Cricket

T20 WC: Hit The Stumps, And Change Of Pace Key To Maphaka Shining Bright Against Zimbabwe

Teenaged South Africa: Teenaged South Africa pacer Kwena Maphaka said hitting the stumps and constant change of pace were the key ingredients behind him producing a standout spell of 2-21 in the sides five-wicket win over Zimbabwe in their final Super Eights clash of Mens T20 World Cup at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. With Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj all rested ahead of Wednesday's semi-final clash against New Zealand in Kolkata, Maphaka was among those asked to step up and did so emphatically, by finishing with figures of 2-21 in his four overs. It included the prized wicket of Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza - the man who had been taking apart every other bowler - in the 17th over, as he popped a skier to David Miller at point. To be honest, we thought the wicket was going to be a little bit quicker, maybe a little bit more bounce. The last game we played in Delhi was a bit skiddier. Today was a little bit lower and slower, so we just tried to adapt to that as quick as possible - hit the stumps, and change of pace a lot of the times, he said, while replying to a query from IANS in the mixed zone interaction. It was only Maphaka's second appearance at this tournament, yet the teenager has looked entirely at ease in elite company - generating movement with both the new ball and the old ball, and capping his spell with a vicious offcutter that Raza simply wasnt expecting. Obviously the first World Cup, it's been really good so far. Just being able to learn from all the guys and being able to put the learnings into action on the field, so really good outing today, and I'm just hoping that I can keep going the way I'm going at the moment, he said. Chief among those learnings has been the art of the slower ball - a weapon that Lungi Ngidi has wielded to devastating effect throughout the tournament. Yes, I am learning about slower balls from him. To be honest, I don't think anyone can bowl a slower ball like Lungi does. But there's been a couple of things that I've picked up from him. Obviously being able to learn from the guys. There's a lot of little intricacies in the game. Pace off is definitely one of them. Just learning when to use what kind of deliveries has been a big thing on this tour, he said. The South Africa pace bowling group, which also features Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, and Anrich Nortje, could have been an intimidating environment for a teenager making his way in international cricket. But Maphaka described it instead as a privilege. It's an absolute privilege to be able to speak to these guys. As you said, they are some of the most experienced guys in the game at the moment of all time. It's been really good for my development and I'm just really thankful that I've been able to be in this position. Competition for places within that group has been fierce, though Maphaka insisted the atmosphere within the camp has remained healthy, even for those who have found game time hard to come by. I think it's been a good dynamic. Obviously not getting too many games, but it's not anything too serious, I don't think. Guys are still, like, everyone's still good. There's still a lot of competition in the nets, a lot of learnings at trainings and everything. Even during the games, picking up small things, so I think we're in a really good space at the moment. Aside from games, theres an internal competition on who can bowl faster, which keeps Maphaka interested. Definitely sometimes there is a bit of competition. To be honest, I think anyone can win on the day really. Most guys can turn it up to 150 if they want to. It really just depends on the day, who's firing and anyone can win on the day. When Maphaka first appeared in international cricket at 18, he was raw and largely untested, coming after being Player of the Tournament in 2024 U19 Mens Cricket World Cup. Nearly two years on, he says the changes in him run deeper than just being in the cricketing world. I mean, coming in as an 18-year-old and being almost 20 now is a very different person in terms of my growth as an individual, going through puberty as well. I think it's more mental growth and obviously a little bit of physical stuff as well. But it's been really good so far. South Africa head into their semi-final as the tournament's only unbeaten side, a status that has generated significant attention but which Maphaka appeared relaxed about. I mean, coming in as an 18-year-old and being almost 20 now is a very different person in terms of my growth as an individual, going through puberty as well. I think it's more mental growth and obviously a little bit of physical stuff as well. But it's been really good so far. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We're going to try to win that game and hopefully we can win the tournament. I don't really think it does. We're just going to keep doing the things that we're doing, keep our feet on the ground and keep pushing forward. Article Source: IANS

Shamas, bowlers lead Pakistan to consolation win against South Africa

Having already lost the series 2-0, an all-round display from Pakistan took them to a 119-run win

T20 WC: South Africa Going To Prepare For Semi-final In Exactly The Same Way, Says Conrad

T20 World Cup: South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad said his side would prepare for Wednesday's Mens T20 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Kolkata in exactly the same way as they have approached every match this tournament. The Proteas maintained their unbeaten run in the competition with a five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in their last Super Eights game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. The prospect of going all the way looms large for South Africa, though Conrad was careful to deflect any discussion of the country's long wait for a major ICC title, while citing tongue-in-cheek comments referencing to the cupcake advertisement which fell flat when they beat India by 76 runs in Ahmedabad, which he referred to as their home ground. There's always pressure. I think it's what you do with that pressure and how you shift the pressure. As for the C word, I think there's another one for it - cupcakes. I thought we kind of enjoyed that. But no, there's always pressure, and it's really about embracing that pressure and we don't do things any differently. We're going to prepare exactly the same way for New Zealand. Whether we start as favourites, probably because we're the only unbeaten side in the competition. But I don't know if that adds to the pressure. I think the semi-final is pressure enough. Playing a top side New Zealand is pressure enough. So there's no added pressure and I'm glad that we're favourites because I always felt that as a South African team, you want to be able to play as a favourite because it's easy being an underdog. The expectation isn't great or that much and now we've assumed the tag which we don't really talk much about. But if we can continue doing what we're doing, then you need a little bit of luck along the way as well. Hopefully that will give us the result on Wednesday and then on to our home ground in Ahmedabad, said Conrad in the post-match press conference. South Africas great run comes at a time when theres uncertainty over them having their travel plans in uncertainty due to the shutdown of Middle East airspace due to Irans strikes. Though it depends on their progress in the tournament, Conrad insisted it had not disrupted his group's preparations or cohesion. Look, obviously it comes up in every conversation, so you can't wish it away because it's there. We're just going to try and still nail our yorker, hit the bad ball for six in and amidst all of that so whilst it's conversations, we've managed to just move that aside. Obviously our manager, together with the ICC, we firmly believe that all the right decisions will get made. So, all our focus is on Kolkata and playing New Zealand on Wednesday, he said. Asked if there were areas where the Proteas werent challenged much, Conrad felt there werent anything as much, though he admitted that his fielding unit had occasionally fallen short of the standards they had set for themselves. I thought the Afghanistan game was massive in many respects because it could so easily have not gone our way and the pressure is really up on us against New Zealand. In some sort of way, it really pulled the group together. With regards to the question, I don't know, we just go about our business normally. We play some really good cricket, so you can't go looking for things that aren't there. I still feel that in the field maybe we can create a bit more opportunities. Our catching has let us down a little bit, but I don't want to be ultra critical now. We're playing some really good cricket and as has been the last couple of weeks we'll double down on what we've done in the last couple of weeks and do that again over the next couple of days. So again fly out tomorrow, rest up well and then see how the guys pull up who needs what in their games and then we crack on, he said. Much of South Africa's success has been built on pace, with Lungi Ngidi emerging as the attack's most potent weapon. The success is surprising considering South Africa dont have a specialist wrist-spinner, but Conrad felt backing their strength areas has been a great catalyst in their success. I think our bowling attack was fashioned in such a way that we've got wicket-taking options and that's something that we've driven, especially with guys like KG and Marco especially, their impact in the match will be through taking wickets. Then we might not have left the shores of South Africa with a mystery spinner, but I think we've got a mystery seamer in Lungi Ngidi who almost fills that role for us in the middle and in the power play as well. So we're constantly looking to make an impact with the ball, whether that be taking wickets or managing a run rate. Then Boshie has done exceptionally well, bowling at the death, nailing his yorkers, but we've stayed nice and aggressive. They're all Test match bowlers so bowling a test match length doesn't come difficult to them so and I think that's still a really tough length to hit consistently. You might hit it once or twice, but you've got to be really on top of your game to hit that continually and continuously. There's always things to work on, but we're really happy with the way things have gone. A couple of guys rested up today and will go fresh on Wednesday, he said. South Africa's decision to travel without a wrist spinner raised questions, but Conrad made clear it was a deliberate strategic choice rooted in the resources available to him. I mean we don't even have a wrist spinner in our side. Some might argue that we should be bowling that, etc, etc, but I think you can only pretty much cut your coat according to your cloth size and we don't have wrist spinners or mystery spinners. So something South African cricket has always had is fast bowlers. When I say fast bowlers, we're talking about guys that can bowl 145 plus. That's something that we've thrown our weight behind is that we don't have the wrist spin, we don't have the mystery spin. But we thought what's going to be important in India, if you can nail a yorker, some change-ups and maybe on wickets that might be a little bit iffy, some good pace can do the trick. It's kind of worked out for us, so we've thrown our weight behind what we know we've got, which are really good-paced bowlers, and we've obviously added some subtleties to their armoury, he said. So something South African cricket has always had is fast bowlers. When I say fast bowlers, we're talking about guys that can bowl 145 plus. That's something that we've thrown our weight behind is that we don't have the wrist spin, we don't have the mystery spin. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But he'll be good to go. KG, same. The last game here, Lungi didn't play, which KG played, so it's really just and Kesh again. Hopefully, they run really well after the rest and we certainly hope that's the case on Wednesday. Article Source: IANS

SA coach Conrad embracing 'favourites' tag heading into T20 World Cup semi-finals

After securing their seventh straight win at the T20 World Cup, the South Africa head coach feels confident heading into the semi-finals

T20 WC: Chase, Holder, Powell Power Windies To 195/4 Against India In Crucial Super 8s Clash

T20 World Cup: West Indies rode on impactful contributions from Roston Chase and a blazing late flourish from Jason Holder and Rovman Powell to post a formidable 195/4 against India at Eden Gardens on Sunday in what is a must-win Super Eights clash of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup for both sides. Put in to bat after India opted to field in this virtual quarter-final, West Indies made a steady start through Shai Hope and Chase. The pair stitched together the first 50-plus opening partnership against India in this tournament, laying a strong foundation despite cautious early probing from Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya. Hope found occasional boundaries but struggled to accelerate consistently, eventually falling for 32 off 33 balls when Varun Chakaravarthy produced a skiddy delivery to breach his defence and break the 66-run stand. Chase, however, ensured the momentum remained intact, showcasing positive intent with clean strokeplay and smart rotation. Shimron Hetmyer injected further impetus with a quickfire 27 off just 12 balls, including two towering sixes, as West Indies threatened to break free in the middle overs. But Jasprit Bumrah pulled things back brilliantly with a decisive double strike in the 12th over. Hetmyer edged one behind, and shortly after, Chase departed for a well-made 40 off 25 balls, caught by Suryakumar Yadav after mistiming a slower delivery. At 103/3, India sensed an opportunity to tighten their grip, and Hardik Pandya strengthened their position by dismissing Sherfane Rutherford for 14. However, what followed was a counterattack of the highest order. Powell and Holder shifted gears dramatically, particularly targeting Arshdeep Singh in the 16th over, which yielded 24 runs, including two massive sixes and a boundary. Holder, known for his finishing prowess, took charge against spin as well, smashing Varun Chakaravarthy for a six and a four in a momentum-altering over. The duo added crucial late runs, capitalising on some sloppy Indian fielding, including multiple dropped chances. Powells aggressive 34 off 19 balls and Holders unbeaten 37 off 22 balls ensured West Indies finished strongly. Holders towering six off Bumrah in the final over epitomised the Caribbean sides fearless approach, even as the Indian spearhead finished with impressive figures of 2/36. West Indies plundered 70 runs in the final five overs, turning what seemed like a competitive total into a daunting one. While Indias bowlers, led by Bumrah, found breakthroughs at key intervals, their fielding lapses and inability to contain the late onslaught allowed West Indies to seize control. Holders towering six off Bumrah in the final over epitomised the Caribbean sides fearless approach, even as the Indian spearhead finished with impressive figures of 2/36. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Bried Scores: West Indies 195/4 in 20 ov (Roston Chase 40, Jason Holder 37*, Rovman Powell 34*; Jasprit Bumrah 2-36) against India. Article Source: IANS

ISL 2026: Chennaiyin FC Take A Point With Fighting 1-1 Draw Against Odisha FC

Indian Super League: Chennaiyin FC secured their first point of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026 season after battling to a spirited 1-1 draw against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday. The Marina Machans looked the sharper side for large spells and deservedly went ahead in first-half stoppage time through Elsinho, who netted his maiden ISL goal. However, Carlos Delgados header midway through the second half restored parity for the hosts. Head coach Clifford Miranda made two changes to the starting XI, handing Farukh Choudhary a place in attack while Maheson Singh made his first league start, partnering Mohammed Ali Bemammer in midfield. Chennaiyin began brightly, carrying confidence from last seasons unbeaten run against the Juggernauts. Within six minutes, a sweeping move released Mandar Rao Dessai down the left, and his cutback nearly found Iigo Martin before the defence intervened. Soon after, Alberto Noguera threaded a pass to Irfan Yadwad, whose attempted pullback was cut out. From the resulting corner, Farukh reacted quickest to a loose ball and fired in a powerful volley that was bravely blocked. Chennaiyin continued to stretch Odishas backline with their width, while Maheson linked up well with Martin on multiple occasions, creating half-chances that kept the hosts on alert. The breakthrough finally arrived at the end of the first half. Farukhs inswinging corner was met by a towering header from Elsinho, who powered home to give Chennaiyin a deserved 1-0 lead. Goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz then produced a sharp save moments later to ensure the visitors went into the break ahead. After the restart, Chennaiyin maintained their attacking intent. Imran Khan and Lalrinliana Hnamte were introduced before the hour mark, and Iigo Martin soon drifted into space and drove into the box, only to see his curling effort drift narrowly wide. Klusner Pereira later replaced Farukh as the visitors sought to press home their advantage. Despite Chennaiyins dominance, Odisha found a way back in the 68th minute when Delgado rose highest to head in the equaliser. The visitors responded immediately, with Imran trying his luck from a distance and then delivering a dangerous ball into the area that Martin was inches away from converting. After the restart, Chennaiyin maintained their attacking intent. Imran Khan and Lalrinliana Hnamte were introduced before the hour mark, and Iigo Martin soon drifted into space and drove into the box, only to see his curling effort drift narrowly wide. Klusner Pereira later replaced Farukh as the visitors sought to press home their advantage. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Forced to settle for a point despite an enterprising display, Chennaiyin will now aim to build momentum when they take on Kerala Blasters on March 7. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Zimbabwe Coach Sammons Says Teams Travel Plans Uncertain Amid Middle East Situation

T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe head coach Justin Sammons said the teams travel plans remain uncertain after their 2026 Mens T20 World Cup campaign came to an end with a five-wicket loss to South Africa in their last Super Eights clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Amid the situation in the Middle East cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain and Kuwait, who have been witnessing strikes from the Iranian forces and airport operations being fully suspended, Zimbabwes players and coaches were originally scheduled to return home in three batches. One of the squad members, Graeme Cremer, lives in Dubai with his wife Merna, whos a pilot with the Emirates and their two children. It is understood that veteran leg-spinner Cremer has been quite distressed by the strikes happening in Dubai. Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone interaction after the match ended, Sammons acknowledged the uncertainty over their plans to go back home, but insisted the players had maintained their focus on the game. I would hope not. You still believe that the focus is on the game. But at the end of the day, I'm sure it's in the back of everyone's minds. Like you're going home, but how are you going home when you're going home? So it's still there, the conversations are happening in little groups, you can see that. But I still believe they had a full focus on the game when they stepped over that rope, he said. Asked if there was any clarity now on the plans to travel back home, Sammons said, No, not that I've heard of. When we started the game, there wasn't anything and obviously now it's just been focused on the game, so I've not heard anything since. An ICC official told IANS that the match officials who will not be needed for the semi-final stages of the showpiece event could use Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, as the layover destination instead of Dubai for catching their flights to their respective hometowns. But in terms of teams like Zimbabwe and how their travel schedule back home could be, clarity is yet to come. The ICC travel and logistics teams are still discussing with various stakeholders over the safe routes for their travel back home, said the official. Its not just Zimbabwe who have been affected Dr Mpho Rabada, the father of South Africas fast bowling spearhead Kagiso, was supposed to come to India for the Proteas semi-final against New Zealand in Kolkata. But in terms of teams like Zimbabwe and how their travel schedule back home could be, clarity is yet to come. The ICC travel and logistics teams are still discussing with various stakeholders over the safe routes for their travel back home, said the official. Also Read: Live Cricket Score #Iran #Israel #ICCT20WorldCup2026 My trip suspended due to the Middle East war. #PEACE&DIPLOMACY needed. UN, where are you????. In the meantime, I will support SA from the couch & pray for peace, he wrote. Article Source: IANS

Zimbabwe's return home delayed following Middle East airspace closure

ESPNcricinfo understands Zimbabwe were to return home on Emirates flights on Monday, which would take them from Delhi to Dubai to Harare

T20 WC: South Africa March Into Semi-finals As Lone Unbeaten Team Despite Razas All-round Show (Ld)

T20 World Cup: South Africa carried their unbeaten record into the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup semi-finals after overcoming an inspired all-round performance from Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza to win by five wickets in their Super Eights clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. Raza struck a superb 73 off 43 balls to take Zimbabwe to 153/7 before returning with figures of 3-29, including striking twice in power-play, to leave South Africa in early trouble at 43/3. Dewald Brevis steadied the chase with a blistering 42 from 18 deliveries, hitting four sixes and two fours to swing momentum back towards the Proteas. David Miller added a quick 22 before Blessing Muzarabani and Raza took a scalp each wicket to keep Zimbabwe in contention. South Africas lower order ensured there was no late drama. George Linde finished unbeaten on 30 alongside Tristan Stubbs on 21 as the Proteas sealed victory with 13 balls to spare. The result means South Africa advance to the semi-finals in Kolkata against New Zealand as the only side yet to lose in the tournament. In the afternoon, on a pitch with some smattering of grass, Raza entertained 17,500 fans by dominating the innings with some sublime timing and placement of his shots. He struck 12 of Zimbabwes 13 boundaries during his stay at the crease from overs 5-17. Apart from his knock, only wicketkeeper Clive Madande offered some resistance with an unbeaten 26 off 20 balls. It was because South Africas bowlers kept the rest of the line-up in check, with teenaged left-arm quick Kwena Maphaka impressing and finding some movement via 2-21 while Corbin Bosch chipped in with 2-40. Electing to bat first, Tadiwanashe Marumani left everyone amused by attempting a one-handed reverse sweep. Though he didn't connect with the ball after clipping George Linde on the first ball, Marumani didnt last long as he lost his leg-stump while trying to hoick Kwena Maphaka across the line. The in-form Brian Bennett enthralled everyone with sublime timing on his lofted whip and pull off Linde and Lungi Ngidi respectively. But Anrich Nortje took him out with a 145.8 kph delivery which Bennett could only loft to mid-off. With Dion Myers put on a stern test by Maphaka, Raza immediately got going by with a streaky edge on a drive going past backward point for four off Corbin Bosch. It was followed by Raza pulling and driving Bosch for six and four, as Zimbabwe closed the powerplay at 45/2. When Nortje returned in the eighth over, Raza was quick to drive and flat-bat him for a four and six, before slog-sweeping and sweeping Aiden Markram for the same result. But he was steadily losing support from the other end Myers top-edged a pull to mid-wicket off Linde, while Ngidis slower ball trapped Ryan Burl lbw and Bosch castled Tony Munyounga with a scrambled seam delivery uprooting the leg-stump. Raza, though, marched forward to tickle Maphaka for four, before bringing up his fifty in 29 balls by getting a single through square leg. Razas assault continued when he crisply drove a slower ball from Nortje through the extra cover fence for four, before hammering another drive off Ngidi for four and making room to send a low full toss from Bosch through the same region for another boundary. The crowd again were sent into a frenzy when Raza nailed a pull on a short ball from Maphaka over mid-wicket for six, while Clive Madande opened his account by sweeping Bosch for four. But Razas superb knock ended when he was taken by surprise from a cutter by Maphaka and the leading edge was caught by cover. From there, a score of 150-plus for Zimbabwe looked in danger. But Madande driving Nortje for four and Brad Evans nailing a lofted six off a slower ball from Ngidi ensured they got above 150 despite a yorker from Bosch castling the latter. South Africas chase began with a huge jolt when Quinton de Kock was undone by a slower ball from Raza which found grip, and had him chopping into the gloves of Tadiwanashe Marumani. Raza struck again in his second over when his carrom ball kept low and sneaked through Aiden Markrams bat to castle him for just four. Ryan Rickelton, though, launched a counter-attack by thumping Raza down the ground for six, before taking a blow to the helmet from Brad Evans. Rickelton then managed to clear the boundary ropes thrice for maximums, before going too early into the shot off Evans and Ryan Burl took a superb acrobatic catch at deep midwicket. Brevis, who began with a backfoot punch off Raza for four, lit up the stadium with his two trademark no-look sixes off Graeme Cremer and driving amazingly on the up off Blessing Muzarabani for four. Miller joined the fun with back-to-back sixes and a four off Wellington Masakadza, before he and Brevis took a four and six off Muzarabani to bring up the fifty of the partnership in quick time. Zimbabwe, though, kept clawing back - Muzarabani removed Miller, who steered straight to short third man. Raza, in his final over, produced another breakthrough by deceiving Brevis into miscuing a round-arm delivery high to long-on, where Burl completed a sharp catch, as the Castle Corner fans, seated in the east corner of the Gautam Gambhir stand, cheered voraciously with joy. Brevis, who began with a backfoot punch off Raza for four, lit up the stadium with his two trademark no-look sixes off Graeme Cremer and driving amazingly on the up off Blessing Muzarabani for four. Miller joined the fun with back-to-back sixes and a four off Wellington Masakadza, before he and Brevis took a four and six off Muzarabani to bring up the fifty of the partnership in quick time. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Zimbabwe 153/7 in 20 overs (Sikandar Raza 73, Clive Madande 26 not out; Kwena Maphaka 2-21, Corbin Bosch 2-40) lost to South Africa 154/5 in 17.5 overs (Dewald Brevis 42, Ryan Rickelton 31; Sikandar Raza 3-29, Brad Evans 1-22) by five wickets Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: All Stats From South Africas Win Over Zimbabwe

T20 World Cup Super Eights: Dewald Brevis top-scored with 42 as South Africa overcame a stunning spell from Sikandar Raza to beat Zimbabwe by five wickets in their 2026 Mens T20 World Cup Super Eights clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. Chasing 154, South Africa were rocked early by Raza, who removed Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram inside the first three overs. Ryan Rickelton briefly countered with three sixes before falling to leave the Proteas in trouble at 43/3. Brevis then took charge, smashing two fours and four sixes in his 18-ball 42 to tilt the chase back in South Africas favour. David Miller joined in with a flurry of boundaries, but Zimbabwe kept striking back, as Blessing Muzarabani and Raza removed the duo to keep the contest alive. Raza finished with figures of 3-29, adding to his superb 73 with the bat, but South Africas batting depth proved decisive. George Linde (30 not out) and Tristan Stubbs (21 not out) took the Proteas home with 13 balls to spare. The result means South Africa head into their semi-final against New Zealand in Kolkata as the only unbeaten side in the tournament. Numbers game between South Africa vs Zimbabwe match: 73: Was the score of Sikandar Raza vs South Africa, which is the highest individual score made by any Zimbabwean captain in the T20 WC. Sikandar bettered the record of Brendan Taylor, who scored 59 v Ireland in Sylhet in 2014. Overall, it was his second-best score in a T20 WC. Behind 82 v Ireland in Hobart 2022. 17: The number of half-centuries scored by Sikandar Raza (73) in 133 matches. It was his 2nd v South Africa in 4 matches. 10: Quinton de Kock failed to open his account. It was his 10th duck in 109 T20I matches. His first vs Zimbabwe in four matches. 8: The number of victories achieved by South Africa v Zimbabwe in T20Is in 9 encounters. One match produced no result due to bad weather. 10: Quinton de Kock failed to open his account. It was his 10th duck in 109 T20I matches. His first vs Zimbabwe in four matches. Also Read: Live Cricket Score 15: The number of victories achieved by South Africa under the leadership of Aiden Markram in 16 matches in the T20 WC. After MS Dhoni of India (21 victories in 33 matches) is the second most successful captain in the T20WC. Article Source: IANS

Unchanged India opt to bowl; Hosein replaces King for West Indies

West Indies have offspin of Chase, left-arm spin of Hosein and a mix of left-arm fingerspin and wristspin of Motie

T20 WC: Semi-final Spot On Line As Unchanged India Put West Indies To Bat

T20 World Cup: India won the toss and elected to bowl first against the West Indies in their Super Eights clash of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup at Eden Gardens on Sunday. The qualification equation became significantly simpler for the hosts after South Africa inflicted a heavy defeat on the West Indies earlier in the Super Eights stage. Before that result, Indias chances hinged not only on winning their remaining matches but also on securing emphatic margins of victory against Zimbabwe and the West Indies. South Africas triumph altered the scenario, leaving India with a clear objective: win both remaining fixtures to ensure progression. The team responded in style, overcoming the first challenge with a dominant 72-run victory over Zimbabwe, effectively turning their final Super Eights clash against the Windies into a virtual quarter-final, with the winner of the clash securing a semi-final spot. India carry a formidable T20I record into their clash at Eden Gardens, remaining unbeaten at the venue since 2016. Their only T20I defeat there came at the hands of England in 2011. Notably, India have won all four T20Is against the West Indies at the ground, including their most recent meeting in February 2022. However, the West Indies also boast strong memories at the iconic Kolkata stadium. It was here that they defeated England to clinch their second T20 World Cup title in 2016, and they remain unbeaten at the venue in World Cup matches. Winning the toss, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav said, We will bowl first tonight. Looks good. It has been a chasing ground, wicket gets even better so chasing is a good option. It's already wild and we will look to give a good show to the crowd. I think we ticked all the boxes last game. Same team. Meanwhile, Windies captain Shai Hope said, We would have done the same (bowling). Playing consistent cricket is key for us. Most of the guys have been part of the IPL and hopefully we can come out on top today. It's a do or die game today. This is what we play for - to play against big teams, best teams. One change, Akeal Hosein comes in for Brandon King. Playing XIs Meanwhile, Windies captain Shai Hope said, We would have done the same (bowling). Playing consistent cricket is key for us. Most of the guys have been part of the IPL and hopefully we can come out on top today. It's a do or die game today. This is what we play for - to play against big teams, best teams. One change, Akeal Hosein comes in for Brandon King. Also Read: Live Cricket Score West Indies: Shai Hope (c & wk), Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Akeall Hosein, Shamar Joseph Article Source: IANS

South Africa go into semis unbeaten despite Raza's heroics

Raza first smashed 73 off 43 and then took 3 for 29 but it wasn't enough

T20 WC: Brevis Hits 42 As South Africa Continue Unbeaten Run With Five-wicket Win Over Zimbabwe

T20 World Cup Super Eights: Dewald Brevis top-scored with 42 as South Africa overcame a stunning spell from Sikandar Raza to beat Zimbabwe by five wickets in their 2026 Mens T20 World Cup Super Eights clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. Chasing 154, South Africa were rocked early by Raza, who removed Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram inside the first three overs. Ryan Rickelton briefly countered with three sixes before falling to leave the Proteas in trouble at 43/3. Brevis then took charge, smashing two fours and four sixes in his 18-ball 42 to tilt the chase back in South Africas favour. David Miller joined in with a flurry of boundaries, but Zimbabwe kept striking back, as Blessing Muzarabani and Raza removed the duo to keep the contest alive. Raza finished with figures of 3-29, adding to his superb 73 with the bat, but South Africas batting depth proved decisive. George Linde (30 not out) and Tristan Stubbs (21 not out) took the Proteas home with 13 balls to spare. The result means South Africa head into their semi-final against New Zealand in Kolkata as the only unbeaten side in the tournament. South Africas chase began with a huge jolt when Quinton de Kock was undone by a slower ball from Raza which found grip, and had him chopping into the gloves of Tadiwanashe Marumani. Raza struck again in his second over when his carrom ball kept low and sneaked through Aiden Markrams bat to castle him for just four. Ryan Rickelton, though, launched a counter-attack by thumping Raza down the ground for six, before taking a blow to the helmet from Brad Evans. Rickelton then managed to clear the boundary ropes thrice for maximums, before going too early into the shot off Evans and Ryan Burl took a superb acrobatic catch at deep midwicket. Brevis, who began with a backfoot punch off Raza for four, lit up the stadium with his two trademark no-look sixes off Graeme Cremer and driving amazingly on the up off Blessing Muzarabani for four. Miller joined the fun with back-to-back sixes and a four off Wellington Masakadza, before he and Brevis took a four and six off Muzarabani to bring up the fifty of the partnership in quick time. Zimbabwe, though, kept clawing back - Muzarabani removed Miller, who steered straight to short third man. Raza, in his final over, produced another breakthrough by deceiving Brevis into miscuing a round-arm delivery high to long-on, where Burl completed a sharp catch, as the Castle Corner fans, seated in the east corner of the Gautam Gambhir stand, cheered voraciously with joy. Brevis, who began with a backfoot punch off Raza for four, lit up the stadium with his two trademark no-look sixes off Graeme Cremer and driving amazingly on the up off Blessing Muzarabani for four. Miller joined the fun with back-to-back sixes and a four off Wellington Masakadza, before he and Brevis took a four and six off Muzarabani to bring up the fifty of the partnership in quick time. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Zimbabwe 153/7 in 20 overs (Sikandar Raza 73, Clive Madande 26 not out; Kwena Maphaka 2-21, Corbin Bosch 2-40) lost to South Africa 154/5 in 17.5 overs (Dewald Brevis 42, Ryan Rickelton 31; Sikandar Raza 3-29, Brad Evans 1-22) by five wickets Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Saqlain Mushtaq Holds Coach Hesson Responsible For All-rounders Struggles After PAKs Exit

T20 World Cup: Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has attributed the underwhelming performances of all-rounders Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz in the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 to what he described as mismanagement and unrealistic expectations from head coach Mike Hesson. The criticism comes after the Pakistan national cricket team failed to advance to the semi-finals, exiting the tournament following their inability to secure a decisive victory over the Sri Lanka national cricket team in their final Super Eights fixture. The early exit has triggered scrutiny of both Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha, particularly regarding team balance and player utilisation. Mushtaq questioned the clarity of roles assigned to Shadab and Nawaz, suggesting the team management failed to define their responsibilities effectively. There are different types of all-rounders in the world. There is a bowling all-rounder and there is a batting all-rounder and there is one complete all-rounder. I have mentioned it before also, said Mushtaq on the show Tapmad. He pointed to selection decisions and tactical deployment as factors that disrupted the teams structure and weakened its bowling effectiveness. In the Pakistan team, whichever all-rounders were picked up from the resources, I think in the case of Shadab and Nawaz, what was their role? If you see the stats, who were their wicket-taking bowlers? First, Usman Tariq did not play initially, and we were told to pick him up, and you brought him. Then they brought Abrar Ahmed, a pure bowler. Your batting balance was getting disturbed because you had these two all-rounders in the form of Shadab and Nawaz, on whose batting and bowling you had belief on. Both Nawaz and Shadab have given performances in batting and bowling also. Right now, things are running patchy. At this position, coach xx was demanding both things from these two. That you have to bat at this spot and bowl at this role. And in bowling, both of them were not bowling in death overs. Nawaz would come to bowl in power play sometimes. In middle overs, Usman Tariq and now Abrar would bowl, he added. Statistically, neither player delivered consistently throughout the tournament. Shadabs most notable contribution came in Pakistans group-stage win over Namibia, where he struck an unbeaten 36 and claimed three wickets. Nawaz, meanwhile, struggled for impact with the bat, scoring just 20 runs across five innings, though he managed seven wickets overall, including his best figures against England in the Super Eights. Mushtaq further defended the duo by drawing comparisons with prominent international all-rounders, arguing that performance expectations must be viewed in context. Statistically, neither player delivered consistently throughout the tournament. Shadabs most notable contribution came in Pakistans group-stage win over Namibia, where he struck an unbeaten 36 and claimed three wickets. Nawaz, meanwhile, struggled for impact with the bat, scoring just 20 runs across five innings, though he managed seven wickets overall, including his best figures against England in the Super Eights. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Mushtaqs remarks have added to the growing debate over Pakistans tactical decisions during the tournament, with questions being raised about role clarity, selection strategy, and the management of multi-skill players in high-pressure global events. Article Source: IANS

'We Didnt Play Good Cricket In ODIs,' Says Harmanpreet After 3-0 Whitewash Against Australia

Harmanpreet Kaur: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted that her side failed to maintain consistency and played poor cricket in the ODI format after they suffered a heavy 185-run defeat against Australia in the third ODI played at the Bellerive Oval on Sunday. Chasing a massive target of 410, India were bowled out for 224 in 45.1 overs as Australia completed a 3-0 sweep of the ODI series and took an 8-2 lead in the multi-format contest. I think overall we didnt play good cricket. In T20, we were doing all the things right and in ODI, we didnt play good cricket. I think that is something which cost us, Harmanpreet said after the match. Highlighting the difference between the two formats, the Indian skipper pointed out that consistency is key in 50-over cricket. ODI is a long game, and you have to keep doing the right things again and again. I think we kept making too many mistakes, Harmanpreet explained. She also credited the Australian side for their dominant display. Credit goes to the Australian team also, they really played good cricket, and they didnt give us a chance to bounce back. Despite the setback, the Indian skipper stressed that the series offered important lessons for the upcoming matches. A lot of learning for us, and definitely we will go back and think about how we have to go about in ODI cricket, the 36-year-old said. With limited time to regroup before the start of the iconic test match at Perth, Harmanpreet emphasised the need to stay mentally strong. A lot of learning for us, and definitely we will go back and think about how we have to go about in ODI cricket, the 36-year-old said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Indian women's team will end their tour with a test match against Australia to be played at the Perth Stadium from March 6. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Fans Back India As Hosts Hold Edge Over West Indies Ahead Of High-stakes Clash

West Indies ICC T20 World: Hosts India will carry a historical advantage and strong home support when they face West Indies in a crucial ICC T20 World Cup match in Kolkata tonight, with a semifinal spot on the line for the winner. According to statistics compiled by IANS, India have dominated the head-to-head record between the two sides in T20 Internationals. Out of 30 matches played so far, India have won 19 while West Indies have registered 10 victories, with one match ending in no result. Both teams, however, head into the contest in impressive recent form. India have won four of their last five matches (W, W, W, L, W), showing consistency with both bat and ball. West Indies have also looked strong, winning four of their previous five games (W, W, W, W, L), underlining their reputation as one of the most dangerous sides in the shortest format. The high-stakes encounter has generated huge excitement among cricket fans in Kolkata, with the Eden Gardens crowd expected to turn out in large numbers to support the home side. We are confident India will win tonight. Playing at home with the crowd behind them makes a big difference, said a fan waiting outside the stadium. Another supporter said the teams recent form gives fans plenty of hope. India have been playing good cricket in the last few matches. If the top order fires, I think we can reach the semifinals. Meanwhile, some fans are expecting a tough fight from the Caribbean side. West Indies are always dangerous in T20 cricket, but I believe India have the edge tonight, said a college student. When and where to watch Meanwhile, some fans are expecting a tough fight from the Caribbean side. West Indies are always dangerous in T20 cricket, but I believe India have the edge tonight, said a college student. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The game will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website. Article Source: IANS

Im Not Sure: Habibul Uncertain About Applying For Role Of National Selection Panel Heads

Bangladesh Cricket Board: Former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar has expressed uncertainty over whether he will apply for a place on the national selection panel after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) opted to publicly invite applications for the role for the first time. The development follows incumbent chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain's decision to step down after completing his two-year tenure. Bashar had long been viewed as the leading candidate to succeed him, but the BCB instead announced that it would advertise two vacancies on the selection panel, with the submission deadline set for March 8. Bashar, who previously served as a selector for eight years under chief selectors Faruque Ahmed and Minhajul Abedin before the panel was reshaped in February 2024, admitted he was weighing his options given his current responsibilities within the boards game development programme. I am not sure (whether I will send my CV or not). I am currently working with BCB so in that case why do I have to apply is something I need to understand before taking a final call in this regard, Bashar told Cricbuzz. BCB cricket operations chairman Nazmul Abedin explained that the decision to open the positions to applicants was aimed at ensuring transparency and broadening the talent pool. The reason is that, apart from those we have in mind, there may be others who are qualified and who deserve an opportunity. We want to judge whether they have the ability. That makes the whole process a bit fairer, said Nazmul. He added that the board intends to select the most suitable candidates while also identifying potential selectors for future roles. Ultimately, we will take those whom we consider the most qualified. But here there will be more than one opportunity, and if someone can prove that, yes, I am also eligible, that is one aspect. Another thing is that we may take two people this time but we will also come to know who else is in our system and who are interested, he said. Nazmul further emphasised that the move aligns with the boards long-term vision of expanding its selection structure across different levels of the game. In the future, we will need more selectors. If we think regionally, or at age-group level, or for the women's side, we will need more selectors, he said. While leadership credentials remain a key factor in the appointment process, Nazmul acknowledged that former national captains often possess qualities suited to the role. That (former national captain) will definitely be a preference (for head of selection panel) but considering everything together - whoever has that leadership quality, that experience, that knowledge - definitely he will be preferred, said Nazmul. While leadership credentials remain a key factor in the appointment process, Nazmul acknowledged that former national captains often possess qualities suited to the role. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In the interim, the BCB recently granted Ashraf a one-month extension to ensure continuity while the process to appoint his successor and expand the panel moves forward. Article Source: IANS

3rd ODI: Skipper Healy's Century Guides Australia To 185-run Victory Over IND-W

Skipper Alyssa Healy: Skipper Alyssa Healy's 158 and Alana King's (4-33) helped Australia bowled out India for 224 runs in 45.1 and register a dominant 185-run win in the third ODI of the multi-format series, here at the Bellerive Oval on Sunday. With this win, Australia clinched the ODI series 3-0 and took a lead of 6-2 in the multi-format series. Earlier, Australia posted a massive 409/7 in 50 overs after losing the toss. Captain Alyssa Healy played a brilliant knock of 158 in her final ODI appearance, while Beth Mooney remained unbeaten on 106. India had a poor start to the chase as Smriti Mandhana was dismissed for a duck by Nicola Carey in the second over. Pratika Rawal and Jemimah Rodrigues tried to rebuild the innings and added 52 runs for the second wicket. Pratika scored 27 off 21 balls before she was dismissed in the eighth over. Ashleigh Gardner then removed Jemimah, who made a quick 42 off 29 balls, hitting nine boundaries. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Harleen Deol added 34 runs, but Australia struck back quickly. Harleen, Harmanpreet, Richa Ghosh and Kashvee Gautam were dismissed within five overs, leaving India struggling at 137/7 during the mid-stage. Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana added 63 runs for the eighth wicket to delay the end. Deepti scored 29 off 47 balls before she was bowled by Alana King in the 40th over. Rana made a fighting 44, but Georgia Wareham took the final wicket as India were all out in 45.1 overs. Earlier in the day, Australia started steadily and scored 27 runs in the first five overs. India got an early breakthrough when Kashvee Gautam dismissed Phoebe Litchfield for 14. After that, Alyssa Healy and Georgia Voll built a strong partnership of 104 runs for the second wicket. Voll reached her fifty in 42 balls before she was caught by Harleen Deol off Sneh Ranas bowling in the 22nd over. Healy brought up her half-century in 49 balls and completed her century in just 76 balls. She was finally bowled by Rana in the 37th over after scoring 158 off 98 balls. Earlier in the day, Australia started steadily and scored 27 runs in the first five overs. India got an early breakthrough when Kashvee Gautam dismissed Phoebe Litchfield for 14. After that, Alyssa Healy and Georgia Voll built a strong partnership of 104 runs for the second wicket. Voll reached her fifty in 42 balls before she was caught by Harleen Deol off Sneh Ranas bowling in the 22nd over. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Australia Women 409/7 in 50 overs (Alyssa Healy 158, Beth Mooney 106 not out, Georgia Voll 62; Sneh Rana 2-66, Shree Charani 2-106) beat India Women 224/10 in 45.1 overs (Sneh Rana 44, Jemimah Rodrigues 42; Alana King 4-33, Georgia Wareham 2-3) by 185 runs. Article Source: IANS

Cricketer Richa Ghosh's Name 'under Ad-judication' Category In West Bengal's Electoral Rolls

Harishchandrapur MLA Tajmul Hossian: The name of World Cup-winning Indian women's cricket team member, Richa Ghosh, has been placed as 'under ad-judication' in the final electoral rolls of West Bengal. The matter came to light after the final voters' list of the state was published following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. On Saturday, the Election Commission of India identified voters in three 'categories'. Those who have been excluded have been declared as 'deleted'. Eligible voters have been declared as 'approved'. In addition, there are names, but the documents have not been verified and settled, of those 60,06,675 people who have been declared as 'under ad-judication' in the voters' list. Richa Ghosh, is a resident of ward number 19 of Siliguri Municipality in north Bengal. The state government had awarded Richa with the 'Banga Bhushan' award. Richa has also been given a job as a DSP in the state police. However, despite such recognition, Richa's name is in the 'under adjudication' category. According to her father Manabendra Ghosh, Richa stays outside the state or the country most of the year due to her commitment to Indian cricket. A notice was issued in her name during the SIR process. Richa's father claimed that after receiving the SIR notice, all the documents were submitted online. But even after that, no solution was found, said Manabendra. Not only Richa, but her sister Somashree Ghosh's name is also under the same category. Siliguri Municipality's ward 19 councilor and Left Front leader Moushumi Hazra went to Richa's house after learning about the development. Hazra said, It's shameful. Richa, who has made the whole of India shine, has to go through this. Then think about the condition of the common people. Siliguri Mayor and senior Trinamool Congress leader Goutam Deb expressed his anger at the Election Commission over this incident. He said, Richa is not only the pride of Siliguri, but also of India. This is the whim of the Election Commission. I condemn the role of the Election Commission. On the other hand, a political row has started over the name of state minister and Harishchandrapur MLA Tajmul Hossian is also 'under ad-judication' category. Hossain claimed that he received the SIR notice from the Election Commission on January 18. After receiving the notice, he stood in line and submitted all the documents. Tajmul is surprised that his name is still on the 'under ad-judication' category. Meanwhile, name of a Trinamool panchayat member has been omitted from the final voter's list. Jharna Mandal Barman, is a Trinamool Panchayat member of Baroghariya Gram Panchayat in Dhupguri Block in Jalpaiguri district. The BJP raised its voice against her in the initial phase of the SIR. They claimed that Jharna Mandal is a resident of Bangladesh. Jharna Mandal Barman, is a Trinamool Panchayat member of Baroghariya Gram Panchayat in Dhupguri Block in Jalpaiguri district. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In 2023, the Trinamool nominated her as a candidate and she was elected as a panchayat member. On Saturday, when the voters' list was published, it was seen that Jharna Mandal Barman's name was deleted. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Sikandar Razas Superb 73 Carries Zimbabwe To 153/7 Against South Africa

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza smashed a superb 73 off 43 balls to guide his side to 153/7 against South Africa in their 2026 Mens T20 World Cup Super Eights clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. On a pitch with some smattering of grass, Raza entertained 17,500 fans by dominating the innings with some sublime timing and placement of his shots. He struck 12 of Zimbabwes 13 boundaries during his stay at the crease from overs 5-17. Apart from his knock, only wicketkeeper Clive Madande offered some resistance with an unbeaten 26 off 20 balls. It was because South Africas bowlers kept the rest of the line-up in check, with teenaged left-arm quick Kwena Maphaka impressing via 2-21 while Corbin Bosch chipped in with 2-40. With Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen rested ahead of the semi-finals, the Proteas fringe players seized the opportunity to make an impact. Electing to bat first, Tadiwanashe Marumani left everyone amused by attempting a one-handed reverse sweep. Though he didn't connect with the ball after clipping George Linde on the first ball, Marumani didnt last long as he lost his leg-stump while trying to hoick Kwena Maphaka across the line. The in-form Brian Bennett enthralled everyone with sublime timing on his lofted whip and pull off Linde and Lungi Ngidi respectively. But Anrich Nortje took him out with a 145.8 kph delivery which Bennett could only loft to mid-off. With Dion Myers put on a stern test by Maphaka, Raza immediately got going by with a streaky edge on a drive going past backward point for four off Corbin Bosch. It was followed by Raza pulling and driving Bosch for six and four, as Zimbabwe closed the powerplay at 45/2. When Nortje returned in the eighth over, Raza was quick to drive and flat-bat him for a four and six, before slog-sweeping and sweeping Aiden Markram for the same result. But he was steadily losing support from the other end Myers top-edged a pull to mid-wicket off Linde, while Ngidis slower ball trapped Ryan Burl lbw and Bosch castled Tony Munyounga with a scrambled seam delivery uprooting the leg-stump. Raza, though, marched forward to tickle Maphaka for four, before bringing up his fifty in 29 balls by getting a single through square leg. Razas assault continued when he crisply drove a slower ball from Nortje through the extra cover fence for four, before hammering another drive off Ngidi for four and making room to send a low full toss from Bosch through the same region for another boundary. The crowd again were sent into a frenzy when Raza nailed a pull on a short ball from Maphaka over mid-wicket for six, while Clive Madande opened his account by sweeping Bosch for four. But Razas superb knock ended when he was taken by surprise from a cutter by Maphaka and the leading edge was caught by cover. Razas assault continued when he crisply drove a slower ball from Nortje through the extra cover fence for four, before hammering another drive off Ngidi for four and making room to send a low full toss from Bosch through the same region for another boundary. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Zimbabwe 153/7 in 20 overs (Sikandar Raza 73, Clive Madande 26 not out; Kwena Maphaka 2-21, Corbin Bosch 2-40) against South Africa Article Source: IANS

Saqlain Mushtaq blames Pakistan coach Mike Hesson for Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz flopping at T20 World Cup

'We Could Hear Sounds Of Interceptions And Explosions': Sindhu Shares Frightening Experience From Dubai Amid Middle East Crisis (Ld)

All England Open: Ace Indian shuttler PV Sindhu, who was left stranded at the Dubai Airport on Saturday en route to Birmingham as flight operations were suspended owing to escalating tensions between Iran and the US-Israel, shared her harrowing experience from Dubai and said the last few hours have been extremely tense as there were sounds of interceptions and explosions very close to where she and her team were holed up at Dubai Airport. Sindhu was travelling to Birmingham for the prestigious All England Open, which starts on Tuesday, and had a layover in Dubai on the way. But the two-time Olympic medallist stranded at Dubai airport due to major flight disruption. I was transiting from Bangalore, where I train and live full-time now, to Birmingham in the UK to compete in the All England championships. And, once our flight landed in Dubai, events beyond our control began to unfold, and shortly after the airspace also was shut down. And the last few hours have been extremely tense. We could hear the sounds of interceptions overhead, and a few hours later, there was an explosion very close to where we were holed up at Dubai Airport, Sindhu said in a video message. My coach was barely about 100 meters away from where it happened and had to quickly move out of the area. Experiencing something like this in such close quarters truly shakes the very foundation youre built on. You never expect these things to happen to you or anyone close to you. But sometimes situations are beyond your control. I feel incredibly blessed to have such a strong and united team around me, and everyone has stayed calm, supported one another and shown real strength during a very frightening situation, she added. Sindhu also confirmed that everyone are safe and had been moved to a more secure area. She credited airport authorities and Indian High Commission in Dubai officials for their swift assistance during the tense situation. she continued, Currently, we are safe now and have been moved to a more secure place. Im deeply grateful to the Dubai authorities and the staff at Dubai Airport. Also, weve been incredibly tireless in ensuring everyones safety. Were also truly grateful to Emirates and the airport staff for being incredibly kind and supportive. With so many passengers stranded, their hands were understandably tied, but they showed genuine empathy and care towards everyone going through this difficult experience. And I would also like to sincerely thank the Indian High Commission in Dubai for their extraordinary support. And when I reached out requesting assistance, the high commission immediately responded and, on high super priority notice, deployed his team to help us. she continued, Currently, we are safe now and have been moved to a more secure place. Im deeply grateful to the Dubai authorities and the staff at Dubai Airport. Also, weve been incredibly tireless in ensuring everyones safety. Were also truly grateful to Emirates and the airport staff for being incredibly kind and supportive. With so many passengers stranded, their hands were understandably tied, but they showed genuine empathy and care towards everyone going through this difficult experience. Also Read: Live Cricket Score And of course, we are truly blessed to have such a sensitised and credibile in looking out for Indian citizens here for now, were trying to get some rest and remain hopeful as the situation continues to unfold. So thank you for your prayers, messages and concern. It truly means a lot to all of us, she concluded. Article Source: IANS

'No One Will Get IPL Contracts If': Manoj Tiwary's Funny Warning To Team India Ahead Of Windies Clash

ICC T20 World Cup: As India prepares for a must-win match against the West Indies, former cricketer Manoj Tiwary has a funny warning for Men in Blue, saying they might struggle to secure IPL contracts if they fail to defeat the Caribbean side in their crucial Super 8s clash of the ICC T20 World Cup at Eden Gardens on Sunday evening. The Super 8 contest between India and the West Indies will be a virtual quarter-final, with the winner progressing to the semi-finals and the loser bowing out of the tournament. Both teams are locked on two points from as many matches, having registered comprehensive wins over Zimbabwe and suffered defeats to South Africa in the Super Eight stage. Speaking during a discussion on Cricbuzz, Tiwary expressed confidence in Indias chances while also commenting on the outcome of their loss. India have scored 256 in their last match, so from that position, they should go through. There is no pressure at all. The expectation would be to score over 200 and defeat the West Indies easily. If they can't defeat the West Indies, no one will get IPL contracts, Tiwary said with a smile on his face. Former India opener Virender Sehwag, who was also part of the discussion, offered a more cautious perspective, stating that no team can be taken lightly in a global tournament. It can happen; it is not as if we are invincible and cannot lose to anyone. The other team is also here to play and win. You had one bad day; you lost that day to South Africa. Then we have defeated Zimbabwe, and now if we defeat the West Indies, we will qualify with a laugh, Sehwag said. He also highlighted the emotional reactions of fans following Indias defeat to South Africa. It can happen; it is not as if we are invincible and cannot lose to anyone. The other team is also here to play and win. You had one bad day; you lost that day to South Africa. Then we have defeated Zimbabwe, and now if we defeat the West Indies, we will qualify with a laugh, Sehwag said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score England, New Zealand and South Africa have already secured their berths in the semi-finals, leaving one remaining spot to be decided between India and the West Indies in Sundays high-stakes encounter. Article Source: IANS

Zimbabwe bat with injuries to Ngarava, Musekiwa; Three changes for SA

South Africa are resting Rabada, Jansen and Maharaj ahead of the semi-final

T20 WC: Maphaka, Nortje, Linde In For Unbeaten SA As Zimbabwe Opt To Bat First

T20 World Cup: An unbeaten South Africa have brought in Kwena Maphaka, Anrich Nortje and George Linde as Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first in the Super Eights clash of the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. South Africa, who have already qualified for the semi-finals, had hinted in the pre-match press conference that they would look to rest some of their mainstays, something which they did during their win over the UAE in New Delhi. With Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj rested, a win for the Proteas here will guarantee them as Group 1 toppers. They've been working behind the scenes and deserve some game time. This also gives us a chance to see them in action if any injuries occur going forward. We would have batted first as well, we've been chasing well and wanted to see how we go batting first. The drive is to continue doing what we've been doing well, said South Africa skipper Aiden Markram. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza said Richard Ngarava and Tashinga Musekiwa are unavailable due to injuries, and have brought back Wellington Masakadza and Graeme Cremer into their playing eleven, as they aim to sign off from the tournament on a high. It's a day game and we have a few injuries, so we're going to bat, as it suits our gameplan. We've seen the reality, we have to see how we can improve and become a mid-table team in 18 months time. Playing XIs It's a day game and we have a few injuries, so we're going to bat, as it suits our gameplan. We've seen the reality, we have to see how we can improve and become a mid-table team in 18 months time. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (captain), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Clive Madande, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer and Blessing Muzarabani Article Source: IANS

'Pushe The Ball A Little Fuller, Attack The Stumps: Sanjay Bangar's Advice To Varun Ahead Of WI Clash

Sanjay Bangar: Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar has advised mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy to bowl fuller lengths and target the stumps as India gear up to face West Indies in a virtual quarterfinal at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday. Analysing Varuns performances in the Super 8s, Bangar felt the spinner was slightly off his optimal length, particularly in matches where opposition batters were able to line him up. Against Zimbabwe, a majority of his deliveries were back of a length, and many of the boundaries came from that area. If he pushes the ball a little fuller and attacks the stumps, thats where Varun is most dangerous. That has been one of Varun Chakaravarthys strengths; if the batsman misses, he is either trapped leg before wicket or bowled, Bangar told Jio Hotstar. Bangar also highlighted the importance of Varuns variations against West Indies power-hitters like Shimron Hetmyer, who is looking in great touch in the ongoing tournament. Hetmyer tends to target long-on and the mid-wicket region, with a large share of his runs coming there. So, bowling the googly from off-stump to the fourth-stump line, slightly wider outside off, can be very effective. If he goes across, there is always a wicket-taking opportunity for Varun, he added. Varun getting back in form will be crucial when India face the two-time champions. The number 1 T20I bowler gave away 35 runs against Zimbabwe in the last match and was able to take only one wicket. Against the Proteas, Varun leaked 47 runs and took only one wicket. Bangar shed light on what Abhishek Sharma did better against Zimbabwe after a poor start to the tournament: Varun getting back in form will be crucial when India face the two-time champions. The number 1 T20I bowler gave away 35 runs against Zimbabwe in the last match and was able to take only one wicket. Against the Proteas, Varun leaked 47 runs and took only one wicket. Also Read: Live Cricket Score One of his strongest suits is hitting through the off-side because not many players, when they are looking to hit sixes, favour that side. So, if you can take pace off the ball, he can get into trouble. But if you dont take pace off and bowl in that fourth-stump corridor, he will score freely over covers or mid-off, where he is scoring most of his runs. Article Source: IANS

A Look At India's Impressive Record At Eden Gardens In T20Is Ahead Of Crucial Super 8 Clash With Windies

T20 World Cup: As three semi-finalists have been confirmed at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, the last position will go down to the final day of Super Eights action between defending champions India and the West Indies on Sunday evening as the race to be crowned champions continues. India's confidence-building victory over Zimbabwe on Thursday leaves the Asian side with a simple equation heading into their final Super Eights fixture with the West Indies. A victory over the West Indies will see India qualify for the semi-finals, while a loss will see them miss out. If India do qualify then it is likely they will finish the Super Eights behind South Africa in second place in Group 1 and will meet the top-ranked team (England) from Group 2 in the semifinal. India will take on the Windies at their happy hunting ground, Eden Gardens in Kolkata. However, the West Indies too have some good memories of the venue, having won their second T20 World Cup title after beating England in the final at the Eden Gardens in 2016. But India have a superior record at the venue in the shorter format of the game and have been undefeated in Kolkata since 2016. Moreover, India have never lost a game against the West Indies at the iconic venue. Men in Blue have played eight T20I matches at the venue since 2011 and have lost just one game. Indias only loss at the Eden Gardens in a T20I came against England in October 2011. India have since managed seven wins in a row in seven T20I matches in a row at the venue. India and the West Indies have played four T20I matches at the Eden Gardens, with the hosts claiming victories in all four. Indias last victory against the West Indies at the venue came in February 2022. Overall, India and the West Indies have played in 30 T20I matches, with India having an upper hand against the Windies with 19 wins and the West Indies emerging victorious on 10 occasions. One of the matches between the two sides ended in a no result. Squads: Overall, India and the West Indies have played in 30 T20I matches, with India having an upper hand against the Windies with 19 wins and the West Indies emerging victorious on 10 occasions. One of the matches between the two sides ended in a no result. Also Read: Live Cricket Score West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Roston Chase, Johnson Charles Article Source: IANS

3rd ODI: Healy, Mooney Fire Australia Women To Massive 409/7 Against India

Skipper Alyssa Healy: Skipper Alyssa Healy played a magnificent knock of 158 runs, while Beth Mooney remained unbeaten at 106 as Australia Women posted 409/7 in 50 overs against India in the third ODI of the multi-format series here at the Bellerive Oval on Sunday. Coming to bat, Australia's captain Healy came to open the innings for the final time in the ODI. She received a guard of honour from the Indian side. Australia started carefully, scoring 27 runs in the first five overs. India got their first breakthrough when Kashvee Gautam dismissed Phoebe Litchfield for 14 off 20 balls. The early wicket did not slow Healy down. She hit three boundaries in the next over off Renuka Singh Thakur. On the other end, Georgia Voll (62 off 52) also played attacking shots from the start. She reached her fifty in 42 balls and added 104 runs with Healy for the second wicket, putting the Indian team under pressure. The deadlly partnership came to an end in the 22nd over when Voll edged Sneh Rana and was caught at long-on by Harleen Deol. Healy brought up her half-century in 49 balls and then increased her scoring rate. She completed her century in 76 balls in her farewell ODI and added 58 more runs off the next 22 balls. Her scintillating innings ended in the 37th over after scoring 158 off 98 balls, including 27 fours and two sixes. After Healys dismissal, Mooney guided the team towards a big total. She reached her fifty in 54 balls as Australia moved to 305/3 at the end of 40 overs. India fought back in the final ten overs, taking the wickets of Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath and Georgia Wareham within six overs. Despite losing wickets at the other end, Mooney continued to attack. She completed her hundred in 82 balls and stayed unbeaten on 106 as Australia crossed the 400-run mark. Her innings included ten fours and one six. India fought back in the final ten overs, taking the wickets of Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath and Georgia Wareham within six overs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Australia Women 409/7 in 50 overs (Alyssa Healy 158*, Beth Mooney 106, Georgia Voll 62; Sneh Rana 2-66, Shree Charani 2-106) against India Women Article Source: IANS

'All contingencies covered' as NZ wait for Matt Henry to come back

If Matt Henry is unavailable for the semi-final on Wednesday, New Zealand are likely to bring back Jacob Duffy or Kyle Jamieson

Could Someone Please Be In Contact: Bairstow Stuck In Abu Dhabi, Pleads For Help As Middle East Crisis Disrupts Flights

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: England cricketer Jonny Bairstow, who is touring Abu Dhabi with the England Lions in a coaching role, pleaded for help after airlines serving the Middle East cancelled and diverted flights after the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran. England wicketkeeper stuck in Abu Dhabi, pleads for help as Middle East crisis disrupts flights New Delhi, Mar 1 (IANS) England cricketer Jonny Bairstow, who is touring Abu Dhabi with the England Lions in a coaching role, pleaded for help after airlines serving the Middle East cancelled and diverted flights after the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran. On Saturday evening, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer posted his statement on Iran, to which Bairstow replied in the wee hours of Sunday. Can you get us home??? Bairstow tweeted. Later the 36-year-old expressed his frustration after being left without any official communication following the cancellation of his flight. He revealed that attempts to reach out through available channels had yielded no response. @emirates we havent had any communication post flight getting cancelled. Tried the lines of communication, but nothing. Could someone please be in contact, Bairstow shared on X. England Lions' second 50-over game against Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi on Sunday has been cancelled, while England Women's training camp in the UAE has been delayed due to the military attacks in the region. The safety and security of our teams and staff is our top priority. We are in contact with security experts and the government in relation to current events in the Middle East, and are following official advice. The second 50-over game between England Mens Lions and Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi will no longer go ahead, and we are delaying the departure of England Women for their proposed trip to Abu Dhabi next week. We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and official advice in relation to the future of these trips, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had said in a statement. The rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East has also left Indian ace shuttler PV Sindhu at the Dubai Airport. She was travelling to Birmingham for the prestigious All England Open, which starts on Tuesday, and had a layover in Dubai on the way. The safety and security of our teams and staff is our top priority. We are in contact with security experts and the government in relation to current events in the Middle East, and are following official advice. The second 50-over game between England Mens Lions and Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi will no longer go ahead, and we are delaying the departure of England Women for their proposed trip to Abu Dhabi next week. We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and official advice in relation to the future of these trips, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had said in a statement. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Moreover, Bangladesh's veteran wicketkeeper-batter, Mushfiqur Rahim, who had travelled to Makkah to perform the holy pilgrimage of Umrah, has been stuck in Jeddah along with thousands of passengers currently stranded at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, following disruption in flight services. Article Source: IANS

Do Agha and Shanaka have a future as T20I captains?

Our experts, Urooj Mumtaz and Farveez Maharoof, want change, but can't spot any real alternatives in either the Pakistan or the Sri Lanka set-up

Indian Women's Team Accords Guard Of Honour To Alyssa Healy In Her Farewell ODI

Alyssa Healy: As Australia skipper Alyssa Healy came to bat in her final appearance in 50-over game in the third ODI against India, the Women in Blue formed a guard of honour for the retiring wicketkeeper-batter here at the Bellerive Oval on Sunday The retiring wicketkeeper batter scored a century in his final ODI in Australian colours and stood tall at the crease with 158 off 98 balls befroe Sneh Rana ended her impressive innings in the 37th over. BCCI Women shared the photos of the tribute on X, in which Harmanpreet, who has shared a great rivalry on the field against the Australian great, was seen shaking her hand as the 35-year-old walked towards the pitch. Team India formed a guard of honour before the start of play today for Australia captain Alyssa Healy, who is playing her final ODI match, BCCI Women wrote on X. In January this year Healy announced that she will draw the curtains on her glittering 16-year international career after the home series against India. The wicketkeeper-batter is leading Australia in a multi-format tour, which comprises three ODIs, three T20Is and a one-off Test, before signing off in front of the home crowd. She has scored 489 runs in 10 Tests. She has accumulated 3619 runs across 123 ODIs and 3054 runs in 162 T20Is. In December 2023, she was appointed Australias full-time captain, taking over from Meg Lanning. In January this year Healy announced that she will draw the curtains on her glittering 16-year international career after the home series against India. The wicketkeeper-batter is leading Australia in a multi-format tour, which comprises three ODIs, three T20Is and a one-off Test, before signing off in front of the home crowd. Also Read: Live Cricket Score -- IANS Article Source: IANS

'It's Time To Give It To Someone Else': SL Coach Jayasuriya Decides To Step Down After T20 WC Exit

ICC T20 T20 World Cup: After Sri Lanka's narrow loss to Pakistan in the T20 World Cup Super 8 stage, head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has decided to step down from his role. Sri Lanka missed out on qualifying for the knockout stages of the ongoing tournament, with the island nation suffering a third straight loss in the Super Eights phase after going down to Pakistan by three runs in Pallekele on Saturday. Jayasuriya plans to sit down with officials to discuss his future as the co-hosts come to terms with the completion of their disappointing campaign at the ICC T20 T20 World Cup. I thought it was time to give it to someone else, Jayasuriya said in the post-match press conference. About two months ago, during the England series, I had said that I don't have hopes of staying in the job for long. I had taken this decision by then. I thought I'd be able to leave as coach on a good note at the World Cup. I wasn't able to do that as well as I'd like, and I'm sad about that. Jayasuriya took over as Sri Lanka coach shortly after the 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup, with the former skipper confirming his preference to leave the role early despite his contract being scheduled to finish in June this year. My contract runs till June. I haven't officially informed SLC yet. They don't even know that I am going to say this. I need to go and discuss it with them. If they can get somebody else to coach the team, then definitely they should do that. Sri Lanka managed three wins from their four matches in the initial group stage of the T20 World Cup, but injuries to key duo Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana derailed their campaign ahead of their winless run in the Super Eights. I think we would have done better, for sure, Jayasuriya continued. Since we played in Sri Lanka, we had a lot of opportunities to reach the semi-finals. But unfortunately, we are not there. A hundred percent, I feel that we should have done better. It was inconsistency. In some games, the batting didn't click; in others, the bowling didn't. If you want to win matches, both departments need to perform really well. Unfortunately, we were not consistent, and that was the key. We need to be consistent in every department. Under Jayasuriyas tenure, Sri Lanka recorded their first ODI bilateral series win against India in 27 years in August 2024, before going on to win a Test at The Oval in September that year, and then beating New Zealand 2-0 at home in a Test series. While results at this years T20 World Cup fell short of expectations, Jayasuriya believes he achieved significant progress during his time in charge. Over the last one-and-a-half years, I was able to bring the team up from where we were. In ODIs, we were ranked eighth or ninth and didnt even qualify for a Champions Trophy, he noted. While results at this years T20 World Cup fell short of expectations, Jayasuriya believes he achieved significant progress during his time in charge. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I didnt do it alone. My support staff gave me incredible assistance. From day one, I asked them to help me because I didnt have a lot of experience as a coach. But I was able to manage it because of the cricket I had played. Article Source: IANS

Nensi Patel and Jess Kerr lead New Zealand to series sweep over Zimbabwe

It was yet another one-sided contest, with Zimbabwe restricted to 64 for 9 and New Zealand then cantering past the target in just 5.4 overs without losing a wicket

Pakistan 'Have Underperformed' Says Salman Agha After T20 World Cup 2026 Exit

A disappointed Salman Agha said his team had underperformed after they exited the T20 World Cup on Saturday, but held back from making an emotional decision on his future as Pakistan captain. Pakistan were knocked out on net run rate despite beating Sri Lanka in their final Super Eights match in Kandy on Saturday. We have underperformed in the whole tournament, Agha told reporters. We are out of the semis due to our failure in decision-making in pressure situations. Opener Sahibzada Farhan became the only player to score two hundreds in the same T20 World Cup as Pakistan posted 212-8. But they failed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 and New Zealand went through to the semi-finals. Farhan was outstanding in the tournament but none of the other batters could come up to expectations, said Agha, who only managed 60 runs in seven tournament matches. Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka hit 76 not out off 31 balls with eight sixes as Sri Lanka scored 207-6 to lose by five runs. A rained-off Super Eights opener against New Zealand and a defeat to England left Pakistan needing to beat Sri Lanka by a massive margin to advance. (Head coach Mike) Hesson and I take the responsibility as we selected the eleven for the matches, said Agha, who added he would not make an immediate call on whether to stand down as captain. I will go back and take some time to decide, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Because at this point of time stepping down would be an emotional decision.

Agha: 'Our decision-making is not as good as it should be' when put under pressure

If you look at the whole tournament and I had to sum it up, we underperformed, Salman Agha says after Pakistan's exit from the T20 World Cup

Hamilton debuts for Australia, India opt to bowl and make three changes

Hamilton, Wareham in for Australia with Schutt ill and Brown omitted while Renuka, Deol and Rana replace Amanjot, Gaud and Vaishnavi for India with no room for Verma

Jayasuriya 'in anguish about the fans' after Sri Lanka's poor T20 World Cup show

When we don't do well, we have to understand the hurt they [Sri Lanka's fans] feel; we have to stay humble and accept our mistakes, Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya says

Test match dropped from Australia tour of West Indies

The series will now focus on white-ball cricket with three T20Is and three ODIs

IND vs WI Match 52 Prediction, ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Match Preview And Expected Playing XI

IND vs WI, Match 52, Super 8, Cricket Tips :Team India are in a must-win situation as they head into the final game in the Super 8 round of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. They will lock horns with West Indies on Sunday at Eden Gardens in Kolkata at 7 PM IST. These two sides are facing the game situation. India are coming off a great win over Zimbabwe and looked good with the bat. Their bowling is one area of concern, because Varun Chakaravarthy has been expensive in the last two games. For West Indies, they need to be more consistent. They were exposed in the previous game against South Africa, but they can surprise India in this contest. IND vs WI: Match Details Date: March 01, 2026 (Sunday) Time: 7:00 PM IST Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata IND vs WI Live Streaming Details The high-profile IND vs WI clash will be available live on the Star Sports Networks. Fans can also watch the game through the Jio Hotstar app or website. IND vs WI Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches : 30 India : 19 West Indies : 10 No-Result : 01 IND vs WI: Ground Pitch Report Eden Gardens has already hosted two games with 200+ totals in this tournament. It is a good venue, and batters have dominated here. Spinners will have a role in the later stages. The toss will be key because we can see some dew as well, making it difficult to defend. IND vs WI Possible XIs India : Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah West Indies : Shai Hope (c & wk), Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Akeal Hossein, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph IND vs WI: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Ishan Kishan has been India's best batter, and he will be the one to watch out for. Shimron Hetmyer has been the leading batter for West Indies. If he gets set, it can be difficult to stop him. Probable Best Bowler Varun Chakaravarthy had two poor games, but he will be a threat for West Indies, because their batters have a weakness against quality spin. Akeal Hosein has been brilliant in the power play, and he can be tough against left-handers. Today Match Prediction : West Indies have a powerful batting unit, but their bowling and consistency are issues. That is where India might have an edge in their own conditions. Hence, we predict India will beat West Indies in Kolkata. IND vs WI Match 52, ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Today IND vs WI Match, IND vs WI Prediction, IND vs WI Predicted XIs, Injury Update for IND vs WI Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer: The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

T20 WC: All The Stats From Pakistan's Narrow Win Over Sri Lanka In Super 8s Clash

T20 World Cup: Pakistan signed off their campaign in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 with a narrow five-run win over Sri Lanka, but the victory was not enough to take them into the next stage due to an inferior Net Run Rate. The match was played at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy on Saturday. Batting first, Pakistan posted a massive 212/8, led by a superb opening stand between Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman. Farhan smashed 100 off 60 balls, becoming the first batter to score two centuries in a single T20 World Cup edition, while Fakhar added a rapid 84. Despite late wickets, Pakistan crossed the 200-run mark with ease. In reply, Sri Lanka lost early wickets but fought back through partnerships in the middle overs. Captain Dasun Shanaka played a sensational unbeaten knock of 76, keeping Sri Lanka in the hunt till the final over. Needing 28 runs off the last six balls, Shanaka hit three sixes and a four, but Sri Lanka fell just short at 207/5. Although Pakistan won the match, they failed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 runs, which meant they could not overtake New Zealand on Net Run Rate and were eliminated from the tournament. Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match in numbers 2 - After Chris Gayle of West Indies, Pak opener Sahibzada Farhan became the 2nd batter to post two hundreds in the T20 World Cups. Ist - Sahibzada Farhan (100) became the first batter to post two hundreds in a single edition of the T20 WC. Earlier, he also scored an unbeaten 100 runs vs Namibia in Colombo. 4 - Pakistan Sahibzada Farhan (100) became the 5th batter to hit five 50-plus scores in a single T20 WC edition. M. Hayden (2007), Virat Kohli (2014 & 2021) & Babar Azam (2021) are the other three. 64/0 - Was the score of Pakistan in the Power-play (1-6). This was their 4th-highest power-play score in the T20 WCs. 383 - The number of runs scored by Sahibzada Farhan at an avg of 76.60 in the current edition, which are most runs scored by a batter in a single edition of a T20 WC. Sahibzada Farhan bettered the record of Virat Kohli of India, who scored 319 runs in the 2014 edition. 212/8 - Pakistan (212/8 ) recorded their highest innings total in the T20 WC; their previous best was 201/5 against Bangladesh in Kolkata in the 2016 edition. This is also their 2nd-highest innings total in T20Is. Behind 232/6 vs England in Nottingham in 2021. 18 - The number of sixes (18) hit by Sahibzada Farhan in this T20 WC. Farhan bettered the record of Shimron Hetmyer (17) of the West Indies. 58 - The number of runs scored by Pavan Rathnayake (58). It was his 2nd fifty in the T20 WC. Earlier, he had scored 60 vs Oman in Pallekele on Feb 12. 18 - The number of sixes (18) hit by Sahibzada Farhan in this T20 WC. Farhan bettered the record of Shimron Hetmyer (17) of the West Indies. Also Read: Live Cricket Score 76* - The number of runs scored by Dasun Shanaka off 31 balls with 2 fours and 8 sixes. It was his highest score in 131 matches. His previous best was 74* vs India in Dharamsala in the 2022 edition. Overall, it was his 8th 50-plus score. The 2nd vs Pakistan in 17 T20Is. During this innings, he also completed his 100 sixes. Article Source: IANS

Sanath Jayasuriya to step down as Sri Lanka coach

Head coach does not want to extend his term, which began shortly after the 2024 T20 World Cup

SA vs ZIM Match 51 Prediction, ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Match Preview And Expected Playing XI

SA vs ZIM, Match 51, Super 8, Cricket Tips: The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is just a couple of games away from the semifinals. South Africa have been undefeated in this tournament, and they have a chance to head into the knockout without losing a game. The Proteas will take on Zimbabwe on Sunday. The live action begins at 3 PM IST at Arun Jaitley Stadium. South Africa have been the best side of the tournament so far. They have beaten the top favorites India in a one-sided game. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, have been struggling on Indian pitches. They have conceded 250+ totals in both Super 8 games. So, South Africa will be looking to prepare for the tough games ahead. SA vs ZIM: Match Details Date: March 01, 2026 (Sunday) Time: 7:00 PM IST Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi SA vs ZIM Live Streaming Details The SA vs ZIM game will be live from the Star Sports networks on the cable TV networks. Fans can watch the live stream of the game on the Jio Hotstar app or website. SA vs ZIM Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches : 08 South Africa : 07 Zimbabwe : 00 No-Result : 01 SA vs ZIM: Ground Pitch Report Arun Jaitley Stadium has been one of the best batting wickets in India. This wicket has good bounce, and boundaries are shorter here. Generally, this venue is good for six-hitting, and it is a high-scoring venue. The outfield here is pretty quick, making it tough for the bowling sides. SA vs ZIM Possible XIs South Africa : Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi Zimbabwe : T. Marumani (wk), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (c), Dion Myers, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani SA vs ZIM: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Aiden Markram is in the form of his life and is among the top scorers in the tournament. So, his form will be crucial for South Africa. Brian Bennett has been scoring runs in almost every game and is coming off an unbeaten 97 in the previous match. Probable Best Bowler Lungi Ngidi has mastered the art of slower ones or cutters, and he has troubled every batter in this tournament. For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani is the key, because he will get good bounce from the wicket. Today Match Prediction : South Africa are too good for Zimbabwe at this moment. Considering all the aspects, we predict South Africa to win this game in Delhi. SA vs ZIM Match 51, ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Today SA vs ZIM Match, SA vs ZIM Prediction, SA vs ZIM Predicted XIs, Injury Update for SA vs ZIM Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer: The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

'I Want To Say Sorry To All The Fans': Dasun Shanaka Apologises After Sri Lanka's Poor World Cup Campaign

T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka apologised to fans and blamed injuries and missed moments after his team crashed out of the T20 World Cup 2026, despite a fighting performance in their final Super 8 match against Pakistan at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy on Saturday. Shanaka played a courageous, unbeaten knock of 76, but Sri Lanka fell short by five runs while chasing Pakistans imposing total of 212. Although Sri Lanka finished on 207, they could not cross the mark, while Pakistan were also eliminated due to net run-rate calculations. Reflecting on the loss, Shanaka admitted the game slipped away at the end. He said it was 'that close' and felt he could have finished the match, while also crediting Shaheen Afridi for holding his nerve in the final over. Sri Lanka needed 28 runs in the last six balls, and despite Shanaka hitting three sixes and a four, Pakistan defended the total. It was that close of a game where I could have finished it. But yeah, unfortunate. Well bowled to Shaheen, he said in the post-match presentation. Shanaka also took responsibility for lapses under pressure and once again apologised to supporters. Sometimes, as players, we feel the pressure as well. It was a mistake by me. I wanted to say sorry to all the fans for disheartening them, he said. Calling it a tough tournament, Shanaka pointed to injuries as a major setback and apologised to supporters for disappointing them. He felt Sri Lanka could have reached the semifinals if they had a full-strength squad, especially missing two key bowlers. Its been a tough campaign for us. We had a few injuries. I want to say sorry to all the fans because unfortunately, we fell down because of those injuries. Otherwise, we could have probably made it to a semifinal, he admitted. Missing two key bowlers was a big loss. At times of a World Cup, you need your players to be there. It affects the strength and the mentality, Shanaka explained. Its been a tough campaign for us. We had a few injuries. I want to say sorry to all the fans because unfortunately, we fell down because of those injuries. Otherwise, we could have probably made it to a semifinal, he admitted. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Pawan has been very consistent and is using the crease very well. We also have Wellalage. They are growing, and hopefully they will have a bright future ahead, Shanaka concluded. Article Source: IANS

ECB cancel England Lions fixture amid escalating security situation in UAE

England Women training camp postponed as board reiterates safety is 'top priority'

Farhan and Fakhar get the win but not the semi-final spot for Pakistan

New Zealand join England and South Africa in the knockout stages of the T20 World Cup

Our Girls Have Made Us Proud In Entire India, Says DDCA Secretary After Womens One-day Trophy Win

DDCA President Rohan Jaitley: Fourteen years is a long time to wait for a trophy, and Delhi looked determined to end that long drought. After bowling out a formidable Railways for just 132 in the final of the Senior Womens One-Day Trophy at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, Delhi completed the chase with a ruthlessness that had defined their entire campaign -- knocking off the target in under 29 overs, seven wickets in hand, 21.3 overs to spare. By the time opener Priya Punia hit a commanding 76 off 90 balls, after Parunika Sisodia shone with a three-fer, the Senior Women's One-Day Trophy was already theirs. Look, we are very happy. It's been many years since we have had this happy occasion in Delhi. Our girls have made us proud in the whole of India. The base for this was laid last year because last year we were U23 (T20) champions. Before that, we were U23 runners-up. So those same girls have come in the third year and made us national champions. It's a very happy thing because the women's cricket team will help build a great reputation and bright future outlook for DDCA, said a beaming Ashok Sharma, DDCA Secretary, to IANS at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday. It was Delhi's first title since 2011/12, and it arrived with a completeness that left little room for any further thoughts. When Pragya Rawat hit the winning runs alongside Punia, Delhi became only the second team in the tournaments history, after Railways, to win the trophy more than once. Sharma said the future looks even brighter for the womens talent pool, with the associations investment in it paying off big time. In the coming time, we will see even better cricketers here. We started the preparation for the girls' team last year through a tournament with 42 teams. It was DDCA President Rohan Jaitley's roadmap to start the girls' league that was a big help in this. Plus, Rohan Jaitley announced that the cash prize that BCCI will give, DDCA will also give the same amount. All these girls are the ones who have been performing in Delhi for the last three years, and the motivation was always there since the start. Delhi has always been in the national team in any form, be it in the form of bowlers or batters. Delhi's representation has always been there in the BCCI tournaments. Our combined team's performance among the boys was not so good. But if you look at the individual performance, two boys have come to the top of Delhi - Ayush Doseja and another opener (Sanat Sangwan). So both our boys are still at the top of the Ranji Trophy run charts. The team wins because of the combined effects, and the girls have done that. They have been good for the last three years, he said. He also lauded the coaching staff headed by Deepti Dhyani, assistant batting coach Gautam Vadhera, assistant bowling coach Ashish Malhotra, and assistant fielding coach Mandeep Kaur for their efforts in ensuring the trophy comes to New Delhi. I want to give the biggest credit to the coach. When he was in the U23, he made them champions. Today, he promoted them to winning the senior one-day trophy. I want to thank the coaching staff who have been working hard for the last three years. The result of that hard work has come out today. It is a happy atmosphere in the DDCA, as the trophy has come after so many years and the women have raised our honour. He also lauded the coaching staff headed by Deepti Dhyani, assistant batting coach Gautam Vadhera, assistant bowling coach Ashish Malhotra, and assistant fielding coach Mandeep Kaur for their efforts in ensuring the trophy comes to New Delhi. Also Read: Live Cricket Score --IANS Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Shanakas Heroics Eliminate Pakistan; Sri Lanka Suffer Last-ball Heartbreak

T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanakas fighting knock of 76 runs was not enough as Pakistan edged past the hosts for a five-run victory in their final match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy on Saturday. Despite the narrow win, Pakistan were knocked out of the tournament. After scoring 212 while batting first, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 runs to go past New Zealand on Net Run Rate. However, Sri Lanka finished on 207, falling short of the target but still ending Pakistans campaign. Chasing a big total, Sri Lanka got off to a poor start when Naseem Shah, playing his first match of the tournament, dismissed opener Pathum Nissanka in the second over. Nissanka scored just three runs from seven balls. Kamil Mishara then counterattacked by hitting Shaheen Afridi for a six and two fours. However, he was dismissed in the fourth over by Abrar Ahmeds googly. Mishara scored 26 runs off 15 balls, hitting four fours and one six. Sri Lanka were 49 for 2 at the end of the powerplay. Former captain Charith Asalanka added some stability with Pawan Ratnayake as the pair put on 42 runs in 28 balls. Pakistan broke the stand in the ninth over when Abrar clean bowled Asalanka, who scored 25. Abrar struck again in the 11th over by dismissing Kamindu Mendis. Sri Lanka lost another wicket in the 12th over when Mohammad Nawaz removed Janith Liyanage. While wickets kept falling at one end, Ratnayake played an impressive innings and reached his half-century in just 32 balls with a six off Shadab Khan in the 15th over. Pakistan finally got his wicket in the 18th over when Shaheen Afridi dismissed him. Ratnayake scored 58 off 37 balls. Shanaka, who looked in good touch throughout, completed his fifty in just 23 balls and stayed unbeaten on 76. His innings included eight sixes and two fours. Sri Lanka needed 28 runs from the final over. Shanaka hit three sixes and a four off Shaheen Afridi but could not clear the ropes on the final delivery as Sri Lanka fell short by five runs. Earlier, Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan continued his fine form, scoring his second century of the tournament, while Fakhar Zaman struck 84 to help Pakistan post 212 for 8 in 20 overs. Pakistan opened with Farhan and Fakhar, and the new pair started carefully before increasing the scoring rate from the third over. Farhan reached his half-century in 32 balls and also broke Virat Kohlis record for the most runs in a single edition of the T20 World Cup by hitting a boundary off Dasun Shanaka in the sixth over. Fakhar brought up his fifty in just 27 balls with a boundary off Dunith Wellalage in the 12th over. Sri Lanka finally made a breakthrough in the 16th over when Dushmantha Chameera bowled Fakhar for 84 off 42 balls, an innings that included nine fours and four sixes. Mohammed Nafay, who replaced Babar Azam in the playing XI, was dismissed in the next over, while Shadab Khan was run out in the 18th over. Farhan continued to score freely and reached his century in 59 balls in the 19th over, becoming the first batter to score two centuries in a single T20 World Cup edition. He was dismissed later in the same over after scoring 100 off 60 balls, hitting nine fours and five sixes. Mohammed Nafay, who replaced Babar Azam in the playing XI, was dismissed in the next over, while Shadab Khan was run out in the 18th over. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Pakistan 212/8 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 100, Fakhar Zaman 84; Dilshan Madhushanka 3-33, Dasun Shanaka 2-42) beat Sri Lanka 207/6 in 20 overs (Dasun Shanaka 76*, Pavan Rathnayake 58, Abrar Ahmed 3-23, Mohammed Nawaz 1-21) by 5 runs. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: 'We Want To Go Towards Pressure, Not Mask It,' Says Assistant Coach Ten Doeschate Ahead Of WI Clash

T20 World Cup: India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has made it clear that the defending champions will not shy away from pressure in their must-win ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight clash against the West Indies to be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. I think the important thing is to focus on ourselves, focus on what has got this group to this point, how well they've done, Ten Doeschate said in the pre-match press conference in Kolkata on Saturday. The assistant coach expected that the big players would step up in the virtual quarterfinal and handle the pressure well. It's about big players standing up, experienced players standing up, and just remaining calm and staying true to the way we've played leading up to this match. I don't think you ever want to mask the pressure. I think you want to go towards pressure. And that's been the message throughout, not just the World Cup, but certainly all the bilateral series, he said. All our preparation has been towards embracing pressure when it comes. We're continually telling the guys what a privilege it is to play for your country, what a privilege it is to walk out at Eden Gardens and play for a match to stay in the tournament, Ten Doeschate added. India have a good record against West Indies in T20Is. The men in blue have won 19 matches out of 30 played between the teams. While the West Indies came victorious on just ten occasions. All our preparation has been towards embracing pressure when it comes. We're continually telling the guys what a privilege it is to play for your country, what a privilege it is to walk out at Eden Gardens and play for a match to stay in the tournament, Ten Doeschate added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India have played only one T20 World Cup match at Eden Gardens. In the 2016 T20 World Cup, India faced Pakistan on this ground, where the Indian team was successful in winning by six wickets. India faced the West Indies three times at Eden Gardens in T20Is in 2022 and won all the matches. Article Source: IANS

Ten Doeschate: You want to go towards pressure

Defending champions India face former champions West Indies in virtual quarter-final in Kolkata

Hard To Describe, Went Numb For A While, Reveals Manhas On J&K Winning Ranji Trophy Title

Kashmir Cricket Association: Mithun Manhas, the BCCI President who had served on the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) sub-committee, admitted that he simply went numb and found it hard to describe the feeling of seeing the side win its first-ever Ranji Trophy title via a first innings lead over Karnataka at the KSCA Ground. On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the inevitable was confirmed when the final ended in a draw and Jammu & Kashmir were declared as winners of the Ranji Trophy, making it a red-letter day in their cricketing history. The taste of victory felt very sweet and fulfilling for the Paras Dogra-led side after they missed out on the semifinals last year, after giving a one-run lead to Kerala in the quarterfinals. While players and support staff broke into bhangra when dhol beats took centre stage, and even carried Manhas on their shoulders, the man himself was still trying to process the emotions of seeing a long-standing dream turning into reality. Well, it's hard to describe. To be honest, I was numb for a while. So, I didn't know what to say or what to do. So, I just was there for some time, and then everything -- like the picture got cleared, and players running in and this is a dream for every cricketer in J&K. Back home, I think, they will be ecstatic over this feat, Manhas told IANS in an exclusive conversation from Hubbali. For much of its cricketing existence, Jammu & Kashmir was easy to overlook. A region defined in the modern world due to its conflicts and mountains, it had reached the Ranji quarterfinals just three times since 2010 -- in 2014, 2020, and last season, when the heartbreak of a one-run first-innings defeat to Kerala had left many wondering if they would ever have a crack at winning the trophy. But Saturday answered that question emphatically, thanks to J&K posting 584 in their first innings -- their highest score of the season - without Shubham Khajuria and Vanshaj Sharma, who were ruled out on the eve of the final. Last-minute replacement Qamran Iqbal, along with Sahil Lotra and Shubham Pundir, chose the biggest stage of their careers to score memorable centuries. The tireless Auqib Nabi, who became Player of the Tournament via 60 scalps, tore through Karnataka's celebrated batting line-up with 5-54. Captain Dogra, only the second man after Mumbai's Wasim Jaffer to cross 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs, hit a crucial fifty and finally got to lift the trophy after over two decades of toil in the domestic circuit. I think the real game changer happened when BCCI took over the reins, and a sub-committee was formed. I think for anybody to do well, it's not possible without the support, and we found a leader in Jay (Shah) bhai, who supported us all throughout all these four years, and a lot of credit goes to him for this great set of things. When the sub-committee was formed, it was fantastic because I belong to Jammu & Kashmir and I know what J&K cricket is all about when I was appointed/elected. This was something I always wanted to do, and I wanted to be part of it. Then we had a very able administrator in Brigadier Anil Gupta ji, who had an administrative experience of 35 years, and that set the ball rolling. Then the CAC was formed, and the selectors were put in place. It was the first time the selectors got contracts there. Otherwise, before that, nobody was answerable. You'd be surprised to know that in this day and age, the selectors would get nearly 1,50,000 and 75,000 for junior selectors. So everything that they wanted was answered because contracts were signed, and we started preparing in April. We went to all the districts, and the teams used to go out hunting for talent, and that's how this set the ball rolling. Then there were infrastructure problems, and there were other issues. But so again, gradually we started picking up, elaborated Manhas. What unfolded on the field on Saturday was the product of a transformation that had begun in 2021 and was driven by people like Manhas, who knew J&K cricket not as an outsider's project but as something deeply personal. I think the most important thing was to get the right coaches in place and get them to support what they wanted. This is the first time I've seen the selectors and coaches get whatever they wanted. It wasn't that the selectors got something and the coaches were on a different page, but we all got on one page, and everything was well thought out. Even the planning that went behind this involved all the teams. Like, teams from different states started coming in, not just for the practice purpose. So it was the process throughout with all the age group teams. We started going out playing a lot of cricket. We started practising with the SG balls that were used in the national tournaments. Then we managed to give them a couple of turf balls, so that they get a feel and we got used to playing with those balls, and we started playing well. That was the best thing because the bowlers knew how to operate the ball, and they became comfortable, and so there wasn't a moment when we were not planning or thinking about winning the Ranji trophy and how to get to the next level, added Manhas. There were naysayers aplenty, but Manhas stated that fighting every day was worth it to see the tagline of Jammu and Kashmir Ranji Trophy Champions become a reality. We faced a lot of flak for not picking up any eight each from Jammu and Kashmir. But that's the challenge we took on. There was a lot of propaganda against us as a sub-committee. But thanks to Jay bhai for this, as we were in constant touch with him. The way he supported us from the vision he had for J&K, I think it all paid off. I think he'll be a happy man today, even though he's ICC chair. But he just called me, and he was congratulating me. We all went from BCCI to the groundsmen in J&K, and we even sat with the ground people. You'd be surprised to know that there are no permanent groundsmen. The people who work at the ground level are not even permanent. So there were problems everywhere. But things turned slowly, and the process started working. It was like every day was a fight, and I'm sure every player in the team has this feeling too, starting from the U15 team to the men's team winning the Ranji Trophy. I feel very happy and a bit emotional as well, as it took a lot of effort to be here. Hopefully, we will see a lot more from J&K. Jammu and Kashmir is now the 19th different team to win the Ranji Trophy, which speaks volumes about the game's map expanding in the country. Saturday just redrew it more dramatically than previous instances. Plans to expand cricket facilities in Jammu and Kashmir, along with the prospect of hosting international matches in Jammu and Srinagar, will be a development to keep a close eye on. But the bigger impact of this seismic win in Indian cricket will be felt when young boys and girls take up the sport in large numbers and view the victorious Ranji Trophy team as their role models. For now, Manhas, who has watched this team grow over the last five years, winning the Ranji Trophy is only the beginning of what he believes J&K can offer to Indian cricket for a long time to come. I think the first ones are always special, and history has been created. It has happened after a span of 67 years. It took a long time to come. But I'm sure there'll be many more occasions, not just in the Ranji Trophy, but also where they'll get the titles in other formats. For now, Manhas, who has watched this team grow over the last five years, winning the Ranji Trophy is only the beginning of what he believes J&K can offer to Indian cricket for a long time to come. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It's about winning games for the country, becoming an athlete, scoring 10,000 runs, taking those 500 wickets. They're going to admire it. It's just the start, and I'm sure there's a lot more J&K can offer to Indian cricket, he added. Article Source: IANS

PM Modi Congratulates J&K Team For First Ever Ranji Trophy Win

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated the J&K cricket team for its first-ever Ranji Trophy win and hoped that this feat would inspire many young athletes to dream big and play more. The PM said on X today, Congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir team for their first-ever Ranji Trophy win! This historic triumph reflects the remarkable grit, discipline and passion of the team. It is a proud moment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and it highlights the growing sporting passion and talent there. May this feat inspire many young athletes to dream big and play more. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was in Hubballi to witness the historic moment, has sanctioned a Rs 2 crore reward for the team and also offered government jobs to those among the team members who desire to join the government service. Omar Abdullah on Saturday announced a cash reward of Rs 2 crore for the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team following its maiden Ranji Trophy triumph. Calling it a watershed moment for Jammu and Kashmir cricket, he said the landmark win has filled the entire region with pride and inspiration. In a post on X, Abdullah announced a cash reward of Rs 2 crore for the players and support staff after their emphatic victory over Karnataka on their home turf. Cheer for the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team, which had taken a massive first-innings lead and was almost certain of lifting the trophy for the first time. The players will also be entitled to government appointments under the recently notified rules for outstanding sportspersons, Omar said. In a post on X, Abdullah announced a cash reward of Rs 2 crore for the players and support staff after their emphatic victory over Karnataka on their home turf. Cheer for the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team, which had taken a massive first-innings lead and was almost certain of lifting the trophy for the first time. Also Read: Live Cricket Score There was jubilation throughout J&K immediately after the victory of its cricket team, and the youth were in the forefront of those celebrations. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Sahibzada Farhans Century, Zaman 84 Guide Pakistan To 212/8 Against Sri Lanka

ICC T20 World Cup: : Opener Sahibzada Farhan produced another sensational display, slamming his second century of the ongoing tournament, while Fakhar Zaman struck a magnificent 84 as Pakistan piled up an imposing 212/8 in 20 overs against Sri Lanka in their final ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s match at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy on Saturday. Asked to bat first after losing the toss in a must-win match, the Pakistan cricket team came out with a new opening pair of Farhan and Zaman. The decision worked in favour of the team as both players looked in great touch from the start. Farhan and Fakhar began with a cautious approach but changed gears from the third over. Pakistan reached the 50-run mark in just 4.4 overs and were 64 without loss at the end of the powerplay. This is Pakistans highest powerplay score in the ongoing tournament. Farhan completed his half-century in just 32 balls and also achieved a major milestone during his innings. The 29-year-old broke Virat Kohlis record for the most runs in a single edition of a T20 World Cup, having required 37 runs to go past Kohlis tally of 319. He achieved the milestone by driving a boundary off Dasun Shanaka at the start of the sixth over. His opening partner, Fakhar, who is playing only his second match of the ongoing tournament, showed his experience and class when it mattered most for his team. Fakhar started slowly but accelerated as the spinners came into attack. He completed his fifty off just 27 balls by hitting a boundary off Dunith Wellalage in the 12th over. Sri Lanka finally got their first breakthrough in the 16th over when Dushmantha Chameera clean bowled Fakhar, who departed after scoring 84 off just 42 balls, having hammered nine fours and four sixes. Mohammed Nafay, who replaced Babar Azam in the playing XI, was dismissed in the following over. Shadab Khan was then run out in the 18th over as Sri Lanka looked for a late comeback. Despite losing partners, Farhan maintained his momentum and completed his century in just 59 balls in the 19th over. He also became the first batter in the history of the tournament to score two centuries in a single edition of the T20 World Cup. Farhan was eventually dismissed in the 19th over after scoring 100 off 60 balls, an innings that included nine fours and five sixes. Dilshan Madhushanka was the most successful bowler for Sri Lanka, finishing with figures of 3-33, while Shanaka claimed two wickets. Farhan was eventually dismissed in the 19th over after scoring 100 off 60 balls, an innings that included nine fours and five sixes. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Pakistan 212/8 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 100, Fakhar Zaman 84; Dilshan Madhushanka 3-33, Dasun Shanaka 2-42) against Sri Lanka Article Source: IANS

Most runs in a T20 World Cup - Sahibzada Farhan breaks Virat Kohli's record

The Pakistan opener went past Kohli's 2014 tally of 319 runs during the Super Eight match against Sri Lanka in Pallekele

'J&Ks Ranji Trophy Win Reflects Grit, Discipline, And Passion': PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for clinching their maiden Ranji Trophy title, calling the historic achievement a proud moment for the people of the region and a reflection of the teams grit, discipline, and passion. Congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir team for their first-ever Ranji Trophy win. This historic triumph reflects the remarkable grit, discipline, and passion of the team, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Jammu & Kashmir scripted history at the Hubli Cricket Ground by winning the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final on the basis of a massive first-innings lead against eight-time champions Karnataka, marking their first title after 67 years of participation in Indias premier domestic tournament. 'It is a proud moment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and it highlights the growing sporting passion and talent there,' PM Modi added. The Prime Minister further expressed hope that the landmark achievement would motivate the next generation of athletes from the region to pursue sport with ambition and confidence. May this feat inspire many young athletes to dream big and play more, The Prime Minister noted. 'It is a proud moment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and it highlights the growing sporting passion and talent there,' PM Modi added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jammu & Kashmir further tightened their grip in the second innings against a strong bowling attack of Karnataka, with Qamran Iqbals superb 160 and Sahil Lotras maiden first-class hundred taking them to 342/4 before skipper Paras Dogra declared. With the lead far beyond Karnatakas reach and time running out, the match ended in a draw, handing Jammu & Kashmir a famous victory on the basis of their dominant first-innings performance. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Sahibzada Farhan Breaks Kohli's Record, Registers Most Runs In A Single Edition

ICC T20 World Cup: Pakistan's opener Sahibzada Farhan has etched his name in the history books as he continued his sensational run in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday by surpassing Virat Kohlis record for the most runs scored in a single edition of the tournament. Farhan achieved the milestone during Pakistans must-win Group 2 Super 8s clash against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Stadium. Heading into the contest, the 29-year-old required 37 runs to go past Kohlis tally of 319 runs, a record that had stood since the 2014 edition of the tournament. The landmark moment came early in Pakistans innings. Facing pacer Dushmantha Chameera, Farhan attacked from the start, striking a six and a four to close in on the record. He eventually drew level with Kohlis mark with a single on the final ball of the fifth over. He achieved the feat by driving a boundary off Dasun Shanaka at the start of the sixth over. Kohli had set the previous benchmark during the 2014 T20 World Cup, a campaign in which he also guided India to the final and was named Player of the Tournament. He went on to achieve that individual honour again in the 2016 edition. Farhan is continuously performing well in the tournament. He announced himself with a century against Namibia, followed it up with a half-century in the Super 8s clash against England, and has consistently provided strong starts at the top of the order. His only setback came against India, where he was dismissed without scoring by Hardik Pandya. Kohli had set the previous benchmark during the 2014 T20 World Cup, a campaign in which he also guided India to the final and was named Player of the Tournament. He went on to achieve that individual honour again in the 2016 edition. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sri Lanka have been eliminated from the tournament after suffering back-to-back defeats against England and New Zealand in their first two Super 8s matches. Pakistan can still qualify for the semi-finals if they beat Sri Lanka by a margin of 64 runs to surpass the Net Run Rate (NRR) of New Zealand. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: ICC Activates Contingency Plans To Support Teams' Return Home Amid Tensions In The Middle East

The International Cricket Council: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and has activated comprehensive contingency plans to safeguard the travel, logistics, and well-being of all stakeholders associated with the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, currently underway in India and Sri Lanka. The crisis in the Middle East has escalated as Tehran has threatened to launch new attacks against Israel and the US ships and shipping interests in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden following Monday's US-Israel military operations against Iran. The possibility of attacks is threatening to disrupt air travel across the region to reach Europe and Africa. While the crisis in the Middle East has no direct bearing on the conduct of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the ICC acknowledges that a significant number of personnel -- including players, team management, match officials, broadcast teams, and event staff -- rely on Gulf hub airports, particularly Dubai (DXB), as key transit points for onward travel to their home countries upon concluding their commitments at the event. Dubai Airport has already suspended all operations till further notice, while there have been Large-scale flight cancellations in flights leaving from India to Europe and Africa as they transit via Dubai and the Gulf region. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed all Indian airlines operating international services to continuously monitor airspace advisories, Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs), and route restrictions issued by the concerned authorities to ensure passenger safety in the wake of the massive military operation launched by the US and Israel against Iran on Saturday. The ICC has said that it is monitoring the situation and that the safety of every individual connected with the T20 World Cup is its priority. The safety and well-being of every individual connected to our event is the ICCs highest priority. We have already mobilised our travel, logistics, and security teams and are working around the clock to ensure that all stakeholders can return home safely, with minimal disruption. We would also urge fans who have travelled or were planning to travel for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 to monitor closely and adhere to advisories being issued and consider all factors before undertaking any further international travel, an ICC Spokesperson said in a release on Saturday. Measures Currently in Place The ICC Travel and Logistics team is actively working with major international carriers to identify and secure alternative routing options, including connections through European, South Asian, and Southeast Asian hubs, the release informed. The ICC security consultants are liaising with relevant authorities and will provide real-time advisories as the situation develops. A dedicated ICC Travel Support Desk has also been activated. The ICC Travel and Logistics team is actively working with major international carriers to identify and secure alternative routing options, including connections through European, South Asian, and Southeast Asian hubs, the release informed. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to end on Match 8. Though a majority of the 20 teams have left the region at the end of the league phase, more teams will leave for home after the end of the Super 8 phase. There is a major concern among representatives from those teams about the tension in the Middle East. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Clash Against Zimbabwe An Opportunity To Look At Guys Who Haven't Played Much, Says Ashwell Prince

T20 World Cup: South Africa batting coach Ashwell Prince has hinted at potential rotation to their playing eleven ahead of their Super Eights clash against Zimbabwe in the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday afternoon. The Proteas have been unbeaten in the competition so far and have already qualified for the semifinals from Group 1. I think there is an opportunity to have a look at some of the guys who haven't been playing regularly. I suppose things that you have to consider for the guys that have been playing - there'll be a discussion with a coach and medical staff on how the energy levels are. Or is there an opportunity, or anybody perhaps carrying some slight niggles that would be better suited for resting rather than playing another game? But I think there is an opportunity to have a look at the guys who haven't been playing, said Prince in the pre-match press conference. Despite the prospect of changes, Prince expressed satisfaction with how South Africa had navigated the tournament so far. It's really satisfying that we have been tested at different times during the tournament so far. At different stages, different guys have stepped up. It's nice that I think also that we had quite a competitive tournament at home with our SA20 leading up to the World Cup. That's sort of put most of the batters in a good frame of mind, and they came to the tournament with some good form, and it's nice that most of them have been able to put up some good contributions so far in the tournament. Asked if South Africa are thinking of themselves as favourites to lift the trophy, Prince said, As far as the favourites are concerned, T20 cricket last night we watched a match, it looked like it was gone for 20 minutes to go and then obviously England pulled through (against New Zealand), so anything can happen in T20. I think we just let it unfold at the moment. South Africa will be heavy favourites against their neighbours Zimbabwe, who have impressed to reach the Super Eights after being Group B toppers, but are now out of the reckoning for the semi-finals. You've got to respect the opposition. They've done their bit to qualify for the Super Eights. They've had a fantastic tournament, our neighbours, and done well to reach here. They'll be disappointed that it's not an opportunity for them to go further in the tournament. But from our point of view, we've been really sharp, and what we want to ensure is that we maintain that discipline and intensity and we don't drop off as far as those are concerned. Much of South Africa's batting success has been built around the form of captain Aiden Markram, who has scored 264 runs at a strike rate of 178 across six innings, including three half-centuries. His strike rate of 200 in the Power-play is the highest among all batters who have faced 50 or more deliveries in that phase in this tournament. Markram, who has hit three fifties in the tournament so far, is also in sight of achieving the record for most runs scored by a captain in a single T20 World Cup edition, which is currently held by Pakistans Babar Azam, who amassed 303 runs in 2021. Prince felt Markram finding his best groove as an opener during the later part of SA20 has carried that same confidence into the showpiece event. Aiden is playing really well at the moment. In the past, there might have been different opinions about what his best position in the line-up might be. He's played in different positions, not only for us but also in leagues where he's batted in different positions. I've always been of the opinion that opening is his best position, and obviously having a partner such as Quinny (Quinton de Kock), who is also a fantastic player, left-right combination they complement each other really well and then again, a few times I found myself now in different interviews referencing SA20. He started SA20 in the middle order and then towards the end, when some of the personnel left at Durban, he was opening and really ended that competition really strongly in that position as an opener, and he's brought that into the World Cup. His form is really good at the moment. The phrase that would be used is he's really locked in at the moment in terms of his focus, batting, and captaincy at the same time. So all the rest of the players are just enjoying each other's company, and that's also a big thing -- what's happening outside of the matches, in the team environment, dressing room, and players are really enjoying each other's company. The families are over, and I saw a video come out today of Davey (David Miller) pushing all the kids around (on a trolley at the airport). The space is really good, and the guys are really enjoying the space, he elaborated. Prince also spoke warmly of middle-order batsman Tristan Stubbs' striking form well in time for the tournament, especially after being left out of the team originally due to poor form. Stubbs showed off his finishing skills with unbeaten knocks of 34 and 44 against Canada and India in Ahmedabad. You watch him when you are all able to see him on the field. You can see a lot of his personality when he takes a catch, when the team takes a wicket, and how he celebrates. If you look at the reference to SA20, he was awarded the captaincy in the SA20 after being left out initially out of the team and out of our squad. If you know the person the way that I know him, it is that some players at the time of being left out of the World Cup squad might have used the SA20, particularly in a position of leadership or power, to enhance their own situation. But he's a selfless character. He slotted himself in the middle order. It was people like Quinton de Kock, Jonny Bairstow, and initially young Hermann, who took the lead for the Sunrisers. You watch him when you are all able to see him on the field. You can see a lot of his personality when he takes a catch, when the team takes a wicket, and how he celebrates. If you look at the reference to SA20, he was awarded the captaincy in the SA20 after being left out initially out of the team and out of our squad. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We have a lot of these characters in the dressing room, where it's a selfless one, and people want just to do their bit for the team. It's not about individuals and having their glory, it's all about the team and sacrifice for the team, and that starts right at the top of our leadership coach and captain, Markram, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

South Africa Coach Looks To 'Maintain Intensity' Against Zimbabwe

Unbeaten South Africa look to maintain discipline and intensity in their last Super Eights match of the T20 World Cup against Zimbabwe, batting coach Ashwell Prince said Saturday. The 2024 runners-up have already secured a semi-final place ahead of their match in New Delhi on Sunday. The Aiden Markram-led side will take to the pitch in the dead rubber game after scoring convincing wins over hot favourites India and two-time champions West Indies in the Super Eights. Zimbabwe meanwhile have stunned Australia and co-hosts Sri Lanka in the group stages. I think you've got to respect the opposition -- they've done their bit to qualify for the Super Eights, they've had a fantastic tournament, our neighbours, said Prince. From our point of view, we've been really sharp and what we want to ensure is that we maintain that discipline and intensity and that we don't drop off as far as those are concerned. South Africa had just one close shave against Afghanistan in a group game they won in a double super over, while all the other victories have been fairly comfortable. But former South Africa batter Prince said victory is all that matters. Obviously winning creates good momentum, he said. I don't think there's a right or wrong way of doing it or an ideal way -- I think it's nice not to have a lot of close games, but I think close games definitely help in terms of team morale. South Africa beat Australia in the World Test Championship final in June 2025 to win their first major International Cricket Council trophy and shrug off their chokers tag. Prince said the triumph has done a world of good for the players. Getting over the line in the World Test Championship was a big moment for us... as a cricketing nation and for this group of players, said Prince. And what that creates is a lot of confidence within your teammates and trust that whenever they are going to be called upon and when the moment presents itself, they can step up. Markram has led the team from the front with his 264 runs including three half-centuries an an unbeaten 82 in their previous nine-wicket win over the West Indies. The phrase that my kids would use is he's really locked in at the moment in terms of his focus, his batting and in terms of his captaincy, said Prince. Also Read: Live Cricket Score And at the same time the rest of the players are enjoying each other's company.

T20 WC: Tomorrow Is An Important Match, Our Players Will Do Their Best, Says BCCI Secretary Saikia

T20 World Cup: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia has told the Indian cricket team to take inspiration from the Jammu & Kashmir team, who have clinched their maiden Ranji Trophy title, as Suryakumar Yadav's team gears up for their last T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s match against the two time champions West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday. J&K scripted history at the Hubli Cricket Ground on Saturday by clinching the Ranji Trophy 202526 title based on a massive first-innings lead against eight-time champions Karnataka. Saikia feels that India can also win their do-or-die match against the West Indies and make the country proud, just as J&K believed in themselves and beat mighty Karnataka. Tomorrow is a big day for the country. Today, J&K beat Karnataka, a formidable and big team, at their home ground. They have given the message that anything is possible in cricket. Tomorrow in Kolkata, it's like a quarter-final, a do-or-die match for India. So all our players will do their best so that the country will be proud of their performance, Saikia told IANS. The semifinal equation is straightforward for both India and the West Indies. The winner of the encounter will advance to the next round, along with South Africa, who have already confirmed their spot from Group A. Tomorrow is a big day for the country. Today, J&K beat Karnataka, a formidable and big team, at their home ground. They have given the message that anything is possible in cricket. Tomorrow in Kolkata, it's like a quarter-final, a do-or-die match for India. So all our players will do their best so that the country will be proud of their performance, Saikia told IANS. Also Read: Live Cricket Score While the West Indies will walk into the contest having suffered a nine-wicket defeat against the T20 World Cup 2024 runner-ups, South Africa, in their second Super 8s match played at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday. Shai Hope's team registered a big win in their first Super 8s match vs Zimbabwe. The Caribbean side also has two points in two matches. Article Source: IANS

Darren Sammy draws on 2016 for West Indies T20 World Cup showdown with India

West Indies coach Daren Sammy believes history can repeat itself as he aims to mastermind a T20 World Cup victory to end India's hopes, just as he did when captain 10 years ago. Sammy led his side to a T20 World Cup semi-final win against India in Mumbai in 2016 and went on to lift the trophy as they beat England in the final in Kolkata. It is on that same Eden Gardens pitch that Sunday's clash will play out in front of 68,000 partisan fans. Although it is nominally a Super Eights game, it is in reality a straight shootout -- the winner will move on to the semi-finals and the loser go home. In order to win this tournament you have to go through India at some point, said Sammy. Tomorrow is that day for us. History could repeat though it's a different venue and two different teams. The West Indies have not reached the semi-finals since lifting their second T20 World Cup a decade ago. But Sammy said earlier in the tournament that he believed something special was going to happen with his group of players, captained by Shai Hope. Because of the focus I saw in the team, the mindset, the attention to detail, the attention to their preparation, I still believe that, said Sammy. Let me see if my words come true tomorrow. West Indies skipper Hope has at his disposal a potent spin attack, seam bowlers with variety and incredible batting power. His side have already blasted 66 sixes, a record for a T20 World Cup. India are next on the list 63 which sets up the possibility of a high-scoring slugfest on Sunday. It's a knockout, said Sammy. You win, you go through. You lose and then you start thinking about all the what-ifs. That's what makes an athlete, that's what makes competition, that's what makes a World Cup the pinnacle of your sport. Awaiting the winner should be a semi-final against England in Mumbai on Thursday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The final is in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8.

T20 WC: Babar Azam Out As Sri Lanka Ask Pakistan To Bat In Super 8s Clash

T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl against Pakistan in their last match of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s played at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy on Saturday. Pakistan have made big changes in the playing XI as former captain Babar Azam, who was struggling for form, has been dropped from the team, while Saim Ayub is also not included in the playing XI. Pakistan are coming into the contest after suffering a close defeat against the two-time champions, England, on Tuesday. While on the other side, Sri Lanka have been eliminated from the tournament after suffering back-to-back defeats against England and New Zealand in their first two Super 8s matches. Pakistan can still qualify for the semifinals if they beat Sri Lanka by a margin of 64 runs to surpass the Net Run Rate (NRR) of New Zealand. After winning the toss, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka said, We're gonna bowl first. It is a good pitch, and later on, there might be dew as well. We got some good players in our lineup, and of course, we need to do our basics right. So yeah, we didnt do the basics well enough to pull out a win in the last two games. But here, we know we need to make it right in all three departments. They (the fans) still always love us regardless of whether we win or lose, so its good motivation, I think. Thank you very much to all the fans here. So yeah, we are looking forward to the game. Two changes. Kamil Mishara comes in for Kusal Mendis, who pulled out with an injury, and Dushan Hemantha is out. Janith (Liyanage) comes in, he added. While after losing the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Agha said, Massive opportunity. We need to bat well, bowl well, and field well, and everything will be fine. We need to put up a good total and try to restrict them. Sometimes it can be tough, and sometimes it can be easy; it's a mixed feeling knowing what we need to do. We got three changes: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, and Salman Mirza are not playing. Naseem Shah, Khawaja Nafay, and Abrar Ahmed are playing. Playing XIs: While after losing the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Agha said, Massive opportunity. We need to bat well, bowl well, and field well, and everything will be fine. We need to put up a good total and try to restrict them. Sometimes it can be tough, and sometimes it can be easy; it's a mixed feeling knowing what we need to do. We got three changes: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, and Salman Mirza are not playing. Naseem Shah, Khawaja Nafay, and Abrar Ahmed are playing. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka Article Source: IANS

Can West Indies make up for bowling gulf in virtual quarter-final against India?

The two best six-hitting teams of this T20 World Cup meet in a winner-takes-all contest at Eden Gardens

ICC monitoring Middle East conflict as airspace closure hits travel plans

Contingency plans are being put in place to facilitate international travel as the tournament enters its final week

Massive Achievement, Youngsters Will Take The Game Seriously, Says BCCI Secy Devajit Saikia On J&Ks Ranji Trophy Triumph

BCCI Secy Devajit Saikia: BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia described Jammu and Kashmirs maiden Ranji Trophy triumph as a 'watershed moment' for Indian cricket, saying the historic title would inspire a new generation of cricketers from the region and validate years of sustained effort by administrators and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Jammu and Kashmir scripted history by defeating Karnataka in their own backyard, securing the title on the basis of a massive first-innings lead after the final ended in a draw at the Hubballi Cricket Ground. The visitors had piled up 584 in their first innings, powered by Shubham Pundirs century and crucial contributions from the middle order, before bowling Karnataka out for 293, with Auqib Nabi Dar starring with a five-wicket haul. In the second innings, centuries from Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra ensured there was no way back for the eight-time champions, sealing a landmark victory for Jammu and Kashmir. Calling it a defining moment, Saikia said the triumph would transform cricket in the region. This has been a very significant moment for Indian cricket. Jammu and Kashmir defeated Karnataka, which has the second-highest number of Ranji Trophy titles, and they did so in Karnataka itself. This will encourage smaller teams, and in my opinion, it has become a truly momentous and historic occasion for J&K cricket. It will greatly motivate cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir, and more youngsters will start taking the game seriously. It is a massive achievement for J&K, and credit must also go to the BCCI, Saikia told IANS. He highlighted the administrative efforts that laid the foundation for the teams rise, particularly the intervention led by former BCCI secretary and current ICC Chairman Jay Shah. For the past six years, a BCCI sub-committee has been managing cricket in Jammu and Kashmir. When Jay Shah was the secretary of the BCCI, a High Court order directed the BCCI to take charge of cricket administration in J&K. The court instructed the BCCI to form a committee and develop cricket in the region. Jay Shah, Brigadier Anil Gupta, and another member worked extensively through this sub-committee, and todays success is the result of their efforts. Jammu and Kashmir, which was never considered a strong team, has now won the Ranji Trophy. Saikia also acknowledged the structural and environmental challenges that had historically hindered cricket in the region, crediting administrators such as Mithun Manhas and the BCCI for ensuring continuity and development. The most challenging aspect was that there was no proper cricketing environment in J&K. I wont reveal all the reasons, but there was a shortage of infrastructure, and the weather conditions were also difficult. During winters, when the rest of India plays cricket, J&K faces harsh weather, making cricket difficult. Despite these challenges, Mithun ji and the sub-committee worked tirelessly, and Jay Shah also arranged for players to train in alternate locations so they could continue practising regularly. Overcoming infrastructural and weather-related challenges required immense effort from the BCCI and the sub-committee. He added that rebuilding cricketing structures after disruptions required sustained commitment from all stakeholders. The most challenging aspect was that there was no proper cricketing environment in J&K. I wont reveal all the reasons, but there was a shortage of infrastructure, and the weather conditions were also difficult. During winters, when the rest of India plays cricket, J&K faces harsh weather, making cricket difficult. Despite these challenges, Mithun ji and the sub-committee worked tirelessly, and Jay Shah also arranged for players to train in alternate locations so they could continue practising regularly. Overcoming infrastructural and weather-related challenges required immense effort from the BCCI and the sub-committee. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jammu and Kashmirs title run, marked by consistency, resilience, and standout individual performances, represents one of the most remarkable underdog stories in Indian domestic cricket history and signals a new era for the regions cricketing future. Article Source: IANS

AUS-W vs IND-W 3rd ODI Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI

AUS-W vs IND-W 3rd ODI , Cricket Tips :The ongoing ODI series against Australia Women has been very tough for Harmanpreet Kaur and co., and they have surrendered in both matches. As a result, the hosts have taken a 2-0 unassailable lead, and they are in for a 3-0 clean sweep. The Indian batting has looked like a club-level side in both matches. In both games, India have two half-centuries each, but none of the batters have taken it far. Resting Shafali Verma and Renuka Thakur was a big call, which didn't work well either. Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield smashed the Indian bowlers to all parts and took the team over the line. The final game will commence at 9:20 AM IST on Sunday at Bellerive Oval. AUS-W vs IND-W: Match Details Date : March 01, 2026 (Sunday) Time : 9:20 AM IST Venue : Bellerive Oval, Hobart AUS-W vs IND-W: Live Streaming Details Indian fans can tune into the Star Sports network for the live action of the final ODI. Fans can also switch to the Jio Hotstar app or website. AUS-W vs IND-W: Head-to-Head in ODI Total Matches : 63 Australia Women : 51 India Women : 12 No result/Tied: 0 AUS-W vs IND-W: Ground Pitch Report Bellerive Oval played well in the second ODI, and there was plenty of help for the batters. The bounce is true, and batters can play through the line. The toss will be crucial because batting second can be an edge. Bowlers will find it hard here, and the best time to bowl will be with a new ball. AUS-W vs IND-W: Possible XIs Australia Women : Georgia Voll, Alyssa Healy (c), Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney (wk), Ash Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Nicola Carey, Tahlia McGrath, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown India Women : Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Shree Charani, Kashvee Gautam, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Thakur AUS-W vs IND-W: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Smriti Mandhana is India's backbone in the batting unit, and she has shown good form on this tour already. For Australia, Georgia Voll showed a great ability to counterattack,, and she will be a threat for the inexperienced Indian bowling. Probable Best Bowler Ash Gardner has been a very smart operator, and she has shown that she can take wickets on even flat wickets. For India, Deepti Sharma has a lot of experience, and she has good stats against Australia. Today Match Prediction : It has been a one-sided affair in both games, and India Women have struggled in both departments. Hence, we predict Australia Women will win the final ODI. AUS-W vs IND-W Match 3rd ODI, Today Match AUS-W vs IND-W, AUS-W vs IND-W Prediction, AUS-W vs IND-W Predicted XIs, Injury Update for AUS-W vs IND-W Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

T20 WC: Varun's Form In Focus As India Face West Indies In Virtual Quarterfinal At Eden (Preview)

T20 World Cup: The iconic Eden Gardens is all set to host a blockbuster on Sunday as the defending champions India will face the West Indies in their last match of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s, which will be a virtual quarterfinal that will decide the fate of both teams. Both India and the West Indies have lost one and won one match in the Super 8, Group 1, and are tied on two points. The semifinal equation is straightforward for both teams: the winner of the encounter will advance to the next round, along with South Africa, which has already confirmed their spot from Group A. India got into the contest after registering a dominant 72-run win against Zimbabwe in their second Super 8s match played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday. They lost the first clash against South Africa and have two points from two matches. Despite the dominant win against Zimbabwe in their last match, their prime bowler Varun Chakravarthy's form will be in focus when they face the two-time champions, West Indies, in the must-win clash. Varun gave away 35 runs against Sikandar Raza's team and was able to take only one wicket. Against the Proteas, Varun leaked 47 runs and took only one wicket. India will hope that the mystery spinner gets back to what he does best when he returns to his IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), home ground. The positive thing for the hosts is the return to form of opener Abhishek Sharma, who scored a fifty against Zimbabwe after getting three zeroes in the previous four matches he played in this World Cup. India have played only one T20 World Cup match at Eden Gardens. In the 2016 T20 World Cup, India faced Pakistan on this ground, where the Indian team was successful in winning by six wickets. India faced the West Indies three times at Eden Gardens in T20Is in 2022 and won all the matches. While the West Indies is coming into the do-or-die match after suffering a nine-wicket defeat against the T20 World Cup 2024 runner-ups, South Africa, in their second Super 8s match played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday. Shai Hope's team registered a big win in their first Super 8s match vs Zimbabwe. The Caribbean side also has two points in two matches. The Windies have good memories of the iconic ground. Ten years ago, they beat England in the 2016 T20 World Cup final here to secure their most impressive ICC title. Windies have played three T20 World Cup matches at this venue, and have never lost a match. Shai Hope's team will look to continue that streak against the home team. Squads: The Windies have good memories of the iconic ground. Ten years ago, they beat England in the 2016 T20 World Cup final here to secure their most impressive ICC title. Windies have played three T20 World Cup matches at this venue, and have never lost a match. Shai Hope's team will look to continue that streak against the home team. Also Read: Live Cricket Score West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales, Quentin Sampson Article Source: IANS

Parvez Rasool: 'Auqib Nabi has given J&K a new sporting identity'

Irfan Pathan, Samiullah Beigh and coach Ajay Sharma all hail J&K's first-ever Ranji win

South Africa put spotless record on the line in all-African clash

Zimbabwe have upstaged other teams at the T20 World Cup but history is against them

Ranji Trophy: Sachin Tendulkar Hails J&Ks Rise from Being An Enabler Of Champions, To Becoming Champions Themselves

Auqib Nabi Dar: Legendary former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on Friday hailed Jammu & Kashmirs historic triumph in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, calling their journey beautiful and a shining example of consistency and resilience in domestic cricket. Congratulating the side after their maiden title win over eight-time champions Karnataka, Tendulkar reflected on the symbolic and emotional significance of the achievement for the region, which has long contributed to Indian cricket through its famed willow bats. The Kashmir willows have been a part of many champions kits. To see Jammu & Kashmirs journey from being an enabler of champions to becoming champions themselves is beautiful, Tendulkar wrote on X, formerly Twitter. J&K scripted history by clinching their first-ever Ranji Trophy title after securing a massive first-innings lead and drawing the final against Karnataka in Hubballi. The visitors piled up a commanding 584 in their first innings, powered by Shubham Pundirs century and strong contributions across the order. Their bowlers, led by the tournaments leading wicket-taker Auqib Nabi Dars five-wicket haul, then dismissed Karnataka for 293 to gain a decisive advantage. J&K further tightened their grip in the second innings, with Qamran Iqbals superb 160 and Sahil Lotras maiden first-class hundred taking them to 342/4 before skipper Paras Dogra declared. With the lead far beyond Karnatakas reach and time running out, the match ended in a draw, handing Jammu & Kashmir a famous victory based on their dominant first-innings performance. Tendulkar emphasised that the triumph was no accident but the result of sustained excellence throughout the season. The season was built on consistency, resilience, and season-long excellence. Auqib Nabis impact with the ball stood out in a demanding campaign, he said. J&K further tightened their grip in the second innings, with Qamran Iqbals superb 160 and Sahil Lotras maiden first-class hundred taking them to 342/4 before skipper Paras Dogra declared. With the lead far beyond Karnatakas reach and time running out, the match ended in a draw, handing Jammu & Kashmir a famous victory based on their dominant first-innings performance. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Tendulkar also underlined the broader significance of the achievement, noting its inspirational value for the domestic circuit and future generations of cricketers, as he stated, A historic moment for the team, coaches, and support staff. Journeys like these define the beauty of domestic cricket. Article Source: IANS

Doesnt Feel Real That Weve Won It: Auqib Nabi After Scripting History With J&Ks Maiden Ranji Trophy Triumph

Auqib Nabi Dar: Auqib Nabi Dar described Jammu & Kashmirs maiden Ranji Trophy triumph as an unbelievable and emotional moment after his stellar all-round bowling performance throughout the season earned him the Player of the Series award in a landmark campaign for the side. J&K scripted history by defeating eight-time champions Karnataka on the basis of a massive first-innings lead in the final, capping off a dominant five-day display defined by discipline, resilience and match-defining individual contributions. On the magnitude of the achievement, Auqib admitted the reality of the moment was still sinking in after helping deliver the biggest success in the teams domestic cricket history. It was unbelievable because this is the first time weve won the Ranji Trophy. It still doesnt feel real that weve won it. When I started playing for J&K, my dream was always to win a trophy - especially the Ranji Trophy in red-ball cricket. Weve been trying for a long time. There was a lot of hard work and a lot of struggle. The whole team worked together, and finally weve won this cup, he said during the post-match presentation. Auqibs season was instrumental in J&Ks rise, as he consistently delivered breakthroughs at crucial moments. His decisive spells, including a key five-wicket haul in the final, helped secure the commanding first-innings advantage that ultimately determined the outcome of the title clash. Explaining his mindset in high-pressure situations, Auqib emphasised his commitment to team success and consistency over individual milestones, saying, My plan is always simple, no matter which match it is. I try to give my best in every game. Whenever the team requires something, I try to put in my full effort because every match is important. When you reach the knockouts, every match becomes a must-win. So my mindset is to contribute to the team in whatever way possible and give my 100 percent. His performances throughout the tournament reflected that philosophy, as he emerged as J&Ks strike weapon, delivering with both the new ball and in critical middle-phase spells. Speaking about his approach to bowling and the support system behind his success, Auqib highlighted the importance of process, discipline and emotional backing from family and fans. His performances throughout the tournament reflected that philosophy, as he emerged as J&Ks strike weapon, delivering with both the new ball and in critical middle-phase spells. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart. I also want to thank the people of Jammu and Kashmir and tell them something - in these days Ive received so many messages, wishes, and prayers. Im very grateful to all of them. My message would be this: even if you dont have facilities, even if resources are limited, just work hard and dont think about anything else. Give it your all and keep inspiring others through your dedication, Auqib concluded. Article Source: IANS

Ranji Trophy: Pundir Calls Title Triumph fairytale After Player Of The Match Performance In J&Ks Historic Win

Auqib Nabi Dar: Jammu & Kashmir batter Shubham Pundir described the teams maiden Ranji Trophy triumph as a fairytale moment after playing a pivotal role in their historic title-winning campaign, for which he was adjudged Player of the Match. Pundir laid the foundation for Jammu & Kashmirs dominance in the final with a magnificent first-innings century that helped his side post a massive total of 584, ultimately securing the title on the basis of a decisive first-innings lead against Karnataka. Pundir said the victory was the culmination of years of hard work by players and management. It still feels surreal. It feels like a fairytale. But I think for our region, for all the players, and for the management, this is a huge achievement. Everyone has worked so hard for so many years, so I think this is a great accomplishment, he said during the post-match presentation. Coming into the final, Jammu & Kashmir knew the importance of posting a commanding total after opting to bat first. Pundir anchored the innings with maturity and composure, helping the team seize early control of the match. His century, along with key contributions from Yawer Hassan and Abdul Samad, enabled J&K to build a total that proved beyond Karnatakas reach. Explaining his approach during the crucial knock, Pundir emphasised the importance of patience and adapting to match conditions. The aim was to bat as long as possible. Our plan was ideally to aim for 500-600 runs. But more than the exact number of runs, the focus was on batting for as long as we could. We tried to build a long innings. I think my plan was to see off the new ball as much as possible -- play straight and safely early on -- and then look to attack the spinners, he said. Thats what the wicket demanded. There was some movement with the new ball, so the idea was to get through that phase. After that, there wasnt much assistance for the spinners. I think I really enjoy batting with both of them (Yawer and Samad). With Yawer, theres always a bit of fun and light moments in between. And with Samad, its a different kind of enjoyment because he takes the pressure away from you with his attacking style. I really enjoyed batting with both of them, Pundir added. Explaining his approach during the crucial knock, Pundir emphasised the importance of patience and adapting to match conditions. The aim was to bat as long as possible. Our plan was ideally to aim for 500-600 runs. But more than the exact number of runs, the focus was on batting for as long as we could. We tried to build a long innings. I think my plan was to see off the new ball as much as possible -- play straight and safely early on -- and then look to attack the spinners, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Despite the personal milestone and match-winning contribution, Pundir remained focused on continuous improvement and future growth. I think my outside-off-stump play and some aspects of my front-foot game -- Id like to improve there. Next year, youll definitely see improvement, he asserted. Article Source: IANS

J&K's Ranji Trophy Final Victory Brings Glory And Promise To Cricket's Future In UT

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah: The victory of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket team on Saturday over rivals Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy finals is not just a win well deserved, it is the promise of glory and hope for the youth of the Union Territory, whose talent in sports is getting countrywide acknowledgment now. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister's Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and NC MLA, Tanvir Sadiq had reached Karnataka's Hubballi on Friday to witness history as the Jammu and Kashmir team was about to write it on Saturday. Omar Abdullah wanted to be there personally to cheer and toast the victory of the Jammu and Kashmir team. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister on Saturday announced a cash reward of Rs 2 crore and government job opportunities for players and support staff following the team's historic maiden Ranji Trophy title win, terming the achievement a watershed moment for cricket in the Union Territory. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his joy by writing on X, Jammu and Kashmir's finest hour has arrived! Emotions surging beyond words as I watch our Cricket team claiming the Ranji Trophy. To every fierce player who carved history through sheer grit: thank you from entire Union Territory beaming with pride. You have immortalised history -- embrace it with honour. Announcing the reward, the Chief Minister's Office highlighted the broader significance of the triumph for the region's sporting ecosystem. Congratulating Team J&K on their historic triumph in the Ranji Trophy, the Chief Minister announced a cash reward of Rs 2 crore for the players and support staff after their emphatic victory over Karnataka on their home turf. Calling it a watershed moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket, he said the landmark win has filled the entire region with pride and inspiration. The players will also be entitled to government appointments under the recently notified rules for outstanding sportspersons, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister's Office said on X. The victory marks Jammu and Kashmir's first Ranji Trophy crown in 66 years. Widespread celebrations broke across the Union Territory when the news came. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Jammu and Kashmir posted a formidable total of 584 runs in 173.1 overs, built on a strong collective batting effort. Shubham Pundir anchored the innings with a composed 121 off 247 balls, while Yawer Hassan (88) and skipper Paras Dogra (70) providing solid support. The middle order kept the momentum alive through Abdul Samad (61) and wicketkeeper Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70), while Sahil Lotra added crucial runs with a well-crafted 72. For Karnataka, Prasidh Krishna stood out with a five-wicket haul, though the attack struggled overall. In reply, Karnataka were bowled out for 293 runs in 93.3 overs, conceding a massive first-innings deficit of 291 runs. Mayank Agarwal fought a lone battle with a superb 160, but lacked support from the rest of the batting lineup. Jammu and Kashmir's bowling was led by Auqib Nabi Dar, who claimed a sensational five-wicket haul (5/54), his seventh of the tournament. Sunil Kumar and Yudhvir Singh Charak chipped in with two wickets each to keep Karnataka firmly under pressure. With a commanding lead, Jammu and Kashmir tightened their grip in the second innings, reaching 342/4 in 113 overs. Qamran Iqbal starred with an unbeaten 160, while Sahil Lotra completed a fine match with an unbroken 101, effectively shutting the door on any Karnataka comeback. The final ended in a draw, but Jammu and Kashmir's decisive first-innings lead sealed a historic victory and the most prestigious title in Indian domestic cricket. Youth were seen dancing in Jammu as elders joined them distributing sweets. It was a celebration cutting across region, religion and language. Every face wore a festive smile and drums started beating at different parts of Jammu city. Youth were seen dancing in Jammu as elders joined them distributing sweets. It was a celebration cutting across region, religion and language. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Hundreds of Kashmiri students, doctors and other professionals are still stranded in Iran as the country sealed its airspace. Article Source: IANS

Historic Day For J&K Cricket: Mohhammad Kaif Leads Congratulatory Messages On Maiden Ranji Trophy Title Win

Hubbali Cricket Ground: Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif led the the cricket fraternity in congratulating the team after J&K lifted their maiden Ranji Trophy title, beating Karnataka based on a first innings lead at the Hubbali Cricket Ground in Hubbali on Saturday. Jammu & Kashmir secured their maiden title after earning a decisive first-innings lead over Karnataka in the five-day final, capping off a dominant campaign marked by composure, resilience, and all-round excellence. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes this win will ignite self-belief in the players. Historic day for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. Having led UP to its first Ranji Trophy title, I know what this moment means to the players and the state. More players from J&K will now believe that they too can do it, posted Kaif on X, formerly Twitter. Jammu & Kashmir scripted one of the most stirring chapters in Indian domestic cricket history, ending a 67-year wait for Ranji Trophy glory with a commanding performance in their maiden final. Facing the formidable challenge of taking on eight-time champions Karnataka, J&K displayed remarkable composure and consistency to dominate the contest from start to finish. Many congratulations to J&K cricket for creating history by winning the first-ever Ranji Trophy. I never had even a shadow of a doubt that you guys will achieve this and many more trophies, Irfan Pathan posted on X. Jammu & Kashmir, you beauty. The story for the ages. So so happy for what our boys have achieved. Indian cricket is in a safe and happy place, Aakash Chopra posted on X. Their disciplined approach with both bat and ball reflected the sides growing maturity in red-ball cricket, as six of the top seven batters registered half-centuries to lay a formidable foundation, including a crucial century from Shubham Pundir. An Inspiring journey for anyone who loves red ball cricket. Jammu and Kashmir have not only etched their name in history but have shown everyone what sheer grit, sweat, and hard work can truly achieve. Many congratulations to the whole squad, Yuzvendra Chahal posted on X. The bowlers complemented the effort with equal authority, led by Auqib Nabi Dar, whose seventh five-wicket haul of the season further dented Karnatakas resistance and underlined J&Ks all-round supremacy. Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan praised the leadership of J&K skipper Paras Dogra and the remarkable seasons with the ball from Aquib Nabi. Historic moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. Maiden Ranji Trophy title built on belief, strong leadership from Paras Dogra, and a remarkable season with the ball from Auqib Nabi. Big contributions from Shubham Pundir, Yawer Hassan, Qamran Iqbal, Sahil Lotra, Abdul Samad, and the entire unit. Proud moment, Shikhar Dhawan posted on X. Will to win, thats what matters. What a day for Jammu & Kashmir. Well done, simply outstanding, winning the Ranji Trophy isnt easy at all. They have played terrific cricket throughout the season and played like a unit: many congratulations and many more trophies to come. Great to see Cricket growing in the Jammu and Kashmir region, Harbhajan Singh posted on X. Unbelievable! History has been written today! Huge congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir team for clinching their maiden #RanjiTrophy title after 67 long years! Dominating Karnataka with pure grit, heart, and unbreakable spirit. Proud beyond words of #AuqibNabis fire, #QamranIqbals masterclass, and the entire squad and training staffs belief! J&K cricket has arrived! Keep shining, boys! Yuvraj Singh posted on X. Will to win, thats what matters. What a day for Jammu & Kashmir. Well done, simply outstanding, winning the Ranji Trophy isnt easy at all. They have played terrific cricket throughout the season and played like a unit: many congratulations and many more trophies to come. Great to see Cricket growing in the Jammu and Kashmir region, Harbhajan Singh posted on X. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jammu & Kashmir crowned the Ranji Trophy champions for the first time ever. A monumental moment for the state and domestic cricket!! Well done, team, truly well deserved. Article Source: IANS

Ranji Trophy: Shubham Pundir Calls Title Triumph fairytale After Player Of The Match Performance In J&Ks Historic Win

Auqib Nabi Dar: Jammu & Kashmir batter Shubham Pundir described the teams maiden Ranji Trophy triumph as a fairytale moment after playing a pivotal role in their historic title-winning campaign, for which he was adjudged Player of the Match. Pundir laid the foundation for Jammu & Kashmirs dominance in the final with a magnificent first-innings century that helped his side post a massive total of 584, ultimately securing the title on the basis of a decisive first-innings lead against Karnataka. Pundir said the victory was the culmination of years of hard work by players and management. It still feels surreal. It feels like a fairytale. But I think for our region, for all the players, and for the management, this is a huge achievement. Everyone has worked so hard for so many years, so I think this is a great accomplishment, he said during the post-match presentation. Coming into the final, Jammu & Kashmir knew the importance of posting a commanding total after opting to bat first. Pundir anchored the innings with maturity and composure, helping the team seize early control of the match. His century, along with key contributions from Yawer Hassan and Abdul Samad, enabled J&K to build a total that proved beyond Karnatakas reach. Explaining his approach during the crucial knock, Pundir emphasised the importance of patience and adapting to match conditions. The aim was to bat as long as possible. Our plan was ideally to aim for 500-600 runs. But more than the exact number of runs, the focus was on batting for as long as we could. We tried to build a long innings. I think my plan was to see off the new ball as much as possible - play straight and safely early on - and then look to attack the spinners, he said. Thats what the wicket demanded. There was some movement with the new ball, so the idea was to get through that phase. After that, there wasnt much assistance for the spinners. I think I really enjoy batting with both of them (Yawer and Samad). With Yawer, theres always a bit of fun and light moments in between. And with Samad, its a different kind of enjoyment because he takes the pressure away from you with his attacking style. I really enjoyed batting with both of them, Pundir added. His innings proved decisive in shaping the contest, allowing Jammu & Kashmirs bowlers to operate with a significant cushion. The bowling unit, led by Auqib Nabi Dars five-wicket haul, ensured Karnataka were restricted well short of the first-innings total, sealing the decisive advantage that ultimately delivered the title. Thats what the wicket demanded. There was some movement with the new ball, so the idea was to get through that phase. After that, there wasnt much assistance for the spinners. I think I really enjoy batting with both of them (Yawer and Samad). With Yawer, theres always a bit of fun and light moments in between. And with Samad, its a different kind of enjoyment because he takes the pressure away from you with his attacking style. I really enjoyed batting with both of them, Pundir added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I think my outside-off-stump play and some aspects of my front-foot game - Id like to improve there. Next year, youll definitely see improvement, he asserted. Article Source: IANS

Ranji Trophy: Paras Dogra Calls It biggest Thing Of His Life After Leading J&K To Historic Maiden Title

Paras Dogra: Jammu & Kashmir captain Paras Dogra struggled to find words after leading his side to their maiden Ranji Trophy title, describing the achievement as the most significant moment of his career and crediting the collective belief and unity within the squad for the historic triumph. I just can't explain, to be honest. I don't have any words right now. At this time, it's just the biggest thing right now in my life, and I have a lot of gratitude for it, Dogra said after the game, reflecting on the magnitude of the victory. Under the 41-year-olds leadership, Jammu & Kashmir dominated the five-day summit clash against Karnataka, securing the title on the strength of a commanding first-innings lead after consistent performances with both bat and ball. Highlighting the teams collective effort rather than individual brilliance, the veteran batter praised the entire squad and the support system behind their success. To be honest, I have been lucky to be with JKCA, and the guys have been phenomenal. They have been excellent, and it's not about the 11, like 14, 15 guys, if you'll see, they have been tremendous. They have been putting their hand up, and they have been performing really well. They are really keen to win the matches, and from the beginning, they have been 100% sure that we're gonna win this, he said. Dogra also acknowledged the role of the association and his teammates in shaping what he described as an unforgettable journey, saying, I feel I'm very lucky that I get a group like this, I got an association like this, who just supported and, to play with, to rub shoulder with these guys, it just has been amazing and everyone has been fantastic. I have no words to explain how good our team is. The skipper revealed that last seasons heartbreaking one-run quarterfinal defeat played a defining role in shaping the teams mindset and approach this season. Because we learned from that one run, so from the beginning we were talking about how each and every run is very crucial in the league games. So, whenever we went in, we were like, just give your 100%, whatever the result is, we don't care, but we just don't want to repeat the same thing. So we have always been on the mark, and God has been helping us, and here we are, Dogra explained. Dogra also shed light on the crucial toss decision in the final, which ultimately laid the foundation for Jammu & Kashmirs dominance. It was looking a little dry, so I thought maybe it's gonna turn later on. So after that, when we (he and Ajay Sharma) had a talk, we thought to bat first, he said. Despite achieving one of the most significant milestones in domestic cricket, Dogra admitted that he remains focused on celebrating the moment rather than planning too far ahead. Dogra also shed light on the crucial toss decision in the final, which ultimately laid the foundation for Jammu & Kashmirs dominance. It was looking a little dry, so I thought maybe it's gonna turn later on. So after that, when we (he and Ajay Sharma) had a talk, we thought to bat first, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jammu & Kashmirs triumph marks a watershed moment in Indian domestic cricket, with Dogras calm leadership and the teams resilience culminating in a historic and emotional victory in the Ranji Trophy final. Article Source: IANS

Ranji Trophy: CM Omar Abdullah Announces Rs 2 Crore Reward, Government Jobs For J&K Players After Historic Title Win

Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah: Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday announced a cash reward of Rs. 2 crore and government job opportunities for players and support staff following the teams historic maiden Ranji Trophy title win, terming the achievement a watershed moment for cricket in the Union Territory. Jammu & Kashmir scripted history after securing the title on the basis of a massive first-innings lead against eight-time champions Karnataka in the five-day final at Hubballi, completing a dominant performance that underlined their rise as a formidable force in domestic cricket. Announcing the reward, the Chief Ministers Office highlighted the broader significance of the triumph for the regions sporting ecosystem. Congratulating Team J&K on their historic triumph in the Ranji Trophy, the Chief Minister announced a cash reward of 2 crore for the players and support staff after their emphatic victory over Karnataka on their home turf. Calling it a watershed moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket, he said the landmark win has filled the entire region with pride and inspiration. The players will also be entitled to government appointments under the recently notified rules for outstanding sportspersons, Office of Chief Minister of J&K, Omar Abdullah, stated on X Jammu & Kashmir laid the foundation for their triumph with a monumental first-innings total of 584, built around a superb century by Shubham Pundir and crucial contributions from the top and middle order. In reply, Karnataka fought hard through a valiant 160 from Mayank Agarwal, but disciplined bowling led by Auqib Nabi Dar, who claimed a five-wicket haul, ensured Jammu & Kashmir secured a commanding 291-run first-innings lead. Congratulating Team J&K on their historic triumph in the Ranji Trophy, the Chief Minister announced a cash reward of 2 crore for the players and support staff after their emphatic victory over Karnataka on their home turf. Calling it a watershed moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket, he said the landmark win has filled the entire region with pride and inspiration. The players will also be entitled to government appointments under the recently notified rules for outstanding sportspersons, Office of Chief Minister of J&K, Omar Abdullah, stated on X Also Read: Live Cricket Score Led by the experienced Paras Dogra, Jammu & Kashmir dominated key phases of the final, showcasing discipline with both bat and ball to outplay one of the most successful teams in the tournaments history. Article Source: IANS

Iqbal and Lotra centuries help J&K bat Karnataka out for historic maiden Ranji Trophy title

J&K had batted out most of day 4 without too many hassles, and the final day was a mere formality

Ranji Trophy: ICC Chief Jay Shah Hails J&Ks 'remarkable Story Of Grit And Perseverance After Historic Triumph

ICC Chairman Jay Shah: ICC Chairman Jay Shah congratulated Jammu & Kashmir for their historic maiden Ranji Trophy triumph, describing the achievement as a testament to grit, perseverance and collective effort, while emphasising its potential to inspire future generations from the region. Praising the teams landmark accomplishment, Shah said, Congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir team in India for scripting a remarkable story of grit and perseverance. While the players are fully deserving of the adulation they receive, one must also remember the contribution of the coaching staff, management and administrators from J&K who have toiled behind the scenes to fashion this landmark achievement, he wrote on X. Jammu & Kashmir secured their maiden title after earning a decisive first-innings lead over Karnataka in the five-day final, capping off a dominant campaign marked by composure, resilience and all-round excellence. Highlighting the broader impact of the victory beyond the immediate result, Shah expressed confidence that the triumph would serve as a catalyst for aspiring cricketers from the region. I am sure that this win will ignite belief in the hearts of the current generation from the region and drive the next one to pick up a bat or ball, he said. Shah also underlined crickets enduring ability to produce inspirational stories and expressed hope that Jammu & Kashmirs achievement would receive widespread recognition. Our sport is rich with such stories of inspiration from around the world and I hope this one also receives its fair share of admiration, he further wrote. Earlier, BCCI President Mithun Manhas reflected on the teams transformation, attributing its success to early foundational efforts, especially highlighting the leadership of former board secretary Jay Shah. Our sport is rich with such stories of inspiration from around the world and I hope this one also receives its fair share of admiration, he further wrote. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jammu & Kashmirs triumph marks a watershed moment for cricket in the Jammu and Kashmir region, symbolising the steady rise of a team that combined experienced leadership with emerging talent to script one of Indian domestic crickets most memorable title victories. Article Source: IANS

Just The Start, You'll See A Lot More Coming, Says BCCI Prez Mithun Manhas On J&Ks Historic Ranji Trophy Win

BCCI Prez Mithun Manhas: Mithun Manhas, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), praised Jammu & Kashmirs historic first Ranji Trophy win as the result of a well-planned effort and steadfast confidence. He dedicated this significant achievement to the region's people and credited ongoing institutional backing and structural improvements for the teams progress. Jammu & Kashmir made history by winning their first Ranji Trophy title after taking a commanding first-innings lead and holding out for a draw against a strong Karnataka team in the final, concluding a dominant five-day showing. Manhas reflected on the teams transformation, attributing its success to early foundational efforts, especially highlighting the leadership of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Well, I think it's been an amazing journey. It started way back in June 2021. And I would like to especially thank the BCCI back then for the kind of support they gave us, especially Jay Bhai (Former BCCI secretary, current ICC Chairman). And he was the first secretary back then, after a span of 67 years, who came to Jammu, saw our condition and then there was no looking back for all of us. Manhas reserved special praise for J&K skipper Paras Dogra and veteran coach Ajay Sharma, whose experience and leadership, he said, brought stability and belief to a talented but evolving squad. I've always believed I'm a person of process and I've always believed that you need to have your seniors around. And we had a great bunch of players and we've been doing exceedingly well. We have shown our glimpse at times in the past as well. But I think with Paras coming and I think we got the stability, the experience, the calmness and that's what he brought to the team. And with Ajay Bhai coming in, I think he has the experience of playing five finals and the kind of batting he used to do in his time and that has really helped our boys grow. Jammu & Kashmirs title run was marked by resilience, including overcoming injury setbacks during the final, with replacements stepping up seamlessly under pressure. Manhas attributed that composure to a cultural shift within the squad, saying, I think the best part that has happened in the last four years is they started believing in themselves and the rest is history. The former India domestic stalwart said the victory carried significance beyond the dressing room, serving as inspiration for aspiring cricketers and emerging teams across the country, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir. This win is dedicated to all the people back home, especially in Jammu and Kashmir and all the ex-cricketers back home. And many thanks to BCCI for the kind of support we wanted they gave us. And yes, I'm sure all the other teams like Uttarakhand play some exceedingly good cricket throughout the tournament. And they've also started believing. It's just a matter of time and the kind of hard work you put behind and the results will follow. He added that the triumph represented only the beginning of a larger cricketing journey for the region under the guidance of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, while also acknowledging Karnatakas efforts in a fiercely contested final. Well, I think it's just the start of JKCA. You'll see a lot more coming. BCCI is always there for all the state associations. And I think this is a pyramid tournament and hats off to the Karnataka team as well for playing good cricket. But surely the better team won today. And many congratulations to JKCA for playing some excellent cricket throughout those five days and all the sessions they dominated. Very well done. I'm so happy for the boys. Jammu & Kashmir scripted one of the most stirring chapters in Indian domestic cricket history, ending a 67-year wait for Ranji Trophy glory with a commanding performance in their maiden final. Facing the formidable challenge of taking on eight-time champions Karnataka, J&K displayed remarkable composure and consistency to dominate the contest from start to finish. Well, I think it's just the start of JKCA. You'll see a lot more coming. BCCI is always there for all the state associations. And I think this is a pyramid tournament and hats off to the Karnataka team as well for playing good cricket. But surely the better team won today. And many congratulations to JKCA for playing some excellent cricket throughout those five days and all the sessions they dominated. Very well done. I'm so happy for the boys. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The bowlers complemented the effort with equal authority, led by Auqib Nabi Dar, whose seventh five-wicket haul of the season further dented Karnatakas resistance and underlined J&Ks all-round supremacy. Article Source: IANS

Daryl Mitchell And Sobhana Mostary Named ICC Player Of January

T20 World Cup Global Qualifier: Daryl Mitchell and Sobhana Mostary were named ICC Mens Player of the Month award after powering New Zealand to a stirring ODI series win in India, while Mostarys prolific run at the ICC Womens T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. Mitchell was awarded the Player of the Month trophy for November 2022, having surpassed India's Suryakumar Yadav and England's Joe Root as nominees for the award. Mitchell starred in the 50-over series of New Zealand's tour of India, where he contributed significantly to his team's success in ODIs. After New Zealand was down 0-1 in the three-match ODI series, Mitchell turned that series around with two back-to-back centuries 131 not out in match two and 137 runs in match three, which helped New Zealand post a match-winning total of 337/8 in the third ODI and win the series 2-1. Mitchell's performance in ODIs earned him Player of the Series for scoring 352 runs at a rate of 176 runs per match, and as a result, he regained the number one spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings. He contributed in the T20I leg that followed with 125 runs in five matches, at an eye-popping strike rate of 186.56. After New Zealand was down 0-1 in the three-match ODI series, Mitchell turned that series around with two back-to-back centuries 131 not out in match two and 137 runs in match three, which helped New Zealand post a match-winning total of 337/8 in the third ODI and win the series 2-1. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In her first six matches of that tournament, Mostary scored 229 runs with an average of 45.80 and a strike rate of 145.85. Mostary's excellent consistency and aggressive style set her apart from the other nominees, Ireland's captain Gaby Lewis and Tara Norris, as they were included along with her to be the nominees for this award. Article Source: IANS

Ranji Trophy Final: Jammu & Kashmir Script History, Clinch Maiden Title After Dominating Karnataka

Ranji Trophy Final: Jammu & Kashmir scripted one of the most remarkable chapters in Indian domestic cricket history, clinching their maiden Ranji Trophy title after securing a decisive first-innings lead and forcing a draw against eight-time champions Karnataka in the final at the Hubli Cricket Ground on Saturday. Led by commanding performances with both bat and ball across five days, Jammu & Kashmir outplayed Karnataka in every department, building an insurmountable 291-run first-innings advantage before declaring their second innings at 342/4 on the final afternoon. With no realistic chance of forcing a result, both captains agreed to shake hands, sparking emotional celebrations among the Jammu & Kashmir players, support staff and fans as the long wait for domestic crickets biggest prize finally ended. The visitors seized early control after opting to bat, powered by a historic century from Shubham Pundir, whose unbeaten 117 anchored Jammu & Kashmir to 284/2 at stumps on the opening day. Pundir became the first batter from the state to score a century in a Ranji Trophy final, displaying patience and authority against a disciplined Karnataka attack. He found strong support from Yawer Hassan (88) and Abdul Samad (52 not out), with the latter contributing a fluent half-century as Jammu & Kashmir dominated all three sessions to establish early ascendancy. Jammu & Kashmir extended their dominance on Day 2, riding on crucial contributions from multiple batters. Captain Paras Dogra struck a resolute half-century, while Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70) and Sahil Lotra (57 not out) ensured the momentum remained firmly with the visitors. Despite a five-wicket haul from Karnataka seamer Prasidh Krishna, Jammu & Kashmir piled up a formidable 584, laying the platform for sustained pressure. Lotras calm and mature innings highlighted the teams depth and composure, ensuring there was no collapse and pushing Karnataka onto the defensive heading into their reply. Jammu & Kashmirs bowlers backed up the batters superbly on Day 3, with Auqib Nabi Dar delivering a match-defining spell. His incisive seam bowling removed key batters including KL Rahul, Karun Nair and Smaran Ravichandran, reducing Karnataka to 57/4 at one stage. Although Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal produced a magnificent rearguard century, scoring 130 not out to anchor resistance, Jammu & Kashmir retained control of proceedings. Lotra (72), Abid Mushtaq (28) and Yudhvir Singh Charak (30) had earlier ensured Jammu & Kashmirs first innings crossed the 580-run mark, reinforcing their dominance. On Day 4, despite Mayanks valiant effort, which eventually ended at 160, Karnataka were bowled out for 293. Auqib Nabi finished with an outstanding five-wicket haul, securing Jammu & Kashmir a commanding 291-run first-innings lead that effectively decided the contest. With time on their side and the title within reach, Jammu & Kashmir approached their second innings with composure after briefly slipping to 11/2. Opener Qamran Iqbal emerged as the architect of the title-clinching phase, producing a magnificent innings under pressure. He stitched vital partnerships with Paras Dogra and Abdul Samad before combining with Sahil Lotra to completely shut Karnataka out of the game. Resuming Day 5 on 186/4, Iqbal brought up a memorable century and continued his masterclass, eventually reaching 160 off 311 deliveries in a marathon effort defined by discipline, temperament and technical excellence. At the other end, Lotra crowned a dream match with his maiden first-class century, remaining unbeaten on 101. His innings followed an impressive 72 in the first innings, underlining his emergence as one of the standout performers of the final. Their unbroken partnership drained Karnatakas final hopes and extended Jammu & Kashmirs lead well beyond 600 runs before captain Paras Dogra declared at 342/4, formally sealing the outcome. Jammu & Kashmirs triumph was built on collective excellence rather than individual brilliance alone. Pundirs historic century laid the foundation, Lotra delivered with both bat and temperament, and Auqib Nabis relentless bowling ensured Karnataka never recovered from the massive deficit. Throughout the contest, Jammu & Kashmir displayed remarkable discipline, composure and belief, maintaining control from the opening session of Day 1 until the final declaration. Playing in their maiden Ranji Trophy final, Jammu & Kashmir showed no signs of nerves against one of Indias most successful domestic teams. Instead, they dictated terms, executed their plans flawlessly and rose to the occasion with maturity beyond their experience. Their unbroken partnership drained Karnatakas final hopes and extended Jammu & Kashmirs lead well beyond 600 runs before captain Paras Dogra declared at 342/4, formally sealing the outcome. Jammu & Kashmirs triumph was built on collective excellence rather than individual brilliance alone. Pundirs historic century laid the foundation, Lotra delivered with both bat and temperament, and Auqib Nabis relentless bowling ensured Karnataka never recovered from the massive deficit. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief scores: Jammu & Kashmir 584 all out & 342/4 dec (Qamran Iqbal 160*, Sahil Lotra 101*; Prasidh Krishna 2-42) beat Karnataka 293 all out (Mayank Agarwal 160, Kruthik Krishna 36; Auqib Nabi Dar 5-54) with first-innings lead. Article Source: IANS

India Vs West Indies Head-to-head Record And Last Five Matches Performance

T20 World Cup: India face a must-win Super Eights clash against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday, with a place in the semi-finals of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 hanging in the balance. The qualification scenario eased considerably for the hosts after South Africa handed West Indies a heavy defeat in the Super Eights. Prior to that result, Indias path depended not only on victories but also on achieving dominant winning margins against both Zimbabwe and West Indies. South Africas win, however, reduced the equation to a straightforward requirement: victories in their remaining fixtures would be enough to secure progression. India responded strongly by clearing the first hurdle with a commanding 72-run triumph over Zimbabwe, turning their final Super Eights fixture into a virtual quarterfinal contest. The turnaround followed a disappointing 76-run loss to South Africa, with India rediscovering their batting firepower in emphatic fashion against Zimbabwe. Invited to bat, they piled up an imposing 256, led by a blistering 30-ball 55 from Abhishek Sharma, whose return to form came as a timely boost for the team management. However, concerns remain over the form of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who has delivered consecutive underwhelming outings, leaving India with key questions to address ahead of their decisive encounter. Head-to-head record between India and the West Indies in T20Is Total Matches Played: 30 India Won: 19 West Indies Won: 10 Performance of both teams in their last 5 matches India: W, W, W, L, W West Indies: W, W, W, W, L Squads: West Indies: W, W, W, W, L Also Read: Live Cricket Score West Indies: West Indies: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava Article Source: IANS

AUS Selector Flegler Confirms Lucy Hamilton In Contention For Debut Ahead Of 3rd ODI Vs IND

Lucy Hamilton: Uncapped teenage pacer Lucy Hamilton is edging closer to a potential international debut after being named in contention for the third and final ODI of the series against India, with Australia women's cricket team grappling with a growing injury list. Australia currently hold a 64 advantage in the multi-format points-based contest following a commanding victory at Bellerive Oval on Friday. A clean sweep of the ODI leg in Hobart would ensure they retain the series trophy ahead of the upcoming day-night Test in Perth. Hamilton, a left-arm quick, added to the squad after injuries to Kim Garth and Ellyse Perry, has been building her workload in preparation for the longer format and was seen putting in extended spells in the nets during Fridays fixture. Her inclusion has accelerated her exposure to the national setup, with selectors closely monitoring her readiness. Australia selector Shawn Flegler confirmed Hamilton was firmly in the mix for Sundays clash. That's one of the opportunities for us. We'll look at how things go today (in the second ODI) ... hopefully we get another win, and then that gives us an opportunity to have a look at Luce possibly in game three, Flegler was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. Lucy's come in for the ODIs and that's an opportunity for her to be around the squad just a little bit earlier than what was originally planned. We'll see how today goes, and perhaps there's an opportunity for her on Sunday as well. We're looking forward to seeing what she can do within this Australian side, I think she's got a huge feature ahead of her, he added. With the same surface expected to be used again, conditions could increasingly favour spin, potentially opening the door for leg-spinner Georgia Wareham to return to the XI. The hosts have already been forced into reshuffling their attack, with Nicola Carey stepping in after Sophie Molineux was ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a back injury. Carey marked her comeback ODI with a wicket but proved expensive, conceding 55 runs in eight overs. Team management may also consider rotating key fast bowlers, including Darcie Brown, who has featured in every match so far, to manage workload ahead of the Test. The wicket's played really well so far, maybe it'll keep a little bit lower on Sunday if we play on the same wicket, it might turn a little bit more. We've also got Georgia Wareham champing at the bit to have a crack as well ... we've got a couple of options there, Flegler said. Australia are expected to bolster their squad further before the pink-ball Test at the WACA Ground, with injuries continuing to influence selection decisions. The wicket's played really well so far, maybe it'll keep a little bit lower on Sunday if we play on the same wicket, it might turn a little bit more. We've also got Georgia Wareham champing at the bit to have a crack as well ... we've got a couple of options there, Flegler said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The team is scheduled to travel to Perth on Monday, allowing a brief window to recover and recalibrate as they aim to close out the series strongly while also preparing for the demands of the four-day contest. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: South Africa Eye Continuing Winning Run As Zimbabwe Seek To Sign Off On A High (preview)

The Arun Jaitley Stadium: South Africa will look to extend their unbeaten run in the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup when they take on Zimbabwe in their final Super Eights game to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday afternoon. South Africa have been a very strong force to reckon with in this tournament, winning all six of their matches while maintaining a run rate of 10 - the highest for any side in the competition. A victory over Zimbabwe would take their winning streak to seven games, their second-best unbeaten sequence in the shortest format. Captain Aiden Markram has been at the heart of the Proteas success, scoring 264 runs at a strike rate of 178 across six innings, including three half-centuries. His strike rate of 200 in the powerplay is the highest among all batters who have faced 50 or more deliveries in that phase in this tournament. He is also in sight to achieve the record for most runs scored by a captain in a single T20 World Cup edition, which is currently held by Pakistans Babar Azam, who amassed 303 runs in 2021. With Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton chipping in with valuable contributions, South Africas top order averages 42.1, which is just behind Zimbabwes 44.8. South Africa's batters have also been the tournament's most effective batters against spin, scoring at 9.9 runs per over against the tweakers - the best figures for any team in this edition. Barring de Kock and David Miller, almost all of SAs batters have a strike-rate in excess of 140 against spinners. That will present a significant challenge for Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl, who shoulder much of their spin-bowling duties. Apart from their batters in great nick, South Africa's pace attack has been in top form in this World Cup, claiming 37 wickets the most by any side in this tournament. Lungi Ngidi has been their standout bowler with 11 scalps at an economy of 6.8 and needs one more wicket to become South Africa's all-time leading wicket-taker T20Is, and go past left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who has 89 scalps. Alongside Ngidi, Marco Jansen has been equally dangerous, also taking 11 wickets with a best haul of 4-22. Pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, who struggled in the opening matches, has improved markedly, his economy rate dropping from 10.2 in his first two matches to 6.9 across the last four games. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe, already eliminated from the competition, will be playing for pride. Their campaign produced great moments, including wins over Sri Lanka and Australia, to become Group B toppers before successive heavy defeats against West Indies and India in the Super Eights. Though Zimbabwe will be headed home after Sundays clash, they have already produced one of the most compelling individual stories of the competition the emergence of opener Brian Bennett. The right-handed opener has scored 277 runs in five innings and being dismissed just once, which means his average is at a staggering 277. Bennett will be keen to make the most out of batting-friendly conditions in New Delhi, as he needs 43 more runs to break Virat Kohli's all-time record of 319 runs in a single T20 World Cup campaign. One more half-century would also make him only the fifth batter in history to score four fifties in a single edition, joining Kohli, Azam and Matthew Hayden. Bennett hasnt got that much support from the other batters and Zimbabwe would hope for them to step up. In the bowling department, Zimbabwe had a good time in league stages, via an economy rate of 7.2. But with West Indies and India posted totals in excess of 250 in successive matches against them, putting up a much-improved show with the ball will be on top of Zimbabwe bowling groups priority. The Arun Jaitley Stadium has strongly favoured the chasing side in this tournament, with four of the five matches won by the team batting second. South Africa have a perfect record at the ground via beating UAE in their final Group D clash and also have 7-1 head-to-head supremacy over Zimbabwe. For South Africa, the incentive to win Sundays game is huge another win will help them enter the knockout stage with an unbeaten run under their belt. For Zimbabwe, it is the chance to ensure their memorable World Cup campaign, despite being underwhelming in their last two games, ends on a high. When: Sunday, March 1, 3:00 PM IST Where: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming Squads Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming Also Read: Live Cricket Score Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Ben Curran, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, and Richard Ngarava Article Source: IANS

Ranji Trophy Final: Iqbals Century, Lotras Defiance Flattens Karnataka As J&K Tighten Grip By Reaching 285/4 At Lunch

Ranji Trophy Final: Qamran Iqbal produced a composed and memorable century while Sahil Lotra underlined his growing stature with an unbeaten half-century as Jammu & Kashmir batted Karnataka out of contention with a dominant wicketless opening session on the final day of the Ranji Trophy final. Resuming Day 5 with an already imposing 477-run lead, Jammu & Kashmir tightened their grip further by reaching 285/4 at lunch in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 576 runs and leaving Karnataka to merely go through the motions on a lifeless final morning at the Hubli Cricket Ground. The session belonged entirely to Iqbal, who converted his overnight 94 into a magnificent century under little pressure but immense significance. The elegant opener reached the milestone with a crisp boundary off Shreyas Gopal, sparking celebrations in the dressing room and applause from the stands. It was an innings defined by patience, control and mental resolve, coming at the most important juncture in Jammu & Kashmirs cricketing history. Having survived a tense review early in the morning when Karnataka appealed for a catch behind and stumping, Iqbal grew in confidence and gradually took complete control. He mixed caution with authority, picking boundaries off loose deliveries while remaining largely untroubled by Karnatakas spin-heavy attack. By lunch, he advanced to an unbeaten 124 off 247 deliveries, anchoring the innings with authority. At the other end, Lotra complemented his senior partner with a composed and disciplined knock of his own. Showing maturity beyond his experience, he brought up a well-deserved half-century and continued to build steadily, frustrating Karnatakas bowlers and fielders alike. His unbeaten 80 off 182 balls reflected his calm temperament and ability to occupy the crease, as he ensured there were no openings for a Karnataka comeback. The pairs unbroken partnership not only added crucial runs but also drained any remaining belief from Karnataka. Their alliance crossed the 100-run mark during the session, symbolising Jammu & Kashmirs complete dominance and Karnatakas fading resistance. Karnatakas bowlers, despite trying multiple options including the off-spin of Karun Nair and part-time overs from KL Rahul, failed to create meaningful chances. A dropped catch and several near-misses summed up their frustrating morning, as they went wicketless in the session and struggled to generate any sustained pressure. The pairs unbroken partnership not only added crucial runs but also drained any remaining belief from Karnataka. Their alliance crossed the 100-run mark during the session, symbolising Jammu & Kashmirs complete dominance and Karnatakas fading resistance. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jammu & Kashmir 584 all out & 285/4 in 95 overs (Qamran Iqbal 124*, Sahil Lotra 80*; Prasidh Krishna 2-42) lead Karnataka 293 all out in 93.3 overs (Mayank Agarwal 160, Kruthik Krishna 36; Auqib Nabi Dar 5-54, Sushil Kumar 2-51, Yudhwir Singh Charak 2-55) by 576 runs Article Source: IANS

Norman Gifford: The 44-Year-Old ODI Debutant Who Captained England

England cricketer Norman Gifford recently died aged 85. He was a crafty, slow left-arm bowler. He was popular with a nickname, Apple Norm that reflected his rosy cheeks and good nature. There are various other reasons to consider him to be a special cricketer: * He took more than 2000 first-class wickets (2068) and this tally is special considering the speed of reduced red-ball cricket these days and may not be surpassed. He also scored 7048 runs at 13.00. His 33 Test wickets came at 31.09. *He had the distinction of receiving the first man of the match award in one-day cricket (although in a lost game), for taking four for 33 against Sussex in the inaugural Gillette Cup final in 1963. *In 1964 he claimed 98 wickets helping Worcestershire become county champions and this earned him a spot in the England team for the Ashes Test at Lords. Although the start was not bad, he faced direct competition, first with Tony Lock and thereafter with Derek Underwood and had to wait for seven years for the next call-up. * He continued performing well for Worcestershire: - In 1965, claimed seven for 23, including his only hat-trick, against Derbyshire at Chesterfield. - In 1968 recorded his career best figures, eight for 28 against Yorkshire at Sheffield. - Appointed Worcestershire captain in 1971 and led the team to its first Sunday League title. That was the year; he was recalled by England and replaced Underwood for the Test against Pakistan at Headingley. Incidentally, England won this Test. *When England toured India in 1972-73, under Tony Lewis, Gifford was told that he would not be the first-choice left-arm spin bowler. Ultimately he played in four of the Tests in the two series against India and Pakistan. *Played his final Test match (his 15th) against New Zealand at Lords in 1973. *Led Worcestershire to another County title in 1974, and he was one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year. Overall he was a member of three Championship-winning sides. He became president of Worcestershire in 2017. *In 1978 he was appointed MBE. *He was made England captain at the age of 45 for two one-day internationals against Australia and Pakistan in the Rothmans Four Nations Cup in Sharjah. No doubt he was a stop gap arrangement as many England first-choice players were given rest (including the captain David Gower). England lost both the matches but he took four for 23 in 10 overs against Pakistan (Imran Khan was out for a golden duck). He remains the oldest player to make his ODI debut for a Full Member country. He had gone from Assistant Manager to skipper overnight. He is one of the few players who made ODI appearances after their 40th birthday (44year and 361 days). He played two matches, both as captain.. *Shifted to Warwickshire, and was appointed their captain in 1985. *In February 86, Norman Gifford while on duty with England B as assistant manager, played in Sri Lanka v England B, 3rd Unofficial test, at 3 weeks off his 46th birthday, contrary to instructions from the TCCB in London. *In 1986 took his 2000th wicket becoming in all probability the last bowler in England to finish a career with more than 2,000 first-class wickets, given the reduction in fixtures. *Finally retired, aged 48, in 1988. *Very few first-class cricketers played more matches than Norman Gifford. He played 710 games in all, the 20th highest total in history. *In 1989 he was Sussex coach and was offered to come out of retirement to play against Kent, to take advantage of the damp pitch, but he declined. Also Read: Live Cricket Score *A unique honour came in 2016, when Worcestershire and Warwickshire started competing for the Norman Gifford Trophy, awarded each year to the winner of the Vitality Blast T20 matches between the two counties.

T20 WC: Added Responsibility To Entertain Them, Well Meet Soon, Says Samson On Chepauk Reception During IND Vs ZIM

MA Chidambaram Stadium: India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson spoke about the overwhelming reception he received at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, his new home venue in the Indian Premier League (IPL), after being traded to Chennai Super Kings. The 29-year-old, who recently featured in Indias ICC Mens T20 World Cup clash against Zimbabwe at the iconic venue, reflected on the emotional connection he felt with fans in Chennai and the added sense of responsibility that comes with their support. Samson said the warmth was evident from the moment he arrived in the city, highlighting the close cultural and emotional ties between Chennai and his home state of Kerala. After the trade, this is the first time Im coming to Chennai. Right from the airport, I can feel the special love. Normally, we do come to Kerala and Chennai is very close, we do often come here, and I do feel that energy here. Fortunate to be a part of such a great and passionate fans here in Chennai, Sanju said in a video shared by bcci.tv on Saturday. The right-hander, who has built a reputation as one of Indias most elegant stroke-makers, said performing in front of Chennais passionate fanbase brought both joy and accountability. Really happy to go out there and entertain them in this way. Im happy. More than just happiness, theres also a little extra responsibility. When everyone comes to cheer for you, I think theres an extra added responsibility to actually entertain them. So yeah, Im very happy. Yes, well meet soon, he said in Tamil. The right-hander, who has built a reputation as one of Indias most elegant stroke-makers, said performing in front of Chennais passionate fanbase brought both joy and accountability. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He also found the boundary with a crisp cut, rotating strike efficiently while maintaining pressure on the bowlers. His attacking approach helped India surge to 46 without loss in three overs. However, Samsons promising knock ended when he mistimed a slower short ball from Muzarabani, falling to a catch at deep mid-wicket. Article Source: IANS

Ranji Trophy Final: In Hubballi To Cheer The J&K Cricket Team As They Seal A Historic Win, Says CM Abdullah

Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah: The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was in attendance watching the final of the Ranji Trophy between J&K and Karnataka on the final day at the Hubli Cricket Ground. Opener Qamran Iqbal brought up his century and Sahil Lothra his fifty as J&K continue to stretch their overall lead to 477 runs against eight-time champions Karnataka. In Hubballi to cheer the J&K cricket team as they seal a historic win. There hasnt been a day over the 5 day final that the team hasnt dominated the opposition, posted J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on X. Earlier on Friday, J&K resumed the final session at 89/3 and showed positive intent. Abdul Samad and Qamran scored quickly, hitting four boundaries in the first three overs of the session. Qamran brought up his half-century in the 33rd over with a boundary off Vidyadhar Patil. He reached his fifty in 89 balls and then increased the scoring rate, regularly finding the boundary to put Karnataka under pressure. Karnataka got a breakthrough in the 44th over when Shreyas Gopal dismissed Samad for 32 off 70 balls. Samad hit four fours and one six during his innings. After Samads dismissal, Qamran took responsibility and faced more deliveries to protect the new batter, Sahil. There was also a brief exchange between Qamran and Vijay Kumar Vyshak after a sharp bouncer in the 49th over, but Qamran stayed focused. He remained unbeaten on 94 at the end of the day, just six runs short of a century, as J&K tightened their grip on the match. Earlier in the day, Karnataka bowled well in the morning session and reduced J&K to 11/2 by Lunch. Prasidh Krishna and Vijay Kumar Vyshak bowled disciplined spells, while the fielders maintained pressure. Qamran and captain Paras Dogra then steadied the innings with a 61-run partnership. However, Krishna bowled Dogra with a sharp delivery. Qamran then built another partnership with Abdul Samad as J&K reached 89/3 at Tea. J&K started the day strongly by breaking the partnership between Karnataka's batters Mayank Agarwal and Kruthik Krishna. Sahil dismissed Kruthik in the 78th over. Sushil Kumar then removed Vidyadhar Patil in the 84th over to leave Karnataka at 256/7. Qamran and captain Paras Dogra then steadied the innings with a 61-run partnership. However, Krishna bowled Dogra with a sharp delivery. Qamran then built another partnership with Abdul Samad as J&K reached 89/3 at Tea. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Auqib completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Shikhar Shetty, while Yudhvir Singh took the final wicket as Karnataka were bowled out for 293. J&K secured a massive 291-run first-innings lead. Article Source: IANS