Tag: india

AHMEDABAD: Sanju Samson starred as dominant India thrashed New Zealand to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here on Sunday. 

Set a daunting 256, New Zealand were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs.

New Zealand were jolted early in a big chase as they were reduced to 47-3 in only 4.5 overs.

Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah were the chief tormentors as the BlackCaps could not get going.

With the asking rate rising, it was never an easy task for them. Tim Siefert resisted with a brisk half-century; his innings came to an end in the eighth over.

As a result, New Zealand were in dire straits with five down for 72 in 8.1 overs.

The game was long done and dusted as skipper Mitchell Santner scored a spirited 43 from 35 balls with the aid of three fours and two sixes, only reducing the margin of defeat.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah remained the standout bowler with four wickets to his name while Axar Patel managed to take three.

With this, India became the first team to win the T20 World Cup for a record third time and the first to successfully defend its title.

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Earlier, Sanju Samson top-scored with 89 as India posted a mammoth total.

Asked to bat first, India racked up 244-6 in their 20 overs.

The foundation for a big total was laid by openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. The pair added 98 in 7.1 overs before Rachin Ravindra got him. The southpaw made 52 from 21, striking three sixes and half a dozen fours.

Despite the wicket, India continued on to pile runs as Kishan joined Samson at the crease. The pair forged a 105-run partnership from 45 balls to put India in a dominant position with the scorecard now reading 202 in 15 overs.

With India eyeing a 300-run target, Jimmy Neesham somehow provided New Zealand a respite with a triple-wicket over.

He took three in an over to halt the host charge and put his team back in the competition. Neesham first picked up Samson, who made 89 from 46, whereas Kishan scored 54 from 25 balls.

New Zealand did well to stem the flow of runs, but it was Shivam Dube’s whirlwind knock that took the total to over 250 runs. The left-hander made 20 off eight with the aid of two sixes and three fours.

For New Zealand, James Neesham scalped three wickets.

READ: WATCH: New Zealand bowler makes history with triple hat-trick

AHMEDABAD: India opener Sanju Samson on Sunday broke multiple records with an epic knock against New Zealand in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here on Sunday. 

The right-hander top-scored with 89 from 44 balls, playing a pivotal role in the team’s mammoth total of 255 runs in 20 overs.

After scoring 89, he became the third batter to record consecutive half-centuries in the semi-final and final of the mega event.

He joined former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi and his compatriot Virat, who registered the feat in 2009 and 2014, respectively.

Half-century in semi-final and final of T20 World Cup

Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – in 2009

Virat Kohli (India) – in 2014

Sanju Samson (India) – in 2026

Moreover, his 89 is now also the highest score in the final of the T20 World Cup, surpassing Marlon Samuels’ record of 85 against England in 2016.

Highest individual scores in T20 World Cup final:

Sanju Samson (India) – 89 against New Zealand in 2026

Marlon Samuels (West Indies) – 85 against England in 2016

Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – 85 against Australia in 2021

Marlon Samuels (West Indies) – 78 against Sri Lanka in 2012

Virat Kohli (India) – 76 against South Africa in 2024

Besides this, the wicket-keeper batter is only the third batter to hit three consecutive 80-plus scores in the T20I format.

Samson has been in sublime form, having scored 97, 89, and 89 in his last three innings.

Consecutive 80-plus scores in T20Is

Mahela Jayawardene, (SL) 2010

Gustav Mckeon, (FRA) 2022

Sanju Samson, (IND) 2026

READ: WATCH: New Zealand bowler makes history with triple hat-trick

MUMBAI: Several teams participating in the T20 World Cup 2026 are set to leave India over the weekend on charter flights arranged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after being stranded due to disruptions in air travel caused by the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East.

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, England, South Africa and West Indies were among the sides unable to depart the country following their elimination from the T20 World Cup.

England, who suffered a semi-final defeat against India on Thursday, are scheduled to leave Mumbai on Saturday evening aboard a charter flight bound for London.

Meanwhile, South Africa and the West Indies will depart from Kolkata on a separate charter flight.

Both teams are expected to travel to Johannesburg first before the West Indies squad continues onward to Antigua. While the exact departure time is yet to be finalised, both teams are expected to leave on Sunday.

South Africa and the West Indies have remained in Kolkata since their exits from the tournament.

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South Africa were knocked out after losing to New Zealand in the first semi-final on March 4, while the West Indies have been in the city since their defeat against India in their final Super Eight fixture on March 1.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy even took to social media to highlight the delay, posting “Day 6” on his X account on Saturday, a reference to the number of days the team had been waiting to travel after their last match.

Some members of the South African contingent will have a tight turnaround after leaving India.

Team management members, along with players Keshav Maharaj, Jason Smith and George Linde, are scheduled to travel to New Zealand on Sunday for a limited-overs tour that begins on March 15.

Zimbabwe also experienced travel delays after playing their final match of the tournament on March 1, though parts of their squad were able to depart India on March 4.

The ongoing T20 World Cup, which began on February 7 across venues in India and Sri Lanka, will conclude on Sunday with the final between India and New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

READ: Aryna Sabalenka shows off engagement ring during Indian Wells win

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has heaped praise on India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, likening him to a “genie” after the fast bowler delivered a decisive spell in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England.

Bumrah once again proved why he is regarded as one of the most lethal bowlers in world cricket, playing a pivotal role in India’s narrow seven-run victory in a high-scoring contest at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

Defending a daunting total of 253, India faced a tense finish as England mounted a fierce chase, largely powered by Jacob Bethell’s explosive century.

With 45 runs required off the final three overs, captain Suryakumar Yadav turned to Bumrah for the crucial 18th over.

The right-arm pacer responded with remarkable composure, delivering a mix of pinpoint yorkers and deceptive full deliveries that restricted England to just six runs in the over.

The tight spell ultimately swung the momentum back in India’s favour as England fell agonisingly short despite Bethell’s 105.

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Speaking after the match, Faf du Plessis described Bumrah as a dream weapon for any captain.

“Team India probably doesn’t realise how fortunate they are to have him,” du Plessis said.

“You just hand him the ball, and he finds a way to win matches for you. It’s a superpower every captain would want. It’s like having a genie, you rub the lamp, and Bumrah appears.”

The 32-year-old finished with figures of 1-33 in his four overs in a match that saw a combined total of 499 runs scored, highlighting the difficulty bowlers faced on the batting-friendly surface.

Du Plessis also pointed to Bumrah’s unconventional action as a key factor behind his effectiveness, noting that it makes it extremely difficult for batters to pick the ball early.

“Even when the batter knows what’s coming, a yorker or a slower ball, it’s still hard to line him up,” he explained. “His action is unique, and the ball comes out so quickly that batters struggle to react in time.”

READ: England skipper Harry Brook heaps high praise on Jacob Bethell

MUMBAI: Sanju Samson starred as India defeated England in a high-scoring contest to reach the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand here at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

More to follow….

Chasing a daunting 254, spirited England managed 246-7 in their 20 overs.

England were off to a shaky start as they lost three wickets in the powerplay.  Phil Salt made five before getting caught in the second over.

Meanwhile, skipper Harry Brook and Jos Buttler were sent back for seven and 25 respectively.

Consequently, England were 64-3 when Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton joined hands in a bid to put the chase back on track.

The pair added 30 from 10 balls for the fourth wicket, bringing the team’s total to 95 in 7.3 overs.

Earlier, Sanju Samson 89 from 44 balls powered India to a big total of 253-7 in 20 overs.

After losing Abishek Sharma for nine in the second over, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan laid the foundation for a big total. The pair took the total from 20 to 117 in 9.3 overs.

Kishan made 39 from 18 with the help of two sixes and four boundaries.

After his departure, Samson continued on, forging another partnership of 43 runs with Shivam Dube.

He eventually got caught off a wider delivery from Will Jacks on the score of 89. The right-hander hit seven maximums and eight fours in his 42 balls knock.

Despite his wicket, England’s bowlers could not stem the flow of runs. Dube hit 43 off 25 while Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma also chipped in with 27 and 21, respectively.

For England, Adil Rashid and Will Jacks picked up two wickets.

Playing XIs

India XI: 1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Sanju Samson (wk), 3 Ishan Kishan, 4 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 5 Tilak Varma, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Shivam Dube, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Arshdeep Singh, 10 Varun Chakravarthy, 11 Jasprit Bumrah

England XI: 1 Phil Salt, 2 Jos Buttler (wk), 3 Jacob Bethell, 4 Harry Brook (capt), 5 Tom Banton, 6 Sam Curran, 7 Will Jacks, 8 Jamie Overton, 9 Liam Dawson, 10 Jofra Archer, 11 Adil Rashid.

READ: Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed join Pakistan men’s selection committee

KOLKATA: West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has issued a plea to return home following his side delayed exit from India due to travel disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis.

Sammy took to X account and shared his frustration over the delayed departure.

“I just wanna go home”, he wrote.

“At least an update, tell us something. Today tmw, next week. It’s been 5 days,” he later posted.

West Indies are one of the teams stuck in India due to the crisis in the Middle East. As per the report, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had initially informed the West Indies that efforts were underway to arrange a charter flight to London for the team’s return to the Caribbean.

It is believed the plan was for the team to depart from India mid-week, though no exact date was specified. Despite this, the West Indies team remains in Kolkata, where they lost to India in the Super Eights on March 1.

On Wednesday, Zimbabwe’s first group of squad members departed Delhi for home following the ICC’s changes to their travel plans.

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Similar to West Indies, Zimbabwe played their final T20 World Cup match on March 1 in Delhi against South Africa, confirmed by Zimbabwe Cricket.

The Chevrons were initially set to leave on March 2, but that plan was cancelled.

“Zimbabwe Cricket confirms that the Zimbabwe senior men’s team participating in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 are on their way home from India after the ICC secured alternative travel arrangements following recent transit disruptions,” Zimbabwe Cricket said in a statement.

“Due to flight availability and revised routing, the squad will return to Harare in batches. Zimbabwe’s original travel route was via Dubai on an Emirates flight but it had to be altered. It has been learnt that Zimbabwe are now travelling to Harare via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,” it added.

South Africa was eliminated after losing to New Zealand on Wednesday night and now awaits their return schedule. If England loses to India in the second semi-final on Thursday, their travel arrangements will also need to be planned.

READ: Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed join Pakistan men’s selection committee

MUMBAI: England have won the toss and decided to bowl first against India in the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

Playing XIs

India XI: 1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Sanju Samson (wk), 3 Ishan Kishan, 4 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 5 Tilak Varma, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Shivam Dube, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Arshdeep Singh, 10 Varun Chakravarthy, 11 Jasprit Bumrah

England XI: 1 Phil Salt, 2 Jos Buttler (wk), 3 Jacob Bethell, 4 Harry Brook (capt), 5 Tom Banton, 6 Sam Curran, 7 Will Jacks, 8 Jamie Overton, 9 Liam Dawson, 10 Jofra Archer, 11 Adil Rashid.

Head to Head

India and England have faced each other 29 times in T20Is, with the Men in Blue emerging victorious on 17 occasions while the Three Lions have managed to win 12 games.

READ: Finn Allen smashes multiple records with T20 World Cup semi-final blitz

India will need a “special performance” to beat a “street-smart” England in their T20 World Cup semi-final in Mumbai, bowling coach Morne Morkel warned on Wednesday.

Sanju Samson’s sparkling 97 not out enabled India to chase down 196 against the West Indies in a winner-takes-all clash on Sunday in Kolkata.

Morne said India would again need someone “to put their hand up” against Harry Brook’s side on Thursday night to keep the nation’s dream of a home World Cup win alive.

Morkel agreed India had not put together a flawless display in the tournament yet, but said that did not matter.

“We haven’t really spoken about the perfect game,” Morne told reporters at Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium after India’s final training session before Thursday’s big clash.

“It’s not about how you get to the semi-finals. It’s about the next two games, how we’re going to play there.

“I think the quality of this team has been shown that on the day somebody will put their hand up.

“Then hopefully, especially tomorrow night, we can put that special performance in.”

It is the third T20 World Cup in a row that India will play England in the semi-finals.

Both previous times the winners went on to lift the trophy.

In 2022, England crushed India by 10 wickets in Adelaide and beat Pakistan in the Melbourne final.

Two years ago India won in Guyana by a similarly dominant 68 runs before downing South Africa in Barbados.

This time, though, India will have the backing of 35,000 fiercely partisan fans in Mumbai.

“It’s a big occasion tomorrow night here, a semi-final, a great stadium to play a great game of cricket,” said Morkel.

“So hopefully the boys can rock up tomorrow and just be calm and execute those skills.”

India are leaving nothing to chance in their preparations.

Training on Tuesday night was delayed by an hour so it did not coincide with a lunar eclipse, which is considered unlucky in India.

“I was told about the lunar eclipse and the session was pushed backwards,” admitted Morkel.

“I think the most important thing to focus on was the quality the guys put in at training, which was great to see.”

India hosted the T20 World Cup in 2016 and lost in a Mumbai semi-final to eventual champions the West Indies.

India are wary of the threat posed by England, who were shaky in the group phase but powered through the Super Eights with wins over Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand.

“They’re a team that’s street smart. Obviously there’s a lot of quality in their side,” said Morkel.

“Their batting is deep, which makes them a very dangerous side. With the ball, they’ve got a lot of attacking options.

“The way they approach a T20 game, fearless, trying to take the game on, will give you opportunities.

“Tomorrow is going to be a good shoot-out between two aggressive teams.”

READ: PCB unveils squads and schedule for National T20 Cup 2026

The West Indies and Zimbabwe cricket squads and support staff at the T20 World Cup 2026 have been stranded in India, unable to leave because of airspace closures and travel chaos caused by the war in the Middle East.

Both sides exited the tournament on Sunday at the end of the Super Eights stage and had been scheduled to fly home from India via the United Arab Emirates.

But after Iran responded to an attack by the United States and Israel on Saturday by firing missiles and drones across the Gulf region, thousands of flights have been cancelled in the busy hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“The Zimbabwe senior men’s team remains safe and well in India,” Zimbabwe Cricket said in a statement late Monday.

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“The squad was scheduled to return home via Dubai, but travel plans have been affected by the evolving situation in the Middle East, which has disrupted key transit routes.”

Cricket West Indies (CWI) said they were “working closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC), relevant governmental authorities and airline partners to secure the earliest possible safe travel arrangements for the squad and support staff”.

The ICC has its headquarters in Dubai, where the airport was damaged, and numerous explosions have occurred in recent days.

The cricket world governing body said it had activated comprehensive contingency plans to safeguard everyone associated with the T20 World Cup.

READ: ICC unveils match officials for T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals

KOLKATA: Sanju Samson starred as India sealed a five-wicket win over West Indies to set up England semi-final in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The defending champions chased down the challenging target of 197 with four balls to spare.

With this, the four semi-final teams have been locked in.

South Africa will face New Zealand in the first semi-final at Kolkata on March 4 while India will play England in the second semi-final on March 5 at Wankhede.

The hosts were jolted with early blows in the power play, with two of their key batters, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, back in the hutch. Both batters were caught after scoring 10 runs each.

After an early wobble, Samson and skipper Suryakumar Yadav held the innings together with a 58-run partnership that took the team’s total to 99 in 10.2 overs.

The stand culminated with Suryakumar’s wicket, who scored 18 from 16 with the aid of a six and a four.

Despite the wicket, Samson held one end together with Tilak Varma playing a brisk knock off 27 from 15 to put the hosts in the driving seat.

Samson was involved in a string of partnerships as he finally took his side home with a boundary on the second ball of the last over.

His unbeaten 97 from 50 included four sixes and 12 boundaries.

For West Indies, Shamar Joseph and Jason Holder scalped two wickets each.

Earlier, Jason Holder and Rovman Powell provided West Indies with a late impetus to help them post a strong total.

Put into bat first, West Indies racked up 195-4 in 20 overs on the back of a solid start from openers Shai Hope and Roston Chase.

The pair added 68 in 8.5 overs as Varun Chakravarthy managed to get one through the gate to get rid of skipper Shai Hope.

The right-hander’s 32 from 33 included a six and three fours.

Following the wicket, West Indies’ leading run scorer in the tournament, Shimron Hetmyer, came to the fore and slammed a brisk 27 from 12 balls to push the run rate. The left-hander hit two maximums and a four in his enterprising knock.

His onslaught took the scorecard to 102 in 11.3 overs before Jasprit Bumrah removed both of the set batters — Hetmyer and Chase (40 off 25 balls) in succession to put India in a strong position.

India managed to keep West Indies quiet, resulting in Sherfane Rutherford’s (14) wicket. As a result, West Indies were reduced to 119-4 in 14.1 overs.

However, Jason Holder and Rovman Powell provided their side a much-needed late impetus with an unbeaten 76* run stand off just 35 balls.

Holder struck three towering sixes and two fours on his way to 37* from 22, whereas Powell also chipped in with a handful of 34 not out off 19 balls, hitting two sixes and three boundaries.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah took two wickets.