Sports

Canberra, Feb 19 (IANS) India captain Harmanpreet Kaur etched her name into the record books on Thursday, becoming the most-capped player in women’s international cricket during the second T20I against Australia at the Manuka Oval.

The landmark appearance marked Kaur’s 356th international match for India, taking her past the previous record of 355 matches held by New Zealand great Suzie Bates.

With the record, Kaur now leads the all-time list of international appearances in women’s cricket, ahead of Bates, Australia’s Ellyse Perry (349 matches), and former India captain Mithali Raj (333 matches). England legend Charlotte Edwards rounds out the top five with 309 appearances.

Kaur, who made her international debut in 2009, has built an extensive career across all three formats. Her record tally comprises six Tests, 161 ODIs and 189 T20Is, with the milestone match also being her 189th appearance in the T20I format.

Kaur’s latest milestone adds to an already decorated career defined by leadership and major achievements. She guided India to their maiden ODI World Cup triumph in 2025 and recently oversaw a T20I series win in England. Earlier this month, she was also honoured with the Padma Shri for her outstanding contribution to Indian cricket.

India entered the match holding a 1-0 advantage in the three-match T20I series, which is part of a broader multi-format tour that also includes three ODIs and a one-off Test.

India registered a 21-run victory over Australia via the DLS method in the first T20I at the Sydney Cricket Ground, thanks largely to a career-best bowling performance from Arundhati Reddy.

Reddy’s outstanding figures of 4-22 helped bowl Australia out for 133 in 18 overs, despite brief resistance from Georgia Wareham (30), Phoebe Litchfield (26), and Ellyse Perry (20). Australia’s innings collapsed dramatically, losing five wickets for just 12 runs after a promising partnership.

In reply, India made a strong start with openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana adding 50 runs in 5.1 overs. However, heavy rain halted play, and with no further action possible, India were declared the winners under the DLS method. The win gave India an early advantage in the multi-format series

--IANS

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Kolkata, Feb 19 (IANS) Fast bowler Shamar Joseph picked four wickets while Matthew Forde took three as West Indies bowled out Italy for 123 in 18 overs while defending 165 to register a 42-run win in their last group stage match of the T20 World Cup 2026 played at Eden Gardens on Thursday, staying unbeaten and marching into the Super 8s in dominant fashion.

Earlier, West Indies skipper Shai Hope continued his great form and played a magnificent knock of 75 runs to take the team to 165/6 in 20 overs against a well-planned Italy bowling attack.

Coming to chase a challenging target, Italy had a poor start as they lost their prime batter Justin Mosca (2 off 5) on the seventh ball of the innings. His brother Anthony Mosca was also dismissed in the next over after scoring 19 runs off 12 balls, which included a four and two sixes.

Italy's struggles increased further as Matthew Forde took the second wicket of his spell to send Syed Naqvi to the pavilion, leaving 37/3 at the end of powerplay.

After a disastrous start, JJ Smuts and Harry Manenti steadied the ship but the latter was dismissed for 8 and Italy were reeling at 61/4 at the halfway mark.

Smuts tried to steer the innings with Ben Manenti but got trapped by spinner Gudakesh Motie in the 12th over for 24 runs.

Manenti and Grant Stewart tried to put the chase on track with a 25-run partnership off 17 balls, but the West Indies crawled back with back-to-back wickets. Stewart scored 12 runs off seven balls, while Manenti hit 26 runs off 21 balls and also hammered two fours and a six during his innings.

Shamar was the most successful bowler for the West Indies, as he finished with figures of 4-30 in four overs, while Forde picked three crucial wickets, followed by Motie, who had two wickets to his name, and Akeal Hossain also picked one wicket.

Coming in to bat after losing the toss, the two-time champions, West Indies, were dealt an early blow as opener Brendon King was dismissed on just the seventh ball of the innings.

Shimron Hetmyer, who was watching his captain Hope hit the ball hard from the other end, could not follow suit as he was dismissed after scoring just one run off four balls. West Indies were 48/2 at the end of the power play.

After two early blows, the West Indies captain forged a 64-run partnership with Roston Chase, who was sent to the pavilion by Thomas Draca in the 13th over. Hope completed his fifty off just 28 balls, and he continued his brilliance at the crease despite losing Chase.

As the West Indies were moving towards a big total, Italy made a strong comeback with back-to-back wickets in the span of just three balls.

Rowman Powell was trapped by Ben Manenti in the 15th over, while skipper Hope was clean bowled by Crishan Kalugamage in the next over. Hope scored 75 runs off just 46 balls and hammered four sixes and six boundaries during his magnificent knock.

Sherfane Rutherford scored 24 off 15, while Matthew Forde made 16 off 8 as the duo provided a good finish with a 28-run partnership that came off just 14 balls.

Brief Scores: West Indies 165/6 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 75, Roston Chase 24, Sherfane Rutherford 24*; Crishan Kalugamage 2-24, Ben Manenti 2-37) beat Italy all out for 123 runs in 18 overs (Ben Manenti 26, JJ Smuts 24; Shamar Joseph 4-30, Matthew Forde 3-25, Gudakesh Motie 2-24) by 42 runs.

--IANS

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Colombo, Feb 19 (IANS) Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat against Zimbabwe in their Group B contest of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup here at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Thursday.

Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka, upon winning the toss, said, "Our batsmen need to put runs on the board. So I’m happy to bat first. Madushanka comes straight into the XI. Dushmantha Chameera is rested, and Pramod Madushan comes in for him. It’s very tough because it’s a World Cup, and we need our best players in the playing XI. It’s unfortunate, but we have to deal with it. The batsmen have put in outstanding performances, which has given us a lot of confidence. At the same time, Pathirana and Wanindu got injured, but the replacements have done the job really well for us. That’s the key. Also, our fielding has improved a lot. All the key areas we wanted to work on, we’ve done superbly well. Hopefully, we’ll carry that into the next round.”

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza said, “Looking at the conditions and the chance of drizzle, under lights it plays better from our previous experience. So it’s a win-win situation. Our bowlers are full of confidence, and the conditions give them the best chance. Hopefully, we can restrict them to a low score. I still think, as a group, it changes a lot for us. Topping the group and going into the Super stage is a big deal. We know there’s going to be a full house as well. It’s about gaining more respect and hopefully turning a few Sri Lankan fans into Zimbabwean fans today. That’s another tick. These are habits - once you build good habits, they stay with you. For us, it’s about getting into a winning habit, putting ourselves in winning positions, and closing games. Those habits are still a big tick for us. We’ve got the same side as the last game.”

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan

Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (c), Dion Myers, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani

--IANS

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Gulmarg, Feb 19 (IANS) The upcoming edition of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg is poised to become a real-world example of the government’s ambitious Khelo Bharat Niti, with a visible surge in tourism, local economic activity and national participation ahead of the February 23-26 competition window.

Launched by the Union sports ministry in July last year, the Khelo Bharat Niti aims to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem while leveraging major events to drive economic growth. By promoting infrastructure development, talent identification and international competitiveness, the policy also seeks to boost allied sectors such as tourism, manufacturing and sports technology.

That vision is already taking shape in Gulmarg, one of Kashmir’s premier winter destinations, where tourist interest has risen sharply in the lead-up to the Games. With India’s top skiers, including Winter Olympians, set to compete, the event has generated enthusiasm across the region, particularly among those whose livelihoods depend on sports tourism.

Local businesses have seen a clear uptick in activity. Abeed, a hotelier at Sheen Woods Tangmarg, said bookings had surged weeks before the event.

“For us, this is more than just tourism. It is our identity. When the Games happen, Gulmarg feels like the heart of the country,” he says, pointing to a lobby filled with athletes from Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Telangana and Jammu & Kashmir.

“You hear different languages at breakfast,” he says. “It feels like a country in one room.”

The growth of the Winter Games in Gulmarg reflects a steady upward trajectory. The inaugural edition in 2020 saw 1,123 athletes compete across 13 disciplines, with Jammu & Kashmir topping the medal tally. Participation rose to 1,208 athletes in 2021, with the host region winning 18 gold medals. The 2023 edition marked the peak with 1,395 athletes, as Jammu & Kashmir secured 26 gold, 25 silver and 25 bronze medals. Though the 2024 and 2025 editions featured fewer events and participants, competition intensified, with teams such as the Army, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka delivering strong performances.

Now, as the sixth edition approaches, the focus has shifted from experimentation to legacy-building, especially in reviving tourism after a challenging period. Following the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, domestic tourist arrivals to Kashmir dropped significantly to around 10.47 lakh in 2025, compared to approximately 26 lakh in 2024. However, officials from the tourism department said visitor numbers have rebounded this year, driven by the New Year rush and growing anticipation around the Winter Games. Gulmarg’s 2,300 hotel and hut beds are already over 50 per cent booked for the event period.

Beyond hotels and resorts, the Games are also providing crucial income opportunities for seasonal workers. On the slopes of Kongdoori, sledge pullers Altaf Hussain and Muhammad Rafiq are preparing for the influx of visitors.

“This is our season,” Hussain says, adjusting the ropes over his shoulders. “When the games start, Gulmarg comes alive.”

The duo typically earn between Rs 500 and Rs 1,500 per tourist, depending on distance and time, with daily earnings ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000 during peak periods, a stark contrast to lean days when tourist footfall is minimal.

The 2026 edition will feature four medal disciplines: ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, Nordic skiing (cross-country) and snowboarding, attracting athletes and spectators from across the country.

As Gulmarg prepares to host another major winter sporting spectacle, the Khelo India Winter Games are emerging as more than just a competition. They represent a tangible demonstration of how sports policy can energise local economies, strengthen national sporting culture and reaffirm Gulmarg’s place as India’s winter sports capital.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, Feb 19 (IANS) India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy was named the Impact Player of the Match after producing a decisive spell in the last group stage match of the T20 World Cup 2026 against the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday.

Chakaravarthy returned with impressive figures of 3-14 in his three overs, playing a key role in India’s 17-run triumph. Defending 194, India restricted the Netherlands to 176/7 in their 20 overs to register their fourth consecutive win in the group stage.

Team India’s strength and conditioning coach, Adrian Le Roux, presented Chakaravarthy with the medal in the dressing room.

Reflecting on the performance and the way ahead, the spinner said, “The real tournament starts with the next match. We have to get ready for that.”

Chakaravarthy removed Max O’Dowd and Colin Ackermann before dismissing Aryan Dutt for a golden duck, halting the Netherlands’ progress at crucial moments. His disciplined bowling ensured that the required rate kept climbing despite a late fightback from the opposition.

Varun has been in great form in the ongoing tournament. The spinner has picked nine wickets in the four games and has been the highest wicket-taker for India so far.

Earlier, India opted to bat after winning the toss but suffered early setbacks as Abhishek Sharma fell for a duck and Ishan Kishan managed 18. Tilak Varma (31 off 27) and Suryakumar Yadav (34 off 28) found it difficult to accelerate in the middle overs.

The innings was revived by a powerful knock from Shivam Dube, who smashed 66, including four boundaries and six sixes. Hardik Pandya added a brisk 30 off 21 balls, striking three sixes, to guide India to a competitive 193/5.

Unbeaten India is placed in a tough group in the Super 8s. The defending champions will face South Africa, the West Indies and Zimbabwe in the next round.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) Ladakh Marathon, the world's highest AIMS-certified marathon, will return for its 13th edition in 2026, taking place amid the stark and rugged terrain of Ladakh from September 10 to 13.

Registrations for all six races of the Ladakh Marathon, including the curated Silk Route Ultra (122km) and Khardung La Challenger (72km) ultra races, opened on Thursday and can be applied to through the official website.

Beyond the two ultras, the event will feature the Marathon (42km), Half Marathon (21km), 11.2km Run, and the 5km Run for Fun. Age eligibility ranges from 12 years for the 5km to 24 years for the Silk Route Ultra, calculated as of September 13, 2026.

All timed races require qualifying performances achieved within the prescribed window to match the rigour demanded by racing at over 11,500 feet in thin air. Acclimatisation is compulsory for all runners, with ultra runners required to arrive in Leh at least 10 days before race day in order to participate.

The Khardung La Challenge and Silk Route Ultra remain application-based and strictly capped. Climbing to 17,618 feet at Khardung La, these races are reserved for runners with proven marathon and ultra-distance credentials, subject to document verification and mandatory medical clearance.

Speaking on the announcement, Chewang Motup Goba, Chairperson of the High Altitude Sports Foundation and founder of the Ladakh Marathon, said, “Running in Ladakh is not defined by distance alone. At this altitude, every step is shaped by terrain, thin air, and the mountain’s terms. It demands preparation, discipline, and respect for conditions that are far beyond the ordinary. The eligibility criteria are therefore not procedural; they are protective. They ensure that every runner who stands on that start line has proven capability, understands the risks, and is ready for one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world.”

In 2025, the Ladakh Marathon, including the ultras, saw participation from at least one runner representing each of India’s 36 States and Union Territories for the first time, underlining its place as a truly national endurance platform set in the Himalayas.

Furthermore, runners carry personal hydration packs, biodegradable rice-husk cups replace disposables at aid stations, and steel serveware and reusable canvas bags have replaced paper plates and plastic giveaways.

The Ladakh Marathon also deploys dry pit sanitation systems along the course to minimise water usage, a conscious step in a region where water scarcity is emerging as a defining challenge of the future. Together, these measures reinforce that at high altitude, sport and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Feb 19 (IANS) Skipper Shai Hope continued his great form with a knock of 75 runs, powering West Indies to 165/6 against a well-planned Italy bowling attack in the final Group C match of the T20 World Cup 2026 played at Eden Gardens on Thursday.

Coming in to bat after losing the toss, the two-time champions, West Indies, were dealt an early blow as opener Brendon King, who has been struggling for runs in the tournament, was dismissed on just the seventh ball of the innings. King scored just 4 runs off six balls.

His opening partner Hope did not let Italy build on the momentum after the early blow, as he smashed four boundaries and a six in the next two overs. Shimron Hetmyer could not follow suit, as he was dismissed cheaply for one, as the West Indies were 48/2 at the end of the powerplay.

After two early blows, the Windies captain forged a 64-run partnership with Roston Chase (24), which helped the team reach near the three-figure mark by the 12th over. Hope played the dominant role in the partnership by attacking the spinners, while Chase rotated the strike well.

Italy finally got the breakthrough in the 13th over when Chase was sent packing by Thomas Draca. Meanwhile, Hope completed his fifty off just 28 balls and continued his brilliance at the crease despite losing Chase.

As the West Indies were moving towards a big total, Italy made a strong comeback with back-to-back wickets in the span of just three balls. Rowman Powell was trapped by Ben Manenti in the 15th over, while skipper Hope was clean bowled by Crishan Kalugamage in the next over. Hope hammered four sixes and six boundaries during his magnificent knock.

All-rounder Jason Holder could not continue his momentum against Italy, as he was dismissed for just nine runs off seven balls. Sherfane Rutherford scored 24 off 15, while Matthew Forde made 16 off 8, as the duo provided a good finish with a 28-run partnership that came off just 14 balls.

Manenti and Kalugamage were the most successful bowlers for Italy, claiming two wickets each, while Ali Hasan and Draca got one each.

Brief Scores: West Indies 165/6 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 75, Roston Chase 24, Sherfane Rutherford 24*; Crishan Kalugamage 2-24, Ben Manenti 2-37) against Italy.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) Gujarat Titans batter B Sai Sudharsan, who faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a right rib fracture during Tamil Nadu's Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh in Ahmedabad last December, has started his preparations for the IPL 2026 alongside skipper Shubman Gill.

GT have begun their IPL 2026 preparations in full swing with a pre-season camp led by head coach Ashish Nehra and assistant coach Parthiv Patel at Miraj International Cricket Stadium in Nathdwara.

Sudharsan, who has played six Tests and three ODIs for India, has fractured the ‘anterior cortex of the seventh right rib’ while diving to complete a run in the match. The southpaw then checked in at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, where he underwent rehab.

The left-hander has formed a successful opening partnership for Gujarat Titans alongside captain Gill, making his availability crucial to the franchise's plans, especially considering he was the leading run-getter in IPL 2025.

Titans had retained as many as 20 players, including Gill and Sudharsan, who played pivotal roles in guiding the team to the IPL Playoffs last season. Apart from Gill and Sudharsan, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Prasidh Krishna, Sai Kishore, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Manav Suthar, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Gurnoor Brar, Arshad Khan and Nishant Sindhu will once again don the Titans’ jersey.

Among our overseas contingent, England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler, Afghanistan spin maestro Rashid Khan, South Africa’s premier pacer Kagiso Rabada and New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips have all been retained for the IPL 2026 season.

The 2022 champions strengthened their squad with five new additions as they roped in West Indies’ all-rounder Jason Holder, England’s wicketkeeper-batter Tom Banton, talented Indian fast bowler Ashok Sharma, England left-arm pacer Luke Wood and uncapped Indian speedster Prithvi Raj during the mini auction held last December.

--IANS

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Ahmedabad, Feb 19 (IANS) India all-rounder Shivam Dube credited former skipper MS Dhoni for bringing clarity to his batting approach after he played a match-winning 67-run knock against the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday.

Dube admitted that he initially struggled against pace bowling during the early phase of his career, but Dhoni's advice about strike rotation and smart intent has significantly improved his game in pressure situations.

“When I first came into the IPL, I struggled against fast bowlers and wasn’t striking the ball cleanly. I realised that if I want to dominate at this level and I have the power, I needed to work on that aspect. I put in significant effort during the off-season. Mahi bhai told me that it’s not necessary to hit sixes every time. Boundaries and strike rotation are equally important.

"That clarity has helped me. If I get a good ball, I look for a boundary or rotate strike. In the death overs, I will naturally go harder, but early in the innings, my focus is on smart intent,” Dube told Jio Hotstar.

Speaking about handling high-pressure moments, Dube emphasised the importance of batting deep and playing according to the team’s requirements.

“I don’t feel pressure; I focus on the situation. If wickets fall, my responsibility is to bat deep. If I stay till the end, I know I can add 10–15 crucial runs in the final over. I avoid taking unnecessary risks in the middle overs. If the situation demands stability, I rotate strike. If the platform is set, I’m ready to attack from the first ball,” he said.

Dube came to bat at a tough time during India's innings when the team was reeling at 69-3 after nine overs. He then rescued the side with a 66-run knock, which came off just 31 balls.

He was also clinical with the ball, as the medium pacer took two wickets by conceding 35 runs in three overs. Courtesy of his all-around performance, he was awarded the player of the match.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) New Zealand batter Lauren Down has called time on her 15-year cricket career at the age of 30. She played 35 ODIs and 13 T20Is for the White Ferns since her international debut in 2018.

Down debuted for her hometown Hearts in 2011 in a T20 against Canterbury at Melville Park in Auckland and would go on to represent Auckland on 202 occasions (101 List A and 101 T20).

“I have loved my time being part of the White Ferns group and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have represented my country. I will miss being around the girls, but I’m now looking forward to watching on from the sidelines and seeing what this group is able to achieve.

“A huge part of my cricket career has been in the Auckland setup, and I cannot thank Auckland Cricket, my coaches and teammates enough for the part they have played in my journey," Down was quoted by New Zealand Cricket.

The Hearts' third all-time appearance maker, Down also ended her career as the Hearts’ third all-time leading T20 run scorer (1,496 runs) and the fourth all-time leading List A run scorer (2,690 runs) and contributed 41 wickets during her early days as an all-rounder.

She was part of five successful Hallyburton Johnstone Shield campaigns, helping the Hearts lift the women’s 50-over title in 2011-12, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2017-18 and, most recently, 2019-20 where she scored 90 in the Grand Final to help defeat Northern Districts by 67 runs at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Her strong domestic form for the Hearts across the 2017-18 season was rewarded with an international debut in a one-run ODI win over the West Indies in Lincoln in March 2018.

A thumb injury meant Down missed out on the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand and sat out of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham later that year, but returned to the squad for the West Indies tour in September 2022 and was included in Ben Sawyer's squad for the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.

Down opted out of a New Zealand women central contract for the 2023-24 season to welcome her first child before returning to the 2024-25 list and featuring on the 2024 tours of England and India. She represented the New Zealand for what would be the final time in the third ODI against Australia at the Cello Basin Reserve last summer.

Down was also regarded as one of the best fielders in the country and was often found patrolling the cover and point region. Alongside her achievements for Auckland and the White Ferns, Down also represented the Perth Scorchers in the Women’s Big Bash League and had stints with Oxfordshire in the UK.

New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer thanked Down for her contributions, saying, "Lauren has been a fantastic team person and has always given her all in the WHITE FERNS environment. It’s a testament to her dedication and commitment to her game that she was able to go away to welcome her first child and then return to the level of international cricket so quickly.

"Lauren has been a valued member of the White Ferns and has always demonstrated the values of our team both inside and outside the environment. I want to thank Lauren for the contributions she has made to both the WHITE FERNS and Auckland Cricket and wish her and her family all the very best for the future."

--IANS

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