The Times of India

Holi ki double khushi ho gayi India fans erupt after win against England | T20 World Cup

Sanju Samson's blistering 89 powered India to a massive total before the bowlers held their nerve in a six-hitting thriller at the Wankhede. England threatened through Jacob Bethell's century, but Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya's exceptional bowling sealed a dramatic seven-run win as India set up a T20 World Cup 2026 final clash with New Zealand.

India posted a massive 253/7 against England in the T20 World Cup semi-final at Wankhede, powered by Sanju Samsons explosive 89 off 42 balls. He added key partnerships with Ishan Kishan (39) and Shivam Dube (43). England dropped Samson early, and he punished them. Reacting to Englands poor fielding, Michael Vaughan joked, My fielding academy might have to open again.

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first cricketer globally to be honored with a unique Barbie doll as part of Barbie's inaugural Dream Team. This recognition, timed with International Women's Day, celebrates her barrier-breaking journey. Mandhana joins other global icons, inspiring girls to pursue their dreams on and off the field.

The West Indies cricket team was stranded in India after their T20 World Cup 2026 exit due to flight disruptions caused by restricted Gulf airspace amid Israel-Iran tensions. Frustrated coach Daren Sammy earlier posted, I just wanna go home and At least an update. He later confirmed, Got an update. thats all wi wanted, as Cricket West Indies works to arrange safe travel.

India faced England in the T20 World Cup semi-final. Abhishek Sharma's early dismissal again drew attention. His tournament form has been inconsistent. Sanju Samson provided a strong response. Samson scored another half-century. His batting set a positive tone for India's innings. Samson's performance offered cheer for Indian fans on a significant match night.

Lakshya Sen fought back strongly to defeat Ng Ka Long Angus 21-19, 21-23, 21-10 and reach the quarterfinals of the All England Open Badminton Championships. Despite losing the second game after holding match points, Lakshya stayed composed and dominated the decider with aggressive play and solid defence to secure a hard-fought victory.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup semi-final at Wankhede, former India captain Rohit Sharma was spotted chatting with skipper Suryakumar Yadav before the toss. England captain Harry Brook won the toss and chose to bowl. Both teams entered the knockout clash after inconsistent campaigns but strong Super-8 performances to reach the semi-finals.

Ibrahim Zadran has been named the new T20I captain of the Afghanistan national cricket team for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka national cricket team, replacing Rashid Khan after Afghanistans early exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The Afghanistan Cricket Board said the leadership change is part of a long-term strategy, while also making several squad changes ahead of future tournaments.

Hardik Pandya, Abhishek Sharma are fan favourites - mood outside Wankhede Stadium

Indian cricket's biggest names assembled in Mumbai for Arjun Tendulkar's wedding. Stalwarts from various eras attended the grand celebration. Notable guests included MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Gautam Gambhir, and Jay Shah. Former coaches Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid were also present. Several former players and administrators marked their presence. Arjun married Saaniya Chandhok.

The West Indies team is stranded in India after their T20 World Cup exit due to Middle East airspace restrictions caused by IsraelIran tensions. Flights have been disrupted, delaying their return home. Frustrated coach Daren Sammy posted, I just wanna go home and At least an update Its been 5 days. Cricket West Indies says its working with the ICC to arrange safe travel.

Arjun Tendulkar, son of Sachin Tendulkar, married entrepreneur Saaniya Chandhok on March 5th after a week of celebrations attended by cricket personalities. Saaniya, granddaughter of industrialist Ravi Ghai, is a veterinary technician and entrepreneur. Arjun, a 26-year-old left-arm pacer, will soon return to cricket, having been traded to Lucknow Super Giants for the upcoming IPL season.

Pakistans T20 World Cup Super 8 exit has triggered turmoil in the team after heavy losses to India and England. Reports claim several players complained to PCB officials about coach Mike Hessons strict and controlling approach during the tournament. The PCB is reviewing his conduct, but he may remain coach because he has a two-year contract and the board wants stability.

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir attended Arjun Tendulkar's wedding in Mumbai just hours before the T20 World Cup semifinal. The ceremony, held at the team's hotel, saw a brief appearance by Gambhir and a few Indian squad members. Arjun Tendulkar married Saaniya Chandhok, daughter of a prominent businessman and granddaughter of Ravi Ghai.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif predicts England will defeat India in the T20 World Cup semifinal, citing their strong middle order and familiarity with conditions. Despite India's historical edge, Latif believes England's resilience in close matches gives them the advantage. England captain Harry Brook also highlighted the team's confidence from winning tight games.

Finn Allen's record-breaking century powered New Zealand into the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final. Allen credited their prior tour of India for adapting to the challenging black-soil pitches, enabling their dominant chase against South Africa. He also lauded the bowlers for setting up the victory and praised his opening partner Tim Seifert's form.

Amidst his son Arjun Tendulkar's wedding festivities, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar lauded Finn Allen's explosive 100 off 33 balls in the T20 World Cup semi-final. Allen's record-breaking century powered New Zealand to a swift victory, leaving Tendulkar impressed by the rapid finish to the match.

South Africa's T20 World Cup journey ended abruptly with a nine-wicket semifinal loss to New Zealand. Coach Shukri Conrad described the defeat as a 'bloody walloping' rather than a 'choke,' highlighting New Zealand's dominant performance. Finn Allen's record-breaking century sealed the emphatic win, leaving the Proteas stunned despite a proud tournament run.

India face England in the T20 World Cup semi-final on Thursday, with a reserve day in place by the ICC. A minimum of 10 overs per side is needed for a result. If the match is entirely washed out, England, having topped their Super 8 group, would advance over India, who finished second in their Super 8 group.

Speculation arose on social media regarding Sanju Samson facing disciplinary action for his emotional on-field celebration after India's win. However, ICC rules suggest such an act, if reviewed, would likely be a Level 1 offense, attracting fines or demerit points, not a ban. Former umpire dismissed the rumors, stating it was an emotional celebration, not equipment abuse.

A Pakistan T20 World Cup squad member was reportedly fined for misbehaving with a female hotel staff member in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The incident occurred before the team's final Super Eight match, with the player expected to face further disciplinary action from the Pakistan Cricket Board upon their return home.

India and England face off in a crucial T20 World Cup semifinal at Wankhede. Both teams have a history of knockout wins against each other, with the victor often lifting the trophy. England enter with momentum from their Super 8 wins, while India aim to defy historical trends for defending champions and hosts.

Varun Chakravarthy is focusing on his bowling length for India's T20 World Cup semifinal against England. After a strong group stage, he struggled against stronger opponents in the Super Eights, with batters targeting his variations. Bowling coach Morne Morkel emphasized clarity and confidence in his plans to help him regain wicket-taking form.

Shivam Dube has consistently delivered crucial performances for India in T20 cricket's high-pressure moments. From the T20 World Cup final to the Asia Cup, his timely contributions have steered the team to victory. Dube's batting momentum is building, and his impact, even in brief cameos, is vital for India's success, though his bowling requires improvement.

Reliving 2024 T20 WC win with Vimal Kumar: How Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli created history

Heat, dew and high stakes set the stage at Wankhede as India and England gear up for a semi-final shootout. With Varun Chakravarthys rhythm under focus and Morkel backing instinct over caution, the clash could hinge on small margins and who reads conditions best.

Sanju Samson delivered a match-winning 97 against the West Indies. This performance marks a significant turnaround for the Indian opener. However, former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis points to a vulnerability. High pace short balls above 140 kmph could trouble Samson. England may use this blueprint in their upcoming semifinal clash.

Finn Allen's blistering 100 off 33 balls, the fastest T20 World Cup century ever, propelled New Zealand to a dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa. Chasing 170, Allen and Tim Seifert's explosive opening partnership secured their spot in the final. New Zealand now awaits their opponent in Ahmedabad.

Mohammad Kaif sharply rebuked Mohammad Amir for his persistent doubts about India's T20 World Cup campaign. Kaif accused Amir of seeking publicity and highlighted Pakistan's loss to the USA, questioning Amir's credibility to critique others. He urged India to ignore such noise, emphasizing that engaging only amplifies the desired attention.

Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel expressed concern over the team's fielding standards ahead of their T20 World Cup semifinal against England. Despite reaching the last four, India's catching efficiency is the lowest in the tournament. Patel praised Sanju Samson's match-winning knock and Jasprit Bumrah's crucial wickets, emphasizing the need for early breakthroughs against England's strong batting lineup.

South Africa's T20 World Cup dreams were shattered by a dominant New Zealand, who secured a crushing nine-wicket victory. Finn Allen's record-breaking 33-ball century dismantled the Proteas' hopes after a challenging start with the bat. Captain Aiden Markram acknowledged a difficult night where little went their way, despite a late fightback with the bat.

New Zealand stormed into the T20 World Cup final, crushing South Africa by nine wickets. Opener Finn Allen smashed a record-breaking 33-ball century, leading a dominant chase of 170. Allen's explosive innings, supported by Tim Seifert's fifty, secured a comfortable victory with 7.1 overs to spare.

Finn Allen smashed a record 33-ball century the fastest in T20 World Cup history to lead New Zealand to a nine-wicket win over South Africa in the semi-final. Chasing 170, New Zealand finished in just 12.5 overs. Allens unbeaten 100 powered them into the final in dominant fashion.

Former England pacer Stuart Broad has issued a stark warning to England regarding Hardik Pandya ahead of their semifinal clash with India. Broad highlighted Pandya's ability to single-handedly change match momentum through his aggressive batting and crucial bowling. He emphasized that England must strategically target Pandya's batting order to neutralize his devastating finishing prowess.

Harry Brook says unity, belief and composure have driven England into the T20 World Cup semi-finals against India. He insists they dont need a perfect game to win, backing team spirit and calmness under pressure. Brook also defended Jos Buttler and expressed confidence that a big individual performance is due.

Why India vs England semi-final match will be a nightmare for bowlers | T20 World Cup 2026

Indias Womens Asian Cup campaign began with a last-gasp 2-1 loss to Vietnam, sealed by a stoppage-time strike. Japan had to stay patient before beating Taiwan 2-0 in hot conditions. Other early winners included hosts Australia, South Korea, North Korea and defending champions China as the continental tournament got underway.

ATP Tour has cancelled the Fujairah Challenger tournaments in the UAE after escalating Middle East tensions raised safety concerns. Players, officials and ball kids had earlier rushed for cover during a drone scare near the venue. The ATP also faced backlash for proposing a 5,000 charter flight for evacuation before reversing course and agreeing to cover players travel costs.

Ahead of Indias T20 World Cup semi-final against England at Wankhede, bowling coach Morne Morkel warned dew and small boundaries could be crucial factors. He urged bowlers to stay attacking despite tight margins. Head coach Gautam Gambhir said lower dew levels have tested Indias adaptability, stressing game awareness over strike rate in high-pressure World Cup matches.

Babar Azam has been dropped from Pakistans ODI squad for the Bangladesh series after a poor T20 World Cup. Despite a strong ODI record, he is among several senior players left out as Pakistan rebuild for next years World Cup. Shaheen Shah Afridi will captain a refreshed squad featuring six uncapped players.

India enter their sixth T20 World Cup semi-final in 10 editions, facing England at Wankhede. Champions in 2007 and 2024, India have had mixed resultsmissing semis in 2009-12, finishing runners-up in 2014, and losing semis in 2016 and 2022 to England. Now, the two sides meet for a third straight semi-final in a growing rivalry.

Glenn Maxwell has no immediate plans to retire from T20 internationals, with the 2028 T20 World Cup and Los Angeles Olympics on his radar. Despite recent speculation, the all-rounder feels he still has plenty to offer and is focused on his fitness and form, with ongoing discussions with selectors about his future.

Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan is now second in T20I batting rankings, just behind India's Abhishek Sharma, after scoring two centuries in the World Cup. Several Indian players, including Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma, have entered the top 10. In bowling, Varun Chakravarthy leads, with Abrar Ahmed close behind. Sikandar Raza remains the top all-rounder.

MS Dhoni was fined Rs 1000 for overspeeding in Ranchi after an automated system issued an e-challan under the Motor Vehicles Act. He also recently received a notice over alleged misuse of a residential plot. Meanwhile, the 44-year-old is training with Chennai Super Kings, aiming for a stronger IPL 2026 after a poor 2025 season.

Stars shine at Arjun Tendulkars Sangeet | Mumbai witnesses grand celebration

After Pakistans Super 8 exit at the T20 World Cup 2026, Dinesh Karthik mocked Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain for previously claiming India had an unfair venue advantage in the Champions Trophy. He said Pakistan enjoyed similar conditions but still failed, adding that by their logic, Pakistan should have done better, hinting at a genuine lack of skill.