Munisar Shines in ODI Defeat as West Indies Fall Short Against Australia In a match that highlighted both the struggles and moments of brilliance for the West Indies, young off-spinner Ashmini Munisar delivered a standout performance despite her team’s 90-run defeat to Australia in the second One Day International (ODI) at Warner Park on Sunday. The home crowd found reason to cheer as Munisar disrupted Australia’s strong start and showcased her talent with a crucial dismissal of star batter Ellyse Perry, though the West Indies ultimately fell short of the target of 269. Australia’s innings began with a rapid 64-run partnership between openers Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield, who combined for a blistering 64 off just under 11 overs. Their partnership laid the foundation for a total of 269 for seven, with the Australian batting lineup capitalizing on the conditions to post a competitive score. In reply, the West Indies struggled to match the pace, eventually bowled out for 179, falling well short of the target. Munisar’s performance became a bright spot in an otherwise challenging day for the home team. The young Guyanese spinner broke Australia’s dangerous opening stand with a sharp delivery that resulted in the dismissal of Voll for 23, caught at long-on. Her impact continued with a stunning one-handed return catch to dismiss Perry for a first-ball duck, a moment that drew admiration from teammates and fans alike. “I saw it, and it looked as if it was going over my head, so I think I jumped a bit early,” Munisar told CWI Media after the match. “But in the end, I still got it.” The catch, which came on the very next ball after Voll’s dismissal, was a defining moment for the West Indies bowlers. Munisar’s effort was further highlighted when she was set to complete a hat-trick, a rare achievement in cricket.#australia #west_indies #ellyse_perry #warner_park #ashmini_munisar
Hayley Matthews Calls for Strong Batting Performance Ahead of ODI Series West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has emphasized the need for a more aggressive batting approach from her team as they prepare to face Australia in St. Kitts. The first match of the one-day international (ODI) series is set to begin tomorrow at 2:00 pm local time, with Matthews expressing confidence in her side's ability to challenge the Australian team. Matthews highlighted that while the Windies have the potential to compete effectively against the reigning champions, the players must focus on executing their game plan with precision. "We know Australia is a strong team, but we believe in our own capabilities," she said. "The key is for everyone to apply themselves and deliver when it matters most." The series, which will take place in St. Kitts, marks a significant opportunity for the Windies to showcase their skills against a top-tier opponent. Matthews acknowledged the importance of maintaining consistency across all facets of the game, particularly in the batting department, where the team has shown promise in recent matches. The match schedule and location were confirmed as part of the preparations for the ODI series, with the Windies aiming to build on their previous performances. Matthews' comments reflect the team's determination to make a strong statement in the upcoming encounters. As the countdown to the first game begins, the focus remains on ensuring that the players are fully prepared to meet the challenges posed by Australia. The Windies' ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be crucial in determining the outcome of the series.#australia #west_indies #odi_series #hayley_matthews #st_kitts
Australia all-rounder Nicola Carey has expressed her determination to reclaim a place in the national squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June, as she continues her return to the team after a period away from the setup. The 32-year-old, known for her contributions to Australia’s success in the 2020 T20 World Cup and the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup, was recalled during the recent home series against India and has since been retained for the upcoming Caribbean tour. Carey emphasized the significance of rejoining the team, noting the comfort of familiar faces and the renewed energy of being back in the squad. “I obviously haven’t been here for a while, but coming back in, there’s a lot of familiar faces, which is always nice,” she said ahead of the ODI series against the West Indies. She also reflected on the contrast between being sidelined and being actively involved, stating, “When you’re out of it, you sit back and think, I don’t know how they do it, not being at home that often. But when you’re in it, you just do it. It’s quite fun being around the group.” With the T20 World Cup approaching, Carey’s focus remains on securing a spot in the squad. “It’s a massive tournament. Everyone here would want to be a part of that. That’s the carrot dangling at the end of this. Everyone’s trying to put their best foot forward. I’m sure we’ll find out soon,” she added. Australia’s recent 3–0 sweep of the T20I series against India has bolstered their confidence ahead of the tournament, and the team is now shifting its attention to the ODI series against the West Indies. The ODI series will see the absence of star all-rounder Annabel Sutherland, who is managing her workload by missing the tour.#west_indies #icc_womens_t20_world_cup #nicola_carey #australia_cricket_team #annabel_sutherland
West Indies to manage quicks ahead of busy upcoming schedule The West Indies have announced they will carefully manage the workload of their key fast bowlers, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph, and Alzarri Joseph, in preparation for a demanding schedule of international fixtures. The team’s strategy aims to ensure the players remain in peak condition for upcoming matches across multiple formats. The Caribbean side is set to host Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the middle of the year as part of the ICC World Test Championship, featuring two-match series against both teams. Additionally, the squad will face a five-game ODI series against New Zealand later in 2026, with away tours to India and Bangladesh also on the horizon. These fixtures highlight the team’s packed calendar, requiring careful planning to maintain player fitness and performance. The decision to manage the workload of Seales, Shamar Joseph, and Alzarri Joseph reflects the team’s focus on long-term sustainability. Seales and Shamar Joseph have been granted permission to participate in specific periods of the West Indies Championship, while Alzarri Joseph will skip the domestic competition in the Caribbean to focus on the Pakistan Super League. This approach allows the fast bowlers to balance domestic commitments with international preparation. West Indies Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe emphasized the importance of this strategy, stating that the team’s fast bowlers are critical assets that must be protected for the demands of the international season. “Our fast bowlers are among our most valuable assets, and this season demands the best of them across every format and every competition,” Bascombe said. He added that the team’s plans are deliberate, aiming to ensure the players are fit, available, and at their sharpest when it matters most.#west_indies #jayden_seales #shamar_joseph #alzarri_joseph #miles_bascombe
10 Interesting Facts About Laxman Sivaramkrishnan Laxman Sivaramkrishnan’s cricket career is often cited as a cautionary tale of untapped potential in Indian sports. Despite showing promise early on, his journey was marked by challenges that shaped his legacy. One of the most striking aspects of his story is the racism he faced during his formative years. He recounted how he encountered prejudice in India but was treated with respect abroad, highlighting the stark contrast in how his talent was perceived in different environments. Sivaramkrishnan’s experiences extended beyond the field. During his time in domestic cricket, he faced derogatory nicknames in the Tamil Nadu dressing room, where he was called “Karupa.” Meanwhile, fans in northern India chanted “Kalia,” a term that carried negative connotations. These incidents underscored the discrimination he endured, even as he worked to establish himself as a cricketer. One of the most painful moments in his career occurred at the age of 17 during an Indian squad tour of Pakistan. While dining with teammates, he was mocked for ordering a dark chocolate cake, with teammates calling him a “dark boy.” The incident left a lasting impact, revealing the harsh realities of racial prejudice in cricket. Despite these challenges, Sivaramkrishnan achieved milestones that marked his early promise. At just 17 years and 118 days, he became the youngest Indian to play a Test match against the West Indies in Antigua. This feat, achieved during a season that also saw him debut in domestic cricket, showcased his talent and the high expectations placed on him. His cricketing career, however, was not without its struggles. Sivaramkrishnan’s commentary career began in 2000 when he covered a Test match between India and Bangladesh.#west_indies #tamil_nadu #laxman_sivaramkrishnan #ranji_trophy #indian_cricket
Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has spoken about the challenges he faced early in his cricket career, including instances of racism within the Indian dressing room, and how his experiences in the West Indies provided a sense of belonging. Sivaramakrishnan, who represented India in 25 international matches, made his Test debut in Antigua in April 1983 at the age of 17 years and 118 days, becoming one of the youngest players to compete in the format. Reflecting on his early career, Sivaramakrishnan described feeling more at ease in the Caribbean than in his home environment. "Everybody’s skin colour was on the darker side. They were very happy people," he said in an interview with The Indian Express. He highlighted that the West Indies team, including players like Desmond Haynes and the late Malcolm Marshall, treated him with warmth and support during his debut Test series. "In West Indies I was treated very well even by the opposition," he recalled. "My best friends were Desmond Haynes and late Malcolm Marshall. They used to take me out almost every evening." Sivaramakrishnan shared specific anecdotes about his time in the region, including how he would take a change of clothes and shower in the ground during Test matches before leaving the stadium. He emphasized the camaraderie he experienced, which contrasted with the challenges he faced in the Indian dressing room. While he did not elaborate on the nature of the racism he encountered, his comments underscore the cultural and social dynamics he navigated during his early years in international cricket. The West Indies environment, he noted, offered a sense of acceptance and community that helped him cope with the pressures of representing his country.#west_indies #laxman_sivaramakrishnan #desmond_haynes #malcolm_marshall #the_indian_express
West Indies strike early to remove Mooney The West Indies made a strong start in their innings during the Pro50 Championship match against Australia, quickly removing key Australian batsman Mooney. The match, which saw Australia post a total of 211 for 7 in their 20 overs, was dominated by the West Indies' aggressive bowling attack. The West Indies' bowlers, led by their fast-paced pace attack, managed to restrict Australia's scoring and set a challenging target for their own team. Australia's innings was marked by a solid opening partnership, with the top-order batsmen managing to build a foundation before the West Indies' bowlers stepped up. The West Indies' bowlers, including their pace spearhead, delivered crucial breakthroughs, particularly in the early stages of the innings. Mooney, who had been in good form in previous matches, was the first to fall, which shifted the momentum in favor of the West Indies. The West Indies' bowling strategy appeared to be effective, with their spinners and fast bowlers working in tandem to keep Australia's batsmen under pressure. The conditions on the pitch, which were expected to favor the West Indies, played a role in the team's success. The bowlers' ability to maintain accuracy and variation in their deliveries made it difficult for the Australian batsmen to settle. Australia's middle-order struggled to find consistency, with several batsmen failing to capitalize on the opportunities presented. The West Indies' bowlers continued to apply pressure, leading to a collapse in the middle order and leaving Australia in a precarious position. The West Indies' ability to strike early and maintain their intensity throughout the innings was a key factor in their dominance. The match highlighted the West Indies' strong bowling attack and their ability to adapt to the conditions.#australia #west_indies #pro50_championship #mooney #bowling_attack
Australia opener Georgia Voll steps up in key role ahead of T20 World Cup Australia’s opening batter Georgia Voll showcased her growing importance to the team as she helped secure a 17-run victory over the West Indies in the third T20I of a three-match series. The 22-year-old’s 39 off 23 balls provided a solid foundation for Australia’s total of 164/5, which they successfully defended in Kingstown. The win ensured Australia retained the series and set the stage for their upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign. Voll’s performance came as she stepped into the spotlight following the retirement of Alyssa Healy, who had long occupied the top of the order. With Healy absent, Voll is now the primary opener for Australia in the Women’s T20 World Cup, which kicks off in June. The young batter emphasized the importance of adapting to new conditions and gaining experience ahead of the tournament. “Being still quite new into the side and learning about different places around the world is super important for me,” she said after the match. The 2026 season has already seen Voll make a strong case for her place in the team. She scored an impressive 88 against India in a T20 series earlier in the year, followed by a century in ODIs against the same opponent. Now, she is testing her skills in overseas conditions, a challenge she views as crucial for her development. “It’s really exciting to be over here and opening up the batting for Australia,” she added. Voll’s focus remains on consistency and building experience against diverse opposition. She highlighted the value of partnering with Beth Mooney at the top of the order, a role she hopes to maintain throughout her career. “To go out there consistently and open the batting with Beth Mooney is pretty special,” she said.#west_indies #alyssa_healy #beth_mooney #icc_womens_t20_world_cup #georgia_voll
Australia Women Secure T20I Series Win Over West Indies Australia Women’s cricket team clinched a decisive 17-run victory in the second T20I against the West Indies, taking the three-match series 2-0. The final scorecard read 164-5 for Australia and 147-4 for the West Indies, with the series finale set for the final match. Key Performances Australia’s leg-spinner Alana King emerged as the standout performer, claiming two crucial wickets and earning the Player of the Match award. Her disciplined bowling, particularly in the middle overs, disrupted West Indies’ momentum. King’s ability to vary pace and movement was pivotal in restricting the hosts to a modest total. West Indies’ opener Georgia Wareham anchored the innings with a composed 38 off 44 balls, while Hayley Matthews delivered a blistering 56 off 37 deliveries, including seven boundaries and three sixes. Matthews’ aggressive strokeplay, especially in the middle overs, kept the team in contention. However, King’s mid-overs breakthroughs, including the dismissal of Matthews, shifted the momentum decisively in Australia’s favor. Series Context The West Indies struggled to build a competitive total, with their innings marked by inconsistent scoring. Despite a late surge led by Deandra Dottin’s 29 off 28 balls and Jhajha Clarkston’s 34 off 17 deliveries, the team fell short of the target. Australia’s bowlers maintained a tight line, with Kim Garth, Nicola Carey, and Kaysia Mandisa contributing to a disciplined performance. The series now heads to the final match, where Australia aims to secure a clean sweep. The result underscores Australia’s dominance in the T20I format, while the West Indies will look to regroup for the concluding encounter.#west_indies #alana_king #hayley_matthews #australia_women #georgia_wareham
टी20 सीरीज: बेथ मूनी की धमाकेदार 79 रनों से ऑस्ट्रेलिया की शानदार जीत किंग्सटाउन के अर्नोस वेले स्टेडियम में ऑस्ट्रेलिया महिला टीम ने वेस्टइंडीज के खिलाफ टी20 सीरीज का शानदार आगाज किया। टॉस जीतकर पहले बल्लेबाजी करते हुए बेथ मूनी की 55 गेंदों पर नाबाद 79 रनों की पारी से ऑस्ट्रेलिया ने 6 विकेट पर 164 रन बनाए। वेस्टइंडीज 43 रन से हार गई और स्कोर 121/6 रह गया। मैच के शुरुआती चरण में जॉर्जिया वॉल (8) और फोएबे लिचफिल्ड (6) सस्ते में आउट हो गईं, लेकिन मूनी और एल्सी पेरी की 99 रनों की साझेदारी ने पारी संभाली। पेरी 36 रन बनाकर लौटीं। मूनी ने 7 चौके और 2 छक्के लगाए। वेस्टइंडीज की डिएंड्रा डॉटिन ने 3 विकेट लिए। लक्ष्य का पीछा करते हुए कियाना जोसेफ ने 45 और स्टेफनी टेलर ने 28 रन बनाए, लेकिन अलाना किंग (3/14) और जॉर्जिया वेयरहेम (2/14) ने उन्हें तोड़ दिया। मूनी को प्लेयर ऑफ द मैच चुना गया। दूसरा मैच रविवार को होगा।#west_indies #beth_mooni #australia_women_team #arnos_vale_stadium #kings_town
Australia's opening T20I victory against the West Indies highlighted both resilience and room for improvement as the team navigated a challenging start to their tour. Despite a slow powerplay and six dropped catches, Beth Mooney emerged as the standout performer, scoring 79 off 55 balls to anchor Australia's innings. The team struggled at 2-57 after 10 overs but turned the tide with a dramatic 84-run partnership between Mooney and Ellyse Perry in the next seven overs. However, the momentum faded after both batters were dismissed, leaving Australia to add just 23 runs in the final three overs. Mooney acknowledged the difficulties of adapting to the Arnos Vale Stadium conditions, where the ball skidded unpredictably early in the innings. "It was tough to get started," she said, noting the challenges posed by the newer ball and the pace of the pitch. While she praised the team's ability to regroup after the drinks break, she suggested an earlier adjustment might have been beneficial. "Ideally, you'd like to get off to a quick start in T20 cricket, but sometimes the conditions don't allow that," she explained. "We did a good job adjusting at the 10th over, but maybe we could have gotten it right a little earlier." The team's fielding was equally mixed, with Alana King's return to T20Is shining through her 3-14 performance. However, six dropped catches marred the innings, though Mooney downplayed their impact. "Dropped catches can be contagious, but we're human and these things happen," she said. "They didn’t cost us the game, so we’re happy with the result." The match also marked a significant moment for new captain Sophie Molineux, who returned from a back injury to lead Australia. Though she did not bowl, her tactical decisions during the game were praised.#australia #west_indies #beth_mooney #sophie_molineux #ellyse_perry
Australia captain Sophie Molineux confirms fitness progress ahead of T20I series against West Indies Australia’s cricket captain Sophie Molineux has confirmed she will be available for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies, despite ongoing recovery from a back injury. The left-arm fast bowler, who missed the latter stages of Australia’s recent ODI series against India, has expressed optimism about her readiness to compete in the Caribbean. Molineux emphasized her focus on peaking for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, set to begin in England less than three months after the T20I fixtures. Molineux, speaking from St Vincent, stated she is “looking forward to getting back out there with the girls” and is “available and looking forward to playing a role” in the white-ball series. While she confirmed her participation in the T20Is, she hinted at the possibility of being rested for the subsequent 50-over matches to ensure her body is fully prepared for the World Cup. The series against the West Indies, which will serve as Australia’s final scheduled tournament before the World Cup, is a critical opportunity for the team to build momentum. The West Indies squad, including skipper Hayley Matthews and experienced players like Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin, will also treat the series as a preparatory step for the T20 World Cup. Matthews acknowledged the importance of the fixtures, calling it a “good test of where we are as a team” ahead of the tournament. The Caribbean side aims to build on their recent T20 World Cup performance, where they reached the semi-finals before falling to New Zealand. Australia’s squad for the series includes Molineux as captain, alongside vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner and other key players such as Ellyse Perry and Megan Schutt.#australia #west_indies #sophie_molineux #hayley_matthews #stafanie_taylor
Australian Captain Sophie Molinny Returns for T20I Series Against West Indies Sofie Molinny, the captain of the Australian women’s cricket team, has confirmed her recovery from a recent injury and is set to return for the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies. The series, which will take place in Saint Vincent, is crucial for Australia as it serves as their final T20I preparation before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 12. Molinny, who sustained an injury during her debut match against South Africa, has been working closely with the coaching staff to regain her fitness. She expressed confidence in her readiness to contribute to the team’s success. “This series is vital for us, as we won’t have many opportunities to play matches before the World Cup. Every game is a chance to fine-tune our strategies and ensure we’re in peak form,” she said. The Australian team, led by Molinny, includes key players such as Ashley Gardner (vice-captain), Tahlia McGrav (vice-captain), and other experienced batters and all-rounders. The squad will face the West Indies in three T20Is starting on March 19, followed by three ODIs from March 27 to April 2. Molinny also highlighted the importance of balancing leadership with on-field performance. “I’m ready to lead the team from the front, both on and off the field. My focus is on ensuring we play our best cricket and achieve our goals,” she added. The West Indies, meanwhile, are grouped in the same World Cup pool as Australia, with both teams aiming to secure a strong position in the tournament. The T20I series will serve as a critical test for both sides ahead of the global competition.#west_indies #australian_women_cricket_team #sophie_molinny #st_vincent #icc_womens_t20_world_cup
Ashleigh Gardner aims to reclaim her youthful confidence ahead of her 100th T20I appearance as she seeks to overcome a recent slump in her batting form. The 28-year-old will become the seventh woman to reach 100 T20Is for Australia when the team faces the West Indies in St Vincent on Thursday, a match that holds significance as Australia prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Gardner, who burst onto the international scene in 2017 with a reputation as a dynamic opener, has evolved into a key allrounder and one of the world’s top off-spinners, particularly in one-day cricket. Her ODI career has flourished, with an average of 45.94 in 2024, including three centuries and three fifties. However, her T20I performances have been less consistent, with an average of 18 and strike rate of 108.5 over nine years, marked by only one half-century. Speaking ahead of the match, Gardner acknowledged the challenge of adapting to the middle-order role in T20Is, where she often faces pressure to quickly adjust to match conditions and team needs. “Finding my gears really fast is something I haven’t done overly well in this format for a while,” she admitted. She emphasized the importance of balancing confidence with calculated decision-making, vowing to embrace her strengths without overstepping. Gardner drew inspiration from her teenage self, recalling a record-breaking 47-ball century in WBBL|03. “I was someone with no fear,” she said, reflecting on how her approach to cricket has shifted with maturity. “Now, I try to harness that fearlessness without being reckless. When I’m under pressure, I need to channel that energy to play my best.” Her journey from a raw 19-year-old in 2017 to a co-vice-captain alongside Tahlia McGrath highlights her growth.#t20_world_cup #west_indies #ashleigh_gardner #tahlia_mcgrath #sophie_molineux
Ashleigh Gardner Aims to End Australia's Trophy Drought with Fearless Approach Australia's vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner is preparing to lead her team into the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 with a renewed focus on fearless cricket, as the squad faces the West Indies in a crucial white-ball series ahead of the tournament. The all-rounder, set to become the seventh Australian woman to play 100 T20 Internationals, is determined to rediscover her best form during the matches in St Vincent, a milestone that coincides with a pivotal moment in the women's game. With the World Cup just weeks away, Australia seeks to end a streak of semi-final exits in major ICC events, having lost to hosts India in the 2025 Women’s World Cup and South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Gardner reflected on her evolution as a player, acknowledging that her fearless attitude from her early career has matured into a more calculated approach. Speaking to Cricket Australia ahead of her landmark match, she described her mindset as a blend of confidence and caution. "I was someone that had no fear, and I guess as I've gotten older and more mature, I've gained more fear in the way that I approach life and just cricket in general," she said. "It's trying to harness a little bit of that, not stepping over the line to just being completely reckless, but for me, the brand of cricket that I play, I try and take the game on. That's when I'm playing my best cricket." The 28-year-old highlighted the challenges of transitioning her dominant ODI form—where she scored three centuries and three fifties at an average of 45.94 since 2024—into the shorter format. Her role in the middle-order has been inconsistent, with her average of 25.11 in T20Is for Australia reflecting the difficulties of adapting to the format.#west_indies #ashleigh_gardner #icc_women_s_t20_world_cup_2026 #cricket_australia #tahlia_mcgrath
ICC charges West Indies player, two officials; all suspended from cricket with immediate effect The International Cricket Council (ICC) has charged a West Indies player and two team officials for alleged match-fixing activities, leading to their immediate suspension from all cricket-related activities. The three individuals—Rathod, the owner of the Titans franchise, Searles, and Griffith—face multiple charges under the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Code and the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. The allegations include attempts to influence the outcome of matches, encouraging players or support staff to engage in corrupt practices, and failing to cooperate with investigators. Griffith, in particular, faces additional charges under the ICC Code for allegedly obstructing an anti-corruption investigation by concealing or tampering with information. Searles and Griffith are also accused of not reporting potential corrupt approaches or invitations. All three have been provisionally suspended from cricket activities with immediate effect. They have 14 days, starting March 11, 2026, to respond to the charges. The case is part of a broader investigation into corruption within the Bim10 tournament. Earlier in January, United States player Aaron Jones was charged with five breaches of anti-corruption codes by both the ICC and CWI. The ICC has stated it will not comment further until the disciplinary process concludes. The charges highlight the ICC’s ongoing efforts to address corruption in cricket, particularly in regional tournaments. The suspensions underscore the seriousness of the allegations and the organization’s commitment to enforcing its anti-corruption policies. The investigation into Griffith, Searles, and Rathod is expected to provide further insights into the extent of the alleged misconduct and its implications for the sport.#cricket #icc #west_indies #cricket_west_indies #bim10
T20 World Cup Final: Rohit Sharma Shares Reason Behind Viral Pep Talk to Sanju Samson A clip of a pep talk between India captain Rohit Sharma and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson went viral shortly after Samson’s 97-run innings against the West Indies in Kolkata. The moment captured Sharma reassuring Samson that his opportunity to play for the team would come, just before India’s opening match against the USA, where Samson was left out of the squad. Samson later delivered a standout performance, leading India to the T20 World Cup final, and Sharma explained the motivation behind his approach. Sharma, reflecting on his own career, acknowledged the emotional challenges of waiting for a chance to play. He had missed the 2011 World Cup and faced inconsistent selection before securing his place in the team. He felt a connection to Samson’s situation, having been in a similar position during his career. “I can sometimes feel the pulse of the player,” Sharma said. “When chances haven’t come, it’s important to stay focused and not get frustrated. That’s what I felt with him.” Samson, who was dropped just before the tournament began, had to wait for his opportunity. Sharma emphasized that the World Cup is a long event and that unexpected things can happen. “I wanted to tell him it’s a long tournament and funny things have happened in the past,” Sharma said. “I just wanted to reassure him that his chance would come.” His words proved prescient as Samson delivered a crucial performance in India’s semifinal against England, helping the team reach the final. Samson’s resurgence has been remarkable. After returning to the team for the Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe, he has become India’s key batsman in the tournament.#india #west_indies #sanju_samson #t20_world_cup_final #rohit_sharma
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Sets New Digital Engagement Records The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is on track to become the most digitally engaged and globally accessible edition of the tournament in history, with ICC.tv and the International Cricket Council’s social media platforms achieving unprecedented levels of interaction across digital platforms. The ICC’s streaming service, which caters to fans in emerging markets, broke its own record for concurrent viewership during the Super 8 match between India and the West Indies. This surpassed the previous high set during the 2024 final, marking a significant milestone in the tournament’s digital growth. ICC.tv has also already surpassed the total user count and minutes watched for the entire 2024 event. Compared to the same stage of the previous tournament, unique users have risen by 28 percent, while total playtime has increased by 56 percent. The data highlights a trend of increasing engagement, with the average watch time per unique user climbing to 58 minutes—up from 47 minutes at the end of the 2024 Super 8 stage. Multi-language feeds continue to play a crucial role in enhancing the fan experience, accounting for nearly half of the total playtime. Three of the top five streams during the tournament were non-English broadcasts, including Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Japanese, and Bahasa Indonesia. This emphasis on language accessibility underscores the ICC’s commitment to connecting with diverse cricket communities worldwide. Emerging markets have shown remarkable growth, with non-traditional territories experiencing a 69 percent surge in users. Germany recorded a 150 percent increase in unique users compared to the 2024 event, while Italy saw a 136 percent rise. Japan and South Korea also demonstrated significant growth, with both views and unique users increasing by over 100 percent.#icc #india #west_indies #super_8 #icc_tv
