Also Read Bengali | মেসির জোড়া গোলে উড়ল অস্ট্রিয়া, বিশ্বকাপে গড়লেন নতুন রেকর্ড

The defending world champions started on the front foot and controlled possession from the opening whistle. Argentina earned a penalty inside the first quarter of the match after a foul by an Austrian defender. However, Messi failed to convert from the spot, allowing Austria to stay in the contest.

Despite the missed opportunity, Argentina continued to pile on the pressure. Austria attempted to respond through Michael Gregoritsch and Paul Wanner, but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Argentine defence.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 37th minute. Defender Facundo Medina delivered a precise pass into the box and Messi produced a clinical finish to beat the goalkeeper and hand Argentina a deserved 1-0 lead. The goal ensured the South Americans went into the halftime break with an advantage.

Argentina maintained their attacking intent after the restart. Messi thought he had doubled the lead in the 50th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside. A few minutes later, Austria received a golden opportunity to get back into the game but failed to capitalise.

In the 73rd minute, Messi created another chance from a corner, only for Nico Gonzalez to miss the target with his header. Argentina continued to dominate proceedings and eventually sealed the victory deep into stoppage time.

Launching a swift counter-attack, Messi produced a trademark finish to score his second goal of the night and put the result beyond doubt. The strike not only secured all three points for Argentina but also saw the legendary forward register another remarkable World Cup record.

With two wins from two matches, Argentina are now firmly on course for a place in the knockout stages. Austria, meanwhile, face a difficult challenge after suffering their second defeat of the tournament.

Once again, Lionel Messi proved why he remains one of football’s greatest-ever players. His match-winning performance has strengthened Argentina’s hopes of successfully defending their World Cup crown.

বাংলায় পড়ুন: মেয়েদের বেঙ্গল টি-২০ লিগে চ্যাম্পিয়ন অ্যাডামাস হাওড়া ওয়ারিয়র্স

Winning the toss, Murshidabad Queens opted to bat first but struggled against a disciplined bowling attack from Howrah Warriors. Regular wickets at crucial intervals prevented them from building momentum, and the batting line-up failed to post a challenging total.

Kashish Agarwal was the top scorer for Murshidabad with 21 runs, while Susmita Pal contributed a valuable 19. However, none of the other batters managed to make a significant impact as the team finished on 95/9 in 20 overs.

Howrah’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings. Chandrima Ghoshal and Disha Chandak claimed two wickets each, while Remondina Khatun, Shreyasi Aich, and Shrilekha Roy chipped in with a wicket apiece. Their collective effort ensured Murshidabad were restricted to a below-par total.

Chasing a modest target of 96, Howrah Warriors suffered a few early setbacks as Murshidabad’s bowlers fought hard to keep their team in the contest. However, the experienced middle order held its nerve and guided the side towards victory.

Priyanka Prasad played a crucial innings of 29 runs, laying the foundation for the chase. She received excellent support from Sujata Dey, who scored 27 runs. Their partnership steadied the innings and gradually shifted the momentum in Howrah’s favour.

For Murshidabad Queens, Pratibha Rana and captain Tanushree Sarkar picked up a wicket each, but defending a small total proved too difficult.

Howrah Warriors eventually reached the target in 18.5 overs, sealing a memorable four-wicket victory and securing the championship title.

Shrilekha Roy was named the Player of the Match for her impressive all-round contribution in the final. Speaking after the victory, she expressed her delight at being part of the team’s success and credited the achievement to a collective effort from the entire squad.

“This victory belongs to the whole team. Every player, along with the coaching staff, played an important role in our success. We worked hard throughout the tournament, and it feels special to finish as champions,” she said.

With this triumph, Adamas Howrah Warriors established themselves as the best team in the women’s competition of the Bengal T20 League 2026. Their consistency, teamwork and all-round performances throughout the tournament were rewarded with the championship trophy, marking a memorable chapter in the club’s history.

Read Bengali: স্পোর্টস ইউনিভার্সিটি থেকে চাকরির সুযোগ, বাজেটে ক্রীড়াক্ষেত্রে বড় চমক

Presenting the budget in the West Bengal Assembly on Friday, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta said the government aims to build a modern and progressive Bengal by balancing fiscal responsibility with public expectations. As part of this broader vision, several major announcements have been made to strengthen sports infrastructure and promote athletic talent across the state.

Khelo India Programme to Reach Rural Bengal

One of the most significant announcements in the budget is the launch of the Khelo India Programme in West Bengal. The initiative aims to expand sporting activities beyond major cities and into district and rural areas.

The programme is expected to play a crucial role in identifying young talent, encouraging greater participation in sports and creating opportunities for aspiring athletes from remote regions of the state.

Sports University on the Cards

In a landmark move for sports education, the government has announced plans to establish a Sports University in West Bengal.

The proposed institution will offer specialised training, research opportunities and higher education in various sports-related disciplines. Officials believe the university will help create a professional sports ecosystem and allow athletes to access world-class education and training facilities within the state.

International-Standard Stadium for North Bengal

To boost sporting development in North Bengal, the government has proposed the construction of an international-standard indoor and outdoor stadium complex. A sum of Rs 20 crore has been allocated for the project.

The facility is expected to host national and international competitions while providing modern training infrastructure for athletes from the region.

Mini Indoor Stadiums Across Assembly Constituencies

Another major announcement is the construction of mini indoor stadiums in every Assembly constituency across the state.

The government plans to invest Rs 5 crore per constituency for these projects, which are expected to improve grassroots sporting infrastructure and provide better facilities at the district and sub-divisional levels.

Financial Support for Clubs and Athletes

The budget also includes substantial incentives for sports clubs and athletes.

Under the new policy, any club representing West Bengal in a national-level competition will be eligible for financial assistance of up to Rs 1 crore.

In addition, athletes winning medals at national or international events will be considered for government jobs, providing greater financial security and recognition for sporting excellence.

To further encourage athletes, the government has earmarked Rs 50 crore for sports awards, incentives and honours.

New Opportunities Through 3D Animation Education

Apart from sports, the government has announced the introduction of 3D Animation courses in the state. Experts believe this initiative could create new career opportunities for young people and strengthen West Bengal’s presence in the digital and creative industries.

Building a Strong Sporting Future

State Sports Minister Indranil Kha had earlier stated that identifying talented athletes from remote areas and providing them with world-class training facilities would be one of the government’s top priorities.

The announcements made in the 2026-27 Budget appear to reflect that vision. Sports experts believe that the combination of improved infrastructure, financial support and grassroots development programmes could usher in a new era for sports in West Bengal and help the state emerge as a major sporting hub in the coming years.

Also Read Bengali | ম্যারিজান কাপের ঝড়ে ভারতের প্রথম হার, সেমিফাইনালের দৌড়ে দক্ষিণ আফ্রিকা

Kapp first impressed with the ball, returning figures of 2/27, before smashing an unbeaten 81 off just 45 deliveries to guide South Africa to victory. Her explosive knock, which included seven fours and four sixes, powered the Proteas to 161/4 in 19.1 overs while chasing a target of 159.

The defeat handed India their first loss of the tournament and left their semi-final qualification hopes hanging in the balance ahead of a crucial clash against Australia.

Kapp and Brits rescue South Africa

South Africa’s chase got off to a cautious start, with the team managing only 25 runs in the opening five overs. India appeared to be firmly in control when spinner Shree Charani struck twice in a maiden over, removing captain Laura Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen to leave the Proteas under pressure.

However, Kapp had other plans.

Joining forces with Tazmin Brits, the experienced all-rounder rebuilt the innings brilliantly. The duo stitched together a vital 97-run partnership for the third wicket, combining sensible strike rotation with aggressive strokeplay to keep South Africa on course.

India’s woes were compounded by costly fielding errors. Substitute fielder Radha Yadav dropped Kapp twice, and the South African star made the most of those reprieves. She remained unbeaten until the end, steering her side across the finish line with five balls to spare.

India fail to build on strong start

Earlier, India struggled to capitalise after being asked to bat first.

The innings began promisingly, but a middle-order collapse derailed their progress. From a comfortable 54 without loss, India slipped to 83/4, losing momentum at a crucial stage of the innings.

Deepti Sharma fought back with a valuable 29 off 21 balls, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur, playing her landmark 200th T20 International, contributed 24 runs. Their 33-run partnership helped stabilise the innings, but India were unable to accelerate significantly in the closing overs.

Eventually, the Women in Blue posted 158/7, a total that looked competitive on a challenging surface but ultimately proved insufficient against Kapp’s brilliance.

Semi-final race heats up

The victory significantly boosts South Africa’s chances of reaching the knockout stage, while India now face increased pressure heading into their remaining group fixtures.

With the tournament entering its decisive phase, Kapp’s outstanding all-round display could prove to be one of the defining performances of the Women’s T20 World Cup campaign.

Read Bengali : এই ভারতীয় ফুটবলারের সঙ্গে চুক্তি বাড়িয়ে নিল পাঞ্জাব শিবির

With clubs actively strengthening their squads during the transfer window, Punjab FC have focused on retaining important members of their roster. After renewing contracts with several players in recent weeks, including Lungdim and other key squad members, the club has now tied down Arshdeep Singh to a new deal.

The 28-year-old goalkeeper was an important figure for Punjab FC during the previous ISL campaign. He featured in 12 league matches, conceding 12 goals while registering four clean sheets. His consistent performances between the posts attracted attention from several clubs after his previous contract expired in May this year.

Also Read |  FIFA World Cup: Netherlands Thrash Sweden 5-1 to Storm Top of Group

However, Punjab FC have successfully fended off interest from rival teams by handing the Chandigarh-born shot-stopper a two-year contract extension, ensuring his stay at the club for the foreseeable future.

Speaking after signing the new deal, Arshdeep expressed his delight at continuing with the club.

“There is no greater feeling than representing my home state. It is a special privilege for me. I believe we are building something special here, and I am excited to play my part in what lies ahead,” he said.

The goalkeeper also thanked the club management for the faith shown in him since his arrival.

“I am grateful for the trust the club has placed in me since I joined last season. Their confidence has motivated me to keep improving and contribute to the team’s success,” Arshdeep added.

Punjab FC are expected to make further moves in the transfer market as they prepare for the upcoming season, with the club aiming to build on the progress made in recent years and establish themselves as strong contenders in Indian football.

Read বাংলা: মহাকাশে ফুটবল! বিশ্বকাপের বল নিয়ে অভিনব গবেষণায় নভোশ্চররা

But can sports be played in space? More specifically, can a game as popular as football function in a zero-gravity environment?

To find answers, astronauts aboard the ISS have begun a unique experiment involving the official match ball of the FIFA World Cup 2026, named TriOnda. The innovative project aims to study how a football behaves in microgravity and whether the laws governing the sport on Earth change in space.

Recently, NASA released a video on social media showing four astronauts, two men and two women, conducting a series of tests with the World Cup ball. Floating inside the ISS, they kicked and passed the ball while observing its movement, speed and trajectory.

Read More: FIFA World Cup: Netherlands Thrash Sweden 5-1 to Storm Top of Group

Unlike on Earth, where gravity dictates the path of a football, the near weightless environment of space produces entirely different results. The footage shows the ball moving much more slowly and taking longer to travel even short distances. With gravity having minimal influence, the ball’s balance, rotation and overall behaviour differ significantly from what players experience on a football pitch.

Scientists hope the experiment will provide valuable insights into how objects move in microgravity. Researchers are particularly interested in understanding changes in speed, spin and direction, and whether these findings could contribute to future developments in sports science and physics.

The project could also have practical implications for long-term human habitation in space. As missions become longer and future space stations or lunar bases become reality, recreational activities and sports may play an important role in maintaining physical and mental well-being.

The spotlight is also firmly on the TriOnda ball itself. Designed by Adidas, the ball celebrates the three host nations of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the United States, Mexico and Canada. The name combines “Tri,” representing the three countries, and “Onda,” meaning wave, symbolising the unity of the tournament hosts.

Its design features red, green and blue colours inspired by the national identities of the three countries. Beyond aesthetics, the ball incorporates advanced technology, including embedded sensors capable of collecting data related to movement, touch and speed.

As detailed research on the ball’s performance in space continues, scientists believe the findings could contribute not only to future space missions but also to the evolution of football technology on Earth.

By bringing together the worlds of football and space science, the experiment has already captured global attention, proving that even the beautiful game can find a place among the stars.

বাংলায় পড়ুন:  টিউনিশিয়াকে উড়িয়ে জাপানের প্রথম জয়, দাপট দেখাল উয়েদা-কামাদা

The Blue Samurai were in complete control throughout the contest, with Ayase Ueda scoring twice, while Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito also found the net.

The victory moves Japan into second place in the group standings, level on points with the Netherlands but behind the Dutch side on goal difference.

Japan made a dream start, breaking the deadlock within the opening four minutes. Midfielder Daichi Kamada finished off a swift attacking move to put the Asian side ahead and immediately set the tone for the match.

After conceding early, Tunisia adopted a more defensive approach, hoping to contain Japan’s attacking threat. However, Moriyasu’s men continued to dominate possession and create chances.

Their pressure paid off again early in the third quarter of the match when Ayase Ueda doubled Japan’s advantage. The striker’s clinical finish gave his side a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into halftime.

Tunisia attempted to mount a response after the break and enjoyed brief spells of attacking momentum, but they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against Japan’s well-organised defence.

Instead, it was Japan who continued to find openings. In the 69th minute, Junya Ito added a third goal to effectively end the contest. Ueda then completed his brace in the 83rd minute, scoring Japan’s fourth goal of the evening and capping off a superb individual performance.

Japan’s pace, movement, and attacking intensity proved far too much for Tunisia to handle. The African side looked increasingly overwhelmed as the match progressed and had no answer to the relentless pressure from the Blue Samurai.

The comprehensive victory not only gives Japan their first three points of the tournament but also significantly boosts their chances of reaching the knockout stage. With confidence growing and their attack firing on all cylinders, Moriyasu’s side will head into their next group match full of belief.

For Tunisia, meanwhile, the heavy defeat leaves them with plenty of questions to answer as they fight to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Read Bengali: FIFA World Cup: আইভরি কোস্টের বিরুদ্ধে রুদ্ধশ্বাস জয় জার্মানির

The hero of the night was Deniz Undav, who scored both goals for Germany. Yannick Kessié had earlier given Ivory Coast the lead, but the Germans showed their resilience to complete a thrilling comeback.

Germany started brightly and dominated possession from the opening minutes. Jamal Musiala came close to opening the scoring in the 18th minute with a powerful effort that narrowly missed the target. Three minutes later, Aleksandar Pavlovic thought he had put Germany ahead from a corner, but the goal was ruled out for a foul.

Despite Germany’s attacking pressure, Ivory Coast remained dangerous on the counterattack. Their breakthrough arrived in the 30th minute when Yannick Kessié finished clinically to put the West African side ahead against the run of play.

The goal stunned Germany, but Ivory Coast continued to threaten. Yohan Bony nearly doubled the advantage in the 38th minute, forcing veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer into an important save. At the other end, Kai Havertz found the net moments later, only for the effort to be disallowed for offside.

Germany increased the intensity after the break as they searched for an equaliser. Their persistence finally paid off in the 68th minute when Deniz Undav brilliantly outmaneuvered the Ivorian defence and slotted home to make it 1-1.

With both teams pushing for a winner, the match appeared destined for a draw. However, Germany had other plans.

After six minutes of stoppage time were added, the decisive moment arrived in the 94th minute. Kalu Nmecha delivered a perfectly weighted assist for Undav, who calmly finished to complete his brace and send the German fans into celebration.

The late strike sealed a hard-fought 2-1 victory and maintained Germany’s perfect record in the tournament so far. While the Germans moved a step closer to the knockout stages, Ivory Coast were left heartbroken after producing a brave performance that ultimately yielded no reward.

Nagelsmann’s men may have secured the three points, but the match also exposed areas they will need to improve as the competition enters its decisive phase.

The remarkable feat came during the final of the tri-nation series in Sri Lanka, where India A faced Sri Lanka A. Suryavanshi produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting, smashing 94 runs off just 29 balls. Although he fell agonisingly short of a century by six runs, his explosive knock left spectators and experts stunned.

From the very first ball, the youngster adopted an ultra-aggressive approach. Refusing to let the opposition bowlers settle, he launched a relentless assault that quickly shifted the momentum in India’s favour. Boundaries flowed effortlessly from his bat as he dismantled the Sri Lankan attack with fearless strokeplay.

The highlight of the innings was his record-breaking fifty. Suryavanshi reached the milestone in a staggering 11 balls, setting a new world record for the fastest half-century in List A cricket.

The previous record belonged to Sri Lanka’s Kaushalya Weeraratne, who had scored a fifty in 12 balls during the 2005-06 season. That landmark remained untouched for almost 20 years before the Indian teenager shattered it in spectacular fashion.

His route to the record was nothing short of extraordinary. In his first 11 deliveries, Suryavanshi scored 50 runs with only one dot ball. The remaining ten deliveries produced five fours and five sixes, showcasing a level of dominance rarely witnessed in professional cricket.

His scoring sequence during the record-breaking blitz read:

4, 4, 4, 6, 6, 0, 6, 4, 4, 6, 6

The historic moment arrived when he launched left-arm spinner Dulaj Samuditha over the boundary ropes for a six to complete his fifty and claim the world record.

As a result, another Sri Lankan batter, Naranggoda Liyanarachchi Thisara Perera, who had scored a 13-ball fifty during the 2020-21 season, has now slipped to third place on the all-time list. The updated standings now see Suryavanshi at the top, followed by Weeraratne and Perera.

The young batter had already been making headlines in recent weeks, but this innings served as a powerful reminder of his extraordinary talent. Despite being only 15 years old, Suryavanshi displayed remarkable confidence, game awareness and an ability to dominate experienced bowlers under pressure.

His sensational 94-run knock at Dambulla was more than just a match-winning effort. It was a historic innings that announced the arrival of one of Indian cricket’s brightest young stars. If his current trajectory continues, Vaibhav Suryavanshi could well become one of the defining cricketers of the next generation.

For now, his 11-ball half-century stands as a record that the cricketing world will be talking about for years to come.

Also Read Bengali |  কমলা ঝড়ে বিধ্বস্ত সুইডেন, পাঁচ গোলের দাপটে শীর্ষে নেদারল্যান্ডস

Having failed to go all the way in the previous World Cup despite impressive performances, the Dutch entered this tournament determined to make a stronger push. Their intent was evident from the opening whistle against Sweden.

The star of the night was Brian Brobbey, who scored twice to put the Oranje firmly in control. Cody Gakpo also found the net, while Crysencio Summerville added another goal as the Dutch attack overwhelmed the Swedish defence. Sweden’s lone response came through Anthony Elanga, but it proved little more than a consolation.

The Netherlands took the lead early in the first quarter through Brobbey, who finished confidently after a flowing attacking move. The striker doubled the advantage early in the second quarter, giving the Dutch a comfortable two-goal cushion heading into halftime.

The attacking pressure continued after the break. Gakpo extended the lead with a clinical finish before adding another goal minutes later as Sweden struggled to contain the Dutch frontline.

Although Elanga briefly reduced the deficit for Sweden and offered a glimmer of hope, the comeback never materialised. Summerville then delivered the final blow, sealing an emphatic 5-1 victory and ensuring the Netherlands collected all three points in style.

The result lifts Virgil van Dijk and his teammates to the top of the group standings, strengthening their chances of reaching the knockout stages. Sweden remain in contention but now face increased pressure in their remaining group matches.

After their opening draw against Japan, this commanding win sends a clear message that the Netherlands are once again emerging as serious contenders on football’s biggest stage.