The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
Pathum Nissanka's unbeaten century powered Sri Lanka to an eight-wicket victory over Australia, securing their Super Eight spot in the T20 World Cup. Nissanka's brilliant 100 not out off 52 balls anchored the chase after Australia posted 181. Australia now faces elimination if Zimbabwe defeats Ireland.
Ishan Kishan attributed his match-winning 77 against Pakistan to fans and teammates, emphasising a calm approach and backing his natural game. He highlighted the team's plans and confidence, stressing the job is far from over. Kishan's fluent knock powered India to a 61-run victory, securing their third straight win.
Far from home comforts and craving Afghan food, Afghanistans cricketers are learning to cope with emotional and on-field pressure. A team dinner of Peshawari food helped them process the heartbreak of a double Super Over loss against South Africa, while growing resilience in crunch moments powered them over the line vs UAE, keeping their slim T20 World Cup Super Eight hopes alive.
T20 World Cup: Jonathan Trott after Afghanistan beat UAE
England defeated Italy by 24 runs to reach the Super Eights of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Will Jacks starred with a blistering unbeaten 53. England posted 202 for 7. Italy fought back bravely in their chase but were bowled out for 178. Sam Curran and Jamie Overton took three wickets each. England's victory confirmed their progression.
India secured a commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, clinching their spot in the Super Eight. Despite the dominant win, an animated exchange between Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav sparked social media debate, quickly diffused by captain Suryakumar Yadav's heartwarming gesture.
Sunil Gavaskar praised Suryakumar Yadav's astute match awareness following India's dominant T20 World Cup win over Pakistan. Gavaskar highlighted Suryakumar's crucial innings against both the USA and Pakistan, emphasizing his ability to anchor the batting and stabilize the innings under pressure. This strategic approach proved vital in securing India's victory and a Super 8 spot.
Pakistan is reportedly set to bench senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi for their T20 World Cup match against Namibia following their poor performance against India. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed dissatisfaction, leading the management to consider changes to test other players and potentially end the duo's campaign.
India secured a significant win against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. Former player Mohammed Kaif believes the focus has been too much on Pakistan's struggles. He highlights India's skill and composure under immense pressure. Players like Ishan Kishan delivered outstanding performances. This victory demonstrates India's ability to perform when stakes are high.
Afghanistan secured a crucial five-wicket victory against UAE, keeping their Super Eights aspirations alive. Despite the win, qualification hinges on other results, with captain Rashid Khan expressing hope for a positive mindset in their final group match. Player of the Match Azmatullah Omarzai's all-round performance was pivotal, while UAE captain Muhammad Waseem felt his team fell short with the bat.
Suryakumar Yadav press conference: How SKY trolled India-Pakistan rivalry
Cricketer Ishan Kishan's personal life is in the spotlight. His grandfather confirmed his relationship with model Aditi Hundia. This news comes after Kishan's stellar performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Hundia is a former Miss Diva winner. The family is reportedly ready to accept their union. Wedding plans are speculated for after the tournament.
India dominated Pakistan by 61 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo. The match saw India continue their 'no-handshake' policy, with players from both sides refraining from the customary gesture before and after the game, reflecting ongoing political tensions.
India's dominance over Pakistan in ICC T20 World Cups continues, with Sunday's victory marking their eighth. What began as a promising, balanced rivalry in 2007 has become a familiar pattern of Pakistani disappointment. Despite renewed hopes, India consistently asserts control, leaving former players like Waqar Younis expressing frustration at the widening gap in quality.
Azmatullah Omarzai proved decisive with a four-wicket haul and then an unbeaten 40 from 21 balls as Afghanistan beat UAE by 5 wickets with four balls to spare in the T20 World Cup. The result keeps Afghanistan's slim hopes of progressing to Super Eight alive but New Zealand could dash them on Tuesday.
Axar Patel's intelligent bowling, particularly his variations in length, proved crucial in India's T20 World Cup victory over Pakistan. His dismissal of Usman Khan and Babar Azam stifled Pakistan's chase. Patel, a flexible all-rounder, prioritizes team needs over batting order, showcasing adaptability both with ball and bat.
Steve Smith has been drafted into Australia's T20 World Cup squad, replacing Josh Hazlewood and is likely to open against Sri Lanka. This move comes as captain Mitchell Marsh remains doubtful due to injury, with Smith's inclusion bolstering a squad already missing key pacers and dealing with other player concerns.
Following India's dominant 61-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup in Colombo, former great Mohammad Yousuf has voiced extreme disappointment, calling it the darkest period in our cricketing history. He criticised the team's performance and called for the removal of incompetent individuals and political influence from Pakistan cricket.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan became the first bowler to take 700 T20 wickets during the T20 World Cup match against UAE, adding to his record as the highest wicket-taker in T20Is. However, he admitted Afghanistan are still hurting from their double Super Over loss to South Africa, calling it heartbreaking. Rashid said defeats linger but offer lessons, and stressed that limited matches against top teams make World Cup pressure even tougher.
Ravi Shastri backed Abhishek Sharma to bounce back from his poor form, saying he needs patience after multiple ducks in the T20 World Cup. He praised Ishan Kishans match-winning 77, calling his form exceptional. India beat Pakistan by 61 runs, scoring 175/7 and bowling them out for 114. India tops Group A with three wins and leads the World Cup head-to-head 81.
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson conceded a brilliant 77 by Ishan Kishan was the turning point in their T20 World Cup loss to India. Kishan's fearless batting dismantled Pakistan's spin strategy on a difficult pitch, setting India on course for victory. Hesson acknowledged his team was outplayed and now faces pressure to regroup for crucial upcoming matches.
Magnus Carlsen won the 2026 FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship in Germany, defeating Fabiano Caruana 2.51.5. A crucial comeback win in game three helped him secure the title, clinched with a draw in the final game. It is the first FIDE-recognised Freestyle world title and Carlsens 21st overall. Abdusattorov finished third, and the top three qualified for 2027.
India beat Pakistan by 61 runs to qualify for the T20 World Cup Super 8s, with Ishan Kishans 77 powering them to 175/7 before Pakistan were bowled out for 114. Suryakumar Yadav praised Kishan and said batting first was the right call. Pakistan collapsed early despite Usman Khans 44. India now join West Indies in the next round and will face South Africa, one of Zimbabwe or Australia, and West Indies.
Argentinian hockey star Nicolas Keenan shares his journey as an openly gay athlete. He highlights the importance of visibility and support for the LGBTQ+ community in sports. Keenan emphasizes the need for international sports federations to create safer environments. His relationship with Dutch PM-elect Rob Jetten inspires him to be his authentic self and reach his full potential.
Shoaib Akhtar slammed PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and Babar Azam after Pakistans 61-run loss to India, calling the leadership incompetent and questioning Babars match-winning ability. He said Pakistan lacks investment and modern talent to compete with India. In the match, India made 175/7 and bowled Pakistan out for 114, with early wickets triggering a collapse despite Usman Khans 44.
India showcased remarkable batting depth and smarts to decisively defeat Pakistan by 61 runs. Ishan Kishan's explosive 77 off 40 balls set a strong foundation on a challenging pitch. The Indian bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel, then stifled Pakistan's chase, highlighting a significant gulf in class.
Australia face a must-win T20 World Cup clash against Sri Lanka after a shocking defeat to Zimbabwe. With Steve Smith arriving as cover and captain Mitchell Marsh injured, selection is a concern. Sri Lanka, already top of their group, aim to secure Super Eight qualification with a win, while Australia's path is complex, requiring victories and favorable results elsewhere.
Indias 61-run win over Pakistan secured Super Eights qualification and featured a viral on-field moment as Hardik Pandya angrily reacted to dropped catches by Kuldeep Yadav and Ishan Kishan. Pandya later struck back with the ball, finishing with 2 wickets as Pakistan were bowled out for 114. Ishan Kishans 77 powered India to 175/7, while Pakistan collapsed early despite Usman Khans 44.
Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan admits the team is still reeling from a double Super Over T20 World Cup defeat to South Africa. He believes the heartbreaking loss, following an earlier defeat to New Zealand, will fuel their resolve. Khan highlighted the need for more regular matches against top teams to better prepare for high-stakes tournaments.
Despite a lack of handshakes between captains at the toss, a spirit of camaraderie was evident off the field in Colombo. Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq and Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh shared a 'salaam', while actress Shabana Azmi emphasized sports and arts transcending borders. Fans from both nations also interacted cordially.
Pakistans 61-run loss to India has put their T20 World Cup hopes at risk, with elimination possible depending on final Group A results. India have qualified for the Super Eights, while Pakistan sit third. Ishan Kishans 77 powered India to 175, before Pakistan collapsed for 114. Pakistan must beat Namibia and rely on other results to stay in contention.
India secured a dominant 61-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, showcasing a composed mindset and exceptional skill. Vice-captain Axar Patel emphasised the team's focus on cricket over rivalry. Ishan Kishan's sensational 77 off 40 balls on a challenging pitch laid the foundation for India's win, extending their World Cup dominance over Pakistan.
India secured a commanding victory against Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup. Ishan Kishan's powerful batting set the tone, followed by effective bowling from the Indian team. This win extended India's strong head-to-head record against Pakistan in tournaments. The team has now advanced to the Super 8 stage with an undefeated streak.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha admitted his team underperformed against India, with spinners having an off day and early batting collapses hurting them. He said the pitch improved later, and Pakistan failed to adapt. Agha urged the team to handle pressure and focus on upcoming matches and qualification. India won by 61 runs, topping Group A while Pakistan dropped to third.
On a difficult Colombo surface that aided spin, Ishan Kishans fearless 77 off 40 balls powered India to 175 against Pakistan. While others struggled, Kishan stayed ahead of the conditions, dismantling the middle overs with innovation and intent, producing a defining T20 World Cup innings built on clarity, courage and control.
Mike Hesson press conference: 'Ishan took the game away from us' after India beat Pakistan
Axar Patel press conference: 'We see them as a team, don't see rivalry' after India beat Pakistan
Defending champions India dominated Pakistan with a 61-run victory. Ishan Kishan's explosive 77 set the tone for India's 176. The bowlers then dismantled Pakistan's lineup, restricting them to 114. This win guarantees India's place in the Super Eights. The team displayed strong batting and bowling performances.
India dominated Pakistan in the T20 World Cup clash, securing a convincing victory. Ishan Kishan's explosive 77 powered India to 175, a total their bowlers defended expertly. Despite a brief resistance from Pakistan, India's disciplined bowling attack, led by Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, restricted them to 114, clinching a comfortable win.
India turned the much-hyped India-Pakistan clash into a one-sided affair as Ishan Kishans belligerent 77 blew Pakistan out of the contest. After setting 175, Indias bowlers ran through a hapless Pakistani batting line-up to seal a thumping win and confirm their Super Eight qualification dominantly.
India achieved a record T20 World Cup score against Pakistan, posting 175 for seven. Ishan Kishan's explosive 77 off 40 balls anchored the innings on a tricky Colombo pitch. Despite a mid-innings wobble triggered by Saim Ayub, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube provided crucial support, ensuring India set a new high in this intense rivalry.
Saim Ayub's crucial bowling spell shifted momentum in Pakistan's favor during their T20 World Cup match against India. He dismissed key Indian batsmen Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma, followed by a golden duck for Hardik Pandya. Ayub's impressive figures of three wickets for 25 runs in four overs significantly impacted the game's progression.
Kishan recorded the third-fastest fifty in India-Pakistan T20 internationals.
Abhishek Sharma's T20 World Cup struggles persisted as he was dismissed for a duck against Pakistan, caught by the captain himself in the opening over. This follows an earlier duck against the USA, raising concerns about his form. Despite a previous hospitalization, he was included in the playing XI for the crucial match.
The India-Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup was never truly in doubt, driven by the subcontinents fragile cricket economy and high financial stakes. Pakistans pullout threat lacked substance, while Bangladeshs missteps escalated tensions. Ultimately, economic realities, legal obligations, and survival instincts forced a compromise, restoring focus on the game over political posturing.
India's captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan's skipper Salman Ali Agha skipped the customary handshake at the T20 World Cup toss in Colombo. This continues India's stance, observed since the Asia Cup 2025, sparking debate. While Pakistan expressed openness to the gesture, India's captain remained non-committal, emphasizing a focus on cricket.

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