Slider1
previous arrow
next arrow

News

Unity key to England’s World Cup run – Brook

Matthew Henry

BBC Sport Journalist in Mumbai
  • 8 Comments

Captain Harry Brook says England do not need to produce the perfect performance to win the T20 World Cup and “unity” has driven the team to the semi-finals.

England play co-hosts and pre-tournament favourites India in an enticing semi-final in Mumbai on Thursday (13:30 GMT).

They struggled at times in the group stage but progressed through the Super 8s with three wins from three, coming through tricky situations in all three matches.

“We are never quite out of the game,” said Brook. “We’ve obviously had a lot of tight fixtures so far and we’ve managed to scrape along.

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

With England needing 43 from the last 18 balls to beat New Zealand on Friday, Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed put on an unbeaten partnership of 44 from 16 balls to secure the win.

In the previous two games, England made a below-par 146-9 against Sri Lanka only to dismiss their co-hosts for 95 to secure victory, and were 58-4 against Pakistan before Brook himself hit a stunning century.

Those three victories followed a group stage where England struggled to beat Nepal, Scotland and Italy and were beaten by West Indies.

Their success also follows the dismal Ashes tour of Australia in Test cricket.

“I don’t believe we need a perfect game to win the competition,” said Brook, who is leading England for the first time at a World Cup.

“We’ve won those tight games which in World Cups prove to be very important and we’ve got a lot of confidence going into the deeper parts of the game.

“We’ve got a lot of competitive lads. Everybody wants to win, which is a given really, but even off the field when we’re playing golf, playing cards, whatever, everybody is always really competitive and they always have that slight edge and they take it out into the cricket as well.”

Brook said he expects Thursday’s atmosphere to be “awesome”, with the match to be played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in front of 33,000 spectators.

England resisted naming an XI before the toss, but seam-bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton appears likely to replace leg-spinner Ahmed.

India were the overwhelming pre-tournament favourites but have also stuttered at times in the competition.

They were given a scare by the United States in the group stage and were well beaten by South Africa in the Super 8s.

“I said the other day there’s a lot of pressure on both sides, potentially more on them going into here with the crowd and the disappointment they had against South Africa as well,” Brook said.

Men’s T20 World Cup: England v India

Listen on Sounds

The match is a repeat of the 2022 semi-final which England won by 10 wickets in Adelaide. The sides also met in the last four in 2024, with India winning convincingly.

England were beaten 4-1 in a five-match T20 series in India last year under Jos Buttler’s captaincy but have won 16 of 18 completed matches in the format since Brook took over at the start of last year.

Brook has been rewarded for decisions made at the start of his tenure, like recalling 36-year-old spinner Liam Dawson, picking Tom Banton in the middle order and Jacks as a finisher.

“When I took over, this [World Cup] was a year away and it felt like it needed a little bit of planning,” Brook said.

“That was slightly part of the planning to try and get some game time in those guys then slowly build some confidence up knowing they were going to be in the side most of the time.

“They’ve taken those roles on beautifully.

“Jacksy has had four man-of-the-matches in this World Cup, he’s been the standout player of the competition, arguably.

Related topics

  • England Men’s Cricket Team
  • Cricket

More on this story

    • 1 day ago
    England's Liam Dawson and Harry Brook celebrate a wicket
    • 2 days ago
    Jofra Archer and Harry Brook during T20 World Cup

Gov Radda Urges Wealthy Residents To Redouble Humanitarian Services For The Poor

The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda,  has encouraged well-to-do individuals in the State to intensify humanitarian services for the poor, the orphans, and vulnerable households during the ongoing Ramadan.

This, he said, is to attract more rewards and blessings from Almighty Allah and avoid regret after death.

He warned that death could pick anyone without notice, hence the need for the rich to do the needful.

The governor was speaking on Wednesday during the Ramadan Feeding Program organised by Naufal Ahmad Development Foundation, a program designed to assist at least 1,600 persons in the State Capital with 10 KG of Rice and Grains each.

He, however, charged the faithful to always remember the State and the country in prayers, especially while breaking their fast.

READ ALSO: Gov Radda Pledges Support For Tinubu As Katsina APC Elects New Chairman

“If you can observe vividly, most of the women sitting here have children, relatives, and husbands, and leave their daily schedule to come here to benefit from this intervention, and without the need, they wouldn’t have come,” Radda said.

“I am therefore calling on well-to-do individuals to redouble such intervention and other humanitarian services in this period of Ramadan in recognition of the huge rewards attached to this. God has been showing us lessons that we should all put into consideration, because death notice is not being given.

“We can only excel in life if we are assisting each other by feeling each other’s pains. It’s even recommended that such good interventions should be publicized to serve as lessons for others to learn and emulate.”

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Naufal Ahmad Development Foundation, who is also the Director General of the Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communication Technology, Naufal Ahmad, revealed that Islamic faith encourages individuals to be charitable and supportive to the people in need, especially in this period of Ramadan.

He encouraged other well-meaning individuals to also be supportive of their brothers and sisters.

2027: I Don’t Have Anointed Candidates — Gov Sani

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has disclosed that he has no preferred candidates among the aspirants jostling for elective positions during the upcoming primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor, who made the disclosure during the breaking of Ramadan fast with members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, advised aspirants to seek public support.

He vowed never to interfere with the primaries or selection processes that will produce APC flag bearers in Kaduna State; however, promised to support candidates that were chosen by the people.

“My advice to every aspirant who is seeking any office is to get the support of party members. I have no anointed candidates in the coming primaries that will take place between April and May this year. I will abide by what the people decide,” he added.

According to the governor, President Bola Tinubu is his only candidate, and he promised to ensure his re-election in the 2027 election.

He advised aspirants who lose out in the primaries to resist the urge to work against the party, because doing so will be counterproductive.

READ ALSO: NRC Increases Trips On Abuja–Kaduna Train Corridor

The governor recalled how he was shortchanged in the APC congress during the previous administration, when most of his supporters were prevented from clinching party positions.

“At that time, some people wanted me to work against the party. I told them that I wouldn’t work against the house that I helped to build. As God will have it, I’m the governor today.

“I advise party members to work for the victory of APC. The opposition will try to instigate some members, especially after the primaries, because our party is the only party that is still standing. We should resist this temptation. The party belongs to all of us,” he added.

The governor cautioned that the opposition will use the security challenges in the country to campaign against APC in the 2027 general elections because they have nothing to offer.

He pointed out that the security situation in Kaduna State has been improving since the present administration assumed office in 2023, adding that there is still room for improvement.

The governor recalled that his administration has reopened 535 schools and 85 health facilities that were closed due to insecurity since he assumed office in 2023.

He further said that the 35-kilometer Bagoma-Gagumi road, which will connect 62 farming communities in Birnin Gwari local government, is being constructed.

Galatasaray fans banned from Liverpool second leg

Galatasaray fans have been banned from the club’s Champions League visit to Liverpool later this month following crowd disturbances during their game with Juventus in the previous round.

European governing body Uefa said supporters of the Turkish club had thrown objects and lit fireworks during the last-16 play-off tie second leg in Turin on 25 February.

Despite losing 3-2 on the night, they progressed 7-5 on aggregate and will host the Merseysiders in Istanbul next Tuesday (17:45 GMT) with the return leg to be staged at Anfield on 18 March (20:00).

However, Uefa has banned the Super Lig leaders from selling tickets to supporters for the away trip and also fined them 40,000 euros (£34,800).

Related topics

  • Liverpool
  • European Football
  • UEFA Champions League
  • Football

More on this story

Donald named Ryder Cup captain and would ‘love’ Rahm on team

Matt Gault

BBC Sport NI senior journalist
  • 278 Comments

Luke Donald will attempt to become the first captain to win three Ryder Cups in a row after his third term as European skipper was confirmed for next year’s edition in Ireland.

Having won the competition four times as a player and twice served as vice-captain, Donald led Europe to a 16½-11½ win over the USA in Rome in 2023 before masterminding last year’s dramatic 15-13 triumph in New York.

Donald will be the first European captain to serve three consecutive terms since Bernard Gallacher between 1991 and 1995.

Next year’s Ryder Cup takes place at Adare Manor in County Limerick from 17-19 September.

“To be totally honest, I probably didn’t firmly make up my mind until a few weeks ago,” Donald told BBC Sport NI’s Gavin Andrews.

“The time between Rome and New York was very short. I was eager to get back into having an opportunity to try and win an away Ryder Cup in New York. That was a big challenge for me and there was no real time between those Ryder Cups to relax and let it sink in.”

Donald added: “I felt like for four straight years I was involved in Ryder Cups so I did want to take some time and enjoy it [after New York].

“To be honest, after we won in New York, it wasn’t really at the forefront of my mind at all.

    • 29 September 2025

The USA have not named their captain, with 15-time major winner Tiger Woods considering an offer to succeed Keegan Bradley.

Europe’s 2025 success was their first on American soil since 2012 and meant Donald became only the second captain to lead the team to victories both home and away since Tony Jacklin in 1985 and 1987.

Former world number one Donald, 48, was initially appointed as a late replacement for the 2023 matches in Rome after LIV defector Henrik Stenson was told he would not be allowed to take on the role while playing on the breakaway tour.

He led Europe to a commanding triumph over the USA at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club.

In New York, Donald’s side built a record 11½-4½ lead going into the Sunday singles before holding off an American comeback to win in a highly charged atmosphere.

English player Matt Fitzpatrick, who was part of the winning teams in 2023 and 2025, described Donald’s reappointment as “awesome”.

“Everyone knows what Luke is about, what he’s achieved and what we’ve achieved as a team. So for him to come back is a great choice,” Fitzpatrick told BBC Sport.

Luke Donald celebrates a win at the 2006 Ryder CupGetty Images

Donald would ‘love’ Rahm on team

Continuity has been key for Europe in the past two editions, with Donald leading virtually the same team at Bethpage as in Rome being highlighted by Fitzpatrick as a key factor in the success.

However, the participation of Jon Rahm next year is in doubt amid his dispute with the DP World Tour.

This week the Spaniard said the tour is “extorting players” while outlining why he is not among a group of LIV Golf competitors to have signed a settlement enabling them to play in both organisations’ tournaments.

In February eight players were granted releases by the DP World Tour to participate in LIV Golf events this year, allowing them to retain memberships and remain eligible for Ryder Cup selection.

The waiver included an agreement to pay outstanding fines reportedly in the region of £2.5m levied for playing in LIV events without DP World Tour permission, the withdrawal of all pending appeals and an acceptance to take part in stipulated DP World Tour tournaments.

When asked about Rahm’s comments, Donald said he had not yet spoken to the two-time major winner.

“It would be great to get to understand where he’s coming from.

“Obviously I would love for him to be available for that team in Ireland, but there’s still 16 or 17 months so we have much time on our hands.”

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

What Donald had to weigh up – analysis

Jonathan Jurejko

BBC Sport senior golf reporter
Team Europe pose with the Ryder Cup trophy at Bethpage BlackGetty Images

Donald’s reappointment always felt like a no-brainer – certainly from the perspective of the European Ryder Cup committee trying mastermind another home victory, the players who adore and admire the Englishman, and the thousands of European fans who jubilantly chanted “two more years” as they partied at Bethpage.

The only one who seemed to need convincing was Donald himself.

Donald has thrown everything into the role – arguably more than any other captain in the 99-year history of the iconic event. So it is no surprise he wanted to take his time over the decision whether to continue or not.

On the morning after Europe clung on to victory, Donald looked exhausted when he sat down for a BBC Sport interview.

It was not a hangover from the celebrations. It was a hangover from the mental and physical exertions spent over the whole Bethpage cycle.

What Donald had to weigh up was whether he had enough energy to go through another 18 months of meticulous research, preparation and implementation.

His leadership has been characterised by warm man-management and attention to detail.

How many captains regularly message a wide pool of playing candidates in an attempt to make each one of them feel integral to the team?

How many captains have asked for cracks in hotel doors to be covered because they let too much light into the rooms and could disrupt sleep?

Minor moves in a macro machine. That is what Donald has built his Ryder Cup dynasty on.

In the midst of the beer-swilling Bethpage shindig, Shane Lowry remarked that whoever follows Donald – whenever that might be – will have to fill a void as big as the one left by Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

Related topics

  • Golf
  • Northern Ireland Sport
  • Ryder Cup

Donald named Europe captain for third time

Matt Gault

BBC Sport NI senior journalist
  • 119 Comments

Luke Donald will attempt to become the first captain to win three Ryder Cups in a row after his third term as European skipper was confirmed for next year’s edition in Ireland.

Having won the competition four times as a player and twice served as vice-captain, Donald led Europe to a 16½-11½ win over the USA in Rome in 2023 before masterminding last year’s dramatic 15-13 triumph in New York.

Donald will be the first European captain to serve three consecutive terms since Bernard Gallacher between 1991 and 1995.

Next year’s Ryder Cup takes place at Adare Manor in County Limerick from 17-19 September.

“Celebrating on that Sunday night in New York after a pressure-packed week in a tough environment, I thought maybe my job was done. But maybe there is a little more story to tell.

“This Ryder Cup captaincy journey has given me so much focus, so much purpose and it is something I don’t take for granted.

“It’s a real privilege and I am certainly looking forward to another home Ryder Cup.”

The USA have not named their captain, with 15-time major winner Tiger Woods considering an offer to succeed Keegan Bradley.

Europe’s 2025 success was their first on American soil since 2012 and meant Donald became only the second captain to lead the team to victories both home and away since Tony Jacklin in 1985 and 1987.

Former world number one Donald, 48, was initially appointed as a late replacement for the 2023 matches in Rome after LIV defector Henrik Stenson was told he would not be allowed to take on the role while playing on the breakaway tour.

He led Europe to a commanding triumph over the USA at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club.

In New York, Donald’s side built a record 11½-4½ lead going into the Sunday singles before holding off an American comeback to win in a highly charged atmosphere.

Donald played in Europe’s win on Irish soil at the K Club in 2006.

“The Irish golf fans are some of the best in the world. They are so passionate about the game, so hospitable and so down to earth,” he said.

“They will bring such a great energy to the Ryder Cup. I am sure they will get behind our players and cheers us on.

    • 29 September 2025

Rahm participation in doubt

Donald’s leadership style was widely praised by his players after both wins.

Following the event at Bethpage, Spaniard Jon Rahm said he had done an “astonishing” job across his two stints.

However, Rahm’s participation in Ireland is in doubt amid his dispute with the DP World Tour.

This week he said the tour is “extorting players” while outlining why he is not among a group of LIV Golf competitors to have signed a settlement enabling them to play in both organisations’ tournaments.

In February eight players were granted releases by the DP World Tour to participate in LIV Golf events this year, allowing them to retain memberships and remain eligible for Ryder Cup selection.

What Donald had to weigh up – analysis

Jonathan Jurejko

BBC Sport senior golf reporter
Team Europe pose with the Ryder Cup trophy at Bethpage BlackGetty Images

Donald’s reappointment always felt like a no-brainer – certainly from the perspective of the European Ryder Cup committee trying mastermind another home victory, the players who adore and admire the Englishman, and the thousands of European fans who jubilantly chanted “two more years” as they partied at Bethpage.

The only one who seemed to need convincing was Donald himself.

Donald has thrown everything into the role – arguably more than any other captain in the 99-year history of the iconic event. So it is no surprise he wanted to take his time over the decision whether to continue or not.

On the morning after Europe clung on to victory, Donald looked exhausted when he sat down for a BBC Sport interview.

It was not a hangover from the celebrations. It was a hangover from the mental and physical exertions spent over the whole Bethpage cycle.

What Donald had to weigh up was whether he had enough energy to go through another 18 months of meticulous research, preparation and implementation.

His leadership has been characterised by warm man-management and attention to detail.

How many captains regularly message a wide pool of playing candidates in an attempt to make each one of them feel integral to the team?

How many captains have asked for cracks in hotel doors to be covered because they let too much light into the rooms and could disrupt sleep?

Minor moves in a macro machine. That is what Donald has built his Ryder Cup dynasty on.

In the midst of the beer-swilling Bethpage shindig, Shane Lowry remarked that whoever follows Donald – whenever that might be – will have to fill a void as big as the one left by Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

Related topics

  • Golf
  • Northern Ireland Sport
  • Ryder Cup