The post New Zealand Clinch Victory Over Afghanistan in Champions Trophy Opener appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Afghanistan, after being invited to bat, posted a fighting total of 183 runs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a steady knock of 27 runs, while Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah tried to build partnerships in the middle overs. However, the Afghan batting lineup struggled against disciplined bowling from New Zealand.
Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry kept the pressure on with sharp pace and accurate lines. Ferguson struck crucial blows in the middle overs, while Henry provided early breakthroughs. Their combined effort restricted Afghanistan to a modest total despite brief resistance from the lower order.
In response, New Zealand approached the chase calmly. Will Young anchored the innings with a composed 65 off 42 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes. His positive intent ensured that the required run rate never became a concern.
Tom Latham supported him brilliantly, scoring a fluent 74. He rotated the strike effectively and punished loose deliveries, guiding the innings through the middle phase. The pair built a crucial partnership that shifted the momentum firmly in New Zealand’s favor.
Although Afghanistan’s bowlers managed to pick up a few wickets and attempted to apply pressure with tight spells, the target proved insufficient. The New Zealand batters maintained control and completed the chase comfortably with five wickets in hand.
The victory provides New Zealand with a strong start to the tournament and boosts their confidence ahead of tougher encounters. Afghanistan showed flashes of promise but will need greater consistency with both bat and ball to challenge top sides in the competition.
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]]>The post Suryakumar Yadav Single-Handedly Crushes USA appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Batting first after losing early wickets, India found themselves under pressure as the USA bowlers struck regularly. Suryakumar Yadav held one end firmly and counter-attacked with confidence and composure. He scored 84 runs, becoming the top scorer of the match, and reached his half-century in just 25 balls at a strike rate of over 160. His innings included a series of innovative strokes and clean hits that shifted the momentum in India’s favour.
India eventually posted a total of 176 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Apart from Suryakumar, no other Indian batter was able to play a substantial innings, underlining the importance of his contribution.
While chasing the target, the United States began positively but struggled to maintain consistency against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Arshdeep Singh emerged as the standout bowler, picking up three crucial wickets and breaking the back of the American batting lineup. He was well supported by the other bowlers, who kept the run rate in check and applied constant pressure.
The USA were restricted to 147 runs, falling short by 29 runs. This victory marked India’s first-ever T20 international win against the United States and strengthened their position in the tournament.
The match also saw several milestones, including Suryakumar Yadav recording his third consecutive fifty in T20 internationals, highlighting his exceptional form and reliability in pressure situations.
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]]>The post India’s Youth Brigade Crowned World Champions Once Again appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Batting first in the final, India posted an extraordinary total of 411 runs for nine wickets, the highest team score ever recorded in an Under-19 World Cup final. The innings was headlined by a sensational knock of 175 runs by Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who displayed maturity beyond his years. His innings included powerful stroke play, with 150 of his runs coming from boundaries, including 15 fours and 15 sixes. He reached his century in just 55 deliveries, setting a new benchmark in the tournament’s history.
England struggled to cope with the pressure of the chase and were bowled out for 311 runs. Despite their efforts, the English batters were unable to match the intensity and discipline shown by the Indian bowlers, leading to a comprehensive Indian victory.
With this triumph, India lifted the Under-19 World Cup trophy once again, having previously won the title in 2000 under Mohammad Kaif, in 2008 under Virat Kohli, in 2012 under Unmukt Chand, in 2018 under Prithvi Shaw, and in 2022 under Yash Dhull. The latest win further strengthens India’s legacy in youth cricket.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s exceptional tournament earned him the Player of the Match award in the final and the Player of the Series honour. He finished the tournament with a record-breaking 439 runs, the highest by any player in a single Under-19 World Cup edition, along with a wicket to his name.
Following the victory, celebrations erupted across the country as fans hailed the young champions. The Prime Minister also congratulated the team, praising their skill, discipline, and fearless approach, and stated that the nation is proud of the Under-19 squad for bringing glory to India once again.
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]]>The post Royal Challengers Bengaluru Defeat Delhi Capitals to Win Second WPL Title appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Led by an exceptional captain’s knock from Smriti Mandhana and a brilliant supporting innings from Georgia Voll, RCB chased down a challenging target of 204 with two balls to spare, joining Mumbai Indians as the most successful teams in the history of the league.
Mandhana was in sublime form, scoring a majestic 87 off just 41 deliveries, while Voll played the perfect foil with a fluent 79 from 54 balls. The duo stitched together a record-breaking 165-run partnership for the second wicket, which completely swung the contest in RCB’s favour.
Earlier, Delhi Capitals posted an imposing total of 203 for four after being asked to bat first. Captain Jemimah Rodrigues led the charge with a classy 57 off 37 balls, while Chinelle Henry provided late fireworks with a rapid 35 from just 15 deliveries. Laura Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on 44 from 25 balls, and Lizelle Lee contributed a brisk 37 off 30 balls to ensure a strong finish.
RCB’s chase began with an early setback as Grace Harris departed cheaply, but Mandhana and Voll quickly steadied the innings. They scored freely against both pace and spin, punishing anything overpitched and pulling short deliveries with authority. RCB reached 100 at the halfway stage, needing 104 runs from the final 10 overs.
Mandhana brought up her half-century in just 23 balls, hammering Sneh Rana for a boundary after already striking two sixes in the over. Voll matched her aggression, finding gaps with ease and clearing the ropes when required.
The pair continued to dominate as RCB surged to 150 in 14 overs, reducing the equation to 54 runs from 36 balls. Voll’s dismissal to Minnu Mani briefly raised Delhi’s hopes, but RCB held their nerve in the closing overs to seal a memorable victory.
Earlier in the match, RCB bowlers began tightly, conceding just nine runs in the first three overs. However, a costly fourth over from Sayali Satghare allowed Delhi to regain momentum, with Lee smashing consecutive sixes. Shafali Verma was later dismissed by Arundhati Reddy, while Nadine de Klerk removed the dangerous Lee to halt Delhi’s progress.
Despite a strong partnership between Rodrigues and Wolvaardt, RCB managed to restrict further damage and executed their chase with composure to clinch the title in a repeat of the 2024 final.
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]]>The post Same Mindset Across Formats Driving India’s T20 Success Says Suryakumar Yadav appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Speaking at the Captains’ Press Conference, Suryakumar said India no longer differentiates between bilateral series and major tournaments in terms of approach, which has helped the side perform with consistency over the last few years.
According to him, India earlier treated bilateral series differently from ICC events, but that mindset has changed. Whether it is an ICC tournament, the Asia Cup or a bilateral match, the team now aims to play with the same intent and style.
India have enjoyed remarkable success since winning the T20 World Cup in 2024, securing victories in every bilateral series since then along with the Asia Cup title last year. Suryakumar said this consistency meant the 2024 World Cup felt like a continuation of their regular cricket rather than a high-pressure event.
He added that the team intends to carry the same approach into the ongoing T20 World Cup, believing that strong performances will naturally lead to positive results.
The Indian skipper also provided an update on all-rounder Washington Sundar, assuring that the team management will not rush his return and will ensure he is fully fit before making a comeback.
Citing the example of Tilak Varma, who returned stronger after a brief injury layoff, Suryakumar said Washington is progressing well and is close to full fitness. He stressed that the team is prepared to remain patient until Sundar is completely ready.
Suryakumar credited head coach Gautam Gambhir for fostering a strong team-first culture in the dressing room. He said Gambhir has emphasised that individual milestones should take a back seat to collective goals, creating a positive and relaxed team environment.
He highlighted Ishan Kishan’s maiden T20 century as an example, noting that Kishan chose to finish the match with a six rather than focusing on reaching his hundred cautiously, reflecting the team’s shared mindset.
The captain also praised the atmosphere within the squad, pointing to shared activities such as team dinners and outings that have helped build unity and trust among players.
Addressing concerns around the dew factor, which has been cited as a challenge in the tournament, Suryakumar said the team is prepared for all conditions and does not want external factors to dictate its strategy.
He said India is comfortable both batting first and chasing targets and believes modern teams must prepare for dew rather than worry about it. With experienced players across formats, India will focus on playing quality cricket and adapting on match days as required.
India begin their T20 World Cup campaign against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, aiming to make history by securing a third world title.
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]]>The post PT Usha’s Husband V Srinivasan Passes Away at 67 appeared first on The Edge Media.
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Srinivasan reportedly collapsed at his residence early in the morning. He was rushed to a nearby hospital without delay, but doctors were unable to revive him.
A former central government employee, Srinivasan was known for standing firmly by Usha through her celebrated sporting journey and later her public and political life. Those close to the family described him as a constant source of strength and encouragement, playing a key role behind many of her achievements.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and Indian Olympic Association President P T Usha to express his condolences over the death of her husband, V Srinivasan.
Srinivasan and Usha have a son, Ujjwal. His passing has left family, friends, and members of the sporting fraternity deeply saddened.
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]]>The post Former Bus Conductor, Doctors Among 45 Padma Shri Awardees Named Unsung Heroes appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Anke Gowda, once a bus conductor from Haralahalli village near Mysuru in Karnataka, has been honoured for setting up Pustak Mane, the world’s largest free access library. The library houses over two million books in more than 20 languages along with rare manuscripts and has emerged as a major centre for learning and knowledge sharing across the country.
Medical professionals feature prominently among the awardees. Mumbai based paediatrician Armida Fernandes has been recognised for founding Asia’s first human milk bank, a pioneering initiative that has significantly improved infant survival. Shyam Sundar was selected for developing an affordable diagnostic test for Kala Azar, also known as black fever, while veteran haematologist Suresh Hangavadi was honoured for his lifelong contribution to the treatment of Haemophilia.
The list also includes Ladakh based Padma Gurmet for promoting ancient Tibetan medicine, Tamil Nadu veterinary scientist Punniamurthy Natesan for combining traditional practices with modern animal healthcare, Hyderabad based geneticist Kumarasamy Thangharaj, and Gujarat based social worker Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandlewala, founder of Donate Life, who has played a key role in promoting organ donation.
Several artists preserving India’s rich cultural heritage have also been honoured. These include Bundeli war art trainer Bhagwandas Raikwar from Madhya Pradesh, Silambam martial art exponent K Pajanivel from Puducherry, 90 year old tribal Tarpa musician Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda from Maharashtra, and 100 year old Nata Sankirtana performer Yumnam Jatra Singh from Manipur.
Other awardees include folk dancer Vishwa Bandhu from Bihar, Rajasthani Bhapang musician Gafruddin Mewati Jogi, Gujarati Maanbhatt artist Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya and Taga Ram Bheel, who has worked to preserve the fading Algoza musical tradition.
The Padma Shri has also been conferred on theatre and performing arts contributors, such as, Odisha based Sakhi Nata actor Simanchal Patro, Naga folk theatre guru Sangyusang S Pongener, and Assam scenographer Nuruddin Ahmed.
Among those recognised for social service and community development are Jammu and Kashmir based social worker Brij Lal Bhat, Budri Thati for establishing schools in Naxal affected regions of Chhattisgarh, Ramchandra and Sunita Godbole for providing affordable healthcare to tribal communities in Bastar, former IPS officer Inderjit Singh Sandhu for sanitation advocacy, and Techi Gubin for preserving the culture of the Nishi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh.
The list further honours literary figures and artisans, such as, Santhali author Charan Hembram, senior journalist Kailash Chandra Pant for promoting Hindi for over six decades, Kashmiri writer Shafi Shauq, and Naresh Chandra Debbarma for advancing Tripura’s Kokborok language.
Craft and environmental contributions were recognised through awards to brass engraver Chiranji Lal Yadav from Moradabad, bronze sculptor Rajastapathi Kaliappa Goundar, Kantha embroidery mentor Tripti Mukherjee, Jamdani weaving trainer Khem Raj Sundriyal, 92 year old environmentalist Kollakkayil Devaki Amma G from Kerala, Meghalaya’s Hally War for traditional afforestation and water conservationist Mohan Nagar from Madhya Pradesh.
Agricultural innovation and rural development were acknowledged through honours to Shrirang Devba Lad for the Dada Lad cotton farming technique, Mahendra Kumar Mishra of Odisha for protecting tribal voices, Raghupat Singh from Uttar Pradesh for farming innovations, and Raghuveer Tukaram Khedkar for using Tamasha art to raise awareness on drug addiction.
Sources said the Padma Awards this year continue the tradition of celebrating ordinary Indians who have made extraordinary contributions to society, many of whom have overcome personal hardship while serving communities in remote and marginalised regions.
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]]>The post India Storm into Super Six of U19 World Cup 2026 with Dominant Win over New Zealand appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>The match was interrupted twice by rain, reducing the contest to 37 overs per side, but the revised conditions did little to unsettle the Indian team. Chasing a manageable target, the Indian batters displayed confidence and attacking intent, reaching 130 for three in just 13.3 overs to seal the contest with ease.
Captain Ayush Mhatre led from the front with a composed yet fluent half century, scoring 53 and setting the tempo for the chase. Vaibhav Suryavanshi complemented him perfectly with a brisk 40, ensuring the pressure never shifted away from the New Zealand bowlers. The chase was completed swiftly, leaving no room for a comeback.
Earlier in the match, the Indian bowlers laid a solid foundation after opting to field first. They struck at regular intervals and prevented New Zealand from building any meaningful partnerships. RS Ambrish was the standout performer with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Henil Patel chipped in with three as New Zealand were bowled out for 135 in 36.2 overs.
The disciplined bowling effort and energetic fielding ensured New Zealand remained on the back foot throughout the innings. Overall, it was a commanding and well rounded display by India as they marched confidently into the next stage of the tournament.
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]]>The post Australian Open: Alcaraz Equals Borg’s Record, Advances to Quarterfinals appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Alcaraz defeated France’s Ugo Humbert in straight sets, winning 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 in the third round. The Spanish star displayed complete control throughout the match and advanced comfortably to the quarterfinal stage. His record now stands at 87 wins and 13 losses in Grand Slam tournaments, marking the best start by any player after their first 100 major matches.
In men’s singles action, second seed Daniil Medvedev was pushed hard but eventually prevailed after a marathon encounter lasting over four hours. Medvedev dropped the opening set before mounting a strong comeback to win the match in five sets, 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 6-0, 6-3. This marked the fifth time Medvedev has reached the last eight at the Australian Open.
American player Taylor Fritz also progressed, defeating his opponent in four sets after a tightly contested match. Fritz’s steady baseline play and strong serve proved decisive in the latter stages.
In women’s singles, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka reached the last 16 for the fifth consecutive year at Melbourne Park. The Belarusian star defeated Amanda Anisimova 7-6, 7-6 in a tense contest. Sabalenka showed remarkable composure in both tie-breaks to seal her place in the pre-quarterfinals.
Earlier, Sabalenka had beaten Czech player Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets. She remains one of the strongest contenders for the title, having won 18 of her last 19 matches at the Australian Open.
Teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva also caused a major upset by defeating seventh seed Jessica Pegula. The 18-year-old Russian came back from a set down to register a memorable victory, showcasing her growing confidence on the big stage.
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]]>The post Bangladesh Expresses Security Concerns Over Playing T20 World Cup Matches In India appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Speaking to the media, Aminul Islam said the board and its directors held multiple meetings before reaching the conclusion that travelling to India at this stage would be risky.
He added that the concerns were formally communicated to the International Cricket Council, making it clear that security remains the board’s top priority.
read also: Bangladesh Pulls Out Of Playing T20 World Cup Matches In India
According to Aminul, the BCB has written to the ICC requesting a meeting to explain its position in detail. He emphasised that Bangladesh is engaging directly with the ICC, as the T20 World Cup is an ICC event, and not holding discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India on the matter. The board’s future course of action, he said, will depend on the response received from the global governing body.
The issue gained momentum following the release of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League. The decision, announced by the BCCI, cited unspecified developments, which the BCB believes have contributed to uncertainty surrounding player safety.
Bangladesh is scheduled to play three of its T20 World Cup group matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. Placed in Group C, the team is set to begin its campaign against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on February 7, before facing England, Italy and Nepal in the group stage.
The situation unfolds against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between India and Bangladesh after the removal of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India following widespread protests last year. Subsequent political developments, including her conviction in absentia and reports of attacks on minority communities, have further heightened tensions between the two countries.
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