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.
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.
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.
South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt plays a shot past Australia’s Beth Mooney during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 match at Old Trafford on June 13, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo/Getty Images)
Australia kicked off their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a 65-run win over South Africa at Old Trafford on Saturday, courtesy a quick half-century from Phoebe Litchfield and a disciplined bowling performance led by Georgia Wareham.After being asked to bat, Australia recovered from early setbacks to post 172/8 in 20 overs. In reply, South Africa was all out for 107 runs in 16.4 overs, with captain Laura Wolvaardt scoring the top score of 44 runs.Australia’s innings got off to a difficult start when Georgia Woll was dismissed for a duck by Marizanne Kapp in the very first over. Beth Mooney also struggled and fell for seven runs, putting Australia under pressure.Lichfield then changed the pace. He hit a four on his first ball and attacked from the start, helping Australia reach 52/2 at the end of the powerplay. The left-handed batsman completed his half-century in just 23 balls and eventually scored 51 runs in 24 balls, which included nine fours and a six.South Africa hit back when Ashley Gardner was dismissed for one, leaving Australia at 57/4. However, Georgia Wareham and Ellyse Perry took over the innings, adding 58 runs for the fifth wicket. Wareham scored 32 runs from 22 balls with six fours before Nadine de Klerk ended the partnership.Perry scored 36 off 26 balls in the latter stages, while Annabel Sutherland made 21 off 14 balls to take Australia past 170.South African bowlers distributed wickets. Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Nadine de Klerk took two wickets each, while captain Laura Wolvaardt impressed in the field with three catches.Chasing 173, South Africa had Sune Luus out LBW to Sophie Molineux in the first over, before Kim Garth bowled Annery Dirksen in the next over, reducing their score to 7/2.Wolvaardt and Nadine de Klerk took over the innings with a partnership of 41 runs. De Klerk scored 25 before Wareham broke the partnership soon after the powerplay.Marizanne Kapp hit back briefly with 12, but her stay was ended due to a foul between the wickets. Wolvaardt held one end and scored 44 runs from 39 balls, but his dismissal at Wareham ended South Africa’s hopes.Alana King then dismissed Sinalo Jafta and Kayla Reineke in quick succession, while Ashley Gardner dismissed Shabnim Ismail. Wareham ended the inning by dismissing Chloe Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba.Wareham finished with 3/13, while Molineux and King took two wickets each, giving Australia a comfortable win and a strong start to their campaign.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz played one of the most devastating innings ever against India in ODI cricket. Batting in the first ODI of the three-match series, Gurbaz outshone Dhauladhar by scoring a century in 48 balls, the second fastest century scored against India in the 50-over format.
Gurbaz’s innings kept Afghanistan alive in the match, where the rest of the batting order struggled against the Indian bowlers. Gurbaz hit 8 fours and 8 sixes during his century.Which was the fastest run ever scored by an Afghan batsman in ODI history.
Speaking at the mid-innings break, Rahmanullah Gurbaz talked in detail about his innings and the man who worked behind the scenes to help him create such a devastating innings. Surprising everyone, the Afghan batsman gave credit to India head coach Gautam Gambhir for his century in 48 balls in Dharamshala.
Gurbaz revealed that they had a very serious and long talk after Afghanistan’s only Test match against India. The batsman said the India head coach helped him with shot selection, the effect of which was visible at the HPCA Stadium on Saturday, where he scored 102 runs off 51 balls.
“I had a very good chat with GG sir after the Test match. What we discussed really helped me and I worked on those points during the net sessions. I am very grateful because after the Test match, I went to Gautam Gambhir sir and told him that I want to improve my shot selection,” Rahmanullah Gurbaz said in a mid-innings interview.
“He gave me some positive advice and some areas to work on and today I benefited from that. I tried to play positive and that helped me,” Gurbaz said.
Gurbaz stood alone in Afghanistan’s innings as the visitors managed to post 194 against the Men in Blue in their first bilateral ODI against India. After Gurbaz’s century, the next highest score was Hashmatullah Shahidi’s 27 runs from 30 balls.
Gambhir’s advice appeared to be reflected in Gurbaz’s innings on 13 June, where the batsman repeatedly walked down the track and hit the fast bowlers down the line. Anything pitched slightly short was seen as a square cut of the wicket.
The way Gurbaz continued the attack after avoiding an LBW appeal and a run-out chance, his confidence was clearly visible. Instead of retreating into his shell, Gurbaz continued to face the Indian attack that boasted a strong bowling line up. With better support from the other end, Gurbaz’s innings could have helped Afghanistan post a big score on Saturday. However, the visitors were eventually bowled out for 194 in a rain-interrupted 25-over contest.
Fresh from a dream Test debut for India, left-arm spinner Manav Suthar continued his impressive form by making an immediate impact for Warwickshire in the County Championship. Playing his first match for the English county against Yorkshire, the 23-year-old took two wickets on the opening day as Yorkshire scored 398 for six.Suthar gave the first blow by getting out Sam Whitman On 55 runs soon after the batsman reached his half-century. Later in the day, he removed opening batsman William Luxton, leaving the Yorkshire batsman with a marathon inning of 167 runs from 261 balls.The young spinner arrives in England after a memorable debut for India in the one-off Test against Afghanistan. He was named player of the match after taking seven wickets in the game, including notable figures of 6/33 in the first innings, as India won by an innings and 300 runs.Suthar was included in the India squad for the first time after consistent performances in domestic cricket for Rajasthan, where he has taken 136 first-class wickets at an average of 24.89. Warwickshire have signed him for the next two rounds of the County Championship and he is also expected to play against Somerset next week.Meanwhile, India’s experienced fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat Also enjoyed a useful excursion to Sussex. The left-arm fast bowler took 4 wickets for 29 runs in 14.2 overs against Glamorgan, helping bowl out the opposition for 155 runs.Unadkat, who has signed a two-year deal with Sussex in 2024, continues to make valuable contributions to the county with his disciplined bowling performances.
England opening batsman Danny Wyatt Hodge produced one of the most heart-touching moments of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 when he celebrated a brilliant unbeaten century against Sri Lanka with a touching cradling gesture dedicated to his newborn daughter Daisy. The veteran batsman made sure his special family milestone was part of an unforgettable cricket night at Edgbaston.
Wyatt Hodge was the first to have a baby-rocking celebration after completing his half-century off just 32 balls. As the crowd applauded his historic achievement, he slowly waved his bat in a cradling position, a tribute to Daisy, who was born just a few weeks earlier.
he repeated the celebration After completing his century in BirminghamEmotions ran high after a memorable innings with his bat once again. After the match, Wyatt Hodge confirmed that the celebration was for his daughter Daisy and hoped that television cameras would have captured the moment.
A video shared on social media by his partner Georgie Hodge made the ceremony even more special. In the clip, Georgie can be seen standing in front of the television holding baby Daisy in her arms, while watching Wyatt Hodge reach his fifty years of age. As the England star celebrated the cradle on screen, the emotional family moment instantly won the hearts of cricket fans online.
Courtesy: Georgie Hodge Instagram
Wyatt Hodge and football agent Georgie Hodge got married at Chelsea Old Town Hall in London on June 10, 2024, after dating for several years. The couple announced they were expecting a baby girl in late 2025 and welcomed their daughter in May 2026, making them first-time parents.
How Wyatt Hodge shook Sri Lanka
While the celebration grabbed the headlines, Wyatt Hodge’s batting was equally spectacular. Starting the innings, he scored unbeaten 105 runs in just 62 balls with the help of 13 fours and one six. She made a brilliant opening partnership of 135 runs with Amy Jones and helped England post a tournament-record 219 runs for one wicket, the highest score in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Her innings was the seventh century in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup and led England to a crushing 87-run win over Sri Lanka. Wyatt Hodge, who returned from parental leave just weeks after becoming a mother, could hardly have scripted a better comeback. The century, the celebration and the family bond combined to create one of the defining moments of the opening day of the tournament.
On the basis of his innings, England won the match by 87 runs. They next face Ireland at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on June 16.
In Dharamshala, in the shadow of the Dhauladhar ranges, the road to India and Afghanistan via South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia begins. Well, India has started their campaign to the peak as they are hoping to reach the peak two years from now. FIFA World Cup is going on in America. India women will start their T20 World Cup campaign on Sunday. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill’s men, away from the glare of those bright lights, are beginning their quiet, long journey to next year’s ODI World Cup.
With Virat Kohli ruled out of the series due to injury, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma – who will turn 41 when the ODI World Cup is played in October-November next year.
And there are a lot of possibilities for Rohit in these three matches. Neither he nor Kohli are automatic selections now; The selectors have made this very clear. Rohit reached this series He was troubled throughout the IPL 2026 season as he raced against time to recover from a hamstring injury, which limited him to just nine games. He scored 283 runs while serving largely as an impact player.
Unlike Kohli, who let his bat do the talking in yet another victorious season for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rohit has a point to prove to the selectors.
Morkel said, “It’s always good to have his experience back. The calmness he brings to the dressing room is always positive. He’s been training well, he’s progressing well. I know he’s excited to get going tomorrow.”
While Rohit played a key role in India’s ODI tour of Australia last year, he was able to score only 61 runs at an average of 20.33 in the three-match series against New Zealand earlier this year. Since age is not on his side, every series now is a proving ground. He will be well served by repeating the form of the 2025 season – 650 runs at an average of 50 from 14 matches.
But the focus won’t just be on the old guard. India will also use this series to test their depth in the absence of Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been included in the squad as cover, is the designated back-up opener, and along with KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan, he will be one of the options India are considering for the No. 3 spot. Morkel confirmed this, indicating that the management would rotate all three through that slot throughout the series.
Ishan, chosen as the second wicketkeeper, is likely to don the gloves in the opening matches of the series – if Friday’s training session was any indication – and will bat at No. 3.
India also has new faces in the fast bowling department. Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar have been included in the squad, and one of them could make his debut on Saturday, pairing with Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh to lead the new-ball attack in Bumrah’s absence.
Can Nitish Reddy move ahead?
Nitish Reddy (left) will replace Hardik Pandya in the ODI series (PTI photo)
Then there is Nitish Reddy, who steps into a bigger role after Hardik Pandya was ruled out due to injury. Under Morkel, Nitish has a chance to hone his bowling, and this series will be a real test of that development – particularly his ability to contribute with the ball at international level.
Morkel said, “I always encourage players to go out and work and develop their game when they get the chance. Nitish did that. From a technical point of view, we worked to create more balance so that the energy flows down the wicket – both departments have improved. We are excited to see them working together on the international stage.”
Washington Sundar and Harsh Dubey will join Kuldeep Yadav in the spin group. The management will keep a close eye on both all-rounders as they continue to build a potential World Cup squad.
India, he said, cannot take Afghanistan lightly – and it would be unwise to try to do so. Yes, they defeated Richard Pybus’s side in the one-off Test last week, but Afghanistan are far more dangerous in white-ball cricket. With Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Allah Ghazanfar a formidable spin trident, and Sediqullah Atal bringing flair and enterprise to an impressive batting unit, Afghanistan will be much more than pushovers in this ODI series.
pitch and conditions
Dharamsala is as beautiful as any venue in world cricket, but the HPCA Stadium is more than just a backdrop. When set at height, the ball travels faster away from the pitch, generally providing good pace and bounce. Some swing is expected with the new ball, although this is generally a batsman-friendly ground – teams chasing have won five ODIs here compared to four for teams batting first. In the last ODI at this venue during the 2023 World Cup, Australia scored 388 runs, with New Zealand falling woefully short by five runs – a reminder that big scores are very much on the table.
However, weather can be a factor. Light rain is expected in the afternoon, the temperature will be around 17 degrees Celsius and the humidity will be 74 percent. If the skies open up, the pitch will help the bowlers more and the outfield will be slower, making the toss – and the captain’s understanding of the conditions – even more consequential. Both sides may prefer to bowl first.
Team news and predicted XI
India
Selection talks in the build-up have focused almost entirely on the No. 3 slot. Morkel confirmed that India will rotate options throughout the series – with Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal all in contention. For the series opener, Ishan Kishan is most likely to get the nod at No. 3, with his attacking intent providing a different dimension to the top order. Jaiswal, naturally suited to open, is likely to be kept in the reserves, while Rahul would be better served at No. 5, a position he has established himself in with consistent performances.
Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar are set to make their ODI debut alongside Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh in the pace attack. Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar and Harsh Dubey provide spin cover.
India predicted XI: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav.
afghanistan
Rashid Khan joins Dharamshala straight away after their IPL campaign, while Mohammad Nabi – who is already with the team – is said to be unwell, which could make way for one of their younger options. Fast bowler Mohammad Saleem, who impressed in the one-off Test in New Chandigarh, has been included in the ODI squad and he could come in place of Bilal Sami or one of the spinners depending on the circumstances.
Afghanistan’s probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Azmatullah Umarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Allah Ghazanfar, Zia ur Rehman Sharifi, Farid Ahmed Malik.
