The World around U

Saturday witnessed an extraordinary run-fest in the IPL, with a staggering 986 runs scored across four innings in a double-header. Punjab Kings even chased down a towering 265 with seven balls to spare. But as the saying goes, no trend lasts forever. Within 24 hours, Sunday’s clash between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans painted a completely different picture—one where runs were hard-earned and bowlers dictated terms. Put in to bat first after losing the toss, CSK struggled on a tricky surface. Their innings never truly gained momentum, but captain Ruturaj Gaikwad held things together with a composed knock, guiding his side to a modest total of 158. Gujarat skipper Shubman Gill read the pitch conditions perfectly. His decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends as CSK’s batters found scoring extremely difficult. Notably, MS Dhoni, despite being fit, did not feature in the match. Among CSK batters, Sanju Samson showed brief promise, scoring 11 off 15 balls before gettin...

FIFA World Cup: Flashback 1938 Edition: Italy win back to back titles

The 1938 FIFA World Cup was the third edition of the tournament, held in France from June 4 to June 19, 1938. This tournament holds a somber place in history as it was the final World Cup held before the suspension of the competition due to the outbreak of World War II; the tournament would not return for another 12 years (until 1950). It was a tournament marked by political tension—notably the Anschluss (the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany), which resulted in the Austrian team being withdrawn despite having qualified. Furthermore, controversy surrounding the selection of a European host for the second consecutive time led to boycotts by several South American nations, including Argentina and Uruguay. Italy, under the guidance of manager Vittorio Pozzo, successfully defended their 1934 title, becoming the first nation to win consecutive World Cups. Tournament Summary Number of Teams: While 16 teams were originally scheduled to participate, only 15 teams competed. Austria ha...

Deepti Sharma’s Five-For Powers India Women to First T20I Win Over South Africa

The India women's national cricket team finally broke through in the SA-W vs IND-W T20 series 2026, securing a 14-run victory over South Africa women's national cricket team at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday. After being asked to bat first, India posted a strong total of 185/5. Contributions came from Jemimah Rodrigues (43 off 29), Deepti Sharma (36* off 26), and Richa Ghosh (34* off 18), who powered the innings with an unbeaten 65-run stand for the sixth wicket. For the hosts, Eliz-Mari Marx and Kayla Reyneke were the standout bowlers, picking up two wickets each. South Africa began their chase positively, led by Sune Luus, who scored a quick 40 off 24 balls, alongside useful support from Tazmin Brits (30). However, India clawed their way back into the contest, largely thanks to an exceptional spell from Deepti Sharma. The all-rounder delivered a match-winning performance with the ball, claiming her maiden five-wicket haul in T20 internationals, finishing ...

IPL2026 : Catch Drops Cost Dear as SRH beat Rajasthan despite Vaibhav's 103

Sunday in the Indian Premier League turned into a spectacle of missed chances, where dropped catches proved decisive across two high-scoring encounters. In the afternoon clash, KL Rahul made the most of two reprieves to hammer a magnificent 152, while in the second innings, Shreyas Iyer was also dropped twice—mistakes that ultimately cost Delhi Capitals the match despite posting a massive 264. The trend continued in the evening fixture, where another dropped catch proved pivotal. Vaibhav Suryavanshi was given a lifeline early in his innings—and he made it count in emphatic fashion, smashing a breathtaking century off just 36 balls. Yet, his brilliance went in vain as Rajasthan Royals failed to defend 228. Sunrisers Hyderabad chased down 229 with nine balls to spare, capitalizing on Rajasthan’s costly fielding lapses. Playing their first game of the season in Jaipur, Rajasthan Royals posted an imposing 228/6 in 20 overs. Vaibhav led the charge with a sensational 101, while Dhruv J...

IPL2026: Punjab Kings Script History in Run-Fest Thriller; Rahul’s Heroics Go in Vain

In modern T20 cricket, no total ever feels truly safe—especially on a batting-friendly surface like Delhi. Delhi Capitals piled up a mammoth 264 after batting first, a score that would normally seal the game. But what followed was nothing short of extraordinary, as Punjab Kings produced a breathtaking chase to rewrite the record books. Punjab’s openers came out with fearless intent, unleashing a storm that would put even the fiercest cyclones to shame. Their explosive stroke play laid a formidable foundation, pushing the team into a dominant position early on. Eventually, skipper Shreyas Iyer played a fearless, match-winning knock, scaling what seemed like a ‘Himalayan’ target with remarkable composure. In the end, even KL Rahul’s superhuman century was overshadowed by Punjab’s historic triumph. Rahul, determined to silence his critics, chose this stage to deliver a masterclass. From the outset, he batted with aggressive intent, maintaining a strike rate well above 150. As the in...

Sporting greats: Johan Cryuff - video & achievements of the flying dutch

April 25, 2026

Johan Cruyff was a legendary Dutch footballer and manager. Born on 25th April 1947 ,he is widely considered one of the greatest football players of all time. Cruyff was known for his exceptional skill, vision, and creativity on the field. He played for clubs like Ajax and Barcelona and was a key figure in the development of "Total Football." Cruyff's influence on the sport extends beyond his playing career, as he became a successful manager and left a lasting legacy in football philosophy and tactics. One of the footballing greats never to win a World cup . Cryuff was very close to this lifetime accolade in the 1974 World cup when Netherlands with their total football was winning over all the opponents and the neutral fans but were found just short in the riveting final against the resilient West Germany against whom they lost by 2-1 after taking a lead in the opening seconds of the final through a penalty when a rampaging Johan Cryuff was taken down inside the penalty b...

IPL2026 : Kohli’s Masterclass Outshines Century as RCB Cruise to Victory Over Gujarat Titans

April 25, 2026

A century lit up the opposition’s innings, but it was an electrifying 81 from Virat Kohli that truly captured the hearts of cricket fans. The ‘King’ once again rose to the occasion, prioritizing his team’s needs over personal milestones. His relentless intent to accelerate the scoring meant he fell short of a well-deserved hundred—but by then, he had already laid the foundation for Royal Challengers Bangalore’s emphatic win. Kohli walked off with a broad smile as RCB sealed the game convincingly. Coming into the match under pressure after a previous defeat at home, RCB had plenty of concerns—particularly around their batting struggles at the Chinnaswamy. The absence of their last game’s top-scorer added to their woes. Yet, as has often been the case, Kohli emerged as the ultimate problem-solver. His sublime innings on Friday proved decisive, steering last season’s champions to a crucial victory. Meanwhile, back-to-back losses have now made the playoff road increasingly difficult ...

FIFA World Cup: Flashback 1934 Edition: Italy win 1st title of many

The 1934 FIFA World Cup, held in Italy from May 27 to June 10, was the second edition of the tournament and a major step forward in global football organization. Unlike the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup, this edition introduced a qualification system, making participation more competitive and structured. A notable absence was defending champions Uruguay, who chose not to travel to Europe—partly in retaliation for the limited European participation in 1930. This tournament also became controversial in later years due to the strong influence of Benito Mussolini, whose Fascist regime used the World Cup as a propaganda tool to showcase Italy’s strength. Tournament Format Unlike modern World Cups, the 1934 edition had no group stage. Instead, it followed a straight knockout format: 16 teams entered (after qualification rounds) Round of 16 → Quarter-finals → Semi-finals → Final Matches level after 90 minutes went to extra time If still tied, a replay match was scheduled This format mad...

Sporting icons : Ashleigh Barty - Accomplished Tennis superstar of Australia- Career HLs & video

Ashleigh Barty is one of the most accomplished and respected tennis players of the modern era. Known for her humility, intelligence and all-court brilliance, she rose to world No. 1 and dominated women’s tennis with a unique blend of power, finesse and tactical awareness. Barty’s career is remarkable not only for her success but also for her decision to retire at the peak of her powers. Ashleigh Barty was born on 24 April 1996 in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. A gifted athlete from a young age, she excelled in multiple sports, including cricket, before fully committing to tennis. Her early success in junior tennis included winning the Wimbledon Championships girls’ singles title in 2011, which marked her arrival on the global stage. Style of Play Barty was a rare all-court player, combining classical technique with modern versatility. She possessed a powerful serve, excellent footwork and one of the best slice backhands in women’s tennis. Her ability to mix spins, vary pace and ...

IPL2026: Samson’s Masterclass and Hosein’s Spin Web Hand CSK a Crushing Win Over Mumbai Indians

Chennai Super Kings stormed into the opposition’s backyard and dismantled Mumbai Indians in emphatic fashion in the IPL’s much-hyped ‘El Clasico’. It was a one-sided contest defined by Sanju Samson’s breathtaking century and Akeal Hosein’s mesmerizing spell, as CSK sealed a dominant 103-run victory. Chasing a daunting 208, Mumbai Indians collapsed dramatically and were bundled out for just 104, marking one of their heaviest defeats in IPL history. The win propelled CSK up the points table, taking them to six points from seven matches and firmly back into the playoff race. In contrast, Hardik Pandya’s side endured a humiliating setback that exposed glaring vulnerabilities. The clash was notable for the absence of two iconic figures—MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma—both sidelined due to injuries. While Samson rose brilliantly to fill the void for Chennai, Mumbai sorely missed Rohit’s presence at the top, lacking the explosive start needed for such a steep chase. After winning the toss at ...

Sporting icons : Sachin Tendulkar- career HLs & video of one of greatest cricket legends of all time

Sachin Tendulkar, often regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, was born on April 24, 1973. In Test cricket, he scored a total of 15,921 runs with an average of 53.78. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he amassed 18,426 runs with an average of 44.83. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Tendulkar represented the Mumbai Indians. While he didn't bowl much in international cricket, he took 46 wickets in Tests and 154 wickets in ODIs. However, in IPL, he mainly contributed as a batsman, scoring 2,334 runs in 78 matches at an average of 34.83. Sachin Tendulkar was a right-handed batsman. He was known for his impeccable technique, precise footwork, and a wide range of shots across all formats of the game. His batting style was characterized by exquisite timing, exceptional hand-eye coordination, and the ability to play both aggressively and defensively according to the demands of the situation. Sachin Tendulkar's career achievements are extensive and inc...

Wolvaardt’s Masterclass Powers South Africa Women to Series-Sealing Win Over India

April 23, 2026

The India women's national cricket team suffered a third consecutive setback at the Wanderers on Wednesday, as South Africa women's national cricket team cruised to a dominant nine-wicket victory, sealing an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. India posted an imposing 192/4 in Johannesburg, built on commanding half-centuries from Harmanpreet Kaur (66 off 38) and Shafali Verma (64 off 46). However, their efforts were overshadowed by a breathtaking innings from South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who smashed a scintillating 115 off just 53 deliveries. She was ably supported by Sune Luus, whose unbeaten 62 off 42 balls ensured a comfortable chase. Pursuing a challenging 193, South Africa got off to a flying start, with Wolvaardt dismantling the Indian bowling attack with remarkable authority. She stormed to a 23-ball half-century—the fastest by a South African woman in T20Is—guiding her side to a commanding 72/0 at the end of the powerplay. The momentum never...

IPL2026 : Bowlers Dominate as Rajasthan Royals Outclass Lucknow Super Giants by 40 Runs

April 23, 2026

T20 cricket is often synonymous with explosive batting, especially in the IPL. However, the clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals turned that narrative on its head, evolving into a gripping contest ruled by disciplined and incisive bowling. The tone was set early by Mohammed Shami, whose fiery spell dismantled Rajasthan’s top order. Striking off consecutive deliveries, he removed free scoring Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) and Dhruv Jurel (0) , triggering a dramatic collapse. From a steady 32 without loss, Rajasthan slumped to 32 for 3 within eight balls, further rattled by Mohsin Khan, who bowled a brilliant wicket-maiden over & dismissed young prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi (8) to tighten the screws. Despite the early setback, captain Riyan Parag (20) and Shimron Hetmyer(22) showed resilience, carefully rebuilding the innings. However, boundaries were hard to come by on a pitch offering assistance to bowlers & both perished at the wrong time . The returning Mayank...

IPL2026 : Abhishek Sharma’s Unstoppable 135 Powers SRH to big win over Delhi Capitals

April 22, 2026

When Sunrisers Hyderabad’s top order fires, opposition teams are often left staring at an uphill battle—and that prediction once again proved absolutely spot-on against Delhi Capitals. Riding on a sensational and commanding innings from Abhishek Sharma, Hyderabad posted a daunting total of 242/2, putting Delhi Capitals under immense pressure. The star opener remained unbeaten on a blistering 135, leading the charge with authority. After winning the toss, Delhi skipper Axar Patel opted to bowl first, handing Sunrisers Hyderabad the opportunity to bat on their home turf. The decision quickly backfired as the Hyderabad openers came out with their trademark aggressive intent. Abhishek and Travis Head launched into the attack right from the outset. While Head played a brisk knock of 37 off 26 balls, laced with 2 fours and 2 sixes, Abhishek anchored one end with remarkable composure. The duo stitched together a rapid 97-run opening stand in just 8.5 overs, setting the tone for a high-s...

IPL2026 : Tilak Varma’s Century Powers Mumbai Indians to dominant 99-Run Win Over Gujarat Titans

April 21, 2026

Mumbai Indians finally snapped their losing streak in emphatic fashion, registering a thumping 99-run victory over Gujarat Titans. The win, their first in four matches, was headlined by a brilliant century from Tilak Varma and a match-winning spell from the relatively underused bowler Ashwini Kumar. Batting first, Mumbai posted a formidable 199 for 5. The innings got off to a shaky start with early failures from openers Quinton de Kock and Danish Malewar, raising concerns among fans. However, Tilak Varma rediscovered his form in spectacular style. After a slow start, he shifted gears—reportedly following a crucial mid-innings chat with skipper Hardik Pandya—and went on to score an unbeaten 101, laced with eight fours and seven sixes. Coming into the game with just 43 runs from his previous five innings, this knock marked a strong return to form. Naman Dhir played a vital supporting role with a composed 45, helping Mumbai reach a competitive total. Gujarat Titans’ chase never gain...

Dominant South Africa women Outclass India to Take 2-0 Lead in WT20I Series

April 20, 2026

The Indian women’s cricket team suffered a comprehensive eight-wicket defeat against South Africa in the second match of the five-game WT20I series at Kingsmead on Sunday. With this convincing win, the hosts have taken firm control of the series, leading 2-0 after also clinching the opener at the same venue. India’s innings was anchored by an aggressive 57 off 38 balls from Shafali Verma, who provided early momentum with a flurry of boundaries. However, her efforts proved insufficient as the rest of the batting unit failed to build on the platform. For South Africa, Tumi Sekhukhune (3/31) and Chloe Tryon (3/22) delivered disciplined and impactful spells to restrict India to a below-par total of 147. In reply, South Africa produced a commanding batting display, led by a brilliant opening partnership between Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus. The duo came out with clear intent, launching a relentless assault on the Indian bowlers right from the start. They raced to 66/0 in the powerpla...

IPL2026: Punjab Kings Continue Rampage, Crush LSG to Stay Unbeaten in High-Scoring game

April 20, 2026

Punjab Kings remain unstoppable in the IPL, tightening their grip at the top of the table with a fifth consecutive victory. On Sunday, they delivered a commanding performance at home to defeat Lucknow Super Giants, who slumped to their third straight loss. After posting a formidable 254/7, Punjab restricted Lucknow to 200/5, sealing a dominant win. Chasing a daunting 255 in a T20 game is never easy, and despite a bold tactical change at the top, Lucknow fell short. Promoting Ayush Badoni to open alongside Mitchell Marsh in place of Aiden Markram initially paid dividends, as they raced to 61 in the powerplay. However, the scoring rate never quite matched the steep asking rate. Badoni’s brisk 35 was followed by a 40 off 28 balls from Marsh, but once the latter departed, the innings lost momentum. Rishabh Pant fought hard, smashing 43 off just 23 balls with a flurry of boundaries and sixes, but lacked support from the other end. Nicholas Pooran had a quiet outing, managing only 9 ru...

IPL2026: Rinku’s Redemption and Varun’s Magic Seal Gritty KKR Comeback Win

The stage at Eden Gardens was set for teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The crowd was ready to erupt for the 15-year-old prodigy—and he did play his part. Yet, by the end of a gripping contest, the narrative belonged to Varun Chakravarthy’s mesmerizing spin and Rinku Singh’s heroic resurgence. At last, fortune smiled on Kolkata Knight Riders as they clinched their first win of the season, edging past Rajasthan Royals by four wickets in a tense encounter. On a blazing Sunday afternoon outside Eden Gardens, a sea of purple-and-gold jerseys mingled with splashes of pink. The name on many backs read “Suryavanshi,” paired with the number 3. Such frenzy is usually reserved for icons like Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni—but this time, it was for a 15-year-old prodigy. Vaibhav Suryavanshi is rewriting cricket’s narrative in real time. With Rajasthan Royals winning the toss, Eden witnessed the young Vaibhav walk out to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. The DJ’s call for wickets echoed through...

Sporting icons : Jason Gillespie - career highlights & video of this brilliant Aussie fast bowler

Jason Gillespie was born on April 19, 1975. He's an Australian former cricketer known for his prowess as a fast bowler. Gillespie was an integral part of the Australian cricket team during the late 1990s and early 2000s, forming a formidable bowling partnership with Glenn McGrath. One of his notable achievements was scoring a double century as a nightwatchman against Bangladesh in 2006, becoming the first nightwatchman in Test cricket history to do so. After retiring from professional cricket, Gillespie pursued a career in coaching, contributing his expertise to various teams around the world. Jason Gillespie was renowned for his exceptional bowling skills, particularly his ability to swing the ball both ways at a lively pace. He possessed a smooth and rhythmic bowling action, generating significant pace and bounce off the pitch. Gillespie's accuracy and control were exemplary, allowing him to consistently trouble batsmen with his probing deliveries. He was adept at exploitin...

Sporting legends : Sydney Barnes - the iconic english seam bowler across eras, career highlights

Sydney Francis Barnes, born on 19th April 1873 was often regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history, particularly in the early 20th century, was known for his remarkable accuracy and ability to generate prodigious seam movement from the pitch. Representing England, Barnes set numerous records, including the fastest to 100 Test wickets, a feat achieved in just 17 matches. His unorthodox bowling style, which combined exceptional control with subtle variations in pace and spin, made him a formidable opponent. Despite a relatively short international career, Barnes' impact on the game is enduring, with his legacy as one of cricket's finest bowlers firmly cemented in history. Sydney Barnes had a stellar cricket career marked by numerous achievements. Here's a detailed overview: 1. **Test Cricket Records**: Barnes played 27 Test matches for England between 1901 and 1914, taking 189 wickets at an astonishing average of 16.43 runs per wicket. His bowling average ...

IPL2026 : Sunrisers Hyderabad Hold Nerve to Edge Chennai Super Kings in Thrilling Contest