What does the legendary Carrington training ground look like from the inside? And what is it like to watch a game from the VIP box at Old Trafford?
 

Parimatch Sports, a premium sportswear brand inspired by top athletes, gave a group of Indian influencers and passionate Manchester United supporters the opportunity to win a special fan experience with the club. From January 30 to February 2, Rajat Pawar, Apoorva Jadaun, Gurdeep Rai, and Nita Shilimkar travelled to Manchester to immerse themselves in the club’s world.

Parimatch Sports and Manchester United Hosted Indian Influencers

“Being inside the club’s environment felt unreal. It was about stepping into the world of the team, feeling the atmosphere, and understanding what it truly means to be part of Manchester United. Thanks to Parimatch Sports, we were able to experience it all up close,” said Gurdeep Rai.

Inside Carrington: Where Champions Are Made

On the first day, the group visited the Carrington training ground—the very place where champions are made and the foundation for their future victories is laid.

The influencers watched the training session a day before the match, met the players, and got autographs. They felt every moment of preparation—an experience usually inaccessible to the public, but made possible by Parimatch Sports.

Next, they visited Old Trafford—Manchester United’s home and a place of inspiration for millions of fans worldwide. A private tour of the stadium and museum with club legend Denis Irwin offered a deeper understanding of the club’s history, trophies, and defining moments.

Dinner at Dishoom Manchester was filled with conversations about the experiences and encounters with football icons, leaving them part of something truly extraordinary.

Match Day Energy

On the second day, the influencers took part in the highlight of the trip—the Manchester United vs Fulham match. The stadium’s atmosphere gradually filled with anticipation, the stands came alive, and tension was tangible before kickoff.

From the VIP box, every goal felt closer, and the stadium’s energy hit even harder. The game was fast-paced and intense, culminating in a spectacular 3:2 victory for Manchester United. Moments like these ​​show how Parimatch Sports brings fans closer to the heart of football.

More Than a Trip

The collaboration with Manchester United marks one of many high-profile international initiatives delivered by Parimatch Sports. The brand successfully continues to strengthen its global presence and build deep connections with sports audiences around the world.

“Experiences like this highlight the special bond with our global fan community. Together with Manchester United, we were pleased to welcome the influencers from India and give them a meaningful insight into life at the club,” highlighted a Parimatch Sports Press Office.

About Parimatch Sports

Parimatch Sports is a high-quality sportswear brand inspired by the world’s top athletes and designed to equip every brave soul on their winning track. Trusted by international stars like Trinidadian cricket legend Sunil Narine, Parimatch Sports creates professional on-field kits for football and cricket teams alongside a comprehensive range of stylish workout wear for fans. The brand stands out with exclusive designs inspired by the greatest athletes and their victories on the pitch. Parimatch Sports aims to expand the horizons of Asia’s love for sports, bringing it to a new level.

The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup kicks off on February 7 amid a lot of controversy regarding where Bangladesh’s matches would be played and whether the Bangla Tigers would end up participating in the tournament or would they get replaced by Scotland, who have miraculously found themselves in the reckoning after losing their qualification spot to debutants Italy.

Top 4 Favourite Win T20 World Cup 2026- South Africa, India, Afghanistan, England, and more…

A total of 20 participating teams would be competing in the upcoming tournament, with each team playing a minimum of four group stage matches. Group A contains favorites India, along with arch-rivals Pakistan, the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands.

Group B is headlined by previous winners Sri Lanka and Australia, with Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Oman making up the rest of the group. Group C features England, West Indies, Scotland, Nepal, and Italy, with three European teams finding themselves in the same group after Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the tournament.

Group D could prove to be the Group of Death as it boasts of 2024 edition runners-up South Africa, 2021 edition runners-up New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, and the UAE, with one of the three big-name teams a definite to crash out from the group stage.

Apart from co-hosts India, many teams would be hoping to lift the trophy and prove their credentials in the shortest format of the game. While New Zealand have lost both of the matches so far in the 5-match T20I series against India, the Black Caps could provide a formidable challenge and have a plethora of spin options which could come in handy on the surfaces of Colombo and Chennai.

Another team from down under, Australia are placed alongside Sri Lanka in Group B and the Kangaroos are packed with power from top to bottom, with skipper Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, and Marcus Stonis providing an enviable batting lineup. The presence of Cooper Connolly, Matt Short, and Maxwell, along with lead spinner Adam Zampa, would keep the 2021 T20 World Cup champions in good stead in the subcontinent.

Let’s have a look at the top four favorites to lift the trophy in the 2026 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup as the T20 extravaganza returns to India after a gap of 10 years:

#4 Afghanistan
Rashid Khan is the heart of the Afghanistan team and would be eyeing the trophy in 2026

The Afghans are the dark horses in a multi-lateral tournament yet again, as Rashid Khan and co. have had a disappointing time since the conclusion of the last edition of the T20 World Cup. Afghanistan has only defeated Zimbabwe, Qatar, and the West Indies in the last 18 months, but Rashid’s men have pressed the accelerator at the right time with the T20 World Cup less than a fortnight away.

Placed alongside New Zealand and South Africa in Group D, Afghanistan has the potential to knock out one of the juggernauts of international cricket in the group stage. The Afghans had a memorable campaign in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup as they eliminated Australia from the Super Eight stage, exacting revenge for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup heartbreak.

The legendary spin quartet of skipper Rashid, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi is arguably the best spin contingent amongst the 20 teams, and the quartet would love the opportunity of bowling on Chennai and Colombo’s spin-friendly pitches.

Full Squad: Rashid Khan ©, Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Naveen Ul Haq, Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran

#3 England
Group C favorites England will kick off their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign against Nepal, and Brendon McCullum will have a point to prove after the 4-1 drubbing in the Ashes at the hands of arch-rivals Australia. Harry Brook will be captaining the Three Lions for the first time in an ICC tournament, and all eyes will be on how England lines up with Jos Buttler set to take the No.3 spot in the batting line-up.

The 2022 T20 World Cup champions endured a tough time in the last edition as they lost to Australia, South Africa, and eventually to champions India in the semi-final, while rain protected them from a potential loss against neighbors Scotland in the group stage as well.

The spin quintet of Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, and Liam Dawson signifies a change in direction for the English side, who have usually been packed with out-and-out fast bowlers in recent editions.

Full Squad: Harry Brook ©, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt (wk), Josh Tongue, Luke Wood

#2 South Africa
Runner-ups of the last edition of the ICC T20 World Cup, South Africa finally ended their hoodoo and took off the chokers tag when they lifted the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Mace by defeating Australia in the final at Lord’s.

Skipper Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brevis, and David Miller make up a batting order which is well-versed with Indian pitches, while the star-studded pace quartet of Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen would be supported by the spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and George Linde.

Heinrich Klassen and David Miller almost took South Africa over the line in 2024 T20 WC Final

In the wake of the recently concluded SA20 season, the Proteas have lost a few players to injuries, as Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickleton finally found their respective places in the squad after Donovan Ferreira and Tony de Zorzi were ruled out of the T20 World Cup. The inclusions of Stubbs and Rickleton could prove to be a blessing in disguise as both players are well-versed with the Indian conditions after representing Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, respectively.

Full Squad: Aiden Markram ©, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock (wk), Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs

#1 India 
Defending champions and currently ranked No.1 in the ICC T20I Team rankings, India would bear the load of more than a billion fans yet again in home conditions. While the support of fans could prove to be a boost, as seen in 2011, 2015, and 2019 editions of the Cricket World Cup, none of the previous nine editions of the T20 World Cup, barring the 2012 T20 WC, have even seen the hosts qualify for the final, let alone lift the cup in home conditions.

Gautam Gambhir will once again be under the scanner despite the proven performances of his side in the T20 format, owing to Indian team’s poor run in ODIs and Tests. Suryakumar Yadav broke his 468-day jinx of not scoring a half-century in Indian colors, getting to the landmark in mere 23 deliveries in the second T20I of the 5-match T20 series against New Zealand.

After winning the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, India head into the 2026 edition of the tournament as firm favorites, after winning 8 consecutive bilateral series and one multi-lateral tournament, the 2025 Asia Cup.

Full Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav ©, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel (vc), Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav.

Contributed By– Mohak Arora, Parimatch Sports analytics expert

A proud and inspiring moment was witnessed at SSST College, Shirdi, as the M3M Foundation organized a Sports Kit Distribution Ceremony in support of the upcoming IUKL Kettlebell Sport Youth World Championship, under the aegis of the Kettlebell Sport India Association (KSIA). The event was part of “Lift for Life – From Kettlebell to Confidence,” a joint initiative of M3M Foundation, KSIA, and Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust (SSST) to support and promote kettlebell sport in India, especially among youth from diverse and underrepresented communities.

Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee of M3M Foundation, distributes sports kits to children in Gurugram ahead of the IUKL Championship

The Lift for Life initiative focuses on expanding access to kettlebell sport because of its fitness-intensive training approach, which builds both physical strength and mental resilience. Through structured coaching, equipment support, and competitive exposure, the programme aims to nurture discipline, confidence, and international-level performance among young athletes. As part of its broader outreach, the initiative is also supporting children of migrant labourers in Delhi NCR, providing them with access to structured fitness training and sporting opportunities.

The ceremony was attended by senior representatives from Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust (SSST), including CEO Mr. Goraksha Gadilkar, Administrative Officer Mr. Atul Wagh, Principal Dr. Santosh Audate, Sports Director Dr. Vikram Satpute, and sports teachers Mr. Babar, Mr. Shelke, and Mr. Chande. Representing M3M Foundation was Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, Managing Trustee and President, while KSIA was represented by Joint Secretary Ms. Anshu Taravath and international athlete Ms. Vandita Verma.

Under the leadership of Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson and Trustee of M3M Foundation and an international athlete herself, the initiative reflects a strong vision to accelerate the growth of kettlebell sport in India, build one of the country’s largest youth teams, and enhance India’s presence on the global sporting stage.

Dr. Payal Kanodia, led the distribution of sports kits in Gurugram also, encouraging young athletes and reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing grassroots sporting talent through direct engagement and motivation.

M3M Foundation, SSST, and KSIA have jointly selected talented U-16 and U-18 athletes who will represent Team India at the upcoming Youth World Championship. The selections were based on consistent training, dedication, and performance during the monthly KSIA training camps conducted at SSST College, Shirdi.

Congratulating the selected athletes, SSST CEO Mr. Goraksha Gadilkar expressed his appreciation to M3M Foundation and Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan for facilitating competitive gear and support, enabling the young players to compete at the highest international standards. Addressing the athletes, Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan encouraged them to train with sincerity, discipline, and determination, and shared her vision of SSST College emerging as a future hub of kettlebell sport, hosting one of the largest youth teams under KSIA.

As part of the ceremony, Ms. Anshu Taravath and Ms. Vandita Verma demonstrated the sport lifts with precision and confidence, inspiring a strong contingent of more than 50 young athletes. This marked the first batch of a rapidly growing youth movement in kettlebell sport at the institution.

KSIA continues its nationwide efforts to promote kettlebell sport across all age groups. In a landmark development, India is set to host the IUKL World Championship in New Delhi in October 2026, expected to be one of the country’s most prestigious strength sport events.

This initiative is not just about distributing sports kits; it represents a larger commitment to building champions, nurturing discipline, and creating pathways for young athletes to excel. Through “Lift for Life – From Kettlebell to Confidence,” M3M Foundation, KSIA, and SSST are working together to strengthen the ecosystem of kettlebell sport in India and empower the next generation of athletes to compete with confidence on the global stage.
 

About M3M Foundation
M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the M3M Group, working across education, health, livelihoods, sports, and environment. With a reach across 22 states and over 1,300 villages, the Foundation has positively impacted more than 5 million lives, driven by a vision of inclusive, sustainable, and transformative nation-building.

• Did you think every Six is similar? Sting® Energy’s unique idea “Longer the Six, louder the Sting® sonic”, owning the sound how every Six shot is different

• Cricket legends Yuvraj Singh and Ravi Shastri bring to life the latest Sting® Energy x Sound of Six, in a high-energy campaign

Sting® Energy, PepsiCo India’s high-voltage energy drink, today unveiled the next chapter of its sonic brand universe — transforming every Six into a signature ‘STIINNGGG’ moment. Building on its growing cultural presence, Sting® Energy enters the season with a bold ambition: to own the sound of every Six. Because when the ball clears the boundary, not every boundary is the same, not every Six is the same. This nationwide campaign positions Sting® Energy at the center of cricket’s most energetic moments with Sting® Energy sonic becoming the qualifier to define every Six shot.

Cricket legends Yuvraj Singh and Ravi Shastri bring to life the latest Sting® Energy

The campaign’s centerpiece is a high-energy film featuring cricket legends Yuvraj Singh and Ravi Shastri. Set on a cricket ground charged with nostalgia and flair; the film opens with playful banter and escalates into a power-packed sequence of towering Sixes. With every smasher Six, Yuvraj reveals to the audience that longer the Six, louder the ‘STIINNGGG’ signature sonic.

Campaign Film: https://youtu.be/YtH-MYeXp6Y

Responding in his unmistakable flair, Shastri calls out the evolving energy of every strike, building the drama and proving that no Sixes sound or feel the same. With every hit, Ravi’s commentary ranges from ‘STINNNNNGGGG’ to ‘STIINNGGG’ to ‘STINGGGGGG’, proving that every moment carries its own.

Together, the dynamic duo brings Sting® Energy’s sonic world to life, showing how the ‘STIINNGGG’ stretches, builds and intensifies with every unique towering hit. By the final strike, it is no longer just a sound effect; it becomes the pulse of the moment, reinforcing Sting® Energy as the unmistakable sound of cricket’s peak energy moments.

Commenting on the announcement, Diksha Bajaj, Category Head – Energy Portfolio, PepsiCo India, said, “Cricket is one of the biggest passion points in this country, with the Sixes making for peak energy moments. Our campaign is rooted in the insight that no two sixes are ever the same. Every Six is different in its energy; so, we set out to bring the distinct Sting® sonic identity as a qualifier that redefines every Six. This cricket season, longer the six, louder the ‘STIINNGGG’. So, when you hear a Six, you either go it is a ‘STINNNNNNGGGGG’ Six or a ‘STINGGGG’ Six? We are thrilled to bring this campaign to life with standout cricket icons, Yuvraj Singh and Ravi Shastri, who have brought the right energy to make it a ‘STIINNNGGG’ energy season enjoyed by fans.”

Yuvraj Singh, on the campaign, “Cricket has always been about big moments and big energy for me, and nothing captures that like a Six. What I love about this campaign is how Sting® Energy has turned that feeling into something fans can actually hear and celebrate together. It’s bold, it’s disruptive and it matches the intensity the game deserves. I look forward to be associated with a brand like Sting Energy® that has built a strong connection with today’s youth culture and brings a unique perspective to everything it does.”

Ravi Shastri, on the campaign, “For me, commentary on a Six has always been the most exhilarating part of the game. It’s that split second where the energy shifts rapidly as we race to describe the shot, its length, its power to the listeners. This campaign takes that passion and gives it a whole new dimension by adding a distinct sonic. The idea of owning the sound of every Six is powerful and instantly relatable for cricket fans. I’m thrilled to be part of a campaign with Sting® Energy that celebrates the drama, volume and pure of the sport.”

Vikram Pandey, Chief Creative Officer Leo – South Asia, shared, “To truly bring alive the energy of a six, we gave every six its own ‘STIINNGGG’. And what better way to recreate this than with Yuvraj Singh, the iconic smasher of sixes, paired with Ravi Shastri’s legendary commentary, allowing us to relive most energetic cricketing moments through a fresh, sonic lens.”

The campaign will be rolled out across television, digital and social platforms, aimed at connecting with young audiences who live life at full charge and thrive on energy, passion, and drive.

Creative Agency: Leo India

Raj Deepak Das – Chief Creative Officer – Publicis Groupe South Asia and Chairman – Leo Burnett South Asia

Amitesh Rao – Chief Executive Officer – Leo South Asia

Vikram Pandey – Co-Chief Creative Officer

Anirban Roy – Chief Strategy Officer

Jaikrit Singh Rathore – Managing Partner – Delhi

Shreekant Srinivasan – Executive Vice President

Sakshi Chawla – Vice President

Saarthak Dutt – Executive Creative Director

Hardik Trivedi – Associate Executive Creative Director

Umang Puri – Senior Creative Director

Naman Gera – Brand Services Director

Tushar Verma – Senior Art Director

Manasvi Pandit – Senior Art Director

Mahima Lakhotia – Brand Services Associate

Purahan Bisht – Copywriter

About Pepsico

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s®, Doritos®, Cheetos®, Gatorade®, Pepsi-Cola®, Mountain Dew®, Quaker®, and SodaStream®. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people.

For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.

Parimatch is excited to announce the start of a partnership with an Irish and British former cricketer and current commentator, Eoin Morgan, who will join the brand as its Chief Cricket Analyst during the upcoming Indian Premier League season. Thanks to this collaboration, the Parimatch cricket community will be the first to enjoy exclusive expert insights throughout the league.

Eoin Morgan joins Parimatch as its Chief Cricket Analyst

Eoin Morgan is one of the most influential players in modern cricket and a true leader. He led England to the Cricket World Cup Final in India and captained the England India Premier League team to finals appearances. A double World Cup winner, he guided England to the 2019 World Cup triumph and was part of the 2010 World Cup winning squad. His approach has set new standards for teams and inspired the next generation of players.

Eoin has built a powerful personal brand across the subcontinent, where he is a household name thanks to his prominent roles as both a host and commentator on multiple leading TV networks, including Star Sports and Sports18.

“I’m proud to join Parimatch as Chief Cricket Analyst. I will bring my experience at the top of the game and will share insights, tactical views, and commentary that give fans an insider perspective on the Cricket World Cup and the India Premier League. I look forward to engaging with the community, answering questions, and helping audiences see the strategies, decisions, and moments that make this sport extraordinary,” said Eoin Morgan.

“Eoin Morgan is one of the most renowned figures in cricket today. His professionalism and charisma make him an ideal partner for Parimatch. We are very excited for the upcoming cricket season, where devoted followers will be able to get closer to his perspective on the game and witness a player who has shaped cricket,” commented the Parimatch Press Office.

Fans will have the chance to participate in live discussions, ask questions, and explore the game from a player’s perspective, connecting directly with the excitement of top-level cricket. The cricket community can follow Eoin on Parimatch’ social media for expert takes, match insights, and behind-the-scenes moments during the Cricket World Cup and the Indian Premier League season. Together, they celebrate the spirit of cricket while giving fans a front-row seat to the action and the minds behind the game.

About Parimatch

Parimatch is the #1 global gaming platform that provides a complete suite of sports and online gaming services to its customers. Since 1994, Parimatch has grown to be enjoyed by 3,000,000 active users worldwide. It is trusted by the world’s top athletes and sporting organizations. Parimatch is the Official Partner of the Joburg Super Kings, a leading team in the SA20 league. Trinidadian Sunil Narine, Australian David Warner and South African Jonty Rhodes, cricket legends, proudly represent the brand as ambassadors. Parimatch is also the Official Partner of iconic football clubs Manchester United and Leeds United. Since 2019, Parimatch has been one of the leading betting brands in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup has entered the Super Eight stage, and while many fans and pundits would have expected the competition to get serious at this stage of the tournament, the ongoing edition of the biennial T20 tournament has been thoroughly entertaining since Match 1. Parimatch Sport has prepared several interesting facts.
 

Top 4 Must-Watch Group Stage Clashes at the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe vs Australia, Nepal vs England & More
 

Multiple associate nations that were not even given a slight chance by the cricketing pundits to even challenge the heavyweights ended up running them close in fixtures that were decided on the last ball or even knocking out former World Champions, as seen in Group B.
 

According to Parimatch Sports statistic, while no match saw the scoreboard touch the 200-run mark, the ongoing T20 World Cup is already being hailed as the best T20 World Cup in recent memory, with multiple associate nations proving their potential to perform at the biggest stage, re-sparking the conversations around more game time for players from associate nations against full-member teams.
 

Let’s have a look at the top four group stage matches of the 2026 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup, which made the fans bite off their nails:
 

P.S.: To maintain the sanctity of different groups and different conditions on offer, we have picked only one match from one group.
 

#4 Pakistan defeat Netherlands by 3 Wickets (Group A)

While the Netherlands openers did give their side a fast start, followed by useful contributions by Bas de Leede and Colin Ackermann, Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed picked two wickets each to leave the Dutch side a bit short of finishers towards the end.
 

The Netherlands were somewhat in control at 127/4 and 25 balls still left in the innings when skipper Scott Edwards was dismissed after scoring 37 runs off 29 balls. In the 17th over, Saim Ayub dismissed both Logan van Beek and Zion Lion-Cachet, forcing Aryan Dutt to close out the innings with a quick cameo as Pakistan restricted their opposition to a total of 147 runs.
 

Chasing a modest target, Pakistan made a confident start as Ayub smashed 24 runs off 13 balls before falling to Dutt in the third over of the innings. Ayub’s opening partner, Sahibzada Farhan, kept the pressure on the opposition with a brilliant innings of 47 runs off 31 balls, before falling to Paul van Meekeren.
 

Farhan’s dismissal triggered a collapse for the Shaheens as the Men in Green found themselves at a score of 114/7 after being 98/2 in 11 overs. With the required rate mounting and no recognised batting partners left, Faheem Ashraf took it upon himself as the all-rounder smashed two fours and three sixes to take his team over the line in the last two overs.
 

#3 England defeat Nepal by 4 runs (Group C)

While Day 1 produced an unexpected nail-biter between the Netherlands and Pakistan, Day 2 was expected to serve more straightforward results. But, Nepal had other ideas as the Nepalese side had England reeling at 57/3 within 6 overs on a batting-friendly pitch with Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, and Tom Banton back in the hut.
 

A 71-run partnership between Jacob Bethell and skipper Harry Brook laid the platform for Will Jacks to fire away in the last two overs, helping the Englishmen post a total of 184 runs on the board with the Mumbai Indians all-rounder contributing 39 runs off 18 balls..
 

In reply, Kushal Bhurtel gave the perfect start for Nepal before being caught & bowled by Jacks, who once again proved to be pivotal for his side. After Bhurtel’s demise, Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee took apart the English spinners, particularly targeting Adil Rashid as the two batters contributed 77 runs in eight overs.

Sam Curran’s experience and variations proved to be too much for the Nepalese batters
 

Airee was sent back to the pavilion by Sam Curran in the 15th over, while Paudel walked in the same direction in the next over after throwing his wicket away to Liam Dawson. Lokesh Bam brought the equation down to 24 runs required off 12 balls after it seemed like everything had been done in vain by the Nepalese batters.
 

Despite the presence of the in-form Lokesh on the crease, Sam Curran brought out his arsenal of variations in the 20th over and successfully closed out the game, winning the match for his side by 4 runs, giving away only 5 runs in the last over.
 

#2 Zimbabwe defeat Australia by 21 runs (Group B)

Zimbabwe walked into the encounter high on confidence after defeating Oman, but nobody could have even put a dollar on the Chevrons trumping the Kangaroos at the biggest stage in T20I cricket.
 

Brian Bennet anchored the innings for Zimbabwe from start to finish with a score of 64 runs off 56 balls, while Tadiwanashe Marumani and skipper Sikandar Raza contributed 35 and 25 runs respectively at strike rates of 166.67 and 192.31 respectively.
 

The Chevrons set a target of 170 runs but lost only two wickets, which signified that they could have mustered a few more runs if the batters had taken a few more risks. In fact, Raza’s maximum off the last ball of the 20th over was the first six of the innings by any Zimbabwe batter in the pivotal match.
 

Chasing a target of 170 runs at the R Premadasa Stadium in a day game could always prove tricky, and Raza’s men certainly made it tougher for a misfiring Australian top order. Blessing Muzarabani struck on his first ball as Josh Inglis returned to the pavilion and was soon followed by Cameron Green and Tim David, with both batters getting dismissed on a duck.
 

Stand-in skipper Travis Head soon chopped back onto his own stumps, leaving his side reeling at 29/4. Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw stitched together a 77-run partnership which ultimately went in vain as the Kangaroos folded under pressure and were knocked out of the tournament after another defeat against Sri Lanka.
 

#1 South Africa defeat Afghanistan in Super Over 2 (Group D)

After Aiden Markram’s early dismissal, the southpaw pair of Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton stitched together a century partnership with both de Kock and Rickelton scoring half-centuries and helping the Proteas reach the score of 111/1 by the end of the 11th over.
 

In the 13th over, Rashid Khan dismissed both de Kock and Rickelton, which helped the Afghans put a stop to the scoring rate as they conceded only 8 runs in the next two overs with two new batters arriving at the crease.
 

While Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs fell to Azmatullah Omarzai in the 18th over, David Miller and Marco Jansen propelled the Proteas to a total of 187 runs by smashing 28 runs in the last two overs.
 

In reply, the Afghans had a dream start as they reached the 50-run mark by the end of the fourth over as Rahmanullah Gurbaz was smashing the ball all over the park while Ibrahim Zadran was seeing his eye in at the other end.
 

In the fifth over, Lungi Ngidi dismissed both Zadran and Gulbadin Naib while Sediq Atal was also dismissed on a duck in the next over by Kagiso Rabada, forcing the Afghans to consolidate first and accelerate later.
 

After the powerplay overs, Keshav Maharaj kept it tight from one end while Gurbaz kept targeting the spinners from the other end, with George Linde and Aiden Markram proving to be expensive.
 

Maharaj finally struck gold when Gurbaz was caught at short third man after smashing 84 runs off 42 balls, which included four fours and seven maximums. Darwish Razooli was run out in the same over, compounding the problems for Jonathan Trott’s men.
 

Leading by example, Rashid smashed 20 runs off 12 balls, and Noor Ahmad also contributed 15 runs off 8 balls as Rabada bowled two no balls in the last over, which gifted the game to the Afghans, but a stupid run-out forced the game into a Super Over.
 

Batting first, Afghanistan put 17 runs on the board with Omarzai smashing a maximum and two fours against the in-form Ngidi. While Brevis scored a maximum before getting dismissed, Stubbs scored a four and a six to take the match to a second Super Over.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave it his all against South Africa, but his innings went in vain
 

Batting first, South Africa had Stubbs and Miller in the middle yet again, and while the right-hander scored a maximum yet again, the southpaw scored two sixes to set a target of 24 runs.
 

Surprisingly, Maharaj was given the ball to defend 23 runs while Mohammad Nabi also walked out to bat instead of Gurbaz. The move didn’t work out as Nabi got out and wasted two deliveries before Gurbaz smashed three maximums, but failed to score a fourth consecutive six, which could have been a fairytale for Afghanistan Cricket.
 

While Gurbaz failed to take his side over the line, the wicket-keeper batter ensured that every neutral had a great time and left with memories of witnessing the best ever T20I match.
 

Honorable Mentions: Sri Lanka vs Australia, Italy vs Nepal, Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka

Contributed by Mohak Arora, Parimatch Sports analytics expert

Parimatch Sports, a premium sportswear brand inspired by the world’s top athletes, proudly joins forces with star cricket team Maharashtra Tycoons as their official partner. This season, the Tycoons competed in the World Legends Pro T20 League in Goa, a tournament bringing together legendary cricketers from around the world. The Tycoons, led by Carlos Brathwaite, took to the field once again, creating memorable highlights with star power, outstanding individual performances, and truly emotional cricket that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The Maharashtra Tycoons became one of the most talked-about cricket teams in the tournament thanks to a strong international lineup. The squad included players whose careers have long become part of cricket history, such as Dinesh Karthik, Chris Gayle, Dale Steyn, Carlos Brathwaite, Stuart Binny, Shaun Marsh, Alastair Cook, Nathan Coulter-Nile, and Peter Siddle.

“We are proud to be the official partner of the Maharashtra Tycoons in the new season of WLPT20. Their professionalism, passion, and team spirit allowed them to celebrate every victory and face every defeat with dignity. They demonstrate true strength of character and determination—qualities that closely align with our brand,” said the Parimatch Sports Press Office.

The league format allowed these legends to step back onto the field, with skill, strategic thinking, and the will to win are just as important as the result. Subsequent matches highlighted the high level of competition.

“This season showed how important experience, trust within the team, and the willingness to fight until the end are. Playing alongside cricket legends and feeling the support of fans is what makes tournaments like this truly special,” commented Carlos Brathwaite, captain of the Maharashtra Tycoons.

Parimatch Sports’ partnership with the Maharashtra Tycoons emphasizes cricket as a spectacular experience where emotions, the will to win, and fan connection matter. This format combines sporting competition with entertainment, brings together multiple generations of fans, and creates powerful stories around the game. With Parimatch Sports, fans feel the synergy of moving forward and immerse themselves in an atmosphere full of love and passion for cricket, enjoying every moment of the season.

About Parimatch Sports
Parimatch Sports is a high-quality sportswear brand inspired by the world’s top athletes and designed to equip every brave soul on their winning track. Trusted by international stars like Trinidadian cricket legend Sunil Narine, Parimatch Sports creates professional on-field kits for football and cricket teams, including its partnership with the star cricket team Maharashtra Tycoons, alongside a comprehensive range of stylish workout wear for fans. The brand stands out with exclusive designs inspired by the greatest athletes and their victories on the pitch. Parimatch Sports aims to expand the horizons of Asia’s love for sports, bringing it to a new level.

As we build up to the 2026 edition of the  Indian Premier League, we will have a look at key personnel changes and how the teams shape up ahead of the season. In this analytical preview, David Warner and Eoin Morgan – Chief Cricket Analysts, Parimatch Sports, two of the game’s most respected cricket minds – deliver a comprehensive breakdown of the makeup of the 10 IPL teams.

Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson served their respective sides well over the last decade

Eoin Morgan, Chief Cricket Analysts Parimatch Sports

Eoin Morgan Shares Expert Insight on IPL 2026’s Biggest Trade Shock
The 2026 IPL mini-auction had a lot of surprises in store for the fans, but the biggest surprise was unfurled even before the auction started as the Rajasthan Royals decided to trade Sanju Samson for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran from Chennai Super Kings, allowing all three players a new lease of life in the IPL.

Samson served as the skipper for the Royals for five years between 2021 and 2025, helping the inaugural IPL champions reach the final for the first time since 2008 in his second year of captaincy.

The right-handed top-order batter is also the all-time leading run-scorer for RR but the emergence of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made the RR side very top-heavy with Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and Shimron Hetmyer vying for the top four spots in the batting order.

On the other hand, Ravindra Jadeja never finished as the highest run-scorer or the highest wicket-taker for the Super Kings in any single edition, but the all-rounder is the all-time leading wicket-taker for CSK in the IPL. Jadeja’s presence, along with Ravichandran Ashwin, would be highly missed as the Super Kings enter a new era with newer heroes on the horizon.

David Warner gives an insight into the biggest trade ahead of IPL 2026
If I look back on my IPL career, I represented two franchises, the Delhi Capitals and the Sunrisers Hyderabad, and returning to Delhi after playing for Sunrisers for 7 years was definitely a moment I looked forward to at that point of my career.

Ravindra Jadeja started his career with the Royals but went on to win three more titles with CSK, and it would definitely be an emotional moment for the all-rounder to return to his first franchise in the IPL.

On the other hand, Samson might be in need of a fresh challenge in the IPL, and once he’s relieved of the captaincy duties, he might even surpass the pedigree and potential we saw in Sanju during his time with the Royals.

Sanju Samson’s fresh opportunity at CSK
When Samson was appointed as the captain of the Royals in 2021, there were not many bonafide stars in the RR dressing room with Yashaswi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag still in their teenage while Shivam Dube and Glenn Phillips were not the finished elite T20 product in terms of finishing games and providing genuine all-round options.

Sanju took on that load of leading a young team and even qualified for the final of IPL 2022, 14 years after RR had made it to their last final. Despite his calibre and achievements, the Royals took the decision of trading Samson to improve their balance and offer more all-round options in the squad.

The wicket-keeper batter is fresh off a great T20 World Cup campaign where he wasn’t even part of the first-choice playing XI, but came in and helped India make it to the semi-final against all odds.

Ravindra Jadeja’s second homecoming at RR
Ravindra Jadeja is adored by the fans in Chennai as one of their own and is part of the greatest CSK team which achieved IPL, CLT20, and completely dominated the T20 franchise circuit for a couple of years.

But, after a couple of ordinary seasons, Jadeja would be looking forward to a change in scene as his skills and experience would be much more revered in the young RR setup where Kumar Sangakkara is back as the head coach and would be looking to get the best out of both Jadeja and Sam Curran.

Shane Warne and Ravindra Jadeja bowled in tandem for RR in 2009 and 2010
Jadeja’s rise as an all-round talent was well documented in his early years with RR with the legendary Shane Warne referring to him as ‘A Superstar in the Making’. After a gap of 15 years, the all-rounder is back where things started for him and alongside Curran, would allow the Royals to play a deeper batting line-up with more bowling options.

Eoin Morgan feels Sanju Samson is the perfect fit for CSK
If I look at this from a neutral lens, both teams have walked away with what they wanted, as Rajasthan Royals were short on all-rounders last season, while CSK lacked the firepower at the top, ultimately finishing with the wooden spoon in IPL 2025.

With MS Dhoni edging towards the last one or two years of his IPL career, and many reports suggesting that the 44-year old might feature as an impact player and not don the gloves, Sanju can step into Dhoni’s role with ease behind the stumps.

Apart from his excellent glove work, Dhoni is known for giving valuable inputs, which helped Ruturaj Gaikwad grow as a leader, and Samson, with his rich experience of leading RR and being part of India’s 2024 ICC T20 World Cup-winning squad, can offer similar inputs to Gaikwad, who will continue to lead CSK despite Samson’s arrival.

Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma have been identified as Jadeja’s and Dhoni’s respective heirs in the lower middle order, along with the presence of Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube, who complete CSK’s middle order.

Along with the upcoming prodigious talent Ayush Mhatre and skipper Gaikwad, Samson could be the perfect fit for CSK’s top order as the opening batter from Kerala is equally adept at playing seam and spin bowlers.

Sanju has learnt from the best, as he was often on the sidelines watching Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli do their respective jobs with 100% precision. At RR, Sanju has also played under the captaincy of internationally acclaimed leaders like Steve Smith and Ajinkya Rahane, who are very tactically astute, and those learnings would certainly come in use in the near future when he would be one of the senior-most players in the CSK squad once Dhoni hangs up his boots.

Contributed by– David Warner, Brand Ambassador Parimatch Sports & Eoin Morgan, Chief Cricket Analysts  Parimatch Sports