03092026 SPORTS

SPORTS

2026 National Schools Golf Championships

TRIPLE CROWN

CARIFTA GAMES: SWIM TEAM NAMED

By JONATHAN BURROWS

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Aquatics Federation has officially announced the national team that will represent the country at the 2026 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships in Martinique, naming a deep roster of swimmers across all age divisions along with the coaching staff that will guide the team in its bid to extend the nation’s dominant run at the regional meet.

Head coach Travano McPhee will lead the team, assisted by Latahara Forbes and Ashton Knowles, while Camron Bruney will oversee the open water swimmers. Karon Pinder-Johnson has been named team manager, with Kashara Cooper serving as female chaperone and Melvin Rolle as male chaperone.

The Bahamas will once again send competitors in the girls and boys divisions across the 11-12, 13-14 and 15-17 age groups, along with a team for the open water competition. In the girls’ 11-12 category, the team includes Makayla Ferguson, Delneia Hamilton, Katelin-Dahlia Hanna, Isabella Munroe, Grace Nottage and Star Seymour.

The 13-14 girls’ group features Gillian Albury, Nai’a Belton, Sienna Campbell, Isabella Cuccurullo, Tiah Seymour and Skyler Smith. Representing The Bahamas in the 15-17 girls’ division are Saleste Gibson, Madison Gilbert, Siann Isaacs, Lelah Lewis, DNDN McKenzie, Kimaya Saunders and Zoe Williamson. On the boys’ side, Logan

CARIFTA - SEE Page E3

Windsor School teams emerge as champions in three divisions

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WINDSOR School emerged as triple champions of the National Schools Golf Championships, falling short of their clean sweep of all four titles for the second consecutive year.

This past week at the Bahamas Golf Federation's Nine-Hole Driving Range, Windsor School successfully defended the senior boys’ title for the sixth year with a total of 188, the senior girls for the third year with 180 and the junior boys for the fifth year with their total of 235.

However, while this was the second year that they fielded a junior girls’ team, Windsor School ended up relinquishing their title to the Queen's College Comets, who had a 235-263 win over Windsor School.

Katie Roach, the athletic director at Windsor School, congratulated Queen's College for their championship performance in the junior girls’ division.

"We knew this year would be a challenge to repeat as champions in all four divisions. But we are proud to have fielded all four teams,” Roach said.Individually,

was really pleased with the way she played, especially since it was her first tournament in six months. "I was patient and I managed the course very well and I was able to put together two pretty consistent rounds," she said. "Overall, I'm happy with the way I performed and how I handled the challenge of returning back to competitive golf.

With this being her second year playing in the tournament, Scanion said she was thrilled to be a part of their winning team as everybody gave their best performances and they were honoured to be able to represent the school and to compete together the way they did.

As she prepares to graduate this year, Scanion said she will continue to work on her game to prepare for her college debut at Texas Tech University and eventually as a professional golfer in the future.

Sandre Hobbs, the athletic head at Queen's College, congratulated the coaching staff and the golfers for turning in a commendable performance for the Comets. "I am extremely proud of our

CR Walker Knights GSSSA track and field champions

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE CR Walker Knights joined the CH Reeves Raptors in regaining their Government Secondary Schools Track and Field Championship title last week at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

While the Raptors dethroned the SC McPherson Sharks for the junior divisional title on Thursday, the Knights dethroned the CV Bethel Stingrays on Friday for the senior divisional crown.

As the three-day event came to a close, CR Walker accumulated a total of 595 points, dropping CV Bethel to third place this year with 409.50. The RM Bailey Pacers came in second with 430.

Rounding out the field were the CI Gibson Rattlers in fourth place with 408.50, Government High Magics in fifth with 259.50, CC Sweeting Cobras in sixth with 250, Dame Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins in sixth with 220.50 and the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves in seventh with 154.

On Thursday, CH Reeves completed their dominance of the junior segment of the meet by finishing their twoday competition with 720 points. The HO Nash Lions got second with 535.83 and the defending champions SC McPherson Sharks came in third with 498.50.

The highlight of Friday's final day of competition for the seniors came from Kaiden Kemp of CV Bethel, who threw 157-feet, 8-inches or 48.07 metres in the under-17 boys' discus to surpass the CARIFTA standard of 137-9 (41.99m.) He also shattered the meet record of 138-3 (42.14m) that was set by Terrico Stevens in 2014. His nearest rival was Alvin Elzera of CI Gibson with 105-3 (32.08m). Shawn Ferguson of CR Walker was third with 89-1 (27.16m). In other key results, Lavario Ferguson of RM Bailey clocked 21.95 seconds to win the under-17 boys’ 200 metres to surpass the CARIFTA standard of 22.03. Davon Darling of CR Walker was second in 22.91 and Jiden Milfred of Doris Johnson was third in 22.99. Lawrensky Gabriel of RM Bailey picked up a double dose of victory in the under-17 boys’ 800m (time not released) and the 3,000m in 10:32.72. In the under-17 girls’ division, Bailey Babbs

of Government High won the 200m in 24.34 to surpass the CARIFTA standard of 24.42. Samantha Gottshalk of CR Walker was second in 26.16 and Ormanique Curtis was third in 27.33.

Lauren Douglas of Doris Johnson doubled up in the

Local Sports Calendar

BBSF ELECTION OF OFFICERS

THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation, now heading into its third year since the transformation from the Baptist Sports Council, will hold its first election of officers.

The election of officers will take place at 10am on

Saturday, March 14, at the Bahamas Baptist College/ University on Jean Street. All positions, including president, first vice president, second vice president, third vice president and fourth vice president, along with the secretary general and assistant secretary and the treasurer and assistant treasurer, will be up for

grabs. Nominations will be taken from the floor.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS AWARENESS

WALK

SPECIAL Olympics Bahamas is scheduled to hold its Awareness Walk on Saturday, March 28, starting at 9am at the Western Esplanade. The route will leave from the Western Esplanade, turn south onto Nassau Street to Poinciana Drive, continue south to University Drive and ending at the entrance of the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre’s Legends Walk of Fame.

Individuals and groups/ organisations are invited to participate. Registration is now open. Persons can enter the QR code, open the link, complete the applicable Individual OR Group Registration Form, submit along with their donation and they are all set to go.

BAHAMAS TRIATHLON

CHAMPIONSHIP THE Bahamas Triathlon Aassociation’s National Championships is scheduled for Sunday, March 15 at Jaws Beach, starting at 7am. The competition will have the Olympic competition

under-20 girls’ 800m in 2:40.68 and the 3,000m in 3:50.82.

Also on the field, Joevardo Wright of CI Gibson won the under-20 boys' high jump with 6-3 1/2 (1.92m), beating out CARIFTA qualifier Obadeiah Cherizar of CC Sweeting on fewer knockdowns at the same height. Sidney Corneile of CR Walker was third with 6-0 3/4 (1.85m).

Corneile also won the long jump with a leap of 21-7 1/2 (6.59m). Jeremyah Mortimer of CI Gibson was second wirth 20-6 1/4 (6.25m). Dondre Cox of Government High was third with 20-1 1/2 (6.13m). Caleb Knowles of CR Walker was the winner of the under-20 boys' discus with his heave of 131-1 (36.96m). David Douglas Jr of CV Bethel was second with 111-10 (34.10m) and Wodson Antoine of RM Bailey got third with 89-3 (27.20m).

Khloe Bonaby of CR Walker won the under-17 girls’ triple jump with 31-3 1/4 (9.53m).

Kentarah Seraphin of RM Bailey was the winner of the under-20 girls’ long jump with a leap of 14-9 1/4 (4.50m). Jania Martin of CV Bethel was second 14-8 (4.47m) and Ciandra Bowles of CI Gibson was third with 13-11 1/2 (4.25m). And Anthonece Papageorge of CC Sweeting won the under-20 girls’ shot put with 31-1 1/4 (9.48m). Kenya McKenzie of RM Bailey was second with 30-7 1/2 (9.33m) and Shawnovia Moxey of CV Bethel got third with 28-0 1/4 (8.54m).

Kelisha Saunders, who celebrated her 16th birthday on Thursday when she won the under-17 girls’ 100m hurdles, came back and took the 400m hurdles in 1:13.85. Brittany Flowers of CV Bethel was second in 1:31.69 and Darriah Adderley of Doris Johnson was third in 1:35.92. Deskota Pyfrom, however, spoiled Saunders' triple threat, when she won the under-17 girls’ shot put with 30-10 1/4 (9.40m) with a 1-2 sweep for CR Walker. Saunders got second with 29-10 1/4 (9.10m). Glenique Colebrooke of CV Bethel was third with 28-3 3/4 (8.63m).

including a 1.5 kilometre swim, 40K bike ride and 10k run, a sprint (750m swim, 20K bike and 5K run) and relay for teams of 2-3 people for all ages.

GOLF REGISTRATION FOR TOP CLASS SESSIONS THE opening session of the Top Classic Golf Institute got underway on Saturday at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s NineHole Driving Range. It will end on Saturday, April 11.

There will be one hour per session beginning at 8 am and will run every hour on the hour until the final

session for each day kicks off at 4pm. The class size will be a maximum of four students per class. Fees are determined by the number of students and includes four students = 30.00 P/S; 3 Students = 40.00 P/S; 2 Students = 60.00 P/S and 1 Student = 120.00.

Coach Vernon Lockhart and JP Michielson will conduct the sessions.

To register, golfers are urged to contact administrator Agatha Mona DeLancy 819-3184 or email her at delancyagatha6@gmail.com for more information.

Windsor School teams emerge as champions in three divisions at National Schools Golf Championships

players,” Hobbs said. “Day one of the  competition was good but, on day two, our players stepped onto the course, competed fiercely and 80 per cent of the players lowered their day one scores.

“Team captains Luke Grimes and Chemari Pratt led the team from the front and won the senior boys’ and girls’ division respectively and created an historic moment and left a legacy behind.”

Grimes closed out his high school career for Queen’s College with his victory in the senior boys’ division with 28-29-57. Luke Dodson of Windsor Academy was the runner-up with 30-29-59 and Nicholas Zaccagnino of Windsor School in third with 29-32-61.

Windsor School completed the top five spots with Kerrington Rolle placing fourth with 32-3062 and Maxmillian Landry was fifth with 31-34-65.

Pratt led Queen’s College to victory in the senior girls’ division with 30-26-56. She beat out Windsor School’s Roisin Scanlon, who shot 30-27-57) and Mila Zalsman, who shot 29-31-60.

Maddisson Carrolll, Home Schooled, finished fourth with 29-32-61 and Celina Mellor of Windsor School was fifth with 30-33-66.

In the junior girls’ division, Haley Hall of Jordan Prince Williams took the title with 35-31-66 followed by Zara Greaves with 34-38-72 and Kayleigh Rolle of King’s College School with 37-36-73.

Tatyana Clarke was fourth with 42-34-76 and Kaleah Brown was fifth with 35-43-78 as they helped push the Queen’s College banner.

William West, in winning the junior boys’ title, posted a total of 32-28-60 for Windsor School, just one stroke ahead of Lance Pastoukhov Valdez of King’s College School with 30-31-61. Deandrey Poitier of Home Schooling was third with 33-30-63.

Lamod Wallce had the best individual performance for the St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine, placing fourth with

34-32-66. Archie Michelmore of Windsor School rounded out the top five with 36-31-67.

The Primary Division was completed earlier in the week.

St Andrew’s took home the lower primary boys’ title with 114-120 over Windsor School. Ev Hilton was third with 148. Luca Greaves of Windsor School was the overall winner with 34.

William Stevenson (St Andrew’s) was the runner-up with 34. Lorwensky (Yellow Elder Primary) was third with 37; Zane Gibson (St Andrew’s) was fourth with 38 and Liam Bethel (King’s College) was fifth, also with 38. Windsor School won the lower primary girls’ division with 151, followed by St Cecilia’s Primary with 167 and Queen’s College with 183. Eliana Rodarmel of King’s College was the top performer with 39. Alessandra Advani (Windsor School) came in second with 44, the same as Jeremy Dawkins (St Cecilia’s) for third. Savannah Mackey (St Andrew’s) was fourth 46 and Lauren Zamora (Windsor School) was fifth with 50. King’s College emerged as the upper primary boys’ champions with 122. Lyford Cay International School was second with 126 and Windsor School was third with 129. Maxmillien Demole of King’s College was the top performer with 28.

Sam Saulnier (Windsor School) was runner-up with 37. Tyhler Rolle (St John’s College) was third with 37, Marius deGraaf (King’s College) was fourth with 39 and Alex Murray (Lyford Cay International School) was fifth with 39.

The Poitier Golf Home School captured the upper primary girls’ title with 111, followed by Eva Hilton with 144 and St Cecilia’s with 165. Zaire Poitier led the way with her 34 for the top spot overall.

Zeden Poitier (Poitier Golf Home School) followed with 38, Zion Castile (Eva Hilton) 39, Zion Poitier (Poitier Golf Home School) 39 and Azaria Bethel (Lyford Cay International School) 44.

National swimming team named for the CARIFTA Games

Comarcho, Kymani Cooper, Lyall Menzies, Deon Morris and Breon Stuart will compete in the 11-12 age category. The 13-14 boys’ team includes Kai Bastian, Christon Joseph, Sean Norville-Smith, Dexter Russell and Harold Simmons.

In the 15-17 division, William Farrington, Michael Fox, Tristen Hepburn, Rafael McBroom, Alexander Murray, Donald Saunders and David Singh round out the squad.

The Bahamas will also field a team in the open water events. In the girls’ 14-15 division, Ella Brueckner, Scarlette Donaldson and Blue Grey have been selected, while Alanna

Murray, Violet Saralegui and Alexia Zatarain will compete in the 16-18 category.

For the boys, Nitayo Knowles, Keiron Lloyd and Lauchlan Menzies will represent the country in the 14-15 age group, with Kevin Johnson Jr., Malcolm Menzies and Kaylan Williams competing in the 16-18 division.

The team heads into the championships with significant momentum as The Bahamas has won the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships seven consecutive times, establishing one of the most dominant runs in the history of the regional competition. That streak began in 2018 in Aruba and has continued every year since, with

victories in Barbados in 2019, the Cayman Islands in 2022 following the pandemic break, Curaçao in 2023, The Bahamas in 2024, and Trinidad and Tobago in 2025.

At last year’s championships, Team Bahamas once again topped the standings, finishing with 979 points to secure the overall title.

Jamaica placed second with 795.5 points, while Trinidad and Tobago finished third.

Bahamian swimmers also led the medal table with 74 total medals, including 27 gold, highlighting the country’s depth across multiple events and age groups.

The CARIFTA Aquatics Championships remains one of the premier swimming competitions in the

Caribbean. Many of The Bahamas’ top swimmers have emerged from the meet, using it as a stepping stone to collegiate swimming, international championships and the

Olympic Games. With a strong blend of returning competitors and rising young swimmers, expectations will once again be high as the team travels to Martinique.

After seven straight championships, Team Bahamas will enter the pool with the opportunity to extend its remarkable run and capture an eighth consecutive CARIFTA title.

Thunder defeat Warriors

104-97 for fifth straight win

By The Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY

(AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 27 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Golden State Warriors 104-97 on Saturday night for their fifth straight win.

Gilgeous-Alexander made just 6 of 15 field goals, but he made 14 of 15 free throws to maintain his usual production. He has scored at least 20 points in 125 consecutive games. He can tie Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 126 straight games with at least 20 points Monday at home against Denver.

Oklahoma City is 5-0 since Gilgeous-Alexander returned from an abdominal strain. The defending champion Thunder have the league’s best record and became the first team in the league to win 50 games this season.

Isaiah Joe added 18 points and Jaylin Williams had nine points and 14 rebounds for Oklahoma City.

Gui Santos had 22 points and 11 rebounds, Brandin Podziemski scored 17 points and Draymond Green added 16 for the Warriors, who were held to 40.9% shooting.

MAGIC 119, TIMBERWOLVES 92

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)

— Desmond Bane scored 30 points, Paolo Banchero added 25 points and 15 rebounds, and Orlando won its third straight game by beating Minnesota.

Jalen Suggs added 14 points and Tristan da Silva had 11 points for the Magic, who moved atop the Southeast Division.

Anthony Edwards scored 34 points, including 13 of 14 from the free-throw

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can tie Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 126 straight games with at least 20 points today at home against Denver

line, but Minnesota had it’s five-game winning streak snapped.

Julius Randle scored 14 points and grabbed a teamhigh nine rebounds for the Timberwolves, Naz Reid added 13 points off the bench, and Rudy Gobert added 12 points.

Minnesota shot just 35.7% in scoring its second-fewest points of the season. Starters Donte DiVincenzo and Jaden McDaniels were a combined 0 for 15.

NETS 107, PISTONS 105

DETROIT (AP) — Ziaire Williams made two 3-pointers in the final three minutes and Brooklyn ended a 10-game losing streak by rallying to beat Detroit.

Brooklyn trailed by 23 points in the third quarter and were still down by double figures with 5:29 left, but outscored Detroit 18-6 down the stretch.

Michael Porter Jr. had 30 points and 13 rebounds for the Nets, while Williams finished with 23 points.

Tobias Harris had 18 points and 10 rebounds for Detroit and Jalen Duren had 17 points and 14 rebounds. The Pistons, who have lost three straight for the first time this season, were missing Cade Cunningham (quadriceps) and Ausar Thompson (ankle).

HAWKS 125, 76ERS 116

ATLANTA (AP) — Jalen Johnson had 35 points,

10 rebounds and seven assists and Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 24 points as Atlanta beat Philadelphia for its season-best sixth straight victory.

Atlanta, which had two five-game runs during the season, has won seven of its last eight games and moved two games over .500 at 33-31.

CJ McCollum scored 13 of his 17 points in the first half and added seven assists, Dyson Daniels finished with 15 points and nine rebounds, and Onyeka Okongwu had 10 points as the Hawks overcame a seven-point halftime deficit.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 31 points before injuring his right hand in a collision with teammate Adem Bona with 16 seconds remaining in the game. Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse had no update on the extent of Maxey’s injury after the game and said the All-Star guard would have X-rays on his hand.

Quentin Grimes scored 26 points, Kelly Oubre Jr. added 24 and Trendon Watford 10 as Philly had its four-game winning streak halted. Jabari Walker, who was coming off consecutive 20-point games for the first time in his four-year NBA career, finished with nine points.

BUCKS 113, JAZZ 99

MILWAUKEE (AP)

— Giannis Antetokounmpo had 27 points, nine rebounds and eight assists

as Milwaukee snapped a four-game skid by beating Utah.

Antetokounmpo did all that while playing just 27 minutes as the Bucks continue to monitor the two-time MVP’s workload in his return from injury.

Milwaukee was playing for the third time since Antetokounmpo came back from a right calf strain that caused him to miss 15 straight games.

Utah has lost eight of its last nine games. The Jazz had ended a seven-game skid Thursday by winning 122-112 at Washington.

The Jazz were missing leading scorer Lauri Markkanen because of impingement in his right hip and Isaiah Collier due to personal reasons. Multiple other Utah players

already have been ruled out for the season.

Milwaukee’s Kevin Porter Jr. missed a second straight game with swelling in his right knee.

Before the game, Bucks coach Doc Rivers had no update on when Porter might return to the lineup.

CLIPPERS 123, GRIZZLIES 120

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)

— Kawhi Leonard had 28 points, Darius Garland scored 11 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and Los Angeles held on for a victory over Memphis.

Bennedict Mathurin finished 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Derrick Jones Jr. added 16 points.

The LA Clippers won for the fourth time in five games despite hitting only four 3-pointers, a season

low. Los Angeles was 4 for 17 from distance. Ty Jerome led Memphis with 23 points and seven assists. Taylor Hendricks scored 18 and Cedric Coward 15 as Memphis lost its third straight.

The game was close throughout, and the Grizzlies held a 118-117 lead with about two minutes left. Leonard and Jordan Miller each made a pair of free throws to give Los Angeles a 121-118 edge.

Mathurin’s two free throws with 4.4 second left sealed the win as Jerome’s closing 3-point try for Memphis was off the mark.

The Clippers, who were 15 games under .500 earlier this season, now sit at 31-32. The are in ninth place in the Western Conference, and in the running for a postseason bid.

Deandre Ayton scores six to help Lakers beat Knicks

By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net

THE Los Angeles Lakers picked up a solid 110-97 victory over the New York Knicks last night at the Crypto.com Arena, and centre Deandre Ayton played a key role in the win with an efficient performance in the paint.

Ayton finished the game with six points, eight rebounds and two blocks while shooting 6-for-7 from the field, providing a steady interior presence as the Lakers had control for much of the game.

His efficiency around the rim and work on the boards helped Los Angeles maintain its advantage.

The Lakers were led offensively by Luka Dončić, who poured in 35 points with eight rebounds, while Austin Reaves added 25 points in the victory. Still, Ayton’s impact inside stood out, particularly with his physical play on both ends of the floor.

Los Angeles built momentum early and never trailed after the opening quarter. The Lakers stretched the lead to as many as 23 points during the third quarter before the Knicks trimmed the deficit late.

However, baskets down the stretch secured the win and pushed the Lakers to 39-25 on the season and fifth place in the Western Conference.

Ayton's performance came at an important time as the 7-foot 27-year-old has faced increasing criticism this season, with analysts and former players questioning his consistency and motor.

Hall of Fame centre Shaquille O’Neal was one of the loudest voices. During a television segment earlier this season he challenged Ayton’s effort level, saying simply, “He’s not Clint Capela because Clint Capela plays hard every game.”

The criticism followed comments from Ayton about his role, which sparked debate across NBA media about how the Lakers are using him offensively. Some observers have argued that a player with Ayton’s size and talent should be producing bigger numbers on a nightly basis.

Despite the scrutiny, Ayton’s overall production this season has been steady. Through the season he is averaging 13.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game while shooting over 67 per cent from the field, which places him in second place among all players in

the league behind Rudy Gobert.

Those numbers show his value as a finisher around the rim and a rebounder, even if the spotlight often falls on the Lakers’ perimeter stars.

Against New York, Ayton showed the type of activity the team needs from him. He ran the floor, protected the rim while also finishing efficiently inside, helping the Lakers control the paint and limit second-chance opportunities for the Knicks.

Karl-Anthony Towns led the New York Knicks with 25 points and 16 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson added 24 points, but the Knicks struggled offensively for long stretches, particularly from beyond the arc where they shot just 8-for-34.

This game served as a reminder of the impact Ayton can have when he stays aggressive.

The Lakers have relied heavily on their star guards like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for scoring, but performances like yesterday show how important Ayton can be to their balance.

If he continues to deliver efficient nights like this one, it could help quiet some of the criticism and strengthen the Lakers’ push toward the postseason.

Brilliant India crushes New Zealand by 96 runs to win Twenty20 World Cup for record 3rd time

AHMEDABAD, India

(AP) — India won the T20 World Cup for a record third time with a crushing 96-run victory over New Zealand yesterday to the delight of more than 86,000 cricket fans at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.

Defending champion India scored an imposing 255-5 in the final after losing the toss and batting first. Opener Sanju Samson hit a brilliant 46-ball 89, in his third straight 50. New Zealand never posed a genuine threat in its chase and was all out for 159 in 19 overs. India pacer Jasprit Bumrah took 4-15 in four overs and Axar Patel picked up 3-27 in three overs. New Zealand opener Tim Seifert scored a 26-ball 52 with five sixes.

India, which won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and 2024, became the first country to successfully defend its title. India won the 2024 final against South Africa by seven runs but dominated Sunday from the start.

New Zealand was aiming for its first T20 World Cup triumph. It also finished as runner-up in the 2021 final, losing to Australia in Dubai. Samson and Sharma power India’s innings Abhishek Sharma roared into form as he hit three sixes and six fours in his 21-ball 52, reaching his half century in only 18 balls. Samson took to the skies as well, hitting eight sixes in all, as the duo put on 50 off only 24 deliveries.

India's 92-0 was the joint highest power play score in

any T20 World Cup match, equaling West Indies' 92-1 against Afghanistan in the 2024 edition. It proved a superb base for building a formidable total and India never really relinquished control of the game.

Sharma was out caught behind in the eighth over, but Ishan Kishan and Samson added another 105 off 48 balls for the second wicket.

Samson reached 50 off 33 balls – after 97 not out and 89 against West Indies and England, respectively – while Kishan powered to a third half-century in the tournament, coming off 23 balls.

Samson’s 89 was the highest individual score in a men’s T20 World Cup final and he was named player of

the tournament for his 321 runs at an average of 80.25.

“It feels like a dream actually. I am very happy and grateful, out of emotions and words," Samson said.

India was past 200 in the 15th over, when it briefly stumbled. James Neesham picked up three wickets in the 16th over – Samson and Kishan were caught at long on, and then Suryakumar Yadav was out caught at fine leg for a duck.

Shivam Dube's 26 not out off eight balls with two sixes helped India cross 250 yet again.

Bumrah, Axar strangle New Zealand

Finn Allen was out caught off Patel for just nine, while Kishan took a spectacular catch to send back Rachin Ravindra (1) off Bumrah.

Patel bowled Glenn Phillips (5) and Hardik Pandya cleaned up Mark Chapman (3) as New Zealand was down to 70-4 in 7.4 overs.

Seifert's innings included five sixes before he was Varun Chakravarthy’s sole wicket of the day, with Kishan claiming another fine catch.

Kishan was in action again as Patel sent back Daryl Mitchell (17), while Bumrah returned to polish off the lower order. He was on a hat trick in the 16th over and took his tally to 40 wickets in T20 World Cups – the most for a pacer in tournament history. Bumrah was named player of the match.

“It feels extremely special because I have played one final at my home venue but couldn’t win that one,

but this one feels really special," Bumrah said.

“I was really motivated and really clear about what I wanted to do. Today, all execution went as per our plans.”.

It was a memorable night for fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where India lost to Australia in the Cricket World Cup final in 2023.

Another record India became the first country to successfully defend its title and also the first team to claim the trophy on home soil. India and Sri Lanka co-hosted this 2026 edition. Yadav joined the likes of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as Indian captains to lift the T20 World Cup on another big day for Indian cricket.

Port Vale, Southampton stun Premier League opponents in FA Cup to advance to quarterfinals

By JAMES ROBSON

MARINE FORECAST

World Baseball Classic: Great Britain suffers 3rd straight loss

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

GREAT Britain, with six Bahamians on their roster, suffered its third straight loss at the World Baseball Classic at the Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. With the three losses in Pool B of the four-pool tournament, Great Britain will miss the chance to advance to the playoffs as only the top two teams will move on. Italy, who knocked off Great Britain on Sunday and the United States of America, who pulled off a 9-1 rout on Saturday, are both undefeated at 2-0. Mexico, who beat Great Britain 8-2 in the opener on Friday, was also undefeated going into Sunday night's games. Great Britain has one game left against Brazil

today. But that won't make a difference as they are both winless.

The Bahamian players, along with assistant coach Albert Cartwright, are playing for Great Britain as The Bahamas is not eligible to field its own team.

Playing for Great Britain are pitcher Chavez Fernander, infielders Jasrado 'Jazz' Chisholm Jr, Ian Lewis Jr and BJ Muray and outfielders Kristian Robinson and Trayce Thompson.

• Here's a summary of Great Britain's games: USA 9, Great Britain 1 Nate Eaton ripped a solo home run in the first inning and didn't score the rest of the game on Saturday. He was also responsible for all three hits for Great Britain, who didn't get anything offensively from the Bahamian players.

ABOVE: Britain’s Nate

a

Fernander came in during the fifth inning and pitched 0.1 innings, giving up two hits and three earned runs with two walks.

The United States put together a five-run blast in the fifth, added three

more in the six and put the finishing touches on the blowout with another run in the seventh.

Mexico 8, Great Britain 2 Murray Jr had the steady bat for the players from The

Bahamas going 1-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and a strikeout in their opening game of the tournament on Friday.

Lewis, playing shortstop and batting eighth, was 2-for-4 with a run scored, Chisholm, the lead off batter in the game, went 0-for-5 and Robinson and Thompdon were both 0-for-3.

Italy 7, Great Britain 4 Jasrado Chisholm Jr, the New York Yankees’ second baseman, had his best showing in their third game yesterday. He led the Bahamian delegation for Great Britain with a 2-for-4 with a RBI, a walk, a strikeout and two runs scored.

Robinson, playing left field, was 1-for-4 with two strikeouts and Murray Jr, the first baseman was

0-for-3, the same as Thompson, the right fielder. Italy had a 12-7 advantage in hits, including 2--0 in home runs and 23-9 in trial bases. Great Britain, however, had three steals, while their opponents didn’t get one.