Sports

Windhoek, January 20, 2026: In a dominant performance at the Under-19 World Cup 2026, Australia registered an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Japan, thanks to a record-breaking century by Will Malajuk. Malajuk etched his name in the history books by scoring the fastest century in U19 World Cup history, reaching 100 runs off just 51 balls. The previous record was held by Pakistan’s Qasim Akram, who had scored a century off 63 balls against Sri Lanka in Antigua in 2022. Japan Sets a Modest TargetAfter winning the toss, Japan elected to bat first and managed 201 runs in their allotted 50 overs, losing eight wickets. Hugo Tavi Kelly top-scored with an unbeaten 79 off 135 balls, supported by Nihar Parmann (33), Montogomery Hara Hinje (29), Charlie Hara-Hinje (24), and 30 runs from extr...

The first match of the five-match T20 series between India and New Zealand will be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. Here’s a detailed look at how the pitch is expected to play and which side might gain an advantage. Series ContextIndia and New Zealand recently concluded a three-match ODI series. Now, the focus shifts to T20 cricket, with the five-match series starting on 21 January in Nagpur. This series will serve as an important preparation for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup, beginning on 7 February. It also offers an opportunity for both sides to finalize their ideal playing XI combinations. Nagpur Pitch ReportThe Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium pitch traditionally offers more assistance to bowlers, particularly spinners. However, the surfa...

Mumbai Indians have suffered a major setback ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. Wicketkeeper-batter G. Kamalini has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. The franchise has not disclosed detailed information regarding the nature of her injury. Kamalini last featured in Mumbai Indians’ match against UP Warriors, where she kept wickets but did not open the batting. In a quick response, Mumbai Indians have drafted 20-year-old left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma as Kamalini’s replacement. Sharma recently made her international debut for India and impressed during a five-match series against Sri Lanka, picking up five wickets at an economy rate of just 6.26. Hailing from Gwalior, Vaishnavi was part of the Indian squad that won the Under-19 Women’s World Cup in 2025. Sh...

In cricket, praise from anyone feels good—but when it comes from your idol, the joy multiplies. That’s exactly what Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batter Gautami Naik experienced after a match-winning performance in WPL 2026. She received a surprise video message from India’s explosive all-rounder Hardik Pandya, congratulating her on her stellar innings. Gautami played a fiery knock of 73 runs off 55 balls on Monday night, guiding RCB to a 32-run victory over Gujarat Giants. This marked RCB’s fifth consecutive win this season and confirmed their place in the playoffs. Despite being in a tight spot against Gujarat Giants, Gautami’s brilliant batting rescued her team and helped set a winning target. Hardik Becomes Her Idol After the match, Gautami revealed in a WPL video that Har...

Even before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has begun, controversies are already making headlines. Tensions between India and Bangladesh have escalated due to ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, straining bilateral relations. The ICC T20 World Cup is set to begin on 7 February 2026. With only a few days left for the mega ICC event, multiple issues have surfaced. Pakistani-origin players are reportedly facing difficulties obtaining visas to India, while Bangladesh is reportedly reluctant to play against India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board had earlier decided to skip the tournament in India after IPL franchises released Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman due to security concerns. Will Pakistan Boycott in Support of Bangladesh? According to a report by Geo News, Pakistan was i...

IND vs NZ: Hardik Pandya’s Monster Six Stuns Gautam Gambhir, Captain Surya Teases Shivam Dube Nagpur, Jan 20, 2026 — Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya grabbed headlines even before the start of the T20 series against New Zealand, as his explosive hitting during a net session left head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav visibly astonished. Hardik, who was rested along with Jasprit Bumrah during the recent ODI series against New Zealand, is now set to return to action ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which begins next month. The five-match T20I series between India and New Zealand gets underway on January 21, with the opening match scheduled at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. Hardik Lights Up the Nets Ahead of the first T20I, the Board of Control...

In a surprising development, New Zealand star all-rounder James Neesham has withdrawn from his national team’s tour of India to continue playing in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025–26. Neesham was named in New Zealand’s 15-member squad for the five-match T20I series against India, scheduled to begin on January 21. The series was being viewed as a crucial dress rehearsal ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. However, instead of traveling to India, Neesham has chosen to stay back and fulfill his commitments in the BPL. Decision Confirmed by BPL Team Coach Neesham is currently representing the Rajshahi Warriors in the BPL. The confirmation of his decision came from the team’s coach, Hannan Sarkar. According to a report by CricketOne, Sarkar shared on social media that Neesham hims...

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to introduce a significant revamp in its annual central contract system, linking player grades to current performance and active participation in the national team rather than legacy or past reputation. The move is expected to impact senior players, particularly Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who may see a reduction in their contract grades and salaries. Streamlined Three-Grade SystemUnder the proposed system, the current four-grade structure (A+, A, B, C) will be replaced with three grades: A, B, and C. Currently, A+ grade players receive an annual retainer of ₹7 crore, but this top tier may be eliminated entirely. Officials have indicated that future grading will depend on the number of formats a player is actively repr...

New Delhi: Team India has received a boost ahead of their T20 World Cup campaign, as explosive batsman Tilak Varma is on the verge of full fitness. Varma, who was injured during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, is rapidly recovering and is expected to undergo a fitness test at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on Tuesday. Based on the test results, he will follow a rehabilitation plan aimed at ensuring his timely return to international cricket. No Pain, Only ProgressAccording to media reports, Tilak Varma is no longer experiencing any discomfort and is preparing to undertake the fitness test. Depending on the outcome, the CoE will determine his rehabilitation schedule and likely return to the team. It is anticipated that Varma could make his comeback during the ongoing T20 ser...

In a shocking incident at Panvel Railway Station, Mumbai, two of India’s top pole vault athletes, Dev Meena and Kuldeep Yadav, were forcibly removed from a train despite carrying sports equipment worth lakhs of rupees. The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media. 1. Incident at Panvel StationThe athletes were returning from the All India Inter-University Athletics Championship in Bengaluru to Bhopal when the traveling ticket examiner (TTE) objected to them carrying their pole vault poles on the train. The equipment, each pole worth nearly ₹5 lakh and about 5 meters long, is as essential to a pole vaulter as a bat is to a cricketer or a racket to a badminton player. 2. TTE Refused Luggage FineThe TTE declared the poles “unauthorized luggage” and ordered the athletes to...