For a young cricketer, there are moments that shape belief forever. For India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre, one such unforgettable chapter unfolded in Mumbai when none other than Sachin Tendulkar handed him a deeply personal gift — a signed Test jersey worn by the legend during his final international series. It was not just a meeting of generations, but a powerful passing of the torch.

Sachin Tendulkar gifts signed jersey from his last Test series to Ayush Mhatre

Fresh from leading India Under-19 cricket team to their sixth U19 World Cup title in Zimbabwe, Mhatre returned home to widespread admiration. India had outplayed England Under-19 cricket team in a high-pressure final, with Mhatre’s calm leadership and tactical maturity standing out throughout the tournament.

While accolades poured in from fans and experts alike, nothing compared to the personal recognition that awaited him. Tendulkar, a name synonymous with Indian cricketing dreams, chose to honour the teenager in a way that words alone never could.

What made the gesture extraordinary was the story stitched into the fabric. Tendulkar revealed that the jersey he gifted was one he wore during his final Test series for India — a symbol of closure for one journey and the beginning of another. Along with the jersey came a handwritten note, simple yet profound, encouraging Mhatre to stay grounded and focused amid growing attention.

“Keep working hard. Focus. Don’t get carried away by people. Keep practising,” Tendulkar advised in the video shared online.

“There will be plenty of distractions, whatever they may be. Dear Ayush, wishing you all the success in your career,” added the former India skipper.

Here’s the video:

U19 World Cup ✔️
Blessings from the God Of Cricket himself ✔️
Onward, Ayush 💛🤩#WhistlePodu
📽️: Ayush Mhatre pic.twitter.com/dHMTNgnMnX

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) February 9, 2026

Also WATCH: Virar erupts in celebration as Ayush Mhatre gets grand welcome after U19 World Cup triumph

A lesson beyond runs and trophies

For Mhatre, the moment went beyond celebration. It was a reminder that success at the junior level is only the first step in a long and demanding journey. Tendulkar’s message underlined values that defined his own career — discipline, humility, and relentless preparation. Those close to Mhatre say the young captain was visibly moved, aware that the jersey carried decades of Indian cricketing history. In a country where Tendulkar remains an eternal benchmark, receiving such a gift is both an honour and a responsibility.

Also READ: Sanjay Bangar suggests one change in India’s bowling combination for Namibia clash at T20 World Cup 2026

India will require cumulative investments of $14.23 trillion in the power sector, including renewables, storage and transmission, by 2070 under a net-zero scenario, where non-fossil fuel-based generation accounts for 98 per cent, a Niti Aayog report said on Tuesday.The report, “Scenarios Towards Viksit Bharat and Net Zero: Sectoral Insights – Power”, said India’s development and climate ambitions increasingly hinge on electricity. As the country moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047 and Net Zero 2070, reliable, affordable and cleaner electricity will be central to inclusive and sustainable growth, it noted.With nearly 258 GW of renewable energy capacity installed by December 2025, India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest renewable energy market, reflecting the pace of clean energy expansion, reported news agency PTI.

Power demand, renewables and storage to surge

The report warned that the next phase of growth will be more complex, with electricity demand rising sharply due to urbanisation, cooling needs, digitalisation, electric mobility and green hydrogen. Electricity’s share in final energy consumption is projected to rise from 21 per cent in 2025 to nearly 60 per cent under the Net Zero Scenario by 2070.Per-capita electricity consumption is expected to jump from about 1,400 kWh in 2025 to 7,000–10,000 kWh by 2070, approaching levels seen in advanced economies such as France and South Korea. By 2070, total installed power capacity is projected to be 14 times current levels under the net-zero pathway, with renewable energy accounting for about 90–93 per cent of capacity.Solar power is set to become the backbone of the system, with capacity reaching 3,250–5,500 GW, while onshore wind is expected to exceed 1,000 GW, alongside 50–70 GW of offshore wind. Battery storage is projected to expand to as much as 3,000 GW by 2070, while pumped hydro storage could reach around 160 GW. Nuclear power is also seen as a strategic pillar, scaling up from 8.8 GW in 2025 to over 300 GW by 2070 to provide firm, low-carbon power.

Transport, minerals key to net-zero transition

Niti Aayog also underlined the need to decarbonise the transport sector through modal shift, zero-emission vehicles and clean fuels to meet the Net Zero 2070 target.The think tank estimated cumulative investments of about $4.3 trillion in transport by 2070 under the net-zero pathway.The report further stressed strengthening domestic exploration and mining of critical minerals, building R&D capabilities and diversifying international supply chains to reduce import dependence. It said supply security would depend on aligning demand growth, domestic capacity creation, global engagement and innovation over time.

Arjun Erigaisi (Photo by Norway Chess/Michal Walusza)

NEW DELHI: Norway Chess has announced Alireza Firouzja as the latest player for its 2026 edition in Oslo, but India’s top-ranked player Arjun Erigaisi is still not part of the confirmed lineup. Firouzja, known for his aggressive and exciting style, said, “I’m looking forward to competing against the best chess players in the world at Norway Chess 2026 in Oslo.”

Firouzja is considered one of the brightest stars in modern chess. He became a grandmaster at just 14 and later made history by becoming the youngest player ever to reach a 2800 rating. He also crossed the 2700 rating mark at 16, showing how quickly he climbed to the elite level. He has played in the FIDE Candidates Tournament twice, first after winning the Grand Swiss in 2021 and later through the world rating list in 2024.He is no stranger to Norway Chess, having played there four times and finishing second in 2020 and 2021. Tournament organisers praised his return, with COO Benedicte Westre Skog saying, “Alireza Firouzja has been part of Norway Chess for several years and has consistently delivered performances at the very highest level. He brings intensity, ambition and world-class quality to the field. We’re very pleased to welcome him back to Oslo in 2026.”India will still be strongly represented at the event. World champion Gukesh Dommaraju and R Praggnanandhaa have already been confirmed, alongside Magnus Carlsen and Vincent Keymer. One more player will be revealed weekly, so there is still a chance for Arjun to make the cut.Gukesh, who became the youngest undisputed world champion after beating Ding Liren in 2024, said, “I am really happy to take part in Norway Chess again, fighting against a very strong field as always, and looking forward to all the exciting games.” He has also enjoyed success at Norway Chess before, including a memorable win over Carlsen in 2025.

Abhishek Sharma misses Team India’s Delhi training session (Photo by PTI and TimesofIndia.com)

NEW DELHI: Team India opener Abhishek Sharma missed the team’s first training session in New Delhi due to illness on Tuesday. According to a report from Cricbuzz, he is also suffering from stomach problems, and his availability for the next match against Namibia remains uncertain.Abhishek had a tough start to the tournament, getting out for a golden duck against the USA.

He also did not take the field while the USA were batting, with Sanju Samson replacing him, which raised questions about his fitness. Ahead of the Namibia match, India coach Gautam Gambhir hosted a team dinner, but Abhishek was seen leaving early, adding to concerns over his health.After the USA match, Mohammed Siraj confirmed Abhishek’s condition, saying, “Abhishek Sharma has an upset tummy, that’s why he didn’t field. He will be back fine.” Jasprit Bumrah also missed the USA game due to illness.India might choose to rest Abhishek to ensure he is fully fit for the high-profile clash against Pakistan on February 15. If that happens, Sanju Samson could be recalled to open the batting and get some match practice.Abhishek is considered a key player for India. The 25-year-old has been in explosive form in T20Is, with a strike rate close to 200, and is known for giving India fast starts at the top of the order. Despite his failure against the USA, the team management values his impact and hopes he returns soon.India still won their opening match against the USA by 29 runs after recovering from a batting collapse. Captain Suryakumar Yadav played a brilliant unbeaten 84, while Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh led the bowling effort to secure the win.

Silver prices fell sharply by Rs 7,500, or nearly 3 per cent, to Rs 2.64 lakh per kilogram in the national capital on Tuesday, while gold moved in the opposite direction, rising Rs 2,200 per 10 grams amid a firm US dollar.According to the All India Sarafa Association, silver dropped to Rs 2,64,500 per kg (inclusive of all taxes) from Monday’s close of Rs 2,72,000 per kg. Gold of 99.9 per cent purity, meanwhile, climbed 1.4 per cent to Rs 1,60,700 per 10 grams, compared with Rs 1,58,500 in the previous session. Traders said gold extended gains for the second straight day due to sustained buying interest from jewellers and investors.

Global cues, macro data in focus

“Gold traded with modest gains on Tuesday while traders were awaiting fresh macroeconomic cues,” Saumil Gandhi, senior analyst, commodities at HDFC Securities, said, as quoted by news agency PTI. He added that both gold and silver are currently fluctuating within a broader range as markets enter a near-term consolidation phase.In the overseas market, spot silver slipped $1.13, or 1.37 per cent, to $82.16 per ounce, while gold was trading marginally lower at $5,052.43 per ounce.Jateen Trivedi, VP research analyst – commodity and currency at LKP Securities, said market participants are closely tracking upcoming US economic data. “Key US retail sales data, followed by unemployment and nonfarm payroll numbers later in the week, are likely to inject volatility and shape expectations around the Federal Reserve’s policy stance,” he said, as per PTI.

Futures market sees profit-booking

In the futures segment, precious metals witnessed selling pressure as traders booked profits. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, silver futures for March delivery fell 2.06 per cent to Rs 2,57,198 per kg, while gold futures for April slipped 0.43 per cent to Rs 1,57,389 per 10 grams.Gaurav Garg, research analyst at Lemonn Markets Desk, said profit-taking and a firm dollar weighed on bullion prices, even as overall sentiment remains cautiously constructive with investors awaiting further macro and policy cues.

TARN TARAN: A 20-year-old law student shot dead a female classmate inside a college classroom and then turned the gun on himself as others scattered in terror at Mai Bhago Law College in Tarn Taran on Monday. Both of them were in the first semester.The shooter, Prince Raj, is in an extremely critical condition. Victim Sandeep Kaur’s mother says Prince had been harassing her months and had proposed to her on Feb 8 during ‘Valentine Week’. She turned him down. Incensed, he brought a gun to college, say police.

A CCTV clip, shared widely on social media, shows 60 seconds of a classroom slowly coming to life on a Monday, and 30 seconds of horror.The clip begins at 9:16 am, when class had not yet begun, and students were moving around inside the room, chatting with each other. Sandeep is seen seated in the back benches with a friend. Prince is seen approaching them and sits near them. Some conversation takes place. There is nothing to indicate the macabre turn of events. Prince stands up with his back to the camera and is seen rummaging through his backpack.He turns around, pistol in hand, jams the pistol barrel right against Sandeep’s head and shoots her. She slumps on the bench and then half-slides to the floor. Her friend, who was chatting with her just a moment ago, instinctively reaches out to grab her. The very moment, Prince takes a step aside and shoots himself in the head.The classmate, stunned, runs back, steps forward again to help Sandeep, and then retreats in panic. The other students too are seeing running for the exit. The video cuts with both bodies lying motionless — the woman slumped from a desk and the man crumpled in the aisle in the now deserted classroom.Both students were taken to hospital where Sandeep was declared dead on arrival. Doctors are trying to save Prince’s life. Till late Monday, there were conflicting reports regarding his condition. Nachhattar Singh, sarpanch of Prince’s native village, Mallian (100km from Ludhiana), said he had died while police said he was critical.Senior SP Surendra Lamba said they are examining CCTV footage and taking down statements of students and faculty members. “All possible angles are being examined,” the SSP said, adding that they are trying to find out how Prince got his hands on a gun – whether it was licenced to his father, who is serving in Army, or Prince bought it illegally.Nachhattar said Prince’s father had left to rejoin duty 15-20 days ago and he was living with his mother at the time of the incident.Sandeep’s mother, who lives in Naushera Pannuan, on the outskirts of Tarn Taran Sahib, said that Prince had been harassing her daughter and even threatened her. She said he had come to their house twice, pressuring Sandeep to speak to him. “He threatened that if my daughter did not talk to him, he would shoot her,” she said. According to her, he again approached her daughter with a proposal on Monday, and when she did not respond, he shot her.

In a staggering display of modern T20 power-hitting, New Zealand sent a clear message to the rest of the cricketing world at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. During the 11th match of Group D in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Black Caps orchestrated a clinical 10-wicket demolition of the United Arab Emirates, chasing down a competitive target with nearly five overs to spare.

UAE puts up a competitive total against New Zealand

The evening began with a sense of optimism for the UAE. After electing to bat, the Associate nation put forth a spirited performance that momentarily silenced the Chennai crowd. Led by a resilient Muhammad Waseem, who remained unbeaten on 66 off 45 balls, the UAE navigated the New Zealand pace attack with surprising composure. A crucial 100-run partnership for the second wicket between Waseem and Alishan Sharafu (55 off 47) laid a solid foundation.

Despite a late flurry of wickets—with Matt Henry claiming 2/37 and Mitchell Santner strangling the middle order with an economical 1/23—the UAE managed to post a formidable 173/6. Against most sides, a total north of 170 in Chennai offers a fighting chance. However, the “Chepauk” surface, known for its spin, played unexpectedly true, setting the stage for a Kiwi masterclass.

New Zealand storm past UAE as Tim Seifert and Finn Allen unleash batting mayhem

What followed the innings break was not a chase, but a total eclipse. New Zealand openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen transformed the second innings into a highlight reel, treating the UAE bowling attack with utter disdain. The duo utilized the Powerplay to perfection, racing to 78/0 within the first six overs—the highest of the tournament thus far.

Tim Seifert was the primary aggressor early on, reaching his half-century in just 23 deliveries. His unbeaten knock of 89 off 42 balls was a clinic in innovative stroke play, peppered with 12 boundaries and 3 towering sixes. At the other end, Finn Allen provided the brute force. Allen’s 84 off 50 balls featured five massive sixes that cleared the boundary with ease, leaving the UAE bowlers like Muhammad Rohid (0/51) and Junaid Siddique (0/47) with no answers.

The match flow was entirely one-sided. New Zealand crossed the 100-run mark in just 8.3 overs, effectively ending the contest before the second drinks break. A desperate DRS review by the UAE in the 7th over against Seifert returned an umpire’s call, symbolizing a night where nothing went the way of the underdogs.

Fans took to social media to celebrate the “New Zealand Hurricane,” noting that the 10-wicket win (with 28 balls remaining) is a massive boost to the Black Caps’ Net Run Rate. This victory firmly establishes New Zealand as the team to beat in Group D, while the UAE will look to take heart from their batting effort as they head into their next fixture.

Also WATCH: Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell combine for a brilliant relay catch to dismiss Alishan Sharafu in NZ vs UAE clash

Here’s how fans reacted:

New Zealand chased down 174 in just 15.2 overs 🤩#NZvsUAE #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/KdtDqNn2kk

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 10, 2026

Tim Seifert and Finn Allen recorded the highest partnership to help New Zealand beat UAE by 10 wickets!🔥#NZvUAE #worldcup26 pic.twitter.com/sBk7yzfynJ

— Saad Malik (@saadimalik22) February 10, 2026

🔥Tim Seifert is in Form of His Life🔥

Tim Seifert – 89*(42)
Finn Allen – 84*(50)

🚨 NEW ZEALAND CHASE DOWN 174 RUNS IN JUST 15.2 OVERS 🚨 pic.twitter.com/dW6O6olxaj

— Malik Jamshed (@Jamshai41840579) February 10, 2026

Newzealand beat UAE by 10 wickets. This is a massive victory. Finn Allen 84* and Tim Seifert 89*.#TimSeifert #Finnallen #NZvsUAE pic.twitter.com/mdYAVwhzmG

— Tamanna e Dil (@ishqsufiyana00) February 10, 2026

Kiwis on fire at Chepauk! Finn Allen & Tim Seifert smash a blistering opening stand, putting NZ firmly in control chasing UAE’s competitive total in #T20WorldCup2026. Captain Waseem’s gritty fifty gave UAE their highest WC score, but stunning fielding (that Chapman-Mitchell relay… pic.twitter.com/PnsvKv2SWN

— Devangg Shaah (@DevanggShaah24) February 10, 2026

Total Dominance from New Zealand! 🇳🇿💨

151/0 in just 13.1 overs? Finn Allen and Tim Seifert are making this 174-run chase look like a walk in the park! 😱

✅ Need: 23 runs ✅ Balls: 41 ✅ Wickets: 10#T20WC2026 #CricketNews #NZvUAE #TimSeifert #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/jK7IbdAeK4

— sports__life (@statecraft__) February 10, 2026

Finn Allen and Tim Seifert are one of the most destructive Opening Pair In the T20 World Cup🇳🇿

New Zealand in ICC Tournaments are just a completely different Team🏆🏏 #NZvsUAE #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/GmiXphZ9G4

— CricRohan (@CricguyRohan07) February 10, 2026

As a KKR fan, I watched Tim Seifert and Finn Allen flying high together with a 78-run partnership in 6 over 😎🥶 #NZvsUAE #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/iOkvwzh6FG

— Yash X (@SANDEEPMH07) February 10, 2026

Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, these two are one of the most dangerous and destructive opening duo in T20 cricket. 💪🔥

Both are in absolute beast form! 🥶

A stellar buy from the KKR team and it’s a good sign ahead of IPL 2026. 💜#FinnAllen #TimSeifert #NZvsUAE #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/MZPT1cJdf7

— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) February 10, 2026

Tim Seifert and Finn Allen are like two monsters on the field. They are destroying the UAE bowlers so badly that no one wants to bowl to them anymore, Unbelievable Striking !#T20WorldCup #NZvsUAE pic.twitter.com/e91ynmdVR1

— Neeraj (@NeerajY00859341) February 10, 2026

Also READ: Top 5 Associate Nations with most wins in T20 World Cup ft. Netherlands

New Zealand vs UAE (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: New Zealand’s openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen produced a stunning batting display to chase down UAE’s 174-run target with ease as they sealed a dominant 10-wicket victory in the T20 World Cup on Tuesday. The pair unleashed a relentless assault on the UAE bowling attack, putting together an unbeaten 175-run partnership in just 92 balls, the highest partnership for any wicket in the tournament’s history.

New Zealand reached the target in just 15.2 overs, underlining their superiority.Earlier, UAE had posted a competitive 173 for six, their highest-ever T20 World Cup total, thanks to half-centuries from captain Muhammad Waseem (66 not out off 45 balls) and Alishan Sharafu (55 off 47). After Aryansh Sharma fell early, Waseem and Sharafu steadied the innings with a strong partnership, scoring regularly in the powerplay. Waseem played aggressively, using innovative shots like the ramp and stepping down the track for big hits, while Sharafu brought up his fifty with a slog off Matt Henry.New Zealand broke their stand with a brilliant relay catch involving Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell. After Sharafu’s dismissal, UAE struggled to maintain momentum, though Waseem and Mayank Kumar provided a late flourish, especially in an expensive over from Glenn Phillips.UAE added 51 runs in the final five overs but lost four wickets in that phase.In the chase, Seifert (89 not out) and Allen (84 not out) were unstoppable, scoring freely against both pace and spin. Allen attacked early, scooping Junaid Siddique for six, while Seifert impressed with inventive reverse sweeps against left-arm spinner Haider Ali. Allen also reached the milestone of 100 sixes in T20 internationals during his innings. UAE’s bowlers, apart from Haider, failed to contain the duo, who raced to 119 without loss in 10 overs, effectively ending the contest.The emphatic win marked New Zealand’s second victory in the tournament and sent a strong message to their rivals, while UAE were left with lessons to learn after a tough tournament debut.Brief scores: UAE: 173/6 in 20 overs (Alishan Sharafu 55, Muhammad Waseem not out 66; Matt Henry 2/37) lost to New Zealand

NEW DELHI: NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar on Tuesday suggested that the death of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash could have been part of a larger conspiracy, as several questions surrounding the incident remain unanswered.Rohit Pawar made the remarks during a presentation in Mumbai on the air crash that killed Ajit Pawar and four others last month. While briefing on the incident, he said that the circumstances leading up to the crash warranted closer scrutiny.“Ajit Dada’s plane crash could be a part of a conspiracy. We also investigated certain aspects of the accident. A book mentions that if someone wants to kill a person, the easiest way is to target the driver. The day before the accident, Dada was supposed to travel from Mumbai to Pune by car, and the convoy had also started. But why did he not leave by car? Ajit Dada was also scheduled to meet a senior leader,” Rohit Pawar said.He alleged that there were serious doubts about the aircraft, the pilot and the handling company. Rohit said that the crash warranted scrutiny beyond routine procedures.He questioned the credentials of the pilot who flew the aircraft on the day of the crash. The NCP (SP) leader referred to Capt Sumit Kapoor, who was piloting the Learjet and cited his past suspension.“Capt Sumit Kapoor had earlier been suspended for three years for alcohol consumption. This raises serious questions,” he said, while adding that the pilot’s role needed thorough examination.Rohit Pawar also raised concerns over the investigation process, arguing that existing agencies may not be sufficient to clear all doubts.“The AAIB functions under the DGCA. There is a need for an independent and comprehensive probe by multiple expert agencies, including international bodies,” he said, naming agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board, the UK-based Air Accidents Investigation Branch, along with Indian authorities.He further alleged that VSR Company, which owned the Learjet aircraft, wielded influence over aviation regulators.“The final probe report of the 2023 crash involving a VSR company aircraft has already been submitted. Even now, VSR company planes continue to be used by high-ranking political leaders. Why was the company’s licence never cancelled?” Rohit Pawar asked.Stating that the tragedy could not be dismissed as an accident, he added, “We do not believe this was a mere accident. There is room to suspect sabotage.”“Entire Maharashtra is questioning whether Ajit Dada’s plane crash was an accident or a conspiracy? I am sharing with you all what I feel. Some people are still expecting dada to come from somewhere, some say 6 people were in aircraft, it was not Ajit dada’s dead body, it still feels like a nightmare,” Rohit said. Rohit Pawar also flagged multiple technical and operational issues, including whether the aircraft’s transponder was switched off, why a difficult runway was chosen despite poor visibility, and why the aircraft attempted landing under such conditions.“Why did the pilot demand Runway 11? Why did he attempt to land despite visibility issues? Why did he remain silent when the aircraft tilted?” he asked.He further said that Ajit Pawar was scheduled to travel to Pune by road on the evening of January 27 after a cabinet meeting and that his convoy had already been readied.“However, a leader from East Vidarbha arrived with a file related to scrapping a political consultant’s contract, which delayed the meeting. The aircraft booking was done late at night. Ajitdada was scheduled to take off at 7 am, yet the plane departed only at 8.10 am,” Rohit Pawar said.Ajit Pawar was killed on January 28 when a chartered Learjet aircraft crashed while attempting to land at the table-top airstrip in Baramati, Pune district. Four others, including his personal security officer, the pilot, co-pilot and a flight attendant, also lost their lives in the crash. The Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections in Maharashtra were postponed following the incident.Notably, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has earlier ruled out any conspiracy and described the incident as an accident.West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee earlier alleged that Ajit Pawar’s death could be linked to a political conspiracy and demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation, citing reports that he was considering rejoining the NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar.Meanwhile, the Union government has said that a technical investigation is under way. Minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol said that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) were examining the crash.“The black box has been recovered and is being analysed. The data will be downloaded, followed by a detailed inquiry. A preliminary report will be released after that,” Mohol said, urging caution against drawing premature conclusions.Authorities have said the investigation is being conducted under the AAIB Rules, 2025 and will determine the exact sequence of events, including the role of weather and visibility conditions during the aircraft’s attempted landing.The Maharashtra Crime Investigation Department (CID) has also initiated a parallel investigation, while Pune Rural Police have registered a case of accidental death and transferred it to the CID.

Netherlands’ Bas de Leede celebrates his half century (right), and Tim de Leede’s portrait (left), at Arun Jaitley Stadium, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)

There’s a portrait of Tim de Leede, Bas de Leede‘s father, hanging just outside of press box at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Like Bas de Leede, Tim de Leede also played for Netherlands and represented the Dutch in 29 One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Tim’s first international wicket came in the 2003 World Cup when he had dismissed India’s legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar. So cricket runs deep in Leede family and Tim’s portrait at Kotla makes it a special venue for the family. Bas de Leede on Tuesday delivered a special performance at the same venue and showed his all-round prowess as he led Netherlands to a seven-wicket win over Namibia as the Dutch registered their first victory of the T20 World Cup after falling narrowly short against Pakistan in the tournament opener on February 7. However, the things were not that hunky-dowry for Bas de Leede the last time he played in Delhi. Netherlands were facing Australia in a group-stage match of the ODI World Cup 2023 and the Flying Dutchmen were thrashed all along the ground as Pat Cummins’ side scored 399 in the first innings.

Bas de Leede made an unwanted record of conceding most runs in an innings in ODIs. In his quota of 10 overs, he was hit for 115 runs by the Australians at an economy of 11.50. “To be honest, It’s obviously a record that nobody wants, but I wasn’t too fussed about it and it wasn’t in the back of my head today. I’m pretty – yeah, I’m pretty forgetting in terms of performances, so It’s nice to put in a good performance today,” Ledde said when asked about that 2023 match on Tuesday after the match.Netherlands were bowled out for mere 90 in their chase of 399 and lost the match by 309 runs, and it was a forgettable outing for Dutchmen and Leede.On Tuesday, Leede turned the things around for himself and his team as he played an unbeaten knock of 72 off 48 balls in Netherlands’ chase of 157. Leede hit 5 boundaries and four sixes in his innings and made sure there were no hiccups in Netherland’s chase as they reached the target with 12 balls remaining. Earlier, Leede played a significant role with the ball too, to restrict Namibia at 156 in the first innings. He took two wickets in his three overs while conceding just 20 runs. He took the wickets of Namibian skipper Gerhard Erasmus (18 off 9) and JJ Smit (22 off 15 balls), only Namibian batters who scored at the strike rate of over 140.However, the things were not that hunky-dowry for Bas de Leede the last time he played in Delhi. Netherlands were facing Australia in a group-stage match of the ODI World Cup 2023 and the Flying Dutchmen were thrashed all along the ground as Pat Cummins’ side scored 399 in the first innings.Bas de Leede made an unwanted record of conceding most runs in an innings in ODIs. In his quota of 10 overs, he was hit for 115 runs by the Australians at an economy of 11.50. Netherlands were bowled out for mere 90 in their chase of 399 and lost the match by 309 runs, and it was a forgettable outing for Dutchmen and Leede. But against Namibia, Leede made sure it was a memorable day for the Dutchmen in Delhi. “Obviously coming from a cricketing family in the Netherlands, to be able to perform and hopefully make my family proud is really special,” Leede said in the post-match press conference.