Former India captain Anil Kumble reckons that the Men in Blue will retain the playing combination that featured in the T20 World Cup 2026 game against Zimbabwe for the do-or-die clash against the West Indies. Admitting that India should ideally have not changed their combination midway through the tournament, he explained that circumstances forced them to do so.
India beat Zimbabwe by 72 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday, February 26 in a crucial Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026. Sent into bat, the Men in Blue posted 256-4 on the board and then held Zimbabwe to 184-6. India made a key change at the top of the order, bringing back Sanju Samson as opener, pushing Ishan Kishan down to No.3 and Tilak Varma to No. 6.
Advertisement
During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Kumble opined that the Men in Blue must stick to this combination for their remaining games in the T20 World Cup 2026 and stop chopping and changing the playing XI. He commented:
“Nobody expected Abhishek Sharma to get out three times not scoring a single run. Then, suddenly off-spinner becoming a major hindrance to the batters at the top. The squad had only one [additional] top order batter. So, I guess you have made that decision, now you have to stick to it. You can’t keep changing. I think this combination will continue.”
Opening the batting, Samson got India off to a rapid start, smashing 24 off 15 balls. Abhishek Sharma top-scored with 55 off 30 balls, while Hardik Pandya (50* off 23), Varma (44* off 16), Kishan (38 off 24) and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (33 off 13) all chipped in.
“Why not keep the same team?” – Faf du Plessis backs India to retain playing XI for T20 World Cup 2026 match against West Indies
Former South African captain Faf du Plessis also reckons that India must retain the same team that beat Zimbabwe for the must-win clash against the West Indies. Du Plessis opined that having Samson at the top of the order definitely makes the side stronger and also helps with the left-right combination. He explained:
“They had all these lefties. So, Sanju came in today and gave them a better look. They had a right and a left at the top. It wasn’t as obvious where the holes are. If you lose a couple of wickets, Tilak Varma can come in and play that anchor innings. You’ve got Hardik, so there’s options. It’s a very flexible batting line-up. They’ve played so well today, so why not keep the same team?”
Samson and Abhishek added 48 for the first wicket against Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup match. Abhishek and Ishan then featured in a 72-run stand for the second wicket. Towards the end, Varma and Pandya were part of a rollicking 84-run unbeaten partnership, which came off just 31 deliveries.
Amorim is yet to speak publicly about his time at United and sources close to the 41-year-old have said there is no immediate likelihood of that changing.
The payment completes an expensive managerial experiment that ultimately ended badly.
United confirmed in a similar filing on 27 November 2024 they were paying Sporting £11m to hire Amorim to replace Erik ten Hag, whose exit was costing £10.4m.
It means the combined changes around Amorim could cost £37.3m.
Advertisement
His 14-month stint in charge was the shortest reign of a permanent manager at Old Trafford since David Moyes was sacked just eight months into his tenure in 2014.
Amorim won 25 of his 63 games in charge, finishing 15th in the Premier League, United’s worst performance since they were relegated in 1973-74.
They also lost the Europa League final, meaning they have no European football this season for only the second time since 1990.
This term, Amorim’s team were embarrassed by League Two Grimsby, who beat them on penalties in the Carabao Cup second round.
Advertisement
United were sixth in the Premier League when he was dismissed, having had a major fallout with director of football Jason Wilcox days before the Leeds game.
Although under-18s coach and former United midfielder Darren Fletcher was named as interim boss for two games, Michael Carrick has been given the job until the end of the season and won his fifth game out of six when his team beat Everton on Monday.
They are now fourth, and well placed to qualify for the Champions League.
Meanwhile, United have also confirmed they have increased the available credit from their drawdown facility by £50m to £400m, while also paying off £75m, meaning they currently owe £215m on it.
Advertisement
In addition, the filing also stated £600,000-worth of “sponsorship services” had been provided to Ineos Automotive Ltd, an offshoot of the Ineos group owned by United’s minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
India did not just win on Thursday night, they produced one of the most complete batting performances in their T20 World Cup history. The 256 for four against Zimbabwe was their highest total in the tournament and it came with 17 sixes, the joint most India have hit in a T20 World Cup innings, going past the 15 they struck against Australia in Gros Islet in 2024. India have now smashed 63 sixes in this edition, their highest in a single World Cup, with only West Indies on 66 ahead of them overall.What stood out even more was the collective intent. All six Indian batters scored at a strike rate above 150, the first time in T20 World Cup history that six or more players have scored 20-plus runs at that tempo in the same innings. There were only 26 dot balls in the entire 20 overs, equalling the fewest in a completed innings at the tournament. The pressure never dipped and Zimbabwe were forced to chase leather almost throughout.Abhishek Sharma set the tone. After three ducks following his return from illness, he found his rhythm with a 26-ball fifty that reignited India’s charge. Sanju Samson provided early fluency, Ishan Kishan kept the momentum intact and then Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma delivered the knockout blows. Pandya powered his way to an unbeaten fifty, while Tilak, who had faced questions over his strike rate, hammered 44 off 16 balls at a strike rate of 275. India scored 80 runs in the final five overs to put the game out of reach.Zimbabwe had their own highlight through Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 97, the second highest individual score against India in T20 World Cups after Chris Gayle’s 98 in 2010. Bennett’s assault included a 26-run over off Shivam Dube, whose 46 runs conceded in his first two overs became the most by a bowler at that stage of a T20 World Cup match.In the larger picture, this was India rediscovering their attacking identity after a heavy defeat to South Africa. The sixes, the strike rates and the minimal dot balls all reflected a team that recalibrated quickly and struck back with authority, keeping their semifinal hopes alive in emphatic fashion.
Manchester United have been without Patrick Dorgu since late January after the Denmark international sustained a hamstring injury during the 3-2 win over Arsenal
Denmark head coach Brian Riemer has said there is a chance that Patrick Dorgu could be involved in next month’s World Cup qualification play-offs.
Dorgu, 21, is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during Manchester United‘s 3-2 win over Arsenal. The wide player subsequently missed all four of their matches in February, but there appears to be an opportunity for him to return during March.
That trip to the south coast is their final fixture before this season’s last international break. The fortnight will be an eventful one for Dorgu’s Denmark, who have yet to qualify for the World Cup.
After finishing second in UEFA Group C behind Scotland, they host North Macedonia in Copenhagen on 26 March. If they win that semi-final, Denmark would play away against the winner of the Czech Republic or the Republic of Ireland for a spot in this summer’s tournament.
Dorgu featured in all but one of their qualifiers, playing every minute of the last two in November and scoring an equaliser during the 4-2 defeat against Scotland at Hampden Park. As such, the Denmark head coach seems to be holding out hope he will be able to play some part.
Reimer has told Viaplay: “Right now, he is reported injured by Manchester United, and he is until April. I know that Patrick has a dream to be ready.
“I think his biggest motivation right now, when he is running around in that training room, is that he wants to beat the crap out of us all and then be ready for that game.” Reimer added: “I will only help him keep that dream alive as long as the opportunity exists.”
United head coach Michael Carrick has not provided an update on Dorgu since confirming his player would be out for a period of time. He said in late January: “Pat, unfortunately, he’s gonna be out for a period of time. We’re still working through how long that’s going to be, so we’ll have to see.
Advertisement
Content cannot be displayed without consent
“He’s disappointed; he’s had such a big couple of weeks.” Dorgu scored against Arsenal before getting injured, and also got a goal in the previous week’s Manchester derby.
Carrick continued: “We weren’t sure whether it was a little bit of cramp or something a little bit more serious, and at the moment it looks a little bit more on the serious note so it’ll be a few weeks for that. How many weeks? We’ll have to wait and see.
“That’s disappointing for all of us, really. Pat was in such a good place, but unfortunately, it’s football, and it’s something we’ve got to work through and get him back as soon as we can.”
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Advertisement
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Advertisement
Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.
Stephen Bunting silenced his critics as he inflicted a third final defeat of the season on Gian van Veen to win night four of the Premier League in Belfast.
The 40-year-old has seen his place in the tournament questioned by spectators after he failed to win a game in the first three weeks.
That followed ‘the Bullet’ taking nine weeks to register a point in last year’s event – his first involvement since being a challenger in 2020.
Bunting, who has come off social media because of the criticism, registered his highest Premier League average (106.63) in his 6-4 quarter-final win over defending champion Luke Humphries.
Advertisement
He backed that up with another 106 average in a 6-0 clean sweep against current league leader Jonny Clayton in the semi-finals, before a clinical 6-2 win over Van Veen in the final.
“I do believe I am one of the best players in the world – I deserve to be in the Premier League,” Bunting told Sky Sports.
“Everyone was writing me off, people saying I should not be in it, but I know how hard I work behind the scenes. These are the nights I play for.
“Losing seven or eight on the bounce last year really helped me, gave me a lot of experience in this field. When you play in the Premier League, you’re playing against the best of the best. This ranks up as one of the best wins of my career.”
Advertisement
Van Veen, who is playing in the tournament for the first time, has impressed in making three finals in four weeks but is struggling to get over the line.
Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock, who is the other debutant in this year’s field, lost 6-2 to Van Veen in the quarters, but delighted the home crowd with the first nine-darter of this year’s tournament.
Elsewhere, there was more disappointment for world number one Luke Littler, who lost 6-3 to Clayton in the quarter-finals, meaning he has only won one game in four weeks.
Oct 26, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is sacked by Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa (57) in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings are in the market for an extra quarterback this offseason, outwardly announcing that no stone will be left unturned in the pursuit of a passer to compete against or support J.J. McCarthy in 2026. The list of options is already behemoth, but on Wednesday, Andy Dalton entered the chart.
Dalton isn’t a long-term answer, but he fits as a steady QB2 if the Vikings want a low-drama insurance policy.
Dalton is apparently drawing trade interest. He’d make sense for Minnesota if it wants a steady-eddy QB2.
Advertisement
Andy Dalton Has Surfaced in Minnesota’s Quarterback Conversation
The Red Rifle struts into the Vikings’ rumor mill.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) warms up before kickoff Oct 26, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dalton remains one of the league’s most experienced reserve quarterbacks, offering steady preparation habits and emergency starting capability that appeal to teams seeking dependable veteran depth during the offseason roster-building cycle. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images.
Adam Schefter: Teams Have Called about Dalton Trade
ESPN’s Adam Schefter spilled the beans: “Another available QB: Carolina has been getting calls about Andy Dalton for a potential trade, per sources.”
The Athletic‘sDaniel Person added, “The Carolina Panthers have not disguised their plans at the backup quarterback position — with the outside world or with Andy Dalton, whose time with the Panthers could be nearing an end.”
Advertisement
“General manager Dan Morgan said Tuesday that he informed Dalton the Panthers intend to add another quarterback to compete for the backup spot behind Bryce Young — the job Dalton held for Young’s first three seasons.”
Dalton won’t be Vikings fans’ first choice, but he’s experienced and may be available.
Person also noted on Dalton, “ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that the Panthers have fielded calls about Dalton. That does not guarantee they will find a robust market for the 38-year-old quarterback. Two landing spots that could make sense are the Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets, both of whom have assistant coaches with ties to Dalton.”
“Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich was the Panthers’ head coach when they signed Dalton in 2023, while Vikings quarterbacks coach/pass game coordinator Josh McCown was on Reich’s staff. Dalton is 1-6 in seven starts with Carolina, including a 1-4 mark in 2024 after Dave Canales benched Young in Week 3 following a slow start. The Panthers would create $2.2 million in salary-cap space by trading Dalton, with $3.7 million in dead money.”
Advertisement
The Insurance Option for McCarthy
Multiple theories regarding what Minnesota will do at quarterback have already rocked the offseason. The club has five main paths:
Do nothing and roll with McCarthy as the starter, signing another Carson Wentz-type as the QB2.
Sign a better backup and Wentz while remaining all-in with McCarthy.
Sign or trade for a high-upside youngster like Anthony Richardson or Will Levis to compete with McCarthy this summer.
Obtain a passer who will probably defeat McCarthy in a summer camp battle — like Kyler Murray.
Somehow land a really big fish like Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) walks off the field Nov 2, 2025 at Ford Field in Detroit following a divisional matchup against the Lions. The young passer continues developing within Minnesota’s long-term plans, gaining valuable experience in high-pressure NFC North environments as the organization evaluates its future direction at quarterback. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images.
Dalton would fall into the second category; some might argue the first.
An Already Huge List
Minnesota’s list of possible quarterback additions is massive. Utterly massive.
Advertisement
Adding Dalton to the mix, here’s the current menu:
Aaron Rodgers
Andy Dalton (trade)
Anthony Richardson (trade)
Carson Wentz
Case Keenum
Daniel Jones
Davis Mills (trade)
Derek Carr (trade)
Drew Lock (trade)
Gardner Minshew
Jake Browning
Jalen Milroe (trade)
Jameis Winston (trade)
Jimmy Garoppolo
Joe Flacco
Kenny Pickett
Kyler Murray (trade)
Mac Jones (trade)
Malik Willis
Marcus Mariota
Mitchell Trubisky
Russell Wilson
Spencer Rattler (trade)
Teddy Bridgewater
Tua Tagovailoa (trade)
Tyrod Taylor
Will Levis (trade)
Zach Wilson
Yes, the list is approaching 30 dudes.
Most consider a player like Kyler Murray, Mac Jones, Kirk Cousins, or Malik Willis as the frontrunner to land in Minnesota — a guy from Option No. 4 on the list above who can either compete with McCarthy or take his job.
Dalton’s Most Recent Performance(s)
Dalton is basically Kirk Cousins with less criticism from naysayers. His teams have compiled an 84-83-3 win-loss record on his watch, and he has faithfully started in the NFL for about a decade (2011-2020). In recent years, he’s served mostly as a backup, sans the 2022 campaign when injuries nudged him to the top of the New Orleans Saints’ depth chart.
Advertisement
Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) drops back to throw a pass Aug 8, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina during preseason action against the Cleveland Browns. Dalton’s veteran presence and familiarity with multiple offensive systems continue to make him a viable short-term option for teams needing experienced quarterback depth. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images.
Here’s his career resume through 15 seasons:
Cincinnati Bengals (2011–2019)
Dallas Cowboys (2020)
Chicago Bears (2021)
New Orleans Saints (2022)
Carolina Panthers (2023–now)
In the last three years, while playing minimally in Carolina, Dalton has banked a 0.038 EPA+CPOE. For perspective, that is akin to the 2025 performance of Tyrod Taylor, Quinn Ewers, and Jake Browning. Minnesota would basically get a game manager at this stage of Dalton’s career and probably a guy who wouldn’t immediately threaten McCarthy’s job.
The Conference League, Europe’s third-tier competition, is only in its fifth season, with two English sides – West Ham in 2023 and Chelsea in 2025 – among its first four winners.
From the start of this season’s edition Palace have been the bookmakers’ favourites, even though they only finished 10th in the league phase and had to go through two matches against Bosnian champions Zrinjski to get into the last 16.
But there are not many clubs in the competition Palace will fear.
They will find out on Friday whether they play German side Mainz, a team 13th in the Bundesliga, or Cypriot side Larnaca, who only scored seven goals in six league phase matches, though they did beat Palace 1-0 in October.
Advertisement
“We’re hungry for more [silverware] but you don’t talk about winning it three months out,” added goalkeeper Henderson, who became Palace captain after Guehi left the club.
“It’s knockout football and we go into it with confidence. You see the supporters get into the stadium early and Selhurst was rocking tonight and we can make it a fortress.”
Former Palace defender James Tomkins, speaking on TNT Sports, said: “They go through to the next stage, into the last 16 of this competition and they are favourites to go on and win it from here.
“They’ve got to concentrate on the Conference League. The opportunity they’ve got is incredible. To add a third trophy in two seasons would be remarkable and beyond the wildest dreams of the fans.
Advertisement
“They needed a second goal to get over the line and it’s a great night for the club. The atmosphere is amazing and you can see all the fans are behind the team and the manager and it means a lot.”
Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou, trainers of Arctic Glamour, are keeping close tabs on Sydney’s weather patterns because of her struggles on wet tracks prior to her expected engagement in the Guy Walter Stakes at Randwick.
The five-year-old has zero wins from six efforts on yielding ground, prompting Ryan to note they would opt for a backup without hesitation if Randwick turns sloppy on the day to preserve her chance.
“We will know on Saturday morning at 7.30 (AEDT),” Ryan said.
“If she doesn’t run Saturday, she will go to Newcastle. But she won’t be running on rain-affected ground.”
Advertisement
While the Newcastle Stakes (1400m) at the Hunter circuit on March 6 offers a viable Plan B, Ryan hopes local conditions cooperate for Arctic Glamour to begin in the Guy Walter Stakes (1400m).
Arctic Glamour has a sharp first-up profile, including success in the Hot Danish Stakes (1400m) last spring resumption, and her trainer rates her just as well now.
“As good as ever. Her fresh record is great, she’s had seven goes for two wins, a second and a third, and there was one race first-up at Randwick you could just put a line through,” Ryan said.
“Her first trial was good. She probably ran out of a bit of puff.
Advertisement
Then the other day we went back and rode her quiet and she hit the line really well – I didn’t want her to have a hard trial, I wanted her to run home for 300 or 400 metres, and she did that really well.”
Tom Sherry draws barrier four aboard Arctic Glamour, and strong showing could lead straight to the Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill in two weeks’ time.
Discover premier betting sites with competitive sports betting on the Guy Walter Stakes.
As the 2026 Niger Delta Games in Benin City enters its closing day today, hosts Edo have taken an unassailable lead in the overall medals table.
Team Edo State have so far garnered a total of 102 medals comprising 50 Gold, 30 Silver, and be 22 Bronze.
Neighbours, Delta State trail in distant second spot with 91 medals, made up of 34 Gold, 26 Silver, and 31 Bronze.
Advertisement
Winners of the first edition of the Games in Uyo, last year, Bayelsa are in 3rd position with 66 medals consisting of 23 gold, 20 silver and 23 bronze while Akwa Ibom are 4th with 47 medals: 12 gold, 15 silver and 20 bronze.
Abia are 5th with 41 medals: 8 gold, 17 silver and 16 bronze , Cross River occupy 6th place with 35 medals: 7 gold, 6 silver and 22 bronze, Rivers State are 7th with 41 medals: 6 gold, 16 silver and 19 bronze.
Ondo are 8th with 32 medals: 6 gold, 12 silver and 14 bronze as Imo are rooted in bottom place with 29 medals: 4 gold, 8 silver and 17 bronze.
Advertisement
Though the medals table will be updated with few Final events to be decided today on the last day of competition, it seems it may not affect the standings of the teams significantly.
Some the final events today are scrabble, football and relay races.
The 2nd Niger Delta Games which got underway last Thursday, February 19 climaxes tonight with the closing ceremony billed for the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin from 5pm.
Nigeria’s senior women’s team, the Super Falcons, now have 15 players in camp as preparations intensify for their upcoming friendly matches against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in Yaoundé.
The latest arrivals are the AS Roma pair of Rinsola Babajide and Shukurat Oladipo, alongside Folashade Ijamilusi and Kafayat Shittu. They link up with 11 players who reported earlier in the week when camp officially opened.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade was among the early arrivals, together with Gift Monday, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, Oluwatosin Demehin and Christy Ucheibe. Their early presence allowed the coaching staff to begin light sessions before the squad grew in number.
Advertisement
The team held their first full training session at the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo, where the technical crew focused on tactical organisation and fitness drills. Team media officer Mary Catherine confirmed that training began at 6:00pm, signalling the start of serious on-pitch work ahead of the double-header.
The two friendly matches are fixed for February 28 and March 3. They form part of Nigeria’s build-up to the next edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Falcons will aim to defend their title. The coaching team is expected to use the games to test combinations, evaluate new options and assess the overall strength of the squad.
More players are still expected in camp as the team continues to take full shape in Cameroon.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, the Indomitable Lionesses head into the fixtures amid uncertainty. The Cameroonian side has been without a permanent head coach since the dismissal of Jean-Baptiste Bisseck in October 2025 following their qualification loss to Algeria. The football authorities are yet to name a substantive replacement.
Despite the situation, Cameroon remain focused on preparations for the forthcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The team secured a place at the tournament after the Confederation of African Football expanded the competition from 12 to 16 teams.
Nigeria won their 10th continental title in Morocco last year and will be determined to retain the trophy. Cameroon, on the other hand, are still chasing their first WAFCON triumph after finishing as runners-up on three occasions.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Shubham Pundir celebrates his century (PTI Photo)
Ranji Trophy finals are often marathon affairs, and the ongoing summit clash between Jammu and Kashmir and Karnataka is following that script. After J&K posted a commanding 584 in their first innings, Karnataka reached 35 for one at lunch on Day 3 but slipped to 98 for four in the second session.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!With plenty of time left but a large deficit to overcome, a draw remains a possibility. Unlike league matches, however, the Ranji Trophy final must produce a winner. Thankfully, one key rule provides clarity: the first-innings lead determines the champion if no outright result emerges.
India Playing XI drama: How three players are fighting for two spots | Sanju Samson IN?
Essentially, if neither side can bowl the other out twice or chase the target, the team with the higher first-innings total claims the trophy. This ensures that sustained performance over the longer format is rewarded, particularly in multi-day matches where weather or pitch conditions can prevent a definitive finish.Here’s how the current final could play out:Scenario 1 – Karnataka take the first-innings lead:If Karnataka surpass J&K’s 584 by scoring 585 or more, they will gain the crucial first-innings advantage. Even if the match ends in a draw afterward, Karnataka will be crowned Ranji Trophy champions. This is the simplest path to the title for the southern side, though it demands overcoming a massive deficit.Scenario 2 – Jammu & Kashmir retain their lead:Should Karnataka fall short of 584, J&K will maintain the first-innings advantage. In that case, irrespective of remaining time or a drawn result, Jammu and Kashmir will be declared champions. Their strong batting performance and early bowling control currently put them in a commanding position.Scenario 3 – External interruptions:In the unlikely event of rain or other factors preventing Karnataka from completing their innings and no first-innings lead is established, tournament rules can default to group-stage points or prior performance. Nonetheless, the first-innings lead is typically decisive in finals.Jammu and Kashmir’s 584 was built through disciplined partnerships and lower-order resistance, giving them a strong platform. Their bowlers have also applied early pressure in Karnataka’s reply, removing key batsmen KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Smaran Ravichandran, and Karun Nair.Also See: IND vs ZIM
