IPL 2026: Jaiswal's unbeaten 77 helps RR beat Mumbai Indians by 27 runs in rain-hit match

Guwahati: Rajasthan Royals' Jofra Archer celebrates with teammates after the dismissal of Mumbai Indians' Ryan Rickelton during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against Rajasthan Royals at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, in Guwahati district of Assam on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. (IANS/Biplab Banerjee)

Guwahati, (IANS) Yashasvi Jaiswal hammered a half-century and raised 80 runs for the opening wicket with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at breakneck pace as Rajasthan Royals thrashed Mumbai Indians by 27 runs in a rain-shortened 11-overs-a-side Match 13 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday.

This is Rajasthan Royals' third successive win as they took the top table with six points.

After Yashasvi Jaiswal hammered a sensational 77 not out off 32 balls, smashing 10 boundaries and four sixes, to help Rajasthan Royals post a mammoth 150/3, the bowlers took over as they reduced Mumbai Indians for 46/5 in the fifth over, sending back Ryan Rickelton, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and HardikPandya for single digit scores in the match, which was delayed by two-and-a-half hours because of rain. Mi failed to recover from the top-order collapse and slumped to their second successive defeat as Rajasthan bowlers did well, mixing up their deliveries.

Chasing a massive target of 151, the Mumbai Indians succumbed to scoreboard pressure as they lost Ryan Rickelton (8), who hammered a six on the previous delivery, off the last ball of the first over, the South African opener miscuing Jofra Archer a mile high and was pouched by keeper Dhruv Jurel in the short third region. Suryakumar Yadav (6) paddled Nandre Burger to six of the second ball he faced and fell a legal delivery later, hitting straight down the throat of Jofra Archer at deep backward square leg as Mumbai slumped to 20/2.

Sandeep Sharma pushed Mumbai Indians further into the abyss when he pinned Rohit Sharma on the crease for a plumb lbw decision, upheld by DRS, as the five-time champions were reduced to 22/3 in the third over. Sandeep got Rohit for the sixth time in IPL.

With the Mumbai Indians needing 126 for 46 balls, Tilak Varma struck Tushar Deshpande for a four, as did skipper Hardik Pandya, as they scored 11 runs off the fourth over. Pandya (9) struck Ravi Bishnoi for a four and then slapped the next one straight to Jaiswal at long-on, and MI were down to 41/4. Tilak Varma smashed straight into the hands of Shimron Hetmyer at deep mid-wicket, getting out for 14 off 10 balls -- MI down to 46/5.

Naman Dhir whacked Sandeep Sharma over cow corner for a six and an edged four, scoring 14 runs off the sixth over, leaving the Mumbai Indians needing 91 from 30 balls. Sherfane Rutherford hit Bishnoi for boundaries off successive balls and a couple of huge sixes off Deshpande before slicing hard to short-third, where Sandeep Sharma picks a sensational catch, inches above the ground, diving forward. That ended Mumbai's fight, and they ended at 123/9 in 11 overs, slumping to their second successive defeat.

Asked to bat first, Rajasthan Royals were off to a blistering start as Yashasvi Jaiswal hammered four boundaries and a six to score 22 runs off the first over bowled by Deepak Chahar, who bowled a couple of loose deliveries, attempting to get the ball to swing.

The much-anticipated face-off between the 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Jasprit Bumrah went in favour of the teenager as he whipped the seasoned pacer for two sixes -- one over mid-on and the other over deep square leg as Rajasthan Royals blasted 14 runs from the second over.

Jaiswal welcomed Trent Boult with sixes off his first two balls, as the bowler strayed onto the pads on the first delivery and went down outside off on the next. A single later, Sooryavanshi hammered a big one, picking a shortish delivery off his pads to plant it into the stands over deep backward square leg as RR blazed to fifty in just 16 balls.

Hardik Pandya, who returned to playing XI after missing the last match, bowled a fine over and conceded only four runs in the fourth over, but the caning of the bowlers continued as Shardul Thakur's first ball was thrashed out of the ground by Sooryavanshi. He followed the six with a four off the second and another six off the fifth ball. However, Thakur had the last laugh as he had Sooryavanshi caught by Tilak Varma, a few feet before the boundary rope, timing his jump to perfection. Sooryavanshi smashed 39 off 14 balls, hitting one four and five sixes.

Dhruv Jurel (2) survived only three balls, trapped lbw by Ghazanfar with one that skidded and rapped the batter on the back pad as RR dropped to 84/2. Jaiswal continued batting in fourth gear, putting on display brilliant power-hitting as he blazed to his half-century off 23 balls with a four off a short and wide one by Pandya. He celebrated the milestone with a six off the first ball of the ninth over, bowled by Ghazanfar.

Skipper Riyan Parag struck a six each off Pandya and Ghazanfar before holing out to Tilak Varma near the long-on fence, returning to the dugout after a 10-ball 20, studded with one four and two sixes. Jaiswal struck Bumrah for a six in the 10th over as the left-handed opener remained unbeaten with 77. Ghazanfar was the best MI bowler with 2-21 in two overs.

Brief scores:Rajasthan Royals 150/3 in 11 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 77 not out, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 39; Am Ghazandar 2-21) beat Mumbai Indians 123/9 in 11 overs (Naman Dhir 25, Sherfane Rutherford 25; Nandre Burger 2-21, Sandeep Sharma 2-26, Ravi Bishnoi 2-25) by 27 runs IPL 2026: Jaiswal's unbeaten 77 helps RR beat Mumbai Indians by 27 runs in rain-hit match | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi’s blistering 52 helps RR register eight-wicket win over CSK

Guwahati: Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi plays a shot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Monday, March 30, 2026. (Photo: IANS)

Guwahati, (IANS) Vaibhav Sooryavanshi slammed a blistering 52 off just 17 balls as Rajasthan Royals launched their IPL 2026 campaign with a thumping eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings at the ACA Stadium on Monday.

Sooryavanshi’s fifty came in only 15 deliveries, the third fastest in IPL history, to set up the win for RR. His knock, laced with four fours and five sixes, propelled RR to 74 without loss in the power-play, effectively sealing the contest in their favour.

Though he fell soon after, Yashasvi Jaiswal (38 not out) and skipper Riyan Parag (14 not out) calmly completed the formalities to complete the chase with 47 balls to spare and cap off a dominant performance that began with a disciplined bowling effort to bowl CSK out for 127.

RR had a flying start as Matt Henry’s opening over went for 18 runs, with Sooryavanshi pulling and driving for boundaries (including Kartik Sharma dropping him for zero) while Jaiswal glanced him fine for four.

Khaleel Ahmed thought he had Sooryavanshi lbw on the first ball of his spell, but review showed the ball going over leg stump. Jaiswal played watchfully even as Sooryavanshi continued to attack to keep the runs flowing.

Henry’s second over was taken apart by Sooryavanshi - slashing a slower ball over backward point for six, while Jaiswal muscled Khaleel straight over mid-off for four. Anshul Kamboj was greeted with three boundaries as Sooryavanshi ramped and tickled him over third man and fine leg before smashing a six over long-on, as RR crossed the fifty-run mark.

Noor Ahmad’s introduction did little to stem the flow as Sooryavanshi launched consecutive sixes over long-on to bring up a blistering fifty off just 15 balls, as 19 runs came off the sixth over to take RR to 74/0 at the end of the power-play.

But just after that, Sooryavanshi attempted to flay a length ball over cover but Sarfaraz Khan ran in from the deep and completed a diving catch at deep extra cover to dismiss him for 52.

Dhruv Jurel kept the tempo going with four quick boundaries, before dragging one back onto his stumps off Anshul Kamboj while trying to scoop off him. Parag lofted and reverse-swept to get his four and six, while Jaiswal thumped one over long-off for six before getting the winning single to launch RR’s campaign with a thumping win.Brief Scores: Chennai Super Kings 127 in 19.4 overs (Jamie Overton 43, Kartik Sharma 18; Ravindra Jadeja 2-18, Jofra Archer 2-19) lost to Rajasthan Royals 128/2 in 12.1 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 52, Yashasvi Jaiswal 38 not out; Anshul Kamboj 2-27) by eight wickets IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi’s blistering 52 helps RR register eight-wicket win over CSK | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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'Love, happiness and beautiful memories…': Raina pens heartfelt message as Kuldeep sets for new beginning

Credit: Suresh Raina Instagram

New Delhi, (IANS) Former India cricketer Suresh Raina shared a heartfelt message for spinner Kuldeep Yadav and his bride-to-be Vanshika Chadha as the couple’s wedding celebrations gathered momentum in Mussoorie.

Raina took to Instagram on Saturday to post a picture from the festivities, where he was seen posing alongside Kuldeep, Vanshika and India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, offering his best wishes to the soon-to-be-married couple.

Along with the photograph, Raina penned a caption celebrating the couple’s new journey. He wrote, “Wishing Kuldeep and Vanshika a lifetime of love, happiness and beautiful memories together. God bless this beautiful journey ahead.”

The post quickly gained attention, giving fans a glimpse into the vibrant pre-wedding celebrations ahead of the ceremony. Kuldeep, who recently played a key role in India’s triumphant campaign at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, is set to marry his childhood friend Vanshika Chadha in the hill town of Mussoorie on Saturday.

The wedding is being hosted at the iconic WelcomHotel The Savoy, which has reportedly been reserved for several days to accommodate the festivities and guests.

Photos and videos circulating on social media have offered glimpses of the colourful sangeet ceremony held on Friday evening. In the images shared by Raina and Chahal, the bride and groom are seen dressed in coordinated traditional outfits that drew considerable attention online.

Vanshika opted for an intricately embellished lehenga set that shimmered under the lights. The ensemble featured a flowing layered skirt paired with a matching blouse and a delicate embroidered dupatta. She completed the look with statement jewellery, including a choker-style necklace that added a regal touch to the attire.

Kuldeep, meanwhile, chose a royal navy-blue velvet sherwani adorned with subtle embroidered motifs. The outfit was paired with classic black trousers, while a richly embroidered multi-coloured shawl draped over one shoulder added a traditional flourish to his appearance.

Earlier, Chahal also shared clips from the Haldi ceremony on social media. The videos showed several members of the Indian cricket fraternity enjoying the festivities, including India’s assistant coach T Dilip, as music and dance became central to the celebrations.

The wedding is expected to see several prominent figures from Indian cricket in attendance. Reports suggest that players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are among the high-profile guests likely to attend the ceremony.Meanwhile, fellow Indian cricketer Rinku Singh also shared glimpses from the sangeet ceremony on his Instagram story, posing with T Dilip as the celebrations continued late into the evening. 'Love, happiness and beautiful memories…': Raina pens heartfelt message as Kuldeep sets for new beginning | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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T20 WC: Samson, Bumrah star as India clinch third title, beat New Zealand by 96 runs

Ahmedabad: India's Hardik Pandya celebrates after India won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 08, 2026. (Photo: IANS)

Ahmedabad, March 8 (IANS) Fast bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah picked 4-15 as India became the first team to retain the Men’s T20 World Cup title and win the crown for a record three times after beating New Zealand by 96 runs in front of 86,824 fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Sanju Samson’s blistering 89 off 46 balls, laced with five fours and eight sixes, powered India to 255/5, the highest total in a T20 World Cup final, before Bumrah and Axar Patel (3-27) ripped through New Zealand’s top order to seal victory. The visitors were dismissed for 159 in 19 overs, with only Tim Seifert offering resistance through a fighting 52.

Samson, in prime form after scores of 97 not out and 89 in his previous innings, shared a 98-run opening stand with Abhishek Sharma (52 off 21 balls) while Ishan Kishan added 54 off 25 deliveries. James Neesham briefly checked the charge with three wickets in an over, but Shivam Dube’s unbeaten 26 off eight balls pushed India past 250.

India’s bowlers then ensured there was no repeat of the semi-final scare against England, reducing New Zealand to 52/3 inside the powerplay. The win broke two hoodoos - India’s first victory over New Zealand in a T20 World Cup and their first ICC white-ball triumph in Ahmedabad after defeats in the 2023 ODI final and earlier in this tournament.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav is now the fourth Indian skipper to lead the side to a men’s cricket World Cup title after having not lost a single series since taking charge after the trophy triumph in Barbados in June 2024 - a remarkable record that highlights India's dominance in the shortest format. Head coach Gautam Gambhir also gets his second ICC title, as India completed their two-peat of Men’s T20 World Cup titles via their high-risk and reward approach.

On a flat mixed soil pitch, India’s imposing total was built on an explosive platform laid by their top three, all of whom attacked from the outset with strike rates that underlined their dominance. Samson finished on a strike rate of 193.47, while Abhishek struck at 247.61 and Kishan hit his runs at a strike-rate of 216.

The early overs had set an ominous tone for New Zealand before the tactical decision to introduce fast bowler Jacob Duffy in the third over backfired badly. Runs and boundaries flowed from there like an avalanche, as New Zealand's bowlers were sent on a leather hunt via depending too much on slower balls and bowling away from stump-to-stump lines.

Inserted into batting first, Samson defended solidly off Matt Henry for the first four balls, before opening up with an elegant swing over long-on for six. After Glenn Phillips gave away five runs in the second over, Abhishek announced himself with an ugly heave off Jacob Duffy for four, before sweetly timing a lofted off-drive for another boundary.

Samson, meanwhile, pumped a Duffy inswinger back over the bowler's head for four. The pitch was a belter, and both batters were beginning to sense it as the fourth over opened the floodgates for India. Lockie Ferguson endured a nightmare introduction - two wides, with Abhishek and Samson taking him for a pair of four and six each, as the duo plundered 24 runs.

Henry's second over saw Abhishek launch a slower ball over mid-off for six before Samson rocked back to pull a bouncer for another maximum, even as four wides in the over told its own story. New Zealand's plans were clearly unravelling against batters who simply refused to stick to a blueprint.

Abhishek reached his half-century off just 18 balls in the sixth over, swatting and swinging his way to the milestone with nonchalance via three fours and a six, as India plundered 92 runs in power-play. Though Santner brought himself on in the seventh over, Samson cracked a cut off him for four.

Abhishek's fine innings ended in the eighth over when Rachin Ravindra pushed it wide, and the opener feathered an edge behind to the keeper to depart for 52. Ishan Kishan walked in and immediately fitted the template, as an on-drive for two brought up India's hundred in 7.2 overs. With an off-drive and a muscular four through mid-wicket being the standout from his four quick boundaries, Kishan maintained India’s tempo.

Samson, after raising his third successive fifty, was on an altogether different level – smacking Ferguson for two sixes and a four before smashing three consecutive sixes off Ravindra in the 14th over. By the 15th over, India had already surpassed the highest team total in a T20 World Cup final, even as Kishan’s audacious strokeplay got him his fifty off 23 balls.

But Neesham struck thrice in quick succession - Samson slapped a full toss to long-on and departed for 89, then Kishan holed out to long-on for 54, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav jabbed to deep backward square leg for a golden duck.

Hardik Pandya smacked Henry for a six and four, before the pacer dismissed him on a slower bouncer and cover taking the catch. Shivam Dube ensured India got a great finishing kick by lofting Neesham for four, before smashing the next delivery over midwicket for six and clearing cover for another maximum.

Dube then pulled Neesham for four and finished the innings with a cross-bat drive through cover, as India went past 250, thanks to 24 runs coming off the final over. In defence of 256, Arshdeep Singh found swing early on to keep Seifert and Finn Allen in check.

After Allen was dropped on two by Dube at mid-off, Tim Seifert launched Hardik Pandya for two sixes and two fours in the second over, yielding 21 runs. India's response was swift and ruthless, as Axar, introduced in the third over, had the dangerous Allen holing out to long-on. Bumrah was summoned in the fourth over and struck with his very first ball, as Rachin Ravindra chipped an off-cutter to Ishan Kishan, who took a brilliant diving catch.

Axar then castled Glenn Phillips with a perfectly disguised arm ball in the fifth over, the ball slipping past his bat to peg back leg stump, as New Zealand ended power-play at 52/3. Seifert marched forward to bring up a half-century off 23 balls by carting Varun Chakaravarthy for two sixes.

But India continued to chip away - Mark Chapman chopped onto his stumps off Pandya, while Seifert miscued the pull and Kishan tossed the ball in the air and regained balance to complete a solo relay catch in the deep.

The crowd was briefly silenced when Daryl Mitchell struck successive sixes off Arshdeep Singh, who later fielded off his own bowling and threw the ball back at the batter, invoking an angry reaction from him.

The umpire intervened, with Suryakumar Yadav offering an apology and Arshdeep following with a handshake at the end of the over. Despite the steep asking rate, Mitchell and skipper Mitchell Santner, dropped on 26 by Pandya, continued to smash boundaries.

But Axar came back to have the former hole out to deep mid-wicket off a full toss, while Bumrah castled James Neesham, Matt Henry, and Neesham with slower balls, before Tilak Varma completed a solo relay catch of Jacob Duffy off Abhishek Sharma’s bowling, as India lived up to their pre-tournament hype and made the history they were destined to make in blistering style.

Brief scores:India 255/5 in 20 overs (Sanju Samson 89, Ishan Kishan 54, Abhishek Sharma 52; James Neesham 3-46, Rachin Ravindra 1-32) beat New Zealand 159 in 19 overs (Tim Seifert 52, Mitchell Santner 43; Jasprit Bumrah 4-15, Axar Patel 3-27) by 96 runs T20 WC: Samson, Bumrah star as India clinch third title, beat New Zealand by 96 runs | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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3rd T20I: Abhishek, Suryakumar shine as India clinch series with 3-0 lead

Guwahati: India's Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma during the third T20I match between India and New Zealand at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, in Guwahati on Sunday, January 25, 2026. (Photo: IANS)

Guwahati, January 25 (IANS) With the T20 World Cup just days away, Team India sent a clear warning to their rivals, crushing New Zealand by eight wickets in the third T20I here at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. The comprehensive victory also sealed the five-match series 3-0 in India’s favour, leaving the BlackCaps reeling.

While the Suryakumar Yadav-led side was handed an early setback in their chase when Matt Henry dismissed Sanju Samson in the very first ball of the second innings, opener Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and the skipper made sure that the team wasn’t affected by the blow and led the hosts to a brilliant victory.

The trio was ruthless and aimed to hit every ball they faced as the white Kookaburra soared across the ground, with India finishing off the chase before even drinks were taken.

Abhishek and Kishan shared a 53-run partnership in just 19 balls before the latter was dismissed, scoring an explosive 13-ball 28, hitting three fours and a couple of sixes.

But what followed next was absolute carnage as Abhishek and Suryakumar lit up the stadium and unleashed the beat within. While the opening batter hit the second-fastest fifty ever by an Indian, the skipper continued his fine form with the bat, sending positive signs heading into the World Cup as defending champions.

Abhishek remained unbeaten, scoring 68 off just 20 deliveries, while Surya remained unbeaten at 57 off 26 deliveries, helping India to chase down an average target in just 10 overs.

Earlier, bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Bishnoi, and all-rounder Hardik Pandya turned the game against New Zealand on its head as the BlackCaps collapsed to 153/9 in 20 overs.

India began strongly, restricting New Zealand to 36/3 in the powerplay. Hardik Pandya made an immediate impact, helping Harshit Rana remove Devon Conway (1) in the first over with a brilliant diving catch and then picked Rachin Ravindra (4) himself after taking charge of the second over. Jasprit Bumrah followed by dismissing Tim Seifert (12) on his first delivery, giving India three early wickets.

Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman tried to rebuild with boundaries in the middle overs as Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube conceded runs, failing to stem the flow. However, Ravi Bishnoi broke the partnership, bowling Chapman (32) through a well-flighted googly and later removing Phillips (48), triggering a batting collapse.

Pandya struck again to remove Daryl Mitchell (14), while Bumrah’s fiery spell claimed Kyle Jamieson (3) and Mitchell Santner while Matt Henry (1) was run out as the visitors barely survived through the innings.Brief Scores: New Zealand 153/9 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 48, Mark Chapman 32; Jasprit Bumrah 3-17, Ravi Bishnoi 2-18) lost to India 155/2 in 10 overs (Abhishek Sharma 68, Suryakumar Yadav 57; Matt Henry 1-28, Ish Sodhi 1-28) by eight wickets. 3rd T20I: Abhishek, Suryakumar shine as India clinch series with 3-0 lead | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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GOAT India Tour: Messi leaves fans, celebrities mesmerised; gets signed India jersey from Tendulkar

Mumbai: Argentine football icon Lionel Messi with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar during an event held as part of his ‘G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025’ at the Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai on Sunday, December 14, 2025. (Photo: IANS)

Mumbai, December 14 (IANS) He came, he saw, and he conquered hearts -- all in one hour. In one Messi-merising hour spent at the iconic Wankhede Stadium as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025, Lionel Messi interacted with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, some current India and former football players, film stars, celebrities and politicians.

By the time he left, exactly one hour after making a grand entry into the stadium at 5.30 pm, the crowd was satisfied, unlike his 20-odd-minute appearance in Kolkata, which left ardent fans fuming and led to chaotic scenes, including rioting by some angry fans and forced the West Bengal government to initiate a judicial inquiry.

Mumbai was the third stop on his GOAT India Tour 2025, and the Argentine World Cup winner spent the most time with the fans after making a brief appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata and a slightly longer stay at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal.

He spent some time talking to Tendulkar with the help of his translator. Tendulkar presented his signed India jersey and was seen pointing to the No 10 on the back, a number he shared with the Argentine great. Tendulkar also addressed the gathering, talking to them initially in Marathi and then switching to English, telling them that his meeting with Messi would be among the memorable moments he spent at the Wankhede.

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with Argentine football icon Lionel Messi during an event held as part of the latter’s ‘G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025’ at the Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai on Sunday, December 14, 2025. (Photo: IANS/CMO)

In an iconic moment, the crowd chanted for Messi's name alongside that of Tendulkar and Luis Suarez, who, along with Rodrigo, are accompanying Messi on this GOAT India Tour 2025. Through Messi, the crowd also tried to send a message to FC Barcelona for a visit to Mumbai, chanting 'Barca, Barca'.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Fadnavis officially launched the Project Maha-deva, of which Bollywood star Tiger Shroff is a mentor and brand ambassador. Project Maha-deva plans to provide transformative support for school-going boys and girls players from the state and help them realise their football dreams. The Chief Minister, in his address, informed Messi & Co, the details of the project and hoped that one day players from this project would rule the football world just like the Argentine legend has done. The Maharashtra government has picked 16 players as an initial intake in the Maha-deva project.

Mumbai: Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh with Argentine football icon Lionel Messi during an event held as part of the latter’s ‘G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025’ at the Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai on Sunday, December 14, 2025. (Photo: IANS/instagram/@harbhajan3)

Messi reached the Wankhede at around 5.30 pm, around 30 minutes later than what was scheduled. But he looked more relaxed and ready to mingle, at times pointing out to the security personnel and officials the areas of the ground he would like to go to. He came from the nearby Cricket Club of India (CCI) where he participated in a programme promoting Padel and reportedly played some time with businessman Parth Jindal of JSW Sport.

He reached the Wankhede Stadium halfway through the Celebrity Football Match involving India XI, versus Mitra XI, which involved Bengaluru FC players like Sunil Chettri, Rahul Bheke, Jayesh Rana and Ashutosh Mehta, along with India woman star Bala Devi.

Messi shook hands with the two teams and posed for photographs with them. After that he took a lap of the stadium, kicking footballs into the crowd to carry home as mementoes of his visit. Suarez and Rodrigo joined him in the lap of order. Messi also kicked a ball with school kids from the Maha-deva project and also interacted with them.

Mumbai: Argentine football icon Lionel Messi with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and actors Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff and others during an event held as part of his ‘G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025’ at the Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai on Sunday, December 14, 2025. (Photo: IANS)

After reaching the make-shift stage, Messi was welcomed by Fadnavis and his wife and presented a GOAT Tour jersey to the Chief Minister. He also posed for photographs with Bollywood stars Tiger Shroff, Ajay Devgn, and Dino Morea.

After a lengthy interaction with Tendulkar, Messi left the stadium to attend some more events as part of his whirlwind tour of the city. He is scheduled to attend a celebrity fashion show where he is likely to auction some signed jerseys and mementoes.The Argentine football captain is scheduled to depart for Delhi on Monday morning. GOAT India Tour: Messi leaves fans, celebrities mesmerised; gets signed India jersey from Tendulkar | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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India clinch maiden Women’s World Cup; BCCI announces Rs 51 cr reward for team, support staff

Navi Mumbai: India’s players celebrate with the trophy during the presentation ceremony after winning the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Monday, November 3, 2025. (Photo: IANS)

New Delhi, (IANS) In a watershed moment for Indian cricket, the national women’s team etched their name in history by winning their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a pulsating final at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday night.

Celebrations erupted across the country as BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia reportedly announced a ₹51 crore reward for the players and support staff, hailing the victory as a “monumental achievement that will take Indian women’s cricket to a new level.”

Meanwhile, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal lauded the team’s historic feat, drawing parallels with India’s iconic 1983 men’s World Cup triumph.

“It’s a red-letter day for Indian women’s cricket. What the men’s team achieved in 1983, the Indian women have recreated today in Mumbai. This historic triumph will give a tremendous boost to women’s cricket in the country, and I’m confident our game will now reach new heights,” Dhumal told IANS.

Earlier, batting first, India posted a commanding 298/7, powered by Shafali Verma’s fluent 87, Deepti Sharma’s composed 58, and valuable contributions from Smriti Mandhana (45) and Richa Ghosh (34). A solid 100-run opening stand between Mandhana and Verma set the platform for a big total before South Africa clawed back late to keep India just under the 300-mark.

Chasing 299, South Africa began confidently as Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt put together a brisk fifty-run opening partnership. But a sharp direct hit from Amanjot Kaur ended Brits’ stay, and from there, India seized control of the contest.

Young pacer Sree Charani struck in her first over, trapping Anneke Bosch LBW, before Shafali Verma — shining with the ball as well — produced a game-turning spell, removing Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp in quick succession.

Deepti Sharma then delivered a dream performance, claiming 5 for 39 to crush South Africa’s middle order. Despite Wolvaardt’s fighting 101, the Proteas fell short, bundled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, as India sealed a famous 52-run victory amid roaring home support.

As the tricolour soared high and the players embraced in tears of joy, the moment marked not just a World Cup triumph — but the dawn of a new era for Indian women’s cricket.

Brief Scores:India 298/7 in 50 overs (Shafali Verma 87, Deepti Sharma 58, Richa Ghosh 34; Ayabonga Khaka 3-58) beat South Africa 246 all out in 45.3 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 101, Annerie Dercksen 35; Deepti Sharma 5-39, Shafali Verma 2-36) by 52 runs. India clinch maiden Women’s World Cup; BCCI announces Rs 51 cr reward for team, support staff | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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Virat Kohli becomes second-highest run-getter in ODIs

Sydney: India's Virat Kohli celebrates his half-century during the third ODI cricket match between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, in Sydney, on Saturday, October 25, 2025. (Photo: IANS)

Sydney, (IANS) Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli on Saturday broke another record as he became the second-highest run-getter in the ODI format.

Kohli, who endured a subdued form in the first two ODIs against Australia, broke the shackles and announced his return on the international stage. The No.3 batter, who is famously known as 'Chase Master', hammered his 75th ODI fifty and also completed 2500 runs against Australia in the format.

During the course of his innings, Kohli surpassed Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara's tally of 14,234 runs (in 404 ODIs) in his 293rd ODI innings.

The former India captain is now only behind legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar, who is sitting at the top of the table with a massive tally of 18,426 runs. However, Kohli boasts a better average than Tendulkar or any of the top 10 batters in the list. He averages 57.69 in 305 ODIs played so far, while Tendulkar's average stood at 44.83 in his 463-match ODI career.

With Kohli at the fag end of his career and only playing in the 50-over format, it is likely that the Delhi batter will finish his ODI career as the second-highest run getter behind his idol Tendulkar.

Coming to the match, Kohli made an unbeaten 74, including seven fours, and was involved in a 168-run match-winning partnership with opener Rohit Sharma, who smashed his 33rd ODI ton and 50th international century. The duo guided India to a nine-wicket consolation victory at Sydney Cricket Ground as Australia sealed the series 2-1.

Rohit was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series as well for amassing 202 runs across three matches.The two teams will now face each other in a five-match T20I series, commencing on October 29. Virat Kohli becomes second-highest run-getter in ODIs | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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Rohit, Kohli will be big assets for India in 2027 WC: MSK Prasad

Sydney: India’s Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma celebrate their team’s win after the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, in Sydney, on Saturday, October 25, 2025. (Photo: IANS)

New Delhi, October 26 (IANS) Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad has expressed confidence in Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's continued value to the Indian team, saying the veteran duo will be huge assets for the Men in Blue in the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The two batting stalwarts were at their free-flowing best, delivering a formidable display to help guide India to a nine-wicket win in the third ODI against Australia to avoid a series whitewash.

Rohit (121 not out) picked up from his impressive outing in Adelaide and played an even chanceless knock, notching his 33rd ODI hundred. The former India skipper is third in the tally for most hundreds in the format behind Kohli (51) and Sachin Tendulkar (49).

Meanwhile, Kohli, who had been dismissed for successive ducks in the first two ODIs, got back among the runs with a valuable unbeaten 74. Kohli’s unbeaten knock of 74 saw him leap past Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-getter in Men’s ODIs history. Currently boasting 14255 runs from 305 matches, Kohli is only behind Sachin Tendulkar in the all-time tally.

"I am extremely happy —I was really looking forward to their performances in the last two matches. Unfortunately, that did not happen, but I am thrilled that it finally happened, and it is very important. As you head towards the World Cup, you need their services. People like Virat and Rohit Sharma will be big assets for the side," Prasad told IANS.

"I don't really see people looking at them based on their current form. What they have done in the past, Rohit has become fit, and Virat is fit as always. So testing those people is, like, hah, very difficult to answer! They have got 83 or 84 hundreds between them, and if you want to test them, it is something surprising to me," he said.

Rohit and Kohli, who have retired from Test cricket earlier this year, had announced their retirements from the T20Is following India Men's T20 World Cup winning campaign, with star allrounder Ravindra Jadeja also hanging his boots from the shorter format.

Prasad further praised the trio for gracefully passing the baton to the next generation at the right time. "Rohit, Virat, and Jadeja: one good thing they've done is hand the baton to the next generation once they won the T20 World Cup. That's a wonderful thing that has happened, and eventually these kids started flourishing and establishing themselves. We have a very good side," he said.

Prasad also highlighted India’s depth in the shortest format, noting that even players like Shreyas Iyer have struggled to find a place in the squad, underscoring the strength of the current talent pool."In fact we have so many players waiting in the wing. Shreyas has not found a place in the T20 squad, which speaks volumes about the talent pool we have. It is definitely debatable whether he is there or not, but I think he should be there. That's the secondary thing. We have enough firepower in our T20 side and have a solid team," the former chief selector said.Rohit, Kohli will be big assets for India in 2027 WC: MSK Prasad | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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"Vaibhav Suryavanshi" A Young cricketer of India Promising Something And deserves to get a chance to play in Indian International cricket Team

Vaibhav Suryavanshi is a young (14 years Old) and promising player he did well in IPL year 2025 (Score 252 Run in 7 innings with an Average of 36, SA 206.56) as well score one hundred 101 ) and in year 2025, ODI matches in under 19 against England (Score 372 Runs in 7 innings with an Average of 62, with one hundred 143) India must need to give him chances to play in ODI, T20 matches and their after as per performance give him chance to play in test matches.

As he is a young player so BCCI doesn't need to experiment on his performance in under 19teen status (This can break out his momentum) he must need to give chances to play in senior international team in at least 15 teen matches in ODI, T20 initially and gives him a chance to learn and perform well at international level in this process if he gets his momentum then India can find a player of long time.

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What does Steve Smith’s Stateside signing mean for cricket in the US – and Australia?

Tim Harcourt, University of Technology Sydney

Steve Smith, one of this generation’s finest batters, has conquered much of the cricketing world during his career, and he now has set his sights on a new frontier: the United States.

Yes, Smith has signed to play Twenty 20 (T20) cricket for the Washington Freedom, which happens to be coached by former Australian great Ricky Ponting.

Washington is one of six teams in Major League Cricket (MLC), which began in 2023. The Freedom finished third in the inaugural season, won by New York.

The 2024 season will begin in July before the US co-hosts the T20 World Cup with the West Indies.

A number of established cricket stars have already played in the US league, including Quinton de Kock of South Africa, Nicholas Pooran from the West Indies, Trent Boult from New Zealand and Australians Marcus Stoinis and Aaron Finch.

Major League Cricket has recruited some of the biggest names in the sport.

Looking ahead, T20 cricket has been included for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

So, why is cricket suddenly interested in the US – and does this interest go both ways?

Cricket in the US: what’s the go?

Cricket is slowly becoming better known in the US.

Firstly, it is because of the rising South Asian population who mostly love their cricket.

It is a growing and affluent professional community – the South Asian diaspora is growing at a rapid rate across North America to the point that when you fly into most large US cities, you can spot cricket pitches.

Many South Asian immigrants to the US (and Canada) are engineers, doctors and entrepreneurs with good educations and professional jobs – Indian-Americans are the most affluent group in America by median household income, while Sri Lankans and Pakistanis are two of the eight wealthiest segments.

In terms of education, 70% of Indian-Americans have at least a Bachelor’s degree, compared to the US average of 28%.

A lot of this affluence is ploughed into supporting local cricket leagues in the US and watching the MLC.

In terms of participation, cricket is still very much a niche sport in the US, with about 200,000 registered players. However, this has grown from around 30,000 registered players in 2006, with emigration from South Asia driving the lion’s share of growth.

Consuming cricket anytime, anywhere

Secondly, live streaming has taken off worldwide in recent years, allowing Indians in the US to watch India Premier League (IPL) games back home, and Indians in India to live stream MLC matches.

According to Chris Muldoon, chief strategy officer of Cricket NSW, there are more than 4 million subscribers to Willow TV’s cricket-only streaming service throughout North America.

This means it is easy for most cricket fans can consume what they want, when they want it.

The growth of cricket franchises

Thirdly, IPL franchises are launching clubs and leagues around the world – in South Africa, the UAE and the US – to grow the sport and to attract talent and revenue to their respective franchises.

There is a strong IPL presence across many of the domestic T20 competitions that have launched in recent years, including in MLS where four IPL franchises are involved with the foundation clubs in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles and Seattle.

This is a big shift in cricket governance, as it is not just the cricket boards of Australia, England & Wales and India calling the shots on schedules – it is now the IPL franchises too.

What does this mean for Australian cricket?

So, how does all of this affect elite cricket in Australia?

Australian cricketers have been competing in T20 competitions around the world for years now, with Cricket Australia occasionally having to step in to reduce the workloads of some of its best players.

Now the MLC will force governing bodies and players to react to another competition in a packed cricket calendar.

According to Muldoon, the opportunity in the US is too big to ignore. He says:

The US is the world’s most sophisticated and competitive sports and media market and Major League Cricket presents the most exciting and challenging opportunity in world cricket.

The proliferation of franchise T20 cricket around the globe, much of it driven by the commercial success of the IPL as well as changing preferences of consumers, is changing the way cricket is consumed. And it is bringing new revenue into the sport – which in turn is making it increasingly attractive to the world’s best players and coaches to be a part of these growing franchise leagues around the world on an almost full-time basis.

Will cricket really take hold in the US?

So does Smith’s signing indicate a cricket revolution? Does the US aspire to be a cricket nation?

Probably not in terms of Test cricket, but in the US, the shortened format of T20 is possibly appealing.

This is largely driven by the South Asian diaspora who have migrated to North America, and T20 is the format that has the consumer appeal to attract eyeballs – and broadcast partners. The addition of cricket as an Olympic sport for Los Angeles in 2028 may also add to the sport’s exposure.

Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Ferocity, fitness and fast bowling: how Virat Kohli revolutionised Indian cricket

Vaughan Cruickshank, University of Tasmania and Brendon Hyndman, Charles Sturt University

Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday.

While his Instagram message just said this was the “right time”, his poor recent Test form, mental fatigue and desire to spend more time with his family, charity foundation and expanding business empire have been suggested as other influential factors.

During his 14-year Test career “King Kohli” has been the backbone of the Indian batting line-up, and his absence is a huge blow as the Indians prepare to tour England next month.

The megastar scored 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries.

These numbers put him in the top five Indian test batsmen of all time, but his legacy extends far beyond his batting achievements.

Kohli, 36, quit Twenty20 Internationals last year (after India won its second world title). He may continue to play one-day internationals.

Rising to the top of Test cricket

Kohli has been the greatest Indian batsman of his generation.

He made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and played his final match against Australia in January.

He scored centuries against every country he played against, with more than half of these coming overseas.

His seven Test centuries in Australia is the second most by an overseas batsman.

He was at his peak between 2014 and 2019, when he averaged more than 60 in Test cricket and became one of the “fab four” (the world’s best Test batsmen) alongside Steve Smith, Kane Williamson and Joe Root.

This period also included six double-hundreds in 18 months, and 13 months as the number one ranked Test batsman in the world.

Kohli the leader

Kohli is India’s greatest ever Test captain.

His tenure from 2014 to 2022 was a golden age for Indian Test cricket.

India won 40 of 68 Tests (59%) in this period and did not lose a Test series at home. India was the number one ranked Test team in the world from 2016–20 and won its first Test series in Australia in 2018–19.

These statistics make Kohli one of the most successful Test captains of all time.

Beyond these numbers, he was a charismatic and aggressive captain who redefined India’s approach to Test cricket by bringing a more competitive edge to the team.

He drove higher expectations around fitness, training intensity and fast bowling that continue to shape Indian cricket.

Mandatory fitness testing and improved dieting and recovery practices, which redefined the team’s standards, are attributed to Kohli’s leadership.

Similarly, Indian success was strongly contributed to by Kohli encouraging the development of a world-class pace bowling attack, which marked a significant shift from the spin-heavy approach of Indian cricket.

Controversies

While Kohli’s energy, passion and intensity contributed to his success as batsman and captain, they also led to numerous confrontations with opposition players, which some believed to be disrespectful and arrogant.

His intense celebrations and assertive body language also drew criticism from conservative cricketing audiences.

Kohli’s collision with Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test versus Australia.

Many of these controversies have occurred in Australia, where Kohli enjoyed a love-hate relationship with Australian players and crowds.

Examples include flipping the bird to the crowd, making sandpaper gestures (in reference to the 2018 Australian ball tampering scandal, also known as Sandpapergate) and shoulder-barging young Australian batsman Sam Konstas.

What will his Test legacy be?

For more than a decade, Kohli has been the heartbeat of the Indian Test team, and his retirement marks the end of an era.

He reshaped the mindset of Indian cricket and cultivated a faster, fitter, fiercer, more successful team.

Kohli was also one of the greatest ambassadors of Test cricket, and has played a significant role in ensuring the game remains relevant in an era increasingly dominated by T20 cricket.

He made Test cricket aspirational again because he wanted it to thrive. He knew India needed to dominate the hardest format to be respected.

His social media reach (272 million followers on Instagram and 67.8 million on X) is more than Tiger Woods, LeBron James and Tom Brady combined, and was even referred to by LA2028 Olympics organisers when they announced cricket’s entry into the games.

In recent days, Kohli has been described as “a modern-day giant”, a “provocateur in chief”, and “his generation’s most profound figure”.

Love him or hate him, he elevated the spectacle of Test cricket. His electric energy brought the best out of India and its opponents and made him impossible to ignore when batting or fielding.

As respected cricket writer Peter Lalor noted recently:

Nobody is irreplaceable, but nobody can replace Virat.

Vaughan Cruickshank, Senior Lecturer in Health and Physical Education, University of Tasmania and Brendon Hyndman, Associate Dean (Academic), Charles Sturt University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic announce separation

New Delhi, (IANS) Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic have confirmed their separation. The couple released a joint statement on Instagram saying they decided to part ways mutually, ending their four-year-old marriage in the "best interest for the both of us".

The duo stated that they will continue to co-parent their three-year-old son Agastya together.

“After 4 years of being together, Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways,” the cricketer wrote in his Instagram post. “We tried our best together and gave it our all, and we believe this is in the best interest of both of us.

"This was a tough decision for us to make, given the joy, mutual respect and companionship we enjoyed together and as we grew a family," the statement read.

Hardik and Natasa, a Serbian dancer, model and actress based in Mumbai, got married on May 31, 2020Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic announce separation | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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'My confidant, my coach and my friend': Rohit pens special note for Dravid

New Delhi, (IANS) India skipper Rohit Sharma penned a special note for outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid, and said he is lucky to work with "absolute stalwart" of the game and happy to clinch the ICC trophy -- only thing missing from The Wall's arsenal -- under his guidance.

Dravid wrapped up his two-and-a-half year coaching stint with the Indian team through 2024 T20 World Cup triumph in the West Indies. Under his coaching, India also finished runners-up in 2023 Men's ODI World Cup and 2023 World Test Championship final, apart from winning Asia Cup in the same year.

"Dear Rahul bhai, I have been trying to find the right words to properly express my feelings on this but I’m not sure I ever will so here’s my attempt," Rohit's Instagram post read.

"Since my childhood days I have looked up to you just like billions of others but I was lucky enough to get to work with you this closely. You are an absolute stalwart of this game but you left all of your accolades and achievements at the door and walked in as our coach and came on a level where we all felt comfortable enough to say just about anything to you," it further states.

The legendary cricketer took over as India's head coach from Ravi Shastri in November 2021. His initial term was for two years, but he was handed a six-month extension as BCCI wanted him to continue until the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.

Dravid had earlier revealed that it was Rohit, who asked him to stay with the team after his contract was set to expire after the 2023 ODI World Cup.

"That is your gift, your humility and your love for this game even after all this time. I have learnt so much from you and every memory will be cherished. My wife refers to you as my work wife and I’m lucky to get to call you that too."This was the only thing missing from your arsenal and I’m so happy that we got to achieve it together. Rahul bhai it has been an absolute privilege to get to call you my confidant, my coach and my friend," the post concluded. 'My confidant, my coach and my friend': Rohit pens special note for Dravid | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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India are T20 Cricket World Cup Champions!!

Cricket – ICC T20 World Cup 2024 – Final – India v South Africa – Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados – June 29, 2024 General view of India fans in the stands before the match REUTERS/Ash Allen

Victors India pose for photo. PHOTO: X ICC

Bridgetown [Barbados], June 29 : A fine exhibition of death bowling by trio of Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya and stupendous knocks by Virat Kohli and Axar Patel helped India end their ICC trophy drought, securing their second ICC T20 World Cup title by beating South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final at Barbados on Saturday.

Proteas have once again left heartbroken, yet to win an ICC title. Meanwhile, India has ended its 11-year long ICC trophy drought, winning their first ICC title since the Champions Trophy in 2013. India is the first team to have captured the title undefeated.

In the run chase of 177 runs, South Africa was off to a poor start as pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh struck early. While Bumrah cleaned up Reeza Hendricks for four runs, Arshdeep got skipper Aiden Markram got caught behind by Rishabh Pant for four runs as well. SA was 12/2 in 2.3 overs.Screaming with joy at India’s victory in T20 World Cup, June 29, 2024, in Barbados. PHOTO; X @ICC

Following these two early hiccups, Tristan Stubbs and Quinton de Kock started punishing Indian spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.

At the end of six overs, SA was 42/2, with de Kock (20*) and Stubbs (12*) unbeaten.

With a well-placed boundary against Kuldeep, SA reached the 50-run mark in 7.1 overs.

This counter-attacking partnership between Stubbs and de Kock ended with Axar getting the best of his Delhi Capitals (DC) teammate Stubbs for 31 in 21 balls, with three fours and a six. Proteas was 70/3 in 8.5 overs.

Halfway through the innings, Proteas was 81/3, with de Kock (30*) and Klaasen (8*) unbeaten. Till now, Proteas was doing really fine with the run-rate, scoring a boundary or six in each over at least, mainly targeting Indian spinners.

With a huge six by Klaasen on a Kuldeep Yadav delivery over extra cover, Proteas reached the 100-run mark in 11.3 overs.

After an onslaught on spinners, Arshdeep’s pace ended the budding partnership between Klaasen and De Kock, dismissing de Kock as he looked to target the leg side with a pull shot following a boundary. Skipper Rohit Sharma got his catch for 39 in 31 balls, with four boundaries and a six. SA was 106/4 in 12.3 overs.

Miller eased the pressure with a four and six against Kuldeep, ending the bowlers’ spell at 0/45 in four overs. Proteas was 123/4 in 14 overs, needing 54 in the final six overs.

Axar was demolished in the 15th over, being smashed for two fours and two sixes by Klaasen. At the end of this over, SA needed 30 in 30 balls.

Klaasen reached his 50 in just 23 balls, with two fours and five sixes. SA reached the 150-run mark in 15.2 overs.Hugging the T20 World Cup, June 29, 2024, as India emerged victors by a slim margin. PHOTO: X @ICC

Pandya came and delivered for India the crucial wicket of Klaasen for 52 in 27 balls, with two fours and five sixes. He was caught behind by Pant. SA was 151/5 in 16.1 overs.

Marco Jansen and Miller were the next pair to continue the chase. Pandya’s over though, gave a brief breather to India with no boundary, leaving them with 22 runs to defend in the final three overs.

Jansen was cleaned up by Bumrah for just two runs, and SA was 156/6 in 17.4 overs, left with 21 runs to get in 14 balls. Bumrah’s over gave away just two runs, leaving Proteas with 20 runs to get it final 12 balls.

Arshdeep came to deliver the penultimate over and gave just four runs. Proteas needed 16 runs in the final six balls.

Hardik came to deliver the final over, getting the big wicket of Miler for 21 runs in 16 balls, with a four and six. Suryakumar Yadav took a fine catch near the boundary. Proteas was 161/7 in 19.1 overs, needing 16 runs in five balls. On the next ball, Rishabh dropped a catch, giving SA a boundary and leaving them with 12 runs in four balls. Singles came in the next two balls, leaving SA with 10 runs in two balls.

The next ball was a wide, leaving SA with nine to get in two balls. Rabada was dismissed, giving Hardik his third wicket and caught by Suryakumar. SA was 168/8 in 19.5 overs.

SA ended at 169/8, with Anrich Nortje (1*) and Keshav Maharaj (2*) unbeaten.

Pandya (3/20) was the pick of the bowlers for India. Bumrah (2/18) and Arshdeep (2/20) also did fine with the ball. Axar also took a wicket.

Earlier, Axar Patel’s blistering 47 and Virat Kohli’s astonishing 76 extricated India from an uncertain position to help the ‘Men in Blue’ post 176/7 against South Africa in the final clash of the ongoing T20 World Cup at the Kensington Oval on Saturday.

The duo of Axar and Kohli helped India overcome a wobbly start after being reduced to 34/3 in the powerplay on a pitch that’s on the slower side, while Shivam Dube played a lovely cameo of 27 runs off 16 balls. Meanwhile, India also posted the highest T20 World Cup total in the final’s first innings.

In terms of bowling, Keshav Maharaj was the best bowler for SA, picking up 2/23 in his 3 overs while Nortje picked up 2/26 as well.

Virat Kohli ensured a strong start for India by running an onslaught in the opening over, hammering Marco Jansen for two-back-to-back boundaries and gathering 15 runs in the first over.

Rohit Sharma started off Keshav Maharaj’s over in a strong manner, however, India’s super start was dented as the captain was caught while playing a sweep for 9 runs. In the same over, Maharaj piled on India’s troubles by dismissing Rishabh Pant for a duck.

Maharaj looped up the delivery nicely on a fullish length and Pant took it to execute the sweep which ended up getting a top edge to the wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock, who grabbed it successfully.

India lost a massive wicket as Suryakumar Yadav tried to pull a mistimed shot which was caught by Heinrich Klaasen, who ran in from the deep square leg and picked up a good catch by covering a decent amount of ground.

Axar Patel and Virat Kohli kept India steady after three quick wickets in the powerplay. Axar took the aggressive approach a couple of times, hitting one boundary and two sixes.

Kohli and Axar formed a vital partnership of 72 for the fourth wicket, but it was ended by a combination of poor running and exceptional fielding. De Kock picked up a gentle tap from

Kohli and promptly threw it at the non-striker’s end, where Axar was well out of his ground.

Coach Rahul Dravid’s gamble to send No.5 Axar paid off as the all-rounder played a superb knock of 47 runs off just 31 balls, playing a main aggressor’s knock in the partnership with Kohli as India rebuilt after three quick wickets in the powerplay.

With a six through the long on and then a boundary off a short ball against Rabada, Kohli slammed his first fifty of the tournament.

The man for the big occasion, Kohli, went on to play a composed knock till the penultimate over. After lifting his bat for his half-century in 48 deliveries, Kohli started to accelerate in the final three overs. He set the tone in the 18th over, by scoring a towering six on the first ball off Kagiso Rabada.

A quick double on the next delivery was followed by a classic pull shot to find the fence for four. He smoked the ball into the stand for a six and effortlessly found the fence for a four before walking back to the dugout with a score of 76(59) in the next over.

Nortje closed the innings out with a wicket but India managed to score 42 runs off the last 3 overs to end up with 176/7 on the board.

Brief score: India 176/7 (Virat Kohli 76, Axar Patel 47; Keshav Maharaj 2-23) defeat South Africa: 169/8 (Heinrich Klaasen 52, Quinton de Kock 39, Hardik Pandya 3/20). Source: https://www.newsindiatimes.com/india-are-t20-cricket-world-cup-champions/

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De Kock leads South Africa to 194-4 against USA at T20 World Cup

Opening batsman De Kock reached his 15th T20 international fifty off 26 balls in the opening game.

NEW YORK - Quinton de Kock hit a blistering half-century as South Africa made 194-4 against the United States in their opening T20 World Cup second round clash on Wednesday.

Opening batsman De Kock, his country's leading run-maker in the format, reached his 15th T20 international fifty off 26 balls in the opening game of the Super Eights stage at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

He was eventually dismissed for 74 with seven fours and five sixes in a 40-ball innings which was comfortably his best performance of the tournament.

In four previous visits to the crease at the World Cup, the 31-year-old had a best of just 20 against Sri Lanka.

Skipper Aiden Markram also hit his tournament best of 46 from 32 balls with four boundaries and a six.

Markram and De Kock put on 110 for the second wicket and helped their team reach 101-1 off the first 10 overs.

Slow left-armer Harmeet Singh brought the United States back into the match by removing De Kock and fellow dangerman David Miller (0) in the space of two balls.

Markram's innings was ended by impressive fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar who finished with 2-21 from his four overs.

Heinrich Klaasen (36 not out) and Tristan Stubbs (20 not out) added an undefeated 53 for the fifth wicket.

USA qualified for the Super Eights by finishing second behind India in Group A after notching a famous win over Pakistan in Dallas.

South Africa, who topped Group D with four wins from four, made one change from their last outing against Nepal with spinner Keshav Maharaj coming in for medium-pacer Ottniel Baartman.

West Indies and defending champions England are the other teams in Group 2 of the Super Eights.India, Australia, Afghanistan and Bangladesh comprise Group 1., De Kock leads South Africa to 194-4 against USA at T20 World Cup

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Mahi is always emotional about cricket, it's his love: Sakshi

Chennai, May 31 (IANS) The common perception might be that Mahendra Singh Dhoni does not show a lot of emotion on the field and is 'Captain Cool'. But on Sunday, the iconic former India captain's wife Sakshi said that Dhoni is always emotional about the game as it is his love.

While talking about Dhoni getting emotional after leading Chennai Super Kings to their third Indian Premier League title in 2018, Sakshi said during an Instagram Live chat on CSK's official handle: "Mahi is always emotional about cricket. It's his love."

Rajasthan Royals (RR) along with CSK were making a comeback to the IPL after a two-year ban.

Sakshi also revealed how the avid gamer in Dhoni helps the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman relax.

"Video games are a stress buster for him. He has a thinking brain which doesn't rest. So video games help him and he is now too much into Call Of Duty and PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG)."

Sakshi also joked that only she can pick up a fight with ice-cool Dhoni who last turned out for India during their loss to New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup semi-final.

"Nobody picks up a fight with him. I am the only one," she smiled.

Sakshi also revealed that Dhoni has always kept his door open during tours and players could walk in any time they wanted.

"Mahi has always kept his door open. It has been like that since 2010 (when we got married). People come...we chat sometimes till 3-4 in the morning. When they come to talk to Mahi about cricket, I go away."

Sakshi also spilled the beans on their plans to hit the hills post lockdown on a road trip provided cricket does not resume during that time.

"If there is cricket there will be cricket. But Mahi and I have planned to hit the hills. We are planning to go to Uttarakhand..stay in small villages. we will do road trips..no flights," Sakshi said.

Sakshi also said CSK has always been a family to them.

"It is nice to be part of the family. They take the sport as sport and there are no hard feelings."

During the Instagram chat, India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal commented, challenging Sakshi for a game of online ludo and also asking "bhabi how are you, where is Mahi bhai".Mahi is always emotional about cricket, it's his love: Sakshi | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com:

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