The World around U

  Sepp Maier, born on February 28, 1944, is a former German football goalkeeper celebrated for his remarkable career primarily with Bayern Munich and the West German national team. A crucial part of Bayern Munich's dominance during the 1970s, Maier won numerous titles, including three consecutive European Cups from 1974 to 1976. His agile and acrobatic goalkeeping style made him a fan favorite, earning him the nickname "Die Katze von Anzing" (The Cat from Anzing). Maier played a pivotal role in West Germany's triumph in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, showcasing his exceptional shot-stopping abilities. His career spanned over two decades, and upon retirement, Sepp Maier solidified his legacy as one of the all-time great goalkeepers in football history. Sepp Maier, a legendary German goalkeeper, achieved significant success throughout his illustrious career. Spending the majority of his playing years with Bayern Munich, Maier played a pivotal role in the club's golden era...

  Dino Zoff, an Italian football legend, was born on February 28, 1942. Renowned as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport, Zoff's illustrious career spanned from the 1960s to the early 1980s. He achieved global recognition for his remarkable performances, notably leading Italy to victory in the 1982 FIFA World Cup at the age of 40, making him the oldest goalkeeper to win the prestigious tournament. Zoff's exceptional shot-stopping ability, leadership on the field, and longevity have solidified his legacy as an icon in football history. Dino Zoff's illustrious football career is marked by numerous achievements and accolades. He began his professional journey with Udinese in 1961 and later played for Mantova and Napoli before joining Juventus in 1972. At Juventus, Zoff enjoyed considerable success, winning six Serie A titles and capturing the UEFA Cup in 1977. One of his crowning achievements came in 1982 when, as the captain and goalkeeper for the Itali...

  New Zealand squandered a golden opportunity to book their place in the semifinals, going down in a nerve-shredding last-over thriller against England on Friday. A victory would have sealed their passage to the final four, but England held their nerve to snatch a dramatic win. Already through to the semifinals, England had little at stake — yet their triumph may have delighted Pakistan the most, as it keeps them mathematically alive in the tournament. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand made a blistering start. Their openers attacked from the outset, scoring so fluently that a total in excess of 200 looked well within reach. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the seventh over. Adil Rashid struck with the final ball of the over, deceiving Tim Seifert (35) with a clever leg-spin delivery. Almost immediately, Will Jacks removed Finn Allen (29), who perished attempting an ambitious stroke, caught at deep midwicket. From a commanding 64 without loss, New ...

  India were comprehensively outplayed by Australia in the second ODI at Hobart, as the visitors clinched the series with a game to spare. Playing their first ODI series after being crowned world champions, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side has stumbled badly, suffering back-to-back defeats. Chasing 252, Australia cruised home in just 36.1 overs with five wickets in hand, underlining their dominance. Earlier, India posted a competitive but underwhelming 251 for 9 after being asked to bat. Returning from injury, Pratika Rawal finally found some runs but consumed valuable deliveries. Her 52 off 81 balls lacked fluency and stalled India’s momentum early on. Smriti Mandhana chipped in with 31 off 37, and the opening pair added a steady 78, but the scoring rate remained modest. Jemimah Rodrigues endured another disappointing outing, managing just 11. Since her match-winning century against Australia in the World Cup semifinal, runs have dried up for her. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur registered yet an...

  Graeme Pollock is a former South African cricketer, born on February 27, 1944. He was a left-handed batsman and is widely regarded as one of the finest cricketers in the history of the game. Pollock played 23 Tests for South Africa between 1963 and 1970. During his career, Pollock showcased exceptional batting skills, scoring 2,256 runs at an impressive average of 60.97, including seven centuries and 11 half-centuries. His elegant and powerful style made him a formidable force in international cricket. Unfortunately, his Test career was cut short due to South Africa's exclusion from international cricket during the apartheid era. Despite the limited number of matches, Pollock's impact on the game and his statistical achievements solidify his legacy as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history. Graeme Pollock was renowned for his impeccable batting skills, characterized by a combination of elegance, technique, and power. As a left-handed batsman, he displayed a fluid and ...

  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...

  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...

  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...

  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...

  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 ...

  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...

  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 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...

  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...

  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...

  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...

  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 ...

  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 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 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...

  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...

  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...

  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...