India began their Group A match of the T20 World Cup against USA with an early setback after being sent in to bat first at Wankhede Stadium. USA captain Monank Patel won the toss and chose to bowl. Ishan Kishan opened with a six to get off the mark. But Abhishek Sharma fell for a golden duck to Ali Khan. Tilak Varma then joined Kishan to rebuild the innings. Sanju Samson was not included in the playing XI. Mohammed Siraj replaced the unwell Jasprit Bumrah. Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav were also left out for this game. (PC: NDTV)

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly refuted Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistani commentators’ claims that India has been “bullying” Pakistan in cricket, particularly after Pakistan’s decision to potentially boycott their T20 World Cup 2026 group match against India. Gavaskar stressed that India has historically taken the first step in sporting and cultural exchanges, citing Pakistani players and commentators in the IPL and invitations extended by India that were not reciprocated. He said India isn’t bullying anyone but “minding its own business” and questioned Pakistan’s use of the term, urging them to “stand up to the bully” if they truly believe it. (PC: PTI)

India seam bowler Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup due to a knee injury, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Friday. Rana sustained the injury during preparations and was assessed by the team’s medical staff, who advised against his participation in the tournament. In his absence, the BCCI has named experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj as his replacement in the squad. The change strengthens India’s bowling options as the team looks to maintain balance and depth ahead of crucial World Cup matches. (PC: Reuters)

India’s Under-19 cricket team dominated the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 final in Harare, thrashing England by 100 runs to win a record-extending sixth title. After winning the toss and batting first, India piled up a massive 411/9, powered by a sensational 175 off 80 balls from 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi — the highest individual score in a U19 final. Captain Ayush Mhatre (53) and others contributed as England struggled to chase. Despite a brilliant 115 from Caleb Falconer, England were bowled out for 311, falling well short of the target. (PC: Instagram)

A WhatsApp message from childhood coach Manish Ojha fueled Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's historic 175-run performance in the U19 World Cup final. After India's semi-final, Ojha reminded the 14-year-old that centuries had eluded him despite strong starts. Sooryavanshi responded with calculated brutality, smashing 15 sixes and 15 boundaries to dismantle England and seal India's sixth title. Starting cautiously at 15 off 17 balls, he reached his century in 55 deliveries and plundered 75 more runs in just 25 balls. He became India's leading U19 run-getter with 1,414 runs in 25 matches. His coach believes he's ready for senior team selection, potentially for the upcoming T20 World Cup starting February 7.

India claimed their record-extending sixth ICC U19 World Cup title, defeating England by 100 runs in Harare on February 6. Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi delivered a historic 80-ball 175 studded with a record 15 sixes, powering India to a mammoth 411-run total. England were bundled out for 311 in response. Captain Ayush Mhatre's side topped their fifth consecutive final appearance with victory. India previously won the tournament in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022, reaching the decider for a record 10th time. England, undefeated before the final and seeking their second title after 1998, saw their dreams dashed by Sooryavanshi's innings for the ages. (PC: BCCI)

Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi scripted history with a breathtaking 175 off 80 balls in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 final against England, recording the highest individual score ever in a tournament final. His knock included 15 fours and 15 sixes, surpassing Unmukt Chand's 2012 record of 111*. Cricket legends worldwide praised the prodigy. Virender Sehwag wrote "you can't stop the sun from rising," while Michael Vaughan called it "very, very special." Yusuf Pathan hailed his fearless attitude, and Irfan Pathan praised his big-match temperament. Combined with Ayush Mhatre's fifty, India posted 411/9 against England in the final.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi hit a stunning 175 off 80 balls to power India to a record 411/9 against England in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 final in Harare. The 14-year-old opener set the tone with aggressive stroke play from the start. His knock is the fastest century in an U19 World Cup final. He also became the first player to score 150 or more in a title clash. The total is the highest ever in a knockout match in the tournament. Captain Ayush Mhatre made 53 off 51 balls. Abhigyan Kundu scored 40, and Kanishk Chouhan added 37 late runs. (PC: X)

The Pakistan Cricket Board may change its stand on a possible boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India, former BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma said. The PCB has not yet given the ICC a final reply on whether it will play the group match. Sharma predicted a reversal after February 12. He said the board is expected to confirm participation and added, “Pakistan will play India.” His comment comes as the ICC waits for official clarity on the fixture. There has been no formal response from the PCB so far on his claim or the reported boycott plan. (PC: HT)

India’s 14-year-old batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hit a record 175 off 80 balls in the Under-19 World Cup final against England in Harare. It is the highest score by an Indian player in any ICC limited-overs final across men’s, women’s and youth levels. He reached his hundred in 55 balls, one of the fastest in tournament history. His innings included 15 fours and 15 sixes. The 15 sixes are the most in a single Under-19 World Cup innings. This is also the highest individual score in an Under-19 World Cup final. His knock put India in a strong position in the title match. (PC: India Today)