2024 runners-up South Africa were unbeaten going into the knockout match in Kolkata.

He was not weeping. His head was not dramatically bowed. His body did not collapse. Yet around him unfolded one of football’s most poetic tragedies. At its centre stood Roberto Baggio.

Finn Allen smashed an unbeaten 100 off 33 balls as New Zealand romped to their target in only 12.5 overs.

Marco Jansen hit an unbeaten 55 to lift South Africa from a precarious 77-5 to 169-8 against New Zealand in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday.

Vietnam, quarter-finalists in the last tournament, will play Taiwan on Saturday, when face two-time champions Japan at the Perth Rectangular Stadium.

Many were surprised to see goalkeeper Mile Akter in Bangladesh’s starting XI for their AFC Women’s Asian Cup opener against nine-time champions China on Tuesday, as experienced Rupna Chakma was left on the bench.

Iran forward Sara Didar fought back tears when journalists asked her about the escalating military conflict in her country, as coach Marziyeh Jafari said her players were doing their best to focus on the Women's Asian Cup campaign despite concern for their families back home.

From Austria’s ‘Wunderteam’ in 1934 to Hungary’s ‘Magical Magyars’ in 1954, or Brazil’s artistic 1982 side, the World Cup stage has repeatedly turned into a graveyard for pre-tournament favourites.

With defending champions India taking on England in Mumbai a day later, the tantalising prospect of a rematch of the 2024 final looms large.

"I really don't care. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They're running on fumes," Trump told Politico.

The tragedy of Bangladesh women’s football is that it evolves despite the system, not because of it.

Underdogs New Zealand back themselves against anyone in "one-off games", declared captain Mitchell Santner Tuesday on the eve of their T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa in Kolkata.

England will go into their T20 World Cup semi-final against India with no fear, said all-rounder Sam Curran on Tuesday, adding that their first job would be to silence a raucous home crowd.

World football's governing body is remaining cautious regarding the possibility of Iran pulling out of the World Cup.

England will take on the favourites and hosts in front of 35,000 fiercely partisan fans in Mumbai on Thursday, with a place in the final against South Africa or New Zealand at stake.

Beyond results, Butler hopes the tournament becomes a platform for his players.

Ranked 112th in the world against China’s 17th, the gulf on paper was stark, yet it was not entirely reflected on the pitch.

The Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees and Umpires for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 have been announced ahead of the knockout fixtures in Kolkata and Mumbai.

Bangladesh had nearly stunned the favourites in the 14th minute when Ritu Porna Chakma’s trademark long-range strike was pushed away by the outstretched Chen Chen.

Bangladesh coach Peter Butler sprang a surprise by naming Mile Akter in goal ahead of long-serving No. 1 Rupna Chakma for their opening match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup against defending champions China in Sydney on Tuesday.