Sports

Nagpur: In a thrilling start to the five-match T20I series, India defeated New Zealand by 48 runs in the first encounter, thanks in large part to a sensational performance by Rinku Singh in the death overs. The left-handed batsman once again emerged as India’s match-finisher, cementing his spot in the squad with a stunning display of power hitting. Rinku Singh’s Explosive FinishingComing in at the crucial stage, Rinku Singh played an aggressive cameo, scoring 44 runs off just 20 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes. His fearless strokeplay disrupted New Zealand’s bowling plans, particularly in the final overs, helping India post a formidable total. His dynamic batting not only changed the course of the match but also thrilled the stadium crowd. Dominating the Final OverTasked with ac...

Nagpur: India kicked off the five-match T20I series against New Zealand with a commanding 48-run victory, taking a 1-0 lead. The win, just weeks ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, brought relief to captain Surya Kumar Yadav, who shared insights into the team’s strategy during the post-match presentation. Surya Kumar on Team StrategyCaptain Yadav highlighted the success of a balanced combination: “Playing with eight batsmen and three strike bowlers has proven beneficial for the team. It’s working well for us, and if it continues to work, we will stick with it.” He emphasized the importance of building big totals: “Even with dew on the field, putting runs on the board is always a positive. During the powerplay, when we were 25/2, the batsmen didn’t give up. We stabilized the innings ...

Even after a convincing 48-run win over New Zealand in the first T20I, Team India’s fielding frailties were on full display, raising concerns ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, just 20 days away. Fielding Mistakes Overshadow PerformanceWhile India excelled with both bat and ball, the match revealed a worrying weakness: fielding lapses. The Indian players dropped several catches and missed a run-out opportunity, highlighting a recurring issue that could prove costly in tighter contests. Key Missed Chances In the 19th over, facing Arshdeep Singh, Mitchell Santner attempted a big shot, but Ishan Kishan at deep mid-wicket let an easy catch slip through. Earlier, in the 11th over, Rinku Singh dropped a high catch at square leg off Jasprit Bumrah, granting Mark Chapman another life. ...

New Delhi: Following India’s recent ODI series loss, the debate over Ravindra Jadeja’s struggling form and the potential inclusion of Axar Patel in the ODI side has intensified. Jadeja failed to make an impact in the three-match series against New Zealand, going wicketless and contributing minimally with the bat. Many cricket experts believe his ODI career may have reached a crossroads. In contrast, Axar Patel, who established himself in T20Is after Jadeja’s retirement from the format post-2024 World Cup, has emerged as a reliable all-rounder and even served as T20I vice-captain. Here’s a breakdown in five key points highlighting whether Axar could replace Jadeja in India’s ODI squad: 1. ODI Career Statistics Ravindra Jadeja: 210 matches, 142 innings, 2,905 runs at an average of ...

Nagpur: Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan made a spectacular return to international cricket after 785 days, playing in the first T20 against New Zealand. In a show of fearless intent, Kishan hit a boundary off his very first ball, a shot that few players would dare attempt under such circumstances. A Bold ComebackKishan last represented India in 2023 across all three formats. Due to BCCI’s directives, he did not participate in the Ranji Trophy for a period, and consequently lost his central contract. In 2026, he earned a recall to the Indian T20 side for the match in Nagpur at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. First Ball Boundary Stuns FansComing to the crease in the second over following Sanju Samson’s dismissal, Kishan wasted no time in announcing his return. On his ...

Nagpur: Indian all-rounder Axar Patel suffered an injury to his finger during the first T20 match against New Zealand, forcing him to leave the field before completing his over. The incident occurred in the 16th over of New Zealand’s innings. Daryl Mitchell struck a powerful shot off Axar’s delivery, and Patel attempted to stop the ball with his left hand. The force of the shot caused the ball to go over the boundary while injuring his finger, which began bleeding immediately. The physio rushed to check him, and Patel had to exit the field before completing the over. While leaving, he cleaned the blood with a handkerchief. Impact on the MatchBefore leaving, Patel had bowled 3.3 overs, conceding 42 runs and picking up a crucial wicket — that of New Zealand’s explosive batter Glenn Phi...

The ICC U19 World Cup 2026 witnessed a pair of dominant performances on Wednesday, as England and Afghanistan recorded comprehensive victories in their respective group matches. Ben Mayes’ Historic Innings Powers EnglandIn the Group C clash at Takashinga Sports Club, Harare, England batted first and posted a massive 404/6, led by a sensational innings from Ben Mayes. The young Englishman smashed 191 runs off 117 balls, including 8 towering sixes and 18 crisp fours. This remarkable knock is now the second-highest individual score in U19 World Cup history. Scotland struggled in reply and were bowled out for just 152 in 44.5 overs. Finlay Carter top-scored with 34 runs, while Max Chaplin contributed 22. The result gave England a huge 252-run victory and a commanding start in the tournam...

India kicked off their five-match T20 series against New Zealand with a commanding 48-run victory at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. Batting first, Team India posted a formidable 238 runs, and despite a determined fightback, New Zealand fell short at 190/7. The match saw a combined total of 428 runs, setting a record for the highest-scoring T20 between the two sides. With this win, India takes a 1-0 lead in the series. Abhishek Sharma Explodes in OpenerAfter losing the toss, India elected to bat first. Abhishek Sharma gave India a blazing start, smashing a six in the very first over. However, early wickets fell as Sanju Samson departed for 10 runs off 7 balls, and Ishan Kishan managed just 8 runs from 5 balls in his comeback international match. At 27/2, India seemed...

India began their five-match T20 series against New Zealand with a commanding win at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. After losing the toss, India elected to bat first and set a formidable target of 239 runs. In response, New Zealand managed only 190 for 7, handing India a 48-run victory. Here’s a look at the five Indian players who played pivotal roles in this memorable win: Abhishek SharmaAbhishek Sharma, known for his explosive batting, produced a match-winning performance. He scored 84 runs off just 35 balls at a strike rate of 240, smashing 8 sixes and 5 boundaries. His heroics earned him the Player of the Match award. Rinku SinghMaking a rare T20 appearance for India, Rinku Singh impressed with a quickfire unbeaten 44 off 2...

In a high-scoring opener of the five-match T20 series between India and New Zealand at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, New Zealand’s star all-rounder Glenn Phillips set the field on fire with a breathtaking batting display. After winning the toss, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner opted to bowl first, a decision that backfired as India posted a massive 238/7 in their 20 overs. Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh starred for India, scoring 84 and an unbeaten 44 runs respectively, both maintaining strike rates above 200. Coming in at number four, Glenn Phillips played a blistering innings at a strike rate of 195, scoring 78 runs off just 40 balls. His innings featured 4 fours and 6 towering sixes, leaving Indian bowlers struggling to contain him. The highlight of Philli...