Axar Patel (right) sits out IND vs SA T20 World Cup Super 8 match (ANI Photos)

India captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that the team went with the same playing XI for the Super 8 game against South Africa on Sunday, which meant vice-captain Axar Patel was left out again, with Washington Sundar keeping his spot. After losing the toss, Surya admitted he wanted to bat first but accepted the toss result, calling Axar’s omission a tough call.

“I was actually looking to bat first, but it’s okay, and we’re happy to bowl first. It’s very harsh on Axar Patel, but we’re going with the same team – just a tactical decision, so no changes from the last game,” he said at the toss. The decision sparked strong reactions on social media, with many fans questioning Axar’s exclusion.“Can someone tell me, why Axar Patel is dropped with his OG T2OI performances?” One fan wrote on X.“I have another question, can somebody tell me why Washington Sundar is not bowling to David Miller, if he was selected over Axar with lefties excuse?Does anything make sense under Gambhir?”Similar sentiments among fans over the Axar Patel omission call followed.In the match, South Africa had a shaky start after opting to bat. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh struck early, reducing them to 20/3 in just four overs. However, David Miller and Dewald Brevis staged a strong comeback, attacking India’s bowlers and shifting the momentum.Miller took on Varun Chakravarthy and Arshdeep Singh with powerful boundaries, while Brevis joined in with aggressive shots against Washington Sundar and others. The pair added quick runs and pushed the scoring rate up, helping South Africa recover to 84/3 at the halfway stage. Nevertheless, South Africa posted a strong total of 187/7 in their 20 overs after choosing to bat against India. After losing early wickets, Miller (63 off 35) and Brevis (45 off 29) led a crucial recovery, while Stubbs (44* off 24) provided a late surge. Bumrah was the standout bowler with 3/15, supported by Arshdeep’s 2/28, but India still face a challenging chase.

If you needed any more proof that Tom Brady is the luckiest man in sports, just look at his weekend at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. While most of us were watching from our couches, the NFL legend was busy living out every sports fan’s dream, witnessing history not once, but twice.Brady has been the ultimate “Team USA” superfan this week, and honestly, the photos coming out of Italy make it look like he’s having the time of his life.

NFL Legend Tom Brady Spotted at Team USA’s Historic Olympic Gold Medal Win

The scene at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena was basically a Hall of Fame meeting. Brady was spotted in a luxury suite that had more “greatness” per square foot than anywhere else on earth. He was hanging out with:

Seeing Brady and Gretzky sharing a box to watch the U.S. take on Canada was the crossover moment sports fans didn’t know they needed. It was like the Avengers of retirement, just hanging out and eating arena snacks.The crazy part? Team USA is undefeated when Brady is in the building.

This win was massive, it’s the first time the U.S. Men have won Olympic Gold since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” Brady was there to see the 46-year drought end in person.Beyond the famous friends, Brady has been using the trip for some quality “dad time.” He shared several photos on Instagram with his kids, Benjamin and Vivian, who were decked out in Team USA gear. He even posted a shot of Benjamin and his friends making “W” signs with their hands after the big win.Between the pizza, the gelato, and the gold medals, Brady’s Olympic tour is the perfect example of how to do retirement right. He might be “neutral” when it comes to NFL games these days, but when the Red, White, and Blue are on the ice, the GOAT is all in.

Carlos Alcaraz after winning Qatar Open final. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Carlos Alcaraz continues to hold on to his World No. 1 ranking with a dominant 52-minute triumph over Arthur Fils in the Qatar Open final. While he praised the golden falcon trophy for its beauty, his purse also became significantly heavier with the prize money he claimed in Doha. He reportedly took home $529,945 in prize money alone, excluding other remuneration for participating in the Qatar Open. This makes him the fifth-highest prize money winner in tennis so far.

Qatar Open champion Carlos Alcaraz bags over $529K in prize money

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Arthur Fils, 6-2, 6-1, in just 52 minutes at the Qatar Open in Doha to claim his 26th career title at just 22 years of age.According to HITC.com, Carlos Alcaraz had already earned $285,095 by the time he reached the final. His 52-minute victory over Arthur Fils brought him an additional $244,850, taking his total prize money to $529,945. It has also been reported that both he and Jannik Sinner were paid $1.2 million to participate in the Qatar Open.

Carlos Alcaraz reveals why he is able to dominate on every court

This marks his first title in the Middle East. When asked about the mantra behind his success in every region he has played in so far, he described himself as a “chameleon.”As quoted by Tennis365.com, he said, “What that means is that I am a chameleon, and that is the key to being a great tennis player or athlete. You can’t get stuck playing well in one place, especially in the world of tennis because you’re traveling all the time, moving around, experiencing totally different places where the situations are also different. I’m happy to see that I can adapt to any situation and play well. If I miss a tournament because of that, I’ll go.”Sharing his post-victory plans, he said, “Going back home for a week now, even if it’s just training or having some days off… I don’t know exactly what I’m going to do, but being home is what calms me down, what relaxes me, what makes me appreciate everything a little after each tournament, and especially each title.”Marking his victory in Qatar, Alcaraz shared two pictures of himself holding the falcon trophy. He simply added a trophy icon and a heart emoji in the caption.F1 World Champion Lando Norris liked his post, which was flooded with congratulatory messages from fans and athletes from around the world.After spending his break at home in Spain, Alcaraz will head to the U.S. for the Indian Wells Open. He is the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam in singles and remains unstoppable on the tennis court. There are clearly more titles in store for the World No. 1.Also read: Carlos Alcaraz’s net worth timeline (2016-2026): Explosive prize money, Grand Slam wins, elite endorsements, and rise to tennis greatness

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Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, also known as El Mencho, was killed in a military operation, Mexican news outlets reported, citing government sources. Major chaos broke out at Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta airports, after El Mencho’s cartel reportedly retaliated after Oseguera’s killing. Oseguera was the shadowy leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), an outfit that took its moniker from the western state of the same name that is home to Mexico’s second largest city, Guadalajara. Over a relatively short period of time, the CJNG became a continents-spanning criminal enterprise rivaling his former allies in the Sinaloa Cartel, the gang of captured kingpin Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman, now in a US prison, Reuters reported. The US had offered a $15m reward for his capture.Born in 1966 in Mexico, El Mencho spent some time in the US in the 1980s and was later deported to Mexico after a drug conviction. He rose through the cartel ranks in the 200s and took control of CJNG. He was indicted by US federal prosecutors on multiple drug trafficking and weapons charges but continued to evade capture for years.

What is CJNG?

CJNG was formed in 2009 and became one of the most violent drug cartels in Mexico, having the highest cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine trafficking capacity — initially in Mexico and then to the US. The US said that under El Mencho’s leadership, CJNG was responsible for many homicides against rival trafficking groups and Mexican law enforcement officers. CJNG operatives were also involved in assassination attempts of Mexical government officials. Since 2017, El Mencho had been indicted several times in the US District Court for the District of Columbia. Documents said the most recent superseding indictment, filed on April 5, 2022, charged the drug lord with conspiracy and distribution of a controlled substance (methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl) for purposes of unlawful importation into the United States and use of a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking crimes. El Mencho was also charged under the Drug Kingpin Statute for operating a continuing criminal enterprise.

Why Mexican airports are under attack

Chaotic visuals from Mexican airports flooded social media soon after El Menco was killed Reports claimed that the CJNG cartel responded to the killing of their leader and stormed airports and many pther locations in Jalisco.

NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has ignited fresh controversy at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, launching another scathing attack on India opener Abhishek Sharma while defiantly standing by his explosive prediction that India will not reach the semi-finals.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Amir, who has been at the centre of intense debate over his outspoken views, insisted his criticism was based purely on cricketing assessment and not disrespect. But his remarks about Abhishek’s technique and India’s chances have only added fuel to an already fierce rivalry.

“When it comes to Abhishek, I just said that he doesn’t have a defensive game. A player who cannot stop the ball, what else do I call him?” Amir said on the Haarna Mana Hai show. “Just tell me what to call him if he can’t come into the line and defend the ball.”The left-arm pacer had earlier labelled the young opener a “slogger,” questioning his ability to survive against quality bowling. He also doubled down on his bigger claim — that India will fall short of the semi-finals despite entering the Super 8 stage as defending champions.

Explaining his reasoning, Amir argued that other contenders, especially South Africa and the West Indies, are currently stronger sides.“Looking at how India and South Africa have been playing cricket, I think South Africa are better,” Amir said. “I was just talking from that sense.”Amir also hit back at former Indian cricketers who criticised his remarks, accusing them of hypocrisy and using abusive language against Pakistan.“I have just given my opinion. We have always praised India when they perform well. One should respect one’s opinion,” he said. “If I talk about the kinds of things some former Indian players say, they use such bad language. They abuse Pakistan. We have never done so… just tell me one time if I ever used bad language against India.”The former pacer said differing views are part of the sport and should not trigger outrage.“Learn to respect someone’s opinion. There are 100 people in the world; not everyone can have the same opinion. We have played the sport, so we know how it works,” he added.India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, are placed in a tough Super 8 group alongside South Africa, Zimbabwe and the West Indies.

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South Africa delivered a commanding performance to outclass India by 76 runs in their Super 8 Group 1 encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. After electing to bat first, the Proteas posted a formidable 187/7 and then unleashed a clinical bowling display to bundle India out for just 111 in 18.5 overs.

David Miller’s batting brilliance powers South Africa to a formidable total

Despite losing early wickets, South Africa recovered brilliantly through a middle-order masterclass. Captain Aiden Markram (4) and Quinton de Kock (6) fell cheaply, while Ryan Rickelton managed only 7. However, Dewald Brevis injected momentum with a brisk 45 off 29 balls, striking three fours and three sixes.

The innings truly belonged to David Miller, who played a scintillating knock of 63 off just 35 deliveries. The left-hander smashed seven fours and three sixes, shifting the momentum decisively in South Africa’s favour. Tristan Stubbs provided the perfect support, hammering 44 off 24 balls, including three sixes, as the duo dismantled the Indian attack in the latter half of the innings.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah stood out with a sensational spell of 3/15 in four overs, keeping things tight even as runs flowed from the other end. Arshdeep Singh chipped in with 2/28, while Varun Chakaravarthy and Shivam Dube claimed a wicket each. However, Hardik Pandya’s 0/45 and the expensive spells from others allowed South Africa to finish strongly.

Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj dismantle India’s fragile batting

Chasing 188, India endured a nightmare start. Ishan Kishan was dismissed for a duck in the opening over, and Tilak Varma followed soon after for just 1. Abhishek Sharma showed brief intent with 15 off 12 balls but failed to convert his start.

Suryakumar Yadav struggled for fluency, scoring 18 off 22 balls, as the pressure mounted. Washington Sundar (11) and Rinku Singh (0) were unable to steady the innings. Shivam Dube fought a lone battle with a gritty 42 off 37 deliveries, while Hardik Pandya contributed 18, but the required rate had already spiralled out of control.

South Africa’s bowlers executed their plans to perfection. Marco Jansen was the pick of the attack, finishing with superb figures of 4/22 in 3.5 overs. Keshav Maharaj spun a web around the middle order, claiming 3/24 in his three overs. Corbin Bosch impressed with 2/12, while Markram chipped in with a wicket in his solitary over. Lungi Ngidi kept things tight, conceding just 15 runs in four overs. India were eventually bowled out for 111 in 18.5 overs, handing South Africa a thumping 76-run victory.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026 – Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj nearly collide in heart-stopping catch to dismiss Abhishek Sharma

Here’s how fans reacted

Wow .. this is a hammering for India .. Brilliant from SA with Bat , Ball and in the field .. #ICCMensT20WorldCup2026

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 22, 2026

Yes maaaan 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) February 22, 2026

South Africa today showed they have a high class overall bowling attack, no bowler the opposition can go after. Can’t say the same about India, they have at least two weak links. Two bowlers who batsmen can take liberties.

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 22, 2026

Lots of cricket left in this comp, but a performance to be proud of, brains and execution! #T20WorldCup

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) February 22, 2026

Boom

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) February 22, 2026

India need to win 4/4 to win the World Cup now. One bad day is out of the way.

— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) February 22, 2026

Good , comprehensive and smart cricket today from the proteas. Good job 👏#T20WorldCup

— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) February 22, 2026

Player of the Match: David Miller#cricket #INDvSA #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/eUGVe0JqIz

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 22, 2026

Benching Axar Patel for Washington Sundar? What a masterstroke ! 😅#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/Pp4cYGYbaA

— Akansha (@Akansha_Soul) February 22, 2026

Don’t want to say anything negative but if somehow India is knocked out of the group stage Gambhir should be kept as far away as possible from coaching the team. His decisions every second series be it tests, Odis or t20s in his tenure have been weird #INDvsSA

— Life (@umeshfps60) February 22, 2026

Really disappointing performance from Team India today. The batting struggles were exposed by South African bowlers, but honestly, this has been a recurring issue throughout the World Cup.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 22, 2026

Also READ: Fans slam Team India for ignoring Axar Patel in the Super 8 clash against South Africa at T20 World Cup 2026