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India secure big win over Zimbabwe to stay in hunt for semis, Bennett impresses with 97*

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  Abhishek’s Comeback Fifty, All-Round India Ease Past Zimbabwe; Proteas’ Favourable Result Adds to Suryavanshi’s Relief Even before the match began, South Africa had already made life a lot easier for the Indian camp by defeating West Indies. With that result working in their favour, the Indian stars took care of the remaining task in commanding fashion. The biggest relief for the team, ahead of their arrival in Kolkata, was the return to form of Abhishek Sharma. Recovering from illness, the young southpaw rediscovered his rhythm and announced it emphatically with a sparkling half-century. Smashing four boundaries and four sixes, he scored a fluent 55, underlining the old adage — class is permanent. Critics may argue that the knock came against Zimbabwe, but after a sequence of low scores, the confidence with which he dispatched pulls and sweeps to the boundary will serve as a huge boost for the matches ahead. With Rinku Singh unavailable, Sanju was drafted into the XI and promote...

South Africa scripts imperious win over West Indies & rekindles India's hopes in T20IWC

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  Before landing in Chennai, India’s focus was firmly fixed 1,404 kilometres away in Ahmedabad, where South Africa took on West Indies. Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates were desperately hoping for a Proteas victory — and they got exactly that. Riding on a dominant batting display, South Africa brushed aside West Indies by nine wickets with minimal fuss. The comprehensive win significantly helped India’s equation, as victories in their remaining two matches would now ensure qualification without having to rely on net run rate. Captain Aiden Markram, who had earlier played a crucial role in South Africa’s win over India, once again led from the front with an unbeaten half-century to seal the chase in style. West Indies posted 176/8 after being put in to bat, but South Africa chased down the target comfortably, losing just one wicket in the process. The defeat also dented West Indies’ net run rate (1.791), while South Africa’s impressive NRR of 2.890 has virtually secured their semi...

Sporting legends : Li Na – Trailblazer of Asian Women Tennis- Career HLs , video

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  Li Na was born on 26 February 1982 in Wuhan, Hubei, China. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential tennis players in history and the greatest Asian female tennis player of the Open Era. By breaking long-standing barriers in global tennis, Li Na transformed the sport’s popularity across Asia and inspired a generation of players from non-traditional tennis nations. Style of Play Li Na was an aggressive baseline player known for: A devastating flat forehand Powerful two-handed backhand Early ball striking and sharp angles Fearless attacking mindset She thrived on hard courts and clay, using pace and precision to dictate rallies. Unlike many defensive players of her era, Li preferred to take the ball early and finish points quickly, often overwhelming opponents with controlled aggression. Career Highlights in Detail Rise in International Tennis Li Na turned professional in 1999 and initially competed under China’s state sports system before becoming one of the first Chi...

Ravindra's all round show sinks Sri Lanka as New Zealand win big in T20IWC Super8

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  As the saying goes, “morning shows the day.” The teams that had stormed into the Super Eight stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup with commanding performances in the group phase, however, suddenly appear to have lost their spark. Hosts Sri Lanka national cricket team, who had sealed their Super Eight berth with a memorable win over Australia, faltered when it mattered most, suffering a crushing defeat to New Zealand national cricket team on Wednesday. With this loss, Dasun Shanaka’s side became the first team to be eliminated from the Super Eight stage. Consecutive batting debacles brought Sri Lanka’s World Cup aspirations to a premature and painful end. Sri Lanka won the toss and fielded & started the match strongly getting dangerous looking Finn Allen (23) through Theekshana. Chameera bounced & got Siefert out . Ravindra (32) played some skillful shots with Phillips (18) partnering him but Chameera bowled Phillips and then the spinners led by Theekshana & Wellalage ri...

Sporting legends : Everton Weekes - achievements of this glorious batting talent of West Indies &video

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  Sir Everton Weekes, a cricketing luminary hailing from Barbados, left an indelible mark on the sport during the mid-20th century. He was born on 26th February  1925. Renowned as one-third of the iconic "Three Ws" alongside Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Frank Worrell, Weekes displayed exceptional batting skills that etched his name in cricketing history. A prolific run-scorer, he achieved numerous milestones, including five consecutive Test centuries in 1948. Weekes' elegant stroke play and unwavering determination not only earned him respect but also played a pivotal role in establishing West Indies as a formidable cricketing force. His contributions extend beyond the statistics, embodying the spirit of Caribbean cricket during a transformative era. Sir Everton Weekes remains a revered figure, celebrated for his enduring impact on the game. Sir Everton Weekes had an illustrious Test cricket career for the West Indies. Here are some key statistics and achievements: - **Test ...

Brook’s brilliant 100 powers England to Thrilling 2 wicket win over Pakistan, Boosting Semi-Final Hopes

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  After their first Super Eight match against New Zealand was washed out, Pakistan suffered a setback in their second game, going down to England by two wickets in a nail-biting contest. Batting first, Pakistan posted 164 for 9, but England chased it down with 166 for 8 in 19.1 overs, thanks to a magnificent innings from captain Harry Brook, who led from the front with a sensational 100 off 51 balls to guide his team into the T20 World Cup semi-finals. The defeat further dented Pakistan’s chances of reaching the last four, despite an outstanding four-wicket haul from Shaheen Afridi. Chasing 165 for victory, England got off to a disastrous start. Returning to the playing XI, Shaheen struck early, removing openers Phil Salt (0) and Jos Buttler (2) in his first two overs. Jacob Bethell (8) and Tom Banton (2) also failed to steady the innings, leaving England in deep trouble. However, Brook stood firm at one end, anchoring the chase with remarkable composure. His superb knock of 100 in...

Australia Women outplayed India in 1st ODI , Mooney shines

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  Fresh from their T20 series triumph, the Indian women’s team endured a disappointing start to the ODI series, going down by six wickets to Australia in the opening match of the three-game contest in Brisbane. Despite posting a modest 214 after opting to bat first, the world champions failed to defend the total as Alyssa Healy’s side chased it down comfortably, reaching 217 for 4 in just 38.2 overs. Adding to India’s worries, captain Harmanpreet Kaur sustained a knee injury that could become a major concern for the visitors. After winning the toss and choosing to bat on the Brisbane pitch, India’s innings got off to a shaky and fragile start against a disciplined Australian bowling attack. The top order crumbled under pressure, with Pratika Rawal (0), Shafali Verma (4), and Jemimah Rodrigues (8) falling cheaply in quick succession, leaving India reeling at 52 for 3. In the midst of the early collapse, Smriti Mandhana and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the innings with a compose...

West Indies Post Tournament-High 254 to Crush Zimbabwe by 107 Runs in Super8s of T20IWC

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  West Indies delivered a thunderous statement in the Super Eight stage, piling up the highest total of the tournament so far — a daunting 254 — before dismantling Zimbabwe for 147 in just 17.4 overs to seal a commanding 107-run victory. The emphatic win propelled Shai Hope’s side to the top of Group One on net run rate. Despite losing two early wickets, the Caribbean batters batted with fearless intent for the majority of the innings. After captain Shai Hope (14) and Brandon King (9) fell cheaply, Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell took complete control and turned the match into a run-fest. The duo unleashed a brutal counterattack that left the Zimbabwe bowlers clueless. Hetmyer was in explosive touch, hammering a scintillating 85 off just 34 balls, laced with seven fours and seven towering sixes. At the other end, Powell played a crucial supporting role with a fluent 59 off 35 deliveries, striking four fours and four sixes. Their destructive partnership laid the perfect platform f...

Sporting legends : Lleyton Hewitt- Aussie Tennis superstar - Career HLs , video

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  Lleyton Glynn Hewitt was born on February 24, 1981, in Adelaide, Australia. He is a former professional tennis player and one of the most tenacious competitors in the sport. Known for his relentless fighting spirit, exceptional court coverage, and counterpunching style, Hewitt became the youngest ever world No. 1 in men's tennis in 2001 at the age of 20. Style of Play Hewitt was a defensive baseline player who relied on his speed, agility, and incredible ability to retrieve shots. His game was built around consistency, mental toughness, and exceptional returning ability, making him one of the best counterpunchers of his era. He often outlasted opponents by wearing them down with his endurance and resilience. Career Highlights Youngest World No. 1 (achieved in 2001 at age 20). Two-time Grand Slam singles champion (2001 US Open, 2002 Wimbledon). Two-time Davis Cup champion with Australia (1999, 2003). 30 ATP singles titles , including two year-end ATP Finals (2001, 2002...

South Africa thrash hosts India & take giant strides towards semis

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  It was in Ahmedabad that India’s dream of ODI World Cup glory had once shattered. Now, on the same ground, their T20 World Cup campaign stands on the brink after a crushing 76-run defeat to South Africa in the Super Eight. Under pressure, India’s much-vaunted batting line-up collapsed like a house of cards, raising serious fears of an early exit on home soil. More than just a defeat, it was an embarrassing and one-sided performance for a star-studded side that was outplayed in batting, bowling, and fielding alike. Chasing a stiff target of 188, India were bundled out for a paltry 111, utterly overwhelmed by a composed and tactically superior South African unit that showcased how to handle high-pressure situations in global tournaments. After winning the toss in Ahmedabad, Proteas captain Aiden Markram opted to bat first—a decision that appeared risky given the typically high-scoring nature of the pitch and the looming dew factor. However, Markram seemed clear about two key aspect...

England Outclass Sri Lanka by 51 Runs in Super Eight Opener

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  Sri Lanka stumbled in their very first Super Eight match of the T20 World Cup, suffering a comprehensive 51-run defeat to England at Pallekele. Batting first on a tricky surface, England posted a modest yet competitive 146 for 9, before bowling Sri Lanka out for just 95 in 16.4 overs. The familiar Pallekele pitch offered considerable assistance to the spinners, making strokeplay difficult for batters from both sides. In fact, apart from Phil Salt’s sparkling knock, no batter truly managed to dominate. Salt anchored the innings brilliantly with a fluent 62 off 40 balls, laced with six fours and two sixes, standing out as the lone bright spot in an otherwise scrappy batting display. A remarkable 12 wickets across both teams fell to single-digit scores, including three ducks, highlighting the challenging nature of the surface. After winning the toss, Dasun Shanaka opted to field first, but England endured a shaky start, losing wickets at regular intervals. Jos Buttler (7), Jacob Bet...

Sporting legends : Herschelle Gibbs - South African superstar Batter - Career HLs , video

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  Herschelle Herman Gibbs, born on February 23, 1974, in Cape Town, South Africa, is one of the most dynamic and naturally talented cricketers to represent the Proteas. A right-handed opening batsman, Gibbs brought an aggressive, entertaining flair to the game, blending audacious strokeplay with technical skill. Known for his attacking mindset, exceptional hand-eye coordination, and world-class fielding, Gibbs left an indelible mark across all formats of cricket during his career from 1996 to 2010. His legacy as a pioneer of modern batting and a fan favorite endures to this day. Style of Play Gibbs was the quintessential attacking opener, thriving on instinct and aggression. His batting featured lofted cover drives, fierce cuts, and a penchant for clearing the ropes—most famously demonstrated by hitting six consecutive sixes in an ODI. He excelled at dismantling bowling attacks early, often playing shots off the front foot that others wouldn’t dare attempt. In the field, Gibbs was ...

Indian Temples : Sri Govindajee Temple - Imphal , Manipur - Highlights

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  Sri Govindajee Temple is one of the most sacred and historically significant Vaishnavite temples in Northeast India, located in the heart of Imphal, Manipur, near the old royal palace complex (Kangla). Dedicated to Lord Krishna (Govindajee) along with Radha, Balarama, Jagannath, and other Vaishnav deities, the temple is a major spiritual and cultural centre for the Meitei Vaishnav community. It reflects the deep influence of Gaudiya Vaishnavism in Manipur and stands as a symbol of royal devotion, architecture, and living tradition.   History (Detailed) Early Origins The temple was originally established in the 18th century during the reign of Maharaja Nara Singh of Manipur (reigned 1844–1850). However, its roots trace back even earlier to the Vaishnav revival in Manipur initiated by Maharaja Bhagyachandra, also known as Rajarshi Bhagyachandra, who introduced Gaudiya Vaishnavism as the state religion. He is credited with: Establishing Krishna worship in Manipur Introducing Ra...

India women win 3rd T20I & beat Aussies 2-1 in T20I series , Mandhana shines

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  India began their three-format tour of Australia on a positive and commanding note, defeating the hosts by 17 runs in the opening T20 on Saturday. A magnificent batting display from Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, backed by disciplined bowling, ensured a well-deserved victory. After winning the toss, captain Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first, but India suffered an early setback with the dismissal of Shafali Verma for just 7. Continuing her lean run in the series, Shafali mistimed a lofted shot off Kim Garth outside off stump and was comfortably caught by Annabel Sutherland. From there, Mandhana and Rodrigues steadied the innings with a brilliant and composed partnership. The duo stitched together a superb 121-run stand for the second wicket, shifting the momentum firmly in India’s favour. They attacked the bowlers with confidence, notably smashing three boundaries off Sophie Molineux in the sixth over. Mandhana looked particularly aggressive, producing a stunning sweep o...

Australia Cruise Past Oman in One-Sided T20 World Cup Clash in farewell game

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   Australia who are already out of this years World T20I,  produced a clinical and commanding performance to outclass Oman by nine wickets in a Group stage encounter of the T20 World Cup. Chasing a modest target of 105, the Australian batters showcased composure and authority, sealing the victory with ease and plenty of overs to spare. Earlier, Oman struggled to build momentum after being put under sustained pressure by Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. Despite a fighting 32 from Wasim, Oman never truly found rhythm as wickets fell at regular intervals. The standout performer with the ball was Adam Zampa, whose incisive spell of 4 for 21 dismantled the middle order. He was well supported by the ever-reliable Glenn Maxwell (2-13) and Xavier Bartlett (2-27), who maintained tight lines and choked the scoring opportunities. In reply, Australia’s chase was nothing short of emphatic. Mitchell Marsh led from the front with a fluent and unbeaten 64 off just 33 balls, blend...

Sporting legends : Michael Slater - Belligerent Aussie Opening Test batter - Career HLs , video

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  Michael Slater Introduction Michael Jonathon Slater was born on February 21, 1970, in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia. A right-handed opening batsman, Slater was known for his aggressive and attacking style of play. His fearless approach at the top of the order made him a key player for Australia in the 1990s and early 2000s, particularly in Test cricket. His batting style was built around attacking cricket. Slater used to drive , cut , pull & flick with gay abandon . He was a free spirit as an opening batter and used to provide rapid starts to the Australia innings . Interestingly he was most successful in the Test format and had surprisingly limited success in ODI cricket for a player of his attacking ability .  Test Career & Records Slater played 74 Test matches for Australia between 1993 and 2001, scoring 5,312 runs at an average of 42.83. He registered 14 centuries and 21 fifties, with a highest score of 219. Though not a regular bowler, he occasiona...

T20IWC: Raza , Bennett Shine as Zimbabwe Stun Sri Lanka; West Indies , Afghanistan Wins

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  Zimbabwe emphatically proved that their victory over Australia was no fluke, pulling off another sensational win by defeating Sri Lanka in a high-pressure clash of the T20 World Cup. Facing a formidable Sri Lankan side that had been in impressive form, Sikandar Raza and his teammates delivered a composed and confident performance to finish atop a challenging group that also featured Australia and Sri Lanka. The victory will significantly boost their confidence ahead of their Super Eight encounter against India. Chasing at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium is traditionally difficult, with teams batting first having won all four previous matches at the venue in this World Cup, including the India–Pakistan fixture. Defying that trend, Zimbabwe produced a clinical chase. Sri Lanka posted a competitive 178 for 7 in 20 overs, but Zimbabwe calmly hunted down the target with three balls to spare, securing a six-wicket win — their second-highest successful chase in T20 internationals. Sri La...

Sporting Legends : Tennis Superstar Hana Mandlikova- Career HLs , Video

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  Hana Mandlíková is a former world-class tennis player who emerged as one of the most versatile and naturally gifted athletes of the 1980s. Representing Czechoslovakia and later Australia, she was known for her all-court brilliance, artistic shot-making and fearless attacking style. Mandlíková won multiple Grand Slam titles in both singles and doubles and is widely regarded as one of the most complete players of her generation. Hana Mandlíková was born on 19 February 1962 in Prague, Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic). She was the daughter of Olympic sprinter Vilém Mandlík, and her athletic background played a major role in shaping her sporting career. From a young age, she showed exceptional coordination, speed and competitive temperament, which quickly translated into success on the junior tennis circuit. Style of Play Mandlíková was an elegant and aggressive all-court player with a rare combination of power, finesse and tactical intelligence. She possessed a strong serve, fluid...

Australia women level series after 19-Run Win as Harmanpreet creates World Record

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  Indian women suffered a 19-run defeat in the second match of the Women’s T20I series against Australia at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, allowing the hosts to draw level after India had clinched the opening game via the Duckworth-Lewis method. With the series now tied, the decisive third match will determine the winner. Despite the loss, it was a historic day for Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who etched her name in the record books by becoming the most-capped player in women’s international cricket. Leading India at the toss, Harmanpreet played her 356th international match across formats, surpassing New Zealand stalwart Suzie Bates’ previous record of 355 matches. Out of her 356 appearances, Harmanpreet has featured in 6 Tests, 161 ODIs and 189 T20Is. The experienced skipper has accumulated 200 runs in Tests, 4,409 in ODIs and 3,784 in T20Is, taking her overall tally to an impressive 8,393 international runs. She also boasts eight centuries and 38 half-centuries, along with 75 ...

Sporting icons : Socrates - Achievements & video of Brazilian soccer great

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  Sócrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira, commonly known as Sócrates, was a legendary Brazilian footballer and intellectual force in the sport. Born on February 19, 1954, Sócrates played a pivotal role as a midfielder for both the Brazilian national team and club sides like Corinthians. Renowned for his elegant style, vision on the pitch, and exceptional leadership qualities, he captained Brazil during the 1982 FIFA World Cup, showcasing a unique blend of footballing skill and thoughtful approach to the game. Off the field, Sócrates held a medical degree and was known for his outspoken views on social and political issues, making him a distinct figure in the history of Brazilian football. His impact extended beyond the game, emphasizing the significance of intelligence and creativity in football. Sócrates passed away in 2011, leaving behind a lasting legacy both as a football icon and an influential personality. Sócrates' football career is marked by numerous achie...

Dube heroics help India get full points vs spirited Netherlands in T20IWC

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  What was billed as a mere formality turned into a fiercely competitive contest as the Netherlands pushed India all the way in their final group-stage clash of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The so-called underdogs refused to roll over, ensuring that Suryakumar Yadav’s men had to work hard for their victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Although the Super Eight line-up had already been confirmed before Wednesday evening’s encounter, the Dutch were determined to bow out on a high. India, meanwhile, were keen to maintain their unbeaten streak — a tag that still proudly accompanies the Men in Blue, who have not lost a single match in the 2024 tournament. Their dominant march through the group stage continues, but this was far from a stroll. Winning the toss, skipper Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat first. However, India’s start was far from ideal. Abhishek Sharma’s lean patch persisted as he fell for a duck, while Ishan Kishan, explosive in the first three games, also failed to make an impact....

Sporting icons : Enzo Scifo - Achievements & video of the Belgian football great

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  Enzo Scifo, born on February 19, 1966, in La Louvière, Belgium, is a former footballer renowned for his skill and vision on the field. Primarily an attacking midfielder, Scifo's illustrious career spanned several top European clubs, including Anderlecht, Inter Milan, and AS Monaco. Known for his technical prowess, precise passing, and goal-scoring ability, he played a pivotal role in Anderlecht's successes during the late 1980s. Scifo also represented the Belgian national team, earning caps in multiple major tournaments. His impact on Belgian football, coupled with a career that extended into coaching after retirement, solidifies his status as a respected figure in the sport. Enzo Scifo enjoyed a distinguished football career with notable achievements. Starting his professional journey with Anderlecht, he contributed significantly to the team's success during the late 1980s. A key part of Anderlecht's midfield, Scifo helped secure Belgian Pro League titles in the 1984...

Pakistan Crush Namibia by 102 Runs to Seal Super Eights Spot, South Africa beats UAE

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  Pakistan booked their place in the Super Eights of the 2026 T20 World Cup with a dominant 102-run victory over Namibia, producing their most complete performance of the tournament in Colombo. Choosing to bat first at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Pakistan posted an imposing total of 199 for three, powered by a brilliant maiden T20 international century from Sahibzada Farhan. The 29-year-old remained unbeaten on 100 from 58 deliveries, striking 11 boundaries and four sixes in a commanding innings. Farhan found strong support from captain Salman Agha, who scored a fluent 38 off 23 balls in a 67-run stand for the second wicket. Shadab Khan, promoted up the order in the absence of Babar Azam, added late impetus with an unbeaten 36 off 22, as he and Farhan plundered 81 runs in just 6.4 overs. Under pressure after their defeat to India, Pakistan knew another loss would end their campaign. Farhan ensured that scenario never materialised, reaching his century in the final over after ...