Sports

Over the years, India and New Zealand have met five times in ICC events' knockout stages, with India winning twice and New Zealand winning three. However, in the past two knockout stage matches, India has emerged victorious, and this gives Team India a razor-sharp edge.

The 25-year-old sprinter, who has brought laurels to the country through her achievements in para-athletics, was honoured for her accomplishments, including winning a bronze medal at the Paralympics and being a recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award.

The 24-year-old Sen, the only Indian left in the fray, had begun his campaign with an upset win over top seed and defending champion Shi Yu Qi and then accounted for the experienced NG Ka Long Angus of Hong Kong in the second round.

The upcoming camp will be England's second stint in South Africa this year, following earlier skills-based training trips to Oman in January and Stellenbosch last month. According to Edwards, the Pretoria series is designed to add a stronger competitive element to the team's preparations ahead of a busy international season.

Tottenham initially showed promise when Archie Gray produced clever footwork to set up Dominic Solanke, whose finish briefly lifted the home crowd. Moments earlier, Palace had thought they had taken the lead through Ismaila Sarr, but his deflected strike was ruled out after a lengthy offside check.

While Men in Blue and their fans could get flashbacks of the Ahmedabad heartbreak against Australia, which stopped India's dominant 10-match win streak courtesy tactical masterclass of skipper Pat Cummins and a brutal hammering by Travis Head, the baggage of negativity will come down and everyone will find some comfort in team's most recent wins against New Zealand and the fact their country is on a winning run across the men's, women's and age-group cricket. The baggage will feel a little lighter.