The Times of India

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar criticised Indias bowling after their 76-run loss to South Africa, calling the attack fragile and exposed. He slammed Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube for conceding 67 runs, saying they lacked pace and intimidation. Akhtar also criticised Varun Chakaravarthys costly spell and urged India to play Kuldeep Yadav, calling him the missing link and a proven match-winner.

West Indies crushed Zimbabwe by 107 runs in the T20 World Cup Super Eights, powered by Shimron Hetmyers explosive 85 off 34 balls in a massive 254-6. Zimbabwe collapsed early in the chase and were bowled out for 147 despite Brad Evans 43. Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein starred with the ball as West Indies went top of Group 1 with a superior NRR.

West Indies delivered a historic batting performance, posting the second-highest T20 World Cup total of 254/6 against Zimbabwe. Shimron Hetmyer's blistering 85 off 34 balls, the fastest T20 World Cup fifty by a West Indian, set the stage for the monumental score.

Shimron Hetmyer smashed a blistering 19-ball half-century at the Wankhede Stadium, setting a new West Indies record in T20 World Cup history. This remarkable feat surpassed Chris Gayle's previous record of 23 balls. Hetmyer's aggressive innings showcased the Caribbean team's fearless approach to the game.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen in an intense discussion with struggling opener Abhishek Sharma on the team bus in Chennai. Sharma has had a difficult run in the T20 World Cup 2026, scoring only 15 runs in four matches. This conversation comes ahead of India's crucial Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe.

Gautam Gambhirs animated chat with Abhishek Sharma goes viral; Team India lands in Chennai

Indias T20 World Cup 2026 campaign suffered a major blow after a 76-run loss to South Africa, complicating their semi-final chances. Opener Abhishek Sharmas poor form remains a concern, with four straight low scores. Mohammad Amir advised him to be patient and smarter in shot selection, while also criticising Indias chasing weakness and team selection, calling the team combination a key mistake.

Inside Pakistans intense nets session in Kandy ahead of their Super Eight clash against England

Jammu and Kashmir's fast-bowling spearhead Auqib Nabi has been the driving force behind their maiden Ranji Trophy final appearance, taking 55 wickets this season. His remarkable rise, fueled by relentless effort and a perfect bowling action, has seen him claim 99 wickets in the last two seasons. Coach Krishnakumar believes Nabi's calm demeanor and consistent performance warrant national recognition.

Having scored 220 runs already, Sahibzada Farhan has emerged as Pakistans batting constant in a turbulent T20 World Cup. As questions swirl around strike rates, collapses, and pressure on senior players, Sahibzada Farhan remains unmoved. Even with Virat Kohlis iconic tournament run record in view. For him, the focus is simple: to score runs and not think about the milestones.

Lungi Ngidi credits his IPL stint with Dwayne Bravo for honing his slower deliveries, a key weapon against India. His subtle variations and clever pace changes, including leg cutters, kept Suryakumar Yadav guessing. Ngidi focused on building pressure rather than just taking wickets, finding his slower ball provides a crucial edge in modern T20 cricket.

The Indian men's cricket team arrived in Chennai for their next T20 World Cup Super 8 match against Zimbabwe following a significant 76-run defeat to South Africa. This loss ended India's 18-match unbeaten streak in ICC white-ball tournaments and marked their second-biggest T20I loss by runs.

Former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock believes India failed to adapt to Ahmedabad's conditions during their Super 8 defeat to the Proteas. He highlighted India's inability to recognize the ew ball challenge with the seam moving around and their aggressive approach in the powerplay, which led to early wickets and pressure.

South Africa's tactical approach, mirroring other teams, exploited India's predictable batting order and poor shot selection. India's over-reliance on left-handers and lack of a Plan B proved costly, leading to a significant defeat in the T20 World Cup Super Eight. India now face crucial selection decisions for the game against Zimbabwe to address these vulnerabilities.

Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar analyzed India's batting collapse against South Africa, noting Ishan Kishan's early dismissal after Abhishek Sharma's cheap exit. Nayar emphasised the need for better plans against quality off-spin, citing upcoming matches against the West Indies and Roston Chase.

India's decision to bench vice-captain Axar Patel for the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash against South Africa has drawn sharp criticism. Former captain Ajinkya Rahane questioned the move, stating that overthinking selection and not backing a proven performer like Patel, despite his vice-captaincy, backfired. Washington Sundar's underwhelming performance further fueled the debate after India's heavy defeat.

Pakistan allrounder Shadab Khan expressed confidence in his team reaching the T20 World Cup 2026 final. This statement comes as Pakistan prepares for a crucial Super Eights match against England. The pitch is expected to favor spinners. England has started their Super Eights campaign strongly. Pakistan needs a strong batting performance to succeed.

India fans in Ahmedabad react to loss vs South Africa | T20 World Cup

Former captain Kris Srikkanth launched a fierce critique of India's batting collapse against South Africa in the T20 World Cup. He lambasted the reckless approach, questionable batting order, and poor decision-making, particularly highlighting Ishan Kishan's dismissal and Suryakumar Yadav's batting position. Srikkanth warned of lingering negative mindsets after the humiliating defeat.

Following a heavy defeat to South Africa in the Super 8 stage, former batter Sanjay Manjrekar urged India to be humble and address key flaws. He highlighted struggles against spin and pace-off deliveries, suggesting a batting order reshuffle and strengthening the bowling attack with Kuldeep Yadav to improve their title chances.

Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his disagreement with the team management's decision to bench Axar Patel for the crucial T20 World Cup Super 8 match against South Africa. Ashwin argued that while match-up strategies are common in franchise cricket, international tournaments demand team stability, highlighting Axar's proven T20 prowess and past crucial performances.

Following a heavy defeat to South Africa in Super 8s, India's batting unit faces scrutiny, with assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirming that changes, including the potential inclusion of Sanju Samson, are being considered. The team's left-hand heavy top order has struggled, prompting a rethink of their strategy for upcoming crucial matches.

ISL Highlights: Bengaluru FC vs NorthEast United FC

ISL Highlights: Kerala Blasters FC vs Mumbai City FC

Arsenal solidified their Premier League lead with a commanding 4-1 victory over Tottenham, featuring a stellar brace from Eberechi Eze. Meanwhile, Liverpool secured a dramatic 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest thanks to Alexis Mac Allister's last-gasp goal, keeping their European aspirations alive. Fulham and Crystal Palace also clinched important wins.

David Miller revealed South Africa's strategic clarity and disciplined execution were key to their dominant Super 8 victory over India. He emphasized capitalizing on loose deliveries and taking calculated risks against spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who had a difficult outing. Miller's composed, fundamental approach underpinned his match-winning 63 off 35 balls.

Zimbabwe have defied expectations, reaching the Super 8s of the 2026 T20 World Cup through a meticulously executed 24-month plan. Their journey, marked by wins against Oman, Australia, and Sri Lanka, showcases strategic hard work and belief. Now, facing giants like India, South Africa and the West Indies, the team remains focused on their next challenge, one game at a time.

South Africa and England have started the Super 8s with dominant wins, topping their respective groups. South Africa thrashed defending champions India by 76 runs, while England secured a 51-run victory over Sri Lanka. These early results have already created significant shifts in the standings, putting pressure on teams like India.

India suffered a devastating 76-run loss to South Africa in their T20 World Cup Super 8 opener. The batting lineup crumbled chasing 187, with only Shivam Dube offering resistance. Experts criticized India's approach, contrasting it with South Africa's adaptable batting. This heavy defeat severely impacts India's net run rate and semi-final hopes.

KL Rahul's timely return to Karnataka for the Ranji Trophy has significantly boosted the team's confidence and performance. His leadership, extensive experience, and willingness to mentor younger players have been crucial. Rahul's consistent batting, including centuries in past finals, provides a strong foundation as Karnataka head into the championship match.

West Indies coach Daren Sammy expressed confidence in his team's ability to achieve something special in the Super Eights, citing four consecutive wins and the full availability of players. Sammy emphasized the clarity of roles and meticulous preparation contributing to the squad's belief.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza's leadership propelled his team to the 2026 T20 World Cup Super Eights after a washout against Ireland. This achievement contrasts sharply with their 2023 qualifier disappointment. Raza, a seasoned all-rounder, has been instrumental with bat and ball, inspiring confidence and sharing invaluable franchise cricket knowledge with his teammates.

T20 World Cup: David Miller press conference after South Africa beat India

T20 World Cup: Ryan ten Doeschate press conference after India's loss against South Africa

West Indies coach Daren Sammy expressed confidence ahead of their Super Eights match against Zimbabwe, highlighting the team's strong form and the contributions of various players. Having topped their group with four wins, the Men-in-Maroon are drawing on their T20 expertise and familiarity with Indian conditions, aiming to replicate their past successes.

India's T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final hopes are in jeopardy following a significant 76-run defeat to South Africa. Chasing 188, India crumbled to 111, with Marco Jansen taking four wickets. This loss severely impacted India's Net Run Rate, leaving them needing crucial wins against the West Indies and Zimbabwe to advance.

India's Super 8 campaign commenced with a significant 76-run defeat against South Africa in Ahmedabad. The loss severely impacted India's net run rate, necessitating wins in their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies to keep semi-final hopes alive. This outcome also reignited Mohammad Amir's earlier prediction of India struggling to reach the semi-finals.

India's T20 World Cup gamble backfired as Axar Patel's omission for Washington Sundar in the Super 8 clash against South Africa led to a crushing defeat. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted the difficult selection, driven by tactical matchups and the desire for an extra batter, ultimately proved costly. The team hopes Axar understands the strategic intent.

Why India are in deep trouble | T20 World Cup 2026 | India vs South Africa

India's T20 World Cup title defence is in jeopardy after a significant 76-run defeat to South Africa. Despite a strong start, India faltered as David Miller's 63 powered South Africa to 187. A mid-innings spat between Miller and Washington Sundar briefly flared. India's chase collapsed after Ishan Kishan's early dismissal, leaving them bowled out for 111.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has banned former womens selector Monjurul Islam from all cricket-related roles after an inquiry into sexual misconduct allegations by ex-captain Jahanara Alam. The panel found initial proof in two allegations, calling his behaviour harassment. The BCB said it may take further action. It also announced the Womens Bangladesh Premier League dates and gave chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain a one-month extension.

MS Dhoni will be available for CSK in IPL 2026 but may not play every match, a franchise source confirmed. With Sanju Samson and other wicketkeepers in the squad, Dhonis workload could be managed, especially due to fitness concerns and the Impact Player rule. However, he is expected to feature in most home games at Chepauk, where his presence continues to electrify fans.

Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was awarded Rs 50 lakh by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for his U-19 World Cup heroics. He starred in the final with a stunning 175 off 80 balls and was named Player of the Tournament with 439 runs. The youngest IPL debutant and centurion, he was signed by Rajasthan Royals for 1.1 crore and is seen as a future cricket star.

South Africa thrashed India by 76 runs in their T20 World Cup Super 8 opener, exposing Indias batting flaws as they collapsed to 111 chasing 188. Aiden Markram praised his teams adaptability, Miller-Brevis partnership and smart finishing, urging players to drop the ego. The loss leaves India in a must-win situation for their remaining games.

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav vowed a stronger comeback after India's 76-run T20 World Cup loss to South Africa. Despite a strong start with the ball, India's batting faltered, losing crucial wickets in the powerplay. Yadav emphasized learning from the defeat and aiming for a better performance in upcoming matches.

Questionable shot selection, a lack of partnerships and some fine bowling by South Africa led to the hosts' downfall, ending their unbeaten 12-match streak in T20I World Cups.

Stan Wawrinka returns to Dubai, where he won in 2016, as he plays the final season of his career at age 40. He reflected on the importance of mental strength, the challenge of competing in the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic era, and praised Alcaraz and Sinner. He said his 2015 French Open win meant the most. Wawrinka revealed retirement was a gradual decision and said he wants to finish strongly, staying fit and celebrating his love for tennis.

India faced an early setback as Ishan Kishan departed for a duck against South Africa. Earlier, David Miller's aggressive 63 and Dewald Brevis's 45 powered South Africa to 187/7, despite Jasprit Bumrah's stellar bowling. Tristan Stubbs' late fireworks ensured a challenging total for India in the Super Eights clash.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav said the unchanged XI meant Axar Patel was left out again, calling it a harsh but tactical call. The decision triggered fan backlash online. South Africa recovered from 20/3 through David Miller and Dewald Brevis, posting 187/7. Miller and Brevis led the fightback, while Tristan Stubbs finished strongly. Jasprit Bumrah starred with 3/15, but India face a tough chase.