India’s Smriti Mandhana hits a half-century (AP/PTI)

The blockbuster encounter between India and Pakistan at Edgbaston on Sunday not only gave India a resounding win but also set a new attendance record in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup.A crowd of 18,814 packed the stadium for the Group 1 encounter, making it the most attended group-stage match ever in the Women’s T20 World Cup. The figure surpassed the previous record of 15,935, which was also set during the India-Pakistan clash in Dubai on October 6, 2024.The record turnout highlighted the growing popularity of women’s cricket and the immense appeal of the India-Pakistan rivalry, which continues to attract unprecedented interest from fans around the world.The attendees were treated to an impressive all-round performance from India. After recovering from an early setback of 18/2, India scored a mammoth 170/6 thanks to a brilliant innings of 68 runs in 44 balls. Smriti Mandhana And an inning of 34 runs in just 17 balls by Richa Ghosh.Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur Made an important partnership of 91 runs for the third wicket and laid the foundation of India’s competitive score. The left-handed batsman hit nine fours and two sixes in his innings full of beauty and timing, while Harmanpreet contributed 36 runs.Pakistan never seriously threatened the target. Apart from Muniba Ali’s 35-ball 41, the batting unit struggled against India’s spin attack and was bundled out for just 106 runs in 17 overs.Deepti Sharma Was a star with the ball, taking a career-best 5/10 from four overs. The all-rounder also achieved a historic feat and became the highest wicket-taker in Women’s T20 International history. Left-arm spinner Sri Charani provided excellent support with figures of 3/21.India eventually won by a comprehensive 64 runs, giving the record-breaking Edgbaston crowd plenty of opportunity to celebrate. As the Women’s T20 World Cup continues to grow in stature, the attendance milestone is another reminder of the game’s rapidly growing global reach and the unmatched drawing power of the India-Pakistan competition.

“I am grateful and Hanuman ji is great.”

Deepti Sharma was on cloud nine after heroics during India vs Pakistan match His love affair with ICC events continues. And there is a good reason behind this. The all-rounder was not in the best form in the Women’s T20 World Cup.

India vs Pak: highlighted | Achievement:

Deepti took only 14 wickets and 115 runs in 12 matches, putting her place in the team under question. But when it comes to ICC events, the all-rounder is quickly becoming one of India’s key players.

In 20 matches in the Women’s T20 World Cup, Deepti Sharma has taken 24 wickets at an economy rate of 6.68 and an average of 21.12, with her best bowling performance being 5/10, including taking five wickets once.

In 23 matches in the Women’s ODI World Cup, the Indian all-rounder has taken 36 wickets at an economy rate of 5.05 and an average of 27.22, with best bowling figures of 5/39, including taking 1 five-wicket haul.

On Sunday, she once again stepped up to help India clinch victory. Coming into the bowling in the powerplay, he broke the opening stand for India and then gave the crucial breakthrough to Ayesha Zafar.

He finished the game for his team by taking three wickets in his last over. And that was exactly how she finished her last ICC event, where she scored a half-century and took five wickets in the Women’s ODI World Cup final.

“I like ICC tournaments, I started from where I finished in the previous competition,” Deepti said.

No worries about form

Deepti said that despite going through a bad phase, she was never worried about her form and always believed in performing well at the right time for the team.

Deepti said, “Actually, I was not worried when I did not get wickets. I always believed in myself that whenever the right time comes, I will always step up for the team and that is how I play and bowl.”

With that performance, Deepti moved to the top of the bowling charts in Women’s T20I and came close to breaking Jhulan Goswami’s record of most wickets in women’s cricket.

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Deepti Sharma attempts to run out Pakistan’s Natalia Pervez during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Group 1 cricket match between India and Pakistan in Birmingham, England.

Smriti Mandhana scored 68 runs and Deepti Sharma She claimed a career-best five-wicket haul as India began their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a 64-run win over Pakistan at Edgbaston on Sunday.With the help of Mandhana’s 68 runs in 44 balls and Richa Ghosh’s 34 runs in 17 balls, India scored 170 runs for 6 wickets when invited to bat. In reply, Pakistan were all out for 106 in 17 overs, with Muniba Ali’s 41 from 35 balls being her highest score.Deepti did wonders with the ball and took 5 wickets for 10 runs in her four overs. During the match, the off-spinner also became the highest wicket-taker in the history of Women’s T20 International. Left-arm spinner Shri Charani provided good support by taking 3 wickets for 21 runs, while Shafali Verma took one wicket.Pakistan was never able to build momentum in chasing the target. Muniba looked comfortable at the crease before her innings was ended by Deepti’s direct-hit run out.The match was being played on the old surface of Edgbaston, so India’s spinners took full advantage of the conditions. The pitch provided some turn and grip, making strokeplay difficult for Pakistan’s batsmen.Earlier, India were under pressure at 18 for 2 after losing Shafali Verma for 6 runs and Jemimah Rodrigues for 1 run. After this, Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur took the innings forward by making a partnership of 91 runs for the third wicket.India’s score was 30 for 2 at the end of the powerplay before the pair picked up pace. Mandhana completed her half-century in 34 balls with nine fours and two sixes.He was given two chances during his innings. First, he was dropped at mid-off off the bowling of Tasmiya Rubab. Later, another chance went to the wide long-on boundary off Sadia Iqbal when the ball slipped through the fielder’s hands for six runs.Mandhana’s innings ended when she missed a shot off Ramin Shamim and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana completed the catch.Harmanpreet contributed 36 runs in 35 balls before becoming Sana’s victim, while Bharti Phulmali was stumped on zero soon after Mandhana’s dismissal.After this Richa Ghosh played a quick inning of 34 runs. India scored 23 runs in the final over bowled by Rubab, which helped them reach 170 for 6.For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal took 2 wickets for 41 runs and captain Fatima Sana took 2 wickets for 33 runs.India’s bowlers then took control, with Deepti leading the way and bowling out Pakistan for 106, giving India a comfortable win in the opening match of the tournament.

Manpreet Singh has equaled former India captain and Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey’s Indian record of 412 international caps as soon as he took the field during the FIH Pro League game against Netherlands in Rotterdam on Sunday, June 14. This finally puts an end to the chatter There are suggestions around that the midfielder will be prevented from breaking Tirkey’s record at the start of the year.

Manpreet is currently the only active player in the club of stars with over 400 international appearances. He played an important role as captain and led India to a bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics. Despite his age, the midfielder remains an important cog in the Indian team.

Tirkey congratulated Manpreet on the achievement and the HI president said he would like to see the midfielder play more matches for India.

In a Hockey India statement, Tirkey said, “I congratulate Manpreet on reaching this important milestone, which is a remarkable achievement and reflects his dedication, commitment and consistency over the years. I wish him all the best for the matches ahead and look forward to seeing him play on many more occasions. We are grateful for his continued contribution to Indian hockey.”

It was reported in January that Manpreet could be on the chopping block this year, as there were rumors that he would not be considered for the national team in a crucial year.

India will play in the World Cup and Asian Games. There were suggestions that coach Craig Fulton was set to step down from his role due to HI’s interference.

However, Manpreet put an end to these allegations to some extent by saying this to the media during the Hockey India Awards. Tirkey had blessed him to go and break the record.

Manpreet said, “A lot of things happened. I have also spoken to Dilip sir personally. He told me that he has no problem if I play the 412th game. He wants me to break the record. He wants me to become the first Indian to play 500 games. That’s what he wants. He said he would be very happy if I break the record.”

India will play Netherlands and Germany twice each during the Rotterdam leg of the Pro League. On June 17 and 18, they will face Germany, which will give Manpreet a chance to overtake Tirkey and break the record.

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Gurnoor Brar of India (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)

India’s impressive win over Afghanistan in the opening ODI in Dharamsala was at opposite ends of the international journey of the two players. While debutant Gurnoor Brar declared himself captain on the big stage with an impressive spell of fast bowling Shubman Gill Once again showed why he remains one of the leading ODI batsmen in the world.India won a comfortable seven-wicket victory in a rain-interrupted contest and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, but for Brar, the match was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.The Punjab pacer, who earned his maiden India cap after a strong domestic performance, admitted that excitement rather than pressure dominated his thoughts before stepping onto the field.“Obviously, I wouldn’t say there was pressure but there was excitement… like, I have to perform well for India, I have to bowl well. Obviously, everyone wants to give their best here and I was doing the same. I just had to give my best and by the grace of God it turned out well,” Brar said in a video shared during his conversation with Gill. bcci.Brar immediately justified the selectors’ confidence. Working with real pace, he consistently crossed the 145 kmph mark and touched 148.2 kmph during one memorable spell, taking figures of 3/27.The 26-year-old, who has taken more than 50 wickets in 18 first-class matches and impressed in last season’s Vijay Hazare Trophy, said getting his first international wicket brought an instant feeling of peace.“It’s a special feeling, like all the hard work has finally paid off, all the hard work I’ve put in this summer… Yeah, it’s a special moment.“(First wicket) Yeah, it’s like a milestone that you just have to cross. When that first wicket suddenly happened it brought a feeling of relief like ‘there’s no tension now’.”Gill then reminded Brar about his first wicket, which came when Ibrahim Zadran was caught high in the air. The Indian captain jokingly asked if the debutant was worried that his chances might be over.Brar’s answer brought a smile.“Since you were under it, I knew it wouldn’t be toppled.”Despite Brar’s stellar performance, Afghanistan remained competitive thanks to his sensational innings Rahmanullah GurbazWho blasted 102 in just 51 balls and took the visitors to 194.However, India’s chase was controlled by Gill. The captain remained unbeaten on 84 and cautiously chased the target on a surface that was not entirely easy to bat on.Explaining his approach, Gill said that he went in with a clear objective of staying till the end and finishing the match himself.Gill said, “So, when I went to bat, my main thing was that I wanted to be there till the end. I wanted to finish the game for the team. And, you know, I didn’t get the start the way I was expecting. So, I knew I had to struggle a little bit. The wicket was good, but it was a little sticky.”“The ball was turning a bit and seaming a bit. So I thought if I could go through that period, the game would get easier and easier.“Then once the runs started coming, I found my rhythm. Obviously, when you plan something and everything goes according to plan, you feel great.”Gill’s calculated innings ensured there were no late problems and India completed the chase in 22.5 overs. While the captain took the hosts home with another mature ODI innings, Brar left Dharamshala with memories that will last a lifetime after a dream debut in Indian colours.

The T20 Mumbai League 2026 final witnessed a dramatic sequence of events on Saturday as tension broke out near the dugout following a heated exchange of fire during a thrilling title clash at the Wankhede Stadium.Videos of the incident quickly began circulating on social media, capturing the tense scenes that unfolded in the closing stages of the competition. The clash briefly overshadowed the entertaining final, which was eventually won by defending champions MSC Maratha Royals by eight runs.

Heated argument after Jathar’s dismissal

This drama unfolded in the 19th over of ARCS Andheri. Gaurav Jathar Irfan hit a sky-scraping six to Umair to keep his team’s hopes alive.However, the momentum changed immediately on the next ball as Irfan trapped Jathar LBW for 23 runs in 17 balls. As the Royals celebrated the success, Jathar appeared clearly disappointed, which led to an altercation with the India fast bowler. Tushar Deshpande.Before the matter escalated further, the players and umpires immediately stepped in to defuse the situation.But the tension did not end here.Shortly after, fresh clashes broke out near the ARCS Andheri dugout, where captain Shivam Dubey and teammates were sitting. Video footage shows a rival player arriving at the team area as words are being exchanged, prompting players and support staff from both camps to intervene and restore order.Fortunately, the situation was quickly brought under control, allowing the final to proceed without any further disturbances.Watch:

Deshpande bowled the title winning spell

Despite the controversy, Tushar Deshpande once again proved to be decisive with the ball.Leading the team after Siddhesh Lad left the field with an injured hand, the India pacer dismissed both Divyansh Skasena and Shivam Dubey before finishing with figures of 2/33. His performances throughout the tournament, taking 12 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.6, earned him the Purple Cap.Speaking after the win, Deshpande lauded the fearless attitude shown by Mumbai’s budding cricketers.“This shows the depth of the bench strength of Mumbai cricket. Players coming from the club level have no problem in performing in front of big crowds,” he said.

John McGinn scored a first-half goal as Scotland ended their 36-year wait for a FIFA World Cup victory with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Haiti in their Group C opener on Saturday.

Steve Clarke’s side topped the group after securing their first World Cup win since defeating Sweden at Italia ’90, while Haiti’s long-awaited return to the global stage ended in disappointment despite an encouraging performance.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Haiti vs Scotland: Update

Scotland made the bright start at the Gillette Stadium and posed an early threat through Ben Dock, whose low effort forced a save from Haiti goalkeeper Jonny Placide. After escaping Haitian pressure, the Scots came close to taking the lead when Scott McTominay’s first-time effort from the edge of the area hit the post.

The breakthrough came in the 28th minute. Placide initially denied Che Adams from close range, but the rebound fell to McGinn, whose shot took two deflections before going into the net. The goal made the Aston Villa midfielder Scotland’s oldest scorer in a World Cup final.

Buoyed by the opener, Scotland almost doubled their advantage before the break when Lawrence Shankland headed home a narrow lead from a Dock cross. However, Haiti remained dangerous and almost took full advantage of an error by Angus Gunn, who parried a powerful effort from Ruben Providence before his defenders cleared the threat.

There were few clear chances in the second half, although Scotland continued to threaten on the counter. Andy Robertson’s lovely cross from the left found Doc at the back post, but Martin Experience made a vital block to keep Haiti in the contest.

McGinn then missed a chance to put the result beyond doubt after the hour mark as he headed home his effort under pressure from Ricardo Addé.

Haiti refused to relent and scored an equalizer in the closing stages. Wilson came within inches of converting Isidore Providence’s dangerous cross, while Frantzdi Pierrot glanced a header wide as the Caribbean side searched for what would have been their first World Cup points.

Despite late pressure, Scotland held firm and secured an important victory in their first World Cup appearance since 1998.

Scotland next face Morocco on June 19 after the North Africans drew 1-1 with Brazil earlier in the day, while Haiti take on the five-time world champions in their other Group C match.

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Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Gautam Gambhir (Agency Image)

afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz Credit given to India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir To help him refine his batting approach after scoring a brilliant century against the hosts in the opening ODI at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Saturday.Gurbaz performed brilliantly in Afghanistan’s innings and scored 102 runs in just 51 balls. His explosive innings included eight fours and eight sixes and was his ninth ODI century. However, despite his heroics, Afghanistan were all out for 194 runs in 24.5 overs as no other batsman managed to make a significant contribution.Speaking after the innings, Gurbaz revealed that conversations with Gambhir had played a crucial role in his preparation after Afghanistan’s massive 300-run defeat in the one-off Test in Mullanpur.“After the Test match, I had a very good conversation with Gautam Gambhir sir (and) that discussion really helped me,” Gurbaz told the broadcaster.The Afghanistan opener revealed that he had specifically contacted the Indian coach to seek advice on improving his batting decisions.“I worked on those ideas in the nets and I am very grateful for the guidance. When the Test match was over, I told him that I wanted to improve my shot selection,” he said.According to Gurbaz, Gambhir’s suggestions were straightforward but effective and he was able to put them into practice during his match-winning innings.“He shared some positive thoughts and I was able to implement them today. I just tried to play positive and it worked for me,” the right-handed batsman said.While Gurbaz dominated the Indian attack, Afghanistan struggled to build partnerships around him. India’s debutant, Gurnoor Brar and Harsh DubeyMade an immediate impact, sharing six wickets between them. Brar returned figures of 3/27, while Dubey claimed 3/47 to help bowl out Afghanistan in under 25 overs.Reflecting on his approach, Gurbaz said the shorter format encouraged positive intent, but he insisted he remained focused on playing his natural game.“The approach was very simple and easy, just play positive cricket. We knew it was a 25-over game, but I also know my game. I just backed myself and played for the team,” he said.The 24-year-old said representing Afghanistan is his biggest source of inspiration and described the century as a reward for his efforts behind the scenes.“It was good to contribute. It always feels good to do something for your country and make everyone proud. I am confident in my training and preparation. I work hard and this innings is the result of that hard work.”“Scoring a century against India in India is special, but like I said, it’s a reward for the effort I’ve put in.”

Qatar made history on Saturday when they secured their first point at the FIFA World Cup after captain Boualem Khoukhi’s stoppage-time header earned a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Group B. The Swiss looked set for victory after Briel Embolo converted a penalty in the 17th minute and dominated proceedings, firing 26 shots and maintaining possession throughout. However, his inability to find a second goal proved costly. Qatar withstood sustained pressure in the California heat and struck in extra time when Khoukhi headed Homem Ahmed’s cross into the goal, prompting wild celebrations and Switzerland regretting several missed chances.

(more to follow)

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