughout the match. A standout performer was a revitalized Kat Tolentino, who returned strong after missing the All-Filipino action and preseason due to injury. Her performance played a key role in securing the win for Choco Mucho.
https://sports.inquirer.net/643321/pvl-choco-mucho-spoils-bella-belen-debut-beats-capital1

Listing South African batters with hundreds at Women’s World Cup

**South African Batters with Hundreds at the Women’s World Cup**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 07, 2025, 03:42 PM*

South Africa recorded a convincing six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup clash at Indore’s Holkar Stadium. The star of the match was Tazmin Brits, who scored a brilliant 101 runs, leading her side to chase down the target of 232 with ease. This remarkable innings made her the first woman cricketer to score five WODI centuries in a single calendar year.

In this article, we take a look at South African batters who have scored hundreds in the Women’s World Cup history.

### #3 Tazmin Brits – 101 vs New Zealand, 2025

In the crucial chase against New Zealand, Tazmin Brits showcased her class by scoring 101 runs off just 89 balls, including 15 fours and 1 six. She formed a magnificent partnership of 159 runs for the second wicket with Sune Luus, who remained unbeaten on 83. Their combined efforts ensured South Africa crossed the finish line at 234/4 with 9.1 overs to spare, sealing a memorable victory.

### #2 Marizanne Kapp – 102* vs Pakistan, 2013

Marizanne Kapp delivered a stellar performance against Pakistan during the 2013 Women’s World Cup match in Cuttack, India. Batting on a challenging surface, she arrived at a difficult situation with South Africa struggling at 9/2. Kapp steadied the innings and scored an unbeaten 102 off 150 balls, which included 11 fours. Her invaluable knock helped South Africa post a competitive 207/5 total. She then forged an unbroken 128-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Dane van Niekerk, who scored 55*, steering the team to a comprehensive 126-run victory.

### #1 Linda Olivier – 101* vs Ireland, 2000

Former opener Linda Olivier holds the distinction of being the first South African woman to score a hundred in a Women’s World Cup. This achievement came during the 2000 tournament in Christchurch, where South Africa was chasing a target of 178 runs against Ireland. Olivier anchored the innings with a strong opening partnership of 117 runs alongside Hanri Strydom, who contributed 46 runs. She finished unbeaten on 101 off 117 balls, smashing 10 fours and leading South Africa to a comfortable nine-wicket win.

These innings remain significant milestones in South Africa’s Women’s World Cup history, underscoring the talent and resilience of their batters on the global stage.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/south-african-batters-with-hundreds-at-the-women-s-world-cup/story

Women’s World Cup, formidable Australia meet struggling Pakistan: Match preview

**Women’s World Cup 2025: Formidable Australia Meet Struggling Pakistan – Match Preview**

*By Gaurav Tripathi | October 7, 2025, 04:59 PM*

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 continues as Australia faces Pakistan in Match No. 9 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on October 8. Australia enters this game buoyed by an impressive win against New Zealand in their opener, although their last match against Sri Lanka was washed out. On the other hand, Pakistan has had a tough start to the tournament, losing their first two games to India and Bangladesh.

### Match Details

– **Date & Time:** October 8, 3:00 PM IST
– **Venue:** R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
– **Broadcast:** Live on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar app/website

The R. Premadasa Stadium is known for its bowling-friendly pitches, which typically result in low-scoring matches. Fast bowlers can expect some early assistance, while spinners are likely to play a crucial role as the game progresses.

### Australia: Looking to Build Momentum

Despite some key players—opener Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, and Annabel Sutherland—not firing at their usual best, Ashleigh Gardner’s explosive century against New Zealand helped Australia secure a dominant victory. This match against Pakistan offers Australia a chance to fine-tune their strategies before taking on tougher opponents like England, India, and South Africa later in the tournament.

### Pakistan: Facing Several Challenges

Pakistan has struggled so far, with losses against both Bangladesh and India. Currently positioned at the bottom of the eight-team table, Pakistan’s batting depth remains a major concern. Their innings have been low-scoring, with team totals of 129 and 159 in their recent matches. Key players including Sidra Amin, Fatima Sana, and Muneeba Ali have yet to find consistent form in the tournament.

### Head-to-Head: Australia’s Dominance

The head-to-head record overwhelmingly favors Australia. The two teams have met 16 times in Women’s ODIs, with Australia winning every encounter. There has never been a no-result between them. Their first meeting dates back to February 7, 1997, and their latest clash occurred on January 21, 2023. Notably, five of these matches have been staged during World Cups.

### Probable Playing XIs

**Australia**
– Alyssa Healy (c & wk)
– Phoebe Litchfield
– Ellyse Perry
– Beth Mooney
– Annabel Sutherland
– Ashleigh Gardner
– Tahlia McGrath
– Sophie Molineux
– Kim Garth
– Alana King
– Darcie Brown

**Pakistan**
– Muneeba Ali
– Sadaf Shamas
– Sidra Amin
– Aliya Riaz
– Natalia Pervaiz
– Fatima Sana (c)
– Sidra Nawaz (wk)
– Rameen Shamim
– Diana Baig
– Nashra Sandhu
– Sadia Iqbal

### Key Performers to Watch

– **Sophie Molineux** claimed a valuable three-wicket haul against New Zealand and boasts 26 WODI wickets at an impressive average of 13.69.
– **Ashleigh Gardner** scored her century off just 77 deliveries versus New Zealand, the third-fastest in tournament history and the quickest by an Australian batter.
– **Nashra Sandhu** made history last month by becoming the first left-arm Asian spinner to take a six-wicket haul in Women’s ODI cricket.
– With 599 runs at an average of 74.87, **Sidra Amin** is Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in WODIs this year.

### Fan Poll

Will Beth Mooney cross the 50-run mark in this clash? Share your thoughts!

Stay tuned for more updates as Australia and Pakistan lock horns in what promises to be an exciting contest at the Women’s World Cup 2025.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/women-s-world-cup-australia-vs-pakistan-preview-and-stats/story

Listing South African batters with hundreds at Women’s World Cup

**South African Batters with Hundreds at the Women’s World Cup**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Oct 07, 2025, 03:42 pm*

South Africa recently registered a convincing six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup. The match, held at Indore’s Holkar Stadium, saw Tazmin Brits deliver a brilliant century as her side comfortably chased down the target of 232 runs.

Brits’ exceptional knock of 101 makes her the first woman cricketer to score five WODI hundreds in a calendar year. In this article, we take a look at South African batters who have scored hundreds in the Women’s World Cup.

### #3 Tazmin Brits – 101 vs New Zealand, 2025
In the recent game against New Zealand, South Africa’s chase was masterfully led by Tazmin Brits. She scored an impressive 101 runs off just 89 balls, including 15 fours and 1 six. Brits was ably supported by Sune Luus, who remained unbeaten on 83.

The duo put together a crucial 159-run partnership for the second wicket, sealing the victory for South Africa. The Proteas finished on 234/4 with 9.1 overs to spare.

### #2 Marizanne Kapp – 102* vs Pakistan, 2013
Marizanne Kapp was outstanding in the 2013 Women’s World Cup match against Pakistan held in Cuttack, India. Batting on a challenging surface, South Africa found themselves struggling at 9/2 when Kapp came to the crease.

She steadied the innings and played a solid knock, finishing unbeaten on 102 runs off 150 deliveries, with 11 fours. Her innings was pivotal in South Africa posting a total of 207/5. The team went on to win the match by a huge margin of 126 runs. Kapp also shared an unbeaten 128-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Dane van Niekerk, who scored 55*.

### #1 Linda Olivier – 101* vs Ireland, 2000
The first South African woman to score a hundred in the Women’s World Cup was former opener Linda Olivier. This memorable innings came in the 2000 World Cup match against Ireland in Christchurch.

Asked to chase a target of 178 runs, Olivier led the Proteas’ charge with a fine 117-run opening partnership alongside Hanri Strydom, who scored 46. Olivier remained unbeaten on 101 runs off 117 balls, hitting 10 fours and guiding South Africa to a comfortable nine-wicket victory.

These remarkable innings have contributed significantly to South Africa’s journey in the Women’s World Cup, setting high standards for future generations of batters.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/south-african-batters-with-hundreds-at-the-women-s-world-cup/story

Women’s World Cup, formidable Australia meet struggling Pakistan: Match preview

**Women’s World Cup 2025: Formidable Australia Meet Struggling Pakistan – Match Preview**

*By Gaurav Tripathi | October 7, 2025 | 4:59 PM*

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 continues to deliver thrilling encounters as Australia is set to take on Pakistan in Match No. 9 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on October 8.

Australia enter this fixture buoyed by an impressive victory over New Zealand in their tournament opener. However, their momentum was slightly hampered when their subsequent game against Sri Lanka was washed out. On the other hand, Pakistan has had a challenging start, suffering defeats at the hands of India and Bangladesh in their opening two matches.

### Match Details
– **Date:** October 8, 2025
– **Venue:** R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
– **Start Time:** 3:00 PM IST
– **Broadcast:** Live on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar app/website

### Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium traditionally offers a bowling-friendly surface, where recent matches have been low-scoring affairs. Fast bowlers can expect to extract some early assistance, while spinners typically become more influential as the game progresses. Teams batting second might find it challenging on this pitch.

### Australia: Building Momentum
Despite some key players like opener Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, and Annabel Sutherland not firing at full strength, Ashleigh Gardner’s scintillating century against New Zealand helped Australia dominate comfortably. This match against Pakistan offers the Women in Yellow an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies ahead of tougher challenges from England, India, and South Africa later in the tournament.

### Pakistan: Challenges Continue
Pakistan’s campaign has been fraught with difficulties. Back-to-back losses to India and Bangladesh have left them at the bottom of the points table in the eight-team competition. Batting depth remains a major concern; their totals of 129 and 159 in the last two matches highlight their struggles. Key players such as Sidra Amin, Fatima Sana, and Muneeba Ali have yet to find consistent form.

### Head-to-Head Record
Australia completely dominates the head-to-head record against Pakistan. According to ESPNcricinfo, in 16 Women’s ODIs played between the two sides, Australia has emerged victorious every time without a single no-result. Their first encounter dates back to February 7, 1997, with the latest clash occurring on January 21, 2023. Five of these matches have taken place during previous World Cups.

### Probable Playing XIs

**Australia:**
Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Kim Garth, Alana King, Darcie Brown.

**Pakistan:**
Muneeba Ali, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (c), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal.

### Key Players and Stats to Watch

– Sophie Molineux impressed with a three-wicket haul against New Zealand and boasts 26 WODI wickets at an exceptional average of 13.69.
– Ashleigh Gardner’s century against New Zealand came off just 77 balls, marking the third-fastest century in Women’s World Cup history and the quickest by an Australian.
– Nashra Sandhu made history last month by becoming the first left-arm Asian spinner to claim a six-wicket haul in a Women’s ODI.
– Sidra Amin is Pakistan’s top run-scorer this year in WODIs, amassing 599 runs at an impressive average of 74.87.

### Fan Poll
Will Beth Mooney score 50 or more runs in this match? Share your predictions in the comments below!

Stay tuned as these two teams prepare to lock horns in what promises to be an intriguing contest in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/women-s-world-cup-australia-vs-pakistan-preview-and-stats/story

NBA won’t move All-Star Game out of LA amid Clippers probe

STAMFORD, Connecticut — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Monday there is “no contemplation” of moving the All-Star Game out of the Los Angeles Clippers’ home arena as it investigates whether the team circumvented salary cap rules in regards to Kawhi Leonard.

The league said it was opening the investigation last month after a report by [source].

https://sports.inquirer.net/643227/nba-wont-move-all-star-game-out-of-la-amid-clippers-probe