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Indian National Cricket Team Report Card: Perfect finish to a not-so-perfect T20 World Cup campaign | Cricket News

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Team India Report Card: Perfect finish to a not-so-perfect T20 World Cup campaign
Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma of India lift the T20 World Cup trophy. (Getty Images)

They were the overwhelming favourites coming into the tournament — a stunning run since winning the 2024 edition, playing in familiar home conditions and with almost all the players in form. But the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 did not pan out as expected for the defending champions and co-hosts India.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Reaching the Super Eights was never going to be an issue, with the expanded 20-team tournament featuring several associate nations. But the real challenge was getting past the Super 8s and qualifying for the knockouts. And there, India were tested as they were hammered by South Africa in their first Super 8 match.After that, it was a must-win situation for India, especially in the final Super 8 clash against West Indies. It required some superb individual performances to carry the team forward.

Proud families celebrate India’s World Cup heroes | SKY, Abhishek & Axar’s loved ones react

India were not completely in control even in the semi-final against England despite posting a record 253/7, eventually winning by just seven runs. Finally, riding on another blockbuster batting display in the summit clash, they thrashed New Zealand by a record 96 runs to defend the title.India rewrote T20 World Cup history with this win — becoming the first team to defend the title and the first to win it at home. They also became the first team to win the tournament three times, adding to their triumphs in 2007 and 2024.Despite it being a not-so-perfect campaign, Indian players somehow scraped through as they won their third ICC title on the trot — T20 World Cup 2024, Champions Trophy 2025 and T20 World Cup 2026.

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Here’s how Team India’s players performed in this month-long tournament: Suryakumar Yadav (captain) — 6.5/10The India skipper started the campaign with an unbeaten 84 against USA in the tournament opener when the team was struggling at 77/6, but he did not have much success with the bat in the next eight matches, ending with a golden duck in the final.It was a topsy-turvy campaign as captain too, but he kept his wits intact, especially in the final, to guide India home. Surya, however, contributed consistently with the bat and finished with 242 runs – third most in the team – at an average of 30.25 and a strike rate of 136.72.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

  • M 9 | I 9 | R 242 | HS 84* | Ave. 30.25 | SR 136.72 | 1x50s | 10x6s
  • Man of the Match – vs USA (84*)

Team India

India head coach Gautam Gambhir with captain Suryakumar Yadav. (Pic credit: BCCI)

Abhishek Sharma (Opener) — 4/10Everything that could go wrong went wrong for the World No.1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma.He started the tournament with a hat-trick of ducks. A 55 against Zimbabwe in the must-win Super 8 match gave some hope, but he struggled again against West Indies in the virtual quarter-final and England in the semi-final.Abhishek, however, repaid the team management’s faith by scoring a quick-fire 52 off 21 balls against New Zealand in the final.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

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  • M 8 | I 8 | R 141 | HS 55 | Ave. 17.62 | SR 158.42 | 2x50s | 8x6s

Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson

Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson (ANI Photo)

Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper-opener) — 9/10Undoubtedly one of the heroes of India’s campaign, Sanju Samson made the difference in the title defence. Samson lost his place in the starting XI to Ishan Kishan before the tournament.He got just one game in the group stage before getting his opportunity in the Super 8s after India were hammered by South Africa.Samson then made the tournament his own with a stunning unbeaten 97 off 50 balls against West Indies in the virtual quarter-final. It was followed by two identical scores of 89 in the semi-final and final, joining the elite group featuring Shahid Afridi (2009) and Virat Kohli (2014) to achieve the feat.He ended the campaign as the second-highest run-getter with 321 runs and also hit the most sixes in the tournament — 24 — all in just five innings.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

  • M 5 | I 5 | R 321 | HS 97* | Ave. 80.25 | SR 199.37 | 3x50s | 24x6s
  • Man of the Match – vs West Indies (97*); vs England (89)

Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan (AP Photo)

Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper-opener) — 8/10It was one of the best comeback stories, as Ishan Kishan nudged Sanju Samson out of the opening slot alongside Abhishek Sharma before the tournament.When Abhishek was struggling for runs, it was Ishan who kept the scoreboard moving at the top, scoring 61 against Namibia and 77 against Pakistan in the group stage.He later lost the opening slot after Samson was promoted to open with India needing wins in the final four matches. But it did not deter him as he continued contributing at No.3, including 39 off 18 against England in the semi-final and 54 off 25 in the final against New Zealand.Ishan finished as India’s second-highest run-getter and third overall with 317 runs.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

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  • M 9 | I 9 | R 317 | HS 77 | Ave. 35.22 | SR 193.29 | 3x50s | 18x6s
  • Man of the Match – vs Pakistan (77)

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya (Getty Images)

Hardik Pandya (Pace all-rounder) — 7/10India’s evergreen X-factor Hardik Pandya had another successful campaign, scoring quick runs, providing crucial breakthroughs and being a livewire in the field.Batting at No.5 or lower, Hardik scored two fifties and played his part in giving India strong finishes. He ended with 217 runs.With the ball, he provided timely breakthroughs and finished with nine wickets. His all-round performance against Namibia — 52 off 28 balls and 2 for 21 — earned him the Player of the Match award.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

  • M 9 | I 9 | R 217 | HS 52 | Ave. 27.12 | SR 160.74 | 2x50s | 15x6s
  • M 9 | I 9 | W 9 | Best 2/16 | Ave. 31.66 | Econ. 8.90
  • Man of the Match – vs Namibia (52 & 2/21); vs Zimbabwe (50* & 0/21)

Tilak Varma (Batter) — 6/10India’s designated No.3 batter Tilak Varma had a below-par outing initially and often struggled to get going. The disappointing opening stands before Samson’s promotion did not help either.Except for a 16-ball 25 against USA, his strike rate remained a concern. In the next four innings at No.3, his strike rate stayed below 120, putting pressure on the middle order.However, once Samson moved to the top and Ishan batted at No.3, Tilak was pushed down the order and found his rhythm. His unbeaten 44 off 16 against Zimbabwe, 27 off 15 against West Indies and 21 off seven against England in the semi-final helped India reach the final.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

  • M 9 | I 9 | R 207 | HS 44* | Ave. 29.57 | SR 154.47 | 0x50s | 11x6s

Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma

Shivam Dube, left, and Tilak Varma (AP Photo)

Shivam Dube (Pace all-rounder) — 7/10Shivam Dube played the middle-overs enforcer’s role effectively. He consistently scored quick runs to give India strong finishes.His 66 off 31 balls against Netherlands, along with figures of 2/35, helped India remain unbeaten in the group stage. Dube was run out three times while attempting quick runs, reflecting his aggressive intent.Although he picked up five wickets with his medium pace, it was his batting that stood out. His unbeaten 26 off just eight balls played a key role in taking India’s total in the final to 255/5, well beyond New Zealand’s reach.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

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  • M 9 | I 8 | R 227 | HS 66 | Ave. 37.83 | SR 166.91 | 1x50s | 17x6s
  • M 9 | I 5 | W 5 | Best 2/35 | Ave. 29.20 | Econ. 14.12
  • Man of the Match – vs Netherlands (66 & 2/35)

Axar Patel (Spin all-rounder) — 6.5/10Vice-captain Axar Patel was a livewire in the field, proving the phrase “catches win matches” — particularly in the semi-final against England, where his fielding efforts broke crucial partnerships.He also picked up important wickets, including three in the final, and finished with 11 wickets in seven matches.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

  • M 7 | I 7 | W 11 | Best 3/27 | Ave. 18.63 | Econ. 8.20

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah (AP Photo)

Jasprit Bumrah (Pacer) — 9/10India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah once again proved why he is head and shoulder above the rest.He picked wickets in almost every match and delivered an excellent spell of 3/15 against South Africa too despite India’s big defeat. But his defining performance came in the final against New Zealand.Defending a massive target, Bumrah produced a sensational spell of 4 for 15 — the best figures by a pacer in a T20 World Cup final.He finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 14 wickets, alongside Varun Chakaravarthy, while maintaining a superb economy rate of 6.21.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

  • M 8 | I 8 | W 14 | Best 4/15 | Ave. 12.42 | Econ. 6.21
  • Man of the Match – vs New Zealand (4/15)

Varun Chakaravarthy (Mystery spinner) — 5/10The World No.1 T20I bowler began the tournament strongly, claiming nine wickets in the group stage, including 2/17 against Pakistan.However, his form dipped in the Super 8 stage. He was hammered for 47 runs by South Africa and struggled to regain control.His toughest outing came in the semi-final against England, where he conceded a record 64 runs in four overs.After the group stage, he returned figures of five wickets for 225 runs in five games — a stark contrast to his group-stage performance of nine wickets for 62 runs. Still, his early exploits ensured he finished joint-highest wicket-taker with Bumrah with 14 wickets.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

  • M 9 | I 9 | W 14 | Best 3/7 | Ave. 20.50 | Econ. 9.25

Varun and Surya

Varun Chakravarthy, left, and captain Suryakumar Yadav (AP Photo)

Arshdeep Singh (Pacer) — 6/10Arshdeep Singh was not at his wicket-taking best. The leading wicket-taker in T20Is for India returned nine wickets from eight innings and went wicketless in the final.His best figures were 3 for 24 against Zimbabwe, while his most expensive outing came against England in the high-scoring semi-final.Overall, it was a decent campaign, though overshadowed by Bumrah’s brilliance.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

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  • M 8 | I 8 | W 9 | Best 3/24 | Ave. 28.22 | Econ. 8.46

Rinku Singh (Middle-order batter) — 2/10India’s designated finisher Rinku Singh had a disappointing campaign and eventually lost his place when Sanju Samson was drafted in at the top.His final outing was a two-ball duck against South Africa in the first Super 8 match.Rinku finished with just 24 runs from five innings at a strike rate of 82.75 — well below expectations for a finisher’s role.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

  • M 5 | I 5 | R 24 | HS 11* | Ave. 8.00 | SR 82.75 | 2x6s

Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh (PTI Photo)

Washington Sundar (Spin all-rounder) — 3/10Washington Sundar played just two matches and remained wicketless in both — 0/36 in four overs against Netherlands and 0/17 in two overs against South Africa.He lost his place after Axar Patel returned to the playing XI.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

  • M 2 | I 2 | W 0 | Best 0/17 | Econ. 8.83

Kuldeep Yadav (Spinner) — 7/10With the team management persisting with Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav featured in just one match — against Pakistan.He returned figures of 1 for 14 in three overs. It was difficult to judge his performance from a single outing in a long tournament, and it was unfortunate he did not get more opportunities.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

  • M 1 | I 1 | W 1 | Best 1/14 | Ave. 14.00 | Econ. 4.66

Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj

Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj (PTI Photo)

Mohammed Siraj (Pacer) — 7/10Mohammed Siraj also played just one match — India’s tournament opener against the USA.He made an immediate impact, returning figures of 3 for 29 in four overs and finishing as the highest wicket-taker in the match.However, the return of Jasprit Bumrah in the next game meant Siraj had to sit out due to team combination.T20 World Cup 2026 Stats:

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  • M 1 | I 1 | W 3 | Best 3/29 | Ave. 9.67 | Econ. 7.20

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David Haye makes final KO prediction for Deontay Wilder vs Derek Chisora

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Derek Chisora takes on Deontay Wilder on Saturday, and two-division world champion and former Chisora rival David Haye has laid out his prediction for the O2 Arena scrap.

Chisora has become a fan-favourite with the British public over the years, famed for his love of violence, unique personality and determined mindset. Although, at the age of 43 years old, ‘Del Boy’ is set to call time on a long career, even if successful against Wilder.

For Wilder, the contest represents a major opportunity to announce his return to the big time, with Chisora’s favourable ranking with the sanctioning bodies offering ‘The Bronze Bomber’ a route back to the peak of the division.

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However, Haye, who defeated Chisora at Upton Park back in 2012, told The Sun Sport that he believes his countryman will end his career with a victory, when sharing his forecast for the fight.

“Derek Chisora on points but also a potential late stoppage. Once Wilder runs out of steam, he sort of [flops around]. He doesn’t have very big legs, his foundations are quite slim.

“Once he loses that [foundation], like we saw against [Zhilei] Zhang, very quickly he started falling all over the place, he was spinning around and he wasn’t together like he once was.

“I think that there is an opportunity for Derek, not early, I don’t think it will happen early but I think Derek will drag him into a very uncomfortable situation where it is very close and they are pushing and pulling. That is what Derek needs, that is what Derek wants.

“In the first three rounds, Wilder is dangerous against anybody, for sure, he can nail you. But going past the midway stage, I don’t think that he is going to be able to keep Derek off of him, and if he does, he will be losing the rounds conclusively.”

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Wilder-Chisora will take place on Saturday, with the likes of Viddal Riley and Denzel Bentley featuring on the undercard.

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Jonathan Greenard Trade, Dallas Turner, a New Center

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Jonathan Greenard celebrates a defensive stop during a Vikings game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrates after a defensive stop, bringing energy to the unit as teammates rally around the play Dec 1, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during a matchup against the Arizona Cardinals with Brian Flores’ defense controlling momentum in the second quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

April is here, meaning it’s draft month for the Minnesota Vikings, and we’re bringing the first batch of rumors for the month.

Three new Vikings rumors spotlight Greenard, Turner, and Minnesota’s search for help at center.

Each weekend, we publish two rounds of the hottest Vikings rumors, with never a dull moment in the purple orbit.

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Latest Chatter Reveals Key Questions for Minnesota’s Roster

The Purple Rumor Mill for April 4th.

Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard lines up on defense against the Rams in a playoff game. vikings rumors jonathan greenard dallas turner graham glasgow.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard lines up on defense during a postseason clash, bringing edge pressure and veteran presence Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. He consistently disrupted the pocket and helped anchor Minnesota’s front against a dynamic Rams offense in the NFC Wild Card matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Rumor: Jonathan Greenard could be shipped to the Indianapolis Colts during the draft.

Bleacher Report‘s Brent Sobleski published his five “most plausible” NFL trade ideas for the draft, and Minnesota got the call with Greenard.

He noted about the Colts as the trade partner, “The Colts already lack a first-round pick thanks to last year’s trade deadline acquisition of cornerback Sauce Gardner. However, the market for an edge-defender isn’t nearly as robust when discussing anyone other than Crosby.”

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“Jonathan Greenard is the logical target. The Vikings were looking to create salary-cap space earlier this offseason and did so by restructuring running back Aaron Jones’ contract and releasing defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Still, the Vikings are only $5.5 million under the salary cap before signing the incoming rookie class. In order to create some more flexibility, Greenard can be moved, with the team saving $12.3 million via trade.”

Greenard has also pranced around the Philadelphia Eagles’ rumor mill.

Sobleski continued, “Even after re-signing wide receiver Alec Pierce and quarterback Daniel Jones, the Colts massaged the numbers to where they still have over $27 million in available cap space. They can easily take on Greenard’s remaining base salary and address a significant need, with an end who generated 12 or more sacks in two of the last three seasons.”

“Indianapolis may not have a first-round pick, but the Colts could easily flip a third- or fourth-round selection — the Dallas Cowboys traded a fourth for Rashan Gary — and possibly quarterback Anthony Richardson to get a deal done.”

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The Colts’ main EDGE defenders are Laia Latutu and Arden Key. If Greenard is for sale, Indianapolis makes a lot of sense. That franchise is “all in” to win a Super Bowl, and most teams with that mindset stock up on pass rushers.

Rumor: The Vikings aren’t incredibly high on Dallas Turner as a starter.

Most Vikings fans have assumed Turner is possibly on track for a Pro Bowl jump in 2026 after closing 2025 strong. KSTP’s Darren Wolfson pushed back on that outlook this week.

He said on SKOR North airwaves, ‘I don’t think the Vikings are ready for Dallas Turner — even though you look at the last half of last year, I know there’s a sense that Dallas Turner is ready to ascend even more — but I’m not sure, internally, they are ready for Dallas Turner to play 55 to 62-ish snaps in a game. And who else do they have? Now, I suppose if you trade Greenard, okay, Dallas ascends up, he’ll play that much more.”

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“You can go sign a street free agent — there’s still some guys available — or use a draft pick on somebody that can rush the quarterback from the edge. But I just don’t think they’re ready for Dallas to have like a significantly bigger role. I’m getting into semantics, right? Because is he going to have a bigger role in 26? Yes. I’m not suggesting otherwise, but a much bigger role? I’m not sure they’re ready for that.”

Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner participates in OTA drills at TCO Performance Center. vikings rumors jonathan greenard dallas turner graham glasgow.
Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Dallas Turner works through drills during organized team activities, showing burst and technique as he enters his second NFL season May 30, 2025, at TCO Performance Center. The former first-round pick is pushing for a larger defensive role after a developmental rookie campaign in Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: YouTube

The context helps explain why Greenard remains in place; if the Vikings aren’t fully sold on Turner, moving Greenard for top value carries real risk.

Minnesota has three years left of team control with Turner; he’ll need to break out sooner rather than later, mainly because the trade to get him in 2024 was so expensive.

Rumor: Minnesota should explore free-agent center Graham Glasgow.

BR’s Gary Davenport analyzed each NFL team with free agency largely in the rearview, finding one player per squad before the draft. Glasgow was connected to Minnesota.

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He explained, “There’s no shortage of drama under center in the Twin Cities this year, where the acquisition of Kyler Murray sets up a summer-long battle with J.J. McCarthy for the right to be Minnesota’s starting quarterback in 2026.”

“But after veteran Ryan Kelly retired, the spot in front of the quarterback is a question mark as well—the team’s top center as things stand now (Blake Brandel) hasn’t played 400 snaps at center over a five-year career. Graham Glasgow played almost 900 snaps at center for the Detroit Lions last year alone.”

The Vikings may also draft a center in 19 days.

Detroit Lions center Graham Glasgow lines up on the offensive line against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. vikings rumors jonathan greenard dallas turner graham glasgow.
Detroit Lions center Graham Glasgow (60) prepares for action in a season opener matchup, anchoring the offensive line against Arizona Sep 8, 2019, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. He handled interior blocking duties throughout the game, providing protection and run support in a competitive contest. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Davenport added, “In a decade-long career spent in Detroit and Denver, Glasgow has played extensively at all three positions on the interior of the offensive line. At 33, Glasgow’s best football is probably behind him.”

“But he was a capable starter last year in Detroit, giving up just a single sack and committing two penalties across 873 snaps per Pro Football Focus.”

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Glasgow produced a 56.2 PFF grade last year. The Vikings might be better off with Brandel and a rookie.


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Portugal beat USA 2-0as Americans lose 8th straight game vs European teams | Football News

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Francisco Trincao scored in the 37th minute, Joao Felix added a goal in the 59th and Portugal beat the United States 2-0 in a friendly on Tuesday night to deal the Americans their eighth consecutive defeat against European opponents.


U.S. star Christian Pulisic was moved from a wing to the top of the attack but failed to convert a pair of good scoring chances.


Pulisic, who played only the first half, is scoreless in eight national team games dating to November 2024 and in 12 games with AC Milan since Dec. 28.


Preparing to co-host the World Cup, the U.S. has been outscored 22-6 during its losing streak against Europe and is winless against the continent in 10 matches since 2021.

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U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino announces his World Cup roster on May 26, and the Americans play their last warmups against Senegal five days later and Germany on June 6. The Americans open the World Cup on June 12 against Australia, face Paraguay a week later and close the first round vs. Turkey on June 25.


Before a pro-US crowd of 72,297 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Portugal went ahead after American midfielder Weston McKennie knocked a hard-to-control pass from Alex Freeman to Vitinha, who played a through ball to Bruno Fernandes. As defenders Chris Richards and Auston Trusty converged on the midfielder, he dropped a backheel pass to Trincao, who took a touch and slotted it past Matt Freese and inside the far post for his third international goal.


Felix scored his 12th international goal following Fernandes’ corner kick. Left unmarked just outside the penalty area, Felix sent a half-volley in on two bounces off the far post.

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Freese was back in goal after his streak of 12 straight starts ended when former No. 1 goalkeeper Matt Turner played in Saturday’s 5-2 loss to Belgium.


Preparing for a World Cup group with Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia. Portugal was missing captain Cristiano Ronaldo (hamstring).

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Moses Itauma says Wilder vs Chisora ends in a knockout: “He wins”

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Moses Itauma, like many, does not see Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder going the distance.

Chisora has built a reputation on toughness and volume, often dragging opponents into uncomfortable territory, while Wilder’s game remains centred around his devastating right hand.

The clash, should it have happened with both men in their primes, would present an interesting dynamic between pressure and power.

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However, with talk of retirement surrounding both fighters and fans dubious that they could currently compete at the top level, the stakes feel heightened. Add to that that at least one retirement has been promised, and it becomes a relatively high stakes affair outside of the title picture.

It may be one of a few heavyweight fights we see this year in which the old guard of the division makes way for a new generation. Leading the charge for the young heavyweights is Moses Itauma, who is widely regarded as not only a future champion, but a dominant one.

Itauma, when giving his thoughts to the BBC, gave the edge to his countryman by KO.

“I’m going for Chisora. He wins by mid-to-late stoppage.”

Chisora is favourite for the win given how the recent form stacks up. His latest victories against Otto Wallin and Joe Joyce were impressive at this stage of his career and have given him the benefit of activity.

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Wilder, who years ago would have been considered a very dangerous opponent for the Brit, looked nothing like his former self in losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, and his comeback win against Tyrrell Herndon did not tell fans man.

There are just hours to wait to see what the veteran heavyweights bring to the table.

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He was Augusta National’s superintendent, an innovator and mentor

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Grand National 2026 tips – Expert’s three picks for Aintree showpiece including 25-1 shot

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The Grand National is just days away and a racing expert has named his three picks for the big race

A racing expert has revealed his three picks for the 2026 Grand National.

With the festival at Aintree taking place over three days, all attention will be firmly fixed on horse racing’s most iconic event – the Grand National – which begins at 4pm on Saturday, April 11.

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This year’s race looks particularly wide open, with the likes of 2024 winner I am Maximus and last year’s champion, Nick Rockett, both expected to feature. Picking the winner from 34 runners over the 30 famous fences is no easy task for any punter.

But Ladbrokes ambassador Josh Stacey has named three runners he believes could be set for a standout performance. Among them is the bold 25-1 selection Stellar Story for those looking for a bigger price.

Sharing his exclusive tips, Stacey said: “The modern National often favours classier, higher-weighted runners but if this turns into a proper stamina test, Stellar Story fits the bill perfectly. A thorough stayer, he’s a Grade 1-winning hurdler who keeps finding off the bridle. If it becomes attritional, he could outrun his odds.”

For those seeking a horse specifically trained for this very moment, Stacey points towards Willie Mullins’ camp. While Captain Cody hasn’t been at his best recently, Stacey is backing the 20-1 gelding to come good on the day.

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The racing broadcaster said: “Not at his peak since landing last season’s Scottish National but this has clearly been the long-term target. Stamina is assured, he handles spring ground well, and if arriving in top form, he’s a major contender.”

Stacey also named 16-1 shot Panic Attack among his top selections. The mare arrives at Merseyside on the back of an impressive third-place finish at the Cheltenham Festival, with Stacey convinced that the longer distance will suit her perfectly.

He said: “A standout for Dan Skelton this season, landing both the Paddy Power and Coral Gold Cup. She arrives in great form after a strong Festival third against sharper rivals. Nicely weighted and travelling powerfully, she’ll have backers dreaming turning for home.”

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Stacey’s backing of the Dan Skelton yard with Panic Attack comes as little surprise. Skelton has established himself as the master of target training for such handicap chases.

The fact Panic Attack has already claimed both a Paddy Power and a Coral Gold Cup this season suggests she is the most improved stayer currently in training. If she handles the unique Aintree fences, she could become the horse to finally bring end the 75-year wait for a female runner to win the famous race.

GRAND NATIONAL 2026: Get your indispensable 48-page guide for just £3.99

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Amid Strained Relations, Bangladesh Cricket Board Eyes Fresh Start With BCCI

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The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) recently expressed their interest in existing and new areas of cooperation in cricket with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) through a letter. “We maintain regular communication with various countries’ cricket boards. As part of that regular communication, we recently reached out to the Board of Control for Cricket in India via a letter, through an email, to communicate with them”, Nazmul Abedin Fahim, Director (Cricket Operations) of BCB, told ANI, over the phone.

“In the letter, we mentioned that the Indian national cricket team is scheduled to come to Bangladesh in September to play a series, and after that, our women’s team is supposed to go to India. We also included in the letter a request to explore any other possibilities for reciprocal cricket collaborations,” he added.

Earlier, the Kolkata Knight Riders, ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL), had hired a Bangladeshi player, Mustafizur Rahman, to play in the tournament. However, due to political objections from local parties, the BCCI didn’t permit Mustafizur to play. And this created a bit of a rift between Bangladesh and India.

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After the controversy, Bangladesh boycotted the T20 World Cup in India.

After the election on February 12, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the current government took power, and relations between Bangladesh and India have been improving.

On April 7 and 8, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, is visiting India. In the context of improving relations between the two countries, cooperation in cricket is also increasing.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Coastwatch joins Reece Goodwin for 2026 Group 3 Victoria Handicap

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As he enters his fifth season training, Reece Goodwin maintains his habit of checking online sales for low-cost horses.

Coastwatch, a previous stakes winner, represents one of his latest picks, heading into the Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday in his first start for the new handler.

Initially trained by Chris Waller, Coastwatch later joined Richard and Will Freedman, the father-son partnership, until being sold after a last-place effort at Canberra back in November.

Coastwatch triumphed in a Listed race at Sandown earlier in 2025, though the gelding was unplaced in all eight starts thereafter.

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Goodwin believes Coastwatch matches the profile for his stable upon acquiring him.

“It’s what we have been doing for a number of years now,” Goodwin said.

“He’s a horse that has shown plenty of ability previously and tapered off in form for whatever reason, and sometimes we can get them going again, and sometimes we don’t.

“The older they are and the higher rated they are, the tougher it is to get them going, but it wasn’t too long ago that he was running OK and everything is price relative as well.

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“If he had brought $40,000 or $50,000, we wouldn’t have him, but he only made $20,000 which we thought was a price worth risking on a horse that is going to be running in a race like Saturday, a $200,000 race, even though it’s probably a bit more competitive, or stronger, than I anticipated.”

Goodwin holds no high hopes for quick success with Coastwatch, who has trialled well lately, notably third at Pakenham behind Doncaster Mile fancy Sheza Alibi.

Coastwatch draws poorly for Saturday, Goodwin observed, yet closing well would delight the trainer.

“We’ll probably ride him quiet, but it would be good to see him getting through the line late and then we’ll look to step him up to 1600 (metres) second up and see him a bit more competitive then,” Goodwin said.

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“We won’t be searching for anything interstate. We’ll keep him at home and try and pick off a race or two and we basically only have to win one of these races to be well in front.

“He does handle some sting out of the ground and being an older horse with some wear and tear, he certainly wouldn’t suit summer.

“We’re just looking for a good kick-off on Saturday and building our way from there.”

Visit betting sites to find racing odds for the Group 3 Victoria Handicap at Caulfield.

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New Orleans faces Orlando, aims to halt 7-game skid

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Orlando Magic (41-36, ninth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (25-53, 12th in the Western Conference)

New Orleans; Sunday, 7 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Magic -3; over/under is 235.5

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BOTTOM LINE: New Orleans will try to end its seven-game slide when the Pelicans take on Orlando.

The Pelicans are 16-23 on their home court. New Orleans is 14-24 in games decided by 10 points or more.

The Magic are 17-20 in road games. Orlando has an 18-25 record against teams above .500.

The Pelicans score 114.9 points per game, 0.5 fewer points than the 115.4 the Magic give up. The Magic average 11.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.4 fewer made shots on average than the 14.2 per game the Pelicans allow.

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The two teams square off for the second time this season. The Magic defeated the Pelicans 128-118 in their last matchup on Jan. 11. Desmond Bane led the Magic with 27 points, and Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 22 points.

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TOP PERFORMERS: Trey Murphy III is averaging 21.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pelicans. Saddiq Bey is averaging 3.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Bane is averaging 20.4 points and 4.2 assists for the Magic. Paolo Banchero is averaging 22.2 points over the last 10 games.

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LAST 10 GAMES: Pelicans: 3-7, averaging 111.5 points, 41.2 rebounds, 26.2 assists, 8.9 steals and 6.2 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.8 points per game.

Magic: 3-7, averaging 114.2 points, 38.7 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 7.5 steals and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.6 points.

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INJURIES: Pelicans: Karlo Matkovic: day to day (back), Dejounte Murray: day to day (achilles), Bryce McGowens: day to day (toe).

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Magic: Anthony Black: out (abdomen), Jonathan Isaac: out (knee).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Chisora vs Wilder: The boxing world predicts Saturday’s heavyweight contest in London

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Heavyweights Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder will reach a combined 100 professional fights when they meet at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday.

British veteran Chisora, 42, made his professional debut in 2007 and has recorded 36 wins and 13 defeats.

Former world heavyweight champion Wilder, 40, was once considered the most feared puncher in boxing. However, he has lost four of his last six bouts, leaving his record at 44-4-1.

Chisora says this will be his final fight. If he is to be believed, can he bow out on a high? And with Wilder no longer at his peak, could a win on the road reignite his career?

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BBC Sport asks figures from across the boxing world for their predictions.

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