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Glenn McGrath warns ahead of IND vs ENG Semi Final: ‘India can’t afford to take England lightly’ | Cricket News

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‘India can’t afford to take England lightly’: Glenn McGrath warns ahead of big semi-final
Team India (Pic credit: BCCI)

CHENNAI: Renowned former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath expects India and South Africa to lock horns in the final of the T20 World Cup but feels Suryakumar Yadav and Co. need to be cautious against England, who have had a patchy campaign, in the semifinals on Thursday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“England are a dangerous team. If they really click on the day, they can do anything. However, they’ve been lucky as well. Nepal should have beaten them. Italy was a close game. So, they’ve found ways to win. Maybe that’ll give them confidence that they’ve just peaked for the semifinal.

Team India arrives in Mumbai after sealing semifinal spot | T20 World Cup 2026

“If India go out there and play as they have throughout this tournament and England go out and play as they have, India should go through,” McGrath said, adding, “The two teams I would pick to be in the final are going to be South Africa and India.”McGrath, the director of coaching at the MRF Pace Foundation, said he was really impressed by South Africa. “Some time back, they came out and said they were focusing on T20 cricket moving forward. They have good hitters and very good bowling attack.”About South Africa having to face New Zealand in the semis, McGrath said, “There’s something about New Zealand when they face South Africa. South Africa always win convincingly, I don’t know why.”‘Bumrah is a big-game player’McGrath also felt India’s bowling attack will be crucial in the knockouts, singling out Jasprit Bumrah as a “big-game player”.“First, it’ll be about winning the toss and deciding what to do. India have a good bowling attack. Arshdeep Singh is doing well and Bumrah is quality. Arshdeep has been probably the pick of India’s bowlers but Bumrah is a big game player. Sometimes during the big games, these players lift their games. In just a normal game, not saying the focus is not there, but they really love those big moments, big games. But I’ve got total faith in Bumrah when it comes to big matches. I’m always a big fan of him.”‘Australia’s exit not surprising’McGrath admitted he had harboured doubts about Australia’s prospects even before the tournament began. “I had said I was concerned with Australia. I thought they might make the Super 8, but to be honest, I didn’t feel they would progress much further. For Australia to get knocked out before the Super-8s and Zimbabwe going through, hopefully that hurts them. Disappointing, but not surprising,” he said.

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Vikings Must Fix an Ugly Problem in 2026

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Kevin O’Connell walks off the field at U.S. Bank Stadium during a Vikings game.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell heads toward the sideline at U.S. Bank Stadium during a Nov. 20, 2022 matchup, departing the field after the second quarter as Minnesota struggled against Dallas. The moment captures a tense afternoon in Minneapolis, with O’Connell assessing adjustments before halftime amid mounting pressure. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

The 2025 Minnesota Vikings were a sloppy football team across all three phases. I wrote about the fact back in November, and while the team did tidy some things up in the latter stages of the season. There was too much sloppy football for the Vikings to be a playoff team — that has to change for the 2026 season.

Minnesota’s Penalties And Mistakes Can’t Follow Them Into 2026

When mistakes and mental errors mount up and spread across a team, it’s a bad look from top to bottom. As head coach, Kevin O’Connell is tasked with correcting the problems of 2025, with help from the coaches working under him. There were a lot of mistakes made on O’Connell’s offense and not just at the much-talked-about QB position.

Viking head coach Kevin O'Connell at SoFI Stadium in 2024. Vikings sloppy football 2026.
Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell watches game action against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images.

Play on the Vikings’ special teams unit was strewn with mistakes, so much so that special teams coordinator Matt Daniels can feel a touch fortunate he still has his job. Even the Vikings’ defense, which was the team’s strength in 2025, had moments of sloppy play that need to be cleaned up for the 2026 season.

The Stats Do Not Paint A Pretty Picture

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The Vikings’ sloppiness in 2025 is illustrated through the stats. Starting with penalties, Minnesota drew 111 flags (for 886 yards), for 6.5 penalties per game. Far too many, and consistently putting yourself behind the chains is a recipe for defeat.

The Vikings did so far too often on both sides of the ball. It also happened on special teams with alarming regularity, much to the detriment of Vikings returner Myles Price, who had big returns, including a massive touchdown, wiped off the board due to others’ indiscretions.

Vikings special teams coach Matt Daniels in August 2025
Aug 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings special teams coordinator Matt Daniels looks on before the game against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Vikings’ QB problems have been well documented; there were far too many errant throws, leading to 21 interceptions among the three starting QBs. Who were let down by 19 dropped catches, some of which were made more difficult by inaccurate throws, but not all of them.

The offensive players also had a fumble problem, with 23 fumbles throughout the season. Finally, the defense’s Achilles Heel was missed tackles, with 107 in 17 games. That’s too many mistakes happening all across the team.

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Solutions for 2026

First and foremost, the Vikings must be better at QB in 2026. Errors came from everywhere, but a lot of them started at QB and snowballed out of control. Whether it’s J.J. McCarthy or someone else, Minnesota needs to keep its offensive line healthy to give its offense the best chance of functioning properly. The injuries on the OL last season were just too much to overcome.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy in 2025 against the Washinton Commanders
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

New personnel will be coming into the mix, with several changes already made to the coaching line-up. As we get through free agency and the draft, there will be a shake-up to the roster. New players can make a difference, but ultimately, when a team needs to change its sloppy nature, then the leadership needs to come from the top.

Coach O’Connell needs to run a tighter ship in 2026 for his team to have more success.


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Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.

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No. 1 Duke takes outright ACC crown by blasting NC State

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NCAA Basketball: Duke at N.C. StateMar 2, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) reacts with guard Isaiah Evans (3) and guard Caleb Foster (1) after being fouled during the first half against the NC State Wolfpack at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

Cameron Boozer scored 26 points and No. 1 Duke won its final road game of the season by drilling North Carolina State 93-64 to claim the outright Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season championship Monday night at Raleigh, N.C.

Duke (28-2, 16-1 ACC) had wrapped up the top seed for the ACC tournament with Saturday’s romp past then-No. 11 Virginia and now the Blue Devils have added to that.

Dame Sarr poured in 16 points to go with eight rebounds, Isaiah Evans notched 12 points and Patrick Ngongba II provided 11 points for the Blue Devils, who shot 32 for 58 (55.2%) from the field. Boozer, who made eight of 10 shots from the field, also pulled in nine rebounds.

Darrion Williams provided 17 points and Quadir Copeland had 11 points for NC State (19-11, 10-7), which has lost three games in a row and five of its last six. The Wolfpack were considered a team safely in place for an NCAA Tournament bid just a couple of weeks ago, but that status is sliding in the wrong direction.

The Blue Devils were efficient enough in the first half to prevent the home crowd from roaring consistently as NC State was seeking its second late-season triumph against a nationally ranked neighboring school after toppling North Carolina last month

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For Duke, it was an ideal tune-up for Saturday night’s rematch with rival North Carolina, which handed the Blue Devils their only ACC defeat.

Duke was so crisp that it collected 21 assists on 32 baskets, though it was a pedestrian 18 for 27 on free throws. Caleb Foster provided seven assists. The Blue Devils were charged with seven turnovers.

NC State shot 35.4% from the floor.

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The Blue Devils finished with 11 baskets from 3-point range, while the Wolfpack went 7 for 29 from beyond the arc. Williams was 3 for 11 on 3s.

Duke built a 47-30 halftime lead. The margin grew to 62-36 in the first five minutes of the second half.

–Field Level Media

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PV Sindhu returns to India after being stuck in Dubai amid Middle East conflict | Badminton News

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'Back home and safe': PV Sindhu returns to India after being stuck in Dubai amid Middle East conflict
PV Sindhu (Image credit: PTI)

NEW DELHI: Indian badminton ace PV Sindhu has safely returned to India after a tense few days in Dubai, where she was stranded due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.Sindhu confirmed her return through a post on social media, sharing that she is back home in Bengaluru after an anxious period abroad.

Indian cricket team leaves from Kolkata, fans go mad for Sanju Samson

“Back home in Bangalore and safe. The last few days have been intense and uncertain, but I’m truly grateful to be back. A heartfelt thank you to the incredible ground teams, Dubai authorities, airport staff, immigration, and every single person who stepped up and took such good care of us during a very difficult time. The empathy and professionalism meant more than words can say. For now, it’s time to rest, reset, and figure out the next steps,” Sindhu posted on X (formerly Twitter).Sindhu and her support staff — including Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama — had been stranded in Dubai. They reportedly experienced a close call after an explosion occurred near the area where they were staying.Two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu is set to to miss the All England Championships, which begin on Tuesday. The Indian star was scheduled to take on Thailand’s Supanida Katethong in the opening round.

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Perez Hilton reacts after Alex Pretti’s mother posts heartfelt note on what would have been his 38th birthday

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Alex Pretti’s mother, Susan, shared a heartfelt note on Instagram on what would have been her son’s 38th birthday. The ICU nurse was fatally shot by the US Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis on January 24 this year.

Alex Pretti was in Minnesota when he was being restrained by some Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents before being fatally shot. He became the second US citizen to have been killed by ICE agents in January, after Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota. It led to a huge backlash and protests against the organization.

On Sunday, March 1, Pretti’s mother, Susan Pretti, shared a story on Instagram about her son’s birthday. She shared a picture of him with the caption:

“Today should be your 38th birthday… When you lose your son, you lose more than a child. You lose a piece of your heart and your joy. Life is forever altered and nothing can ever fill that space. Yet in my soul, he remains, my precious boy, forever loved. His laughter, his smile and his love are woven into who I am.”

“My love for him will never fade. You are my pride and my joy. You’ve made a chance that cannot be broken,” she added.

Blogger Perez Hilton has reacted to this post from Susan on his website, writing:

“Ugh!! Just devastating!! So, so heartbreaking. Our thoughts continue to be with Susan and the rest of the loved ones Alex left behind. He will always be remembered.”

Alex Pretti is survived by his parents, Susan and Michael, and his sister, whose name hasn’t been publicly revealed. He also has an ex-wife, Rachel Canoun.

Also Read: What did Barack Obama & Bill Clinton say about Alex Pretti’s death? Details explored after Megyn Kelly claims “no good crisis is wasted”

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When Alex Pretti’s parents opened up about their son’s death

Federal Agents Descend On Minneapolis For Immigration Enforcement Operations - Source: GettyFederal Agents Descend On Minneapolis For Immigration Enforcement Operations - Source: Getty
Federal Agents Descend On Minneapolis For Immigration Enforcement Operations – Source: Getty

Alex Pretti’s parents, Susan and Michael, reportedly live in Colorado and got to know about their son’s death through the Associated Press. Following his death, they also gave an interview to the outlet, expressing their grief, but also anger at the alleged lies being spread against him. They also revealed that they had last spoken to their son two days before his death.

Susan and Michael’s statement read:

“The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand, and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down, all while being pepper-sprayed. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you.”

After Alex Pretti’s death, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE claimed that agents shot him in self-defense. They stated that he was carrying a gun when he was restrained.

However, it was later revealed that Pretti had a valid permit for his firearm. Moreover, videos released from the incident showed that he never brandished his gun against any officer. He only had his phone in his hand when he was being restrained.


Also Read: “Sickening to watch”: Jimmy Kimmel breaks down while speaking about Alex Pretti’s killing by ICE agents

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