Here is the transcript of Sophie Molineux’s press conference before the match vs India

[Reporter:]

First training session at Lord’s, how does it feel to be at a ground that is so prestigious?

[Sophie Molineux:]

Yes, it was really good. It was good. We also had a few days off, so everyone was super excited to get out here and run around. The sun was out, nice and warm, so it was nice to get out. We did some fielding and then went back and got some skills. So yes, it was a big session and I think the girls got a lot out of it.

[Reporter:]

I saw Phoebe training today. Is she fully fit and looking good for Sunday?

[Sophie Molineux:]

Yes, she is looking good. She’s fully trained today, kind of moving forward and has been quite good over the last week or so. So yes, she’ll be good, which is exciting for us.

[Reporter:]

I’m pretty sure I saw Beth there too. How did she recover after those chaos last night?

[Sophie Molineux:]

She said it felt really good. It doesn’t look blown out or anything, which is a miracle. And she’s tough, so she’ll be good to go on Sunday and beyond. But yes, I don’t envy her that she got out twice in the same game, and she stayed. But yes, he is tough and has done a lot for us over the years, and this is no different.

[Reporter:]

Sunday will be do or die for India. How good a test will this be for you guys when perhaps you haven’t faced a lot of pressure in your last few matches?

[Sophie Molineux:]

Yes, I think we are in a slightly different situation than India. We still have to win and make sure we finish where we want to be. And yes, we know there’s a little bit of pressure on them, and I think hopefully we can double down on it and put pressure on them early in the game. But yes, the games against India are always, always good, always intense, but it is a sell-out crowd, so we know it will be a big occasion and we are very looking forward to it.

[Reporter:]

Your first World Cup as captain – now we are heading into the tough times – how much have you enjoyed it so far, but how much are you looking forward to this next round too?

[Sophie Molineux:]

Yes, I liked it very much. It’s definitely a little different from my last World Cup. Maybe there’s a little more responsibility and things to do, but at the same time, I’ve really loved it. I believe in the World Cup you ride waves and we have been really good and consistent as a group over the last few months. So yes, looking forward to next week. This is what we work hard for and I feel like as a group we are in a really good place and moving forward.

[Reporter:]

I think we saw some clips on social media of you in lycra during stretching sessions and things like that, I think, to keep the humor up, keep up the morale. How important is that in terms of what you want to establish in terms of your captaincy, to try and really make sure the morale remains high in this group?

[Sophie Molineux:]

You can’t get away from anything these days, but I think we’ve done a bit of bus travelling, it’s taken a bit of time to get from one place to another and I think there’s two ways to look at it. For one thing, it’s a hassle. Or two, this is a great opportunity to get on the bus and connect with each other, review and preview games. And then I think the other side of it is just making sure we stay excited. And I think that’s probably a big part, my leadership is to make sure the group is in a good place. And I believe that when the time is right – I don’t get it right all the time, but sometimes when you feel the group needs a little something, I’m happy to do that. I think there are some other characters in the group who will do this next time. Well, I’m hoping so anyway. But yeah, no, it was a bit of fun. I enjoy that stuff too.

[Reporter:]

In terms of your own experience of being around this team, when it’s won the World Cup, when it hasn’t won the World Cup, what do you think about in terms of next week and if you have to go all the way? Is the main thing that you want this team to be controlled in a way to make sure that your focus doesn’t go too far from the semi-finals to the final or anything like that?

[Sophie Molineux:]

Yes, this is a big deal. It’s literally an attempt to live in the moment and be as present as possible. It’s very easy to do that in a tournament or a World Cup when there are so many expectations, attention, pressure or whatever comes with it to get ahead. But you can’t do that in the World Cup. There is something in every game. And I think, yes, we – Shelley and I said that at the beginning of the tournament to make sure that we enjoy the whole journey of the World Cup. And whether it’s a bus ride or a training session or mobility or just a team meeting or some dinner together or something like that, make sure we’re really in the moment and enjoying it. And you can really feel the group taking it on board. And it’s been a really enjoyable tour so far. And we know this week could be really special too. So I think what we can control is either today’s training session or the next ball when we are playing. It’s a big focus for us not to get too carried away.

[Reporter:]

As captain, obviously, the hope is, as long as Phoebe has done everything, if she comes back into selection contention, it will mean someone has to be out. In terms of those players, how much do you want to say about whether it’s a bowling option because someone who likes to rotate your bowlers a lot, someone who is maybe a bit of a lower order batsman, what’s kind of your priority as captain in terms of trying to get Phoebe back into the team?

[Sophie Molineux:]

Yes, obviously Phoebe will take the top spot and there will be someone who will be really unfortunate to have to drop out. Who, I’m not even sure. We might have to keep watching this pitch. It’s a bit sunny at the moment so we’ll probably have to look at that and the beauty of our team is the depth that we’ve got and we’ll have to utilize that at different points in this tour and yes, how it’s shaping up for Sunday, we’re not quite sure yet.

[Reporter:]

How long are you willing to leave that call? Obviously South Africa and Bangladesh play in the morning. Can you wait and see how that game plays out?

[Sophie Molineux:]

Yes, we could. Not sure whether we will do it this time or not, but we did it against South Africa in the first game. We named 12 – or decided it internally – in the morning before watching the game unfold in front of us. But yes, not sure whether we will do it this time or not, but yes, we have done it before too, so if we had to, we would probably take that route as well.

[Reporter:]

I think these are back-to-back games where Australia have scored the two highest scores in the T20 World Cup. How important are those power plays in terms of giving the team the right start and making sure you can go on and score big?

[Sophie Molineux:]

Yeah, it shows what we want to do as a team and how we want to play. Our batting line-up is full of explosiveness and there are players who are naturally really good run scorers and will do so at a high rate. So I believe unlocking that and making girls feel like they can be free in the power play and beyond is just what it takes. And I believe it has been really enjoyable to see everyone score some runs in the different games that we have played. So it’s good that everyone has spent some time in the middle during the tournament, and hopefully it will put our top order and middle order in good shape over the next little while.

[Reporter:]

And I know that the team, everyone in that 11 is confident that you guys will essentially bat at number 11. How much of that comes into thinking when it’s in the middle overs, taking a few more risks, knowing that OK, we’ve got players in the shed who can still have an impact on the game that maybe taking a slightly more aggressive approach than other teams?

[Sophie Molineux:]

Yes, I think that’s probably naturally the case. And a big part of this group is that we all trust each other, we all support each other, whether it’s with the bat or the ball. I think it’s a good level of trust and support, so I think that kind of helps as well.

India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana Has said that the team will adopt an aggressive approach when it faces Australia in its important match of the Women’s T20 World Cup on Sunday. With a semi-final place at stake, India know that a win over the six-time champions will almost certainly secure their progress after being in a tough competition with South Africa. Speaking ahead of the crucial clash, Mandhana admitted that India’s batting unit has not performed as consistently as they would have liked so far in the tournament. “Obviously it’s a big game. We’ve all talked a lot about how we want to play really attacking cricket and that’s something we’ll be looking to do tomorrow as well,” he said.Mandhana believes that India has significantly reduced the gap with Australia over the years due to increased exposure in franchise cricket and experience in high-pressure matches. She pointed to India’s recent success in Australia and the impact of tournaments like the Women’s Premier League.“We did well in Australia in the T20 format. That will give us a lot of confidence. With the WPL, I think the girls are very well prepared to take on high-pressure games a little better than before,” she said.“But, yes, again, I think the gap has definitely reduced. With some of our players playing the Big Bash, the experience is being shared and I think the kind of cricket the Indian team has played in the last four, five years – the gap has reduced.”

Mandhana reveals secret on Shafali

The left-handed opening batsman also expressed hope that he and Shafali Verma can give India a strong start against Australia after struggling for consistency in recent matches.“We had a very quiet series in England. We were both really excited to give a good start to India because, of course, whenever we lay the foundation, more or less, we are in a good place,” Mandhana said.He also revealed that conversations with former Australian opener Matthew Hayden and Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara have helped him improve his batting.“I have watched Sangakkara sir and Matthew Hayden a lot. I remember even in my bad days, I used to watch their videos. So, when I saw him (Hayden) doing commentary, I got really excited,” she said.“We had a good discussion and I wanted to know some things about grip etc. I also told him that when chatting before the Australian game, I don’t know if you would want to do that, but he was really kind and sweet. He shared a lot of things which I can hopefully apply to my batting.”

National record-breaking pole vaulter G Sindhushree lacked funds to buy proper equipment after her father’s death in 2022, forcing her to compete with a short pole until she borrowed a long pole just two weeks ahead of the National Inter-State Championships here.

Using her friend’s gear, Karnataka’s unheralded Sindhushree set an unexpected national record, won the gold medal and also secured an Asian Games ticket. The 25-year-old, who hails from a family of modest means in Bhadravati in Shimoga district, cleared a distance of 4.25 metres, breaking Tamil Nadu athlete Baranika Elangovan’s previous national record of 4.20 metres, a month old.

“My father died of a heart attack in 2022. Whatever I have achieved today is all because of my father. Every morning, he would take me for a run and he wanted me to play for the country in international events. I am going to fulfill his dream with the Asian Games (participation),” Sindhushree said, holding her father’s photo.

“I qualified for the World University Games, but my father was not there to see me. I am the first person in my family to play sports, other members also wanted to send a girl to sports. My father fought all of them and so I joined SAI Hostel in Bengaluru in 2016. I started my sports journey at that time.”

His father R Ganesh was an electrician and his mother worked as a tailor.

“Since my mother is taking care of my younger sister’s studies, my grandfather is supporting me financially,” said an emotional Sindhushree, who dedicated her Asian Games gold medal and coveted ticket to her father.

“I have no sponsor, no job and it is difficult to manage. I was looking for a job but I couldn’t find it because my performances were not good. I am hoping to get a job after this performance. I need to help my family,” said the 159 cm (5 feet 2.5 inches) tall pole vaulter.

Sindhushree improved her personal best by 25 cm. His previous personal best was 4 meters during the Indian Athletics Series 6 in Chennai in May. He has won only one medal at major domestic championships so far – a silver here at the 2023 National Inter-State Championships with a performance of 3.80m.

Due to financial struggles she could not even buy herself a proper pole for the competition. Before coming here she was using a small pole.

“I didn’t have proper poles before. All the poles were short and after competitions they became loose. I trained with short poles and learned technique, which is why I couldn’t perform well in previous competitions like the Federation Cup.

“Luckily, I came here with a long pole that was actually brought by a friend of mine. I got it a few days ago and I was able to perform better here.”

Initially, Sindhushree was a 400m runner, but a local coach shifted her to pole vault in 2017. My coach said I could do better in pole vault.

Asked about qualifying for the Asian Games, she said, “It feels like a dream, it all happened because of my father (above).”

Sindhushree’s coach Vijeesh MM said that her most important quality is her patience.

“Her patience is her strength, as for many years the performances were not coming, she was not able to compete with proper sticks and she had financial difficulties.

“With the right poles and the right nutritional support, she will do better in the Asian Games. She doesn’t need to focus on her technique. I hope she can go above 4.30m.”

The bronze medal mark at the 2022 Asian Games was 4.30 metres.

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Vaibhav Suryavanshi (BCCI photo)

New Delhi: Ahead of the second and final T20 match against Ireland, excitement is increasing over the debut of 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi in India.Fans were hoping to see the young batting sensation make his international debut in the series opener in Belfast. However, the youngster had to wait as India were stuck with an experienced batting line-up.Now the big question is whether Suryavanshi will get a chance in the second T20 match to be held on Sunday or fans will have to wait till the five-match T20 series against England starting from July 1.

India wants to make a comeback

India have reached the second T20I after suffering one of the biggest upsets in their T20 history.The reigning T20 World Cup champions were bowled out for 148 while chasing 183 as Ireland recorded their first international win over India.It was also a disappointing start Shreyas IyerWho returned to T20I after 963 days and captained India for the first time in this format.With the England series around the corner, Iyer will be keen to level the series before the team travels to England.

Iyer on Suryavanshi’s debut

At the toss before the first T20I, Iyer confirmed that Suryavanshi will have to wait for his chance.Iyer said, “He is a gun player but we have a group of players who are in tremendous form and he is a gun player but we have some tremendous players who have done well for us so we are supporting him. He will get his chance when the time comes.”

Kotak supports experienced players

A day before the first T20I, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had also hinted that India were unlikely to give the youngster an immediate debut.“Vaibhav is very talented, there is no doubt about that. And the way he has batted in the IPL and all the other games, needless to say he has a lot of natural abilities. Because in the IPL he has faced Jofra, many fast bowlers, many experienced bowlers. And it seems like nothing is bothering him. So he’s clearly an extraordinary talent,” he said.Kotak also explained why the team management wants to continue supporting players who have already performed well.“That also wouldn’t be right. I think there’s a very thin line between trying to give someone a chance and you being unfair to another player,” Kotak said.“This evening, the captain and the head coach will decide about the team. And if he plays well, even if he doesn’t play for me, it’s great because he is part of the Indian team. And I am sure he will get his dues and his chances. So I don’t think just to give him a chance, we should drop someone who is already scoring runs.”Whether Suryavanshi will make his long-awaited debut on Sunday remains to be seen, but both Iyer and Kotak have made it clear that the teenager remains a key part of India’s plans and his opportunity will come at the right time.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s much-awaited T20 debut may have been delayed, but former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar believes the talented 15-year-old is already troubling first-choice openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, especially the former. Manjrekar’s comments came after India suffered a crushing defeat against Ireland in the first match of the two-match T20 series, their first defeat to the Irish team in any format.

Some experts and fans expected Suryavanshi to get his first cap on Friday, June 26. However, the team management and newly appointed captain Shreyas Iyer opted to retain the T20 World Cup-winning opening pair of Samson and Abhishek for the opening match of the series. Iyer told that he did not want to tamper with the winning combination Assuring that the time of Suryavanshi will come Sooner rather than later.

Nevertheless, there is a compelling case for Kishor’s inclusion after the Indian batting unit’s spectacular collapse in Belfast. Chasing 183 runs,Isiters collapsed for just 148 runs in 18.5 overs.. Samson failed to make any progress and was dismissed by left-arm fast bowler Jai Mundhra in the very first over. Although Samson hit a four, the left-arm angle destroyed him early on – a recurring technical flaw that continues to trouble the Kerala wicketkeeper-batsman.

While Abhishek Sharma provided a lone spark with a blistering half-century in 19 balls, the rest of the line-up collapsed. Captain Shreyas was out on 3 runs, while vice-captain Tilak Verma could score only 19 runs.

“Sanju Samson needs to be careful because Vaibhav Suryavanshi is killing him and Abhishek Sharma,” Manjrekar told Sony Sports in his post-match analysis.

Despite the ups and downs, the team management is hopeful of giving long-term responsibility to Samson and Abhishek. Abhishek has been one of India’s most consistent performers in the shortest format, while Samson has been a standout performer in the recent T20 World Cup, where he played match-winning innings in both the semi-final and final against New Zealand.

Vaibhav heads to Ireland on the back of his record-breaking 94 off 29 balls for India A in the tri-series final against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla earlier this month. The wonder kid also won the IPL 2026 Orange Cap, scoring 776 runs, including a record-breaking tally of 72 sixes.

Not easy for Suryavanshi?

Interestingly, Manjrekar recently supported the decision to drop Suryavanshi from the opening match of the series despite his record-breaking form. The cricketer turned commentator said that the Belfast surface was far from heaven for batting, suggesting that the wide boundary dimensions would have tested the young player.

Manjrekar said, “I think he would have done the same thing that Abhishek did, maybe a little better. Chasing the target, you had to do everything in the first six overs. You had to carry that pace in the remaining overs as well. So he could have made things a little easier while chasing, but the target became too big and the conditions were not easy. And you also saw in the tri-series in Dambulla how he was not getting sixes very often.”

“And it was a reminder, and I’m very glad you know I’ve said this before, that people have come to realize that hitting sixes is not that easy. So Vaibhav could manage it in the first six overs, but later on he had to work his way up. And to answer your question, I don’t think it would have made a difference unless you wanted to play him in the lower order. The middle order, there’s some room there, but at the top, I don’t think there’s any there.” Place,” he added.

When India take on Ireland in the second and final T20 match on Sunday, June 28, they will be eyeing to restore parity and level the series. Whether the team management hands Suryavanshi an international debut or not will remain a big point of discussion before the match. Following the Belfast assignment, India are scheduled to travel across the Irish Sea for a five-match T20I series against England starting on July 1.

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Vaibhav Suryavanshi during the first India vs Ireland T20 match in Belfast.

New Delhi: The wait for 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s India debut continued, but the youngster still won plenty of hearts during the first T20I against Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Friday.Many fans had flocked to the ground in hopes of seeing the teenage star in India’s playing XI after his sensational IPL season. Although Suryavanshi was not selected, the crowd made sure he felt their support. During the match, Suryavanshi was seen carrying drinks for her teammates along with spinner Ravi Bishnoi. Every time the teenager appeared near the boundary ropes, loud cheers would echo around the stadium.

The wait for Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s debut continues

On becoming the new captain of India, the excitement started even before the match. Shreyas Iyer Reached for the toss. After naming the playing eleven, Iyer was immediately asked whether Suryavanshi would make her international debut.“Unfortunately not (Suryavanshi’s debut). He is a gun player but we have some tremendous players who have done well for us so we are supporting him. He will get his chance when the time comes,” Iyer said.India retained a key part of the team that won the T20 World Cup earlier this year, while Suryavanshi was forced to wait for his chance.

ireland script history

While the focus before the match was on whether Suryavanshi would play or not, ultimately the spotlight was on Ireland.The hosts stunned the reigning T20 World Cup champions by defeating them by 34 runs, their first win over India in any format.Ireland recovered from 51/4 to score 182/9 and then bowled out India for 148 in 18.5 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Shreyas Iyer promised a strong response

After facing defeat in his first match as India’s T20I captain, Iyer admitted that the team has a lot of improvement to do.“We will not forget what happened and there is a lot to learn from this game. All smoke will come out in flames in the next game.”

Ireland’s budding players impressed

India-born left-arm fast bowler Jai Mundhra enjoyed a memorable debut, dismissing Sanju Samson with his very first ball and taking 2/25.Matt Hollard also performed brilliantly on his debut match, taking three wickets, which included the wickets of Ishan Kishan and Iyer. Left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys took three wickets, after which Ireland’s disciplined attack never allowed India to recover. Abhishek SharmaExplosive 50 runs in 20 balls.The two teams will meet again in the second and final T20I on Sunday, when Suryavanshi could once again be in contention to make her long-awaited India debut.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi will start on the bench for Saturday’s FIFA World Cup Group J clash against Jordan, with coach Lionel Scaloni opting to rest his star forward after the defending champions ensured qualification to the knockout rounds.

Messi has been in sensational form, scoring all five of Argentina’s goals in wins over Algeria and Austria, helping his team top Group J with a game remaining.

Speaking before the match, Scaloni confirmed that the Inter Miami star will not be in the starting eleven, but is expected to feature later in the game.

“Leo will start on the bench,” Scaloni said.

“Leo will come a little later,” he said.

shaft rotation

Scaloni rejected those suggestions argentina Will field a weak team, emphasizing that every player on the team has earned the opportunity to represent the reigning world champions.

“The guys who are playing tomorrow deserve to play, they’re part of the team,” Scaloni said.

“All the effort we have put in in training is because of him. When he is not playing he is doing everything possible.”

The Argentina coach said his goal is to ensure the team maintains the same level regardless of personnel.

“The dream as a coach is for the team to perform the same way, independent of the players in the team.”

“If you’re wearing the jersey and playing, it doesn’t matter whether the game matters for points or not. You’ll try your best to win.”

jordan test

Although Jordan are already out after consecutive defeats in their first World Cup campaign, Scaloni is expected to be disciplined Challenge from the Asian side.

He said Jordan would likely come out with five defenders and warned Argentina might have to change their tactics if they struggled to break them down.

“Jordan usually plays with five defenders and we are prepared for the possibility that, if we are facing some difficulties, we will have to move a little differently,” Scaloni said.

Argentina will be aiming to complete a perfect group-stage campaign before turning their attention to the Round of 32, while Jordan will be hoping to end their historic first World Cup appearance on a positive note.

FIFA World Cup | fifa world cup schedule | fifa world cup points table | football news

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Ireland captain Lorcan Tucker celebrates the historic victory with his teammates. (Photo courtesy: Cricket Ireland)

New Delhi: Captain of Ireland lorcan tucker After guiding his team to a historic first win over India in men’s international cricket he has set his sights on an even bigger prize, declaring that securing a series win over the reigning T20 world champions would be “very special”.“Fresh from Ireland’s impressive 34-run win in the opening T20I in Belfast on Friday, Tucker was careful not to get carried away, but he admitted the chance to clinch a famous series win on home soil had already fired up the dressing room.After the match, Tucker said, “Absolutely, yes. It would be very special to win the series against India at home.” “I think the boys are absolutely looking forward to getting back here. The energy today was fantastic, the crowd was fantastic, very special.”

‘We won and stayed in the game’

Tucker described the win as one of the finest moments in Irish cricket, especially considering it came against the two-time defending T20 World Cup champions.“It was very special. It’s a credit to the boys,” he said. “We got through that game. It had some tough times for us, but we stuck in it. We were diligent, we played hard and we were lucky to get the reward at the end.”Also read: The curse of the world champion struck once again as India suffered a historic blow from Ireland.Ireland looked to be in trouble at 36 for 3 after India’s fast bowlers took full advantage of the conditions, before Tucker took the innings forward with 50 off 36 balls.Reflecting on his crucial partnership with Gareth Delany, who scored 49, Tucker praised India’s disciplined bowling before highlighting how Ireland patiently rebuilt.“India bowled really well early on. They stuck to their length and didn’t really waver. At times it felt like it was a Test match. But we tried to stay in the game, build partnerships and then take the opportunities when we got them.”

Debutant earns captain’s praise

Tucker also gave special praise to debutants Jai Mundhra and Matt Hollard, whose combined five-wicket haul decimated India’s batting line-up.“I think we learned a lot from the way India bowled. We asked the players to stick to that length as well and they showed their skill, accuracy and ability to execute the plans. Full credit to them.”He said this result reflects years of hard work behind the scenes.“To beat the world champions at home is very special. Both debutants were excellent, but credit also goes to everyone behind the scenes at Cricket Ireland. Everyone works very hard, and getting results like this is why we do it.”India, led by new captain Shreyas Iyer, were bowled out for 148 after Ireland made 182 for 9, leaving Tucker and his team just one win away from a historic series win over one of world cricket’s biggest powers.

Norway XI: Egil Selvik; Leo Ostigard, Fredrik Björkén, Heinrich Falchner, Patrick Berg; Christian Thorstvedt, Thelo Aasgaard, Andreas Schjelderup, Oscar Bob, Fredrik Ornes; Jorgen Strand Larsen.

France XI: Mike Magnan; Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, Maxence Lacroix, Theo Hernandez; Manu Kon, Aurelien Tchoumeni; Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappé, Desire Du; Ousmane Dembele.