Sports News: West Indies Dominate T20 World Cup; Ferguson's Historic Spell; ICC's Prep Oversight; Euro 2024 Preview; Lalhlansanga Signs; Jarmanpreet Eyes Olympics Debut

Nicholas Pooran's 53-ball 98 powered West Indies into a 104-run victory over Afghanistan in their final Group C match of the T20 World Cup. The West Indies posted 218 for five with Pooran hitting 8 sixes and 6 fours. Afghanistan, in response, could only manage 114 in 16.2 overs. Left-arm pacer Obed McCoy took three for 14, tightening the grip on Afghanistan. The West Indies will play against England in the Super 8 section on June 20, while Afghanistan face India on the same day.

New Zealand wrapped up Group C matches for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 with victory over Papua New Guinea at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy after bowling them out for 78. Lockie Ferguson became the first pacer to roll out four maidens and take three wickets. He took time to appreciate the North American crowd and atmosphere after losing the initial two games against Afghanistan and the West Indies. Although the two teams were already out of Super 8 contention, the win provided some solace for New Zealand.

The initial matches for the T20 World Cup in the USA were returned, not without challenges—rained out, and infrastructural issues, especially in Florida. Despite the billions invested into New York, it was poorly prepared in Florida, which had multiple match cancellations. Issues such as inadequate covers at the ground have faulted the ICC's oversight of the event. And though, by degree, the turnout has been good in terms of spectators, the starkly obvious missed opportunity to really cement cricket in the US was palpable. In the long term, infrastructure needs will still have to be revisited, with the remaining phases of the tournament to be staged in the West Indies.

Croatia will look to bounce back in Euro 2024 when they take on Albania at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on Wednesday, June 19. Following the defeat at the hands of Spain 3-0, Croatia is looking ahead to bouncing back against Albania. Albania vigorously commenced the game with Italy, thanks to Nedim Bajrami's early goal but lost 2-1. Probable XI of Croatia will be RCroatia— Luka Modrić, Ivan Perišić, while Albania field Armando Broja and Kristjan Asllani. Kick-off is at 6:30 PM IST.

East Bengal FC has roped in youngster Indian forward David Lalhlansanga for a period of three years. David is an exciting young forward and chief marksman in the Calcutta Football League and Durand Cup, guiding Mohammedan Sporting Club to win the I-League. The promising forward expressed his excitement to play for East Bengal and explained how he had earlier bonded with their teammates during their time together at the Indian national camp. East Bengal head coach Carles Cuadrat was full of praise for David's abilities as a goal-scorer and pegged him as one of the main signings for the team. Hailing from Mizoram, David rose through the youth ranks of Aizawl FC.

The Indian men's hockey team defender Jarmanpreet Singh has set his eyes on making his Olympic debut at Paris after being left out of the bronze medal campaign in Tokyo. Jarmanpreet formed part of coach Craig Fulton's scheme of things, starting in all the main tournaments—whether it was the Asian Champions Trophy, Asian Games, or the FIH Hockey Pro League—and racked up 106 international caps with a host of honours; now, he wishes to carry the good form into the Olympics. He reflected on his recent outings and said that Jarmanpreet emphasized team chemistry and personal improvement as he gets ready for the Paris 2024 Olympics and hopes to make his family proud.