Georgia Voll struck a sparkling century to guide Australia to a five-wicket victory over India in Hobart, securing the ODI series with a game to spare in Alyssa Healy’s final campaign.

The hosts chased down the target of 252 in just 36.1 overs, powered by the 22-year-old’s aggressive 101 from 82 deliveries.

Voll struck 13 boundaries and a six during her innings, marking her second international hundred in commanding fashion.

However, the Queenslander rode her luck significantly, capitalizing on a dismal display of fielding from the visitors.

India rue missed chances

The opener was handed a reprieve on 19 by Kranti Gaud before Smriti Mandhana put down another chance when the batter was on 53.

Even reaching three figures involved good fortune, as a fumble from wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh allowed Voll to scramble through for a single while on 99.

These errors proved costly as Voll combined with Phoebe Litchfield to break the back of the chase.

Litchfield shines in dominant stand

Litchfield smashed a blistering 80 off 62 balls, combining with the centurion for a match-winning 119-run stand for the second wicket.

The partnership steadied the innings after captain Alyssa Healy was bowled for six by Kashvee Gautam early in the chase.

The victory was particularly poignant as it sealed the series triumph during Healy’s final stint in charge before her retirement.

Voll added a further 82 runs alongside Beth Mooney before eventually falling to Gautam in the 31st over.

Ash Gardner completed the job with more than 13 overs remaining after Mooney and Annabel Sutherland fell to Deepti Sharma.

Kaur anchors India innings

Earlier in the day, India had looked well-placed after an opening stand of 78 between Pratika Rawal and Mandhana.

Rawal made a patient 52 off 81 balls, but a sudden middle-order collapse saw four wickets fall in the space of 7.4 overs.

Slumping to 103-4, the tourists required a captain’s knock from Harmanpreet Kaur to stay in the contest.

Kaur steadied the ship with an anchoring 54 off 70 balls to drag her side to a competitive total of 251-9.

Australia’s bowling attack shared the workload effectively, with Gardner, Sutherland and Alana King claiming two wickets apiece.

Max Holloway will defend his BMF title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 in Las Vegas this weekend, 11 years after their first meeting ended in unusual circumstances.

A decade in the making

The two former world champions collide at the T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, 7 March.

Holloway, the former featherweight king, puts his symbolic ‘Baddest Motherf*****’ strap on the line.

He faces Oliveira, an ex-lightweight titleholder, in a contest expected to deliver high-octane action.

This bout marks a significant rematch more than a decade after their initial encounter in 2015.

That featherweight meeting ended abruptly when the Brazilian suffered a bizarre neck injury.

Oliveira’s team remains unsure of the exact nature of the issue that halted that first fight.

Chasing undisputed gold

Both men have forged Hall of Fame-worthy legacies in the intervening years.

Stakes are particularly high for the 34-year-old Holloway as he eyes a return to undisputed glory.

Victory could propel the Hawaiian towards a showdown with Ilia Topuria.

Topuria, the reigning lightweight champion, holds recent knockout wins over both combatants.

Many observers believe Holloway has earned a claim to a second crack at the Georgian-Spaniard in this new weight class.

TV channel and start time

UK viewers can watch the main card live on TNT Sports and via discovery+.

Coverage of the main card is scheduled to begin at 02:00 GMT on Sunday.

The early prelims will be available on UFC Fight Pass from 22:00 GMT on Saturday.

UFC 326 Fight Card

Main Card

Prelims

England head coach Steve Borthwick has pledged to raise training standards after admitting his side lacked their trademark physical intensity during the record defeat by Ireland.

Addressing the slump

The Red Rose’s hopes of a first Six Nations title since 2020 were extinguished following consecutive losses to Scotland and the heavy 42-21 reverse at Twickenham.

Despite the alarming slide, the head coach remained defiant at the team’s Bagshot base while addressing the root causes of the downturn.

Borthwick identified three critical failings that were exposed in London: wasted chances in the opposition 22, cheap turnovers, and a significant drop in aggression.

‘A trademark of the team’

The 44-year-old was candid in his assessment that England failed to meet the physical benchmarks they had previously set during a 12-match winning streak.

“The intensity that has become a trademark of the team – it wasn’t at the level we have set for ourselves,” Borthwick admitted.

He believes the failure to convert early pressure created a “snowball effect” which allowed the reigning champions to dominate proceedings.

“We had plenty of chances to score in the first 20 minutes,” the former Leicester Tigers boss added.

“If you don’t take your chances in Test match rugby it can be very cruel.”

Targeting a response in Rome

With remaining fixtures against Italy and France, the focus has shifted to sharpening the attack and eliminating the uncharacteristic errors plaguing the squad.

The aerial game has faltered, while decision-making under pressure has regressed significantly compared to earlier performances.

Borthwick insists the solution lies in pushing the players harder during preparation for the upcoming showdown in Rome.

“We have discussed all aspects of the preparation with the players,” he said.

“We need to drive even further what we are doing in training, and how hard we train.”

Former internationals Alix Popham and Kat Merchant have detailed the severe impact of brain injuries on their lives as rugby union confronts a major legal challenge regarding player welfare.

Popham, who won 33 caps for Wales, was diagnosed with early-onset dementia six years ago.

Medical experts estimate the retired back-rower sustained more than 100,000 sub-concussions during a 14-year professional career.

The 44-year-old now utilises a hyperbaric chamber daily and strictly limits his working hours to manage his symptoms.

Living with a ‘Nokia battery’ brain

The former Newport Gwent Dragons star describes his cognitive limitations vividly, comparing his energy levels to obsolete technology.

“I look at my brain as an old Nokia battery – I’ve only got so much bandwidth,” Popham explained.

“I’ve had to pull back and recognise that. Before that, I didn’t know I had this issue, so I’d just plough on, and that would be where I’d have this explosion.”

Popham admits that while understanding his condition has helped, his daily reality remains far from perfect.

Merchant’s fight after 2014 triumph

Kat Merchant, a World Cup winner with England in 2014, retired from the sport immediately following that tournament victory.

The former Worcester winger suffered her first significant concussion as a 16-year-old in the Premiership.

However, a seizure during a match in 2013 marked a terrifying turning point for the English speedster.

“My family were there and I didn’t recognise them,” Merchant said regarding the incident.

“I was completely all over the place. I didn’t see it, so didn’t know and didn’t get the magnitude of it.”

Following that injury, it took Merchant nearly four months to be physically able to exercise again.

Legal action looms over the sport

These personal testimonies emerge as rugby authorities prepare for a high-profile court case involving hundreds of former players.

Claimants are arguing that the sport’s governing bodies failed to take reasonable action to protect players from permanent injury caused by repetitive concussive blows.

Current protocols have since been tightened, with mandatory stand-down periods for players who fail Head Injury Assessments (HIA).

Promoter Frank Warren has insisted the disruption caused by a pre-fight party ahead of Daniel Dubois’ defeat by Oleksandr Usyk must never be repeated.

Lessons learned from Wembley defeat

Dubois is preparing to challenge Fabio Wardley for the WBO heavyweight world title on 9 May in Manchester.

The British contender arrived at Wembley Stadium just 90 minutes before his ring walk for last year’s knockout loss to Usyk.

It has been suggested that a gathering hosted by the heavyweight’s father delayed his arrival and disrupted his preparation.

“That can’t happen again,” Warren told Sky Sports.

“The good thing is they’ll be in Manchester so they’ll be staying in a hotel.”

Warren admitted the lateness caused significant stress behind the scenes moments before the biggest fight of Dubois’ career.

“When he was late getting there, I was tearing my hair out, what I’ve got left,” Warren added.

“I can’t be arguing with everyone when he’s two hours away from the biggest fight ever but afterwards we had a sitdown and said what we had to say.”

Stability in the corner

Following the defeat to the Ukrainian, Dubois briefly switched camps to train with Tony Sims.

However, the Londoner has since returned to head coach Don Charles ahead of the Wardley clash.

“He’s in a good place at the moment,” Warren said.

“Leaving Don and then going back has been good for him that he’s been elsewhere and seen he’s more comfortable with Don.”

‘Taking no steps backwards’

Dubois believes Wardley is gambling on him suffering from a lack of confidence following the fifth-round stoppage against Usyk.

The challenger insists he has moved past the incident and is focused solely on taking Wardley’s unbeaten record.

“It’s taking no steps backwards. This is the best fight for me,” Dubois said.

“I’m glad he’s taken it. My big chance, my big opportunity and I’ve got to take his 0.”

Dubois claims the tactical matchup favours him and has vowed to secure the WBO strap in emphatic fashion.

“Skills, that’s what it’s about, breaking him down and then taking him out,” he added.

President Donald Trump is set to host a roundtable discussion with Power 4 commissioners and high-profile sports figures at the White House on 6 March to debate the future of college athletics.

The event, titled the “College Sports Roundtable”, aims to address the rapidly shifting landscape of university sports in the United States.

According to sources, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and New York Yankees president Randy Levine have been listed as vice-chairs for the gathering.

A distinguished list of 35 invitees includes 15-time major golf champion Tiger Woods and legendary former Alabama head coach Nick Saban.

Other notable figures expected to be involved include former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

Executives from major broadcasters, including Fox Sports president Eric Shanks and ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro, are also on the guest list.

Skepticism over outcome

While invitations have been distributed, it remains unclear exactly who will attend the session in Washington DC.

Some sources intending to travel have privately expressed doubt regarding how much can be achieved on a Friday afternoon given the diverse backgrounds of those present.

“It is people who could be involved in helping shape the future of college athletics and some of the solutions and strategies to structuring the athletic world going forward,” one source told ESPN.

“It is so preliminary, it is hard to say anything with any sort of specificity because there has not been anything provided to us in writing of that sort yet.”

No active college head coaches were included in the group invited to the capital.

NIL and legislative battles

The high-level meeting comes as university leaders continue to lobby lawmakers on Capitol Hill for legislation to regulate Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals.

Texas Tech booster Cody Campbell, a key figure in the “Saving College Sports” campaign, is expected to attend after pushing for such a dialogue for over a year.

Despite previous outspoken support from Mr Trump and various politicians regarding athlete employment issues, the NCAA has so far failed to secure a congressional vote on federal regulation.

Saracens have categorically denied reports linking Ireland head coach Andy Farrell with a return to the club following the 2027 World Cup.

The Premiership side issued a strong statement dismissing claims made in the Irish press that the 49-year-old had been offered a deal worth more than £1m a year.

Speculation suggested the Ireland boss would take charge of the north London club once his international commitments concluded.

However, Saracens labelled the rumours "disrespectful" to both the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and their incoming director of rugby, Brendan Venter.

‘Categorically state no offer made’

Reports indicated that the former dual-code international was lined up to replace Venter, who is set to succeed long-serving director of rugby Mark McCall.

But the club insist no conversations have taken place regarding a potential homecoming.

Andy has not discussed his future with anyone on the board or ownership group of Saracens and we can categorically state, despite numerous reports to the contrary in the press, that no offer has been made to Andy.

Saracens club statement

The statement emphasised the harm caused by such speculation during a transition period for the club’s management.

The misguided reporting is disrespectful to Brendan Venter who will be assuming the DOR responsibilities from Mark McCall at the end of the 25/26 season. It is also disrespectful to Andy and the IRFU.

Strong family ties

Farrell began his coaching career with Saracens after retiring as a player in 2009 and maintains a close connection to the StoneX Stadium.

His son, Owen Farrell, remains a pivotal figure for the team having re-signed with the club last summer.

Given Andy’s close relationship with Saracens, the club looks forward to welcoming him to more home fixtures once the Six Nations Championship has concluded.

Farrell has enjoyed significant success on the international stage, guiding Ireland to two Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2023.

Defending champions India kept their T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive and eliminated Zimbabwe with a commanding 72-run victory in Chennai.

Having previously gone unbeaten in the group stage, the Chevrons leaked more than 250 runs for the second consecutive match in the Super 8s.

India piled on a massive 256-4, punishing the opposition bowling attack after being put into bat.

It stands as the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history, falling just short of Sri Lanka’s 260-6 against Kenya in 2007.

Sharma and Pandya power record total

Opener Abhishek Sharma set the tempo with a blistering 55 from 30 balls, striking four boundaries and as many sixes.

He was supported by a brutal finish from Hardik Pandya, who completed a 23-ball half-century with a six off the final delivery of the innings.

Tilak Varma also played a crucial cameo in the middle order, flashing an unbeaten 44 from just 16 deliveries to accelerate the scoring rate.

The total marked the fifth time the Men in Blue have passed the 250-run mark in men’s T20 internationals.

Bennett shines in defeat

Chasing a daunting target of 257, Brian Bennett produced a standout performance for Zimbabwe.

The 22-year-old opener showcased his immense talent, registering his third unbeaten half-century of the tournament with 97 from 59 balls.

Bennett struck eight fours and six sixes but lacked significant support at the other end.

Sikandar Raza’s 31 off 21 balls was the next highest score, as Arshdeep Singh claimed 3-24 to stifle the chase.

India bounce back from South Africa loss

This was a necessary statement from India following a heavy defeat by South Africa in their Super 8 opener.

Having been bowled out for just 111 in that match, the holders responded by bludgeoning their highest total at a T20 World Cup.

Zimbabwe’s cause was hampered by poor fielding, with five catches dropped during the Super 8 stage.

It marked a sharp decline from the group stage, where they boasted a catching efficiency of over 95%.

Must-win clash awaits

India are now level on points with West Indies in Group 1.

A victory against the two-time champions in Kolkata on Sunday will guarantee India’s spot in the last four.

South Africa, who maintained their 100% record by beating West Indies, have already joined England in qualifying for the semi-finals.