Danny Wyatt-Hodge (Image Credit: T20 World Cup)

New Delhi: Danny Wyatt-Hodge scored an unbeaten century as hosts England made a strong start to their campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 as they defeated Sri Lanka by 87 runs in the tournament opener at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Friday.Wyatt-Hodge’s brilliant innings helped England post a record 219/1 – the team’s highest score in Women’s T20 World Cup history – before their bowlers completed a dominant all-round performance by bowling out Sri Lanka for 132.

After Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and decided to field, England’s opening pair of Amy Jones and Danny Wyatt-Hodge set the right platform with a strong 135-run partnership.The hosts made a cautious start but showed great momentum after the powerplay, scoring 51 runs without any loss in the first six overs and then took complete control of the match.After being dismissed for 12 and then 48, Jones made the most of two respites and scored 53 runs from 38 balls and registered his seventh T20I half-century.Sri Lanka finally got the breakthrough in the 14th over when Jones mistimed Malki Madara and gave a simple catch to Athapaththu at mid-off.

If Jones provided the foundation, Wyatt-Hodge provided the fireworks.The experienced opening batsman scored her first century of the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup and only the seventh in the history of the tournament. This was his first century of the World Cup and also the second century scored by an English batsman in the competition.Wyatt-Hodge, whose partner Georgie gave birth to their first child on May 20, played a brilliant innings and remained unbeaten on 105 off 62 balls. She hit 13 fours and one six and achieved this feat by sweeping it to the boundary.The right-handed batsman wielded his bat throughout the innings and ended the historic effort by hitting a four on the final ball.England also performed strongly, scoring 26 runs in the final over – another record for the tournament.Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt finished the match with an unbeaten 46 off just 22 balls and shared an unbroken 84-run partnership with Wyatt-Hodge for the second wicket.

Faced with a tough target of 220 runs, Sri Lanka never managed to build any meaningful momentum in the chase.Freya Kemp performed brilliantly with the ball and took 4 wickets for 22 runs in her four overs. Charlotte Dean and Sophie Ecclestone took two wickets each, while Lauren Bell and Lynsey Smith took one wicket each.Sri Lanka struggled against a disciplined England attack and were eventually bowled out for 132, giving the hosts a comprehensive 87-run win.

England’s 219/1 overtook the previous highest Women’s T20 World Cup score of 213/5, which England themselves scored against Pakistan in 2023.The win also underlined England’s credentials as one of the title contenders as they made a strong start to their domestic World Cup campaign.England next face Ireland at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on June 16, while Sri Lanka take on New Zealand at the same venue on the same day.

Team’s highest score in Women’s T20 World Cup

Most centuries in Women’s T20I

Century in Women’s T20 WC

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to begin, excitement is flowing around what promises to be one of the most open tournaments in recent memory. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who is part of ZEE5’s World Cup coverage panel in India, believes that many teams are capable of winning football’s biggest prize, while also identifying some secret horses who could spring a surprise.

In an exclusive chat, the Indian football legend shares his views on the leading contenders, the players he is most excited to see, and whether Cristiano Ronaldo can finally complete his trophy cabinet with a World Cup win. He also reflects on the rise of Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and his potential to become football’s next global superstar.

Beyond the World Cup, Bhutia reflected on the state of Indian football and the reasons why the country lags behind Asian powers like Japan and South Korea. From grassroots development and youth pathways to long-term planning and governance, he has outlined the changes he believes are necessary if India are to one day compete on football’s biggest stage.

Excerpts from the interview:

Question: Which team will you support in FIFA World Cup 2026?

Bhaichung Bhutia: It is very difficult to pick a team that can win the World Cup because it is one of the most open World Cups. You can name seven or eight teams that can actually win it.

But if I have to support a team coming from Asia, I would like to see Japan do well. They are a great team and a hidden horse in this tournament.

I would also like England to perform well. They have come very close over the years and expectations from the English players are always high. I want to see England winning the World Cup again after 1966.

Then you have Cristiano Ronaldo, who has not won a World Cup. If Messi has done it then why can’t Ronaldo do it? I wouldn’t mind if Portugal wins and Ronaldo retires after lifting the trophy.

In terms of favourites, there is Spain, France is as good as any team, Argentina is strong, and I still think Belgium and Brazil are the hidden horses. When you talk about the World Cup, Brazil is usually one of the favorites, but this time they might not even be in most people’s top eight. To me, this makes them dangerous.

Q: Which players are you most excited to see?

Bhaichung Bhutia: I am going to give you a mix of experience and youth.

Lamine Yamal is playing in his first World Cup. He has already won the European Championship with Spain and is seen as the next big thing in world football. With Messi and Ronaldo potentially playing their last World Cup, they have the opportunity to establish themselves on the biggest stage.

Erling Haaland has had an amazing club career and is one of the best strikers in the world. But the World Cup is the biggest stage in football and he would like to prove himself there.

Julian Alvarez is another player who can make a big difference. He has had a very good season with Atletico Madrid and, along with Messi, he will be a key factor for Argentina.

For me, one of the best strikers I have ever seen is Harry Kane. I consider him one of the greatest strikers of all time. England has a strong team and a new coach. Kane’s experience and leadership can take him far.

And then there’s Cristiano Ronaldo. He is one of the greatest footballers we have ever seen. Messi fulfilled his dream in the last World Cup. It would be amazing to see Ronaldo do the same.

Question: Can Cristiano Ronaldo still make a difference in this World Cup?

Bhaichung Bhutia: I think Ronaldo is lucky to have one of the best midfields in world football behind him. This Portugal team will create chances and Ronaldo will remain a proven goalscorer.

He may not be as fast as he was five or ten years ago, but if you give him the opportunity, he can still score goals.

It is not going to be easy as age is not on their side, but Portugal have a team capable of going to every level. Ronaldo can still score important goals and maybe even help Portugal win the World Cup.

Question: Is Lamine Yamal Messi’s successor?

Baichung Bhutia: It can happen. Lamin Yamal has all the qualities to become the next Messi.

My only concern is that he is just 19 years old and there has already been some negative publicity surrounding his life away from football. He will need the right guidance and the right people around him.

We have seen many young footballers make great starts and then lose their way. If he stays focused on football, his future is bright as his talent is undeniable.

Q: Japan and South Korea have become World Cup regulars. Why was India left behind?

Bhaichung Bhutia: One of the biggest problems is that we need an honest long-term youth development programme.

Development is taking place in some places, but often it is happening only in name. We need a proper environment where children can train and compete throughout the year.

We also need a strong structure and system. Even today, we don’t know what is happening with some of our competitions and leagues.

Most importantly, we need committed and passionate people at the district, state and federation level who really want to take Indian football forward.

Unless this happens, people with ideas and vision will not get the opportunity to bring about change.

Q: What would you say to a 14-year-old who asks why India is not playing in the World Cup?

Bhaichung Bhutia: We need to create the right culture and environment for children to play football.

Grassroots level development is extremely important. We have a Vision 2047 plan for Indian football, but the implementation at the ground level is almost non-existent.

Our first duty should be to introduce games to as many children as possible. We then identify talent, nurture it and create an environment where those players can train and compete regularly.

That structure is still missing and our long-term plan has not been implemented sincerely.

Q: If you could fix one thing about Indian football, what would it be?

Bhaichung Bhutia: I will create a team of enthusiasts at every level in the states and federations.

It should come from passion and love for the game.

Yes, there are challenges. You need base, infrastructure and money. But if you have passion, you will go out and ask for support from governments and corporates.

There is immense talent in India. The problem is not lack of talent. The problem is that we have not created the systems, opportunities and platforms to nurture that talent and develop players into top quality footballers.

Q: What are your World Cup predictions?

Bhaichung Bhutia: Spain is definitely one of my favourites. Argentina too.

I can see Portugal progressing in the tournament and England progressing a lot.

Brazil remains a mystery horse for me, and Japan may surprise a lot of people.

If I had to choose two finalists I would choose Spain and Argentina.

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Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Aashirwad Suryavanshi

New Delhi: Cricket seems to run in the Suryavanshi family. While teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi is making headlines on the international stage, his younger brother Ashirwad is now gaining attention with the bat.At just 10 years old, Ashirwad Suryavanshi scored a brilliant century in a local practice match in Samastipur, giving a big indication that another talented cricketer could emerge from the family.Representing Cricket Academy Tajpur, Ashirwad scored 103 runs in just 87 balls. His innings was full of fours and he hit 20 fours and one six at a strike rate of 118.39.The youngster’s fearlessness mirrors that of his elder brother Vaibhav, who has been a nightmare for world-class bowlers.Thanks to Ashirwad’s brilliant century, Cricket Academy Tajpur scored 234/4 in 29.5 overs, in which Shivam Raj contributed 52 runs. After reaching the three-point mark, the youngster celebrated by taking off his helmet, a moment that instantly caught attention.

The achievement was also celebrated by Vaibhav, who is currently in Sri Lanka for the Tri-Nation A series featuring India A, Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A. The 15-year-old shared the scorecard of the match on his Instagram story, proudly acknowledging his younger brother’s achievement.

Vaibhav itself has enjoyed huge growth in the last year. He recently earned a place in India’s T20 squad for the series against Ireland and England as well as the Asian Games squad, becoming the youngest player to receive the honor at the age of 15 years and 71 days.Currently he is on Sri Lanka tour with the Indian team and has scored 58 runs in two matches.

The youngster also enjoyed a dream IPL 2026 season, scoring 776 runs to win the Orange Cap. He was named Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player of the Year and Super Striker, while also scoring the most number of sixes in the tournament. Among his many achievements was a record-breaking century which was scored off just 36 balls.Now, with Ashirwad making waves at the junior level, the Suryavanshi family’s cricket story seems to be just beginning.

India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has dismissed concerns about any problems as Rohit Sharma prepares to return to cricket. Three match ODI series against AfghanistanWhich will start in Dharamshala on 13th June. The former fast bowler also hinted that India will use the series to give chances to their in-form batsmen, with three players potentially getting a chance to fill Virat Kohli’s No. 3 spot during the series.

India will begin the final phase of their 18-month preparations for the ODI World Cup Likely to be held between October 1 and November 21 In South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The team will go into the series without some of its big names, including the rested Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli, who were injured during the IPL final.

There were also concerns over Rohit Sharma’s availability after he suffered a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 season, having featured in several matches for Mumbai Indians as an impact player. However, Rohit passed the BCCI fitness test in time and joined the team.

According to reporters, fresh concerns emerged after the star batsman trained in Mohali wearing slightly different-looking thigh pads, which provided extra protection around the injured hamstring area. However, Morkel dismissed any such concerns and insisted the 38-year-old is fit and ready to go.

Incidentally, Rohit was among the first players to walk out for batting practice on the eve of the first ODI at the beautiful HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala.

Asked about the thigh pads, Morkel said, “I didn’t even pay attention to it.”

He said, “It shows that I don’t think there is any problem. He has passed all his fitness tests. He has passed and is ready to go. Obviously, the balls are coming at a fast pace and you want to protect yourself, even if there is a little bit of trouble. But I can assure you there is nothing wrong. Rohit is progressing well and training well. Very excited to see him go.”

“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. So I know he’s excited to go too.”

Who will bat in place of Kohli?

Meanwhile, Morkel hinted that Virat Kohli’s vacant No. 3 spot could become a revolving door for Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has replaced the former skipper as well as KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan in the team.

Incidentally, Kishan was wearing the gloves during training on the eve of the first ODI, while KL Rahul, who usually bats at No. 5, may be promoted up the order.

With ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer also in the mix, India’s batting unit looks more capable despite Kohli’s absence.

“In terms of that number three slot, it is something we will play with in this series. Be it Ishan or KL or Yashasvi, it is a good opportunity now. We have some one-day matches coming up and we will give people a chance in different slots.

“Just to give ourselves a better idea of ​​how we can move forward and structure the team and have different options,” the former South African fast bowler said.

India will also have Nitish Kumar Reddy in the lower middle order, with the all-rounder expected to help fill the void of Hardik Pandya, who was ruled out of the ODI series due to injury.

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Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson (AP/PTI)

kane williamsonHis retirement from international cricket has reignited discussions about one of Test cricket’s most iconic milestones: 10,000 runs.The New Zealand great ended a remarkable 16-year international career with 9,515 Test runs to his name, leaving him just 485 runs short of joining the 10,000-run club. His retirement means he becomes the latest batting great of modern times to come close to achieving the historic feat without quite getting there.Here are four legendary batsmen who retired just short of the coveted 10,000 Test runs mark.

1. ken Williamson (New Zealand)

Williamson’s decision to retire midway through New Zealand’s Test series against England surprised many, especially given how close he was to the 10,000-run milestone.The former New Zealand captain became his country’s highest international run-scorer across all formats with 19,346 runs. In Test cricket, he scored 9,515 runs in 110 matches at an impressive average of 54.06, which included 33 centuries and six double centuries.Williamson, widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest cricketers, left the game just 485 runs away from joining Test cricket’s most exclusive batting club.

2. Virat Kohli (India)

One of Williamson’s fellow members in the famous “Fab Four”, Virat Kohli Retired before reaching the coveted milestone.The Indian batting superstar announced his Test retirement on May 12, 2025, ending a career that changed Indian cricket as both a batsman and captain.Kohli scored 9,230 runs in 123 Test matches at an average of 46.85 and scored 30 centuries. Given his fitness level and experience, many believed he still had enough potential left to achieve 10,000 Test runs, but he opted out with 770 runs still needed.

3. Graeme Smith (South Africa)

One of the youngest captains in Test history and one of South Africa’s greatest leaders, Graeme Smith unexpectedly retired during the final Test of the 2014 series against Australia.Smith retired from his career at the age of just 33, a decision that shocked the cricket world as it seemed that he still had many years of cricket left in him.The left-handed batsman ended his Test career with 9,265 runs in 117 matches at an average of 48.25, which included 27 centuries. Had he continued a little longer, the 10,000-run mark would almost certainly have been within reach.

4. Hashim Amla (South Africa)

Another South African great who missed the milestone by a narrow margin was Hashim Amla.Known for his brilliant strokeplay and remarkable consistency, Amla retired from international cricket in August 2019 after establishing himself as one of the finest batsmen of his generation.He scored 9,282 Test runs in 124 matches at an average of 46.64 and scored 28 centuries. Amla remains South Africa’s second-highest Test run-scorer and still holds the record for the highest individual Test score by a South African.Like Williamson, Kohli and Smith, Amla also came close to the historic 10,000-run mark, but ultimately missed out on becoming a member of cricket’s most exclusive batting club.

Former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu revealed he overcame a debilitating fever to emerge as South Korea’s hero by scoring the winner in a dramatic finish against Czechia in the FIFA World Cup opening match on Thursday, June 11.

The Taeguk Warriors lived up to their reputation as second-half specialists by coming back from a goal down at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico. To secure a vital 2-1 win and start their Group A campaign on a high note.

Oh, who plays his club football for Turkish Super Lig giants Besiktas, was a major doubt before kick-off after falling ill. However, the 25-year-old forward was brought off the substitutes’ bench in the 69th minute by manager Hong Myung-bo in place of Tottenham Hotspur talisman Son Heung-min.

It took just 11 minutes for the Super-Sub to make its mark. In the 80th minute, Oh found space in the penalty area to deliver a clinical finish, sparking wild celebrations among the traveling South Korean contingent.

Speaking to reporters after the match, an emotional Oh paid tribute to the national team’s backroom staff for preparing him for the match.

“I can’t express my feelings in words,” Oh said. “Today my body temperature went up to 38 degrees Celsius because I was not feeling well. I wondered if I could even play. This was possible only thanks to our staff and the medical team.”

At first it seemed that the match was heading towards a disappointing start for South Korea. After a tense and goalless first half, Czechia broke the deadlock in the 59th minute when defender Ladislav Krejci rose above with a header.

In truth, South Korea refused to surrender. They got a lease of life in the 67th minute when midfielder Hwang In-beom equalized the score with a fine effort, setting the stage for Oh’s bold intervention.

Manager Hong Myung-bo praised his players’ psychological resilience, and emphasized that the team’s refusal to give up was the most encouraging achievement from a challenging opening match.

“It was our first game and it was very difficult,” Hong said in the post-match press conference. “The win in itself makes me happy, but what’s even more positive is that our boys won by refusing to give up. I knew we were capable of winning, so at the 1-1 draw I told the boys to keep playing the way we are playing.”

Having safely secured the three points, South Korea now turn their attention to a strong clash against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca next week – a match that could decide the winners of Group A.

“Now, Mexico is another important match,” Hong said. “We will spend the next week preparing properly.”

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Indian-born cricketer Nikhil Chaudhary has achieved a historic feat by being selected for Australia’s T20I team. (Photo/IANS)

30 year old during this year’s IPL Nikhil Chaudhary Was traveling with Delhi Capitals as a net bowler, with an outside chance of getting a contract. He took a few days off to meet his family and childhood coach Charanjit Bhangu in his hometown Ludhiana. Suddenly, he cut his trip to India short after promising his coach. “Sir, I have to join the Australian team camp. You will get some big news soon.”Chaudhary gave big news to Bhangu on Thursday morning. He became the first India-born male cricketer to be named in an Australian international squad in six decades as the selectors picked him as a leg-spinning all-rounder to be included in the T20I squad, which is currently playing in Bangladesh. Pune-born Lisa Sthalekar has led Australia in women’s cricket.The selection was the latest milestone in an amazing journey for Delhi-born Chaudhary, who played for Punjab for three years. In 2020, he was visiting his uncle in Queensland when the world went into lockdown due to COVID-19. Unable to return, Choudhary played a few club matches in Brisbane as Australia eased restrictions. Soon, his talent was noticed. Since then he did not look back.In January 2017, Nikhil Choudhary made his senior men’s T20 debut as a medium pacer in the Punjab team, which featured a bowling attack of former India cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Siddharth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma and Gurkeerat Mann. In March that year, on his List A debut, he shared the dressing room with Yuvraj Singh. He still has the contact of India’s left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh in his phone book. But with a permanent residence stamp on his passport, he has got an international call-up to Australia.Having represented Punjab in 14 List A matches, Chaudhary was looking towards an uncertain future. The Covid lockdown actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise for them. “In those eight months, Nikhil played a few club matches in Brisbane. Soon people in the system started praising him. He called me and said he was liking the culture because he had talked with immigrants. He said he wanted to stay here because the people who mattered were valuing his talent,” his childhood coach Charanjit Bhangu told TOI.Choudhary had to change his game inside-out to get fit. “Cricketers abroad usually struggle against spin. Foreigners come to my academy to learn to play spin. But Nikhil was always versatile. When he first came to me at the age of 10, we made him bowl and bat off-spin. But there was intense competition for the off-spinner’s spot in Punjab. So, as he grew up, he bowled medium-pace in-swingers. But he also bowled leg-spin in the Punjab nets. Used to bowl, “Bhangu.Once Chaudhary decided to stay in Australia, he started doing odd jobs to support the household. He chopped vegetables in a restaurant, drove cabs and even delivered parcels while trying to make his mark in cricket in Tasmania.“He believed he could do something remarkable in Australia. He always maintained a good diet but he was willing to adopt the food habits of that country, such as sources of protein intake. Two years later when the travel ban was completely lifted, he came to me and worked on his batting for two and a half months. In India he was more used to playing on the front foot. Since then, he mainly comes to me to work on his batting,” said the proud coach.Chaudhary got his big break when Hobart Hurricanes selected him for the Big Bash League in 2023. “Nikhil was very right about the sporting culture there. He made it to the BBL in just three years,” said the proud coach. Choudhary made an immediate impact in the BBL by winning a game with the bat, knocking Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf out of the park. His first-class debut came last season and he took five wickets on debut against Queensland apart from saving a match for Tasmania with the bat.“The panel has been impressed with his BBL form, particularly last season, which has led to his inclusion in the squad,” selector Tony Dodemide was quoted as saying by Cricket. com. And. “He will be in contention to play his first game for Australia when we sit here next week to pick the team for the opening T20 match,” he said.According to cricket. com. A number of Indian-origin players have played in international cricket, including Gurinder Sandhu and Tanveer Sangha in AU, Australia, but not since the 1960s (when Gujarat-born leg spinner Rex Sellers featured in the 1964 Calcutta Test) has an individual of Indian origin played for the national team.

Julian Quinones recreated Siphiwe Tshabalala’s iconic celebration after scoring the first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Africa on Thursday, bringing back memories of one of the most memorable moments of the 2010 edition of the tournament.

It was difficult to abandon symbolism. Sixteen years ago, it was South Africa’s Tshabalala who scored the first World Cup goal against Mexico and celebrated with a choreographed dance that became one of the defining images of the tournament. On Thursday at the Estadio Azteca, Quinones opened the scoring for Mexico against South Africa and celebrated the moment with the same celebration.

Tshabalala’s strike in Johannesburg on June 11, 2010 remains one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history. The South African winger thrilled the home crowd with a powerful shot into the top corner to give Bafana Bafana the lead against Mexico in their tournament opener.

“Tshabalala! Goal Bafana Bafana! Goal for South Africa! Goal for all of Africa! Jabulile! Celebrate!” Commentator Peter Drury famously said this as Tshabalala and his teammates celebrated.

Although Rafael Márquez saved a point for Mexico in a 1–1 draw, the goals and celebrations continued long after the final whistle.

In the opening match of the 2026 tournament, Mexico struck first. Quinones, playing in his first World Cup, took advantage of South Africa’s costly mistake in the ninth minute. Ronwen Williams’ pass put Sphelo Sithole under pressure near the edge of the penalty area and Mexico immediately regained possession, with Quinones passing the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs.

The forward then joined the same dance festival that Tshabalala had made famous 16 years earlier.

Mexico remained in control for most of the match and doubled their lead in the second half through Raul Jimenez. The experienced striker scored his first World Cup goal with a header from Roberto Alvarado’s cross.

South Africa’s task became more difficult after Sithole was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity early in the second half. Themba Zwane was later shown a red card Following a VAR review, Bafana Bafana were left with nine men for the closing stages.

The 2-0 win gave Javier Aguirre a winning start to Mexico’s domestic World Cup campaign, but one of the evening’s standout moments came soon after Quinones found the net.

Tshabalala’s first goal of the 2010 World Cup was against Mexico. Quinones’ first goal of the 2026 World Cup was against South Africa. The celebration was also the same.

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Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Ex-Cricbuzz)

Former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar He believes Vaibhav Suryavanshi is proving that he is more than just a power-hitting T20 sensation after the 15-year-old impressed once again for India A in the ongoing tri-series in Sri Lanka.Suryavanshi caught everyone’s attention by playing a brilliant inning of 44 runs in just 22 balls against Afghanistan A on Thursday and continued his rapid rise after a successful IPL 2026 campaign. While the teenager missed out on a half-century, his innings drew praise for the way he scored runs rather than the last number next to his name.Unlike the batting-friendly surfaces often seen in the IPL, the conditions in Sri Lanka presented a different challenge. Yet Suryavanshi adapted impressively, relying on timing and placement as well as aggression. His innings included nine fours and came at a strike rate of 200, notably without hitting a single six.That performance drew a strong response from Manjrekar, who used the Ax to highlight the youngster’s versatility and potential in the longer white-ball format.“India A is in Sri Lanka, the pitch is not as flat as IPL and it is not T20 cricket. So to see Vaibhav Suryavanshi in different batting conditions. And I am excited!”He is not just your T20 slugger. That could even be a one day event! Special talent!” Manjrekar posted on X.

Sanjay Manjrekar Post

The former India batsman’s comments came after Suryavanshi provided a brilliant start to India A in the rain-affected match. Opening with Prabhsimran Singh, the left-handed batsman helped add 74 runs for the first wicket in just 7.1 overs, putting Afghanistan A under immediate pressure.Another aspect of Suryavanshi’s game also came to light in this innings. Rather than relying solely on brute force, he repeatedly found gaps with sharp strokes and well-timed drives, lending credence to the idea that his game could translate successfully beyond T20 cricket.His innings eventually ended on 44 when he attempted to loft a short ball from Abdullah Ahmadzai and found it past wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq. This was the second consecutive innings in which he had to be out on a short ball outside the off stump.Nevertheless, India A scored a strong score of 349 runs for 9 wickets in 49 overs. Prabhasimran scored the highest run of 84 runs while captain Tilak Verma and vice-captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Both scored 66 runs. After this, Suryansh Shedge gave the team the lead by playing a quick inning of 40 runs.Due to rain interruption throughout the day, Afghanistan A was given a revised target of 294 runs in 38 overs under the DLS method. Chasing aggressively, captain Imran Mir remained unbeaten on 75, while Bahir Shah contributed 51 not out, helping Afghanistan reach 177 for 2 in 25.5 overs, before play was halted due to rain.At that time, Afghanistan A was four runs ahead of the DLS par score, resulting in a four-run win after the match was abandoned.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 had just begun when fans got something completely unexpected to talk about. As football took center stage in Mexico City’s opening match between hosts Mexico and South Africa, Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio’s futuristic-looking headset quickly became one of the biggest talking points on social media.

Following a star-studded opening ceremony headlined by Shakira and Burna Boy at the iconic Estadio Azteca, the tournament officially began with a repeat of the 2010 World Cup. But within minutes of kick-off, many spectators were distracted by the unusual piece of equipment attached to Sampaio’s ear.

FIFA World Cup 2026: live update | full coverage

The device had a prominent over-ear attachment connected to the microphone system, giving the Brazilian official a distinctive futuristic appearance that many fans had never seen before during a World Cup broadcast.

Social media wasted little time in getting creative.

Some fans joked that the referee looked as if he was about to log into a virtual reality gaming session, while others compared the setup to an Xbox headset. However, the most popular comparison was to the iconic science-fiction character RoboCop, with countless memes appearing online within minutes of the match starting.

While the jokes continued to flow at the deadline, the match came to life almost immediately. Mexico forward Julin Quiones scored the first goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the ninth minute, sending the packed Azteca crowd into celebration and officially tipping off the tournament.

With FIFA introducing a number of technological innovations for this expanded 48-team tournament, it remains to be seen whether the same equipment will be worn by officials during all 104 matches of the competition.

What is the equipment worn by World Cup referees?

Despite online speculation, the headset is not a camera or virtual reality device.

The equipment is a wireless referee communication system, called “RefCam” or “EarCam” (ref camera), which allows match officials to be in constant contact with the assistant referee, fourth officials and the video assistant referee (VAR) team.

The earpiece enables real-time communication during matches, allowing referees to instantly receive information about fouls, offsides, disciplinary decisions and potential VAR reviews.

While similar communication systems have been used in elite soccer for years, the design used during the World Cup opening appeared more visible than many fans would like, which helped trigger a wave of reactions online.

The headset is part of FIFA’s continuing effort to integrate technology into officiating while improving communication between match officials throughout the field.

What are the new technologies used in the World Cup 2026?

The futuristic referee headset seen during the opening match is just one part of FIFA’s biggest technological overhaul to date. With 104 matches spread across three countries, FIFA has leaned heavily on technology to improve officiating accuracy, enhance broadcasts and speed up decision-making throughout the tournament.

Some other big innovations in World Cup 2026 include:

• Smart Match Ball: The official match ball has an integrated motion sensor chip that records touches, passes and deflections up to 500 times per second, providing real-time data to match officials and VAR operators.
• Advanced semi-automatic offside technology: Each player was digitally scanned before the tournament, allowing the Hawk-Eye system to create highly detailed 3D body models accurate to within a millimeter or two for sharp offside calls.
• ref chest camera: While the headgear doesn’t record video, officers actually wear special chest-mounted cameras. The broadcast gives viewers an intimate, viewpoint-based perspective of the intense action and player interaction straight from pitch level.

The combination of smart-ball tracking, body scans and advanced communication systems is designed to help VAR teams make decisions more quickly and with greater accuracy.

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