The World around U

  This is how a comeback is scripted. Days ago, it seemed Sanju Samson might spend the World Cup on the bench. Instead, he powered India into the semifinals with a superb unbeaten 97, guiding a five-wicket win over West Indies at Eden Gardens. India will now face England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, though concerns over spin bowling, fielding lapses and Abhishek Sharma’s form remain. West Indies posted 195/4 after Suryakumar Yadav chose to bowl. Roston Chase and Shai Hope added 68 for the first wicket, with India missing chances in the field. Late hitting from Rovman Powell and Jason Holder lifted the total beyond 190. India’s chase began nervously. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan fell early, and Suryakumar could not convert his start. But Samson looked in complete control, reaching his fifty in 26 balls and keeping the required rate in check. Tilak Varma’s quick 27 provided support before Samson took full charge in the closing overs. Needing 60 off the last six overs, India...

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

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

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

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