The Times of India

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.

West Indies coach Daren Sammy defended the T20 World Cup's pre-seeding system, suggesting it motivated teams like Zimbabwe to exceed expectations. He highlighted the logistical benefits for fans and noted that group placements can inspire teams to perform at a higher level. Sammy emphasized respecting all opponents, regardless of perceived status.

Phil Salts sublime 62 laid the foundation for Englands commanding win before Sri Lankas batting imploded spectacularly in Kandy. After their bowlers restricted England to a below-par 146, Sri Lanka collapsed in a heap, undone by reckless shot selection and relentless pressure from Englands attack, led by Will Jacks and Jofra Archer.

Dushan Hemanthas bizarre hit-wicket dismissal stunned fans during Sri Lankas Super 8 match against England and quickly went viral. Earlier, Sri Lanka bowlers restricted England to 146/9, with Dunith Wellalage taking 3/26 and key wickets of Jos Buttler and Harry Brook. Phil Salt top-scored with 62, but lacked support as England posted a modest total.

Manoj Tiwary criticised PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, saying a lack of clarity and freedom may be causing tension between Pakistans coach and captain after Salman Aghas bottle-throwing incident. He claimed it showed a trust deficit in the team setup. However, coach Mike Hesson dismissed rift rumours, saying Agha was frustrated with his own dismissal and the discussion was about batting plans, not an argument.

India A Women beat Bangladesh by 46 runs to win the ACC Womens Asia Cup Rising Stars title. Tejal Hasabnis scored an unbeaten 51, while captain Radha Yadav added 36 to help India post 134/7. Bangladesh were bowled out for 88, with Prema Rawat taking 3/12. Hasabnis was named Player of the Match for her match-winning knock.

Babar Azam has struggled in the T20 World Cup, scoring 66 runs in four matches and being moved to the middle order. Faf du Plessis supported coach Mike Hessons decision, saying modern T20 cricket demands much higher strike rates in the powerplay. He added Babar still has value on slower pitches in the middle overs. Pakistan next face England in a crucial Super 8 match.

Australia's Twenty20 World Cup campaign ended in a group stage exit, prompting calls for a rebuild ahead of the 2028 tournament. Coach Andrew McDonald defended his squad selection despite criticism from former players like Glenn McGrath and Mark Waugh, who questioned the inclusion of out-of-form players and the absence of key fast bowlers.

Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced concerns over Suryakumar Yadav's cautious batting approach in the T20 World Cup, suggesting it hinders finishers like Hardik Pandya. While acknowledging Suryakumar's adaptability against the USA, Manjrekar believes the captain has since become overly conservative, potentially risking India's scoring potential, especially when setting or chasing large totals.

Brothers Morne and Albie Morkel will face off as rival coaches in the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash between India and South Africa. Morne coaches India's bowling attack, while Albie serves as a consultant for South Africa, both aiming for victory despite their family ties. Their childhood backyard rivalries are now amplified on the international stage.

Jay Shah: Kapil Dev deserves more credit for 1983 World Cup triumph

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has advised T20 World Cup opener Abhishek Sharma to adjust his shot selection against off-spinners, urging him to settle in before attacking. Pathan highlighted Abhishek's tendency to play across the wicket too early. He also praised Ishan Kishan's current form but cautioned about his approach against wide deliveries.

Fans are criticising the T20 World Cup's pre-seeding format, which placed strong group winners in the same Super 8 group. However, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar questioned the timing of this outrage, suggesting logistical complexities for the ICC in a multi-country tournament. He highlighted international travel and accommodation as potential reasons for advance group assignments.

Former Pakistan bowler Mohammad Amir reignited controversy at the T20 World Cup with a renewed attack on India's Abhishek Sharma, questioning his defensive technique. Amir also reiterated his prediction that India will not reach the semi-finals, citing stronger performances from teams like South Africa and the West Indies.

India's unbeaten run in the T20 World Cup highlights their formidable depth, a strength that also presents their sole selection dilemma. Former coach Ravi Shastri believes the winning combination will likely remain intact against South Africa, emphasising flexibility and the need for extra bowling options, especially with dew a factor.

Rain threatens to disrupt the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash between Sri Lanka and England in Kandy. Both teams have shown inconsistent form, with England's captain admitting they were too cautious with the bat. Sri Lanka relies heavily on opener Pathum Nissanka, while England's spin attack, led by Adil Rashid, poses a significant threat.

Quinton de Kock returns to international cricket with a seemingly indifferent attitude, reflecting a resurgent South African team that has shed its 'chokers' tag after winning the World Test Championship. De Kock, who missed the 2024 T20 World Cup final loss to India, claims no discussion has occurred about the past defeat, emphasizing a forward-looking approach under Aiden Markram's leadership.

India's T20 World Cup campaign has seen batting trump cards Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma struggle, with their form appearing correlated. Captain Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged Varma's struggles but expressed confidence, while highlighting the team's strategy to allow batters to play their natural game when possible. The team management is backing the duo, aiming to replicate their previous success.

As the T20 World Cup enters the Super 8s, last edition's finalists India and South Africa prepare for a crucial clash in Ahmedabad. Both teams, having faced scares in the group stage, now face immense pressure with little room for error. Familiarity with the venue and opponents is high, but the mental game will be key.

While India's batting line-up has dominated the pre-T20 World Cup discussions, the potent bowling unit has quietly become the team's real strength. Bowlers like Varun Chakravarthy and Arshdeep Singh, alongside the consistent brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah, provide crucial confidence and have been instrumental in securing victories, proving they are the key to defending their title.

Rain washed out the Pakistan vs New Zealand Super 8 match, with both teams sharing one point and the semi-final race wide open. Pakistan must beat England and Sri Lanka to reach five points and likely qualify, while any loss could make their chances depend on other results. New Zealand face a similar situation, with wins now crucial to stay in control of their campaign.

Heavy rain forecast in Sri Lanka | Pakistan T20 World Cup dream over?

GCDA denied permission for a pre-arranged pre-match press conference to be held inside the stadium, forcing the club to shift the interaction online at short notice.

The Super Eight stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 commenced with a washout as rain prevented any play between Pakistan and New Zealand in Colombo. Both teams were awarded one point each, a result that could significantly impact their semi-final aspirations. The abandoned match has intensified the pressure on both sides for their upcoming fixtures.

Rain washed out the Pakistan vs New Zealand Super 8 match, with both teams sharing one point, which complicates the semi-final race. Pakistan and New Zealand now need wins in their remaining matches to stay on track, as any slip-up could hurt their chances. England and Sri Lanka benefit from the open group, while Pakistan and New Zealand miss a chance to gain an early advantage in the tight Super 8 battle.

Persistent drizzle right after the toss -- which Pakistan won and opted to bat -- at the Premadasa stadium did not relent with umpires finally calling the match off at 9:05pm local time (15:35 GMT).

The Pakistan vs New Zealand Super 8 match was washed out due to rain, with both teams sharing one point. Pakistan and New Zealand now need wins in their remaining matches to qualify for the semi-finals. Any loss could complicate their chances and force them to rely on other results, while the washout keeps the group wide open for other teams.

India, left-handers and off-spin: Why hosts need to be very worried

Smriti Mandhana called Indias 17-run series-deciding win over Australia really special but said the team will not celebrate too much and focus on the ODI series. Mandhana scored 82, Jemimah Rodrigues made 59, and India posted 176/6. Bowlers then restricted Australia to 159/9. Mandhana praised Rodrigues role and highlighted the importance of beating Australia in Australia.

T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav press conference ahead of India vs South Africa

India Women beat Australia by 17 runs in the third T20I in Adelaide to win the series 2-1. Smriti Mandhana starred with 82 off 55 balls, while Jemimah Rodrigues scored 59 as India posted 176/6. Australia were bowled out for 159/9 despite Ashleigh Gardners 57. Shree Charani and Shreyanka Patil took three wickets each, with Mandhana named Player of the Match.

Suryakumar Yadav dismissed rumors of Sanju Samson replacing Abhishek Sharma or Tilak Varma, emphasizing confidence in the current lineup. He addressed concerns about Abhishek's form by highlighting the threat he poses to opponents. Yadav also defended Tilak Varma's cautious approach, stating it aligns with team strategy.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi backed Pakistan hockey players after they accused the PHF of abandoning them during the Australia tour. Players said they had no hotel and had to cook and clean themselves, sparking outrage. Naqvi promised full support, financial aid, and help with training, while captain Ammad Shakeel Butts suspension is set to be reversed. The incident exposed serious mismanagement in Pakistan hockey.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav backed opener Abhishek Sharma despite his three ducks in the T20 World Cup, stating it's now the team's turn to support him. Bowling coach Morne Morkel also expressed confidence, believing Sharma is just one innings away from regaining form.

A heartwarming video of India head coach Gautam Gambhir interacting warmly with fans during a practice session has gone viral. Gambhir was seen signing autographs and sharing a light-hearted exchange, leaving supporters smiling. Meanwhile, the Indian team prepares for their Super 8 campaign against South Africa.

The 2026 FIDE Candidates and Womens Candidates pairings are out, with both tournaments set in Cyprus from March 28 to April 16 in a double round-robin format. Key open clashes include Caruana vs Nakamura and Praggnanandhaa vs Giri, while the womens event features major games like Humpy vs Divya. After 14 rounds, the winners will challenge the world champions.

The Super 8 stage kicks off with a crucial clash between Pakistan and New Zealand in Colombo. Pakistan holds a slight edge due to their spin attack, particularly mystery spinner Usman Tariq. New Zealand, familiar with Pakistan's bowling, will rely on their middle order to counter the threat.

India prepares for a crucial T20 World Cup Super 8 match against South Africa. All eyes are on Abhishek Sharma, who is yet to score. South Africa's bowlers are focusing on left-handers. India's batting lineup features several left-handers, prompting strategic adjustments. The team is working on its approach against spinners and seamers.

India intensified their preparations for their Super Eight clash against South Africa with a rigorous four-hour training session in Ahmedabad on Friday evening. Players showcased high energy and focus across batting, bowling, and fielding drills. Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates aimed for peak performance, with Jasprit Bumrah honing his yorkers and Hardik Pandya unleashing powerful sixes.

Axar Patel, once out of the Indian team for three years, has transformed into a core leadership member for the T20 World Cup. His rigorous training, guided by his wife Meha and focused on specific batting and bowling drills, has been key to his evolution as a cricketer. He now steps onto his home turf as a vital player.

IPL franchises pre-season camps are scattered across India, even overseas and it underscores a worrying drift from the idea of home. By training and sometimes playing matches far from their base cities, teams dilute fan connection, culture, and home advantage. If cities remain interchangeable pit stops, the Indian Premier League risks becoming a travelling show with no real roots.

The T20 World Cup's Super 8 stage marks the true beginning of the tournament, with India facing a tough path in Group 1. Despite an unbeaten group stage, concerns linger over opener Abhishek Sharma's form and the team's fielding ahead of crucial matches against South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the West Indies.