The World around U

  The heartbreak of two and a half years ago finally faded on Sunday as India produced a commanding performance to defeat New Zealand by 97 runs in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad. India lifted the trophy for the second consecutive time, becoming the first nation to achieve that feat, and secured their third T20 World Cup title overall. The victory also highlighted India’s remarkable dominance in ICC tournaments. After ending an 11-year title drought in 2024, India have now won three ICC trophies in three years — the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup. Pitch analyst Ian Bishop had noted that the surface contained more red soil than black — ideal for batting. Yet New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner chose to bowl first after winning the toss, hoping the slight grass cover would help his pacers. Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma launched a ferocious assault on the Kiwi bowlers. After scoring 12 runs in the first two overs, the pair ex...

  Lakshya Sen’s wait for a historic All England title continued as the Indian shuttler suffered defeat in the final for the second time. The Bengali star had a golden opportunity to script history but could not overcome Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun-Yi, who won in straight games 21-15, 22-20. Sen did not have a favourable record against Lin coming into the match. In their previous four meetings, the Indian had lost every time. However, after Sen’s impressive victories against strong opponents in the quarterfinal and semifinal, there was renewed hope that he could turn things around in the final. Unfortunately for him, Lin once again proved too strong. The left-handed Lin created constant problems for Sen. Left-handers often produce awkward angles against right-handed opponents, and that advantage was evident from the start of the match. Lin dominated the opening game and, despite Sen’s efforts to close the gap, comfortably took it 21-15. Sen made a promising start in the second game an...

  The Nartiang Durga Temple is one of the most important Shakti temples in Northeast India. Located in the historic village of Nartiang, about 65 km from Shillong, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is considered a major Shakti Peetha tradition center of the Jaintia Kingdom. This temple is especially famous because it was once the royal temple of the Jaintia kings, who ruled parts of present-day Meghalaya, Assam, and Bangladesh. The shrine blends Hindu religious traditions with indigenous Khasi-Jaintia culture, making it unique among Indian temples. History (In Detail) Origin during the Jaintia Kingdom The temple dates back to the 16th century, when the Jaintia Kingdom ruled the region. According to historical accounts, the temple was built by King Dhan Manik, one of the prominent rulers of the dynasty. The Jaintia kings were devotees of Goddess Durga, and they established this temple as their royal place of worship. Capital at Nartiang For several centuries, Nartiang ser...

  Australia capped three days of complete dominance with a commanding 10-wicket victory over India in the one-off women’s day-night Test in Perth on Sunday, sealing the contest in emphatic fashion. The hosts laid the foundation for the comprehensive win earlier in the day by dismissing India for 149 in their second innings. Chasing a modest target of just 25 runs, Australia wrapped up the match comfortably without any drama. The victory also served as a perfect farewell for captain Alyssa Healy, who signed off her career in the Baggy Green with a memorable triumph against an opponent she had consistently dominated throughout her career. India’s hopes were already fading when they resumed the third day at 105 for six. Overnight batters Pratika Rawal and Sneh Rana attempted to offer resistance, adding valuable runs to take the score to 132. Rawal displayed admirable composure during her well-crafted 63, but the uphill task proved far too demanding. The turning point arrived when Ash ...

  India’s Lakshya Sen reached the final of the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championships, setting up another shot at the historic title. On Saturday, he defeated Canada’s Victor Lai 21–16, 18–21, 21–15 in a gripping semifinal. The world No. 12 did not have it easy, spending one hour and 37 minutes on court before sealing the victory. Lai, who had won a bronze medal at the BWF World Championships in Paris last year, pushed Sen hard before the Indian shuttler prevailed. This is the second time Sen has reached the final of the tournament. He had also made the summit clash in 2022 but had to settle for the silver medal. This time, he will face Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun-yi in the title match. Only two Indians have won the All England title so far — Prakash Padukone in 1980 and Pullela Gopichand in 2001. Apart from them, Prakash Nath (1947) and Saina Nehwal (2015) finished as runners-up. Sen has been in superb form throughout the tournament. In the opening round he stunned wor...

  India Women are staring at a heavy defeat against Australia in the day-night Test in Perth. At the end of the second day’s play, the one-day world champions found themselves firmly on the back foot after another disappointing batting performance. Replying to India’s modest first-innings total of 198, Australia posted a commanding 323, securing a sizeable 125-run lead. By stumps on Saturday, India were struggling at 105 for 6 in their second innings and still trail by 20 runs. Just like the first innings, India’s batting line-up crumbled under pressure. While Jemimah Rodrigues had shown resistance earlier, the second innings saw only Pratika Rawal offer any real fight. The Indian batters looked uncomfortable against Australia’s disciplined pace attack on the Perth pitch. Smriti Mandhana (2), Shafali Verma (5), Jemimah (14), captain Harmanpreet Kaur (11), Deepti Sharma (9) and Richa Ghosh (0) all failed to make an impact, unable to read or counter the sharp Australian bowling. With...

  Sir Vivian Richards, born March 7 , 1952 is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, hails from Antigua and was a dominant force in the sport during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his aggressive and flamboyant batting style, Richards was a key player for the West Indies team that achieved unprecedented success. His intimidating presence at the crease, combined with remarkable hand-eye coordination, allowed him to amass runs with remarkable consistency. Richards played a pivotal role in the West Indies' dominance, contributing significantly to their multiple Test and One Day International triumphs. Beyond his on-field prowess, his charismatic personality and leadership qualities left an indelible mark on cricket, making Sir Vivian Richards an iconic figure in the history of the sport. Vivian Richards was a right-handed batsman known for his aggressive and attacking batting style. His powerful stroke play and fearless approach made him one of the most formidab...

  Introduction Ivan Lendl was born on March 7, 1960, in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic). He is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, dominating the sport during the 1980s. Lendl was known for his powerful baseline game, relentless consistency, and exceptional fitness. He revolutionized modern tennis with his aggressive playing style, emphasizing heavy topspin and intense physical conditioning. Style of Play Lendl was a baseline powerhouse who relied on strong groundstrokes, heavy topspin, and excellent footwork . He had a particularly devastating forehand and a strong two-handed backhand. His serve was also effective, helping him dictate play. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who preferred serve-and-volley tennis, Lendl was among the pioneers of baseline dominance. His mental toughness and rigorous training regimen set new standards in professional tennis. Career Highlights Ranked World No. 1 for 270 weeks , a record at the time (l...

  India Women endured a challenging opening day in their first-ever day-night Test, played at the lively Perth surface, as Australia’s disciplined pace attack left the visitors under pressure. With the conditions favouring the bowlers, wickets tumbled throughout the day. While India’s batters largely faltered, the bowlers fought back bravely to keep the contest alive. A total of 13 wickets fell on the opening day, including 10 from India, highlighting the demanding nature of the pitch. Batting first after Australia captain Alyssa Healy won the toss and opted to field, India were bundled out for 198 in their first innings. The innings began poorly for India as Smriti Mandhana was dismissed for just 4 runs bowled by debutant Luis Hamilton. The opening pair of Shafali Verma and Pratika Rawal tried to stabilise the innings but failed to convert their starts into substantial contributions. Shafali looked promising, played some glorious  drives but fell for 35, attempting to acceler...

  India booked their place in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating England by a thrilling seven-run margin in the second semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium. In a high-scoring contest packed with drama, India posted a formidable 253 for 7 in 20 overs. England responded bravely but fell just short, finishing on 246 for 7 despite a magnificent century from Jacob Bethell. England required 30 runs in the final over and managed to score 22, but India held their nerve to seal victory. Bethell was the standout performer for England with a sensational 105. For India, Hardik Pandya claimed two wickets, while Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel took one each. India will now face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Bethell’s Century Keeps England in the Hunt Chasing a daunting target of 254, England did not begin well and lost two early wickets at 38. Phil Salt (5) and captain Harry Brook (7) were dismissed...

    South Africa walked into the T20 World Cup semi-final as overwhelming favourites. Unbeaten in the tournament and brimming with confidence, Aiden Markram’s men seemed poised to shed their long-standing “chokers” tag. Instead, the Proteas suffered yet another crushing knockout blow. In a one-sided contest at Eden Gardens, New Zealand dismantled South Africa with clinical precision to book their place in a second T20 World Cup final. A packed Eden had gathered in anticipation of a high-octane thriller. What unfolded, however, was a stark mismatch. Winning the toss, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner opted to bowl first — a decision that paid instant dividends. The relatively unheralded Cole McConchie struck twice in the second over, jolting South Africa early  with wickets of southpaws DeKock (10) & Rickleton (0) . From that point onward, the Proteas never truly recovered. Markram’s (18) controversial dismissal further deepened the crisis. David Miller (6) , the he...

  Zico, born Arthur Antunes Coimbra, is widely regarded as one of the greatest attacking midfielders in football history. Known as the “White Pelé,” he was the creative heartbeat of Brazil during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Zico combined elegance, vision and extraordinary technical ability, becoming one of the finest playmakers and free-kick specialists the game has ever seen.   Early stages  Zico was born on 3 March 1953 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As a young boy, he was physically slight and initially doubted by coaches. However, through disciplined strength training and relentless practice, he developed into a complete footballer. His rise from a frail youth prospect to a global superstar remains one of the most inspiring stories in Brazilian football. Style of Play Zico was an attacking midfielder blessed with superb ball control, sharp vision and exceptional passing accuracy. He had the ability to dictate tempo, unlock defenses with through balls and score spectac...

  Jackie Joyner-Kersee is widely regarded as one of the greatest female athletes in the history of track and field. She dominated the heptathlon and long jump during the 1980s and 1990s and became an icon of versatility, strength and competitive spirit. Her performances made her one of the most celebrated Olympians of all time, and she set records that still stand decades after her retirement. Date of Birth and Early Life Jackie Joyner-Kersee was born on March 3, 1962, in East St. Louis, Illinois, USA. From a young age she showed remarkable athletic talent across multiple sports, including track and field, basketball and volleyball. Her early success in athletics during high school paved the way for a scholarship at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she eventually focused on the heptathlon under the guidance of coach Bob Kersee, whom she later married.  Style of Play (Sporting Style) Joyner-Kersee excelled in the heptathlon, a demanding track and field ev...

  Inzamam-ul-Haq was born on March 3, 1970, in Multan, Pakistan. He was one of Pakistan’s greatest batsmen, known for his calm demeanor, exceptional timing, and ability to play under pressure. Inzamam was a technically sound middle-order batsman who could anchor innings as well as accelerate when required. He played a crucial role in Pakistan’s success during the 1990s and early 2000s and later served as the team’s captain and chief selector. Style of Play Inzamam was a classical right-handed batsman with a strong technique and elegant stroke play. He was known for his ability to pace his innings perfectly, shifting gears when necessary. Despite his large frame, he had remarkable agility when playing his shots, particularly his flicks and drives. He was strong on pulls & hooks off genuine quick bowling .  While he wasn’t the quickest runner between the wickets, he made up for it with his excellent placement and shot selection. Batting, Bowling & Fielding Records ...

  Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated primarily in India and Nepal, but it's also observed in other parts of the world with Hindu communities. It signifies the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Here's how it's celebrated in detail: 1. **Holika Dahan**: The festivities usually begin with the lighting of a bonfire the night before Holi, known as Holika Dahan. This ritual symbolizes the burning of the demoness Holika, who tried to kill Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. 2. **Play with Colors**: The main event of Holi involves people throwing colored powders and water at each other. People roam the streets, parks, and temples, smearing each other with colors, water balloons, and water guns. It's a joyful and colorful celebration, where social norms are relaxed, and people of all ages participate. 3. **Music and Dance**: Holi is also celebrated with music, dance, and traditional folk songs. People gather to sing and dance, often accompanied by drums and ot...

  This is how a comeback is scripted. Days ago, it seemed Sanju Samson might spend the World Cup on the bench. Instead, he powered India into the semifinals with a superb unbeaten 97, guiding a five-wicket win over West Indies at Eden Gardens. India will now face England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, though concerns over spin bowling, fielding lapses and Abhishek Sharma’s form remain. West Indies posted 195/4 after Suryakumar Yadav chose to bowl. Roston Chase and Shai Hope added 68 for the first wicket, with India missing chances in the field. Late hitting from Rovman Powell (34*)and Jason Holder (37*) lifted the total beyond 190. Heytmer (27) & Rutherford (14) were dismissed in time before they could create further damage .Bumrah took 2 wickets.  India’s chase began nervously. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan fell early, and Suryakumar could not convert his start. But Samson looked in complete control, reaching his fifty in 26 balls and keeping the required rate in c...

  Holi ka Dahan , also known as Chhoti Holi , is an important ritual celebrated a day before Holi , symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The festival involves lighting a bonfire in the evening, signifying the burning away of negativity, evil forces, and impurities. Mythological Story Behind Holi ka Dahan The most popular legend associated with Holi ka Dahan is the story of Prahlad and Holika : King Hiranyakashipu , a demon king, was granted a boon that made him nearly invincible. His arrogance led him to believe that he was a god, and he demanded that everyone worship him instead of Lord Vishnu. However, his own son Prahlad was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and refused to bow to his father’s commands. Enraged, Hiranyakashipu tried several times to kill Prahlad, but all his attempts failed. Finally, he sought the help of his sister Holika , who had a divine cloak that made her immune to fire. She tricked Prahlad into sitting on a pyre with her. As the fire was li...

  Unbeaten South Africa marched into the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup after registering their seventh consecutive win. Led by Aiden Markram, the Proteas defeated Zimbabwe by five wickets in their final Super Eight match on Sunday. Zimbabwe, powered by a fine all-round effort from Sikandar Raza, posted 153 for 7 after being asked to bat at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. In reply, South Africa chased down the target in 17.5 overs, finishing on 154 for 5. They will now face New Zealand national cricket team in the first semi-final at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday. South Africa had a shaky start, losing two wickets for just 14 runs. Markram managed only 4, while Quinton de Kock was dismissed for a duck. The innings was stabilised by Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis. Rickelton struck 31 off 22 balls, including four sixes, while Brevis counter-attacked with a brisk 42 off 18 deliveries, smashing two fours and four sixes. David Miller contributed 22 off 16 balls, hitting two fours and two ...

It was a farewell befitting a champion. Alyssa Healy brought down the curtain on her international career in spectacular fashion, smashing 158 off 98 balls in the third ODI against India on Sunday to power Australia to a commanding 185-run victory. Playing their first 50-over series after winning the ODI World Cup at home, India endured a humbling whitewash at the hands of the hosts, led brilliantly by Healy in Hobart. Her husband, Mitchell Starc, was present in the stands to witness the memorable knock, as Healy ensured she left the international stage with an indelible mark. Australia Post 409 on the Back of Healy’s Masterclass After being asked to bat first, Australia built their innings around Healy’s aggressive intent from the outset. Although Phoebe Litchfield failed to convert her start, Healy dominated proceedings. She found strong support from Georgia Voll, who followed up her century in the previous match with a brisk 62 off 52 balls. The pair added 104 runs for the second wi...

  The Sivadol (also spelled Shivadol) is one of the most magnificent and tallest Shiva temples in Northeast India. Located on the banks of the historic Sivasagar Tank (Borpukhuri) in Sivasagar district, Assam, it is a grand symbol of the Ahom dynasty’s architectural brilliance and devotion to Lord Shiva. The temple complex includes three major shrines: Sivadol – dedicated to Lord Shiva Vishnudol – dedicated to Lord Vishnu Devidol – dedicated to Goddess Durga Together, they form one of Assam’s most sacred temple clusters. History (In Detail) Ahom Dynasty Construction The Sivadol was constructed in 1734 CE by Queen Ambika, the queen of Ahom king Siva Singha. After the king’s death, Queen Ambika commissioned the temple as an expression of devotion and royal patronage toward Shaivism. Ahom Religious Influence The Ahoms originally followed Tai religious traditions but gradually adopted Hinduism, especially Shaivism and Shaktism, blending Assamese and Indic traditions. Sivadol became: A ...

  For long stretches on Saturday, it was difficult to tell whether this was a World Cup match or a mathematics examination. Pakistan appeared to walk onto the field with calculators firmly in hand. This was a do-or-die encounter for them, and the permutations were relentless. With England defeating New Zealand earlier, a narrow window to the semifinals in Super Eight Group 2 had reopened for Pakistan. But despite throwing everything they had into the contest, Salman Ali Agha’s side failed to crack the decisive equation. Even before the match ended, Pakistan’s World Cup campaign effectively came to a close. The decisive moment arrived in the 16th over of Sri Lanka’s chase, when their score crossed 147. That single figure sounded Pakistan’s death knell. With that, the semifinal ticket was sealed for New Zealand, who will now play at Eden Gardens on Wednesday, in what promises to be a marquee occasion at cricket’s much-loved venue. Batting first in a match of enormous consequence, Pak...