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Young southpaw Cooper Connolly marked his IPL debut with a decisive 44-ball 72 after Yuzvendra Chahal's artistry with the ball to power Punjab Kings to a three-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh on Tuesday. After PBKS opted to field first, leg-spinner Chahal (2/28 in 4 overs) brought his years of experience to the fore to stymie GT in the middle overs and limit them to 162/6. Seamer Vijaykumar Vyshak grabbed 3/34 for PBKS. After almost losing their way with the bat due to Prasidh Krishna's (3/29 in 4 overs) excellent bowling, PBKS completed the chase of 163 with five balls to spare. Connolly and Prabhsimran Singh (37 off 24 balls) laid the foundation for the win with a 76-run partnership for the second wicket. Earlier, skipper Shubman Gill (39 off 27 balls) and Jos Buttler (38 off 33 balls) were the chief contributors for GT in an insipid batting display.

BY Photo Webdesk 31 March 2026

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer suffered an injury scare during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener against Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, on Tuesday (March 31). The 31-year-old was hit on the wrist by a Cooper Connolly shot off the last ball of the 12th over, bowled by Rashid Khan. Iyer, visibly in pain, needed medical attention, and the play was stopped for some time. He got out for 11-ball 18 in the 13th, while debutant Connolly hit an unbeaten half-century (72 off 44) to help his team to a three-wicket win. Earlier, the Titans were restricted to 162/6.

BY Photo Webdesk 31 March 2026

Iran delivered a commanding performance to thrash Costa Rica 5-0 in their international friendly in Antalya on March 31. Ali Gholizadeh opened the scoring early before Mehdi Taremi took charge with two composed penalties, putting Team Melli firmly in control. Mohammad Mohebi added another as Iran raced to a 4-0 lead by half-time, completely dominating proceedings. The second half saw no let-up, with Mehdi Ghayedi scoring the fifth to cap off a one-sided display. Costa Rica struggled to create meaningful chances throughout, as Iran controlled possession and dictated the tempo. The result highlights Iran’s attacking depth and sharpness ahead of upcoming international competitions.

BY Photo Webdesk 31 March 2026

Find today's news in pics from India and around the world for March 31, 2026

BY Photo Webdesk 31 March 2026

Victor Wembanyama was unstoppable at the Frost Bank Center, exploding for 41 points and 16 rebounds to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 129-114 victory over the Chicago Bulls. The Spurs dismantled Chicago’s interior defense early, building a 17-point halftime lead. Rookie Stephon Castle provided elite support, nearly notched a triple-double with 21 points and 8 assists. Though the Bulls attempted a spirited fourth-quarter rally, they couldn't overcome San Antonio’s superior size and ball movement. The Spurs continue their scorching form, improving to an incredible 30-5 record since the beginning of February.

BY Photo Webdesk 31 March 2026

The Minnesota Timberwolves made a loud statement with a crushing 124-94 win over the Dallas Mavericks. In a highly anticipated matchup, Ayo Dosunmu stole the spotlight, recording a massive 18-point, 15-rebound, and 12-assist triple-double. Minnesota’s philosophy overwhelmed a sluggish Dallas defense that missed a secondary scoring punch to support their starters. Even with Anthony Edwards returning to the lineup with 17 points off the bench, the Wolves dominated transition play from start to finish. The 30-point blowout keeps Minnesota firmly entrenched in the hunt for a top-tier postseason spot.

BY Photo Webdesk 31 March 2026

The Los Angeles Lakers extended their dominant home form with a comprehensive 120-101 victory over the struggling Washington Wizards. Despite being without the suspended Luka Dončić, the Lakers relied on a vintage masterclass from LeBron James, who notched a triple-double to anchor the offense. The Wizards, missing several key players due to injury, kept pace early behind Tristan Vukcevic's perimeter shooting. However, Los Angeles’ defensive intensity stifled Washington in the second half, holding them to a dismal shooting percentage as the Lakers moved to a 48-26 record, solidifying their third-place standing in the Western Conference.

BY Photo Webdesk 31 March 2026

Germany concluded their international break with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ghana at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. Despite dominating 69% of possession, Julian Nagelsmann’s side struggled to break down a resolute Ghanaian defense for much of the match.Kai Havertz opened the scoring from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time after a foul in the area. Ghana responded with spirit in the second half, as Abdul Fatawu Issahaku leveled the score in the 70th minute following a sharp counter-attack. However, the "home boy" Deniz Undav proved the hero, tucking away the winner in the 88th minute after a brilliant cut-back from Leroy Sane. See best photos from the match.

BY Photo Webdesk 31 March 2026

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka “wanted desperately” to play in this international break, England coach Thomas Tuchel said Monday after the Arsenal stars joined a list of players from the Premier League leader citing injury issues. Ten Arsenal players in the past week either did not join their national team or left camp early as coach Mikel Arteta’s team chases three trophies, including a first English title in 22 years. England drew to Uruguay in their last game at Wembley. Elsewhere, Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina will battle it out for the WC spot with the Azzurri touted as favourites.

BY Photo Webdesk 31 March 2026

Rajasthan Royals coasted to an eight-wicket win against Chennai Super Kings in their opening Indian Premier League 2026 match Guwahati's Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Monday (March 30). Chasing a modest target, the prodigiously talented Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored a 17-ball 52 to help Rajasthan overhaul the target in 12.1 overs. This was after the pace duo of Nandre Burger (2/27) and Jofra Archer (2/19) and spinner Ravindra Jadeja (2/18) bowled out CSK for an under par 127. Jamie Overton top-scored for CSK with a 36-ball 43. Next, Chennai host Punjab Kings at the Chepauk on April 3 (Saturday), while the Royals will be on the road for a clash with Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Sunday's second match.

BY Photo Webdesk 30 March 2026