Sports

Gelephu: Bhutan’s 22-year-old left-arm spinner Sonam Yeshey has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first bowler ever to take 8 wickets in a single T20 match. The remarkable feat came during the third T20 International of the series against Myanmar in Gelephu, where Yeshey dismantled the opposition for just 45 runs, finishing with 8 wickets for 7 runs in 4 overs. A New Benchmark in T20 BowlingBefore this, the best bowling performance in T20 cricket was held by Malaysia’s Sizarul Idros, who took 7 wickets for 8 runs against China in 2023. Yeshey’s record-breaking spell now sets a new benchmark in T20 cricket history, surpassing all previous achievements across domestic, league, and international levels. Match RecapBhutan posted 127 runs for 9 wickets in their 20 overs. ...

Australia’s explosive batter Laura Harris has made history in the women’s T20 format, equalling the world record for the fastest fifty. Playing for Otago in New Zealand’s Super Smash tournament, Harris smashed a breathtaking 52 runs off just 17 balls against Canterbury, guiding her team to a thrilling victory. This spectacular performance marks a stunning comeback after a recent lean patch in her career. Historic FeatHarris, 35, showcased her immense power and precision as she matched Mary Kelly’s record from 2022, where Kelly had scored a fifty off 15 balls for Warwickshire. Representing Otago for the first time, Harris’s whirlwind innings left Canterbury’s bowlers struggling to contain her. Match-Turning InningsChasing a target of 146, Otago required a special innings, and Harris d...

Jaipur: Mumbai fast bowler Shardul Thakur turned heads with a devastating bowling performance in Jaipur, dismantling the Chhattisgarh top order and reviving hopes of a Team India comeback. Known for his ability to swing the ball with precision, Thakur’s performance showcased the skill and aggression that earned him the nickname ‘Lord’ among cricket enthusiasts. Early Wickets Send Chhattisgarh ReelingMumbai won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision immediately justified by Thakur’s lethal spell. He struck early, removing Anuj Tiwari, Mayank Verma, Ashutosh Singh, and Sanjeet Desai in quick succession. Chhattisgarh’s batsmen struggled to cope with his swing and line-length, leaving the opposition’s top order in tatters and Mumbai firmly in control of the match from the outset. A...

New Delhi: Former England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar has raised concerns about Indian Test captain Shubman Gill, calling him overconfident and prone to reckless shots. Speaking about Gill’s leadership potential, Panesar said the young batsman lacks the consistency and intensity across all formats required to emulate the likes of Virat Kohli. Gill’s All-Format Captaincy QuestionedPanesar, who played a key role in England’s victories over India in home conditions, told ANI, “Gill is a talented cricketer, but he becomes complacent at times and plays careless shots early in his innings. Virat Kohli’s intensity and aggression were visible in every format. Gill cannot do the same. Expecting him to lead across all formats is too much of a burden.” While acknowledging Gill’s natural tale...

New Delhi: Some victories in cricket are remembered not just for the numbers, but for courage, resilience, and team spirit. Today marks one such day in Indian cricket history, when the team staged a remarkable comeback in Melbourne after the infamous Adelaide Test collapse of 36 runs in 2020. Playing without regular captain Virat Kohli and experienced pacer Mohammed Shami, India defied the odds to defeat Australia by eight wickets. Under the calm and tactical leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, along with stellar performances from debutants Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj, the team showcased exceptional grit. Rahane Leads the ChargeThe challenges were immense. Veteran bowler Umesh Yadav missed crucial periods due to a muscle strain, and the team faced pressure at every turn. Acting captain...

New Delhi: On the cricket field, Jasprit Bumrah is renowned for his pinpoint bowling accuracy and unmatched focus. Yet, according to Axar Patel, the Indian pacer’s true obsession off the field is not cricket, food, or drink—it’s perfumes. In a recent YouTube video, Patel revealed that Bumrah has an extensive and meticulously curated perfume collection. Unlike most people who buy fragrances based on scent alone, Bumrah conducts thorough research before purchasing, checking oil concentration and volume in every bottle. Patel highlighted the duo’s special bond as fellow Gujaratis, giving fans a glimpse into Bumrah’s off-field life and interests. Perfume Gifts for TeammatesPatel also shared a fun anecdote: during the Delhi Test against West Indies, Bumrah promised teammate Mohammed Siraj...

New Delhi: India’s cricket superstar Rohit Sharma, famously known as the “Hitman,” made 2025 a year to remember with his exceptional captaincy and batting exploits. While he bid farewell to Test cricket, his performances in ODIs and IPL left fans and record books in awe. ICC Trophy TriumphRohit led India to victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy, adding another ICC title to his cabinet. After the 2024 T20 World Cup, he became only the second captain after MS Dhoni to win ICC trophies in both ODI and T20I formats. In the final against New Zealand, his 76-run captain’s innings earned him the Player of the Match award, making him the fourth captain in history to achieve this in an ICC final. ODI Records GaloreRohit smashed boundaries against cricketing giants like Australia and South Afri...

New Delhi: Tensions in India-Pakistan cricket relations have escalated to a new level as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi issued a strong statement regarding bilateral ties. Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan will no longer expect any unilateral gestures or conciliatory moves from India. Moving forward, the PCB’s approach will be guided strictly by equality and mutual respect. End of Unilateral InitiativesBreaking his silence on the BCCI’s policies and India’s reluctance to tour Pakistan, Naqvi made it clear that Pakistan will no longer favor one-sided initiatives that fail to elicit positive responses from the other side. He stressed that the era of unilateral overtures is over, signaling that if India continues to avoid visiting Pakistan, the PCB will reconsider its appr...

New Delhi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a change in the schedule for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 season. According to PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi, the tournament will now commence on March 23, instead of the earlier planned March 26. The shift aligns the league’s opening with Pakistan Day, allowing for a grander and more memorable inauguration. The final approval of the revised dates will be made after discussions with all franchise owners. Notably, this adjustment also avoids a clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL), expected to start around March 26, making the decision strategically important. Multan Sultans Ownership and FutureThe future of PSL’s prominent franchise, Multan Sultans, has been clarified. Following the departure of former owner Ali Ta...

As 2025 comes to a close, cricket fans are reflecting on some of the most explosive innings of the year. Here’s a look at the top five batsmen who scored the most runs through fours and sixes in a single innings, with India’s Shubman Gill making a prominent appearance. 1. Vian Mulder (South Africa)South African opener Vian Mulder tops the list with a historic 367-run innings against Zimbabwe in a Test match. Out of these, 220 runs came from boundaries—he smashed 49 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing sheer dominance at the crease. 2. Shubman Gill (India)India’s Shubman Gill ranks second with a stellar 269-run knock against England in Birmingham. He hit 30 fours and 3 sixes, scoring 138 runs purely from boundaries, underlining his aggressive yet controlled batting style. 3. Ryan Rickelto...