The Shillong Times

Sooryavanshi, Mayank script India’s win; sweep Zimbabwe 3-0

Agencies — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 02:28:45 +0000

Harare, July 26: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s remarkably adaptive 81 and an equally solid effort from bowlers led by pacer Mayank Yadav ensured India’s smooth 35-run win over Zimbabwe in the third and final T20I here on Sunday.
Along with the victory, India also completed a 3-0 sweep, a fine step-up after surrendering the previous two series to England (0-4) and Ireland (0-2).
Zimbabwe had to bat out of their skin to chase down 193 on a rather sluggish pitch.
But they did not have enough patience or nous for it, ending up at 157 for seven despite Ryan Burl making a fine unbeaten 54.
Just like in the previous matches, Zimbabwe lost one too many wickets early as they could not properly use the Power Play segment.
Pacer Yash Thakur (2/45) got rid of Dion Myers and skipper Sikandar Raza off successive balls in the fourth over as the hosts slipped to 34 for three.
Earlier Mayank (3/29), who bowled with heaps of pace and accuracy, had ousted Brian Bennett in the first ball of the innings as Zimbabwe struggled for an early move-on.
It became a trend as the innings progressed despite Indians grassing as many as four catches and conceding couple of boundaries in another sloppy fielding effort.
Burl played a nice innings of assurance and formed a good 60-run alliance with Wesley Madhevere (28) for the fifth wicket.The Zimbabweans played some forceful shots around the park, but the early damage was too big to mitigate.
India too suffered an early jolt, losing a struggling Abhishek Sharma for 2 after opting to bat.
But Sooryavanshi showcased another side of his batting during the 49-ball innings on a slightly tacky pitch at the Harare Sports Club, and The 15-year-old started in a relatively subdued fashion – first 10 balls produced a mere 11 runs, the next 10 saw the arrival of 15 runs, and eventually his second T20I fifty came in 31 balls.There were a few stunning shots as one would expect in a Sooryavanshi innings.
A straight punch for a four off Brad Evans’ yorker and then a 102-metre six off off-spinner Sikandar Raza showed his age-defying power and skills.
There was a moment of innovation too when he reverse swept spinner Madhevere for a boundary. But overall, it was an innings of restraint on the day from the Bihar boy.
But on the other hand, his opening partner Abhishek got out for his sixth below par score in succession, edging pacer Blessing Muzarabani to stumper Tadi Marumani.
Now, Abhishek’s last six innings read: 10, 16, 3, 1, 8, 2, dating back to the third T20I at Nottingham against England last month.
But Sooryavanshi showed enough maturity to stitch a 75-run partnership with Ishan Kishan (29) for the second wicket and followed it up with a 50-run stand with Shreyas Iyer (27) for the next wicket.However, the left-hander fell close to a well-deserved hundred with Evans taking a stunning catch at long-off off Madhevere.
Once Sooryavanshi and Shreyas departed, the middle order batters struggled to impart the desired momentum to the innings.
It reflected in the 47 runs they scored off in the last five overs, and Rinku Singh’s cameo (25, 14b) was needed for India to move closer to 200.
The comprehensive victory not only completed a dominant series sweep but also provided India with several encouraging takeaways ahead of a busy international calendar. While the batting once again revolved around the precocious Sooryavanshi, whose temperament and adaptability continue to belie his age, the bowlers complemented the effort with disciplined spells to ensure Zimbabwe never seriously threatened the target. However, the visitors will be concerned by Abhishek Sharma’s prolonged loss of form and another untidy display in the field, with multiple dropped catches and lapses in ground fielding allowing the hosts to remain in the contest longer than they should have. (PTI)

Washington ruled out of first Sri Lanka Test as India’s injury concerns persist

Agencies — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 02:26:52 +0000

New Delhi, July 26: India’s injury concerns continue to mount ahead of next month’s two-Test series against Sri Lanka, with spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar ruled out of the opening Test and injured duo Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana unlikely to feature in the series.
India are scheduled to face Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle from August 15 to 19 before the second Test at the SSC in Colombo from August 23 to 27.
According to sources, Washington has not recovered sufficiently from the leg injury he sustained during India’s recent white-ball tour of England and is expected to miss the series opener. His availability for the second Test will depend on his progress during rehabilitation.
The injury has created a selection dilemma for the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, which is set to announce the squad on Tuesday.
With Washington doubtful, the selectors may need to identify an additional spin-bowling option to complement Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Manav Suthar.
Off-spinner Saransh Jain has emerged as a strong contender after an impressive performance against Sri Lanka A, where he claimed six wickets in two matches and also scored an unbeaten 70. His ability to contribute with the bat lower down the order is believed to have strengthened his case, particularly given head coach Gautam Gambhir’s preference for batting depth.
Leg-spinners Zeeshan Ansari and Vipraj Nigam are also among the options under consideration, although Nigam is reportedly viewed as being better suited to the white-ball format.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and fast bowler Harshit Rana are not expected to be available for selection after suffering hamstring injuries.
Both players are currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and are unlikely to recover in time for the Sri Lanka tour.
India’s pace department also remains under close watch. Senior fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the final ODI against England after sustaining a knee injury, is scheduled to resume training at the Centre of Excellence after a short period of rest and will undergo a fitness assessment before his availability is confirmed.
Should Bumrah fail to regain full fitness in time, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar are expected to shoulder the pace-bowling responsibilities.
There is, however, encouraging news regarding top-order batter B Sai Sudharsan, who is recovering well from his injury, although his inclusion will remain subject to medical clearance.
Fast bowler Akash Deep also remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a stress fracture. While he has resumed bowling as part of his return-to-play programme, he is still some distance away from match fitness.
In a positive development for India’s white-ball plans, senior all-rounder Hardik Pandya has completed the final stages of his rehabilitation from a quadriceps injury and is expected to receive fitness clearance by the end of July.
If India’s proposed white-ball tour of Bangladesh goes ahead later this year, Pandya is likely to return to the national squad after successfully completing his return-to-play protocols. (PTI)

Srikkanth backs Siraj for 2027 World Cup

Agencies — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 02:24:56 +0000

Mumbai, July 25:Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has thrown his weight behind fast bowler Mohammed Siraj’s inclusion in India’s squad for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, saying the seamer’s bowling style will be ideally suited to the conditions in South Africa.
The 2027 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, will require bowlers capable of extracting pace and bounce, according to Srikkanth, who believes Siraj possesses those qualities.“Siraj should definitely be in the squad. South African pitches demand bowlers who can hit the deck hard using their shoulders and wrists. If you simply pitch the ball up looking for swing, you are likely to be punished,” Srikkanth said in a video.He added that India would benefit from bowlers capable of generating sharp bounce through wrist and shoulder action, comparing the requirement to the style employed by England pacer Jofra Archer.
Siraj, who has claimed 76 wickets in 50 One-Day Internationals. (Agencies)

Abhishek creates history with record T20I bowling spell

Agencies — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 02:22:57 +0000

Harare, July 26: India all-rounder Abhishek Sharma etched his name into the record books after producing the best bowling figures by an Indian opening batter in T20 International cricket during the second T20I against Zimbabwe on Saturday.
The left-arm spinner claimed 3/17, the finest bowling return by an Indian opener in the shortest format, as India completed a commanding 90-run victory to seal the three-match series 2-0 with one game to spare.
Abhishek’s spell now completes a unique trio of landmark performances by Indian opening batters across all three international formats. Former all-rounder Vinoo Mankad continues to hold the Test record with his memorable 8/52 against Pakistan in 1952, while Ravi Shastri’s 5/15 against Australia in 1991 remains the best bowling figures by an Indian opener in One-Day Internationals.
Despite failing to make an impact with the bat after falling cheaply to Blessing Muzarabani, Abhishek more than made amends with the ball. Brought into the attack as a part-time spin option, he struck three crucial blows to derail Zimbabwe’s chase of a daunting 220-run target. Zimbabwe made a brisk start through Brian Bennett but lost momentum after his dismissal, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Abhishek finished with three scalps, while pacers Yash Thakur and Prince Yadav chipped in with two wickets apiece as the hosts were bowled out for 129.
Earlier, India recovered from a shaky 29/2, courtesy of an 81-run knock from Ishan Kishan and an unbeaten 60 by Tilak Varma.
Kishan steadied the innings before accelerating, while Tilak provided the finishing flourish to guide India to a formidable 219/5.India’s bowlers then completed the job in emphatic fashion, with Abhishek’s record-breaking spell proving the highlight of another dominant all-round performance by the visitors. (Agencies)

Improving India-B’desh ties boost hopes for September cricket tour

Agencies — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 02:21:39 +0000

New Delhi, July 26: India’s white-ball tour of Bangladesh, which was postponed last year due to political tensions, appears increasingly likely to go ahead in September as diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring countries show signs of improvement.
India are scheduled to play three One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals during the tour, originally planned for August 2025 before the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) deferred it by a year, citing the prevailing political situation.
The uncertainty surrounding the series stemmed from strained bilateral relations following the political developments in Bangladesh in August 2024, which also spilled over into cricketing affairs.
Among the major flashpoints was Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman’s selection by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL mini-auction. Amid protests in parts of India opposing his participation, the franchise eventually released the left-arm seamer from its squad. The episode triggered strong reactions in Bangladesh, with calls from some quarters to boycott the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India. Bangladesh eventually withdrew from the tournament, further straining ties between the two cricket boards.
However, relations appear to have improved since former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal assumed the presidency of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Soon after his appointment, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla publicly congratulated Tamim, who also shares a long-standing association with current BCCI president Mithun Manhas from their days together at Pune Warriors India in the Indian Premier League.
Tamim has consistently emphasised the importance of maintaining strong relationships with cricket boards worldwide, a stance he has reiterated since taking office.
The proposed India series is viewed as an important test for the new BCB administration, particularly with Bangladesh set to host the 2027 Asia Cup and the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup.According to reports, improving diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh have significantly increased the likelihood of the September tour proceeding as scheduled. Reports also suggest that Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been invited to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi, a move seen as another positive step towards strengthening bilateral relations. Since the original postponement was based on government advice, improved diplomatic ties could clear the way for the tour.
India’s busy international calendar had briefly raised fresh doubts over the series after reports emerged of a proposed three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in September.
However, it is understood that those fixtures could be rescheduled if the Bangladesh tour receives the final clearance.
The window for any adjustments remains limited, with the Asian Games beginning on September 24, where India are expected to field a full-strength squad.
Bangladesh’s State Minister for Youth and Sports, Aminul Haque, has also expressed optimism over India’s visit. (Agencies)

City weigh Rodri’s future amid midfield rebuild

Agencies — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 02:20:38 +0000

Manchester, July 26: Manchester City face a crucial decision over the future of midfield talisman Rodri as the club begins a new era under head coach Enzo Maresca following a summer of significant squad changes.
City have already reshaped their squad with the departures of several senior players from the club’s Treble-winning side, including Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Bernardo Silva and John Stones. In response, the Premier League champions have strengthened their ranks by signing Elliot Anderson and teenage prospect Jeremy Monga, but uncertainty surrounding Rodri has added another layer to the rebuilding process.
The Spain international, who captained his country to FIFA World Cup glory and was named the tournament’s best player, is set to undergo back surgery, with the duration of his recovery yet to be confirmed. His contract also enters its final year, while reports continue to link him with a possible move to Real Madrid.
Despite the speculation, Maresca has made it clear he wants the midfielder to remain at the Etihad Stadium.
“Every manager wants to have Rodri because he is a top player,” Maresca said, adding that the Spaniard’s immediate focus should be on recovering fully from surgery before returning to action.Although City are keen to retain the 30-year-old, the club are believed to be preparing contingency plans. Anderson’s arrival strengthens the midfield, while Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi has also emerged as a reported transfer target.Maresca is expected to introduce a possession-based tactical system built around positional flexibility, with players capable of operating in multiple roles across the pitch. His preferred structure often transitions into a 3-2-2-3 formation in possession, demanding midfielders who are comfortable dropping into defence, progressing the ball and supporting attacks.Rodri’s intelligence, positional awareness and versatility make him an ideal fit for that system.
During Spain’s successful World Cup campaign, he frequently alternated between defensive midfield and central defence, while also stepping forward to dictate attacks whenever space opened up. (Agencies)

Mason Mount emerges as Manchester United’s midfield answer

Agencies — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 02:18:10 +0000

Trondheim, July 26: Mason Mount is making a strong case to become an integral part of Manchester United’s midfield after impressive displays in pre-season, potentially reducing the club’s need to make another major signing before the transfer window closes.
United have already strengthened their midfield by signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for a combined reported fee of £83 million. However, injuries to Manuel Ugarte and the departure of Casemiro at the end of his contract have fuelled speculation that the club could still recruit another central midfielder.
Several names, including Bournemouth pair Alex Scott and Tyler Adams, Roma’s Manu Kone and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, have been linked with a move to Old Trafford. However, financial considerations and the club’s priority of signing a left-sided player and an additional forward may limit further spending.
Against that backdrop, Mount’s performances in pre-season have offered manager Michael Carrick another solution from within the existing squad.
The 27-year-old, signed from Chelsea in 2023, has endured an injury-hit spell at Old Trafford but appears to have rediscovered his rhythm after enjoying a more consistent campaign last season.Having featured prominently in victories over Wrexham and Rosenborg, Mount has shown encouraging signs of forming an effective midfield partnership with new recruit Andrey Santos.
While Santos has impressed with his defensive discipline, composure in possession and ability to shield the backline, Mount has thrived in a more advanced role, using his movement, passing and work rate to drive United forward. The England international also offers defensive intensity, frequently pressing opponents and contributing with timely tackles.
“I’ve known Andre for a while and watched him since he broke into Chelsea’s first team,” Mount said. “He’s an excellent player who reads the game really well. His defensive qualities allow me to push forward more, while both of us enjoy winning the ball back and being aggressive.”
Mount added that central midfield remains one of his favourite positions, having played there throughout much of his youth career.
Beyond his performances on the pitch, Mount has also embraced a leadership role during United’s pre-season preparations.
He has spent time mentoring younger players, including highly rated youngster Shea Lacey, whose goal against Rosenborg further enhanced his prospects of breaking into the senior squad.Carrick also underlined his faith in Mount by handing him the captain’s armband during the second half of the victory over Rosenborg after Harry Maguire was substituted.
Reflecting on the responsibility, Mount said he preferred to lead through his performances rather than by being overly vocal.
“I see myself as someone who leads by example and never stops working. I enjoy helping the younger players settle in and making them feel comfortable, both on and off the pitch,” he said.
Although more than five weeks remain before the transfer window closes and speculation over further arrivals is expected to continue. (Agencies)

Mass evacuations, 10 dead from Typhoon Noul in China

Agencies — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 02:13:47 +0000

China, July 26: According to reporting by The Guardian, more than 715,000 people were relocated to safer areas across Guangdong Province as authorities prepared for dangerous flooding, strong winds, and potential landslides.
Emergency services remained on high alert throughout the region while officials closely monitored rivers, mountain communities, construction sites, valleys, and bridges vulnerable to flash flooding.
China also issued its highest-level flash flood warning in several provinces as forecasters predicted prolonged heavy rainfall.

10 killed after Typhoon Noul makes landfall

Ten people were killed in rain-triggered floods in China as Typhoon Noul made landfall early Sunday in the southern province of Guangdong. Noul, the 12th and the strongest typhoon to hit China so far this year, made landfall at Huizhou city in Guangdong around 3:50 am, bringing gale-force winds and heavy rain to large parts of the region.
Rain-triggered flash floods killed 10 in China’s Gansu scenic area, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
China’s National Commission for Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief activated a Level-IV national disaster relief emergency response for Guangdong. Level-IV is the least severe tier in the four-tier emergency response system. Level I is the most critical/severe.
The typhoon packed winds of up to 162 kilometres per hour, slightly stronger than Typhoon Bavi, which struck eastern and northeastern China about two weeks ago, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.
A working team has been dispatched to the affected areas to assess the situation and assist local authorities in relocating and resettling residents, besides ensuring their basic living needs.
Ahead of the typhoon’s landfall, China’s national observatory on Saturday issued a red alert, the highest level in the country’s four-tier colour-coded typhoon warning system. Red is followed by orange, yellow and blue.

Torrential Rain Expected Across Southern China

China’s National Meteorological Center forecast heavy to torrential rainfall across much of southern China from Sunday through Monday morning. Some areas, particularly Fujian Province, were expected to receive extremely heavy to exceptional downpours.
As Noul continued moving inland, nearby provinces including Jiangxi and Hunan were forecast to experience strong winds and persistent rainfall through Tuesday, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides. Authorities urged local governments to strengthen flood prevention measures and closely monitor areas most vulnerable to natural disasters.

Flights, Rail Services Disrupted

The storm caused major disruptions to transportation across the region.
Train services throughout Guangdong Province were suspended on Sunday as a precaution against severe weather.
In Hong Kong, the Airport Authority confirmed that approximately 350 flights were canceled because of the typhoon. Officials said flight operations were expected to gradually resume later on Sunday as weather conditions improved.

Damage Reported in Guangdong, Hong Kong

State broadcaster CCTV reported that powerful winds uprooted numerous trees in Huilai County, located along Guangdong’s coastline.
In Hong Kong, strong winds caused sections of scaffolding attached to a high-rise building to collapse on Saturday. Police said there were no initial reports of injuries resulting from the incident.
Authorities also confirmed that at least nine people were injured across Hong Kong during the typhoon period, though none of the reported injuries were immediately described as serious.

Authorities Continue Monitoring the Situation

Emergency officials remain on alert as heavy rainfall is expected to continue across parts of southern China. Residents living in flood-prone areas have been advised to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow evacuation instructions issued by local authorities. (Agencies)

Wildfires drive 2.5 lakh people from their homes in France

Agencies — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 02:10:38 +0000

France, July 26: A raging wildfire in southwest France forced the evacuation of 55,000 people overnight Sunday, bringing the total forced out of their homes to a staggering 220,000 in one region alone, as flames crept ever closer to the wine region city of Bordeaux.
Neighbouring Spain oversaw its own fire evacuations on the country’s east coast.
Shifting, gusting winds and arid conditions complicated massive efforts to limit the spread of the monster blaze that has burned out of control since midweek in France’s Gironde region, where Bordeaux is located. Authorities issued overnight evacuation orders for five more localities southwest of the historic city.
“The situation remains very unfavourable,” French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said after what he described as “another difficult night” for fire crews battling round-the-clock against the blaze that has burned an area four times the size of Paris.
“The fire again became extremely virulent again and unpredictable, generating its own winds and advancing erratically toward the Bordeaux metropolitan area,” Nunez posted on X. “It became calmer by the end of the night,” the minister added.
At the end of his Sunday Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV referenced the devastating wildfires.(AP)

World Watch

Agencies — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 02:02:34 +0000

One dead, 17 injured in Berlin car crash

Berlin, July 26: A van ramming and stabbing near Berlin’s Pride festival that left one person dead and many others injured is believed to have been an Islamic extremist terror attack, Germany’s interior minister said Sunday. The suspect in Saturday night’s attack remains at large. Authorities issued a wanted notice and warned people against approaching Abdul Ballout, a German citizen with Lebanese roots, saying that he may be armed and dangerous. Authorities said he is believed to have injured several people after he drove a van into a crowd at a park near the Pride festival’s closing party. He then allegedly attacked other people with a weapon, suspected to be a machete. “Everything we see here points to us dealing with an Islamic terror attack,” Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said Dobrindt put the total number of injured at 29. (AP)

Pak’s monsoon death toll nears 100

Islamabad, July 26: Pakistan’s monsoon death toll has risen to 97 after 11 more people were killed and 25 others injured in rain-related incidents, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said. Eastern Punjab province remained the worst-hit during the latest reporting period, recording seven deaths and 20 injuries. Southern Sindh reported two deaths and two injuries, while northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province and northern Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) region each recorded one fatality. KP also reported three injuries. The authority said the cumulative number of people injured since the onset of the monsoon season on June 26 has reached 297, Xinhua news agency reported. The latest spell of rains also damaged 22 houses and killed eight livestock, bringing the season’s total to 447 houses damaged and 269 livestock lost nationwide. (IANS)

France, Greece sites added to UNESCO Heritage List

Seoul, July 26: World War II’s D-Day landing beaches in northern France and the iconic Mount Olympus in Greece were among the sites added to the World Heritage List on Sunday at a UN committee meeting in South Korea reviewing dozens of nominations.The UNESCO committee, which meets in Busan through Wednesday, also inscribed the ancient Japanese capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara and South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, host to one of the world’s largest land mammal migrations and the country’s first addition to the World Heritage List.The French designation covers the five Normandy landing beaches, Omaha, Utah, Sword, Gold and Juno, where more than 150,000. (AP)

Space crew lands safely after 8 months on ISS

Moscow, July 26: A US-Russian space crew landed safely in the steppes of Kazakhstan on Sunday after an eight-month stint on the International Space Station. NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian crewmates Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev touched down in their Soyuz MS-28 that landed smoothly by parachute in a designated area southeast of Dzhezkazgan. Their 241-day stint on the orbiting outpost was the first space mission for Williams and Mikaev and the second for Kud-Sverchkov. (AP)