In the WPL 2026 Eliminator clash against Gujarat Giants (GG), Delhi Capitals (DC) emerged victorious by seven wickets at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium in Kotambi. During the match, DC skipper Jemimah Rodrigues played a crucial knock of 41 runs off just 23 deliveries, which was laced with four boundaries and a maximum. She was also named the "Player of the Match" for her contributions. The win has also helped the DC seal its berth in the final of the WPL 2026. Speaking about the match, Rodrigues said that magic happens if you keep believing as a team. "It is great. This final feels different. With GG, the last two games did not go our way. If you keep believing as a team, magic happens," she said. When asked about what had changed during the tournament, the skipper said that the players kept trusting themselves and credited her bowlers for helping the side secure a win. She also gave special mention to opening duo, Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma. "Nothing. Even our team meeting was short. We tried not to overthink. To trust ourselves. When you keep calm, things fall into place. A lot of credit goes to our bowlers. Our bowlers won us the game. They make my job easy as captain. One more game to go, and we keep the same plans. Today was a restoration for us. The way Shafali and Lee, if they bat that way, it is very hard as a bowling team. Glad they are on my team," said Rodrigues. During the game, the captain also stitched an important partnership of 68 runs with Laura Wolvaardt. Reflecting on the partnership, she said that they stuck to their game plan and were trying to play on the merit of the ball. "Did not worry too much about the score, stuck to our game and played on merit. I was doing one thing (earlier) - I was trying way too hard. Last two games, I just let go. Backed myself. Did not even practice. Because I was practising so hard, trying to hit every ball perfectly. In one of the interviews, I heard about a butterfly. The more desperate you are, the more it goes away. But the more you just let go, the more it comes and sits on your shoulder. Credit to Wolfie (Wolvaardt) to bat with such intent (and positivity). One more game to go. We are going to keep our plans simple. One more game to go, and then we will celebrate," said the 25-year-old cricketer. WPL 2026, DC vs RCB final: Date and Venue Delhi Capitals are all set to lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the title clash of the WPL 2026 on February 5 at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium in Kotambi. (With ANI Inputs)
04 February,2026 06:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the T20 World Cup 2026, former England captain Nasser Hussain said that South Africa will miss the services of Heinrich Klaasen against spin during the global showpiece. "Heinrich Klaasen's absence is odd. Just look at the year South African cricket has had, both men and women; it's been incredible. Despite all the challenges South African cricket has faced and the way they have managed them, this is one situation I would have liked them to handle differently," Hussain said on JioStar's 'The Expert View'. The former England cricketer also said that he would have gone to Klassen, telling him that he is his first pick for the global tournament in India and Sri Lanka. Nasser also said that every cricketer is replaceable, but feels that Klaasen's absence is a blow for the Proteas. "I do not know if they could have managed it better, but I would have gone to him and said, 'I do not care what you do, you are such a key player for us. When we get to India and Sri Lanka for a T20 World Cup, you are my number one pick, and I want you there.' It may have happened, or it may not have, I don't know. He may have said, 'No, that's not for me, I'm moving on,' and that's fine because everyone is replaceable. Every single cricketer is replaceable. But he is such a good player, especially against spin, which is going to be crucial in this tournament. So that is a blow for South Africa," he said. The T20 World Cup 2026 is all set to kick off from February 7, and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. South Africa is placed in Group D of the tournament along with teams such as Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Proteas will begin their campaign by playing a clash against Canada on February 9 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. South Africa's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs. (With ANI Inputs)
04 February,2026 05:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFormer Team India captain MS Dhoni recently revealed why he avoids the commentary box post-retirement. In a YouTube interaction with sports presenter Jatin Sapru, the former skipper labelled commentary as a "difficult" job. "Commentary is very difficult. I feel there is a very fine line between describing the game and in that process getting into a zone where you start criticising individuals who are playing the game. It's a very thin line," he said. He said that a commentator needs to be smart enough to explain the reasons behind a team’s losses without making anyone feel targeted. "Often, you don't even feel that what you are doing is may be borderline wrong. You would always like to be on the other side where you are describing the game. If you feel something is wrong you say it out. But how to put it, that is also an art, how to politely put it forward where nobody feels targeted...If the team is losing there are reasons behind it, and you need to have the skill of describing those reasons without anybody feeling bad. That is the art of commentary," said Dhoni. The former cricketer also feels that not able to memorise statistics also puts him at a disadvantage. "I'm not good with stats...but there are a lot of people who are very good with stats. They know stats...If you ask me about my stats, I'll be like hmmm and there are certain people who know stats about not just Indian cricket team or the Indian players but everyone throughout the era," said the 44-year-old former cricketer. T20 World Cup 2026: Team India's schedule On the other hand, Team India is all set to engage in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Team India is placed in Group A of the marquee event along with teams such as Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the United States of America (USA). They will begin their global showpiece campaign by playing a clash against the USA on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. They will then lock horns with Namibia on February 12 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The much-anticipated clash of the tournament between arch-rivals, India and Pakistan, is scheduled to be played on February 15 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. India will then conclude its group stage matches by playing a game against the Netherlands on February 18 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (With PTI Inputs)
04 February,2026 04:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIt’s time to honour Mumbai cricket’s milestone men! Among players with 100-plus Tests, only Sachin Tendulkar remains, already honoured with a 20‑seat enclosure at Garware Pavilion On 24 January 1976, Dilip Vengsarkar made his Test debut, beginning a career that became a cornerstone of Indian cricket. As we marked the half-century of his India debut recently, it’s a good moment to reflect on how the MCA honours its legends. In 2021, the MCA gifted Sunil Gavaskar a special AC box to mark his half-century of Test cricket and 100‑plus Tests — a gesture many now feel should be extended to Vengsarkar. Among players with 100-plus Tests, only Sachin Tendulkar remains, already honoured with a 20‑seat enclosure at Garware Pavilion. Ravi Shastri, with 230 international appearances, falls short of the threshold for an AC box by 20 Tests, but his contribution is vast. He was part of the 1983 World Cup‑winning squad, the “Champion of Champions” in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket, and the first Indian to hit six sixes in an over in first‑class cricket. As head coach, he guided India to series wins in Australia (2018‑19, 2020‑21), and is a fine commentator. Perhaps it’s time to celebrate his all-round contributions by naming a stand after him. Veterans Ramakant Desai, Dilip Sardesai, and Eknath Solkar also merit recognition at Wankhede through stands or facilities. Add to the list of honour, Ajinkya Rahane’s remarkable 85 Tests and captaincy during India’s Australia tour win. If MCA is open to honouring players who’ve represented multiple state associations, Zaheer Khan (92 Tests) is a notable example. But beyond celebrations, is there space for more such honours? With limited real estate, a clear policy on honours like AC boxes and statues will ensure tributes are meaningful and sustainable. Honouring legends is vital, but so is planning for the future — balancing tribute with practicality. Jagdish Achrekar was MCA’s Treasurer before the 2022 elections. The views expressed in this column are the individual’s and don’t represent those of the paper.
04 February,2026 04:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Jagdish AchrekarSane Guruji School (Dadar) registered a massive 180-run win over Shishuvan School (Matunga) in Round One of the inter-school girls U-16 Manoramaben cricket knockout tournament at Matunga Gymkhana on Tuesday. Batting first, Sane Guruji posted an imposing 202-2 in their quota of 10 overs. Tanvi Lad led the charge with a fluent 76 not out off 43 balls (14x4), and was well supported by Sara Apraj (42 off 45). Shishuvan’s wayward bowling (42 no balls, and 16 wides) also provided an additional boost to Sane Guruji’s total. In reply, Shishuvan crumbled to 22-9 in their allotted overs. Aayushi Surve excelled with the ball for Sane Guruji with figures of 5-6, while Savi Dhavale chipped in with 3-2. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 February,2026 09:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Rufus VedanayagamRiding on skipper Thomas Rew’s century, England beat Australia by 27 runs in their ICC U-19 World Cup semi-final clash as Australia captain Oliver Peake’s ton went in vain here on Tuesday. Opting to bat, England posted 277-7 in their allotted 50 overs. Skipper Rew led the way with a gritty 107-ball 110, including 14 fours and a six. No. 5 batter Caleb Falconer chipped in with a 53-ball 40. Hayden Schiller (2-31) and Naden Cooray (2-49) were the pick of the bowlers for the Aussies. In reply, Australia were bundled out for 250 in 47.3 overs. Peake (100 off 88 balls) held the innings together with some support from opener Nitesh Samuel (47). However, Australia still fell short as wickets kept falling at the other end at regular intervals. Brief scoresEngland 277-7 in 50 overs (T Rew 110, C Falconer 40; H Schiller 2-31, N Cooray 2-49) beat Australia 250 all out in 47.3 overs (O Peake 100, N Samuel 47; J Minto 2-30, S Morgan 2-33, R Albert 2-45, M Lumsden 2-55) by 27 runs This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 February,2026 09:15 AM IST | Bulawayo | AgenciesYogesh Mhatre, the father of India U-19 skipper Ayush Mhatre has an inspiring message for his son on the eve of India’s ICC U-19 World Cup semi-final against Afghanistan at Harare, Zimbabwe. ‘India have a balanced side’ Speaking to mid-day over the phone from their Vasai home, Mhatre Sr said that he wants five-time champions India to remain unbeaten in the biennial competition. “I have told Ayush not to take any pressure. He should remain in the present and be ready to face any situation with a positive mindset. Our Indian team is a balanced side in both, the batting and bowling departments. The team’s bonding is also great and every individual is shouldering his responsibility perfectly. I’m sure they will play with full confidence in the semi-final and remain unbeaten and go on to win the tournament for the sixth time,” Mhatre Sr told mid-day on Tuesday. India U-19 skipper Ayush Mhatre with father Yogesh (right) Mumbai-based Ayush, who is known for his attacking batting, has so far scored 99 runs in five matches besides claiming six wickets with his accurate off-spinners. Another Mumbai boy, wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu, and attacking opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are India’s top run-getters currently, scoring 199 and 196 respectively. Another promising batter is Vihaan Malhotra, who scored an unbeaten 109 against Zimbabwe. He has collected 172 runs in five matches so far. Pacer Henil Patel leads India’s bowling department with 11 scalps, while fellow pacer RS Ambrish and left-arm spinner Khilan Patel have bowled well, picking up eight wickets apiece. Learnings from MS Dhoni Teenaged Ayush, 18, played under former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for Chennai Super Kings in the previous Indian Premier League (IPL), and Mhatre Sr reckons young Ayush is also trying to learn to lead and motivate the young Indian team just like his IPL skipper. “Ayush has always remained in touch with his senior players. And he is trying to lead this U-19 team in the same way his captains in the other senior teams guided and handled him. He is always chatting with his teammates about their specific roles. Since childhood, he is used to playing with older players, so given that experience, he handles his teammates well and prefers to give them a freehand and back their skills,” said Yogesh. ‘Motivate all your players’ Interestingly, though the father and son chat regularly over the phone, Yogesh particularly recalled their last conversation before his son’s departure for Zimbabwe. “I remember when he was leaving, I told him to be confident, positive and return with the U-19 World Cup for our country. I also told him that though individual performances are good, he should also look to motivate all his players to give their best and perform well. I’m hoping he has his hands on that World Cup this Friday.” TwoNo of centuries struck by Ayush Mhatre in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy 240No of runs scored by Ayush Mhatre in seven matches at IPL 2025 1No of half-tons for Mhatre in five games at the ICC U-19 World Cup 99No of runs scored by Ayush Mhatre in five matches at the ongoing ICC U-19 World Cup
04 February,2026 09:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh MayureUnbeaten so far in the tournament, a confident and all-round India will be overwhelming favourites against Afghanistan in the semi-final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup here on Wednesday. India are the most successful team in the history of the event, having annexed the title five times (2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, 2022), followed by Australia, who have won the trophy four times. Come Wednesday, India will look to take one step forward towards a record sixth title. India have had a great run in the tournament, having won all their five matches quite comfortably, including a 58-run win over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Super Six stage. Afghanistan too has had a fairly good tournament, winning four out of their five games, their only loss coming against Sri Lanka by four wickets. Going by form and overall composition, India will hold an edge over the Afghans in the knock-out game. Wicket-keeper batter Abhigyan Kundu has been the star performer for India with the bat as the left-hander has so far amassed 199 runs from five games with two half centuries to his name. Big-hitting opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (196 runs in 5 matches with 2 fifties) too has been in good form but the team management would want him to convert his half-centuries into three-figure scores. All-rounder Vihaan Malhotra (172 runs from 5 games) is the other Indian batter to look out for. He struck the lone century (109 not out) against Zimbabwe in group stages. 5No of wins for India at the 2026 ICC U-19 World Cup so far 10-2 India and Afghanistan’s head-to-head record across 12 Youth ODIs since 2010 This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 February,2026 09:06 AM IST | Harare | PTIAbhishek Sharma, the destroyer The swashbuckling India opener’s ultra-aggressive batting approach set the team up for success often. He scored 182 runs in five outings at 45.50 and a series-topping strike rate of 249.31. While he went for ducks in the second and fourth T20I, Abhishek made up for it with scores of 84, 68 not out and 30 in the remaining three matches, all of which India won. Ishan Kishan’s explosive comeback After being out of the Indian team for over two years, Kishan came back with a bang, scoring 215 runs in just four innings at a whopping average of 53.75 and strike rate of 231.18. The Jharkhand skipper, who scored 517 runs in 10 Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy matches, calling for his return to the national team, registered scores of eight, 76, 28, 103. He signed off in the final outing with a 42-ball century, solidifying his case for a spot in the playing XI for the T20 World Cup. Skipper Surya returns to form After a disastrous 2025, the India captain finally found his feet again, emerging as the highest run-getter of the series with 242 runs. The former World No. 1 T20 batter notched up scores of 32, 82 not out, 57 not out, eight and 63, at a staggering average of 80.66. If he continues in this vein, it will only brighten India’s chances of retaining the T20 World Cup. Rinku, Dube boost lower-order power While Rinku came out to bat only thrice (at No. 4, 6, and 7), and Dube received four chances (at No 6), both showed the solidity they provide in the latter stage of an innings. Rinku scored 91 runs at a strike rate of 156.89 with scores of 44 not out, 39 and eight not out in the first, fourth and fifth match. On the other hand, Dube scored 117 runs at a strike rate only second to Suryakumar, at 248.93. He scored nine, 36 not out, 65 and seven not out in his four outings. The fast-bowling all-rounder also claimed three wickets in the series. Bowlers hit the right notes Between both teams, India were superior with the ball, claiming 37 wickets in five games compared to NZ’s 26. India got wickets through 10 bowlers while eight NZ bowlers were successful. India pacer Arshdeep Singh emerged as the highest wicket-taker with eight scalps. Additionally, six India bowlers operated at an economy under 10, while all of NZ’s wicket-taking bowlers were in excess of 10.
04 February,2026 09:02 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesIndia opener Rohit Sharma has expressed his gratitude after being conferred with the Padma Shri, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, calling it a special moment for him, while reiterating his unwavering desire to win matches for India. “Receiving the Padma Shri is a very special moment for me and my family. I thank the government for this honour. My effort to win matches and trophies for my country will always continue. Jai Hind.” Rohit said in a video shared by Doordarshan Sports on X. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 February,2026 09:00 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSIn the WPL 2026 Eliminator match against Gujarat Giants, Delhi Capitals emerged victorious by seven wickets at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium in Kotambi. The win also helped the Jemimah Rodrigues-led women seal their berth in the WPL 2026 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). While chasing a target of 169 runs, Delhi Capitals posted 169 runs for the loss of three wickets in 15.4 overs. Opening the innings, Lizelle Lee scored 43 runs off just 24 balls, with the help of eight boundaries and a maximum. Shouldering her was Shafali Verma, who smashed 31 runs in 21 deliveries, including seven boundaries. Skipper Jemimah Rodrigues accumulated 41 runs off 23 deliveries, which was laced with four boundaries and a maximum. Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp stayed unbeaten. Facing 24 balls, Wolvaardt garnered 32 runs, with the help of two boundaries and a maximum, whereas Kapp scored four runs in three balls, including a boundary. Gujarat Giants' Georgia Wareham bagged two wickets by giving away 28 runs in 3.4 overs. Rajeshwari Gayakwad also claimed one wicket by conceding 33 runs in her spell of three overs. Earlier, having put to bat first, premier all-rounder Sophie Devine departed after scoring just six runs in nine balls, including a boundary. Anushka Sharma registered a score of 16 runs in 13 balls, with the help of two boundaries. Skipper Ashleigh Gardner returned to the pavilion after registering a first-ball duck. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, opening batswoman Beth Mooney delivered a crucial knock. Facing 51 deliveries, she scored an unbeaten 62 runs by smashing six boundaries. Shouldering her was Georgia Wareham, who accumulated 35 runs in 25 balls, with the help of three boundaries and a maximum. With this, the Gujarat Giants posted a total of 168 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs against the Delhi Capitals. Chinelle Henry was the most successful bowler for the Delhi Capitals. Having bowled four overs, she returned with the figures of three wickets by conceding 35 runs. Nandni Sharma also claimed two wickets for 44 runs in four overs. Minnu Mani chipped in with one wicket and gave away 23 runs in four overs.
03 February,2026 11:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
