The Times of India

Ravichandran Ashwin expressed doubts about India's T20 World Cup 2026 prospects despite a dominant win over Pakistan. He cited a lack of power-hitting depth compared to rivals like Australia and England. The article highlights Smriti Mandhana's crucial 68, Richa Ghosh's explosive 34*, and Deepti Sharma's historic 5/10 haul, which secured a 64-run victory.

Japanese football fans captivated the world by cleaning stadium stands after a thrilling 2-2 World Cup draw against the Netherlands. This heartwarming tradition, rooted in respect for players and venues, saw supporters use blue bags to collect litter. The gesture, first seen in 1998, highlights a unique aspect of Japanese sporting culture, leaving AT&T Stadium spotless.

Indian team management sees Nitish Kumar Reddy as a potential seam-bowling allrounder. He is being developed as an alternative for the injury-prone Hardik Pandya. Reddy recently impressed with his bowling against Afghanistan. He is actively working on improving his bowling skills. This development aims to strengthen the Indian team's options.

Dhiraj Bommadevara achieved a significant double at the World Cup Stage-III in Antalya, securing a historic recurve mixed team gold with Kumkum Anil Mohod and then clinching the individual recurve gold. This marks India's first World Cup recurve mixed team gold since 2022 and a personal best for Bommadevara.

Manpreet Singh marked his 412nd international appearance, equalling Dilip Tirkey's record, as the Indian men's hockey team lost 2-3 to the Netherlands in their FIH Pro League opener. Despite an improved performance and strong goalkeeping from Suraj Karkera, India conceded a late penalty corner to seal their defeat.

Amad Diallo's dramatic 90th-minute strike secured a 1-0 victory for Ivory Coast against Ecuador in their FIFA World Cup return. The Manchester United winger's brilliant left-footed effort broke a tense stalemate, handing Les lphants a crucial three points in Group E. The win puts Ivory Coast level with Germany after their opening match.

Japan secured a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their World Cup opener, thanks to Daichi Kamada's late header. The Samurai Blue fought back twice after the Dutch took the lead, showcasing their resilience. This result leaves Group F wide open as both teams begin their campaigns with a point.

Germany launched their World Cup campaign with a resounding 7-1 victory over debutants Curaao. Despite a spirited first-half display from the Caribbean nation, marked by their historic first World Cup goal, Germany's superior quality ultimately prevailed. Kai Havertz and Julian Musiala were among the scorers as the four-time champions began their redemption mission with a dominant performance.

Deepti Sharma achieved a career-best 5/10 and became the highest wicket-taker in Women's T20 Internationals. Her bowling masterclass helped India defeat Pakistan by 64 runs in their T20 World Cup opener. Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh powered India to a strong total earlier. India began their campaign with an emphatic win.

Mandhana's 68 off 44 balls and Richa Ghosh's 34 from 17 deliveries helped India post 170 for 6 after being asked to bat. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 106 in 17 overs, with Muneeba Ali's 41 off 35 balls being their highest score.

A record-breaking crowd of 18,814 witnessed India's dominant victory over Pakistan at Edgbaston, setting a new attendance record for a Women's T20 World Cup group-stage match. Smriti Mandhana's 68 and Deepti Sharma's career-best 5/10 propelled India to a commanding 64-run win, highlighting the growing popularity of women's cricket and the India-Pakistan rivalry.

Somali referee Omar Artan will receive his full World Cup remuneration despite being denied entry into the United States due to vetting concerns. Despite this setback, Artan was warmly welcomed home and remains determined for future tournaments, having also been appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup.

Harmanpreet Kaur has become India's leading run-scorer in Women's T20 World Cup history, surpassing Mithali Raj. She achieved this milestone during a crucial match against Pakistan, contributing a vital 36 runs to a significant partnership after an early batting collapse. This achievement highlights Kaur's enduring presence and consistent performance on the international stage.

Australia secured a thrilling one-wicket win against Bangladesh in the final ODI. Cooper Connolly starred with a career-best 149 runs. He anchored the chase as Australia pursued 275. Shoriful Islam took six wickets for Bangladesh. Australia reached the target with three balls remaining. This prevented a series whitewash for the visitors.

The practice has been followed by Indian cricket teams since the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor carried out by the Armed Forces thereafter last year. Indian players have avoided handshakes with Pakistan players at the toss and after matches since then.

Bangladesh began their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a strong six-wicket win against the Netherlands. Juairiya Ferdous scored a fluent half-century, setting up the chase. Sharmin Akhter then led a composed partnership to guide Bangladesh to victory. The team successfully chased down the target of 140. This marks a winning start for Bangladesh in the tournament.

India's 32-member athletics squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games has been announced, featuring a mix of seasoned athletes and emerging talent. Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra's inclusion is conditional on meeting selection criteria, with similar stipulations for triple jumper Selva Prabhu. The contingent aims to fill India's entire quota across various track and field disciplines.

India secured a seven-wicket win against Afghanistan in the first ODI. Debutant Gurnoor Brar impressed with his fast bowling, taking three wickets. Captain Shubman Gill led the chase with an unbeaten 84. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored a century for Afghanistan. The win gives India a 1-0 lead in the series.

Facing one of the strongest teams in international archery, Dhiraj and Kumkum stayed in control throughout the match and made the most of key moments.

Former England spinner Graeme Swann believes discussions around Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's futures are natural. He feels the upcoming England tour is crucial for Rohit. Swann is impressed by young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's talent. He also shared surprise at Suryakumar Yadav's removal as T20I captain. The focus remains on India's senior players and emerging stars.

The issue came to light during the ongoing two-day national trials in Lahore, where some players approached federation officials to ask about daily allowances and travel expenses for the event, PTI reported.

Teen batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has thrown his support behind the Indian Women's T20 World Cup team ahead of their crucial match against Pakistan. The 15-year-old, who had a stellar IPL 2026, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, boosting team morale. India, with a strong historical record against Pakistan, aims for a winning start in Birmingham.

India and Pakistan will meet in a Group 1 fixture at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Manu Bhaker's father revealed legendary shooter Jaspal Rana's profound impact, instilling discipline, self-belief, and a result-oriented mindset in his daughter. Rana's unwavering support for Manu's dual-event ambition proved crucial in Paris. His guidance shaped her into a champion, emphasising hard work and confidence.

Road to 2027 ODI World Cup: Left-right combination sealed?

India's Women's T20 World Cup campaign receives a significant morale boost as male cricketers send messages of support. Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, and Shubman Gill have rallied behind the team, urging them to play fearlessly and bring home the coveted trophy. The Women in Blue are aiming for their maiden T20 World Cup title, starting their journey against Pakistan.

Gautam Gambhir's animated reaction to KL Rahul's stunning six highlighted India's dominant seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the first ODI. Captain Shubman Gill led the chase with an unbeaten 84, supported by Rahul's quickfire 39, as India comfortably chased down 195. Debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey impressed with three wickets each, restricting Afghanistan to 194 despite Rahmanullah Gurbaz's century.

The T20 Mumbai League 2026 final saw a dramatic clash near the dugouts after a heated exchange between players following Gaurav Jathar's dismissal. Despite the controversy, MSC Maratha Royals defended their title, with Tushar Deshpande delivering a crucial spell. Deshpande lauded the fearless approach of Mumbai's emerging talent, highlighting the city's cricket depth.

Shubman Gill revealed Rohit Sharma was unbothered by their run-out mix-up in the first ODI against Afghanistan, brushing it off after seeing the replay. Gill's unbeaten 84 then steered India to a seven-wicket victory, overcoming a brilliant Gurbaz century and showcasing debutant bowlers' resilience.

England's FIFA World Cup preparations are back on track after most of their stolen equipment was recovered. Two men have been charged with receiving stolen property, with items like boots, jerseys, and even a World Cup ball returned. Authorities swiftly resolved the case, allowing the team to focus on their upcoming matches.

India's T20 World Cup journey begins with a clash against Pakistan in Birmingham. Despite a strong historical record against their rivals, the Indian squad, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, is emphasizing focus. Having had better preparation and recent wins, they know they can't underestimate Pakistan, even if the opposition isn't as ready.

India's victory over Afghanistan was marked by a heartwarming moment as Nitish Kumar Reddy paused his post-match press conference for a call from his mother. The young all-rounder's touching gesture resonated widely. On the field, debutants shone with the ball, while Shubman Gill's unbeaten 84 anchored India's chase to a seven-wicket win.

Qatar secured their first-ever World Cup point with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland, thanks to a stoppage-time own goal. Despite Switzerland dominating and taking an early lead through a Breel Embolo penalty, Qatar's resilience paid off. The result marks a significant milestone for the Gulf nation, offering renewed belief after a disappointing previous campaign.

FIFA has clarified a VAR incident during the Switzerland and Qatar World Cup match. A temporary technical issue affected on-screen graphics, not the review process. This led to questions about a penalty awarded to Switzerland. Qatar secured its first World Cup point with a late equalizer. Swiss players expressed disappointment over missed opportunities.

West Indies delivered a stunning upset, defeating defending champions New Zealand by seven wickets in their Women's T20 World Cup opener. A brilliant unbeaten 90 from Shemaine Campbelle and Aaliyah Alleyne's crucial four-wicket haul were instrumental in chasing down 163 with just one ball remaining, avenging their previous semifinal loss.

Brazil staged a spirited comeback to secure a 1-1 draw against Morocco in a thrilling World Cup Group C opener. Vincius Jnior's stunning strike canceled out Ismael Saibari's early goal, ensuring Brazil extended their unbeaten streak in World Cup openers to 21 matches. The result leaves Group C wide open.

Gurnoor Brar picked up three wickets on his ODI debut at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday. During his 29-ball spell, he not only impressed everyone with his pace but with his lengths as well. The Punjab quick showcased that he is far more than just raw pace, offering India a glimpse of a complete fast bowler for the future.

Nayeem was travelling in an auto-rickshaw near the Lalkhan Bazar area after arriving from Dhaka airport, according to a ESPNCricinfo report.

Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored a brilliant century against India. He credited India coach Gautam Gambhir for his improved batting approach. Gurbaz had a conversation with Gambhir after a Test match loss. Gambhir offered advice on shot selection. Gurbaz implemented these suggestions during his innings. His century was a highlight despite Afghanistan's team total.

After being asked to bat, Australia recovered from an early wobble to post 172/8 in their 20 overs. South Africa, in reply, were bowled out for 107 in 16.4 overs, with captain Laura Wolvaardt top-scoring with 44.

Shubman Gill showcased his mastery in ODI cricket with a composed unbeaten 84, guiding India to a seven-wicket victory against Afghanistan. His calm anchoring of the chase, despite a rain-truncated match and a challenging target, highlighted his leadership and focus on stabilizing the team ahead of the next ODI World Cup.

Led by captain Kathryn Bryce, Scotland scored 161/5 in their 20 overs. Ireland struggled in the chase, losing wickets regularly and were bowled out for 121 in 19.1 overs.