It provided a space so welcoming that many self-described sports haters and fans alienated by the hypermasculinity of men’s sports were drawn to it.

“Right from the day I started dreaming of playing for the country, this is the day I was waiting for."

On her T20 debut, Patel bowled a disciplined spell of four overs for 20 runs, helping New Zealand claim a 92-run victory in the series opener.

Asked to bat first, India piled up a staggering 256/4 in 20 overs — their highest total in T20 World Cup history and the second-highest overall in the tournament’s history

The victory lifts the Black Caps to three points in the Super Eight stage, keeping their semifinal hopes alive ahead of a crucial final clash against England.

Bumrah was India’s standout bowler with 3/15, becoming India’s highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history

The cap’s journey from a Mumbai family home to an Australian auction house also underscores the lasting cricketing bond between India and Australia.

With the series now tied at 1-1, both sides head to Adelaide Oval for the final T20I, where momentum and confidence will be key.

The former captains urged Pakistani authorities to provide Khan with ongoing medical care from qualified specialists, humane detention in line with international standards, and transparent access to legal processes.

Australia were eliminated in the group stage after suffering humiliating defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, ending their title defence just three years after lifting the trophy in 2021.