The World around U

Co-hosts Sri Lanka booked their place in the Super 8 round of the T20 World Cup 2026 with a sensational eight-wicket victory over Australia at Pallekele. Riding on an explosive century from opener Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka chased down a challenging target of 182 in just 18 overs, with Nissanka becoming the first batter to score a hundred in this World Cup. The emphatic defeat has pushed former champions Australia to the brink of a shock group-stage exit. The high-profile clash on Monday evening, February 16, had attracted massive attention. Sri Lanka were already placed at the top of the points table with two consecutive wins, while Australia entered the match under pressure after a stunning loss to Zimbabwe. Even the return of skipper Mitchell Marsh failed to turn their fortunes around. Marsh’s comeback did give Australia the explosive start they had been missing. Alongside Travis Head, the duo smashed rapid half-centuries and raced to 104 in just 8.3 overs. However, once the first w...

  Two-time champions England narrowly avoided another major upset in the T20 World Cup 2026 as they edged past a fighting Italy by 24 runs. After escaping defeat against Nepal off the very last ball in their opening match, England once again found themselves in deep trouble, but Sam Curran’s brilliance in the death overs helped them save face. With this win, Harry Brook’s side registered their third victory and booked a place in the Super 8 stage. At the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, England looked set for a big total after choosing to bat first. However, Italy’s bowlers kept them under pressure throughout the innings. Phil Salt (28) gave England a quick start, but Jos Buttler (3) continued his poor run. Once Salt was dismissed, England lost wickets regularly and were reduced to 105 for 5, with captain Harry Brook also back in the pavilion. Sam Curran and Will Jacks then steadied the innings with a crucial partnership, taking England past 150. Even after Curran’s dismissal, Jacks contin...

  AB de Villiers, the South African cricket maestro, is renowned for his unparalleled batting prowess and innovative stroke play. Born on February 17, 1984, in Warmbad, South Africa, de Villiers earned international acclaim for his versatility, excelling in Test, One Day International (ODI), and T20 formats. His dynamic style of play, characterized by 360-degree shot-making, set him apart as one of the most entertaining and effective batsmen in the cricketing world. De Villiers holds several records, including the fastest century in ODIs. Beyond statistics, he served as the captain of the South African team, showcasing leadership qualities. In 2018, de Villiers bid farewell to international cricket, leaving an enduring legacy as one of the most beloved and influential figures in the sport. AB de Villiers, a former South African cricketer, is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and explosive batsmen in the history of the game. Here's a detailed look at his achievements: 1. ...

  Pakistan had decided to boycott their T20 World Cup match against India on the very first day of February. Had they stuck to that decision, Sunday’s match would not have taken place — and perhaps they would have been spared the humiliation that followed. However, Pakistan reversed their stance within eight days, and the consequences were evident on the field. What is now called a “high-voltage clash” exists only in name. After this match, the head-to-head record in T20 World Cups moved from 7–1 to a dominant 8–1 in India’s favour. After losing the toss, India posted a competitive 175/7. In reply, Pakistan collapsed to a modest 114 all out. Only a late cameo from Shaheen Afridi prevented the total from slipping below 100. At no point did Pakistan look capable of winning. After the first two overs, it was clear that only a miracle could save them — and no miracle arrived. The cornerstone of India’s victory was Ishan Kishan’s breathtaking innings. On a slow Colombo pitch, he batted ...

  Michael Holding born 16th February 1954 at Kingston Jamaica ,  is a former West Indian cricketer who played as a fast bowler. Here are some details about his achievements in a glittering career : **International Career:** 1. **Test Debut:** Michael Holding made his Test debut for the West Indies against Australia on March 10, 1975. 2. **One Day International (ODI) Debut:** His ODI debut came against Pakistan on November 26, 1976. **Bowling Prowess:** 1. Holding was known for his express pace and graceful, rhythmic bowling action. 2. His nickname "Whispering Death" reflected his silent run-up and explosive delivery. **Key Achievements:** 1. **West Indies Dominance:** Holding was a crucial part of the West Indies team during their dominant period in the late 1970s and 1980s. 2. **Record-breaking Bowling Performances:** He had memorable spells, including the famous 14 wickets for 149 runs against England at The Oval in 1976. 3. **World Record Holder:** Holding held the record ...

  John McEnroe is a former professional tennis player born on February 16, 1959. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time & very gifted . McEnroe's achievements include winning seven Grand Slam singles titles, with three Wimbledon and four US Open victories. Being a southpaw , his intense playing style, marked by exceptional serve-and-volley skills and a fiery temperament, made him a standout figure in tennis during the late 1970s and 1980s. McEnroe reached the world No. 1 ranking in singles and No. 1 in doubles, showcasing his versatility in the sport. In addition to his Grand Slam success, McEnroe also played a pivotal role in helping the United States win the Davis Cup multiple times. His career highlights also include numerous ATP Tour titles, and he was a dominant force on both grass and hard court surfaces. Beyond his on-court achievements, McEnroe has remained involved in tennis as a commentator and coach, contributing to the sport's le...

  West Indies booked their place in the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup with a dominant nine-wicket victory over Nepal on Sunday. The win confirmed the Caribbean side’s progression to the next round, while Nepal were eliminated from the tournament. With this result, West Indies now have six points from three matches. England, placed second in Group C, have four points from three games. Scotland have two points from three matches, while Italy also have two points from two games. Even if West Indies lose their final group match against Italy, their place in the Super 8 is already secured. For Nepal, it was a disappointing campaign, as they lost all three of their matches. Even a win against Scotland in their final game will not be enough to take them into the next round. At the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Nepal batted first and scored 133 for 8 in their 20 overs. In reply, West Indies chased down the target comfortably, reaching it in just 15.2 overs for the loss of only one wicket. The...

  Harmanpreet Kaur and her team had won the ODI World Cup on home soil. Now, with the T20 World Cup scheduled in England in June–July this year, the focus is on capturing that elusive trophy as well. As part of their preparations, the Women in Blue registered a commanding win over Australia. In the first match of the three-match T20I series in Sydney, India defeated Australia by 21 runs under the DLS method. The victory was built on a superb bowling performance, led by Arundhati Reddy. The Hyderabad pacer rattled the Australian batting line-up with an impressive spell of 4 wickets for just 22 runs. She was well supported by Shree Charani (2 for 14) and Renuka Singh (2 for 14). Star batters like Mooney, Voll (18) , Litchfield (26) , Perry(20)  and Gardner (4) failed to make an impact against the disciplined Indian attack. One of the highlights of the match was Harmanpreet’s stunning catch off Arundhati’s bowling — sprinting backwards and diving full length to dismiss Perry. Aus...

  The Tripura Sundari Temple, also known as Tripureswari Temple, is one of the most sacred and powerful Shakti temples in India. Located in Udaipur town of Tripura, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Tripura Sundari, an incarnation of Maha Shakti (Parvati) and one of the Ten Mahavidyas in Hindu philosophy. It is revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, making it a major pilgrimage destination for devotees of the Divine Mother across India. History (In Detail) Mythological Origin – Shakti Peetha According to Hindu mythology, when Lord Shiva carried the body of Goddess Sati after her self-immolation, parts of her body fell at different places across the Indian subcontinent. These sites became known as Shakti Peethas. At Tripura Sundari: Right foot of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen here. Shiva is worshipped here as Tripuresh (Bhairava form). Royal History The temple was constructed in 1501 AD by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, the powerful ruler of the Manikya dynasty of Tripura. T...

  Desmond Haynes is a former West Indian cricketer born on February 15, 1956, in Saint James, Barbados. He was a right-handed opening batsman who played a crucial role in the West Indies cricket team during their golden era of  1980s. Haynes made his international debut in 1978 and went on to have a highly successful career. Known for his solid technique and ability to anchor the innings, Haynes formed a formidable opening partnership with Gordon Greenidge. Together, they played a pivotal role in the West Indies' dominance in Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket. Haynes achieved several milestones during his career, including holding the record for the highest individual score by a West Indian in ODIs – 152 against India in 1989. He also contributed significantly to the West Indies' success in winning the Cricket World Cup in 1979. Haynes was a technically sound opener . He used to possess a great range of shots and great power to adapt . He was good puller or hooker a...

  Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrating his marriage to Goddess Parvati. It signifies the overcoming of darkness and ignorance. Devotees observe fasting, perform prayers, and visit Shiva temples to seek blessings for spiritual growth and well-being. The night is believed to be especially auspicious for meditation and connecting with divine energies. Mahashivratri is associated with several mythological stories, and one of the most popular ones is the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to Hindu mythology, Parvati, an ardent devotee of Shiva, performed intense penance to win his love. Pleased with her devotion, Shiva agreed to marry her. The day of their union is celebrated as Mahashivratri. It is believed that this cosmic union symbolizes the merging of the divine masculine and feminine energies, representing creation, preservation, and destruction. Devotees celebrate Mahashivratri to honor this divine union and seek the blessings ...

    In a high-stakes clash with a Super Eight berth on the line, New Zealand and South Africa locked horns in what promised to be a thrilling contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams had won their opening two matches, making this a virtual knockout for early qualification. Rising to the occasion, South Africa delivered a composed and clinical performance, defeating New Zealand by seven wickets to become the first team from Group D to book their place in the Super Eight of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. New Zealand had entered the match full of confidence after victories over Afghanistan (by five wickets) and the UAE (by ten wickets). South Africa, meanwhile, had beaten Canada convincingly but survived a dramatic double Super Over against Afghanistan, leaving them slightly under pressure. Winning the toss, South Africa opted to field first. The Kiwi innings began aggressively but quickly lost momentum. Tim Seifert fell early for 13, followed by another disapp...

  England’s status as one of the favourites in the T20 World Cup 2026 is increasingly under question after another shaky performance, though they managed to edge past Scotland by five wickets on Saturday to strengthen their chances of reaching the next round. After narrowly beating Nepal in their opener and losing to West Indies in their second match, England once again struggled but did just enough to get over the line. The win at Eden Gardens keeps Harry Brook’s side firmly in contention for qualification. Winning the toss, England chose to field first and restricted Scotland to 152. The Scottish innings lacked momentum, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Only skipper Richie Berrington (49 off 32 balls) and Michael Jones (33 off 20) offered real resistance. Adil Rashid was the standout bowler for England, picking up three wickets. Chasing 153, England were expected to cruise but instead found themselves under early pressure after losing both openers for just 13 runs. Runs...

  Unakoti Hill Temples is one of the most extraordinary archaeological and spiritual sites in India, located in the Unakoti district of Tripura, near the town of Kailashahar. The name Unakoti literally means “one less than a crore” (99,99,999), referring to the legendary belief that millions of gods once gathered here. Unakoti is not a conventional temple complex with built structures. Instead, it is an open-air gallery of massive rock-cut sculptures, carved directly into a forested hillside, making it one of the largest rock relief sites in South Asia. History (In Detail) Mythological Origin According to legend, Lord Shiva was travelling to Kashi with one crore (10 million) gods and goddesses. When they rested at this hill, Shiva asked everyone to wake up before dawn. Only Shiva woke up, and the rest remained asleep. Angered, Shiva turned them all into stone, leaving behind one less than a crore divine figures – hence the name Unakoti. Historical Period Historians and archaeologis...

  Akashganga Temple is one of the most sacred and ancient pilgrimage sites in Arunachal Pradesh, located in Lohit district, close to the famous Parashuram Kund. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is associated with the divine stream Akashganga, believed to have descended directly from the heavens. The name Akashganga literally means “Ganga from the sky”, symbolising purity, divine grace, and spiritual liberation. History (In Detail) Mythological Origins According to Hindu scriptures and local legends: Sage Parashurama, after killing his mother on his father’s command, was cursed with sin. Seeking redemption, he travelled across India performing penance. When he reached this region, Lord Shiva appeared and directed him to bathe in the celestial stream Akashganga. After bathing here, Parashurama was freed from his sins, and the site became sacred for spiritual cleansing and moksha. Connection with Parashuram Kund Akashganga is considered the original source stream feeding Parashura...

  Negril is a laid-back beach town located on the western tip of Jamaica, famous worldwide for its long white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic seaside cliffs. Unlike the busy atmosphere of Montego Bay or Ocho Rios, Negril is known for its slow pace, romantic sunsets, and relaxed island lifestyle. It is considered Jamaica’s best destination for honeymooners, couples, and beach lovers, offering some of the most beautiful sunsets in the Caribbean. Best Spots to Visit in Detail 1. Seven Mile Beach The main attraction of Negril. Stretch of soft white sand with calm turquoise water. Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, parasailing, and sunbathing. Lined with resorts, bars, and restaurants. 2. Rick’s Cafe Most iconic landmark. Famous for cliff diving. Live reggae music and sunset views. Social hub for tourists and locals. 3. Negril Cliffs Rocky coastline south of town. Deep clear water for snorkeling. Luxury cliffside resorts. Stunning sunset photography. 4. Booby Cay Island Sm...

  After Nepal, the USA and the Netherlands had threatened upsets , it was Zimbabwe’s turn to actually script a stunning upset in the T20 World Cup. In yet another reminder that no team can be taken lightly, Zimbabwe defeated Australia by 23 runs on Friday in Colombo, extending the remarkable run of surprises by so-called “smaller” nations. Batting first, Zimbabwe posted an impressive 169 for 2, built on disciplined shot selection and smart acceleration at the death. In reply, Australia collapsed under pressure and were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs, never truly threatening to chase down the target. This was not the first time Australia have been humbled by Zimbabwe on the world stage. The African side had also beaten them in the group stage of the 2007 T20 World Cup. With just two meetings between the sides in T20 World Cups, Zimbabwe now boast a perfect 2–0 record in this tournament. Overall, across four T20 internationals, the head-to-head stands evenly at 2–2. Chasing 170, Au...

  India after a tricky 1st game vs USA looked in command vs Namibia registering  a big win .  Despite a spirited effort from the African side, Namibia were no match for a dominant Indian team and were bundled out for 116 while chasing a challenging target of 210. Namibia started positively, reaching 57 in the powerplay, with Jan Frylinck and Lauren Stenekamp showing early intent. However, India’s trump cards — Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel — turned the game decisively. Varun struck twice in quick succession, removing Stenekamp and JJ Smit, while Axar and Bumrah continued the collapse. Hardik Pandya also chipped in with two wickets as Namibia folded for 116, handing India a massive 93-run win — their biggest victory margin in T20 World Cup history. Earlier, India used the match as a dress rehearsal ahead of the Pakistan encounter. Sanju Samson, opening in place of Abhishek Sharma, smashed 22 off 8 balls, while Ishan Kishan produced a blistering 61 off 2...

  Italy enjoyed a fairytale start to their maiden T20 World Cup campaign, registering a stunning 10-wicket victory over Nepal. In another match on Thursday, co-host Sri Lanka produced a dominant performance to defeat Oman by a massive margin of 105 runs. Nepal, who had impressed earlier by putting England under pressure, looked completely out of sorts against Italy. Batting first on the Wankhede pitch, they failed to build any meaningful partnerships and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Nepal were bowled out for 123 in 19.3 overs. Arif Sheikh was the top scorer with 27 off 24 balls, including four boundaries. Captain Rohit Paudel contributed 23 off 14 balls with two sixes, while Asif Sheikh made 20 and Karan KC remained unbeaten on 18. Italy’s bowling attack was led by Krishan Kalugamage, who picked up three wickets for just 18 runs. Ben Manenti claimed two wickets for nine runs, while Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts and Ali Hasan chipped in with one wicket each. In reply, Italy ...

  Gundappa Viswanath, often referred to as "Vishy," is a former Indian cricketer known for his stylish and elegant batting. Here are some key points about him: 1. **Birth and Debut:**    - Gundappa Viswanath was born on February 12, 1949, in Bangalore, India.    - He made his Test debut for India against Australia in 1969 scoring a 100 on debut (137)  2. **Batting Style:**    - Viswanath was a right-handed batsman known for his graceful and classical batting technique.    - His wristwork and ability to play spin and pace with finesse set him apart as one of the stylish batsmen of his era. He was a great exponent of the cut shot .  3. **International Career:**    - He played 91 Test matches for India from 1969 to 1983, scoring 6,080 runs at an average of 41.93 with 222 as his highest score  4. **Centuries and High Scores:**    - Viswanath scored 14 Test centuries, including a memorable 97 against the West Ind...

  Ten years after lifting the T20 World Cup on Indian soil by defeating England in the final, West Indies once again got the better of their old rivals in India. On Wednesday in Mumbai, the Caribbean side produced a commanding all-round performance to beat England by 30 runs. Chasing a target of 197, England were restricted to 166, falling short despite a few promising starts.  Asked to bat first after losing the toss at the Wankhede Stadium, West Indies suffered a disastrous start, losing both openers — Brandon King (1) and Shai Hope (0) — within the first three deliveries. Even the in-form Shimron Hetmyer (23) failed to convert his start, leaving the side struggling at 79 for 4 after 10 overs on a pitch considered ideal for batting. The turning point came through the brilliance of Sherfane Rutherford, who played a sensational unbeaten knock of 76 off just 42 balls. Rutherford anchored a remarkable recovery, forging a crucial 51-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Rovma...

  Nathan Ellis delivered a masterclass in deception and control as Australia opened its T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 67-run victory over Ireland in a Group B clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Chasing a daunting target of 183, Ireland never truly found its footing. By the end of Ellis’ opening spell, the Irish were already in deep trouble at 27 for four, undone by a barrage of clever slower balls and pinpoint cutters. Ellis returned later to mop up the tail, finishing with exceptional figures of four for 12 as Ireland were bundled out for just 115. Ireland’s innings began in misfortune when captain Paul Stirling pulled up injured while attempting a single off the very first ball and had to retire hurt. Ross Adair (12) briefly offered resistance with a four and a six off Xavier Bartlett, but Australia struck back swiftly. Matthew Kuhnemann removed Harry Tector, and then Ellis took over the demolition. With a beautifully disguised slower delivery, Ellis bo...

  Afghanistan had not one, but two golden opportunities to seal a famous victory. On both occasions, they let the moment slip. In one of the most dramatic encounters of the ongoing World Cup, South Africa finally prevailed after two Super Overs, leaving Afghanistan to rue missed chances and costly decisions. Batting first at the Ahmedabad stadium, South Africa posted a competitive 187 for 6 in their 20 overs. The chase that followed was nothing short of a roller-coaster. Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for exactly 187, forcing the match into a Super Over. Even that failed to produce a result, leading to a rare second Super Over, where South Africa finally emerged victorious. The heartbreak was especially cruel for former KKR batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who played a sensational innings. Opening the chase, Gurbaz smashed 84 off just 42 balls, laying a strong foundation for victory. However, despite dragging his team to the brink, he was forced to walk off in visible disappointm...