Latest news with #Samra
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Yuvraj Samra's half-century powers Canada past the Bahamas in T20 World Cup qualifier
KING CITY – Teenage opening batsman Yuvraj Samra put on a show Wednesday as Canada made short work of the Bahamas, winning by 10 wickets in a rain-shorted game at the Americas Qualifier for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Samra scored 50 not out off just 15 balls with Canada finishing at 54 with no outs in just 4.3 overs. Named player of the match, the 18-year-old reached Canada's victory total with his fifth sixth of the inning. Samra's impressive knock erased the Canadian record for fastest T20 half-century set earlier in the week by Harsh Thaker, who scored 50 in 16 balls against the Cayman Islands. 'He's in really good form,' Canada captain Nicholas Kirton said of Samra. 'Obviously he's a special talent.' Rain restricted the teams to 11 overs each, with the Bahamas finishing at 52 for seven. Samra opened the Canadian innings with a six and added another off the first ball of the second over. The teenager should have been removed the next ball but a Bahamian fielder fumbled the catch at the boundary. Samra continued his batting onslaught in the third over, hitting six, four, six and one off the first four balls. He hit eight boundaries in total, including three fours. Fellow opener Aaron Johnson finished on four runs. Canada, the Bahamas, Bermuda and Cayman Islands are competing in an eight-day double round-robin format that will see the group winner advance to next year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Canada made its T20 World Cup debut last year, failing to advance out of the group stage after beating No. 11 Ireland and losing to No. 8 Pakistan and co-host U.S., ranked 17th. A match against No. 1 India was abandoned due to inclement weather. Canada won the toss and elected to field Wednesday at the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground. The Bahamas were at 34 for three after six overs when the umpires halted play due to rain. Staff covered the pitch with a tarp and waited. Play resumed after a break of two hours 10 minutes, with the teams each given 11 overs, down from the originally allotted 20 overs. Back at bat, the Bahamas lost three wickets in rapid succession. Festus Benn was removed in the first over back, lbw off a Kirton delivery with the Bahamas at 39 for four. Eugene Duff was stumped and Julio Jemison run out, leaving the Bahamas at 40 for six. Captain Gregory Taylor was the first Bahamian batsman dismissed on the day, caught for one run with the Bahamas at 16 for one. Fellow opener Marc Taylor departed four runs later, bowled for nine runs. No. 4 batsman Kervon Hinds slammed three successive fours off Thaker before being caught behind for 12 runs off a Shivam Sharma delivery with the Bahamas at 33 for three with two balls remaining in the fifth over. Canada had earlier defeated both Bermuda, by 110 runs Sunday, and the Cayman Islands, by 59 runs Monday. Canada faces the Cayman Islands on Thursday, Bahamas on Saturday and Bermuda next Sunday. The Cayman Islands and Bahamas were recently promoted from the Subregional Qualifier. Canada is ranked 19th in T20 play by the International Cricket Council, compared to No. 27 for Bermuda, No. 41 for the Cayman Islands and No. 52 for the Bahamas. — This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2025
Style Blueprint
5 days ago
- Business
- Style Blueprint
The Woman Behind She Well Read & More: Meet Samra Michael
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit Samra Michael wears many hats … And you can be sure that no matter which one she's sporting, she's doing so with style. Known for both books and looks, Samra is one-half of the dynamic duo behind She Well Read, a podcast and online book club. She's also behind Xdressin, an online shop offering vintage and upcycled pieces. Most recently, she launched Samra, the Curator, a boutique marketing agency to help celebrate her love for Birmingham and local creatives. We caught up with Samra to hear how her many passions align, her favorite places in Birmingham, and more! Pin Pin What inspired you to start your marketing agency, and what sets it apart? I started it because I noticed the lack of diversity in advertising. I got my degree in marketing at UAB in 2019. Since then, I've worked on world-class, international brands and in agencies. I noticed the system wasn't necessarily set up for minorities to thrive, and I was working with clients who weren't local. I've always lived in Birmingham, and I feel extremely passionate about planting my roots here. So, I wanted to take all my marketing knowledge (gathered working for companies in Oregon, Texas, and other places) and really invest it in Birmingham. A lot of young people graduate and then leave for better opportunities. What sets me apart is the network I've built … I've been lucky enough to work with so many creative people here that I know there's talent in Birmingham, and I don't need to look elsewhere for creatives. Tell us more about your second-hand online store Xdressin. Xdressin started out of the need for my passion for fashion to be expressed in some way. Going into college, before I settled on marketing, I thought about working in retail as a buyer … But after learning about the fashion industry, I realized that my morals didn't align with how the industry is run. So I started to learn more about sustainable fashion (what it was called then). Now, we've moved on to calling it 'circular fashion.' Ultimately, I just wanted to fight injustice in the fashion industry. So, I started reselling clothes. I've always collected clothes with a focus on upcycling, which is working with a piece that has been gently used and bringing new life to it. I thought that was one way to be a part of the industry without creating more waste. Pin What's something you wish more people understood about sustainable or circular fashion? It doesn't have to break the bank. If your budget allows, it is fantastic to support small-batch fashion designers. But the price is sometimes out of my budget. I'm just a regular girl in her 20s. So, for me, it's all about thrifting and finding interesting ways to get more life out of my clothes. I think looking at it as more of a lifestyle change is really important because sometimes we have these moments where we're like, 'I need to change everything in my closet.' Our culture encourages that — a 'rebrand' or jumping on board a new trend. But try not to purchase things. Live with what you have and challenge yourself to re-wear things. What inspired your podcast and book club, She Well Read? First of all, we were trying to get back into reading. And second of all, we wanted community. Alana Baumann and I were both very active in school and had been a part of so many organizations. That loss of community we had on campus made us feel like all we did was get up and go to work every day. We needed something else. We want to encourage a love for reading in everybody, even people who don't necessarily see themselves as readers. We'd like to encourage everybody to read whatever is available to them. We also like to speak to Black women to encourage them to be well-read, know what's going on, and support each other. Pin How do you see your love for reading, fashion, and marketing intersecting? In each of the businesses, I'm coming from a place of 'I don't see myself represented here.' With She Well Read, we try to raise awareness about injustice. We stopped a whole season of our podcast to focus on George Floyd. One of the things I'm most proud of doing is book drives to support a youth detention center. We've posted on our Instagram about Adriana Smith and issues of reproductive justice in the South. And one of the first things Xdressin did was upcycle T-shirts to donate money to Black Lives Matter. With Samra, the Curator, my indie marketing agency, I really want to give credit to Black creators and creatives who aren't often tapped by other agencies. Who is inspiring you right now? An artist named Aminé just dropped an album called 13 Months of Sunshine, and I have had it on repeat. As an East African, I always look out for other East African artists, and he's been around for quite some time. I've always respected him, but I think he really tapped into something authentic on this album. Pin What do you like to do when you're not working? Rest. That looks different at different times. It may be meditation. It may be sitting on my porch. It may be taking a walk, exercising, or sweating. It may not seem like resting, but it allows my mind to rest. What are some of your favorite places in Birmingham? For food, I love Trattoria Zaza and Automatic Seafood. For coffee, I love Grounds and Honest Coffee in Homewood. And when I want to enjoy nature, I like the Vulcan Trail. What's the best advice you have to offer? Don't make yourself small to make others comfortable. Name three things you can't live without. Coffee, gardening, and music. Lightning Round! Last great book you read: Nothing Personal by James Baldwin Bucket list travel destinations: I've never been to where my parents were born, so I would love to see Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Also, Europe, as a whole, and Tokyo, Japan. Go-to birthday gift to give: A Village Apothecary candle Favorite place to thrift: America's Thrift Store in Roebuck As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. ********** Southern women are doing remarkable things. Meet more of them in our FACES archives! About the Author Javacia Harris Bowser Javacia Harris Bowser is a Birmingham-based freelance writer and the founder of See Jane Write, an online community and coaching service for women who write. With over 20 years of journalism experience, Javacia has received awards from the National Federation of Press Women, Alabama Media Professionals, Alabama Press Association, and the Alabama State Council on the Arts. When she's not writing, she's usually practicing Pilates, getting her 10K steps a day, or watching crime shows. Follow Javacia on Instagram @seejavaciawrite.
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Canada cruises to comfortable win over Bermuda at ICC Men's T20 World Cup qualifier
KING CITY - Opener Yuvraj Samra scored 65 runs to help Canada defeat Bermuda by 110 runs in its opening match Sunday at the Americas Qualifier for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The Canadian men face the Bahamas, Bermuda and Cayman Islands in an eight-day double round-robin format that will see the group winner advance to next year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Canada made its T20 World Cup debut last year, failing to advance out of the group stage after beating Ireland and losing to Pakistan and the co-host U.S. A game against India was abandoned due to inclement weather. 'I would feel like half of the job is done,' Canada captain Nicolas Kirton said prior to Sunday's match. 'We went to our first T20 World Cup last year and played some good cricket and got a win against Ireland. The goal for this team is to improve on that.' Bermuda won the toss at the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground and elected to bowl Sunday. The Canadians finished at 205 for five in their allotted overs. In response, Bermuda was all out for 95 in 19.1 overs. Opener Aaron Johnson was caught on five runs with Canada at 26 for one. But Samra and Pargat Singh steadied the ship with a 61-run partnership before Singh was caught on 28 runs. Samra hit five fours and four sixes in his 35-ball knock before he was caught with Canada at 117 for four. No. 5 batsman Harsh Thaker finished at 49 not out. Derrick Brangman was Bermuda's leading scorer at 42 not out. Pace bowler Kaleem Sana led Canada's bowlers with three wickets. Canada faces the Cayman Islands on Monday, the Bahamas on Wednesday, the Cayman Islands on Thursday, the Bahamas on Saturday and Bermuda next Sunday. The Cayman Islands and Bahamas were recently promoted from the Subregional Qualifier. Canada is ranked 19th in T20 play by the International Cricket Council, compared to No. 28 for Bermuda, No. 41 for the Cayman Islands and No. 51 for the Bahamas. —- This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canada cruises to comfortable win over Bermuda at ICC Men's T20 World Cup qualifier
KING CITY – Opener Yuvraj Samra scored 65 runs to help Canada defeat Bermuda by 110 runs in its opening match Sunday at the Americas Qualifier for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The Canadian men face the Bahamas, Bermuda and Cayman Islands in an eight-day double round-robin format that will see the group winner advance to next year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Canada made its T20 World Cup debut last year, failing to advance out of the group stage after beating Ireland and losing to Pakistan and the co-host U.S. A game against India was abandoned due to inclement weather. 'I would feel like half of the job is done,' Canada captain Nicolas Kirton said prior to Sunday's match. 'We went to our first T20 World Cup last year and played some good cricket and got a win against Ireland. The goal for this team is to improve on that.' Bermuda won the toss at the Maple Leaf Cricket Ground and elected to bowl Sunday. The Canadians finished at 205 for five in their allotted overs. In response, Bermuda was all out for 95 in 19.1 overs. Opener Aaron Johnson was caught on five runs with Canada at 26 for one. But Samra and Pargat Singh steadied the ship with a 61-run partnership before Singh was caught on 28 runs. Samra hit five fours and four sixes in his 35-ball knock before he was caught with Canada at 117 for four. No. 5 batsman Harsh Thaker finished at 49 not out. Derrick Brangman was Bermuda's leading scorer at 42 not out. Pace bowler Kaleem Sana led Canada's bowlers with three wickets. Canada faces the Cayman Islands on Monday, the Bahamas on Wednesday, the Cayman Islands on Thursday, the Bahamas on Saturday and Bermuda next Sunday. The Cayman Islands and Bahamas were recently promoted from the Subregional Qualifier. Canada is ranked 19th in T20 play by the International Cricket Council, compared to No. 28 for Bermuda, No. 41 for the Cayman Islands and No. 51 for the Bahamas. — This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2025.
Hindustan Times
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
‘Missing Paris Olympics final meant…': Sift Kaur Samra on pipping American shooter to bronze medal at ISSF World Cup
Sift Kaur Samra was in good form, claiming a bronze medal in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions event at the ISSF World Cup, on Thursday. Samra, who is also 23-years-old, is also the current world record holder in women's 50m rifle three positions event which she had set while winning gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games. She shot 453.1 in the eight-player final to clinch bronze. Meanwhile, Norway's Jeanette Hegg Duestad won gold with 466.9 and Switzerland's Emely Jaeggi got silver (464.8). Initially, Samra was tied at joint-third spot with American Sagen Maddalena. They were initially tied on 411.6 points. Speaking to The Indian Express, she said, 'Yes, I was aware that we both (she and Sagen Maddalena) were tied at the end of the first elimination series. Throughout the final till that series, I was fourth with the top three shooters being the same. And I knew the medal was in my grasp. I did not know Maddalena was the Paris Olympic silver medallist.' 'Even though we have competed in several finals together, missing the final in Paris meant that I did not care about who won the medal. And even if I knew, I know it's still me who has to do the shooting and it all depends on myself. I am glad that I am taking a medal from the Munich World Cup like I did last year too.' Speaking on Samra's shooting style, national rifle coach Deepali Deshpande said, 'Since kneeling is the first position, shooters are sometimes edgy or nervous too and sometimes shooters take time to understand the wind. It took some time for Sift to understand the kneeling position initially in her career but then she has worked on it. While today's final range was a closed range, Sift showed fine form today.' 'We have been working on things like less movement between the two shots and keeping the head movement minimal during loading and unloading in a kneeling position along with making the balance with the sling. Yes, 2026 onwards finals will be only about standing, but then kneeling will be the first position in qualification,' he added.
