Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup opener at Estadio Azteca as Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored in a match featuring three red cards.
Former India batter Veda Krishnamurthy believes vice-captain Smriti Mandhana will play a decisive role in India’s quest for a maiden ICC Women's T20 World Cup title, saying the opener's performances in the biggest matches could determine how far the team goes in the tournament.
The biggest ICC Women’s T20 World Cup ever is set to get underway in England, bringing together 12 teams with vastly different ambitions but a shared dream of lifting the trophy at Lord’s.
India will enter the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with genuine expectations of lifting the trophy, as the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side looks to build on last year’s historic ODI World Cup triumph and establish itself as a dominant force in world cricket.
India spinner Radha Yadav has said that representing the country remains the highest honour in cricket and that winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is the dream that continues to motivate her as she prepares for her fifth appearance at the tournament.
David, who missed Australia’s tour of Pakistan due to a hamstring injury that cut short his Big Bash League season, has been cleared to return after a successful rehabilitation.
Shimron Hetmyer, who had recently faced visa-related travel delays reaching India just hours before the matchup, quickly found his rhythm and seized control of the innings.
India enter the tournament as favourites to become the first team to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title, while Monank Patel-led USA will aim to spring an early surprise in their campaign opener.
On Friday, the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi produced a sensational 175 that helped India hammer England by 100 runs in the final and seal a record sixth title.
In the men’s competition, Sachin (60kg) once again led from the front, extending his impressive run with a dominant victory over England’s Jack Dryden to seal his spot in the gold-medal bout.
