Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.
Entering most ICC events, especially T20 World Cups, as pre-tournament favourites, India could not break free from that prison of expectations on a number of occasions despite being armed with star power and depth.
Sri Lanka show exit door to Afghanistan, qualify for Super 4s alongside Bangladesh
South Africa has established a strong advantage in the tournament by playing a majority of their matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, turning the stadium into a fortress.
Kagiso Rabada discusses South Africa's successful cricket campaign, emphasizing the importance of team performance over individual statistics and highlighting the contributions of key players like Lungi Ngidi and Corbin Bosch.
Scotland, a late entry into the T20 World Cup, is set to face West Indies in their opening match. Scotland aims to prove their worth and cause upsets against higher-ranked teams, while West Indies look to leverage their experience and firepower.
Canada and the UAE, after suffering heavy losses in their opening matches, are set to compete in a crucial Group D clash of the T20 World Cup. Both teams are aiming to improve their performance and keep their hopes alive in the tournament.
The 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka could be the last for several senior stars. From Glenn Maxwell to Mohammad Nabi, here are veterans who may be playing their final T20 WC.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner believes his team is on equal footing with South Africa ahead of their T20 World Cup semifinal match. Santner acknowledges South Africa's strength but emphasises the importance of adapting to conditions and executing plans effectively in the crucial knockout game.
This is the most open T20 World Cup in history. The traditional powers are compromised. The new powers have gained strength, observes Faisal Shariff.
When everyone has footage and no one can verify it, the loudest voice wins, notes Prem Panicker who begins a daily blog on the War in the Middle East.
Afghanistan started off their Asia Cup campaign with a massive win by 94 runs over Hong Kong in their Group B clash at Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, September 9.
India may adopt a "calibrated" and a "step-by-step" approach to easing norms on investments originating from China, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday. He was in a conversation with A K Bhattacharya on Day 1 of Business Standard's two-day annual event, Manthan 2026. The minister said foreign direct investment (FDI) from China was certainly not "banned", but it goes through an approval process. "The government's approach at the moment is to accelerate the approval process."
Bangladesh pipped Afghanistan by eight runs in a group league match to keep their hopes of reaching the Asia Cup Super Fours alive, in Abu Dhabi, on Tuesday.
India face The Netherlands in their final T20 World Cup league match in batting-friendly conditions at the Narendra Modi stadium?
Having lost against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh face a must-win against Afghanistan to keep their Super 4s hopes alive.
United States President Donald Trump said that the US is trying to regain control of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, which is currently under the control of the Taliban government after the US troops withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021.
Australia's star spinner Adam Zampa overtook former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi to become the bowler with the joint-second-highest wickets in the T20 World Cup.
India faces Zimbabwe in a crucial T20 World Cup Super 8 match, needing a big win to improve their net run rate after a heavy loss to South Africa. The team needs to address issues in the top order and consider strategic changes to the batting lineup.
Hope to lead West Indies in T20 World Cup; Sampson, Joseph included
Australia will aim to salvage pride against Oman in their final T20 World Cup match after a disappointing campaign marked by injuries and poor form.
Stirling hurt his right knee when completing a catch during Ireland's 67-run loss to Australia in Colombo on Wednesday.
Harry Brook ton leads England to nervy win over Pakistan and T20 World Cup semifinals.
Sri Lanka suffered a big blow as their star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga was ruled out of the T20 World Cup with a hamstring injury suffered in the opening match against Ireland.
Captain Thomas Rew led the way with a splendid century to guide England to 277/7 against Australia in the first semi-final of the Under-19 World Cup.
Mitchell, who was instrumental in New Zealand's historic ODI series win over India on January 18, is the new World No 1 batter in ODIs.
Afghanistan will need to play with more flair and freedom in their must-win Asia Cup group match against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
'They are not only setting new standards for themselves but also paving the way for future players to keep pushing those boundaries.'
South Africa's senior batter David Miller on Saturday received medical clearance to join the national squad for the T20 World Cup which begins on February 7.
India U19 World Cup winners Ayush Mhatre and Udhav Mohan were given rousing welcomes at home after helping India clinch a record sixth world title in Zimbabwe.
South Africa, already qualified for the Super Eights, will face the United Arab Emirates in their final Group D fixture of the T20 World Cup. South Africa would expect big-hitting youngster Dewald Brevis to regain his form against a struggling United Arab Emirates.
Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai made blazing fifties while the bowlers supported them with a tidy effort as Afghanistan easily tamed Hong Kong by 94 runs to start their Asia Cup campaign on a winning note
Alishan Sharafu's resilient 45 enabled UAE to reach a total of 122 for 6 in their T20 World Cup match against South Africa, despite Corbin Bosch's impressive bowling performance.
Virat Kohli headed back to London to rejoin his family.
New Zealand batter Mark Chapman said Abhishek Sharma's breathtaking six-hitting is driven by planning and game awareness, adding that the Kiwis will look to learn from the Indian opener ahead of the T20 World Cup.
New Zealand will aim to secure their spot in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup when they face Canada, while also looking to address weaknesses exposed in their previous match against South Africa.
It is learnt that India was mulling various options relating to the project after Trump administration threatened a 25 per cent additional tariff on countries doing business with Tehran.
India Under-19 sealed their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 U-19 World Cup on Sunday, knocking arch-rivals Pakistan out of contention with a disciplined all-round performance at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam will attend the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash in Colombo, hoping to resolve tensions with the BCCI following recent disputes.
Afghanistan on Sunday unveiled a 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, scheduled from September 9 to 28 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
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