US to host Hungary in Billie Jean King Cup playoffs and France draws Australia The United States will host Hungary in the Billie Jean King Cup playoffs in November when the record 18-time champion looks to get back on track in women’s team tennis.The U.S. reached the final last year for the first time since 2018 but lost to Belgium 3-1 this month in qualifying for this year’s finals.Hungary should include Anna Bondár, a BJK Cup regular who on Thursday at the Madrid Open beat No. 7-ranked Elina Svitolina and became the first Hungarian woman to beat a top-10 player since Timea Babos beat Coco Vandeweghe in 2018.ALSO READ | WTA confirms exit of CEO Portia ArcherAlso in Thursday’s draw for the Cup playoffs, France will host Australia in a first meeting since the 2019 final won by France in Perth; and Brazil will host 2023 champion Canada.Also, it’s: Poland vs. Sweden; Japan vs. Argentina; Thailand vs. Switzerland; and Slovenia vs. Indonesia.Playoff winners advance to the 2027 qualifiers while the losing teams will drop to regional events next year.The other qualifiers for the finals beside Belgium are defending champion Italy, Britain, Kazakhstan, Spain, Czech Republic, and Ukraine. Host nation China qualified automatically.Published on Apr 23, 2026 #host #Hungary #Billie #Jean #King #Cup #playoffs #France #draws #Australia

US to host Hungary in Billie Jean King Cup playoffs and France draws Australia
The United States will host Hungary in the Billie Jean King Cup playoffs in November when the record 18-time champion looks to get back on track in women’s team tennis.
The U.S. reached the final last year for the first time since 2018 but lost to Belgium 3-1 this month in qualifying for this year’s finals.
Hungary should include Anna Bondár, a BJK Cup regular who on Thursday at the Madrid Open beat No. 7-ranked Elina Svitolina and became the first Hungarian woman to beat a top-10 player since Timea Babos beat Coco Vandeweghe in 2018.
ALSO READ | WTA confirms exit of CEO Portia Archer
Also in Thursday’s draw for the Cup playoffs, France will host Australia in a first meeting since the 2019 final won by France in Perth; and Brazil will host 2023 champion Canada.
Also, it’s: Poland vs. Sweden; Japan vs. Argentina; Thailand vs. Switzerland; and Slovenia vs. Indonesia.
Playoff winners advance to the 2027 qualifiers while the losing teams will drop to regional events next year.
The other qualifiers for the finals beside Belgium are defending champion Italy, Britain, Kazakhstan, Spain, Czech Republic, and Ukraine. Host nation China qualified automatically.
Published on Apr 23, 2026
#host #Hungary #Billie #Jean #King #Cup #playoffs #France #draws #Australia

The United States will host Hungary in the Billie Jean King Cup playoffs in November when the record 18-time champion looks to get back on track in women’s team tennis.

The U.S. reached the final last year for the first time since 2018 but lost to Belgium 3-1 this month in qualifying for this year’s finals.

Hungary should include Anna Bondár, a BJK Cup regular who on Thursday at the Madrid Open beat No. 7-ranked Elina Svitolina and became the first Hungarian woman to beat a top-10 player since Timea Babos beat Coco Vandeweghe in 2018.

ALSO READ | WTA confirms exit of CEO Portia Archer

Also in Thursday’s draw for the Cup playoffs, France will host Australia in a first meeting since the 2019 final won by France in Perth; and Brazil will host 2023 champion Canada.

Also, it’s: Poland vs. Sweden; Japan vs. Argentina; Thailand vs. Switzerland; and Slovenia vs. Indonesia.

Playoff winners advance to the 2027 qualifiers while the losing teams will drop to regional events next year.

The other qualifiers for the finals beside Belgium are defending champion Italy, Britain, Kazakhstan, Spain, Czech Republic, and Ukraine. Host nation China qualified automatically.

Published on Apr 23, 2026

Source link
#host #Hungary #Billie #Jean #King #Cup #playoffs #France #draws #Australia

Tag Anna Bondár top 10 victory Madrid Open analysis Billie Jean King Cup draw playoffs Billie Jean King Cup playoffs 2026 Billie Jean King Cup playoffs teams list 2026 BJK Cup schedule November 2026 Brazil vs Canada BJK Cup playoffs France vs Australia BJK Cup 2026 how BJK Cup qualification works 2027 Hungary women’s tennis team Japan vs Argentina tennis women Poland vs Sweden tennis Slovenia vs Indonesia tennis sports news Tennis News Thailand vs Switzerland BJK Cup United States women’s tennis team USA vs Hungary BJK Cup USA vs Hungary tennis matchup who will win USA vs Hungary BJK Cup playoffs why USA lost to Belgium Billie Jean King Cup women’s team tennis international

उत्तर भारत में ‘Heat Dome’ का कहर: 45°C पार जाएगा पारा, जानें आपके शहर के लिए IMD का रेड अलर्ट! <img align="center" alt="Heat-Cover" class="imgCont" height="675" src="https://nonprod-media.webdunia.com/public_html/_media/hi/img/article/2026-04/23/full/1776947249-9392.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #DDD;margin-right: 0px;float: none;z-index: 0" title="" width="1200" /> उत्तर भारत से लेकर पूर्वी राज्यों तक, सूरज अब रौद्र रूप धारण कर चुका है। सड़कें सूनी हैं, लोग घरों में कैद हैं और पारा लगातार रिकॉर्ड तोड़ रहा है। मौसम विभाग (IMD) की ताजा रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक, भारत के विशाल इलाके एक खतरनाक 'Heat Dome' की गिरफ्त में हैं। आज देश के 16 बड़े शहरों में तापमान 43°C के ऊपर दर्ज किया गया है। लेकिन सबसे डराने वाली बात यह है कि अगले 3-4 दिनों तक राहत की कोई गुंजाइश नहीं दिख रही है। आज के 'Hot' रिकॉर्ड्स: इन शहरों में बरस रही है आग <h3> अगर आपको लगता है कि आपके शहर में गर्मी ज्यादा है, तो जरा इन आंकड़ों पर नजर डालिए:</h3> <ul> <li> वर्धा (महाराष्ट्र) और झारसुगुड़ा (ओडिशा): 44.6°C (देश के सबसे गर्म शहर)</li> <li> बक्सर (बिहार): 44.4°C</li> <li> बांदा (UP): 44.2°C</li> <li> खजुराहो (MP): 43.4°C</li> </ul> राजधानी दिल्ली में भी हालात बेकाबू हैं, जहाँ पारा 42°C तक पहुँचने की आशंका जताई गई है। राजस्थान के श्रीगंगानगर में भी गर्मी ने लोगों का पसीना छुड़ा दिया है। <img align="center" alt="heat" class="imgCont" height="1200" src="https://nonprod-media.webdunia.com/public_html/_media/hi/img/article/2026-04/23/full/1776947356-2686.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #DDD;margin-right: 0px;float: none;z-index: 0" title="" width="669" /> <h3> राज्यवार हालात: जहाँ गर्मी ने मचाया तांडव</h3> गर्मी सिर्फ एक मौसम नहीं, अब एक 'इमरजेंसी' जैसा माहौल बना रही है। आइए देखते हैं अलग-अलग राज्यों का हाल: <h3> उत्तर प्रदेश: 32 जिलों में 'लू' का तांडव</h3> UP में हालात सबसे खराब हैं। प्रयागराज में धूल भरी गर्म हवाएं चल रही हैं, तो लखनऊ में स्कूलों की छुट्टी का समय बदलकर दोपहर 12:30 बजे तक कर दिया गया है। आगरा में ताजमहल देखने आए पर्यटक गर्मी से बेहोश हो रहे हैं। <h3> बिहार और ओडिशा: काम पर लगा 'ब्रेक'</h3> बिहार के 10 जिलों में भीषण हीटवेव चल रही है। पटना की सड़कों पर ठंडे पानी के स्टॉल ही लोगों का सहारा हैं। वहीं ओडिशा में तो गर्मी ने जनगणना (Census) का काम भी रुकवा दिया है—दोपहर 11 से 3 बजे तक सब कुछ ठप्प है। <h3> मध्य प्रदेश और राजस्थान: जानवरों के लिए कूलर!</h3> ग्वालियर चिड़ियाघर में बेजुबान जानवरों को बचाने के लिए कूलर लगाए गए हैं। जयपुर और राजस्थान के अन्य हिस्सों में सड़कों पर पानी का छिड़काव किया जा रहा है ताकि तपती डामर को थोड़ा ठंडा किया जा सके। IMD पूर्वानुमान: अभी तो बस शुरुआत है! अगर आप सोच रहे हैं कि कल बारिश होगी, तो आपको थोड़ा निराश होना पड़ सकता है। 24 से 26 अप्रैल तक मौसम विभाग ने 'रेड अलर्ट' जारी रखा है। <h3> कहाँ जारी रहेगी हीटवेव? UP, बिहार, राजस्थान, MP, दिल्ली, छत्तीसगढ़ और पंजाब-हरियाणा।</h3> तापमान का अनुमान: कई शहरों में पारा 45°C को टच कर सकता है। थोड़ी सी उम्मीद: 25 अप्रैल के बाद पंजाब और हरियाणा में धूल भरी आंधी या हल्की बूंदाबांदी हो सकती है, लेकिन बाकी इलाकों में 'आग' बरसती रहेगी। Heatwave Survival Guide 2026 हीटवेव के दौरान शरीर का तापमान अचानक बढ़ना 'Heat Stroke' का कारण बन सकता है। ऐसे में 'Water Bell' कॉन्सेप्ट अपनाएं—हर 1 घंटे में अलार्म लगाएं और कम से कम एक गिलास पानी पिएं, भले ही प्यास न लगी हो। <img align="center" alt="Emily Hart" class="imgCont" height="1200" src="https://nonprod-media.webdunia.com/public_html/_media/hi/img/article/2026-04/23/full/1776940968-0342.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #DDD;margin-right: 0px;float: none;z-index: 0" title="Emily Hart" width="896" /> <h3> गर्मी से लड़ने के 'ब्रह्मास्त्र': बचाव के उपाय</h3> <ul> <li> सिर्फ शिकायत करने से काम नहीं चलेगा, हमें खुद को और अपने परिवार को सुरक्षित रखना होगा:</li> <li> दोपहर का कर्फ्यू: 12 बजे से 4 बजे के बीच घर से बाहर न निकलें। यह समय 'Peak Heat' का होता है।</li> <li> Hydration is Key: सिर्फ पानी ही नहीं, बल्कि नारियल पानी, नींबू पानी और ORS का सेवन करें।</li> <li> Dress Code: टाइट और गहरे रंग के कपड़ों को अलमारी में रखें। हल्के रंग के सूती (Cotton) और ढीले कपड़े पहनें।</li> <li> Care for Others: बच्चों, बुजुर्गों और अपने पालतू जानवरों का खास ध्यान रखें। उनके आसपास पानी और ठंडक सुनिश्चित करें।</li> <li> ट्रेवल किट: अगर बाहर जाना ही पड़े, तो छाता, टोपी, गमछा और पानी की बोतल हमेशा साथ रखें।</li> </ul> हीट डोम की यह स्थिति पर्यावरण में आ रहे बड़े बदलावों का संकेत है। प्रशासन अपनी तरफ से कोशिश कर रहा है—कहीं स्कूलों के समय बदले जा रहे हैं तो कहीं पानी का छिड़काव हो रहा है। लेकिन एक जिम्मेदार नागरिक के तौर पर हमें इस गर्मी को गंभीरता से लेना चाहिए।

Deadspin | Padres, after rare loss, aim to start new win streak against Rockies Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Jordan Beck (27) hits a single in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images The San Diego Padres probably almost forgot just what a loss felt like. Their 8-3 loss at the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday was their third in the past 17 games and the first in six games against Colorado. The Padres will look to flip back into the win column in the finale of a three-game series at the Rockies on Thursday. The Padres will send Matt Waldron (0-1, 14.73 ERA) to the mound while Colorado counters with Ryan Feltner (1-1, 6.00). San Diego entered the night’s action on a three-game winning streak and having won 11 of their past 12 games. This is the second time this season that Feltner will face San Diego. He took the loss in the Padres’ 9-5 home win on April 11 when he allowed six runs on seven hits over four innings. In six career starts against San Diego, he has an 0-1 record with a 5.20 ERA. If the Rockies beat the Padres, they will win the series and finish the homestand 4-3 against two of the top teams in the majors. Colorado split a four-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers before hosting San Diego. The Rockies, who had the worst record in the majors last season, are 10-15 on the season. They did not win their 10th game on 2025 until June 2. The two wins over Los Angeles were a confidence boost for the young team, and Jordan Beck’s 3-for-4 night Monday was needed for the struggling outfielder. He started slowly last season, hitting .150 before being optioned to the minors for 13 days, and he was batting .122 before Monday night. “I feel like I’ve had some balls I should have hit better, and I’ve had some stuff I probably shouldn’t have swung at, too,” Beck said. “Part of that is just baseball, and part of it is a lack of being productive.” San Diego hasn’t been scoring a lot of runs, ranking 19th in the majors in that category with 100 runs through 25 games. But the pitching has been stingy, with an ERA of 3.43 — seventh in the majors. The wins have piled up despite a slew of injuries to the rotation, along with several ineffective starts. Waldron had one of those tough outings when he allowed six runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings in an 8-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in his season debut last Friday. Waldron was on the injured list while recovering from hemorrhoid surgery, then tossed 12 scoreless innings in three minor league starts. “I couldn’t have been more prepared. I couldn’t have been in a better mindset,” Waldron said after the loss. “I couldn’t have done anything except for make fewer mistakes.” Waldron is 2-1 with a 4.67 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies. San Diego bolstered its rotation before the Wednesday game when it signed free agent Lucas Giolito to a one-year deal. With Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta expected to remain out a few more weeks or longer, the Padres needed more arms. “We’ve got a young starting pitcher that we’ve brought into the fold, hopefully in his prime,” manager Craig Stammen said of Giolioto, 31. “We’ll get him built up and get him back out here, and hopefully he can help us win.” -Field Level Media #Deadspin #Padres #rare #loss #aim #start #win #streak #Rockies

#Deadspin #Padres #rare #loss #aim #start #win #streak #Rockies">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Jordan Beck (27) hits a single in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The San Diego Padres probably almost forgot just what a loss felt like.

Their 8-3 loss at the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday was their third in the past 17 games and the first in six games against Colorado. The Padres will look to flip back into the win column in the finale of a three-game series at the Rockies on Thursday.

The Padres will send Matt Waldron (0-1, 14.73 ERA) to the mound while Colorado counters with Ryan Feltner (1-1, 6.00).

San Diego entered the night’s action on a three-game winning streak and having won 11 of their past 12 games.

This is the second time this season that Feltner will face San Diego. He took the loss in the Padres’ 9-5 home win on April 11 when he allowed six runs on seven hits over four innings. In six career starts against San Diego, he has an 0-1 record with a 5.20 ERA.

If the Rockies beat the Padres, they will win the series and finish the homestand 4-3 against two of the top teams in the majors. Colorado split a four-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers before hosting San Diego.

The Rockies, who had the worst record in the majors last season, are 10-15 on the season. They did not win their 10th game on 2025 until June 2.

The two wins over Los Angeles were a confidence boost for the young team, and Jordan Beck’s 3-for-4 night Monday was needed for the struggling outfielder. He started slowly last season, hitting .150 before being optioned to the minors for 13 days, and he was batting .122 before Monday night.

“I feel like I’ve had some balls I should have hit better, and I’ve had some stuff I probably shouldn’t have swung at, too,” Beck said. “Part of that is just baseball, and part of it is a lack of being productive.”

San Diego hasn’t been scoring a lot of runs, ranking 19th in the majors in that category with 100 runs through 25 games. But the pitching has been stingy, with an ERA of 3.43 — seventh in the majors.

The wins have piled up despite a slew of injuries to the rotation, along with several ineffective starts. Waldron had one of those tough outings when he allowed six runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings in an 8-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in his season debut last Friday.

Waldron was on the injured list while recovering from hemorrhoid surgery, then tossed 12 scoreless innings in three minor league starts.

“I couldn’t have been more prepared. I couldn’t have been in a better mindset,” Waldron said after the loss. “I couldn’t have done anything except for make fewer mistakes.”

Waldron is 2-1 with a 4.67 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies.

San Diego bolstered its rotation before the Wednesday game when it signed free agent Lucas Giolito to a one-year deal. With Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta expected to remain out a few more weeks or longer, the Padres needed more arms.

“We’ve got a young starting pitcher that we’ve brought into the fold, hopefully in his prime,” manager Craig Stammen said of Giolioto, 31. “We’ll get him built up and get him back out here, and hopefully he can help us win.”

-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Padres #rare #loss #aim #start #win #streak #Rockies">Deadspin | Padres, after rare loss, aim to start new win streak against Rockies

Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Jordan Beck (27) hits a single in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The San Diego Padres probably almost forgot just what a loss felt like.

Their 8-3 loss at the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday was their third in the past 17 games and the first in six games against Colorado. The Padres will look to flip back into the win column in the finale of a three-game series at the Rockies on Thursday.

The Padres will send Matt Waldron (0-1, 14.73 ERA) to the mound while Colorado counters with Ryan Feltner (1-1, 6.00).

San Diego entered the night’s action on a three-game winning streak and having won 11 of their past 12 games.

This is the second time this season that Feltner will face San Diego. He took the loss in the Padres’ 9-5 home win on April 11 when he allowed six runs on seven hits over four innings. In six career starts against San Diego, he has an 0-1 record with a 5.20 ERA.

If the Rockies beat the Padres, they will win the series and finish the homestand 4-3 against two of the top teams in the majors. Colorado split a four-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers before hosting San Diego.

The Rockies, who had the worst record in the majors last season, are 10-15 on the season. They did not win their 10th game on 2025 until June 2.

The two wins over Los Angeles were a confidence boost for the young team, and Jordan Beck’s 3-for-4 night Monday was needed for the struggling outfielder. He started slowly last season, hitting .150 before being optioned to the minors for 13 days, and he was batting .122 before Monday night.

“I feel like I’ve had some balls I should have hit better, and I’ve had some stuff I probably shouldn’t have swung at, too,” Beck said. “Part of that is just baseball, and part of it is a lack of being productive.”

San Diego hasn’t been scoring a lot of runs, ranking 19th in the majors in that category with 100 runs through 25 games. But the pitching has been stingy, with an ERA of 3.43 — seventh in the majors.

The wins have piled up despite a slew of injuries to the rotation, along with several ineffective starts. Waldron had one of those tough outings when he allowed six runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings in an 8-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in his season debut last Friday.

Waldron was on the injured list while recovering from hemorrhoid surgery, then tossed 12 scoreless innings in three minor league starts.

“I couldn’t have been more prepared. I couldn’t have been in a better mindset,” Waldron said after the loss. “I couldn’t have done anything except for make fewer mistakes.”

Waldron is 2-1 with a 4.67 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies.

San Diego bolstered its rotation before the Wednesday game when it signed free agent Lucas Giolito to a one-year deal. With Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta expected to remain out a few more weeks or longer, the Padres needed more arms.

“We’ve got a young starting pitcher that we’ve brought into the fold, hopefully in his prime,” manager Craig Stammen said of Giolioto, 31. “We’ll get him built up and get him back out here, and hopefully he can help us win.”

-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Padres #rare #loss #aim #start #win #streak #Rockies

Indian women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes her side’s below-par performance against South Africa has come at the right time, allowing the management sufficient time to address their shortcomings and “come back strong” for the T20 World Cup in June.

The ‘Women in Blue’ slumped to their first T20I series defeat since their group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in October 2024, conceding a five-match rubber 0-3 to South Africa on Wednesday, with two matches still to be played.

Since that early exit at the ICC showpiece, Harmanpreet’s side had enjoyed a strong run, winning series against West Indies, England, Sri Lanka and Australia.

ALSO READ | Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus shine for South Africa with record partnership

“After the last T20 WC, we have won the maximum T20 series, this is the only one we didn’t execute the way we were in the last series,” Harmanpreet said at the press conference after the team’s nine-wicket loss in the third WT20I on Wednesday.

“I think it’s good that whatever mistakes we are making are now and not in the World Cup. This is the right time where we can learn and come back strong.

“As a captain I take everything in a positive way. We still have two matches and we can still put up a decent show,” she added.

With the T20 World Cup in England and Wales less than two months away, India’s struggles, particularly with the ball, will be a concern.

While South Africa have claimed 21 Indian wickets in three matches, India have managed just seven scalps, with the visitors failing to make early inroads throughout the series.

In the third T20I, that inability proved costly as South Africa chased down India’s 192 for 4 with remarkable ease in just 16.3 overs, registering a nine-wicket win.

“The score was decent but unfortunately we were not able to get a breakthrough in the powerplay. No matter what match you are playing, taking wickets in powerplay always helps and we were not able to do that and it really cost us.

“On top of that we gave away too many runs. After that we didn’t get anything with the help of which we could make a comeback in the game.

“We were eyeing a breakthrough in the powerplay, it could have turned the game for us. We weren’t able to stick to our plans and execute well and they batted very well,” Harmanpreet said.

After modest totals of 157 for 7 and 147 all out in the first two games, India’s batting showed improvement in the third match, posting 192 for 4, courtesy half-centuries from Harmanpreet (66) and Shafali Verma (64).

“As a batting unit we were able to put up a decent total. but in the second innings there was dew and the ball was not gripping well and on top of that they were batting really well and while bowling nothing really worked for us,” Harmanpreet added.

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#VIDEO #Indias #mistakes #exposed #time #T20 #World #Cup #Harmanpreet #Kaur">

VIDEO | India’s mistakes exposed at right time before T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet Kaur Indian women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes her side’s below-par performance against South Africa has come at the right time, allowing the management sufficient time to address their shortcomings and “come back strong” for the T20 World Cup in June.The ‘Women in Blue’ slumped to their first T20I series defeat since their group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in October 2024, conceding a five-match rubber 0-3 to South Africa on Wednesday, with two matches still to be played.Since that early exit at the ICC showpiece, Harmanpreet’s side had enjoyed a strong run, winning series against West Indies, England, Sri Lanka and Australia.ALSO READ | Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus shine for South Africa with record partnership“After the last T20 WC, we have won the maximum T20 series, this is the only one we didn’t execute the way we were in the last series,” Harmanpreet said at the press conference after the team’s nine-wicket loss in the third WT20I on Wednesday.“I think it’s good that whatever mistakes we are making are now and not in the World Cup. This is the right time where we can learn and come back strong.“As a captain I take everything in a positive way. We still have two matches and we can still put up a decent show,” she added.With the T20 World Cup in England and Wales less than two months away, India’s struggles, particularly with the ball, will be a concern.While South Africa have claimed 21 Indian wickets in three matches, India have managed just seven scalps, with the visitors failing to make early inroads throughout the series.In the third T20I, that inability proved costly as South Africa chased down India’s 192 for 4 with remarkable ease in just 16.3 overs, registering a nine-wicket win.“The score was decent but unfortunately we were not able to get a breakthrough in the powerplay. No matter what match you are playing, taking wickets in powerplay always helps and we were not able to do that and it really cost us.“On top of that we gave away too many runs. After that we didn’t get anything with the help of which we could make a comeback in the game.“We were eyeing a breakthrough in the powerplay, it could have turned the game for us. We weren’t able to stick to our plans and execute well and they batted very well,” Harmanpreet said.After modest totals of 157 for 7 and 147 all out in the first two games, India’s batting showed improvement in the third match, posting 192 for 4, courtesy half-centuries from Harmanpreet (66) and Shafali Verma (64).“As a batting unit we were able to put up a decent total. but in the second innings there was dew and the ball was not gripping well and on top of that they were batting really well and while bowling nothing really worked for us,” Harmanpreet added.Published on Apr 23, 2026 #VIDEO #Indias #mistakes #exposed #time #T20 #World #Cup #Harmanpreet #Kaur

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Indian women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes her side’s below-par performance against South Africa has come at the right time, allowing the management sufficient time to address their shortcomings and “come back strong” for the T20 World Cup in June.
The ‘Women in Blue’ slumped to their first T20I series defeat since their group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in October 2024, conceding a five-match rubber 0-3 to South Africa on Wednesday, with two matches still to be played.
Since that early exit at the ICC showpiece, Harmanpreet’s side had enjoyed a strong run, winning series against West Indies, England, Sri Lanka and Australia.
ALSO READ | Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus shine for South Africa with record partnership
“After the last T20 WC, we have won the maximum T20 series, this is the only one we didn’t execute the way we were in the last series,” Harmanpreet said at the press conference after the team’s nine-wicket loss in the third WT20I on Wednesday.
“I think it’s good that whatever mistakes we are making are now and not in the World Cup. This is the right time where we can learn and come back strong.
“As a captain I take everything in a positive way. We still have two matches and we can still put up a decent show,” she added.
With the T20 World Cup in England and Wales less than two months away, India’s struggles, particularly with the ball, will be a concern.
While South Africa have claimed 21 Indian wickets in three matches, India have managed just seven scalps, with the visitors failing to make early inroads throughout the series.
In the third T20I, that inability proved costly as South Africa chased down India’s 192 for 4 with remarkable ease in just 16.3 overs, registering a nine-wicket win.
“The score was decent but unfortunately we were not able to get a breakthrough in the powerplay. No matter what match you are playing, taking wickets in powerplay always helps and we were not able to do that and it really cost us.
“On top of that we gave away too many runs. After that we didn’t get anything with the help of which we could make a comeback in the game.
“We were eyeing a breakthrough in the powerplay, it could have turned the game for us. We weren’t able to stick to our plans and execute well and they batted very well,” Harmanpreet said.
After modest totals of 157 for 7 and 147 all out in the first two games, India’s batting showed improvement in the third match, posting 192 for 4, courtesy half-centuries from Harmanpreet (66) and Shafali Verma (64).
“As a batting unit we were able to put up a decent total. but in the second innings there was dew and the ball was not gripping well and on top of that they were batting really well and while bowling nothing really worked for us,” Harmanpreet added.
Published on Apr 23, 2026

#VIDEO #Indias #mistakes #exposed #time #T20 #World #Cup #Harmanpreet #Kaur">VIDEO | India’s mistakes exposed at right time before T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet Kaur

Since that early exit at the ICC showpiece, Harmanpreet’s side had enjoyed a strong run, winning series against West Indies, England, Sri Lanka and Australia.

ALSO READ | Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus shine for South Africa with record partnership

“I think it’s good that whatever mistakes we are making are now and not in the World Cup. This is the right time where we can learn and come back strong.

“As a captain I take everything in a positive way. We still have two matches and we can still put up a decent show,” she added.

With the T20 World Cup in England and Wales less than two months away, India’s struggles, particularly with the ball, will be a concern.

While South Africa have claimed 21 Indian wickets in three matches, India have managed just seven scalps, with the visitors failing to make early inroads throughout the series.

In the third T20I, that inability proved costly as South Africa chased down India’s 192 for 4 with remarkable ease in just 16.3 overs, registering a nine-wicket win.

“On top of that we gave away too many runs. After that we didn’t get anything with the help of which we could make a comeback in the game.

“We were eyeing a breakthrough in the powerplay, it could have turned the game for us. We weren’t able to stick to our plans and execute well and they batted very well,” Harmanpreet said.

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#VIDEO #Indias #mistakes #exposed #time #T20 #World #Cup #Harmanpreet #Kaur

Deadspin | With Francisco Lindor in question and long skid over, Mets take on Twins Apr 22, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) reacts after his RBI infield single against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images The New York Mets spent most of the last three weeks learning they didn’t like life without Juan Soto. Now the team hopes it won’t find out about life without Francisco Lindor. With their 12-game losing streak finally over, the Mets likely will learn Lindor’s status on Thursday before they host the Minnesota Twins in the finale of a three-game interleague series. Christian Scott is expected to make his season debut for the Mets against fellow right-hander Joe Ryan (2-2, 3.29 ERA). The Mets snapped their long skid Wednesday night after Mark Vientos delivered a tie-breaking bloop RBI single in the eighth inning of a 3-2 victory. But the win may have been costly for New York, which lost Lindor due to left calf tightness in the fourth inning. He did not appear to be running at full speed as he circled the bases and scored on Francisco Alvarez’s double. The 32-year-old Lindor grimaced while rounding third and remained on the ground for a few seconds after sliding in ahead of Victor Caratini’s tag to give the Mets a 2-1 lead. The Lindor injury was similar to the one sustained by Soto, who returned Wednesday after missing the last 15 games with a strained right calf. Soto suffered his injury while running from first to third on Bo Bichette’s single on April 3. Soto went 1-for-3 with a walk Wednesday but was picked off first base following his single in the eighth inning. Lindor is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday. He has missed just 15 games during the last four full seasons. “We lost Soto and we had a hard time,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday night. “Now we potentially (could) be dealing with losing another really good player. We’ve got to figure it out. We’ve got to find a way.” On the positive side, Luke Weaver (2-0) recorded the final four outs Wednesday as the Mets won for the first time since April 7 and ended their longest losing streak since 2002. “It’s a sigh of relief,” Weaver said. “There’s a lot more games to play. Today was a great step in the right direction, and it was gonna take a game like that to get us going.” The loss was the fifth in the last six games for the Twins, whose bullpen struggled to throw strikes after left-hander Connor Prielipp gave up two runs over four innings in his big-league debut. Kendry Rojas, who also made his big-league debut, relieved Prielipp and walked three in two scoreless innings. Eric Orze threw a perfect seventh inning before losing pitcher Taylor Rogers and Justin Topa issued two-out walks to Brett Baty and Francisco Alvarez following Soto’s pickoff. Vientos followed with his go-ahead hit to score Baty. “We gave away free passes late,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said Wednesday night. “We can’t walk guys, and the walks ended up turning into runs that scored late in the game.” Scott was 0-2 with a 5.27 ERA in three starts at Triple-A Syracuse, where he collected 17 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old hasn’t pitched in the majors since July 21, 2024. He went on the injured list with a sprained UCL in his right elbow two days later and underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2024. Ryan took the loss Friday in his most recent start, when he allowed two runs (one earned) over six innings as the Twins fell 2-1 to the Cincinnati Reds. He didn’t factor into the decision in his lone previous appearance against the Mets on April 14, 2025, when he gave up one run over five innings in New York’s 5-1 victory. Scott has never opposed the Twins. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Francisco #Lindor #question #long #skid #Mets #Twins

#Deadspin #Francisco #Lindor #question #long #skid #Mets #Twins">

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Apr 22, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) reacts after his RBI infield single against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The New York Mets spent most of the last three weeks learning they didn’t like life without Juan Soto.

Now the team hopes it won’t find out about life without Francisco Lindor.

With their 12-game losing streak finally over, the Mets likely will learn Lindor’s status on Thursday before they host the Minnesota Twins in the finale of a three-game interleague series.

Christian Scott is expected to make his season debut for the Mets against fellow right-hander Joe Ryan (2-2, 3.29 ERA).

The Mets snapped their long skid Wednesday night after Mark Vientos delivered a tie-breaking bloop RBI single in the eighth inning of a 3-2 victory.

But the win may have been costly for New York, which lost Lindor due to left calf tightness in the fourth inning.

He did not appear to be running at full speed as he circled the bases and scored on Francisco Alvarez’s double. The 32-year-old Lindor grimaced while rounding third and remained on the ground for a few seconds after sliding in ahead of Victor Caratini’s tag to give the Mets a 2-1 lead.

The Lindor injury was similar to the one sustained by Soto, who returned Wednesday after missing the last 15 games with a strained right calf. Soto suffered his injury while running from first to third on Bo Bichette’s single on April 3.

Soto went 1-for-3 with a walk Wednesday but was picked off first base following his single in the eighth inning.

Lindor is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday. He has missed just 15 games during the last four full seasons.

“We lost Soto and we had a hard time,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday night. “Now we potentially (could) be dealing with losing another really good player. We’ve got to figure it out. We’ve got to find a way.”

On the positive side, Luke Weaver (2-0) recorded the final four outs Wednesday as the Mets won for the first time since April 7 and ended their longest losing streak since 2002.

“It’s a sigh of relief,” Weaver said. “There’s a lot more games to play. Today was a great step in the right direction, and it was gonna take a game like that to get us going.”

The loss was the fifth in the last six games for the Twins, whose bullpen struggled to throw strikes after left-hander Connor Prielipp gave up two runs over four innings in his big-league debut.

Kendry Rojas, who also made his big-league debut, relieved Prielipp and walked three in two scoreless innings. Eric Orze threw a perfect seventh inning before losing pitcher Taylor Rogers and Justin Topa issued two-out walks to Brett Baty and Francisco Alvarez following Soto’s pickoff. Vientos followed with his go-ahead hit to score Baty.

“We gave away free passes late,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said Wednesday night. “We can’t walk guys, and the walks ended up turning into runs that scored late in the game.”

Scott was 0-2 with a 5.27 ERA in three starts at Triple-A Syracuse, where he collected 17 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old hasn’t pitched in the majors since July 21, 2024. He went on the injured list with a sprained UCL in his right elbow two days later and underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2024.

Ryan took the loss Friday in his most recent start, when he allowed two runs (one earned) over six innings as the Twins fell 2-1 to the Cincinnati Reds. He didn’t factor into the decision in his lone previous appearance against the Mets on April 14, 2025, when he gave up one run over five innings in New York’s 5-1 victory.

Scott has never opposed the Twins.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Francisco #Lindor #question #long #skid #Mets #Twins">Deadspin | With Francisco Lindor in question and long skid over, Mets take on Twins

Apr 22, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) reacts after his RBI infield single against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The New York Mets spent most of the last three weeks learning they didn’t like life without Juan Soto.

Now the team hopes it won’t find out about life without Francisco Lindor.

With their 12-game losing streak finally over, the Mets likely will learn Lindor’s status on Thursday before they host the Minnesota Twins in the finale of a three-game interleague series.

Christian Scott is expected to make his season debut for the Mets against fellow right-hander Joe Ryan (2-2, 3.29 ERA).

The Mets snapped their long skid Wednesday night after Mark Vientos delivered a tie-breaking bloop RBI single in the eighth inning of a 3-2 victory.

But the win may have been costly for New York, which lost Lindor due to left calf tightness in the fourth inning.

He did not appear to be running at full speed as he circled the bases and scored on Francisco Alvarez’s double. The 32-year-old Lindor grimaced while rounding third and remained on the ground for a few seconds after sliding in ahead of Victor Caratini’s tag to give the Mets a 2-1 lead.

The Lindor injury was similar to the one sustained by Soto, who returned Wednesday after missing the last 15 games with a strained right calf. Soto suffered his injury while running from first to third on Bo Bichette’s single on April 3.

Soto went 1-for-3 with a walk Wednesday but was picked off first base following his single in the eighth inning.

Lindor is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday. He has missed just 15 games during the last four full seasons.

“We lost Soto and we had a hard time,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday night. “Now we potentially (could) be dealing with losing another really good player. We’ve got to figure it out. We’ve got to find a way.”

On the positive side, Luke Weaver (2-0) recorded the final four outs Wednesday as the Mets won for the first time since April 7 and ended their longest losing streak since 2002.

“It’s a sigh of relief,” Weaver said. “There’s a lot more games to play. Today was a great step in the right direction, and it was gonna take a game like that to get us going.”

The loss was the fifth in the last six games for the Twins, whose bullpen struggled to throw strikes after left-hander Connor Prielipp gave up two runs over four innings in his big-league debut.

Kendry Rojas, who also made his big-league debut, relieved Prielipp and walked three in two scoreless innings. Eric Orze threw a perfect seventh inning before losing pitcher Taylor Rogers and Justin Topa issued two-out walks to Brett Baty and Francisco Alvarez following Soto’s pickoff. Vientos followed with his go-ahead hit to score Baty.

“We gave away free passes late,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said Wednesday night. “We can’t walk guys, and the walks ended up turning into runs that scored late in the game.”

Scott was 0-2 with a 5.27 ERA in three starts at Triple-A Syracuse, where he collected 17 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old hasn’t pitched in the majors since July 21, 2024. He went on the injured list with a sprained UCL in his right elbow two days later and underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2024.

Ryan took the loss Friday in his most recent start, when he allowed two runs (one earned) over six innings as the Twins fell 2-1 to the Cincinnati Reds. He didn’t factor into the decision in his lone previous appearance against the Mets on April 14, 2025, when he gave up one run over five innings in New York’s 5-1 victory.

Scott has never opposed the Twins.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Francisco #Lindor #question #long #skid #Mets #Twins

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