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Nathan Ellis spearheaded an under-strength Australia to a dominant 67-run victory over Ireland in their T20 World Cup opener. Ellis's exceptional 4 for 12, coupled with Adam Zampa's 4 for 23, restricted Ireland to 115. Earlier, contributions from Inglis, Green, Renshaw, and Stoinis powered Australia to 182.
Novak Djokovic's reign at the Australian Open ended after a hard-fought loss to Carlos Alcaraz. Despite the defeat, the 38-year-old Serbian remains confident in his ability to win more Grand Slams, stating, 'I always believe I can.' He acknowledged disappointment with his performance after a strong start but expressed contentment with reaching the final.
TimesofIndia.com has learnt that on February 6, after a net session at the Wankhede Stadium, Abhishek ate something in Mumbai that caused an upset stomach. On matchday, his condition worsened, but the batter decided to carry on and play the game.
Guwahati-born footballer Soham Bhagawati, now in Spain, is honing his skills for a potential India debut. Inspired by family and Sunil Chhetri, he plays for Terrassa FC's B team. Soham believes exposure, not talent, separates Indian and Spanish players, highlighting the ISL's crucial role in developing young Indian talent and boosting the sport's visibility.
Manas Dhamne secured his first title of the year at the ITF M15 Zahra in Kuwait, defeating his coach's son in an all-Piatti Academy final. Despite a subsequent loss at the ATP Challenger, the 18-year-old remains focused on his long-term progress and learning from his elite training environment in Italy.
South Africa secured a dramatic victory over Afghanistan in a nail-biting Super Over contest. The match required two tie-breakers after regulation time ended level. Afghanistan fought hard, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz performing exceptionally. However, South Africa ultimately prevailed, advancing to the next stage of the tournament.
Australia faces a significant setback as captain Mitchell Marsh is ruled out of their T20 World Cup opener against Ireland due to a groin injury. Travis Head will lead the team in his absence. Veteran Steve Smith has been added as cover, ready to step in if needed. This absence impacts Australia's leadership and all-round strength at the tournament's start.
Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq's unique bowling action has reignited debate after a match-winning performance on Tuesday. While critics question his technique, veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin defended bowlers, highlighting perceived double standards in cricket's rules compared to batting. Tariq maintains his action is natural, having been cleared by the ICC previously.
FanCode has sub-licensed the TV coverage of the 2025-26 ISL season to Sony Sports Network. Sony was among the early interested parties for the ISL broadcast rights but stayed away from placing a final bid. Dream Sports-owned FanCode will showcase India's top football division on OTT and has announced three different pricing structures.
T20 World Cup | Muhammad Waseem press conference after loss vs New Zealand
T20 World Cup | USA's Shubham Ranjane on Pakistan of 2024 T20 World Cup vs 2026
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed confidence after their T20 World Cup win, stating the team's unique identity is their strength. He highlighted the improved middle-order batting and faith in their bowling attack to defend targets, even modest ones. Agha also noted the batting order's flexibility and the need for improvement in powerplay bowling.
T20 World Cup | Sahibzada Farhan on India vs Pakistan matches: 'Not one-sided'
Abhishek Sharma in hospital - latest on his recovery and India nets
Sri Lanka face a blow as star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is out of the T20 World Cup with a hamstring tear. Spin all-rounder Dushan Hemantha has been drafted in as his replacement. The ICC has approved the change. Meanwhile, New Zealand also face an injury concern with Michael Bracewell's calf issue.
England Test captain Ben Stokes has successfully undergone surgery for a facial injury sustained during a nets session. The all-rounder shared images of his swollen face, humorously remarking on the cricket ball's condition. This procedure follows a challenging Ashes tour and comes as his captaincy is under review.
Protesting wrestlers, led by Bajrang Punia and Sangeeta Phogat, are launching the 'Orka Wrestling League' this November. This rebel professional league will feature eight franchise-based global teams, including prominent Indian wrestlers. Aiming to provide recognition and financial security, the league will be a mixed-gender competition with substantial sponsorship and rewards, despite potential opposition from the WFI.
The BCCI and BCB both erred in the Mustafizur Rahman IPL release dispute. BCB's safety concern pretext for avoiding India, fueled by social media, allowed PCB to create unnecessary drama. ICC chairman Jay Shah prioritised cricket, ensuring the tournament proceeded despite Bangladesh's absence, highlighting the distinct economic value of India-Pakistan matches.
India's bowlers are intensifying their training to adapt to sluggish tournament pitches, particularly in Colombo. The team is also adjusting batting strategies, moving away from an all-out aggressive approach to incorporate more technique. This shift comes as they prepare for challenging conditions and a crucial match against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup.
Mumbai Indians have denied Royal Challengers Bengaluru permission to use DY Patil Stadium for IPL 2026, citing catchment area restrictions that require an NOC from MI. With Navi Mumbai ruled out, RCB are exploring Raipur and Indore while KSCA continues to push for a return to Chinnaswamy.
Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has vowed to play attacking cricket against India. The arch-rivals will face off in Colombo on February 15. Farhan's confidence stems from his player-of-the-match performance against the USA. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha highlighted the team's balanced batting approach. The team aims to improve its powerplay bowling before the big match.
February 11 brings three key T20 World Cup 2026 matches: Afghanistan vs South Africa, Australia vs Ireland, and England vs West Indies. Afghanistan aim to bounce back against a strong Proteas side, while Australia begin their campaign against upset-prone Ireland. England and West Indies, both two-time champions, clash in a high-profile encounter, with both teams in good recent form.
Sachin Tendulkar met Rahul Gandhi and invited him, along with President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, to Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandoks wedding. Arjun, now with Lucknow Super Giants, has had a mixed IPL career and represents Goa domestically. Saaniya is from the Graviss Group family and a longtime friend of the Tendulkars.
Sri Lankas Bhanuka Rajapaksa clarified his controversial comments on Indian bats, saying his words were misunderstood and meant as praise, not an accusation of bat-tampering. He lauded Indias advanced cricket system and top bat manufacturers, admitting he should have given clearer context. His earlier remarks triggered online debate, but no ICC complaint was filed.
Pakistan defeated the United States by 32 runs in a T20 World Cup match. Sahibzada Farhan starred with a rapid 73, setting a strong total. Pakistan's spinners then restricted the USA. Shubham Ranjane and Shayan Jahangir showed fight for the USA. The win places Pakistan at the top of Group A.
Sri Lanka and New Zealand face significant blows as key all-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga and Michael Bracewell are out of the T20 World Cup due to injuries. Hasaranga's hamstring tear and Bracewell's calf issue have led to replacements Dushan Hemantha and Cole McConchie joining their respective squads. Both teams must now adapt their strategies mid-tournament.
Inside Indias net session ahead of T20 World Cup match vs Namibia
Exclusive: Hungary No. 1 Richrd Rapport on Hungarian Chess, GCL, Candidates 2026, and more #chess
India say they were always mentally prepared to face Pakistan on February 15, with assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate stressing off-field issues never affected preparations, though Pakistan may have a logistical edge in Colombo. Opener Abhishek Sharma missed training due to illness and could be rested, with Sanju Samson a possible replacement.
India opener Abhishek Sharma missed training in New Delhi due to stomach illness, putting his availability for the Namibia match in doubt. He had a golden duck against the USA and did not field, with Sanju Samson replacing him. Mohammed Siraj said, Abhishek Sharma has an upset tummy, that's why he didn't field. He will be back fine. India may rest him ahead of the Pakistan clash, recalling Samson if needed.
New Zealands Tim Seifert and Finn Allen smashed an unbeaten 175-run opening stand to chase down UAEs 173/6 with a 10-wicket win in just 15.2 overs. Seifert made 89* and Allen 84*, dominating UAEs bowlers. Earlier, Muhammad Waseem (66 not out) and Alishan Sharafu (55) had lifted UAE to their highest T20 World Cup total, but NZs explosive chase sealed their second straight win.
Norway Chess has confirmed Alireza Firouzja for its 2026 event in Oslo, while India No. 1 Arjun Erigaisi is still not in the announced lineup. Firouzja, a former prodigy who became a GM at 14 and the youngest to reach 2800 rating, has twice played the Candidates and finished runner-up at Norway Chess before. India will be represented by world champion Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa, with more names to be revealed.
Bas de Leede delivered a match-winning all-round performance against Namibia in Delhi, a venue where he previously set an unwanted ODI record. His unbeaten 72 and two wickets secured Netherlands' first T20 World Cup win, erasing the memory of a tough outing against Australia in 2023.
Virat Kohli announced his T20I retirement after Indias seven-run win over South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, saying it was time for the next generation. He was Player of the Match for his 76 and finished with 4,188 T20I runs. India ended an 11-year ICC trophy drought with an unbeaten campaign, celebrated nationwide with major rewards and honours.
Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych will compete with a black armband after the IOC granted an exception, but his custom helmet honoring fallen Ukrainian athletes was banned. Officials cited Olympic regulations against political statements, calling the armband a compromise. Heraskevych expressed confusion over the helmet's rejection, emphasizing it was a tribute to the Olympic family.
Bengal secured a commanding innings and 90-run victory over Andhra to advance to the Ranji Trophy semifinals. Sudip Kumar Gharami's exceptional 299 laid the foundation for Bengal's dominance. The team will now face Jammu and Kashmir in the next round. Shahbaz Ahmed's bowling proved crucial in dismantling Andhra's second innings.
Museum tour at the Wankhede Stadium | Ft. MCA President Ajinkya Naik
Former Pakistan bowler Mohammad Asif warns the national team against the United States in their upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 match, predicting another upset. He recalls the dramatic Super Over loss in the 2024 edition, where USA secured a historic victory. Asif believes history could repeat itself, putting Pakistan's campaign at risk.
Former captain Sourav Ganguly expressed his enthusiasm for India's upcoming T20 World Cup encounter against Pakistan on February 15. He believes India, a strong team, will pose a significant challenge. Ganguly also highlighted his admiration for Abhishek Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan within the current squad, noting the tournament's exciting start.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky backs skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych. Heraskevych faced a ban from the International Olympic Committee for his helmet design. The helmet featured portraits of Ukrainian athletes killed in the war with Russia. Zelensky stated the helmet's message is a reminder of modern Russia's actions. Heraskevych aims to keep global attention on the conflict.
Bas de Leede starred with bat and ball as the Netherlands bounced back from their narrow loss to Pakistan to register their first win of the T20 World Cup, beating Namibia by seven wickets in Delhi. Asked to bat first, Namibia scored 156 for eight. In reply, Netherlands chased down the target of 157 in 18 overs
England cricketer Jos Buttler has lauded Indian prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling the 14-year-old the est player I've ever seen after his record-breaking 175 in the U-19 World Cup final. Sooryavanshi's explosive innings secured India's sixth title and ignited discussions about cricket's next generational superstar.
In a record-breaking deal, Walee Technologies has acquired the Multan Sultans for $8.8 million annually, making it the most expensive Pakistan Super League franchise. The team will be rebranded as Rawalpindi. This significant sale follows the PSL's expansion to eight teams and marks a new era for the league, with the former owner stepping down after disagreements with the PCB.