NEW DELHI: The BJP on Saturday launched a sharp attack on West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee over the chaos at Kolkata’s Salt Lake stadium during Argentine football star Lionel Messi’s appearance, with Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accusing the state government of gross mismanagement and making three demands, including Banerjee’s resignation.Reacting to the disorder at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Adhikari posted on X, saying, “Shame on you, Mamata Banerjee ! The ‘Khela Hobe’ Circus Turns into a TMC Loot-Fest at Yuva Bharati ! What a pathetic spectacle in Kolkata today ! Our football-crazed Bengali Fans, dreaming of a glimpse of the GOAT Lionel Messi, shelled out thousands for tickets, only to be treated like second-class citizens in their own state.“He alleged that while senior Trinamool Congress leaders and their associates surrounded Messi, ordinary fans were left disappointed. “While Arup Biswas, Sujit Bose, and their bootlicking entourage of 100+ VIP vultures swarmed Messi like leeches on a bloodbath, the real fans? Stuck in galleries, staring at a measly 5-7 minutes on a giant screen ! No direct view, just betrayal,” he wrote.

Adhikari also accused organisers and the state administration of exploiting spectators. “And get this: Water bottles banned inside, forcing desperate fans to cough up ₹200 for a ₹20 bottle? Classic TMC extortion racket !” he said, adding that the event had been turned into a political photo opportunity and profit exercise. “This isn’t just mismanagement; it’s a criminal assault on West Bengal’s pride and betrayal of our passionate football lovers. Enough is enough !”Listing his demands, Adhikari said, “FULL 100% REFUND for every gallery ticket holder, return every paisa you stole,” called for the “IMMEDIATE ARREST of Sports Minister Arup Biswas, Fire Minister Sujit Bose, and sham organizer Shatadru Dutta,” and asserted that “MAMATA BANERJEE MUST RESIGN for dragging West Bengal’s name through the mud on the global stage.”The BJP leader’s remarks came hours after chaos erupted at the stadium, where thousands of fans protested after failing to get a clear view of Messi during the much-publicised event. Messi, accompanied by Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul, arrived at the venue around 11.30 am but remained tightly cordoned off by security and VIPs. His brief appearance and early exit sparked anger among spectators, leading to vandalism, slogan-shouting and a police baton charge to control the crowd.Meanwhile, BJP MP and spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi in a press conference said, “The kind of mismanagement and sophistry took place, ashamed every Indian… Mamata Banerjee tweeted that she is ‘deeply disturbed by this event’, but I want to clear that it is West Bengal which is deeply devastated under your rule… This is the evidence of the tragic situation the state has reached… Similar situation happened in Bengaluru after IPL and in Tamil Nadu as well... This shows that the leadership in these states consider itself above the law… This shows the character of all the leaders of INDI alliance…” Following the incident, Banerjee expressed shock over the mismanagement and ordered a high-level enquiry. In a post on X, she apologised to Messi and football fans, saying, “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake stadium.” She announced that a committee headed by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Ashim Kumar Ray would investigate the episode, fix responsibility and recommend corrective measures.The disorder also drew criticism from Bengal governor C V Ananda Bose, who termed it a dark day for Kolkata’s sports culture and called for action against the organisers. Ticket prices for the event ranged from Rs 4,500 to Rs 10,000, and many fans said they had spent large sums only to leave disappointed.The episode has since escalated into a political flashpoint, with the BJP accusing the Trinamool Congress of turning a marquee sporting event into what Adhikari described as a “corrupt circus,” while the state government has promised accountability through a formal probe.

Image: X@/IsraelWarRoom, AP

The Israeli military said it killed Raad Saad, a senior commander of Hamas’s Qassam Brigades, in a targeted strike on a car in the Gaza Strip on Saturday. According to Israeli authorities, Saad played a key role in planning the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the ongoing two-year conflict in Gaza.The strike marks the most high-profile assassination of a senior Hamas figure since a ceasefire was declared two months ago.

The strike targeted a vehicle travelling along Rashid Road on the Hamas-controlled side of the Gaza ceasefire line, Palestinian media reported, citing four people killed and more than 20 injured. In a joint statement, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister Israel Katz said Raad Saad was killed in retaliation for an earlier incident in which two Israeli troops were injured by an explosive in southern Gaza.Saad “was one of the architects of the October 7 massacre and in recent days had been engaged in restoring the terror organization and in planning and carrying out attacks against Israel, as well as rebuilding an attack force, in blatant violation of the ceasefire rules and Hamas’s commitments to respect President [Donald] Trump’s plan,” Netanyahu and Katz stated, as cited by Times of Israel.Netanyahu stated that he and the defence minister had personally authorized the operation to assassinate Saad.Saad, a long-time Hamas member, had gradually risen through the ranks to become the second-in-command of the group’s armed wing, according to two Arab intelligence officials, as cited by NYT. According to the Israeli military, Saad founded and commanded Hamas’s Gaza City Brigade and played a key role in establishing the group’s naval force. He was later appointed chief of Hamas’s operations headquarters.In that role, Saad helped plan the group’s operation to infiltrate Israel and target the IDF’s Gaza Division, known to the military as “Jericho’s Walls.” The operation was launched on October 7, 2023, triggering the ongoing conflict in Gaza.Saad, as operations chief, helped establish Hamas’s elite Nukhba Force, which led the October 7 invasion of Israel. In 2021, he was removed from his position as operations chief by then-Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, reportedly due to personal disagreements.Following his dismissal, Saad continued to serve in other roles within Hamas’s military wing, most recently as chief of the group’s weapons manufacturing headquarters and as a deputy to Hamas’s most recent military chief, Izz al-Din Hadadd.Saad survived multiple Israeli assassination attempts, including the most recent in June 2024. He was reportedly at Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital during an Israeli raid in March of that year but is believed to have escaped unharmed.Saad’s arrests date back decades: he was jailed by Israel in 1990 for his involvement with Hamas and later detained by the Palestinian Authority in the late 1990s, as cited by Times of Israel.The assassination of Saad could further strain the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas, which has already been tested by repeated bouts of violence.The truce has not fully halted the fighting. According to local health officials, Israeli attacks have killed more than 300 Palestinians, including children, since the agreement took effect. The Israeli military reports that at least three Israeli soldiers have also been killed in combat.

South Africa Women began the ODI series on a confident note, registering a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Ireland Women in the first ODI at Buffalo Park. After opting to bat first, Ireland put up a fighting total, but a disciplined bowling effort followed by a composed chase, led by Sune Luus, ensured a comfortable win for the hosts.

Ireland struggle to build momentum despite steady contributions

Ireland Women’s innings of 209 for 7 in 47 overs was built on several starts but lacked a defining partnership. Openers Sarah Forbes and Gaby Lewis looked to settle in, with Forbes anchoring the innings through a patient 42 off 71 deliveries. Amy Hunter added stability in the middle order with a fluent 32, while Orla Prendergast and Laura Delany provided brief bursts of momentum. Rebecca Stokell’s 39 off 48 balls towards the end helped Ireland push past the 200-run mark, but regular wickets prevented them from accelerating in the final phase.

South African bowlers apply consistent pressure

The South African bowling unit kept things tight throughout, ensuring Ireland never fully broke free. Nonkululeko Mlaba was the standout performer, claiming 3 for 43 with her accurate left-arm spin. Tumi Sekhukhune chipped in with two crucial wickets, while Sune Luus and Miane Smit contributed with one wicket apiece. Although Ayanda Hlubi and Eliz Mari Marx went wicketless, they played their part by controlling the run flow during key spells.

Also READ: Lizelle Lee powers Hobart Hurricanes to first-ever WBBL title with dominant win over Perth Scorchers in final

Sune Luus and Smit seal the game with an unbroken stand

Chasing 210, South Africa Women made a brisk start, with Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits laying a solid foundation at the top. Wolvaardt struck six boundaries in her quick 31 off 24 balls, while Brits complemented her with a steady 27. Lara Goodall added another useful contribution, ensuring the hosts stayed well ahead of the required rate.

The chase was expertly guided to completion by Luus and Smit, who combined calmness with controlled aggression. Luus anchored the innings with a composed 66 off 72 balls, while Smit played a mature knock of 56 from 70 deliveries. Their partnership took the game away from Ireland, as South Africa reached 211 for 3 in just 36.5 overs.

Ireland’s bowling attack found it difficult to contain the South African batters once the set players settled in. Cara Murray was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Prendergast claimed one. Despite some economical spells, the lack of sustained pressure allowed South Africa to cruise to the target. Luus capped off a memorable outing with both bat and ball, earning the Player of the Match award.

Also READ: India hand maiden T20I call-ups to G Kamalini and Vaishnavi Sharma for Sri Lanka series

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

The Big Bash League 2025-26 season kicks off with the fiercest rivalry in Australian cricket as the Perth Scorchers take on the Sydney Sixers in the first match of BBL|15 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Both teams will be determined to start the new campaign with a decisive victory. The Scorchers, playing at their fortress, missed the playoffs last year and will be fired up to reclaim their crown. The Sixers, bolstered by the marquee signing of Babar Azam, have the experience but must overcome their recent struggle for consistency in the knockout stages. This promises to be a spectacular contest between the league’s two most successful franchises.

PS vs SS, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and Time: December 14 (Sunday); 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 4:15 pm Local
• Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
• Head-to-Head Record in BBL: Matches played: 29 | Perth Scorchers won: 16 | Sydney Sixers won: 12 | No result/Tied: 1

Optus Stadium Pitch Report

The Optus Stadium in Perth is globally recognized for its rapid pace and high bounce, which strongly favors the fast bowlers. While this challenge makes scoring tough initially, batters who settle in can exploit the quick outfield. The pitch has historically been a high-scoring ground, though the average first innings score has varied, currently sitting around 160-170, a score that is considered competitive. Significantly, the chasing team has a strong advantage here, winning approximately 63% of matches due to the evening conditions. Therefore, the captain winning the toss is highly expected to elect to bowl first and back their star-studded batting lineup to chase down the target.

Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers: Team dynamics and key players

Perth Scorchers: The Scorchers are near full strength at home, where they are traditionally dominant. The team’s batting is explosive, led by the Australian T20I captain Mitchell Marsh and the aggressive Kiwi opener Finn Allen, who will look to make a significant impact in the powerplay. Their pace attack, featuring the likes of Jhye Richardson, is elite and perfectly suited to the pace and bounce of the Optus surface. With their core players available, Perth will rely on their home advantage and strong pace bowling to dominate.

Sydney Sixers: The Sixers’ batting unit has received a massive boost with the addition of Pakistan superstar Babar Azam, who will anchor the innings alongside the dynamic Harjas Singh. Skipper Moises Henriques and Jordan Silk provide crucial middle-order stability. Their bowling attack remains robust, led by the experienced Ben Dwarshuis and Sean Abbott. However, the absence of an established, wicket-taking frontline spinner may expose them in the middle overs, a weakness the Scorchers will look to exploit in their home conditions.

Also READ: BBL|15: Check out the full list of Pakistan and Bangladesh players playing in the Big Bash League

PS vs SS, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

This opening match features the two titans of the league, promising a tight contest. The Sixers have a superior recent head-to-head record (3-2 in the last five), but the Scorchers’ exceptional record at Optus Stadium and their pace-bowling friendly conditions make them formidable. The Scorchers’ all-round balance and familiarity with the pitch give them a decisive edge in the season opener.

Case 1:

• Perth Scorchers wins the toss and bowls first
• Sydney Sixers’ powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Sydney Sixers’ total score: 155-175

Case 2:

• Sydney Sixers wins the toss and bats first
• Perth Scorchers’ powerplay score: 55-65 (6 overs)
• Perth Scorchers’ total score: 170-190

Match result: Perth Scorchers  to win the contest

Also READ: BBL|15: Cricket Australia unveils full schedule for Big Bash League 2025-26

Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav during a training session ahead of the third T20 International cricket match. (Image: PTI Photo)

DHARAMSHALA: By the time the Indian team reached the HPCA stadium on Saturday evening, the temperature here in the hills had started to drop. As the three-and-a half-hour long practice session progressed in chilly weather, the jitters in the Indian camp became apparent. South Africa have managed to reveal India’s deficiencies in more ways than one would have expected on this tour. Seldom does the Indian team go through a practice session as extensive and in tense on a match eve as it did on the eve of Sunday’s third T20I.As is the norm with this team, it was officially an optional session. But only Tilak Varma and Arshdeep Singh skipped the session. The South African team, on the other hand, took the day off and went hiking in the hills. They feel they are in a better space with the series locked at 1-1.

The T20 team under coach Gautam Gambhir seemed to be on auto-pilot mode for over a year. However, two months away from the T20 World Cup, problems have surfaced. It starts with the struggles of captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill and spills over to some incomprehensible strategies and selections.Saturday was more about going back to basics. When Washington Sundar was padding up at the top of the nets session, Hardik Pandya approached him and cautioned him, “This is a pitch where you have to be gutsy.” The pitch here has historically yielded big scores. But one can never discount the amount of movement and bounce the venue offers to the bowlers. The focus of the nets sessions was on polishing every batter’s technique. Once Sanju Samson and Washington Sundar were done with their batting in the nets, Surya and Gill hogged the attention for the rest of the evening. They hopped all four nets. Surya, in fact, batted for well over 90 minutes — that’s how long an entire team’s T20 innings lasts. They went through drills that are seen more at the academy level, where one works on the nuances of batting technique. Gill and Jitesh only joined Pandya for a range-hitting session under lights at the centre square after a thorough session of old-school batting in the nets.Surya, for one, eschewed his trademark pick-up ramps and swipes behind square on the on side against the pacers. The vertical bat and a compact defence were the order of the day. He did get into a phase where he dealt in sweeps and lap shots against the spinners. As he started to get beaten frequently, he switched to playing down the ground and practicing the inside-out shots over cover.Surya is the designated No. 3 in this batting lineup. But Axar Patel coming out to bat at No. 3 in the second over in the previous match must have hurt the egos of the frontline batters. Tilak Varma expectedly put it down to the team’s much-hyped flexibility.

“I’ve told the team that I can bat in any situation. But we want to be flexible. Axar has done a good job for the team in the T20 World Cup. So, one has to be ready for whatever the team needs. But I don’t mind doing that job,” Varma said on Saturday.Playing the moving new ball has been a major problem. Gill just stuck to punching the ball off the back foot. His frailties against the new ball pitching on a good length are well documented. The deliveries outside off have begun to catch the outside edge more often. Thus, one saw him working overtime on backfoot punches square of the wicket and uppercuts to make use of the field in the powerplay. As Surya retired to the dressing room, Gill hung back for a long and intense chat with Gambhir and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate. For one who is obsessed about his batting, Gill must be aware there isn’t much time for him to iron out the chinks in his batting. As India try to find their best T20 game, South Africa seem to be more in control. “It might look as if we are slightly unsure given the amount of changes, but we have a pretty good idea of what our World Cup squad will be like,” South Africa coach Shukri Conrad said.

Gunther defeats John Cena (Image credits WWE)

Finally, the most awaited match began, the final match of the GOAT, the 17-time World Champion, the Real Champ John Cena. He made a ground-shaking entrance as the crowd sat on the edge of their seats, cheering the legend one last time. Lilian Garcia introduced the challenger Gunther and John Cena in a spectacular fashion. Before the match started, John Cena acknowledged the WWE Superstars and Legends seated at ringside who had gathered to witness the GOAT’s final match. The referee then rang the bell, and the main event officially began.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event: Gunther beats John Cena with the Sleeper Hold

The match got underway with John Cena unloading heavy strikes and quickly gaining the upper hand. Gunther looked to land another chop on Cena, but Cena caught it and flattened him with a pair of shoulder tackles. He sent Gunther crashing to the mat spine first, followed by a Five Knuckle Shuffle, and then set up for an Attitude Adjustment. Gunther anticipated it, countering with a German suplex before leveling Cena with a clothesline.Gunther followed up by striking Cena with back-to-back clotheslines. The momentum shifted again as Cena connected with more shoulder tackles and finally hit the first Attitude Adjustment of the match. Cena went for the pin, but Gunther kicked out.Gunther then locked in a sleeper hold on Cena, but Cena reversed it into a sleeper of his own. Gunther managed to reach the bottom rope to break free, then sent Cena crashing spine first into the ring apron on the outside, followed by a shoulder-first impact into the ring steps.Gunther dragged the ring steps over to the announce desk, stood tall on top of them, then seated Cena on the steps and cleared the announce desk. Cena fought back by getting Gunther onto his shoulders and driving him through the announce desk with an Attitude Adjustment. He rolled Gunther back into the ring and went for the pin, but Gunther kicked out.Cena climbed to the top rope and delivered a leg drop to Gunther, then attempted another pin. Gunther kicked out again, and Cena asked the live crowd if they had one more in them. Before Cena could hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle, Gunther caught him with a powerbomb. Cena responded with an Attitude Adjustment off the middle rope and went for the pin, but Gunther once again kicked out.Gunther and Cena trade forearm strikes, but Cena looks to set up an Attitude Adjustment on Gunther. Gunther escapes, plants Cena with a powerbomb, follows it up with a Frog Splash, and goes for the pin. Cena kicks out, but Gunther quickly locks in a sleeper hold. Cena tries to power out, but Gunther keeps the hold firmly applied.Gunther then targets Cena’s shoulder and tightens his grip. Moments later, the unthinkable happens as John Cena taps out, giving Gunther the victory.