Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Smriti Mandhana will have the opportunity to lead her side to parity with Mumbai Indians in terms of success in the Women’s Premier League, while Delhi Capitals will look to break their final jinx when the tournament’s two most entertaining sides take on each other in the summit clash here on Thursday. Former champions RCB have enjoyed a dream run this season, repeatedly showing the ability to step up and bounce back when the chips are down. That resilience helped them create history by beginning their campaign with five consecutive wins, becoming the first WPL team to do so. Adding to that, one or two players from within the group have consistently taken their game to the next level when required, a pattern that has emerged with monotonous regularity this season. If Australian stalwart Grace Harris’ blazing 75 against UP Warriorz in the previous match — after a topsy-turvy season — set the tone for an emphatic eight-wicket win, then little-known Gautami Naik’s 73 against Gujarat Giants proved pivotal in a commanding 61-run victory for the 2024 champions, who will be aiming for a second title to draw level with Mumbai Indians. Although RCB batters — including Mandhana, Harris, Georgia Voll and Richa Ghosh — have lacked consistency this season, isolated but timely contributions have proved decisive. Pace bowlers Nadine de Klerk and Sayali Satghare have delivered when it has mattered most. 6No of wins for RCB in eight matches so far, including a five-match streak at the start 4No of WPL final appearances for Delhi Capitals without a win 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
05 February,2026 01:35 PM IST | Vadodara | PTIBollywood star Sanya Malhotra lit up the evening with a sparkling dance routine ahead of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Eliminator between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Giants in Vadodara on Tuesday, and later said that it was one of her finest live displays. “After my performances, I’m known to be really critical, but this was the first time I’ve felt so good. The crowd was amazing, and it feels incredible to be performing at a stadium this amazing,” she said via a video posted by the WPL’s Instagram account on Wednesday. Interestingly, Malhotra, 33, revealed that her training (fitness) regimen over the last year has been inspired by athletes. “I’ve trained like an athlete for a year, and it completely changed my mind towards fitness and discipline. They [athletes] are honestly superheroes,” she added. The Dangal star will next be seen on screen in Anurag Kashyap’s Bandar — a film that explores the complicated aftermath of the #MeToo movement.
05 February,2026 01:34 PM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesSri Ma Vidyalaya (Thane) cruised to a 10-wicket win over Adarsha Vidyalaya High School and Junior College (Bhandup) in the second round of the Mumbai School Sports Association’s (MSSA) Manoramben Apte U-16 girls knockout cricket tournament at Jolly Gymkhana (Vidyavihar) on Wednesday. After opting to bat first, Adarsha Vidyalaya struggled against a disciplined bowling unit and staggered to a score of 36-5 in their 10-over quota. Jivika Chalke (14) and Aditi Mohite (10) were the only batters to enter double figures, against the Sri Ma Vidyalaya bowling attack led by Kavya Bhagwat (3-10). The Thane outfit chased down the target comfortably, ending the match at 39-0 (2.3 overs), thanks to Vallari Deshmukh’s unbeaten 12-ball 22.
05 February,2026 11:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Rufus VedanayagamFormer Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi has criticised Pakistan’s decision to boycott its group-stage fixture against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, saying the spirit of cricket is diminished when politics influences sporting participation. Speaking to IANS, Modi said, “Cricket was created to be decided on the field, not in boardrooms or through boycotts. When politics enters sport, the game loses — but fans always remember who stood for competition.” Pakistan’s withdrawal from the marquee clash, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, follows directives issued at the governmental level. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is understood to be consulting stakeholders to evaluate the implications. Modi further cautioned that the fallout could extend beyond a single fixture. “Broadcast rights of bilateral matches and future of ICC revenues will further come under a lens as broadcasters will be cautious bidding high amounts as this could snowball into future participation of teams. Only gainer in this scenario will be IPL,” he said. 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
05 February,2026 11:05 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSBatting legend Sachin Tendulkar visited the Mumbai dressing room on Wednesday and addressed a few queries from the players and coaches ahead of the 42-time champions’ Ranji Trophy quarter-final against eight-time winners Karnataka, starting at the MCA-BKC ground on Friday. Skipper Shardul grateful Test pacer and Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur reckoned that the guidance from Tendulkar was very helpful. “We were lucky to be graced by Sachin sir’s presence in the dressing room today [Wednesday]. Rather than just a pep talk, it was more of a Q&A session. All the players and coaches asked him a variety of questions about approach, preparation, winning mindset, handling pressure, etc. Sachin sir’s guidance has always been vital for the Mumbai team and all the boys are happy to receive words of wisdom from the very best,” Thakur said. Batting great Sachin Tendulkar uses two bats, resembling a pitch, to demonstrate how bowlers should shuffle lines and lengths During the hour-long interaction with Tendulkar, it is learnt that Test opener Yashasvi Jaiswal sought advice on how to tackle left-arm spinners. “Jaiswal also told Sachin that whenever he was batting against left-arm spinners, mostly fielders were placed in the deep, to which Sachin responded, saying: ‘If fielders are fielding in the deep, you have to work hard to score runs. Keeping patience is important. You can score runs, but you have to play more balls, play a long innings and spend more time,” a MCA source told mid-day on Wednesday. Taking 20 wickets in the game is very crucial to win a Ranji match and when Thakur requested Tendulkar to guide his bowlers on how to bowl across different sessions, Tendulkar used two bats to resemble a pitch and demonstrated the perfect line and length bowlers should aim for. “Sachin placed two bats on the ground, resembling a pitch and pointed out to the line and length that bowlers should bowl. He said: ‘You can bowl on the stumps in the morning session [shown by placing the bat in the middle].’ He then placed another bat vertically to show the side of the pitch and said: ‘You can bowl away in the second session or when the ball is not swinging’. Everyone listed with rapt attention,” added the source. ‘I would prep one day before’ When Test batter Sarfaraz Khan revealed that he starts thinking about a match four-five days before it, Sachin felt it’s a good thing, but warned that overthinking is not good. Sachin said that he used to prepare for a match one day in advance. He would iron his match clothes a day before the game and packed his bag and that got him into match zone and preparation,” the source concluded.
05 February,2026 10:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh MayureThough it was a warm-up or practice game for the upcoming T20 World Cup, the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian had clear intentions — try to hit every ball for a six or at least four — against South Africa on Wednesday. And they executed it perfectly, posting 240-5 in their allotted 20 overs at the DY Patil Stadium. The hosts hammered 19 sixes and 15 fours as the visitors managed just 33 dot balls. Electing to bat, the explosive batting contest between openers Abhishek Sharma (18-ball 24, 3x4, 1x6) and Ishan Kishan (20-ball 53, 2x4, 7x6) was clearly won by the latter Both batters picked the right deliveries and the length early to execute their fearless approach. In fact, it seemed as though the Jharkhand batter was dealing only in sixes. Kishan dispatched senior SA pacer Lungi Ngidi (0-23) for two sixes in the first over itself. His third six came when he picked another senior SA pacer Kagiso Rabada (0-44) for a maximum over the square-leg fence. When Kishan brought up his quarter-century in 12 balls, Abhishek was on just two. However, with three successive fours off pacer Corbin Bosch (1-31), the left-hander moved into double figures almost instantly. Three sixes off Anrich Nortje from Kishan thereafter saw India reach 73-0 in just five overs. Kishan celebrated his half-century by smashing pacer Kwena Maphaka (1-19) for his seventh six, reaching 53 off just 20 balls. The Proteas got some relief thereafter, though, as Team India decided to retire Kishan out. The fit-again Tilak Varma (45 off 19 balls) then took over, hammering three fours and as many sixes during his short stay at the wicket. Skipper Suryakumar (16-ball 30) began with a six off the very first ball he faced off Nortje. However, his innings was cut short when he attempted the same shot against Maphaka in the 13th over but was caught by George Linde in the deep. Later, all-rounder Hardik Pandya also got among the runs, hitting two fours and three sixes for his 10-ball 30.
05 February,2026 10:54 AM IST | Navi Mumbai | Subodh MayureAaron George’s silken hundred seamlessly merged with the explosive fifties from IPL stars Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre guided India to the ICC U-19 World Cup final with a seven-wicket win over Afghanistan here on Wednesday. India now face England in the summit clash here on Friday. It will be India’s 10th final in the U-19 showpiece, a testimony to BCCI’s structured junior cricket programme that unearths serious talent. Two Afghan centurions India seemed to have a tough task ahead once Afghanistan piled 310-4, built around hundreds by Faisal Shinozada (110) and Uzairullah Niazal (101). Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during his quickfire 33-ball 68 But India cantered past the target in 41.1 overs and it was also their highest-ever chase in the U-19 World Cup. Aaron (115, 104b) led the chase with a hundred of impeccable pace and precision placements of his shots. George gets good support He received ample backing from Sooryavanshi (68 off 33 balls) and Mhatre (62 off 59 balls) as India kept their run-rate above seven all the while. “I knew I was batting well, so the conversion [with team management] definitely mattered. I’m glad I trusted the process and kept believing in my game. Everyone played to their full potential, and I’m very happy to see our top-order doing so well. We are looking forward to the big final,” said George. As is his vaunt, Sooryavanshi gave a flying start to India’s innings with a flurry of boundaries, mainly off off-spinner Wahidullah Zadran. Lucky Sooryavanshi There was a slice of fortune too when Niazal dropped the left-hander on 22 at point off Abdul Aziz. But around that lapse, Sooryavanshi batted quite aggressively, even pulling off a stunning helicopter shot six off pacer Nooristani Omarzai. The opening wicket alliance stopped at 93, but Aaron then combined with Mhatre to add another 114 runs in just over 17 overs to take India past 200 in the 27th over. Earlier, Shinozada and Niazai led the way with magnificent hundreds as Afghanistan posted a challenging total. Faisal top-scored with 110 off 93 balls, while Niazai sparkled with an unbeaten 101-run knock off 86 deliveries as the Indian bowlers struggled to pick wickets at regular intervals. 621Total number of runs scored at Harare on Wednesday — the second-highest match-aggregate in U-19 World Cup knockouts 10No of final appearances for India at the ICC U-19 World Cup 15No of sixes for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in a single edition of the U-19 WC — the joint second-most after England’s Jack Burnham in 2016 FiveTotal number of centuries across the two semi-finals — the most in any edition of the ICC U-19 World Cup Brief scoresAfghanistan 310-4 in 50 overs (F Shinozada 110, U Niazai 101*, O Sadat 39, K Ahmadzai 31; K Chouhan 2-55, D Devendran 2-64) lost to India 311-3 in 41.1 overs (A George 115, V Sooryavanshi 68, A Mhatre 62, V Malhotra 38*; N Omarzai 2-64) by seven wickets
05 February,2026 10:53 AM IST | Harare | PTIIndia delivered a dominant batting display to overpower South Africa by 30 runs in a high-scoring ICC Men's T20 World Cup warm-up fixture at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday. Despite a spirited chase featuring several aggressive cameos, South Africa were unable to keep pace with the required run rate after an early setback. While the Proteas showed depth and intent with the bat, India's bowlers restricted them to 210/7, sealing a confidence-boosting win ahead of the T20 World Cup opener against the USA on February 7. Batting first, India posted a mammoth score of 240/6 in 20 overs. Opener Ishan Kishan slammed 53 off 20 deliveries, including two fours and seven towering sixes. Kishan stitched a blistering 80-run stand for the opening wicket with World No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma, who made 24 off 18 balls, with three fours and one six. Tilak Varma, who played the first T20 World Cup fixture against the USA, hammered 45 off just 19 deliveries, with three fours and as many sixes. Captain Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with 30 off 16 deliveries, with two fours and two sixes. All-rounders Axar Patel (35* off 23 balls), with four boundaries, and Hardik Pandya smashed a 10-ball 30 with two fours and three maximums, helped India post a daunting target of 241 runs. For South Africa, Corbin Bosch (1/31), Anrich Nortje (1/57), Kwena Maphaka (1/19) and Marco Jansen (1/18) scalped one-wicket each. Chasing a mammoth target, South Africa were off to a poor start after they lost their opener, George Linde, for a four-ball duck. Captain Aiden Markram retired after making 38 off 19 balls, with two fours and four sixes. Wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton smashed a 21-ball 44, with four boundaries and three sixes. The duo stitched a 65-run stand for the second wicket. Star batter Dewald Brevis departed after scoring two runs, whereas David Miller scored 13 runs. Jason Smith made 35 off 23 balls, with four boundaries and one six. Tristan Stubbs played a blistering, unbeaten knock of 45 off 21 balls, with one four and four towering sixes. Marco Jansen hammered 10-ball 30, with two fours and three sixes as South Africa reached 210/7 in 20 overs, falling short by 30 runs in the high-scoring contest. For India, Arshdeep Singh (1/29), Shivam Dube (1/57), Varun Chakaravarthy (1/12), Axar Patel (1/2) and Abhishek Sharma (2/32) were among the wicket takers. 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.
05 February,2026 09:45 AM IST | Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] | ANIIn the T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match against South Africa, India posted a total of 240 runs for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Opening the innings for Team India, Ishan Kishan smashed 53 runs off just 20 deliveries, which was laced with two boundaries and seven maximums. Fellow opening batsman Abhishek Sharma scored 24 runs in 18 balls, including three boundaries and a maximum. Tilak Varma, who has returned after an injury, played a knock of 45 runs after facing 19 balls. The left-handed batsman also smashed three boundaries and the same number of maximums. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav also accumulated 30 runs in 16 balls, with the help of two boundaries and the same number of maximums. Rinku Singh departed after scoring 16 runs in 13 balls, including a boundary and a maximum. Hardik Pandya, in his fiery cameo of 10 balls, smashed 30 runs, including two boundaries and three maximums. Axar Patel and Harshit Rana stayed unbeaten. Facing 23 balls, Axar scored 35 runs, which also included two boundaries and two maximums, whereas Harshit faced only one ball and didn't score any runs. South Africa's Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, and Kwena Maphaka managed to pick up one wicket each. Bowling two overs, Jansen gave away 18 runs, and Bosch conceded 31 runs in three overs. Nortje was smashed for 57 runs in his spell of three overs, whereas Maphaka leaked 19 runs in two overs. Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, George Linde, and Aiden Markram went wicketless in the T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match against the "Men in Blue". Having bowled three overs, Ngidi was smashed for 23 runs, and Rabada leaked 44 runs in the same number of overs. Linde and Markram conceded 25 and 22 runs, respectively, in their spells of two overs each. The T20 World Cup 2026 will kick off from February 7. The "Men in Blue" will open their campaign against the United States of America (USA) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. On the other hand, the Proteas will clash against Canada in their first match on February 9 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
04 February,2026 09:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTeam India's wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant said that he is recovering well from his injury and is also hopeful of making a return to competitive cricket. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Pickleball League, where he was present in his capacity as co-owner of Mumbai Pickle Power, the left-handed batsman said he has been working hard at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. "My fitness is getting better day by day. I am working hard at the Centre of Excellence and I think I'm going to be out (on the field) soon," he said. The cricketer then said that his love for the sport always helped him during the recovery phase. "When I am injured, one thing that always keeps me close to the game is the love for the game and the support from the people around you," said Rishabh Pant. "As a cricketer, you always have to keep adding to your game. I need to keep looking to get better in each and every aspect of my overall gameplay," he added. The 28-year-old cricketer also said that comebacks have taught him to be more thankful and see things from a different perspective. "Every comeback has taught me something about life. It has taught me more gratitude, how you see things around you, and wanting to be committed to something that really makes you happy. When I am injured, the thing I miss the most is really enjoying the game. You love the game so much, but you also enjoy it while playing it at the top level. That's something I miss truly," concluded the Roorkee-born cricketer. The "Men in Blue" will engage in the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The tournament is set to kick off from February 7. Ahead of the marquee event, Team India is placed in Group A along with teams such as Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the United States of America (USA). Suryakumar Yadav-led men will begin their global showpiece tournament on February 7 by playing a clash against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan (WK), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Tilak Varma, Harshit Rana. (With PTI Inputs)
04 February,2026 08:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could face a massive financial hit if the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided to penalise them for its refusal to play the T20 World Cup 2026 match against arch-rivals, India. According to details collected by PTI, Pakistan's share in the ICC's financial cycle 2024/27 comes to approximately USD 144 million at the highest payout rate of USD 38 million distributed to the PCB annually. "Basically if the ICC decides to penalise Pakistan for not playing India, the PCB could take a big hit financially as the ICC share in the current financial cycle comes to approximately 40 billion PKR," an insider said. He then added that Pakistan had received substantial shares from the ICC for the T20 World Cup 2024 and the previous year's Champions Trophy. The board also got an additional USD 6 million from the total budget of USA 70 million for the event. They had spent around 18 billion rupees on the upgradation of three stadiums, which has affected the earnings from the Champions Trophy. "The PCB is yet to get shares from the T20 World Cup this year and from the 50-over World Cup next year and that is where the ICC could impose financial penalties," said the insider. The insider said the PCB revenues also include money from the national team's sponsorship deal and the sale of the national team's home international and domestic cricket rights. "But the PCB also has huge expenses which include subsidising the domestic events, salaries and administration expenses, perks for around 700 to 800 employees," he said. Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan is placed in Group A along with teams such as India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States of America (USA). The "Green Shirts" will begin their campaign by playing a clash against the Netherlands on February 7 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Sri Lanka. The high-octane clash between arch-rivals, India and Pakistan, is scheduled to be played on February 15 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Pakistan's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan (WK), Salman Ali Agha (C), Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Khan (WK), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Amirza, Khawaja Nafay (WK), Usman Tariq. (With PTI Inputs)
04 February,2026 07:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
