The Times of India

The cricket fraternity celebrated Jammu & Kashmirs maiden Ranji Trophy triumph, with tributes pouring in from Sachin Tendulkar, Jay Shah and several former players. Tendulkar called it a beautiful journey, while Shah praised the teams grit and support staff. Mohammad Kaif, Irfan Pathan, Aakash Chopra, Shikhar Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina also congratulated the historic achievement.

Rinku Singh rejoined Indias T20 World Cup squad in Kolkata hours after performing his fathers last rites in Aligarh. His father, Khanchand Singh, died of cancer at 60 in Greater Noida. Despite the loss, Rinku returned for the must-win clash against West Indies. Tributes poured in from Rajeev Shukla, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh.

J&K create history! Jammu & Kashmir win maiden Ranji Trophy2025-26 | emotional family reactions

Jammu and Kashmir won their maiden Ranji Trophy title after drawing the final against Karnataka but securing a huge 291-run first-innings lead. They scored 584 in the first innings and extended their overall lead to 633 runs, with centuries from Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra. As champions, J&K will receive Rs 5 crore in prize money.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag believes Pakistan will not reach the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals. He stated their qualification scenario is too difficult. Sehwag expressed doubt about Pakistan's ability to achieve the required large margins of victory. He suggested their batting lineup is not suited for such demanding chase targets.

Pakistan's T20 captain Salman Ali Agha is set to be removed following the World Cup, irrespective of the team's performance. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is reportedly unhappy with the campaign's trajectory. Senior players, including Babar Azam, may also see their T20 international careers conclude after the tournament.

Jammu and Kashmir achieved a historic Ranji Trophy triumph, their first ever, after a draw against Karnataka in the final. Dominating the match, J&K secured the title on first-innings lead, thanks to stellar performances from Shubham Pundir and Auqib Nabi. Centuries from Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra sealed their maiden championship.

India faces West Indies in a crucial T20 World Cup 2026 virtual quarterfinal at Eden Gardens. A win secures a semifinal spot against England, while a loss ends India's campaign. With a concerning net run rate, India must win, as a washout would see them eliminated due to West Indies' superior NRR.

J&K CM Omar Abdullah lands in Karnataka for Ranji Trophy final

Sanju Samson expressed his delight at the warm reception in Chennai, now his IPL home ground with CSK. He feels a strong emotional connection with the passionate Chennai crowd, acknowledging the added responsibility to entertain them. Samson recently provided quick momentum for India against Zimbabwe with a brisk 24-ball innings.

Former captain Shahid Afridi believes Shadab Khan is the leading candidate to captain Pakistan if coach Mike Hesson remains. Afridi cited Shadab's strong rapport with Hesson from their time at Islamabad United as a key factor. He emphasized the need for Shadab to deliver consistent performances to justify the captaincy, a sentiment echoed by Shoaib Malik.

Pakistan face a crucial Super 8s match against Sri Lanka, with their qualification hopes significantly impacted by the weather. Following England's win over New Zealand, Pakistan's destiny is in their own hands, but a washout would favor New Zealand. The team must secure a substantial victory to advance.

Jos Buttler's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has been a struggle, with only 62 runs in seven innings and five consecutive single-digit scores. Despite this lean patch, captain Harry Brook has backed Buttler, calling him the finest white-ball player and expressing confidence in his ability to bounce back in upcoming matches.

West Indies, inspired by their 2016 T20 World Cup win at Eden Gardens, face India in a crucial Super Eights match. Despite having talented players, this West Indies squad is considered less formidable than their 2016 counterparts. While they have played at the venue, India, masters of white-ball cricket and with strong home support, are expected to hold the advantage.

Arshdeep Singh, India's leading T20 World Cup wicket-taker, displayed infectious energy off-field after a stellar bowling performance. He expressed gratitude to South Africa for their win, which eased India's path. Looking ahead to a virtual quarterfinal against the West Indies, Arshdeep acknowledged their batting prowess and India's strategy to 'do the dirty job' on batting-friendly pitches.

Pakistan's path to the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals hinges on a decisive victory against Sri Lanka. Following England's win over New Zealand, Pakistan must secure a substantial margin of victory, either by batting first and winning by 64 runs or chasing a target within 13.1 overs, to surpass New Zealand's net run rate.

India's top-order batters found form against Zimbabwe, setting a massive total of 256. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson provided a strong opening, followed by impactful cameos from Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya. This resurgence offers confidence ahead of their crucial match against the West Indies.

Despite a comfortable win over Zimbabwe, India's Shivam Dube struggled with his bowling, conceding 46 runs in two overs. Former opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth noted Dube's lack of control and accuracy, suggesting the team used the match for bowling practice given their substantial lead. Srikkanth remains confident in India's overall strength and depth for the tournament.

Jammu and Kashmir reached their maiden Ranji Trophy final, a historic achievement celebrated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who believes some players deserve national call-ups. On Day 4, J&K dominated Karnataka, building a commanding 477-run lead and standing on the brink of a historic title win.

India dominated Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup, with openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma providing a strong start. Samson's quickfire 24 off 15 balls impressed, with Ravichandran Ashwin noting his valuable contribution to the team's momentum. Ashwin also expressed a personal hope for Samson to convert such starts into significant scores throughout the tournament.

New Zealand's semi-final hopes remain uncertain after a four-wicket loss to England, with skipper Mitchell Santner admitting a missed opportunity to secure qualification. England's victory kept Pakistan alive, who now need a massive win over Sri Lanka to advance on net run rate. England's Harry Brook praised Rehan Ahmed's all-round performance.

Cricket fans might witness another India-Pakistan thriller at the T20 World Cup 2026, but it hinges on several crucial outcomes. While South Africa and England have secured semi-final spots, India needs a win against the West Indies to advance. Pakistan faces a tougher challenge, requiring a massive victory and favorable results to keep their slim qualification hopes alive.

England defeated New Zealand by four wickets in a thrilling Super Eights clash, chasing down 160 with three balls to spare. Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed starred in a dramatic late comeback after England were 117/6. The win kept Pakistans semifinal hopes alive, while England finished unbeaten and topped Group 2.

England now have three wins from three matches in the Super Eights. New Zealand sit second in Group 2 with three points, while Pakistan are third with one point. Pakistan must register a big win against already-eliminated Sri Lanka on Saturday to move ahead of New Zealand and qualify for the semifinals.

India land in Kolkata for do-or-die WI clash | Semi-final spot on the line

An interesting moment occurred before the England-New Zealand clash in Colombo when New Zealands national anthem played in fast forward, leaving players laughing. New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat, keeping the same XI, while England brought in Rehan Ahmed. England are already in the semifinals, while New Zealand must win to qualify.

Real Madrid and Manchester City will face off in a Champions League knockout tie for the fifth season running after being drawn Friday to play each other in the last 16, while reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain will take on Chelsea. Tottenham Hotspur were drawn to play Atletico Madrid, with the winners of that tie then facing Newcastle or Barcelona in the last eight.

India beat Zimbabwe in Chennai | Fans react as decider vs WI awaits in Kolkata

Australia Women secured a commanding five-wicket victory over India Women, clinching the ODI series 2-0. Georgia Voll's century and Phoebe Litchfield's brisk 80 laid the foundation for the successful chase after India posted 251/9. This win extends Australia's all-format series lead, leaving India with much to ponder.

Ravichandran Ashwin defended Abhishek Sharma after Mohammad Amir called him just a slogger following three ducks in the T20 World Cup. Abhishek silenced critics with a quick 55 off 30 balls against Zimbabwe. Ashwin praised his bat swing and rejected the label, while Abhishek said he had waited for this moment and appreciated the teams support.

Sourav Ganguly has backed Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi for national selection following his stellar Ranji Trophy final performance. Nabi's five-wicket haul and league-leading 60 wickets this season have earned him praise, with Ganguly suggesting a call-up for the 2026 England white-ball tour.

Rinku Singh's father breathed his last on Friday morning at the Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida, informed the hospital PRO. He was undergoing treatment at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida,.

India set for next challenge | Hardik, Mahieka at airport; SKY spotted with wife, Rinku heads home

Former cricketers are extending heartfelt condolences to Rinku Singh following the passing of his father, Khanchand Singh. Rinku, who left the T20 World Cup to be with his family, is receiving support from figures like Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Virender Sehwag. IPL franchises have also shared their sympathies during this difficult period.

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar expressed surprise at Abhishek Sharma's defensive shot during India's T20 World Cup win over Zimbabwe on Thursday. Sharma's fluent 55, ending a streak of ducks, showcased a new maturity. Gavaskar believes this experience marks significant growth for the young batter, preparing him for crucial upcoming matches.

India's path to the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals is now clear, with a win against West Indies at Eden on Sunday securing their spot. Following South Africa's victory, the final Group 1 match is a virtual quarterfinal. India's dominant batting performance against Zimbabwe set them up for this crucial encounter.

Umar Akmal clarified his recent social media post, stating he did not intend to compare himself to Babar Azam or disrespect the Pakistan captain. Akmal explained his intention was to highlight that Azam's batting style is not ideally suited for the T20 middle order, emphasizing role suitability rather than a direct comparison of achievements.

Defending champions India face a crucial Super 8 clash against the West Indies on Sunday. A victory in Kolkata will secure their semi-final spot in the T20 World Cup. South Africa has already qualified from Group 1. Meanwhile, England have advanced from Group 2, with New Zealand and Pakistan vying for the remaining berth.

India secured a commanding 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in their Super 8 clash. All-rounder Hardik Pandya starred with an unbeaten 50 and economical bowling, earning him Player of the Match. India posted a formidable 256, with Zimbabwe falling short despite a brilliant 97 from Brian Bennett. India now prepares for their next Super 8 fixture.

India secured a dominant 72-run victory against Zimbabwe, getting their T20 World Cup campaign back on track. Abhishek Sharma's return to form with a 30-ball 55 and a strong middle-order performance propelled India to a record 256/4 in Chennai. This win sets up a crucial 'quarterfinal' against the West Indies.

Tilak Varma's explosive unbeaten 44 off 16 balls, and aggressive contributions from top-order batters powered India to a commanding 72-run victory over Zimbabwe, keeping their semifinal hopes alive. Adopting a fearless approach, Varma stated the team's intention to instill fear in opponents, emphasizing their commitment to aggressive batting regardless of early wickets.

Indias Super Eight fate briefly hinged on the West Indies vs South Africa clash. After South Africas win kept their hopes alive, India responded with a clinical performance against Zimbabwe. Backing their brand of cricket and team-first approach, the Men in Blue now head into a virtual quarter-final against the West Indies with renewed belief.

Indian cricketer Rinku Singh's father, Khanchand Singh, has passed away after a battle with advanced liver cancer. He was on ventilator support at a Greater Noida hospital. Rinku, part of the T20 World Cup squad, had briefly returned home earlier due to his father's deteriorating health. His father was a pillar of support for his cricketing dreams.

India's T20 World Cup campaign reignited with a dominant 72-run victory over Zimbabwe, setting a new tournament record with their highest-ever total of 256/4. Batting legends praised the team's character and fearless intent under pressure. This emphatic win, fueled by collective batting brilliance, has instilled renewed belief ahead of their next crucial match.

India keep T20 World Cup dream alive, over to Kolkata now

India unleashed a record-breaking batting blitz against Zimbabwe, scoring 256/4 with a remarkable 17 sixes. Six batters achieved strike rates over 150, showcasing exceptional collective intent. This dominant performance, marked by minimal dot balls and a powerful finish, reignited India's attacking spirit and kept their semifinal hopes soaring.