India began their three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe with a commanding seven-wicket victory in Harare on Thursday, thanks to a sensational batting display from teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a disciplined effort from the bowlers.

Chasing a modest target of 126, India reached 126/3 in just 13.2 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The highlight of the match was Sooryavanshi’s blistering half-century, which made him the youngest player to score a T20I fifty.

Sooryavanshi creates history with 18-ball fifty

The 15-year-old left-hander stole the show with a fearless knock of 50 off just 19 deliveries. He raced to his maiden T20I half-century in only 18 balls, smashing four boundaries and four sixes before being dismissed by Richard Ngarava immediately after reaching the landmark.

At 15 years and 118 days, Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to score a T20 International half-century. He also surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record to become the youngest Indian to register an international fifty.

His aggressive strokeplay completely shifted the momentum in India’s favour after the visitors lost an early wicket.

Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer complete comfortable chase

After Abhishek Sharma departed for one, Sooryavanshi and Ishan Kishan put India firmly in control with an attacking partnership.

Kishan continued the momentum with an entertaining 35 off 24 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes before falling to Blessing Muzarabani.

Captain Shreyas Iyer anchored the innings with an unbeaten 28 off 24 deliveries, while Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on five as India comfortably crossed the finish line with seven wickets in hand and 40 balls remaining.

India bowlers restrict Zimbabwe to 125

Earlier, India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid immediate dividends.

Speedster Mayank Yadav struck with the very first ball of the innings after India successfully reviewed an edge to dismiss Brian Bennett. He later removed Dion Myers to finish with figures of 2/18.

Prince Yadav also impressed, claiming two wickets for 19 runs, including the dismissal of Ben Curran and Brad Evans.

Shivam Dube dismissed Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, while Ravi Bishnoi ended Ryan Burl’s resistance with a well-disguised googly.

Zimbabwe struggled to recover after early setbacks, slipping to 32/4 before Wessly Madhevere and Ryan Burl stitched together a 32-run partnership.

Madhevere top-scored with 39 off 34 balls, while Burl contributed 26. However, India’s disciplined bowling and tight death overs restricted the hosts to 125/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

India take early series advantage

India’s convincing victory gives them a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series and provides captain Shreyas Iyer with a winning start to the tour.

While the bowlers laid the platform with an impressive performance, it was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s record-breaking innings that stole the spotlight, with the teenager announcing himself on the international stage in spectacular fashion.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s final film, Jana Nayagan, is expected to make a record-breaking start at the box office, with trade analysts predicting an opening-day collection of around Rs 100 crore worldwide.

If the prediction proves accurate, the film could surpass the opening-day collections of blockbuster films such as Jailer, The Greatest of All Time (GOAT), and Pathaan, making it one of the biggest openings in Indian cinema.

Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan was Vijay’s final film before his full-time entry into politics. The movie also stars Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Prakash Raj, Priyamani, and Gautham Vasudev Menon in key roles. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 23, 2026.

Advance bookings for Jana Nayagan have shown an overwhelming response in India and overseas. Trade reports indicate that the film has sold more than 6.45 lakh tickets in advance, generating over Rs 16 crore in pre-sales across India. Industry analysts note that the advance booking figure is still lower than those of Vijay’s earlier blockbuster releases, Leo and The Greatest of All Time (GOAT).

The excitements surrounding Jana Nayagan is driven not only by Vijay’s popularity but also by the emotional significance of it being his last film. Fans have been booking first-day-first-show tickets in large numbers, especially in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Trade experts believe that if positive audience reviews and word-of-mouth follow the release, Jana Nayagan could become one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of the year.

As of now, the film is gearing up for its July 23 release, with distributors and exhibitors expecting packed theatres across the country. Whether Jana Nayagan crosses the Rs 100 crore mark on its opening day and breaks the records of Jailer and GOAT, and Pathaan will become clear once box-office figures are released after its premiere.

FIFA’s decision to introduce a halftime show during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final has sparked mixed reactions among football fans around the world. While the announcement of stars Shakira, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and BTS generated excitement, many supporters questioned whether a concert-style performance belongs in football’s biggest event.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, concluded with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in the small hours of Monday. For the first time in the tournament’s history, FIFA held an entertainment show during halftime, similar to the Super Bowl tradition in the United States.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the halftime show was intended to make the World Cup final a larger global entertainment event and attract a wider audience. The performance featured internationally recognized artists, including Shakira, known for her iconic World Cup songs Waka Waka and La La La, former boy wonder Justin Bieber along with pop legend Madonna and South Korean music group BTS. FIFA said the event will celebrate football, music, and culture on one stage.

However, the announcement has divided fans and football experts. Many welcomed the idea, saying it would make the final more entertaining and help attract younger audiences. They said the presence of world-famous artists will increase the tournament’s global appeal and create an unforgettable experience for spectators.

Others, including seminal punk rock band The Cure frontman Robert Smith, strongly criticized the decision, arguing that football traditions should not be changed. Critics fear that extending the halftime break for a concert could affect players’ physical rhythm, preparation, and match intensity. Some fans also said the focus should remain on the sport rather than celebrity performances.

FIFA assured that the performance was carefully planned to avoid disrupting the match while maintaining high production standards. Security, stage setup, and broadcast arrangements were also coordinated to ensure a smooth event.

As of now, the halftime show remains one of the most talked-about aspects of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final apart from the boorish behavior of the Argentine squad.