Sports
Women’s World Cup: South Africa Set to Face India Tomorrow – SUCH TV
It was a regular net session at a cricket academy in New Delhi, but the excitement among the young girls in their colourful jerseys was unmistakable. They now have a sparkling new source of inspiration after the Indian women’s team stunned favourites Australia in the Women’s World Cup semi-final on Thursday.
Batter Jemimah Rodrigues delivered an unbeaten 127 as India chased down a record 339 at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, securing a spot in Sunday’s final against South Africa.
“There is always that one moment that inspires a generation,” said 19-year-old Armeet Kaur, a batting all-rounder for the Delhi state team. “Jemmy’s innings yesterday was exactly that. It’s going to change things.”
Twelve-year-old Ridhima Chaudhary was star-struck. “It made me feel like I have to play like them,” she said.
The sixth-grade student revealed that she’s already training towards that goal — three hours a day, five days a week. “My parents also say that the cricket academy is as important as school,” she added.
Coach Sumit Poria described the victory as a “turning point” for women’s cricket in India. “The way the crowd cheered for the team — it’s a boost like nothing else before,” he said.
While infrastructure has improved over the years, a win like Thursday’s “will go a long way in convincing parents” to support their daughters pursuing cricket seriously, Poria noted.
Prize purse exceeds men’s
The eight-nation tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, has already broken records.
Data released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and streaming platform JioHotstar showed the first 13 matches drew more than 60 million viewers — five times higher than the 2022 edition.
The India–Pakistan clash earlier this month became the most-watched women’s international match ever, with 28.4 million viewers.
That’s still a small figure for the world’s most populous nation, but it shows the rise in popularity of women’s cricket.
India, twice runners-up, are chasing a maiden title in the 50-over World Cup that now boasts a record $13.88 million prize purse — eclipsing even the men’s total from two years ago.
In New Delhi, the excitement is tangible. Replica women’s team jerseys sold out online just hours after India secured their final berth.
The popularity is being matched by economic clout.
The wider sports market is booming in India, with its estimated value to surge to $130 billion by 2030, according to a 2024 report by Deloitte and Google.
The 2023 launch of the Women’s Premier League generated about $700 million in franchise and media rights for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The move toward pay parity, pushed by then-BCCI secretary and now ICC chairman Jay Shah, has further boosted the women’s game.
Very big moment
“The rise of digital platforms has transformed sports consumption… occurring alongside a growing diversification of India’s sports fans,” the Deloitte report said.
And women are a key part of that.
“Women’s sports are on the rise,” it said. “Fans are increasingly interested in women’s sports.”
Whether or not India lift the trophy on Sunday, the young cricketers at Delhi’s training nets say the impact is already beyond measure.
“When I started playing six years ago, there were only the men to get inspired by,” said 18-year-old Ishita Singh. “But now there’s the women’s team too.”
Veteran Indian sports journalist Sharda Ugra called the win “a very big moment”.
“It will make the game leapfrog another level in India in terms of attention and being a viable career option for so many girls who want to take part in sport,” she said.
“Already there is a mass of talent burgeoning in women’s cricket in India. This will make that five times bigger, whatever happens in the final.”
India’s women cricketing stars, including Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, have become household names, attracting major sponsorships and wide media coverage.
There is a big market to tap into.
“Women now comprise 236 million fans — or 36 precent — of the fanbase,” the study estimated.
“This debunks the notion of a male-only fanbase — and (shows) women’s fast-growing influence in sports.”
Liverpool are considering Newcastle United‘s Anthony Gordon as an upgrade on Cody Gakpo, while Roma‘s defender Wesley França is a target for Arsenal.
Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.
Transfers home page | Men’s winter grades | Women’s grades
TRENDING RUMORS
– Liverpool could replace Cody Gakpo with Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon in the summer, according to TEAMtalk. Gakpo has been offered to clubs in the Premier League, including Tottenham Hotspur, and around Europe as Liverpool attempt to gauge interest in the Netherlands international through third-party representatives. Gakpo’s departure could make way Gordon who continues to impress Reds’ officials, though Newcastle have made no secret of their intention to keep the 25-year-old on Tyneside. Gordon spent part of his youth development at Liverpool before joining Merseyside rivals Everton in 2012, where he began his professional career at Everton.
– Arsenal are stepping up their quest for Roma’s in-form defender Wesley França, with Ben White set to make way in the summer, according to TEAMtalk. Brazilian right-back França has been a revelation since joining the Italians from Flamengo last summer, the 22 year old impressing with a four-goal haul. Arsenal scouts have also noted his athleticism, defensive diligence and attacking capabilities. Everton are also interested. The Gunners are also monitoring Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, Eintracht Frankfurt‘s Nnamdi Collins and Monaco‘s Vanderson. Meanwhile, White’s departure has been sanctioned by the club if the right offer comes along.
– Barcelona and Real Madrid are both planning to test the water for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in the summer, but City are not planning on allowing the 25-year-old to leave, according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke. Haaland is contracted at the Etihad Stadium until 2031, and City are looking to sign players in other positions around him, rather than allow their main striker to leave. Haaland has been out of form by his high standards — scoring just five goals in 18 appearances since the turn of the year — prompting suggestions he may consider a new challenge, and the two Spanish giants remain intent on trying to lure the Norway international to LaLiga as a statement signing. O’Rourke also reports that should manager Pep Guardiola leave the club, City would prefer to replace him with Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany, rather than other possible candidates such as Enzo Maresca or Luis Enrique.
– Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti is keen on signing Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger and, in doing, so fend off interest from a number of Premier League clubs, according to Tuttosport. Spalletti and Rüdiger worked together at Roma, and it remains an ambition of the Bianconeri boss to re-sign the 33-year-old, ideally on a two-year deal, to bring some stability to his back line. Spalletti sees the Germany defender as the perfect short-term addition to his squad, with his UEFA Champions League experience and leadership qualities both valuable qualities. Rüdiger is available on a free transfer at the end of the season. However, Diario AS reports that there has been a “radical twist” in the situation, with a contract renewal for the defender now on the cards. Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa enthusiastically said on Saturday that he’d “build a statue to Rüdiger and put it in my garden.”
– Atlético Madrid have bid €35 million plus bonuses for Atalanta midfielder Éderson, according to Sportitalia’s Alfredo Pedulla. The Italian club are hoping to recoup closer to €40 million for the Brazilian. Éderson was a key member of the team as Le Dea won the Europa League and finished fourth in Serie A in 2023-24, and since then he has been linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs for several seasons. The 26-year-old’s contract in Bergamo is due to expire at the end of next season.
EXPERT TAKE
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Nicol: Slot shouldn’t get sacked if Liverpool miss out on a UCL spot
Steve Nicol debates Arne Slot’s future after Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Brighton in the Premier League.
OTHER RUMORS
– Liverpool are ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. Real Madrid are willing to listen to offers in the region of €50 million. (Caught Offside)
– Despite being heavily linked with a move away from Newcastle, particularly to Manchester United, Bruno Guimarães is committed to the north-east. (Newcastle Chronicle)
– Inter Milan and Juventus are tracking the situation of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, hoping the 21-year-old could form an integral part of their midfield rebuilds in the summer. (Ekrem Konur)
– Arsenal could allow a number of players to leave in the summer as they look to freshen up their squad and build on what they hope will be a title-winning season. (Daily Telegraph)
– Liverpool winger Giorgi Mamardashvili is a target for European clubs and he could be tempted with the promise of more game time. (Football Insider)
– Rangers boss Danny Röhl has expressed his desire to extend Mikey Moore‘s deal beyond the end of the season, whether it’s a loan move or permanent deal. The 18-year-old was on the scoresheet for Rangers against Aberdeen on Saturday. (Daily Mail)
– Xabi Alonso is the leading contender to replace Arne Slot should the Dutchman be relieved of his duties as Liverpool Manager. Slot came under fresh pressure following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion. (Football Insider)
Sports
PSL matches to go ahead without spectators under govt’s austerity drive amid regional crisis: Naqvi
LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in a major announcement on Sunday, said that the much-awaited Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches will be held without spectators as part of the government’s austerity measures amid ongoing regional crisis.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi said the tournament will be limited to two venues, Karachi and Lahore. He added that the decision aims to reduce public movement.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information.
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No. 12 High Point put everyone on notice for the second time in as many games this March Madness, but could not find the same success.
After advancing to the Round of 32 following an upset victory over No. 5 Wisconsin, the Panthers’ season ended after No. 4 Arkansas ran away from them late Saturday night.
High Point led by as many as five early in the game, and they were up 56-52 with 14:17 to go after going on a 12-2 run.
Both teams exchanged buckets for several minutes, with no one expanding their respective leads by more than three points for a little while.
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High Point Panthers head coach Flynn Clayman and guard Rob Martin (3) react in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. (Craig Strobeck/Imagn Images)
With 7:04 to play, the Panthers took a 72-71 lead, to which the Razorbacks responded with a 10-2 run, putting them up by seven and giving them their largest lead of the night.
The game was then quickly tied at 83 after a wild run by High Point, but over the final 3:19, Arkansas outscored High Point, 11-5, to snatch the victory, despite a valiant effort from the Panthers.
High Point Panthers forward Terry Anderson (5) drives against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) and forward Billy Richmond III (24) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. (Craig Strobeck/Imagn Images)
Arkansas was favored by 11.5, and while they couldn’t cover, it was another Sweet 16 appearance for legendary head coach John Calipari.
Two Panthers, Rob Martin (30) and Cam’Ron Fletcher (25), combined for 55 points, but Darius Acuff Jr. of Arkansas trumped everyone by dropping 36.
Arkansas will face the winner of No. 1 Arizona and No. 9 Utah State in the Sweet 16.
High Point Panthers head coach Flynn Clayman and forward Braden Hausen (15) react in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. (Craig Strobeck/Imagn Images)
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High Point’s victory over Wisconsin on Thursday marked their first ever in March Madness after making the tournament last year for the first time.
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