Cricket

Salt backs England to bring their 'best version' for Scotland clash

Opener channels spirit of 2022 triumph after West Indies defeat left them with no room for error

IPL 2026: Riyan Parag Embraces incredibly Special Responsibility After Being Named Rajasthan Royals Captain

Head Coach Kumar Sangakkara: Rajasthan Royals have officially ushered in a new era by appointing Riyan Parag as captain ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, with the 23-year-old describing the moment as both emotional and empowering. Having been part of the Royals setup since the early days of his IPL career, Parag spoke about the franchises role in shaping his journey and the pride he feels in stepping into the leadership role. Rajasthan Royals have been my home in the IPL since day one. This franchise has backed me, developed me, and pushed me to grow every season. To now lead this team is incredibly special, and its a responsibility I fully embrace. Im excited to work alongside our coaches and leadership group to play fearless, smart cricket and make our fans proud, he said. Parags appointment signals continuity in the Royals philosophy of nurturing young leaders from within. Having previously served as part of the teams player leadership group, he now takes on full captaincy responsibilities at a pivotal stage for the franchise. Head Coach Kumar Sangakkara emphasised Parags evolution as both a cricketer and a leader within the squad, underlining the managements confidence in the young all-rounder, as he said, Riyan has developed into a high-impact player and a strong presence in our group. Hes shown composure under pressure, a sharp cricketing mind, and a real understanding of how we want to play. Already as part of the player leadership group, he has the respect of the dressing room, and were confident he will thrive in this role Sangakkaras remarks highlight the internal belief that Parags leadership credentials have been built over time rather than fast-tracked, with the franchise prioritising clarity of vision and cultural alignment. Head Coach Kumar Sangakkara emphasised Parags evolution as both a cricketer and a leader within the squad, underlining the managements confidence in the young all-rounder, as he said, Riyan has developed into a high-impact player and a strong presence in our group. Hes shown composure under pressure, a sharp cricketing mind, and a real understanding of how we want to play. Already as part of the player leadership group, he has the respect of the dressing room, and were confident he will thrive in this role Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals will head into IPL 2026 with a strengthened coaching group led by Sangakkara as Director of Cricket and Head Coach, supported by a highly skilled and experienced backroom team designed to maximise preparation and performance. The support staff includes Vikram Rathour as Lead Assistant Coach, Shane Bond as Fast Bowling Coach, Trevor Penney as Assistant Coach, and Sid Lahiri as Performance Coach. Article Source: IANS

Aryansh Sharma, Sohaib Khan power UAE to thrilling win over Canada

The duo added 84 of the 85 UAE needed when they joined forces at 66 for 4 in the 151-run chase

T20 WC: Ireland Vs Oman, England Vs Scotland, New Zealand Vs South Africa - Match Previews

T20 World Cup: The eighth day of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 will see Ireland take on Oman in the morning game, before England face Scotland in the second match. The final match of the day, that is the evening game, will see New Zealand and South Africa face off. Ireland vs Oman Match 22 of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 will feature Ireland facing Oman in a Group B encounter at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Saturday. Ireland have endured a difficult start to their campaign, suffering back-to-back defeats and are sitting fourth in the standings without a point. Their regular skipper, Paul Stirling, was also ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after sustaining an injury in the previous match, with the team naming Sam Topping as his replacement. Despite early setbacks, the Irish side will rely on their experience and overall squad depth as they prepare to challenge Oman. Meanwhile, Oman, captained by Jatinder Singh, have experienced a comparable run, having lost both of their matches so far in the tournament. Ireland squad: Ross Adair, Harry Tector (c), Lorcan Tucker (w), Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Tim Tector, Joshua Little, Benjamin White, Craig Young, Sam Topping Oman squad: Aamir Kaleem, Jatinder Singh (c), Hammad Mirza, Mohammad Nadeem, Wasim Ali, Vinayak Shukla (wk), Jiten Ramanandi, Nadeem Khan, Sufyan Mehmood, Shah Faisal, Jay Odedra, Shakeel Ahmed, Karan Sonavale, Ashish Odedara, Shafiq Jan Head-to-head record between Ireland and Oman Total matches played 6 Ireland won: 4 Oman won: 2 Both teams' performance in their last 5 matches Ireland: L, W, W, L, L Oman: L, W, W, L, L England vs Scotland England are set to take on Scotland in their third Group C match, with the contest scheduled for Saturday at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Englands tournament so far has been far from convincing. After narrowly scraping past Nepal, they suffered a setback against the West Indies, leaving them fourth in Group C with a negative net run rate. With pressure mounting, this fixture becomes crucial to keep their campaign on track. Scotland, meanwhile, have built steady momentum. A spirited performance against the West Indies, followed by a commanding victory over Italy, has lifted them to second place in the group with a strong +0.95 NRR. Carrying confidence and belief, Scotland will view this clash as a key opportunity to tighten their grip on a qualification spot. England squad: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood Scotland squad: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young Head-to-head record between England and Scotland Total matches played: 1 England won: 0 Scotland won: 0 No Result: 1 Both teams' performance in their last 5 matches England: W, W, W, W, L Scotland: W, L, L, L, W New Zealand vs South Africa New Zealand and South Africa lock horns in a high-profile Group D showdown at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, in what promises to be one of the headline clashes of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 group stage. With firepower across their batting orders and well-rounded bowling units, both teams appear evenly matched on paper. New Zealand sit atop the Group D standings after securing two wins from two matches, most recently cruising to a dominant 10-wicket victory over the UAE. Their commanding form has underlined their title credentials early in the tournament. South Africa, just behind them in second place with two wins as well, arrive brimming with confidence after edging Afghanistan in a dramatic double Super Over thriller. With momentum on both sides, this contest could play a key role in shaping the groups final standings. New Zealand squad: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway South Africa squad: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Jason Smith, George Linde, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka Head-to-head record between New Zealand and South Africa Total matches played: 18 New Zealand won: 7 South Africa won: 11 No result: 1 Performance of both teams in their last 5 matches No result: 1 Also Read: Live Cricket Score South Africa: W, W, L, W, W Article Source: IANS

Netherlands opt to bowl against USA; Kyle Klein replaces Timm van der Gugten

USA made three changes by including Ali Khan, Saiteja Mukkamalla and Nosthush Kenjige

T20 WC: Netherlands Ask USA To Bat, Netravalkar Misses

Chennai Super Kings Academy: Netherlands won the toss and elected to bowl against the USA in their Group A match of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday. The Americans have endured a tough start to the tournament. After pushing India in a competitive opener in Mumbai, they were comprehensively beaten by Pakistan in Colombo. With two defeats already on the board, another loss would effectively end their hopes of progressing to the Super Eight stage, making this a must-win encounter for Monank Patel and his side. The Netherlands, meanwhile, arrive with momentum after a commanding seven-wicket victory over Namibia. Bas de Leede starred with a fine all-round performance, claiming two key wickets to help restrict Namibia to 156 before anchoring the chase with a fluent 72. The Dutch side will also draw confidence from their preparation in Chennai, having trained at the Chennai Super Kings Academy for a week recently, as well as from their dominant head-to-head record against the USA, which includes three consecutive T20I wins. Winning the toss, Dutch captain Scott Edwards said, We're going to bowl first. It's obviously quite a good wicket by the looks of it. We don't know about the dew factor later on tonight. Obviously, it's a little bit different, maybe how the ball comes on a bit later. But, you know, we pride ourselves on being good at adjusting to those sorts of things. We've got Kyle Klein coming in for Tim. Yeah, obviously, you know, things change over the years. I think we played them a year or two ago. But, you know, for us, it's just playing that good template all the time. We feel like we've been playing some of it. Meanwhile, USA skipper Monank Patel said, We would have bowled first too. We don't mind batting first. It's important that we get a good score. It's very important to get in and then play fearless cricket. There were some soft dismissals in the first two games. It's important to be a good fielding side. We have three changes. Sai, Nosh, and there's one more coming in. Playing XIs: Meanwhile, USA skipper Monank Patel said, We would have bowled first too. We don't mind batting first. It's important that we get a good score. It's very important to get in and then play fearless cricket. There were some soft dismissals in the first two games. It's important to be a good fielding side. We have three changes. Sai, Nosh, and there's one more coming in. Also Read: Live Cricket Score USA: Monank Patel (c), Shayan Jahangir (wk), Saiteja Mukkamalla, Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Nosthush Kenjige, Ali Khan Article Source: IANS

Kolkata the stage as England, Scotland resume auld rivalry

Grudge match given added edge by coinciding with Six Nations clash in Edinburgh

T20 WC: Batting Powerplay Could Be Crucial In Deciding Winner Of India-Pakistan Clash, Says Finch

T20 World Cup India: Maximising the batting Powerplay will be crucial to determining the winner of the high-stakes India-Pakistan clash in the Mens T20 World Cup in Colombo, said former Australia captain Aaron Finch. The last time these two teams met, India beat Pakistan thrice, including in the final, to win the Asia Cup in the UAE. Defending champions India are currently Group A toppers and ahead of Pakistan on Net Run Rate. They arrive in Colombo after beating Namibia by 93 runs, where Ishan Kishans 61 helped them collect 86 runs in Power-play -- the highest total in the six-over phase of this competition. Yes, particularly in Sri Lanka, where the wickets are a bit slower, they're turning more. You have to maximise those first six overs. So, we saw Ishan and Sanju get off to a flyer the other night. Australia tried it today, and they were on the back foot early because they lost wickets. So, it's a real risk-reward. You understand the importance of getting off to a flyer because it can be harder to score through the middle overs and then towards the backend. So, wickets in hand are absolutely crucial, and a batter set in there is absolutely crucial as well. Guys who walk to the crease will find it hard to hit boundaries early on in their innings. It's just the way that the game is played. It's slightly different in these conditions compared to, say, Arun Jaitley Stadium, for example, which is small and batters can just stand there and clear the ropes with ease. This will take some tactical thinking, and the teams that adapt quickest generally have success in those conditions. So, India have got plenty of experience. They've got left and right-hand combinations. They've got guys that can play slightly different tempos and different roles, as do Pakistan. So, I can't wait for this game, Finch told IANS ahead of the India vs Pakistan clash at a JioStar Media Day. Finch, who captained Australia to the 2021 Mens T20 World Cup win, predicted Pakistan's spinners would pose a significant challenge to India's batters, requiring a shift in approach from batting-friendly conditions back home. When you come to Colombo, you have to change your thought process a little bit compared to what you might (have) in India, where the grounds are smaller. The wickets are generally marginally flatter for batting, particularly through the middle overs. So, we saw in Australia's win over Ireland that was 22 twos that they ran. They put pressure on in a different way. So, you just have to change your mindset slightly. You probably have to target your specific match-up as opposed to just trying to target every bowler because any mishits, you're caught, you're out because there's so much space, there's so big a boundary, he added. However, Finch expressed confidence in India's ability to handle the challenge, citing their balance and experience. They'll be fine, as they've got a lot of experience in that team - a nice mix of left and right-handers, which is important as well. You don't want to get too locked down with either two right-handers or two left-handers at the crease, where teams can exploit that with the ball spinning away. So, India have got all the bases covered. He also hailed India's left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma as a superstar and hoped for him to be fit in time for the clash on Sunday. I think any team that has Abhishek Sharma in it is going to be better in T20 cricket. He's a superstar, and his ability to destroy an attack from ball one and continue to keep going in a way that not many other players in the world, if any, can match it with him. He's a super player. So, as soon as he's well enough, and I really hope that he is, because I love watching him play, and it was unfortunate to see that he spent some time in hospital unwell. So, I wish him a speedy recovery. Citing Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus' impressive four-wicket haul against India, Finch felt someone like Pakistans Usman Tariq could cause similar problems to the Suryakumar Yadav-led side. In terms of the spin threat of Pakistan and Erasmus -- almost the sidearm type of spin bowlers, there's plenty of upside. The way that they've been able to defend themselves, for one, has been really impressive. Erasmus, four wickets against India -- that was really a special performance when the ball was flying around the park. So, there's certainly a place for spinners like that. The game keeps evolving. People and players have to keep finding ways to be successful. From that point of view, I'm all for it. I think, guys, as long as it's within the laws of the game, don't feel off, he added. Reflecting on Australia's shock 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe earlier on Friday, Finch credited the latter for putting in a clinical performance in all departments. imbabwe played too beautifully. They deserve to win today. Australia winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, particularly in a day game - I could sort of understand it to a point because the wicked did feel a little bit tacky in the lead up. But that moisture was out as soon as the sun came out, and it was always going to get harder and harder for batting. So, Zimbabwe were clinical. The way that they structured their total, just to be two down, was brilliant. Brian Bennett played a brilliant innings. On paper, you look at it and think, well, he's only striking at 115, but that allowed the other guys to do some damage around him, and then with the ball to rip the heart out of Australia in that powerplay to be four down was an extraordinary performance. Finch signed off by saying Zimbabwe's victory should no longer come as a surprise, pointing to the competitiveness of other nations in the shortest format. They well and truly deserve that. They fielded brilliantly as well. On paper, you look at it and think, well, he's only striking at 115, but that allowed the other guys to do some damage around him, and then with the ball to rip the heart out of Australia in that powerplay to be four down was an extraordinary performance. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Watch India's bid to repeat history at the ICC Mens T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026, as they take on Pakistan on Feb 15 at 7:00 PM, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network. Article Source: IANS

Stirling-less Ireland hope the catches stick against fellow strugglers Oman

Oman won the only previous T20 World Cup meeting between the sides, back in 2016

T20 WC: Cricket Fraternity Lauds Zimbabwe's Clinical Win Over Australia

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium: The cricket fraternity on Friday rose in unanimity to hail Zimbabwe's magnificent performance as they beat the 2021 T20 World Cup champions Australia by 23 runs in their second match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday. Zimbabwe scored 169 while batting first and then bundled out Australia for just 146 runs in 19.3 overs with the help of a four-wicket haul by Blessing Muzarabani. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan hailed Zimbabwe's bowlers, who did a big damage to Australia's top order. Tall quicks in Muzarabani & Evans, add Ngrava in this. Quality all-rounders. Led by the ever-aggressive Sikandar Raza. This Zimbabwe T20 side is shaping up nicely. Beating Australia is never easy, but Zimbabwe has done it twice in T20 World Cup history now. Pathan wrote on X. While his brother Yusuf Pathan congratulated Zimbabwe on their second victory against Australia in the T20 World Cup history. History repeats after 19 years, Zimbabwe remain unbeaten against Australia in T20 World Cups. What a performance. Congratulations to the Zimbabwe team, he wrote on X. Former Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Matthews praised Zimbabwe while also shedding light on Group B, which is getting interesting. imbabwe, you beauty! What a performance! Group B is getting interesting, he wrote on X. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif questioned Australia's tactics of choosing to bowl first on a slow pitch. What a win for Zimbabwe. What catches, what spirit. But one thing is puzzling: Why did Australia choose to field in a day game on a slow pitch? History shows lesser teams upset big ones when they bat first, almost 90 per cent of the time, he wrote on X. Former South Africa stars Herschelle Gibbs and Dale Steyn also made a post on X, hailing Zimbabwe's performance. imbabwe with a very good win, bowled and fielded brilliantly, Gibbs wrote, while Steyn wrote just 'Zimbabwe' with the country's flag. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif questioned Australia's tactics of choosing to bowl first on a slow pitch. What a win for Zimbabwe. What catches, what spirit. But one thing is puzzling: Why did Australia choose to field in a day game on a slow pitch? History shows lesser teams upset big ones when they bat first, almost 90 per cent of the time, he wrote on X. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Zimbabwe will now face Ireland in their next group stage match in the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 17 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Article Source: IANS

Kate Cross signs new Lancashire contract

Seamer considered retirement after losing England deal but has committed to another season

T20 WC: A Lot Of Our Success Was Built After Losing The Final In 2016, Says Former England Captain Buttler

T20 World Cup: Englands ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has already delivered drama and dj vu in equal measure. Now free from leadership responsibilities but still one of the senior-most figures in the squad, Jos Buttler reflected on Englands white-ball transformation over the past decade, a journey that began after their early exit from the 2015 ICC Mens Cricket World Cup. The defending champions edged past Nepal by four runs in a last-ball thriller to open their tournament, before suffering a 30-run defeat to the West Indies in what was a rematch between the T20 World Cup 2016 finalists. With crucial fixtures against Scotland on Saturday and Italy on Monday looming, former white-ball captain Buttlers experience could prove vital as England look to steady their campaign. It's been great to be part of the team for so long and to go through a bit of a transition in English white-ball cricket. It was probably more noticeable in 50-over cricket initially, but there was a group of guys who came together in 2015 to try and play differently, to push the boundaries and, if anything, be un-English. Weve definitely tried to change the way we play as a nation, to be more aggressive and more positive, more positive than anyone else in the world was at that time. That mindset has certainly dripped through the English system, and the way some of the young players around the country, and on our side, play their cricket now is amazing to watch, he said, speaking on JioStar. That aggressive philosophy reshaped Englands limited-overs identity, and its resilience was tested most memorably in India a decade ago. The 2016 ICC Mens T20 World Cup final, where England were denied by the West Indies in the final over, remains a defining chapter in the teams evolution. Buttler believes that heartbreak ultimately became a springboard for sustained success. I think that World Cup, where we lost the final, was a real eye-opener for us in terms of how far we could go and what was possible for the team. We were a young side at that point and probably exceeded expectations in that tournament. We were four balls away from winning that game, which was incredible for us, as heartbreaking as it was to lose the final. It wasnt long after that the realisation came that we were a side capable of winning World Cups and going deep in tournaments. From that point forward, winning the 50-over World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022, I think a lot of that success was built on the back of losing that final in India in 2016. The 2016 ICC Mens T20 World Cup final, where England were denied by the West Indies in the final over, remains a defining chapter in the teams evolution. Buttler believes that heartbreak ultimately became a springboard for sustained success. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I think my role on this side is that the longer youre in a team, the more senior you become and the more responsibility you have to lead. I was obviously a lieutenant to Eoin Morgan for a long time and learned so much from him as a Captain. He did so much for English white-ball cricket to take us to that level. Taking over the captaincy from him was a great honour. There have been some good memories and some tough ones, but the highlight was lifting the T20 World Cup in Melbourne. Article Source: IANS

NZ and SA look ahead to Super Eights in low-pressure contest

It will be the teams' first meeting in a T20 World Cup since 2014

We Put Ourselves Under Pressure,' Says Travis Head After Australia's 23-run Defeat Against Zimbabwe

T20 World Cup: Australia's stand-in captain Travis Head admitted that his side put themselves under pressure after they suffered a 23-run defeat against Zimbabwe in their second match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday. Chasing 170, Australia were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs despite a fighting knock of 65 runs from Matt Renshaw. Zimbabwes pace duo Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans dismantled the top order, claiming four and three wickets respectively to script one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. Head felt the target was manageable, and the bowlers did a good job, but the batters failed in the chase. Yeah, we thought it was a good wicket, but we put ourselves under pressure. We thought it was going to be pretty even throughout the whole contest, and I think it showed that it was. I thought we did ok although we'd taken only two wickets in our innings, I felt like it was still probably under-par. So, felt like it came on really well in the second innings. We lost wickets. The first half was under pressure. They played well, as I said, I still felt like if you gave us that score after winning the toss and applying off it, I think we'd take the score, he said in the post-match presentation. So, I don't think, like you look back and there's no over here or there that you might do differently or switch around, but I felt like we worked through it well, and we were on the score that we would have been happy to chase, he added. Australias innings never truly recovered after slipping to 38/4 in the Powerplay. Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, and Tim David departed cheaply, while Head himself managed 17 before being dismissed. Glenn Maxwell and Renshaw stitched together a 77-run stand to revive hopes, but regular wickets and mounting pressure halted the chase. Head acknowledged that the early setbacks in the chase proved costly, and the team was never able to get back from that poor start. The feedback throughout was that it was a good wicket. We put ourselves under pressure, obviously losing wickets in the Powerplay. And like I said, put some pressure, and the scoreboard rate went up. We, I guess, found a partnership through the middle, but probably left ourselves a little bit too many, and that happens. So, it's disappointing, but that's the game. We've been here before. We said at the toss a little bit about having injuries and working through tournament play, which is typical. And we're seeing a lot of tight games, he said. Head acknowledged that the early setbacks in the chase proved costly, and the team was never able to get back from that poor start. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Australia will now face the co-hosts Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Stadium on Sunday as they hope to revive their Super 8 stage hopes. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: 'I Am Very Proud And Happy,' Says Raza After Zimbabwe Stun Australia

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium: Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza expressed immense pride in his teams all-round performance after their stunning 23-run victory over Australia in their second match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 played at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday. Zimbabwe scored 169 while batting first and then bundled out Australia for just 146 runs in 19.3 overs with the help of a four-wicket haul by Blessing Muzarabani. Raza said the win was a special moment for him personally as he watched his team thrive under pressure. Yeah, certainly, you know. I'm very happy, but above all, I'm very proud, a feeling of a brother who has his younger brother who is achieving a lot together. So it was nice to watch from outside and see how the team went about their business, the culture, the environment, the unity that we have taken, that we have created over a long time. Just to see it from the outside, I was extremely proud, and on top of that, a win. It's just unbelievable, he said in the post-match presentation, he said. Raza, who left the field in the second innings battling cramps, provided a positive update on his fitness. No, I've been here before. I mean, I know in Sri Lanka, this is not the first time that's happened, but sometimes, you know, just the pressure of the game and leading a side, the workload and everything, these things can happen. But all I can tell you is, these are just cramps. I know over the next day or two with good recovery, it should be fine, he added. Raza revealed the clear message sent to the batters when Zimbabwe were 70 without loss and aiming to build a competitive total. 70 on at 10, and we said we're happy. And I know somebody said in the changing room that, yeah, 190 is on, and I said, 'No. If you look for 190 now, it is 140 all-out. And then just keep going at 8s and 9s and see what happens, because over time and even from the previous tours we've been to Sri Lanka, we understand the wicket starts to get slower and lower, and the moment you try and go too hard too early, I mean, the cluster of wickets fell, he said. He also addressed concerns over squad depth after injury scares, which had previously ruled out Branden Taylor from the tournament. Yeah, certainly. So first of all, we've only got 13 able bodies in the squad, and then I went down. Cremer got a slight split webbing, but nothing serious. We even asked Dion Ebrahim to put the kit on in case we need him. But I think Zimbabwe cricket is looking into the replacements and things like that. I'm sure they'll be here for the next game because ideally in these conditions, you don't know what's going to happen, so you want 15 able bodies available for selection at every given time. Raza also said that the team would stay grounded despite the big win and focus on one match at a time. Yeah, certainly. So first of all, we've only got 13 able bodies in the squad, and then I went down. Cremer got a slight split webbing, but nothing serious. We even asked Dion Ebrahim to put the kit on in case we need him. But I think Zimbabwe cricket is looking into the replacements and things like that. I'm sure they'll be here for the next game because ideally in these conditions, you don't know what's going to happen, so you want 15 able bodies available for selection at every given time. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Zimbabwe will now face Ireland in their next group stage match in the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 17 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Tendulkar Hails Zimbabwes statement Win Against Australia

T20 World Cup: Former India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar hailed statement win from Zimbabwe after they gave a major upset of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, beating Australia by 23 runs. A fast bowling masterclass by pacers Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, who took four and three wickets respectively, helped Zimbabwe bowl out Australia for 146 runs in 19.3 overs and register 23 runs win in their second match at the R Premadasa Stadium. A statement win from Zimbabwe! Beating Australia by 23 runs takes real character. And of course, Blessing turned out to be just that, a blessing in the truest sense, with a superb 4 wicket spell. What an exciting tournament this is shaping up to be! Tendulkar posted on X. Matt Renshaw was the lone warrior for the 2021 T20 WC champions but lacked support as his valiant knock of 65 runs went in vain against Zimbabwe, who registered their second win in the T20 World Cup against Australia. Zimbabwe had previously done the same in the inaugural 2007 World Cup. Chasing a challenging target, Australia were off to a disastrous start as Zimbabwe's pacers crushed the top order with the help of the swing movement present at the ground. Australia's crisis man Glenn Maxwell again stood up for the team when needed the most. He started slowly and built a 77-run partnership with Matt Renshaw, who was doing the attacking job and putting pressure on the opposition, while Maxwell dealt in singles and doubles at the start of his innings. Praising special fielding efforts from Zimbabwe side, former India cricket Ravichandran Ashwin said, This is clinical from Zim. Batting and bowling have been great but Tony Munyongas fielding has piled on the pressure. He has saved at least 12-15 runs and closes the deal with a spectacular catch at deep mid wicket. When the ground sizes are proper, cricketing skills truly come to the fore giving a chance for all facets of the game. Really liked how the pitches have been really balanced this T 20 World Cup.#T20WorldCup2026, posted Ashwin. Earlier, riding on Brian Bennett's unbeaten 64-run knock, Zimbabwe posted 169/2 in 20 overs against Australia. Zimbabwe were off to a good start as both the openers, Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, dominated the Australian bowlers. The duo tackled the seam at the start of the innings with clean striking and forged a 61-run opening partnership. Australia finally got the breakthrough in the 8th over when Marumani was sent to the pavilion by Marcus Stoinis. He scored 35 runs off 21 balls and hammered seven fours during his stay at the crease Earlier, riding on Brian Bennett's unbeaten 64-run knock, Zimbabwe posted 169/2 in 20 overs against Australia. Zimbabwe were off to a good start as both the openers, Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, dominated the Australian bowlers. The duo tackled the seam at the start of the innings with clean striking and forged a 61-run opening partnership. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Bennett continued his attack and completed his fifty off 43 balls. He remained unbeaten on 64 off 56 balls as Zimbabwe reached a competitive total. Article Source: IANS

Muzarabani, Evans and Bennett slay Australia

Australia were never really in the contest - they picked up two wickets in Zimbabwe's entire innings and lost four in their batting powerplay - and fell well short in the end

T20 WC: Hopefully UAE Tweaks A Few Things With Ball To Get A Better Result, Says Sharafu

Arun Jaitley Stadium: UAE batter Alishan Sharafu said his sides batting unit took confidence from their opening performance at the World Cup, even though they fell to a ten-wicket defeat to New Zealand and hoped for a few tweaks with the ball to come good to get a better result against Canada at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday. Sharafu and Muhammad Waseem hit fifties to power UAE to 173 against New Zealand, but the Blackcaps chased down the total with ten wickets in hand in a stunning chase in Chennai. UAE now need a win over Canada to open their account in the Group D points table. Personally, it was an ideal start for us as a batting unit, and we were quite happy with our first-innings total. However, they came out swinging, and it was unfortunate to end up on the losing side. It was a decent start with the bat, and hopefully, we can tweak a few things with the ball to get a better result today, Sharafu said to broadcasters ahead of the match. He also highlighted his partnership with skipper Muhammad Waseem as a key factor in UAEs batting plans. We've batted together quite a lot, so we complement each other well and I really enjoy my time out there with him. The plan was simple: maintain positive intent during the powerplay, then try to bat as deep as possible to cash in at the end. I got out in the 15th over, but he stayed out there throughout the innings, which was key for us. Sharafu said his stint in the International League T20 (ILT20) gave him valuable exposure against top bowlers. Playing in the ILT20 a couple of months ago helped a lot because we've faced most of these bowlers before. The plan was simple: maintain positive intent during the powerplay, then try to bat as deep as possible to cash in at the end. I got out in the 15th over, but he stayed out there throughout the innings, which was key for us. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Looking ahead, Sharafu stressed the importance of keeping his approach simple. I just try to enjoy my batting. I fancy taking my chances early in the powerplay, and once that's over, I wait for the balls that are there to be put away. I keep it as simple as possible - go out there and have some fun, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Scoring Fifty In The Tournament In India Is Special, Says Canadas Dhaliwal

T20 World Cup: Veteran Canada batter Navneet Dhaliwal said hitting a fifty in the group-stage clash against South Africa in the Mens T20 World Cup carried added significance as it came in a country where cricket is adored a lot. Dhaliwals fighting fifty went in vain as South Africa beat Canada by 57 runs in Ahmedabad. Canada are now looking to get their first win over UAE at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday afternoon. Scoring fifty in World Cup cricket while playing in a nation with such a massive population where cricket is like a religion is special. Every second person plays here. The grinding is what I learned from Punjab and playing in India. The passion people have for the game helped me survive those tough periods in Canada, both in cricket and in my professional life. A bit of a discipline problem we have a little bit for sure, but when you need someone to stand in the middle and fight for their country, you see the true spirit of a Punjabi. They might be hard to control sometimes, but they'll fight until the end, Dhaliwal told broadcasters ahead of the clash. Dhaliwal reflected on the contrasting cricketing cultures in India and Canada, noting the challenges of balancing sport with professional life coming in a non-Test playing nation. Cricket in Canada is different from what you expect in Test nations. In the big nations, players are well-paid, but in Canada, you have to work. You have a family to support, and it isn't easy juggling your passion with your profession. But the World Cup is a huge stage, especially in India. I promised myself I'd keep fighting through every game to perform and get selected, and that's why I'm here today. Dhaliwal reflected on the contrasting cricketing cultures in India and Canada, noting the challenges of balancing sport with professional life coming in a non-Test playing nation. Cricket in Canada is different from what you expect in Test nations. In the big nations, players are well-paid, but in Canada, you have to work. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Canada has treated me really well; it's become my home now. Coming back here, it feels like the circle is complete. I started in India, and it looks like I am going to finish in India too. Article Source: IANS

Canada opt to bat, UAE bring in Farooq and Jawadullah

Parashar and Rohid miss out for UAE while Canada named an unchanged XI

Peter Fulton named as Middlesex's new head coach

Former New Zealand opening batter named as replacement for Richard Johnson

T20 WC: Farooq, Jawad Come In As Unchanged Canada Elect To Bat Against UAE

T20 World Cup: An unchanged Canada have won the toss and elected to bat first against UAE in a Group D clash of 2026 Mens T20 World Cup at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday. Both teams are looking to get their first win of the ongoing competition. The pitch for this clash will be the one used for the India-Namibia game on Thursday evening. Canada are coming after suffering a 57-run hammering at the hands of South Africa, and occupy the bottom spot with a net run rate of -2.850. UAE, despite a spirited batting display against New Zealand, suffered a ten-wicket defeat and sit one rung above Canada with a net run rate of -2.763. After winning the toss, skipper Dilpreet Bajwa said his playing eleven is unchanged. We both are associate teams so we just want to bat first and want to put pressure of chase on them. It's a very good wicket, we saw yesterday's game and India scored very well. I think it's a batting pitch. As I said, pressure is going to be there for the chase though. It's been good (to captain Canada). Playing South Africa is a good experience for me as a captain and thanks to the board for choosing me as a captain and I'm enjoying it, he said. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem said Muhammad Farooq and Muhammad Jawadullah come into the playing eleven in place of Dhruv Parashar and Muhammad Rohid Khan. Second game on the same wicket, we were also looking for the batting. But I think we need to restrict them under low total. No pressure to be honest. Just we have to play the game like we played before also. We'll play with the ball and with the bat and against the opposition, that's it, he said. Playing XIs: Second game on the same wicket, we were also looking for the batting. But I think we need to restrict them under low total. No pressure to be honest. Just we have to play the game like we played before also. We'll play with the ball and with the bat and against the opposition, that's it, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score UAE: Aryansh Sharma (wk), Muhammad Waseem (captain), Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Jawadullah Article Source: IANS

He Goes Too Deep In The Crease: Gavaskar Flags Samsons Flaw Ahead Of India-Pakistan Clash

T20 World Cup: Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar pointed out technical flaws in Sanju Samsons approach after the wicket-keeper batter threw his wicket on 22 runs against Namibia, in India's second match of the T20 World Cup 2026, played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday. Gavaskar said Samsons tendency to go too deep inside the crease while attempting the flick shot is causing problems at the top of the order. Sanju Samson has a technical problem. He goes too deep in the crease and plays that flick shot. You can only hope he times it in the gap, or it goes for a six. He needs to make improvements, especially when he opens against the new ball. Namibia were clever with their field placements. They set a field to get Samson out. But it was good that he hit some nice shots. That must have given him some confidence. If he plays the next match against Pakistan, he needs to spend more time at the crease. Gavaskar told Jio Star. Gavaskar also spoke about Indias bowling combinations and hinted at possible changes for the high-voltage clash against Pakistan. Captain Suryakumar Yadav was experimenting against Namibia with the Pakistan game in mind. Hardik's bowling in the first over suggests Arshdeep may not play in the next match against Pakistan. Varun Chakaravarthy bowled only two overs and would have taken five or six wickets if he bowled his full four overs, he said. The best part about Varun is that he gets wickets whenever he is asked to bowl. Axar Patel took two wickets in three overs; its a good sign. All our bowlers picked up wickets. Arshdeep did not complete his four overs, while Shivam Dube bowled two, and Hardik completed his quota. This hints that Kuldeep Yadav could replace Arshdeep against Pakistan. Sri Lanka pitches help spinners, and India has a history of playing three spinners. Expect Kuldeep in the XI against Pakistan in Colombo, he added. While Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel weighed in on Indias spin options and backed Kuldeep Yadav to feature against Pakistan. The best part about Varun is that he gets wickets whenever he is asked to bowl. Axar Patel took two wickets in three overs; its a good sign. All our bowlers picked up wickets. Arshdeep did not complete his four overs, while Shivam Dube bowled two, and Hardik completed his quota. This hints that Kuldeep Yadav could replace Arshdeep against Pakistan. Sri Lanka pitches help spinners, and India has a history of playing three spinners. Expect Kuldeep in the XI against Pakistan in Colombo, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So, India does have options. But I feel Kuldeep Yadav should play because he comes with a guarantee of wickets. Pakistan do not play spin well, and Kuldeep knows how to dismiss the Pakistani batters. In the last Asia Cup final, he took four wickets. I would love to see a Kuldeep Yadav masterclass against Pakistan one more time, Parthiv Patel added. Article Source: IANS

ICCS Cricket 4 Good Initiative Brings Young Fans Closer To T20 WC Stars

Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground: The ICCs Cricket 4 Good initiative, in collaboration with UNICEF, has delivered a series of cricket clinics during the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026, engaging young fans across multiple locations as part of the ICCs global community outreach programme. Delivered alongside the tournament and featuring teams participating in the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026, the clinics provided children with opportunities to engage directly with international players, develop cricketing skills and experience the confidence, joy and life values that sport brings. The sessions reflect the ICCs commitment to harnessing the power and reach of cricket to create a positive and lasting impact on children and families worldwide. At the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the Cricket 4 Good clinic with Team India offered children a memorable and immersive cricketing experience. They participated in interactive on-field activities, learned basic cricket skills, and engaged closely with the players during a special meet-and-greet session. The clinic also included photo opportunities and informal interactions, giving the young fans a rare chance to connect with their heroes and experience the values of teamwork, confidence and sportsmanship first-hand. The Mumbai venue also hosted a Cricket 4 Good clinic with Team USA, England, West Indies & Nepal where children participated in cricket-based activities and enjoyed meet-and-greet interactions with the players. In Chennai, the Cricket 4 Good programme featured clinics with Afghanistan players at High Performance Centre, and with New Zealand players at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Players from both teams spent time playing cricket with children and engaging in informal interactions, with the New Zealand clinic also welcoming specially-abled children, reflecting the initiatives inclusive focus. The clinics continued at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, where children connected with the Italy team through cricket-based activities, and at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, where young fans interacted with Namibia, enjoying the opportunity to play cricket and spend time with the players. In Chennai, the Cricket 4 Good programme featured clinics with Afghanistan players at High Performance Centre, and with New Zealand players at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Players from both teams spent time playing cricket with children and engaging in informal interactions, with the New Zealand clinic also welcoming specially-abled children, reflecting the initiatives inclusive focus. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Through Cricket 4 Good, the ICC and UNICEF continue to leverage the platform of ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 while also working with local community organisations and partners to deliver activities that extend beyond tournaments, creating lasting and meaningful impact for children and families around the world. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Brian Bennett's Fifty Guides Zimbabwe To 169/2 Against Australia

T20 World Cup: Riding on Brian Bennett's unbeaten 64-run knock, Zimbabwe posted 169/2 in 20 overs against Australia in their second match of the T20 World Cup 2026 played at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday. Coming to bat after losing the toss, Zimbabwe were off to a good start as both the openers, Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani, dominated the Australian bowlers. The duo tackled the seam at the start of the innings with clean striking and forged a 61-run opening partnership. Zimbabwe were at 47 for no loss in the powerplay against the 2021 champions. Australia finally got the breakthrough in the 8th over when Marumani was sent to the pavilion by Marcus Stoinis. He scored 35 runs off just 21 balls and hammered seven fours during his stay at the crease. Australia were not able to capitalise on the breakthrough as Brian Bennett continued to steer the innings with the help of Ryan Burl, who got out on the last ball of the 16th over after scoring 35 runs off 30 balls. Burl and Bennett scored 70 runs together as they put pressure on the opposition during the middle overs. Bennett continued his attack and completed his fifty off 43 balls. He remained unbeaten on 64 off 56 balls. Bennett hit seven fours during his innings. Australia's injury woes increased during the match as their all-rounder, Stoinis, was hit badly on the fingers while attempting to take a sharp catch off his own bowling during the 16th over. He was looking in pain and was taken off the field after the injury. Bennett continued his attack and completed his fifty off 43 balls. He remained unbeaten on 64 off 56 balls. Bennett hit seven fours during his innings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Zimbabwe 169/2 in 20 overs (Brian Bennett 64 not out, Ryan Burl 35, Tadiwanashe Marumani 35; Cameron Green 1-6, Marcus Stoinis 1- 17) against Australia Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Ben Curran Named Replacement Of Injured Taylor In Zimbabwe Squad

The Event Technical Committee: The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 on Friday approved Ben Curran as a replacement for Brendan Taylor in the Zimbabwe squad. Curran was named as a replacement after Taylor was ruled out after sustaining a right hamstring injury during the match against Oman on February 9. The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the replacement player can be officially added to the squad. Speaking after losing the toss against Australia in their second match, Raza informed about the change in the team due to injury. He said, Brendan Taylor picked up an injury, and he's been ruled out of the competition. Tony Munyonga is back in the team in place of Taylor and will do the wicket-keeping in the match. Taylor was in good form and played an amazing innings against Oman, which helped the team register an easy win. He came in at a time when Zimbabwe had lost back-to-back wickets, and the experienced batter then forged a 68-run partnership with Brian Bennett to take the team close to victory. However, he picked up a hamstring while batting and retired hurt after scoring 31 runs in the match. He was seen limping as he made his way to the pavilion. Taylor was in good form and played an amazing innings against Oman, which helped the team register an easy win. He came in at a time when Zimbabwe had lost back-to-back wickets, and the experienced batter then forged a 68-run partnership with Brian Bennett to take the team close to victory. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He has been delivering consistent performances since his return to the side after a four-year gap in 2025. He played 13 matches last year and scored 251 runs for the team, which included his maiden T20I century. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Ireland Captain Paul Stirling Ruled Out Of The Tournament Due To Injury

The T20 World Cup Event: The Ireland cricket team has been dealt a massive blow as their captain, Paul Stirling, has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup 2026 due to an injury he suffered during the team's first match in the tournament, played against Australia at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday. Cricket Ireland confirmed the captain's exit on Friday. The T20 World Cup Event Technical Committee have approved a replacement player for Stirling, with uncapped youngster Sam Topping joining Ireland's 15-player squad with immediate effect. Paul Stirling underwent an assessment and a scan after the Australian match, which has subsequently revealed ligament damage; as such, he has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup. Paul will shortly return home for rest and rehabilitation, ahead of the home summer, Graeme West, Director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland, said in a statement. To replace Paul, we have called up Sam Topping, who is able to provide immediate cover as he is a short flight away in Chennai. Sam has been with the Northern Knights training squad and has been playing and training in similar conditions to Sri Lanka. The skill set he offers provides cover across a number of areas within the squad, which is important as Ben Calitz is also carrying a knock to his hand after the last match, it added. Topping is a left-handed opening batter who last year featured for Ireland A in their four-day match against Afghanistan A in Abu Dhabi. Stirling was fielding at cover in the 7th over of the first innings against Australia when he dived high to his right to take a spectacular catch to dismiss Josh Inglis. However, as he came down, he landed on the point of his knee on an area of hard ground. Going into the second innings, Stirling advised team management he felt he was able to bat and walked out to open with Ross Adair. On the first ball, Stirling dug out a full-length ball on leg stump to wide mid on and set off for a single. As he took a few steps, his knee buckled and despite successfully struggling to complete the single in obvious pain, the skipper was forced to retire hurt. Going into the second innings, Stirling advised team management he felt he was able to bat and walked out to open with Ross Adair. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, Ireland had a poor start to the tournament as they suffered a massive 67-run defeat against the 2021 World Cup champions in their campaign opener. The team will now face Oman in their next group stage match to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) on Saturday. Article Source: IANS

Uncapped Topping replaces injured Stirling in Ireland squad for rest of the T20 World Cup

Paul Stirling hurt his right knee while diving to take a catch during Ireland's previous T20 World Cup game against Australia

T20 WC: 'Brendan Taylor Is Ruled Out Of The Competition,' Says Sikandar Raza

T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe have been dealt a major blow ahead of their second match of the T20 World Cup 2026 against Australia at the R. Premadasa Stadium, with captain Sikandar Raza confirming that wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor has been ruled out of the entire tournament due to injury. Speaking after losing the toss, Raza informed about the change in the team due to injury. He said, Brendan Taylor picked up an injury, and he's been ruled out of the competition. Tony Munyonga is back in the team in place of Taylor and will do the wicketkeeping in the match. Taylor was in good form and played an amazing innings against Oman, which helped the team register an easy win. He came in at a time when Zimbabwe had lost back-to-back wickets, and the experienced batter then forged a 68-run partnership with Brian Bennett to take the team close to victory. However, he picked up a hamstring while batting and got retired hurt after scoring 31 runs in the match. He was seen limping as he made his way to the pavilion. Taylor is the most experienced player in Zimbabwe's squad and was also part of the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. He has played 59 T20Is for the team and has scored 1,216 runs in his 20-year-long career so far. Taylor has also scored a century and six half-centuries in the format. However, he picked up a hamstring while batting and got retired hurt after scoring 31 runs in the match. He was seen limping as he made his way to the pavilion. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, Zimbabwe are back in the T20 World Cup fold after missing the last edition played in 2024. They qualified after winning all their matches in the African qualifiers, and Sikandar Raza's team will be eyeing their first trophy in the tournament. Article Source: IANS

Brendan Taylor out of remainder of T20 World Cup with hamstring injury

Brendan Taylor, the Zimbabwe veteran, retired hurt in Zimbabwe's previous T20 World Cup game against Oman and was always a doubt for the Australia fixture

Australia bring in David and Dwarshuis, ask Zimbabwe to bat

Brendan Taylor, the Zimbabwe veteran, has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup because of a hamstring injury

T20 WC: Tim David Back As Australia Choose To Bowl Against Zimbabwe

T20 World Cup: Australia won the toss and elected to bowl against Zimbabwe in their second match of the 2026 T20 World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday. Travis Head will continue to lead the side in place of Mitchell Marsh, who missed out due to injury, while Tim David is back to the playing XI. Australia are coming into the contest after registering a dominating 67-run victory over Ireland in their opening match played at the same venue. Despite missing their top fast bowlers, Australia managed to keep Ireland in check, with Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa taking four wickets each. The balanced bowling unit and smart batting adjustments helped them post a competitive total of 182 runs on a pitch that favoured slower bowlers and helped them start their campaign on a good note. On the other hand, Zimbabwe are also coming into the contest after a confident eight-wicket win over Oman in their campaign opener. Zimbabwe's opening match was all about pace, with Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, and Brad Evans each taking three wickets to bowl out Oman for just 103 runs and then chasing the small target easily in just 13.3 overs with the help of magnificent innings from Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor. After winning the toss, Travis Head said, We will bowl. Well, I mean, one eye is obviously on the cricket and the other on the fitness issues. But were used to a bit of chaos early in competitions like this. Weve had it before. Its a really good group, calm, and were in a good space. We played well the other night, so our challenge now is to back that up and put in another strong performance. I think its about dealing with the conditions. I felt we did that really, really well. We want to keep the pressure on the run rate. We probably did it in a different way than we naturally do, but thats down to the wicket conditions. Its a different wicket today as well, so its about summing up the conditions, adapting well, and playing smart cricket. No, (Smith) hes not here yet. He played golf a couple of days ago. I think hes in Chennai. Itll be nice having him around, and hopefully the skipper gets fit soon. Two changes for us - Connolly and Barrett sit out, Ben Dwarshius and Tim David are back into the XI, he added. While after losing the toss Raza said, Not a bad thing to bat first, the pitch might get slower and we've picked an extra spinner. The bounce here on different wickets is a gap of around 13m, so we need to keep our discipline and hit the top of the stumps. We don't have too many chances to play against Australia, and the ICC has given us this chance, so looking to do well. Two changes for us - unfortunately, Brendan Taylor has been ruled out of the competition, Richard Ngarava has been rested as a precautionary measure. His second scans came out well. Tony Munyonga and Greame Creamer are in, he added. Playing XIs: Two changes for us - unfortunately, Brendan Taylor has been ruled out of the competition, Richard Ngarava has been rested as a precautionary measure. His second scans came out well. Tony Munyonga and Greame Creamer are in, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani. Article Source: IANS

It Was Very Challenging: Nicholas Kirton Opens Up On Arrest, And His Return To Canadas World Cup Squad

Grantley Adams International Airport: Canada cricketer Nicholas Kirton shared the toughest time of his career and called the airport arrest incident very challenging and described it as a life-changing learning experience. He reflected on his mistake, the mental strain it caused, and the strength that helped him return to the national team. One of Kirtons happiest cricket memories is still his match-winning performance against Ireland at the 2024 ICC Mens T20 World Cup. That 12-run win was Canadas only victory in their first appearance at the tournament. He played a key role in that moment, and it felt like the start of something great. Instead, it marked the peak before a sudden and personal decline. In April 2025, just months after leading Canada on the global stage, the Barbados-born batter was arrested upon arriving at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados. Authorities allegedly found 20 pounds of cannabis in a bag connected to him. He faced charges for possession and trafficking. Kirton pleaded not guilty and was released on bail, but the incident raised serious concerns about his future in cricket. It was very challenging. I was travelling back to Barbados and I asked one of my friends to collect a bag for me because my sponsor had some new gear for me. When the bag was brought, I didnt check it properly. When I got to Barbados, they found the stuff in it, Kirton told www.telecomasia.net. It was an unfortunate circumstance but definitely a learning experience for me. It taught me to be more careful and not trust anyone just like that. I trusted the person because I knew them well but now Im very careful. The impact was not just legal or professional. It was deeply psychological. There were moments when the 27-year-old truly wondered if he would ever return to competitive cricket. To find balance, he sought therapy. Yes, I had to get into the right frame of mind and I took therapy for a couple of weeks. I reflected and looked back at the entire situation; things I could have controlled and what I could have done to prevent it. Obviously, you dont expect someone you trust to do that to you. It took me time to come to terms with it, but at the end of the day, it was a learning curve for me. After months of consultations involving his legal team, Cricket Canada and the relevant authorities, Kirton was cleared to resume playing. He was drafted back into the national squad and is now in India for the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup, determined not to let one chapter define his career. I actually started playing again a couple of months later and Ive been with the team ever since, he said. I was pretty confident of getting selected for the 2026 T20 World Cup because I had captained the side in the last couple of series before the tournament. While he no longer leads the side with Dilpreet Bajwa taking over captaincy duties Kirton has embraced the change. I actually prefer it, he admitted. Its a little bit less to deal with and I can focus on my own game. Its been pretty good and I just try to support the team in whatever way I can. Born in Barbados, Kirton represented the West Indies Under-19 team and played domestic cricket before moving to Canada, qualifying through his mother. Cricket is something Ive played for as long as I can remember. My mom got me into a junior programme in Barbados when I was six or seven. Shes actually the reason I qualified to play for Canada because she was born there. Now competing in India, Kirton believes exposure to elite conditions and global competition is vital for Canadas development. Just being able to practice in facilities like this, having conversations with international players and seeing how they prepare, its a learning experience, he said. Were soaking up the World Cup experience in India. Now competing in India, Kirton believes exposure to elite conditions and global competition is vital for Canadas development. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Overall, my main focus is to make sure Canada retains its ODI status, he said. Right now, were mid-table. Thats my main priority to ensure Canada stays at this level for as long as possible. Article Source: IANS

One-Day Cup final moved to ensure Tasmania can host

The match had been caught in a scheduling squeeze with Hobart staging two ODIs in three days

T20 WC: Varun's Devastating Spell Was The Game-breaker, Says Namibia Skipper Erasmus

Arun Jaitley Stadium: Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus said India wrist-spinner Varun Chakravarthy's devastating spell was the game-breaker in his team's 93-run defeat in their Group A clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday. Chakravarthy ended any lingering hopes of an upset result by picking three wickets within his ten balls after Namibia were 85/2 and effectively settle the contest in Indias favour. Honestly, I have to say that that was the game-breaker right there. I think he had three for five at one stage. For us, that's another learning. It's another one to take forward for the next World Cups, for the next games against big nations. How quickly the game evolves, how you can prepare for guys like that. You can do as much as you want in front of computers and in front of watching footage and talking about how you're going to play. You're going to play for every ball that comes in, but actually doing it is a different thing. Doing it on that level is something that we've learned, unfortunately, as our lesson. We couldn't combat that skill. I don't feel like the occasion or the lights or this or that was actually at the end of the day the main thing we had to combat. It was really just a new skill that we've never seen, Erasmus told reporters in a mixed zone interaction at the conclusion of the game. He also explained that mystery spin bowling which Chakaravarthy does is rarely encountered at the associate level. I think just the spell of bowing - it's a skill that we don't naturally see in our level of cricket, is mystery bowling. Yes, there's leg-spin googly every now and again that you face and people have become accustomed to that. It's only in a few countries that they have guys bowling googlies and all sorts like the skills of Mujeeb and Varun and these types of guys. I don't think there's anyone in the associate cricket that bowls it. There's probably Sher Malla (of Nepal), who's probably the closest guy and the newest guy on our level. Erasmus further revealed that his team's strategy was to avoid pace bowling and slow down the game in the middle overs, though he acknowledged the final over of powerplay, where Ishan Kishan hit JJ Smit for 28 runs four sixes and a boundary - could have been handled better, as India ended six-over phase at 86/1. In our planning, it wasn't really part of our plans to bowl too much spin in the powerplay. We thought that it's going to be really good with it. Clearly to get out of the powerplay we'll probably match up a little bit better with right-hand, left-hand combinations maybe in the middle period. So in hindsight perhaps one of those overs could have gone to spin, seeing that the powerplay went for 80 odd. But I mean that's always hindsight. I thought we were getting a wicket here and there, slowed down the powerplay a bit and then unfortunately that last over in the powerplay really went. If we could have held it maybe to just past 60, then that's probably a decent job done. So, that last over in the powerplay, they made it and credit to Kishan for pulling that off. But it was always going to be our plan to slow it up in the middle. The Indians are long not scared of any pace or anything like that and our weapon was always like how the USA used to just slow down the game. The Namibian captain said his team showed courage in patches but struggled to maintain composure under pressure against a high-quality opponent. That's actually quite a good assessment. Apart from that period when Varun bowled, I think the rest of the game on a flat wicket, middle strip, no wind or anything to use or no long side to use. Through periods of that bowling performance guys stuck up, especially towards the back end of the game of their batting innings. That's kind of something that you have to really get accustomed to is when you play in big stadiums in front of crowds and against big teams, is not to be overawed as a first step and then you can express your skills better. Felt that some guys did it in patches, but unfortunately some of those big overs that leaked and also that period of batting when we went three or four wickets straight. It's courageous in that we want to win the game and I think everyone needs to play that way. I think that's the way certainly I want to get on the side. But courage is only one bit of the skill. If you want to be a high class cricketer, then you have to have courage. That's kind of something that you have to really get accustomed to is when you play in big stadiums in front of crowds and against big teams, is not to be overawed as a first step and then you can express your skills better. Felt that some guys did it in patches, but unfortunately some of those big overs that leaked and also that period of batting when we went three or four wickets straight. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Erasmus signed off by highlighting the importance of more exposure to high-level cricket for associate nations. It's like under the exposure that you have there with 40,000 fans and high quality bowling, how can you access the same skills that you do when you play your peers in associate cricket, and in front of no crowds. More games like this give you more exposure, experience and know-how of how to go about it. Article Source: IANS

Riyan Parag set to be named Rajasthan Royals' new captain

Parag has led them before, in IPL 2025, but will take over full time now after Samson's trade to CSK

Chinnaswamy gets go-ahead to host IPL, international cricket from state government

KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad said a majority of the infrastructure-related work undertaken in January were in the final stages

T20 WC: Basic Plan Is To Take Wickets And Keep Attacking The Stumps, Says Chakaravarthy

Arun Jaitley Stadium: India wrist-spinner Varun Chakravarthy said he focused on perfecting his basic plan of taking wickets aplenty and continuing to attack the stumps helped him pick a three-wicket haul which broke the back of Namibias chase and gave the co-hosts a massive 93-run victory in a Group A clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday. Since the 2024 World Cup win, Chakravarthy has emerged as Indias premier middle-overs weapon in T20Is by picking the most wickets in the middle overs phase, where he mixes relentless accuracy with subtle variations to control that crucial stretch. His record against right-handers is unmatched in the same period, as seen from him castling Louren Steenkamp and JJ Smit with immaculate ease. I have definitely worked on few aspects of bowling such as speed and more revs. People do work on variations also, but I worked on perfecting my existing balls so that helped a lot. I worked on my follow through so that I can get more zip off the wicket. My plan is to take wickets and keep attacking the stumps - that's the basic plan, Varun told reporters in the mixed zone at the conclusion of the game. After a nightmarish time in the 2021 Mens T20 World Cup, where he went wicketless in three games, Chakaravarthy reiterated his focus to over spin rather than side spin to generate more pace off the surface has been vital in getting him scalps aplenty. As I have already mentioned previously, I have worked on my over spin rather than side spin and more speed and zip off the wicket. Well, usually I don't do that, but sometimes, rightly pointed (on starting with googly), sometimes it's just my instinct. But usually I go to my stock ball first, not the googly. He also said the pitch conditions in the opening matches of the tournament were different from what India encountered in the bilateral series against South Africa and New Zealand at home in the lead-up to the showpiece event. Again, same, if you see the matches that we have played, the bilaterals leading up to this World Cup, they were all very flat and this was definitely a little surprising in the first match and this wicket also. But we have to adapt ourselves to whatever comes our way. It's always good but here also, it was keeping low a bit. But I wouldn't say there was a lot of turn but keeping low. Dew does play a big factor and when you are bowling second and you have to defend, sometimes it will play a big factor. There was a lot of dew here also but we were able to do well. We are also experienced because we play a lot of IPL, and we know how to bowl if the dew comes in. Chakaravarthy also praised Namibia's tactical bowling approach, highlighted by skipper Gerhard Erasmus picking a career-best 4-20 via his slingy and round-arm deliveries. I would say he bowled very tactically. He was very great and I could see that the way they had planned their bowling, they had worked hard and there was a lot of thought behind it. If you see the last four overs, that bowling also, they had precise plans and they executed it, so they did come up with good research and plan. Varun said the small boundaries at the Arun Jaitley Stadium prevented him from flighting the ball and might consider doing it against Pakistan at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday. In this match, it was no chance (to flight the ball), because the size of the boundaries were so small. Maybe in Premadasa, I could try it. Asked about continuing to develop new deliveries, Chakaravarthy stated he remains open to experimentation. It takes any time, there are few balls which just clicked for me in the matches and there have been few variations which I have been trying for the last 6 years. It still has not come up, so it just depends on the complexity of the delivery. I have been working on few things, but that has been my process all along. I have always have some delivery coming up, so I will always have something coming up, but it's up to me. Actually, if I am courageous enough and I will try it in the next match, but it depends. Asked about continuing to develop new deliveries, Chakaravarthy stated he remains open to experimentation. It takes any time, there are few balls which just clicked for me in the matches and there have been few variations which I have been trying for the last 6 years. It still has not come up, so it just depends on the complexity of the delivery. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I think he will be fine and will play with the next match. I don't know of that, but as far as I have spoken to him, he looks good and did some practice also. He told that he is on the way. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: All Are In Good Touch, Looking To Use The Power Play As Much As We Can, Says Kishan

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Indias top order has made no secret of its intent since winning the Mens T20 World Cup title they won in 2024: attack the powerplay, set the tempo, and let rest of the depth carry them beyond 200. On Thursday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, Ishan Kishan embodied that clarity by hitting a fiery 24-ball 61, and was one of the architects of the record 93-run win over Namibia. Kishans blitzkrieg of six fours and five sixes pushed India to 86/1 in six overs - their highest powerplay score in the history of being in the tournament. That approach was of huge importance considering India had two post-powerplay wobbles on their way to making 209/9. One would have thought that India would tweak its power-play approach after a reckless swing-at-every-ball method left them at 77/6. It felt the same when Sanju Samsons cameo of 22 - three sixes and a four coming off Ben Shingoko in the second over gave a simple catch to deep mid-wicket. But Kishan, initially subdued and surprised by bounce Ruben Trumpelmann got in the opening over, found his rhythm and proceeded to his usual big-hitting ways once JJ Smits medium pace entered the attack. The highlight though came in the final over of power-play when four consecutive sixes and a four got him 28 runs, which accelerated Indias march to the 100-run mark in 6.5 overs - they set a new benchmark for the fastest team hundred at the event. With Abhishek Sharma unavailable for selection due to stomach infection issues and Sanju Samson falling after sizzling briefly on his T20 World Cup debut, Kishans sensational hitting meant India had an aggressor who would take on bowlers and ransack big runs in power-play, especially on the days when the middle order gets strangled due to their small pockets of weakness. We all are in good touch and looking to use the power play as much as we can. We are selecting the bowlers. If you see the first over, Trumpelmann bowled pretty well a few balls - so we did not take charge on that because we knew later on, once the ball stops swinging maybe we can go for extra 10 runs in the over instead of scoring 15 we can go for 24 or something. So that was the plan and game by game situations will be different. It was different here, tomorrow when we play against Pakistan, it might be different. So we need to assess as soon as possible, know about the wicket more, their bowling strength, who's going to bowl when and who we can take on. If it's required for me to take single and give the strike to someone else, I'll do that as well. So it's important to be aware of the game situation and I feel if you get a good start in power play, you should always try and maybe one batter can always go for sixes at any point of time. But in top three one batter is supposed to bat for long. We have been doing it pretty consistently. Now it's just time for us being in a good headspace and being calm in the situation. Even if the over did not go our way, we'll just try and look at the situation, look at the bowler who we can charge and who we can just try and rotate strike on, Kishan told reporters at the conclusion of the game. While his leg-side assault gave crowd moments of thrill akin to seeing an action-packed sequence in a mini web series, Kishans fifty inside the powerplay against Namibia added another layer of intent - only the fifth such instance of this recorded in World Cup history and his second half-century in as many months after the one against New Zealand in Raipur last month. It reinforced Indias strategy of turning the first six overs into a decisive phase to set up the base for an eventual victory. I do take singles as well and defend the good balls. But I don't know if I've done a very big amount of hard work or something. I just kept it simple rather than rushing into the overs or getting excited and playing those shots. I'm just trying to be calm on the pitch and just trying to watch the ball and play those shots which I already had, but sometimes you get excited and play those shots when you're playing international cricket. So I'm just trying to cut those moments off in my life and just try to play my own shots which I am good at and which is on that particular wicket. I'm not doing so much or thinking so much about batting, or getting into extra training sessions, but just trying to watch the ball and be calm on the wicket. Playing two three dot balls also it should not make a difference because the batters in our team - they all got strength and that ability to hit at any point of time. It's just a matter of two balls. For us, it's important to understand that thing also. Like, two balls, if you get two sixes, it's all covered. So we have to wait for a time rather than just throwing our wicket, he added. 2026 has been an eventful year for Kishan - since reclaiming his place in the T20I team, he has piled up 296 runs in six innings at an average of 49.33 and strike rate of 222.55, making him Indias most effective batter. Thursday in Delhi was another extension of that form, with the arc of his comeback adding more weight to the runs. Benched after playing first two games in 2023 ODI World Cup, when Shubman Gill was recovering from dengue, Kishan asked for a break, but went out of favour, and lost his central contract. For two years he worked his way back and a breakthrough time while leading Jharkhand to Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph reopened the door for Kishan to be back in the national set-up just in time for a home T20 World Cup campaign. The wicketkeeper-batter admitted that hes now someone who is serious about things in life, as compared to his previous fun-loving avatar. I think I'm a changed man now, to be honest. I don't get into it too much, but I do enjoy jokes and everything. I do it, but earlier I used to do it 24x7, but now it's just 2-3 hours of it. I am just focusing more on batting and my wicket keeping which is going to help the team and which is going to help me. Everything is secondary so I am not just always joking but specially under Gauti bhai (head coach Gautam Gambhir), added Kishan. When India takes on Pakistan at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, they will need to figure out the path to deal with Usman Tariqs unorthodoxy, especially after Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmuss slingy and round-arm deliveries fetched him four wickets, including of Kishan. For the defending champions, the powerplay is no longer just a launchpad - it has become a battleground where matches are tilted and Kishan, with his judicious hitting mantra, has become the face of it. We have already done the preparation part and now it's just time to watch the ball and play our natural game. If the ball is there, as a batter, we just feel like going in because it's a T20 game and we are trying to set a good total on board. But we do have to believe in our strength as well. There's nothing like you have to prepare. At this level, we just watch few videos and we get an idea of what kind of bowling is going to happen. So we're just keeping it simple. He bowled pretty well and there was a quite bit of learning for us and team as well. We have already done the preparation part and now it's just time to watch the ball and play our natural game. If the ball is there, as a batter, we just feel like going in because it's a T20 game and we are trying to set a good total on board. But we do have to believe in our strength as well. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But if we are just looking for boundaries and sixes and we are believing in our own strength, that helps the batters more so we are just doing trying to keep it simple. Some batters might score on some batters won't, but it's part of game and you keep on learning game by game so it's going to help anyway, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

'Disappointed' Gardner would go again for Australia captaincy

The allrounder was one of three candidates interviewed to take over from Alyssa Healy but lost out to Sophie Molineux

Hardik: 'We'd like a little flatter wickets'

Kishan agreed with Pandya in Delhi but also credited the Namibia bowlers even though India put on 209 for their biggest win by runs at T20 World Cups

Varun on Abhishek's fitness: 'I think he will play the next match'

Varun said Abhishek practiced ahead of India's game against Namibia and should be available for the Pakistan game on February 15

T20 WC: Unfortunately, That Spell Of Varun Broke The Back Of Our Chase, Says Erasmus

T20 World Cup: Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus said they were in contention in the early stages of their chase of 210 against India in the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026, but wrist spinner Varun Chakravarthys decisive spell turned the game in the defending champions favour, as they won by 93 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday. India had earlier posted 209/9 in their 20 overs, with Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya leading the charge by hitting fabulous fifties, before Chakravarthys 3-7 dismantled Namibias middle order, as they were bowled out for 116 in 18.2 overs, handing India a record 93-run victory. I thought, after that the Power-play that we had, that it's quite a small ground, maybe a bit of dew settling might make it tough for the spinners in the back half of that innings. So we really felt after 26 overs of cricket that we're in with a chance, and unfortunately, that spell of Varun broke the back of our chase, Erasmus said in the post-match presentation ceremony. He praised JJ Smits death bowling despite the heavy defeat. I think that death spell as well from Smit coming back, you know, after the powerplay had leaked a bit, I think that's the kind of specialisation we want in our team. It's always been a matter of getting the top and bottom ends of our innings to a higher standard to compete with these bigger teams, he added. Looking ahead to their next fixture against the USA in Chepauk, Erasmus said conditions could favour Namibia. I think that's perhaps slow conditions in Chennai might suit us, and I think there's still a lot in the tank. I don't think we're playing at 100% now. He praised JJ Smits death bowling despite the heavy defeat. I think that death spell as well from Smit coming back, you know, after the powerplay had leaked a bit, I think that's the kind of specialisation we want in our team. It's always been a matter of getting the top and bottom ends of our innings to a higher standard to compete with these bigger teams, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He signed off by acknowledging Indias quality bowling in the middle overs. No, I don't think any change in the pitch. I think obviously there's quality on the ball from the bowlers from India, and that's shown in that middle period. That overs 6 to 10 just broke the back. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Suryakumar Hails Team Effort After Indias Massive 93-run Win Over Namibia

Arun Jaitley Stadium: India captain Suryakumar Yadav praised his sides all-round performance after their massive 93-run victory over Namibia in a Group A clash of the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday. India posted 209/9 in their 20 overs, with Ishan Kishan blasting 61 and Hardik Pandya contributing 52. Wrist spinner Varun Chakravarthy then ripped through Namibias middle order with figures of 3-7, as the defending champions bowled out their opponents for 116 in 18.2 overs. It was not an easy wicket to bat on, but the way Ishan and Sanju started, it didn't look like it was a difficult wicket. And then the partnership between Shivam and Hardik, the way they batted after losing two-three quick wickets, I think it was very commendable, Yadav said in the post-match presentation ceremony. He praised Namibias bowlers despite them suffering a heavy defeat. I think the ball was stopping a little bit, but I don't want to take any credit away from all the Namibian bowlers. They bowled really well. They had their plans, executed really well, but were very impressed with their bowling as well. I mean, after 6-7 overs, it felt like we might go past 240, 250 as well. But then it's a game of cricket. Fantastic leveller. We lost two-three quick wickets, but then we had a good partnership and a good finish at the end as well, he said. Yadav also welcomed the return of Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled his full quota of overs. Good to have him back in the side. He's all set to go for the next game as well. Also, Varun Chakravarthy, the way they bowl in partnerships together with Axar Patel, I think it's a difficult combination to play, he said. Asked about the flexibility offered by Hardik Pandya, Yadav said, Absolutely - with the new ball, with the old ball, and he also bowls in death overs whenever needed. And the way he bats, I think it's a big boost for the team coming in that situation, having that positive mindset and taking that MoM today in a crucial game. I think it's a good thing for the team. Every game is important, and we did start a little scratchy, but then I think we are on the road. Pandya, named Player of the Match for his all-round efforts, said he was relishing his rhythm after months of preparation. Definitely, just enjoying the sport. Had a good couple of months to prepare and get the rhythm and get the body right. Touchwood, everything is going well, he said. He emphasised his pride in batting as a genuine all-rounder. Yes, I've always taken pride in my batting as an all-rounder. So whenever I get an opportunity, I make sure that both skills are managed properly. Batting is always close to my heart. And when that comes, it even adds more sugar to the cake, he said. Asked about his work on fitness, Pandya said, Body has been fantastic. I've always mentioned it takes a lot of hard work, which I cherish. But playing for the country has always been a pride, always been my number one priority. It just needs extra hard work, which I do. A lot of work goes behind the scenes where I'm kind of out and kind of go into the army, army sort of a camp where I do morning, evening sessions, which kind of keeps me going. Whenever I come, just before a big series or a big tournament, I kind of give myself a month or something to go and do kind of those routine, make sure I eat well, make sure I sleep well, make sure my habits are good. It always gives me a great rhythm. At the same point in time, the body gives me immense support while playing. He also spoke glowingly about the variety of their bowling. Yes, I think that's the strength of this team. We have a lot of options. We have fast bowling covered, we have spin covered. There are days when fast bowlers will come to the party when the wicket offers. At the same point in time, spinners have been in the middle and have been fantastic. Varun, Axar, Kuldeep, whenever he's got the opportunity. I think they've been fantastic. At the same point in time, whenever the fast bowlers get an opportunity, they've been fantastic. And I think they have done a tremendous job. He also spoke glowingly about the variety of their bowling. Yes, I think that's the strength of this team. We have a lot of options. We have fast bowling covered, we have spin covered. There are days when fast bowlers will come to the party when the wicket offers. At the same point in time, spinners have been in the middle and have been fantastic. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I think today, even when I went to bat, it felt like the wicket was holding a bit. It was keeping low as well. But all these wickets in big tournaments, you just adapt and let your skill set work and understanding of the game. It was different, but we would like a little bit flatter wickets. Article Source: IANS

Manenti: Hopefully the game grows big enough in Italy that we can play full-time

Italy's stand-in captain pointed out that 12 of their 15 squad members work outside of cricket

Tracey Orr appointed as Warwickshire's new chair

Former Chief Operating Officer at the Co-Op steps up to replace Mark McCafferty

T20 WC: All The Stats From Italy's Thumping Win Over Nepal In Group C

T20 World Cup: Debutant Italy etched their name in the history books after they registered an emphatic 10-wicket victory against Nepal in their second match of the T20 World Cup 2026, played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, becoming only the second associate team after Oman to register a ten-wicket victory in T20 World Cup history. Italy's right-arm leg-break bowler Crishan Kalugamage picked three crucial wickets as they bowled out Nepal at just 123 runs in 19.3 overs after choosing to bowl, winning the toss. Kalugamage was supported by Ben Manenti, who took two wickets in four overs, while JJ Smuts, Ali Hasan, and Jaspreet Singh also got one wicket each. Italy then chased the target easily, riding on an unbeaten 124-run opening partnership between Justin and Anthony Mosca to seal victory in just 12.4 overs without losing a wicket. Justin completed his first fifty of the tournament in just 37 balls, and he remained unbeaten at 60. Justin hammered five fours and three sixes during the innings and played at a strike rate of 136.36. His brother, Anthony, completed his fifty in just 28 balls with a maximum in the 11th over. He also remained not out at 62 off just 32 balls. Anthony hit six massive sixes and three boundaries. He played at an impressive strike rate of 193.75 as he hit the winning runs for Italy. Here's a look at all the key stats from the Italy vs Nepal match: 2 -This was the 2nd 10-wicket defeat for Nepal in T20Is. Earlier, they were beaten by the West Indies by the same margin in 2025. 44 - This was the third most in a successful 120-plus chase in T20 World Cups. Earlier, the West Indies beat the USA in Bridgetown in 2024 with 55 balls remaining (Target 129) and 50 balls for England v Australia (Target 126 ), Dubai 2021. 124* - Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca added an unbeaten 124 runs for the first wicket. This is a new record by siblings in T20WCs. The previous record is 96, held by Kamran and Umar Akmal v Australia in the 2014 WC. 44 - This was the third most in a successful 120-plus chase in T20 World Cups. Earlier, the West Indies beat the USA in Bridgetown in 2024 with 55 balls remaining (Target 129) and 50 balls for England v Australia (Target 126 ), Dubai 2021. Also Read: Live Cricket Score 2 - Italy beat Nepal by 10 wickets. This was the 2nd occasion when an Associate team won a match by 10 wickets in the T20 WC. Earlier, Oman beat PNG in 2021. Article Source: IANS

Kishan, Pandya, spinners hand India a 93-run rout

Namibia showed glimpses of what they can do, but in the end, the gulf in quality shone through

T20 WC: Australia Vs Zimbabwe, USA Vs Netherlands- Match Previews

Chennai Super Kings Academy: Australia and Zimbabwe will look to continue their winning momentum when they face each other in their second match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday. Australia are coming into the contest after registering a dominating 67-run victory over Ireland in their opening match played at the same venue. Despite missing their top fast bowlers, Australia managed to keep Ireland in check, with Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa taking four wickets each. The balanced bowling unit and smart batting adjustments helped them post a competitive total of 182 runs on a pitch that favoured slower bowlers, and helped them start their campaign on a good note. Australia captain Mitchell Marsh is likely to miss this match as well, as he is recovering from injury. Travis Head will captain the side in his absence. On the other hand, Zimbabwe are also coming into the contest after a confident eight-wicket win over Oman in their campaign opener. Zimbabwe's opening match was all about pace, with Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, and Brad Evans each taking three wickets to bowl out Oman for just 103 runs and then chasing the small target easily in just 13.3 overs with the help of magnificent innings from Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor. Australia and Zimbabwe have played three T20I matches so far, in which the 2021 World Cup champions have won two, while Sikandar Raza's team has been able to win only one match. When: Friday, February 13, 11:00 AM IST Where: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming Squads: Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Brendan Taylor (w), Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tony Munyonga, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Graeme Cremer Australia: Travis Head (c), Josh Inglis (w), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis, Tim David, Mitchell Marsh 21st Match: Netherlands vs United States of America, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, 7:00 PM IST The United States of America will look to end their quest for a win in the 2026 T20 World Cup when they face the Netherlands in their third group stage match to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday. After running India close in their opening game in Mumbai, the USA were outplayed by Pakistan in Colombo in their second match. A third successive defeat against the Netherlands on Friday will knock them out of contention for the Super Eight stage. So it will be a do-or-die match for Monank Patel's team. On the other hand, the Netherlands are coming into the contest on the back of a dominant seven-wicket win against Namibia. All-rounder Bas de Leede was the main player behind that win. He took two crucial wickets, which helped the team restrict Namibia to just 156 runs, and then played a 72-run knock, which helped the team chase the target comfortably to register a win after a near loss in the opener against Pakistan. The Netherlands are also familiar with Chennai conditions. Their entire squad trained at the Chennai Super Kings Academy in the city for around a week last month, and they boast a strong record against the USA, having won all three T20I matches played between the two sides. When: Friday, February 13, 7:00 PM IST Where: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming Squads: Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming Also Read: Live Cricket Score USA: Andries Gous (w), Shayan Jahangir, Monank Patel (c), Milind Kumar, Shubham Ranjane, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ehsan Adil, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Nosthush Kenjige, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Shehan Jayasuriya Article Source: IANS

Jahangir requests ICC for better funding and more exposure for Associate teams

If you really nurture us, I'm telling you, there's so much talent in Associate cricket, the USA batter said

Charli Knott joins Blaze for T20 Blast, One-Day Cup stint

Ireland's Orla Prendergast also set to return to Trent Bridge in 2026

T20 WC: Kishan, Pandya Fifties Take India To 209/9 Despite Erasmuss Career-best 4-20

T20 World Cup: Blistering half-centuries by Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya took India to 209/9 in their 20 overs in the Group A clash of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday, despite Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus claiming career-best figures of 4-20. Kishan blazed his way to 61 off 24 balls while Pandya contributed 52 off 28 balls, but Erasmus used his unorthodox slingy deliveries to restrict the damage done by the Indian batting line-up on a pitch which gripped a little for the spinners. India raced to 104/1 in just seven overs, with Kishan particularly brutal against the pace bowlers before falling to the first ball of spin from Erasmus. He and Bernard Scholtz created a stranglehold through the middle overs. Though Pandya fought back with a late fifty, India lost five wickets in the last two overs, and Namibia will be satisfied with pulling things back from a position where India threatened to post a much larger total. Indias innings began with Ruben Trumpelmann testing Kishan with bounce and seam. Sanju Samson, however, stamped his authority early, launching the final ball of the first over straight over the sightscreen for six. The real fireworks came in the second over as Samson whipped Ben Shikongo for two sixes, before lofting one over extra cover for four. But Shikongo had the last laugh as Samson perished after going early on the flick against a slower ball and was caught at deep midwicket. Kishan maintained the tempo by driving and pulling JJ Smit for boundaries, before carting Shikongo and Trumpelmann for a boundary each. The sixth over was pure carnage, as Kishan tore into Smit by smashing four sixes in five balls from downtown to long leg and reached his fifty in just 20 balls with a swivel-pull going for four. That stunning show of strokeplay meant Indias Power-play tally of 86/1 is the highest total in the six-over phase in this competition. After India brought up their hundred in 6.5 overs, Namibias fightback began when Erasmus had Kishan mistiming a pull to deep mid-wicket. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav found Erasmuss slingers tricky, and that pressure led to him being stumped for 12 off Bernard Scholtz. Erasmus had his second scalp when Tilak Varma miscued to long-off, as India slipped to 124/4 in 11.5 overs. Pandya and Dube led Indias rebuilding act by initially being cautious against spin, before the former broke the shackles with a towering six off Scholtz and creaming Trumpelmann through extra cover for four. Dube, meanwhile, unleashed a monstrous 107-metre pull off Scholtz, before Pandya carted him for six over long-off and four through extra cover as Scholtzs final over went for 24 runs, including wides and misfields. Pandya welcomed Shikongo in the 16th over by hitting a six down the ground, before lofting and slicing him for two boundaries. After Dube squeezed a yorker from Smit past third man for four, Pandya got his fifty in 27 balls by smacking Erasmus over cow corner for six. Despite crossing the 200-mark, another wobble followed India: Pandya miscued a full toss to deep square leg, who completed the dismissal via a juggling relay catch, while Dube was run-out thanks to a sharp throw from Erasmus, and Axar Patel was castled by a super slow slinger from him. With Rinku Singh and Arshdeep Singh falling in the final over to Smit, India didnt get the required finishing touches and ended one run short of 210. Pandya welcomed Shikongo in the 16th over by hitting a six down the ground, before lofting and slicing him for two boundaries. After Dube squeezed a yorker from Smit past third man for four, Pandya got his fifty in 27 balls by smacking Erasmus over cow corner for six. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India 209/9 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 61, Hardik Pandya 52; Gerhard Erasmus 4-20) against Namibia Article Source: IANS

CHENNAI OPEN | Indian challenge in singles comes to a shuddering halt

TENNIS | Sumit Nagal and Sidharth Rawat exit in the second round; Niki Poonacha and Pruchya Isaro to meet Prajwal Dev and Nitin Sinha in the doubles semifinals

T20 WC: 'We Showed The World What Weve Got,' Says Manenti After Italy's Ten-wicket Win Over Nepal

T20 World Cup: Italy stand-in captain Harry Manenti described his sides emphatic 10-wicket win over Nepal in their second match of the T20 World Cup 2026 played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday as pretty extraordinary, saying the team had finally shown the world what it is capable of on the biggest stage. Italy chased down the 124-run target in just 12.4 overs without losing a wicket, registering their first-ever victory in ICC Men's T20 World Cup history, courtesy of a record unbeaten opening partnership between Justin and Anthony Mosca. Yeah, it's pretty extraordinary, really. It's something that a lot of people in Italy, a lot of people in this group, have dreamt of for a long time. When we qualified, that was obviously a special moment, but our goal was always to compete at this level and compete in this top competition, and we showed that today. We didn't quite nail it the other day, but we backed it up today and showed the world what we've got, stand-in captain Manenti said after the match. Italy were dealt a blow earlier in the tournament with the loss of their regular captain Wayne Madsen, but Manenti praised the teams response. Yeah, obviously, it hurt us losing our leader and our captain, Wayne, and I hope he's back really soon, but the boys regrouped really well. It was obviously a shock to the system in that fourth over when it happened, and we probably didn't quite nail it from then on and got out of our hands. But the last few days have been good. We're in India at the World Cup. The coaching staff and the support staff have made it clear to enjoy what we're doing here, and we've done that. Manenti also lauded his spin attack, which played a key role in restricting Nepal to 123 in 19.3 overs. Yeah, definitely. That spin factor was an element. We bowled really well the other day at certain times, and it was a different sort of wicket today. We controlled the game really well, managed to take wickets all the way through, which we struggled with a little bit the other day. And our spinners are class. We've seen Ben, we've seen JJ before. Crishan is a young legspinner who hasn't been seen before in the world. And I'd like to think that he's now made his mark on the World Cup and shown what he can do. Italy's Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca shared an unfinished partnership of 124 runs, which is the highest between siblings in the T20 World Cups, surpassing the 96-run partnership between Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal of Pakistan against Australia in the 2014 edition, and Italy's captain was in all praise for the brothers. Yeah, the two Mosca boys, I say boys, they're a bit older than me. And I'll probably look at them as older figures. And they look at me as a bit of a kid. But we've played together for a long time. And it's pretty special to be able to watch them dominate on the world stage today. Italy's Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca shared an unfinished partnership of 124 runs, which is the highest between siblings in the T20 World Cups, surpassing the 96-run partnership between Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal of Pakistan against Australia in the 2014 edition, and Italy's captain was in all praise for the brothers. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Italy will now face England at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on February 16 as they aim to reach the Super 8 stage in their first T20 World Cup. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: 'Italy Outplayed Us Today,' Admits Nepal Captain After 10-wicket Loss

T20 World Cup: Nepal captain Rohit Paudel admitted his side was thoroughly outplayed after they suffered a 10-wicket defeat to Italy in their second match in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. I think Italy outplayed us today, and in batting, I think we missed out, especially. That was not a 123 wicket. I thought we missed out on that. And it was tough early. Earlier, it was tough to bat, but still, I think 123 was not a disgrace, he said in the post-match presentation. Nepal were bowled out for 123 in 19.3 overs before Italy chased down the target in just 12.4 overs without losing a wicket, courtesy of an unbeaten 124-run opening stand between Justin and Anthony Mosca. This is Nepal's second ten-wicket defeat in T20Is after losing against the West Indies in the same way in 2025. The Nepal skipper felt his side let the game slip during the middle overs despite a steady Power-play. We were looking at around 61, 70, and we batted very poorly, and there's no way to accept that. I thought we didn't respect the conditions. It was tough in the beginning, and we played a few rash shots, and I think my wicket was the turning point. Paudel, who had stitched together a good partnership after an early setback, believed his dismissal shifted the momentum entirely. Skipper scored 23 runs in 14 balls. He was looking in great touch from the start. We had a good partnership, we played well in the Power-play and then when I got out, suddenly things started changing. So I thought that was the turning wicket and we could have done better than that, he said. Nepal had entered the contest high on confidence after an impressive performance against England in their previous match, but Paudel admitted the inconsistency was disappointing. We had a good partnership, we played well in the Power-play and then when I got out, suddenly things started changing. So I thought that was the turning wicket and we could have done better than that, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score After two losses in their opening matches, Nepal will now face the West Indies in a do-or-die match on February 15 at the same ground. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Hunting For First Win, Canada And UAE Clash With Backs Against The Wall (preview)

ICC T20 World Cup: When Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) take the field at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Friday afternoon, the aim for both sides will be very simple -- get a win under their belt. Both teams find themselves winless in Group D, and a win will help them get off the mark in the points table. Canada, smarting from a 57-run hammering at the hands of South Africa, occupies the bottom spot with a net run rate of -2.850. UAE, despite a spirited batting display against New Zealand that yielded their highest-ever T20 World Cup total of 173, sits one rung above them at -2.763 after the Blackcaps cantered to a 10-wicket victory. Canadas baptism by fire against South Africa laid bare the chasm between them and the Proteas. Their pacers returned wicketless with an overall economy rate of 11.1 in Ahmedabad. In contrast, the spinners offered some respectability, with left-arm wrist-spinner Ansh Patel, who previously played for Baroda in the Indian domestic cricket ecosystem, emerging as the solitary bright spot by picking three wickets. Patel's three-wicket haul -- the first such instance recorded by a Canadian bowler in T20 World Cups and his best figures in a young international career - suggested that Canada might find more joy exploiting the traditionally spin-friendly conditions in New Delhi. With the bat, Navneet Dhaliwal's 49-ball 64 was a lone hand in a chase that never truly ignited. The experienced campaigner, now Canada's leading run-scorer in World Cup history with 135 runs, will need support from the middle order if they are to post or chase competitive totals. Meanwhile, the UAEs batting performance against New Zealand showcased both ambition and execution, with Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu's 107-run partnership making for an absolute treat. Both registered fantastic fifties - the first time two UAE batters achieved this feat in a T20 World Cup. But the gains made from batting were squandered by the bowling unit, as Blackcaps openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen hit them to all parts of Chepauk. UAE became only the third team in the history of the T20 World Cup to bowl an entire innings without claiming a wicket, as all bowlers, barring Haider Ali, went for more than 10 runs per over. Such generosity cannot be repeated if they harbour ambitions of progressing beyond the group stage. The head-to-head record favours the UAE, who won the only previous T20I encounter against Canada. Neither side has previously played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, removing any advantage of local knowledge, though Canada had practised at the venue, albeit at night. For Canada, the challenge will be in arresting the momentum of the UAE's big-hitting top order while hoping their own batting line-up can find the consistency that eluded them against South Africa. For the UAE, who are also dealing with Muhammad Zohaib being withdrawn from the squad due to player mental well-being and team welfare issues, with Haider Shah joining as a replacement, the bowling unit must discover both discipline and penetration if they are to get off the mark in Group D. When: Friday, February 13, 3:00 PM IST Where: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming Squads: Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming Also Read: Live Cricket Score UAE: Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Mayank Kumar, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Haider Shah, Rohid Khan, Sohaib Khan, and Simranjeet Singh Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Samson, Bumrah Come In For India As Namibia Elect To Bowl First

T20 World Cup: India have brought in wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson and fast bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as Namibia won the toss and elected to bowl first in the Group A clash of the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday. Defending champions India arrive on the back of surviving an almighty scare from the USA to open their title defence by 29 runs at the Wankhede Stadium last week. Namibia, meanwhile, come into the clash after losing to the Netherlands by seven wickets. India captain Suryakumar Yadav said Samson and Bumrah, who missed the game against the USA due to illness, come in for Abhishek Sharma and Mohammed Siraj. Abhishek was admitted to a hospital in New Delhi due to a stomach infection and was discharged on the eve of the match. We were looking to bat first. Very happy with it. As long as we are losing the toss and winning the game, we are fine with it. It's a big tournament, and this dew is going to be a big factor. But when you bat first and go out and defend, I think it gives you a lot of confidence. It's a very good wicket. Hopefully, batters go out and enjoy themselves. Abhishek is still not fine; he will miss a game or two. Sanju comes in, similar batter, explosive, he said. Namibia have also made two changes - Malan Kruger and Ben Shikongo come in place of Dylan Leicher and William Myburgh. It is a very good flat cricketing surface, from a surface and dew point of view, it is the right thing to do. It is about tightening our skillset. Looks like a good wicket, try and chase it in the second half. That's why we play cricket, to entertain, he said. In their pitch report, Ian Smith and Nick Knight said pitch number six in the stadium is expected to play flat under lights with even bounce and good carry, though dew could be a factor. Boundaries vary from 59 to 73 metres, though there's a longer boundary to the off side of the right-handed batter from the Willingdon end. Playing XIs: In their pitch report, Ian Smith and Nick Knight said pitch number six in the stadium is expected to play flat under lights with even bounce and good carry, though dew could be a factor. Boundaries vary from 59 to 73 metres, though there's a longer boundary to the off side of the right-handed batter from the Willingdon end. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Namibia: Jan Frylinck, Louren Steenkamp, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus (captain), JJ Smit, Zane Green, Ruben Trumpelmann, Malan Kruger, Bernard Scholtz, Ben Shikongo, and Max Heingo Article Source: IANS

USA vs NED Match 21 Prediction, ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Match Preview And Expected Playing XI

USA vs NED, Match 21, Cricket Tips :The Netherlands were on top of Pakistan in their first group game but failed to perform under pressure. That resulted in a close defeat for them. But they followed it up with a good win over Namibia to open their account on the points table. They will be in action against the United States of America. The live action will kick off at 7 PM IST at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. Another win here will give the Netherlands two important points, and they will stay in the race for Super 8. The USA has suffered two consecutive defeats. They don't have an option of losing now. USA vs NED: Match Details Date : February 13, 2026 (Friday) Time : 7:00 PM IST Venue : MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai USA vs NED Live Streaming Details The live action of the USA vs NED game will be available on Star Sports Networks on Indian cable TVs. Fans can also watch the game through the Jio Hotstar streaming platform. USA vs NED Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches : 3 United States: 0 Netherlands : 3 No-Result : 0 USA vs NED: Ground Pitch Report Two games have been played in Chennai, and both have been good-scoring ones. There have been a good amount of runs, and both teams have been chased. That shows that we can expect another good game here. The average score is around 160-170, and bowling first will be ideal. USA vs NED: Possible XIs USA : Andries Gous (wk), Shayan Jahangir, Monank Patel (c), Milind Kumar, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Md. Mohsin, S. van Schalkwyk, Ali Khan, Saurabh Netravalkar Netherlands : Michael Levitt, Max O'Dowd, Scott Edwards (c & wk), Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Logan van Beek, Zach Lion-Cachet, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Timm van der Gugten, Fred Klaassen USA vs NED: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Shuham Ranjane has shown great temperament and has scored the most runs for the USA this edition. For the Netherlands, Bas de Leede played a match-winning knock in the last game and is in good form. Probable Best Bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk has the most wickets in the competition. He has bowled two great spells and is expected to do well. For the Netherlands, Aryan Dutt is the leading wicket-taker and is bowling well in the powerplay. Today Match Prediction : Netherlands have looked good in both games, and we predict them to win this game. USA vs NED Match 21, ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Today USA vs NED Match, USA vs NED Prediction, USA vs NED Predicted XIs, Injury Update for USA vs NED Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

T20 WC: DDCA Issues Clarification On Viral Video Of Alleged Soft Drink Refilling At Arun Jaitley Stadium

Arun Jaitley Stadium: The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has rejected claims of adulteration and lack of hygiene in soft drinks sold at the Arun Jaitley Stadium during a match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 recently. In a statement issued on Thursday, the DDCA rejected claims made in a video circulating on social media that has shown a vendor pouring cold drink back into bottles. DDCA claimed the drink was poured back into the bottles as per agreed commercial arrangements and operational standards, and those bottles were later disposed of esponsibly in line with established environmental and operational guidelines. In its statement issued on Thursday, the DDCA said, We have come across a video circulating on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), alleging that a vendor was seen pouring cold drinks back into bottles during a recent match. The video went viral on Twitter following Tuesday's match between the Netherlands and Namibia. The DDCA clarified that the operation was carried out by the authorised concessionaire for the stadium, in line with the event guidelines. In this regard, it is clarified that pouring is undertaken by the authorised concessionaire for the stadium, in line with the event guidelines. The concessionaire was serving Coca-Cola products in accordance with the agreed commercial arrangements and operational standards, the statement said. The DDCA also claimed that they followed strict hygiene protocols in this regard. In this regard, it is clarified that pouring is undertaken by the authorised concessionaire for the stadium, in line with the event guidelines. The concessionaire was serving Coca-Cola products in accordance with the agreed commercial arrangements and operational standards, the statement said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It is reiterated that the bottles were disposed of responsibly in line with established environmental and operational guidelines, the statement said. Article Source: IANS

Samson and Bumrah in for Abhishek and Siraj as Namibia bowl

Namibia made two changes, bringing in Ben Shikongo and Malan Kruger

Is Anushka Sharma pregnant again? Fans speculate after Prega News ad

Anushka recently shared a Prega News ad on Instagram, sparking fresh pregnancy rumours, as she had posted similar ads during her earlier pregnancy. On the other hand, Virat was spotted at Mumbai airport interacting warmly with fans and ensuring everyone got photos with him.

CAN vs UAE Match 20 Prediction, ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Match Preview And Expected Playing XI

CAN vs UAE, Match 20, Cricket Tips :Associate nations have impressed everyone in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 by putting up good fights. Two such teams will be put up against each other in the next game of the tournament. Canada and the United Arab Emirates will lock horns in Group D in Delhi. The live action starts at 3 PM IST on Friday at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Both sides were beaten comprehensively in their opening games, and they are looking to bounce back. They looked rusty in all departments. This is an important game for these sides to stay alive in the competitionbecause a loss can kick them out of the tournament. CAN vs UAE: Match Details Date : February 13, 2026 (Friday) Time : 3:00 PM IST Venue : Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi CAN vs UAE Live Streaming Details The Indian fans can tune into Star Sports Networks to watch the CAN vs UAE game. For the live stream, fans can switch to the Jio Hotstar app or website. CAN vs UAE Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches : 1 Canada: 0 United Arab Emirates : 1 No-Result : 0 CAN vs UAE: Ground Pitch Report Arun Jaitley Stadium is one of the best batting venues in India. The wicket is flat, and the bounce is good; it will encourage the batters to play big shots. With a quick outfield, batters will also get full value for their shots. CAN vs UAE: Possible XIs Canada : Dilpreet Bajwa (c), Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicholas Kirton, Yuvraj Samra, Shreyas Movva (wk), Saad Bin Zafar, Dilon Heyliger, Harsh Thaker, Jaskaran Singh, Kaleem Sana, Ansh Patel UAE : Aryansh Sharma (wk), Muhammad Waseem (c), Mayank Kumar, Dhruv Parashar, Alishan Sharafu, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Md. Arfan, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Rohid Khan CAN vs UAE: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Navneet Dhaliwal scored a fifty in the first game, and he will look to continue his good form. For the UAE, captain Muhammad Waseem is the key and will be a big wicket in the game. Probable Best Bowler Ansh Patel bowled well in the first game and took three wickets against New Zealand. He used the crease smartly and bowled tightly. For UAE, Haider Ali will like bowling here because he bowls with a tight line and doesn't allow the batters much. Today Match Prediction : UAE have a better combination and quality of players. That is why we back UAE to win this game. CAN vs UAE Match 20, ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Today CAN vs UAE Match, CAN vs UAE Prediction, CAN vs UAE Predicted XIs, Injury Update for CAN vs UAE Match Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions. Also Read: Live Cricket Score

Moscas star as Italy dismantle Nepal for first World Cup win

Openers seal Italian Job with stunning ten-wicket win in Mumbai

Canada, UAE face each other for only the second time in T20Is

Both teams lost their opening fixtures of the 2026 T20 World Cup

AUS vs ZIM Match 19 Prediction, ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Match Preview And Expected Playing XI

AUS vs ZIM, Match 19, Cricket Tips :Australia have been very unlucky because of the several injuries to their stars. After Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, captain Mitchell Marsh is on his way to getting ruled out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Steve Smith has joined the squad as his replacement. Travis Head will be in charge of the team.Australia started the tournament with a big win over Ireland and thrashed them by 67 runs. Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa played a key role in that win. Now, Australia will face Zimbabwe in their second group game on Friday at 11 AM IST at R. Premadasa Stadium. Zimbabwe also had a great win over Oman, and they will be confident going into this contest. If somehow they can beat Australia, they have a real chance of qualification. AUS vs ZIM: Match Details Date : February 13, 2026 (Friday) Time : 11:00 AM IST Venue : R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo AUS vs ZIM Live Streaming Details The AUS vs ZIM contest will be live from 11 AM on Star Sports Networks. Fans can switch to the Jio Hotstar app or website for the live stream option. AUS vs ZIM Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches : 3 Australia: 2 Zimbabwe : 1 No-Result : 0 AUS vs ZIM: Ground Pitch Report As seen in the previous game at R. Premadasa, the wicket was turning from the first few overs in the first innings. Spinners and slow bowlers will be expected here, and batting will be tough initially. Batters, who can spend some time, can play long innings. AUS vs ZIM: Possible XIs Australia : Travis Head (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa Zimbabwe : T. Marumani, Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Brendan Taylor (wk), Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Tashinga Musekiwa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani AUS vs ZIM: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Josh Inglis has been given an option at the top, and the way he bats, he is very dangerous in the powerplay. Brian Bennett is a free-flowing batter who likes to score quickly against the new ball. Probable Best Bowler Nathan Ellis is a perfect bowler for these conditions. He has different kinds of slow balls, and he will be very effective here. Blessing Muzarabani is Zimbabwe's leading bowler, who uses his height very well and can bounce out the batters. Today Match Prediction : Australia are without their key players, but they have a very good combination. Hence, we predict Australia to win this game. AUS vs ZIM Match 19, ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Today AUS vs ZIM Match, AUS vs ZIM Prediction, AUS vs ZIM Predicted XIs, Injury Update for AUS vs ZIM Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

Italy Crush Nepal For First Cricket T20 World Cup Win

Spinners Crishan Kalugamage and Ben Manenti helped debutants Italy to a historic first win at the cricket T20 World Cup with a 10-wicket hammering of Nepal on Thursday. Kalugamage (3-18) and Manenti (2-9) combined to bowl out Nepal for 123, a total Italy's openers overhauled with 44 balls to spare in their second match at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Brothers Justin Mosca, who made 60, and Anthony Mosca, who hit 62, tore into the opposition attack with fours and sixes to fire their team to a win. A nation better known for its football, Italy are cricket minnows and the lowest-ranked side in the 20-team tournament. They lost their opener to Scotland in Group C but bounced back. Nepal were a far cry from the team that ran England close on Sunday at the same venue as they collapsed from 93-3 to be bundled out in 19.3 overs. I always wanted to help the team to win a match and do my best for my nation, Italy -- I'm happy, said player of the match Kalugamage. These are my brothers. I'm really happy. Italy were without skipper Wayne Madsen, who dislocated his shoulder in the first loss, but came out roaring after they won the toss and elected to field first. Leg-spinner Kalugamage sent back skipper Rohit Paudel for 23 and Manenti, who opened the bowling attack, took down Aasif Sheikh, for 20, with his off-spin. Aarif Sheikh attempted to rebuild in 27 but Italy bowlers were unrelenting in their pursuit of wickets and the Nepal batting came crashing down. The Mosca brothers then struck eight fours and nine sixes between them to leave the Nepal bowlers in agony. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The win made Italy jump to third and England slip to fourth in the group led by the West Indies.

T20 WC: Shanaka Backs Hemantha, Lauds Batting Unit After Sri Lanka Thrash Oman

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium: Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka expressed satisfaction with his sides clinical all-round performance in the 105-run win over Oman in their Group B clash of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup, while also addressing the challenge of filling the void left by Wanindu Hasaranga. Sri Lanka piled up a formidable 225/5 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on the back of half-centuries from Kusal Mendis (61), Pavan Rathnayake (60) and Shanaka himself (50 off 20), before restricting Oman to 120/9. Despite the commanding victory, Shanaka acknowledged the difficulty of replacing a proven match-winner like Hasaranga in the bowling department. It's very hard to replace someone like Wanindu because he is a champion bowler. But ofcourse Dushan Hemantha; he's been in the side for a while. In the absence of Wanindu, he played a few games here and there. So the confidence is there, but you know, straightaway coming to the game, it will be a bit harder. I'm sure that he will come good in the next game, he said after the game. Sri Lankas bowling unit, however, delivered a disciplined performance to defend the massive total, with Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana picking up crucial wickets to derail Omans chase early. Shanaka was particularly pleased with the contributions from his batting group, which has shown improved consistency in recent outings. Sri Lankas top and middle order combined fluency with power, while Shanakas explosive 20-ball fifty, the fastest by a Sri Lankan in T20Is, provided the finishing touch. Sri Lankas bowling unit, however, delivered a disciplined performance to defend the massive total, with Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana picking up crucial wickets to derail Omans chase early. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Mendis composed 61 ensured stability through the middle overs, while Rathnayakes aggressive strokeplay set the tone early, allowing Sri Lanka to maintain momentum throughout the innings. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: 225 Was A Bit Too Much, Says Jatinder Singh, Ruing The Experience Gap After Loss To Sri Lanka

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium: Oman captain Jatinder Singh admitted Sri Lankas quality and experience proved decisive after his side suffered a 105-run defeat in their Group B clash of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Thursday. Chasing a daunting 226 after Sri Lanka piled up 225/5 on the back of half-centuries from Pavan Rathnayake, Kusal Mendis, and Dasun Shanaka, Oman were restricted to 120/9 despite a fighting unbeaten 53 from Mohammad Nadeem. Reflecting on the contest, Jatinder felt his side showed the right intent but were ultimately outclassed by a superior opponent. I think we were very positive. We couldn't take much from the first game; we were always in the game today, but Sri Lanka were a better side, putting us under pressure, and 225 was a bit too much. Sri Lankas relentless batting display, capped by Shanakas explosive 20-ball fifty, left Oman with a mountain to climb something Jatinder acknowledged was always going to be difficult against a seasoned Full Member side. There's hardly anything you can do with the skill level; perhaps be a bit more positive with the mindset. If you see our squad, there are hardly 4-5 guys who have played 40+ T20Is. Oman lost early wickets in the chase, including that of Jatinder himself, and never truly recovered as Sri Lankas bowlers maintained tight control throughout the innings. The Oman skipper pointed to the broader structural challenges facing Associate teams, particularly the lack of regular exposure to top-tier opposition. Oman lost early wickets in the chase, including that of Jatinder himself, and never truly recovered as Sri Lankas bowlers maintained tight control throughout the innings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Despite the heavy defeat, Jatinder stressed that the team remains committed to improving and making the most of opportunities at global events, even as they continue to bridge the experience gap against elite sides. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Spinners Shine As Italy Bowl Out Nepal For 123

T20 World Cup: Crishan Kalugamage picked three crucial wickets as Italy bowled out Nepal for just 123 runs in 19.3 overs in their second match of the T20 World Cup 2026 played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. Coming to bat after losing the toss, Nepal were off to a bad start as their top batter, Kushal Bhurtal, who was struggling to get runs from the start, got out in the second over, scoring just five runs off the ten balls he played. After a poor start, skipper Rohit Paudel and Aasif Sheikh forged a 41-run partnership off just 30 balls to take Nepal's score to 46 at the end of the powerplay. Italy finally made the comeback just after the power play as they dismissed both the batters in a span of three balls. Rohit scored 23 runs off just 14 balls before edging out Crishan Kalugamage in the last ball of the seventh over, while Aasif scored 26 runs off 21 balls before being sent to the pavilion by Ben Manenti in the next over. After the double blow, Dipendra Singh Airee and Aarif Sheikh built a 41-run partnership to take the team ahead. The duo didn't take any risks at the start as they focused on singles and doubles to put pressure on the opposition. As they decided to break through by hitting the boundary, Italy again made a comeback with the wickets of Dipendra and last match hero Lokesh in the span of just five balls. Dipendra scored 17 runs off 18 balls, while Lokesh managed to hit just three runs. Aarif helped the team cross the 100-run barrier but got out just after the team reached the three-figure mark. He scored 27 runs off 24 balls and hammered three boundaries. Karan KC scored an unbeaten 18 runs off just 11 balls but could not finish the innings as the team got all out with three balls remaining. After the double blow, Dipendra Singh Airee and Aarif Sheikh built a 41-run partnership to take the team ahead. The duo didn't take any risks at the start as they focused on singles and doubles to put pressure on the opposition. As they decided to break through by hitting the boundary, Italy again made a comeback with the wickets of Dipendra and last match hero Lokesh in the span of just five balls. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief scores: Nepal all out for 123 in 19.3 overs (Aasif Sheikh 27, Rohit Paudal 23; Crishan Kalugamage 3-18, Ben Manenti 2-9) against Italy. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: BCB Chief Animul Islam To Attend India Vs Pakistan Match In Colombo

Bangladesh Cricket Board: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief Animul Islam has confirmed that he will travel to Colombo on February 15 to watch the high-voltage T20 World Cup 2026 clash between archrivals India and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday. The BCB chief has also informed that representatives from all five major Asian teams, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka, will be present and engage in a dialogue. Speaking to the Bangladesh newspaper Pratham Alo, Islam said the invitation for the match has come from the ICC and is part of a broader plan to bring all the stakeholders together. The ICC has made a decision. The major stakeholders of the ICC are these five Asian countries. For the India-Pakistan World Cup match on the 15th, they want representatives of all five Asian countries to be present at the ground together, watch the match together, and talk to one another, he said. The development came after the relations between the Indian cricket board (BCCI) and the BCB deteriorated after BCCI asked Mustafizur Rahman to be released from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL. In retaliation, BCB requested the ICC to shift the matches from India to Sri Lanka, but the governing body rejected the request, which led to Scotland replacing Bangladesh in the multinational tournament. However, the ICC and BCB engaged in positive talks after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to boycott the India match in solidarity with Bangladesh's removal from the tournament. After the talks, the ICC decided that no action would be taken against Bangladesh for refusing to adhere to the T20 World Cup schedule, while Pakistan agreed to play their match against India. It is also decided that Bangladesh will host an ICC event between 2028 and 2031, which Animul expects to be the ICC Mens Under-19 World Cup in 2028. Islam said the board will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure that the assurances are fulfilled. We will also enter into an agreement. The agreement will be line by line, an MoU-type document, so that there is no uncertainty, said Islam. You know that earlier, when we held the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Annual General Meeting in Dhaka, a similar issue arose. There as well, we prepared an MoU-type document so that no one could ever deviate from the contract in any way, he added. Islam said the board will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure that the assurances are fulfilled. Also Read: Live Cricket Score sds/bsk/ Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: India Should Not Change Their High-risk, High-reward Approach, Says Parthiv Ahead Of Teams Namibia Clash

For Ishan Kishan: Ahead of Indias crucial World Cup campaign, former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel provided insightful analysis on the teams recent batting collapse against the USA and the challenges they face against emerging bowling attacks. He broke down Indias approach, individual performances, and tactical nuances they need to focus on going forward. Reflecting on Indias top-order struggle in the match versus the USA, Parthiv emphasised the importance of maintaining Indias aggressive philosophy despite setbacks. India should not change their approach at all. Going into this World Cup, India had a philosophy of playing high-risk, high-reward cricket. Yes, it did not work against the USA, who were very well prepared against Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. I think the openers should continue playing the way they have been, he told JioStar. Parthiv further detailed the vulnerabilities bowlers might exploit, particularly against openers Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan. Abhishek Sharma should go out there and keep hitting the way he has been, especially the sixes we have seen over the last year and a half. Whenever balls are pitched around the stump area, he clips them over square leg, or he likes to create a bit of room for himself. The bowlers will try to bowl at him around the wide line because then he stays away from the ball. That is when he does not get that elevation or power, like what happened at the Wankhede Stadium. For Ishan Kishan, I feel bowlers will try to pitch it as full as possible, like the delivery on which he got out to mid-off, so that he does not get under the ball and get the elevation we are talking about, he said. Parthiv also praised captain Suryakumar Yadavs mature innings in the same match, highlighting his adaptability to challenging conditions. Suryakumar Yadav showed a lot of maturity in that innings against the USA because it was not your typical Wankhede surface. You had to give yourself a bit of time and make sure you were taking those singles before playing the big shots. It was very evident that until the 15th over, there were not many big shots, mostly fours along the ground. That is the reason he could unleash himself after the 16th over. You could see the big sixes once he was set. On that kind of wicket, especially if you are 77 for six, you have to adapt and move to Plan B. Suryakumar Yadav executed his Plan B really well. To me, he is going to approach this World Cup in a similar manner, assessing the situation before unleashing himself, he mentioned. Turning to the bowling department, Parthiv spoke about Mohammed Sirajs impressive performance against the USA and the competition for spots in the pace attack. Mohammed Siraj is someone who likes the big stage and the limelight. There was also a point to prove, as Harshit Rana was playing ahead of him. He got his opportunity, unfortunately, due to Harshit Ranas injury. He has been playing a lot of Ranji Trophy cricket and red-ball cricket. The six-to-eight-metre length is wonderful in white-ball cricket. His first ball, however, was a bit fuller, more of a typical four-day length, where you are trying to swing the ball. But he understood quickly and pulled his length back. Then he got the swing and variation going. Sixty-eight per cent of his deliveries were in the six-to-eight-metre range, a length that creates problems for any batter, he noted. Mohammed Siraj is someone who likes the big stage and the limelight. There was also a point to prove, as Harshit Rana was playing ahead of him. He got his opportunity, unfortunately, due to Harshit Ranas injury. He has been playing a lot of Ranji Trophy cricket and red-ball cricket. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Finally, he weighed in on Indias middle-order options and their roles in arresting collapses, stating, Yes, Axar has rightly played the role of stabilising the innings for India in white-ball cricket. But for me, if three wickets fall early or a similar situation arises again in this World Cup, I would prefer Rinku Singh to come in ahead of Shivam Dube and Axar Patel. He is someone who can rotate the strike well, take his time, and then unleash himself. Article Source: IANS

Karnataka Govt Reviews Proposal To Host IPL Opener In Bengaluru, Cabinet To Take Final Call

Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth: The Karnataka government on Thursday held a high-level meeting with representatives of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and senior officials to discuss the proposal to host the IPL inaugural match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. A final decision will be announced after the State Cabinet meeting in the evening. The meeting, chaired by Home Minister G. Parameshwara at Vidhana Soudha, assumes significance as the iconic stadium was barred from hosting matches following the June 4, 2025, stampede during celebrations of RCBs maiden IPL title, in which 11 people lost their lives. Among those present were Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Tushar Girinath, DGP and IGP M.A. Saleem, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Commissioner Maheshwar Rao, Home Secretary K.V. Sharath Chandra, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad, the KSCA Secretary, and RCB office-bearers. Addressing the media after the meeting, Parameshwara said discussions were held on implementing key recommendations of the retired Justice Michael DCunha Commission, constituted to probe the stampede. We have directed KSCA and RCB to implement the major recommendations. They have already begun compliance in several areas, he said. He added that the Cabinet would take a final call on permitting matches in Bengaluru. The Cabinet entrusted the Home Ministry with holding consultations and reporting back. I will brief the Cabinet this evening, after which an official announcement will be made, he said. Parameshwara noted that stakeholders had addressed short-term recommendations and initiated steps on infrastructure-related and long-term measures. As per tradition, the IPL season opens at the home ground of the defending champions. Since RCB won the trophy, the inaugural match is proposed at Chinnaswamy Stadium. They have sought government permission in this regard, he said. A committee headed by GBA Chairman Maheshwar Rao, with representatives from the police, PWD, Health Department and other agencies, had examined the issue. Its report was received and deliberated upon during Thursdays two-hour meeting. The Home Minister said some recommendations relate to infrastructure upgrades such as gates, walkways and holding areas, while others involve immediate non-infrastructure measures including ambulance deployment, availability of doctors and triage facilities. They have informed us that steps have already been taken on these fronts, he said. On accountability in the event of any untoward incident, Parameshwara clarified that responsibility would lie with the event organisers -- KSCA and RCB. Can the government take responsibility? he asked. He reiterated that while short-term measures have been completed, medium and long-term works are underway. Some will be completed before the match, possibly by March. Others, such as demolition and reconstruction of certain sections, will take longer, he said. On accountability in the event of any untoward incident, Parameshwara clarified that responsibility would lie with the event organisers -- KSCA and RCB. Can the government take responsibility? he asked. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Cabinets decision later in the day is expected to determine whether cricketing action returns to the Chinnaswamy Stadium for the IPL opener. Article Source: IANS

Cricket Namibia Chief Rudie Van Vuuren Lauds ICC Chairman Jay Shah For Strengthening Associate Nations

T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier: Cricket Namibia President Rudie van Vuuren has praised the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Chairman Jay Shah for their efforts in empowering associate nations and improving cricket infrastructure. Eight Associate Nations -- Italy, Canada, Namibia, Nepal, the Netherlands, Oman, Scotland, UAE, USA -- are competing at the ongoing ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The ICC has adopted a policy of empowering associate members. Jay Shah has really brought significant change there. He was in Windhoek visiting our new stadium and how the ICC has helped us develop that facility. Now, all of a sudden, we have those high-performance facilities. Africa has nations like Namibia coming through because of the ICCs backing, so that gap will become smaller and smaller. We must make use of these opportunities to showcase our talent and show the world that associate members are the future of cricket, Van Vuuren said. Namibia is one of the associate members of the ICC. They qualified for their first T20 World Cup in 2021 after finishing in 4th position in the 2019 qualifier; since then they have qualified for the T20 mega spectacle for the fourth consecutive time. Last month, the ICC chief met with leaders of the Africa Cricket Association in Windhoek and emphasised the ICC's commitment to expanding cricket across Africa. Namibia is one of the associate members of the ICC. They qualified for their first T20 World Cup in 2021 after finishing in 4th position in the 2019 qualifier; since then they have qualified for the T20 mega spectacle for the fourth consecutive time. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Last year, they hosted the ICC Womens T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Windhoek, bringing together eight countries competing for two coveted spots at the Global Qualifier for the ICC Womens T20 World Cup. Article Source: IANS

Dev-Sinha To Lead Indian Charge As Sweeny-Watanabe Top Doubles Field At Delhi Open

DLTA President Rohit Rajpal: Australias Dane Sweeny and Japans Seita Watanabe will headline a competitive doubles field at the Delhi Open 2026, set to be held at the DLTA Complex from February 16 to 22. Leading the Indian challenge will be S D Prajwal Dev and Nitin Kumar Sinha, the highest-ranked all-Indian duo in the main draw. Dev (219) and Sinha (243) will look to capitalise on familiar home conditions as they take on a seasoned international field. The ATP Challenger event features a strong mix of established doubles specialists and singles players doubling up, adding depth and intrigue to the draw. Sweeny and Watanabe enter as the top-ranked pair in the field with a combined team ranking of 265. Watanabe, ranked 127 in doubles, joins forces with Sweeny, who sits at 138 in singles, forming one of the most formidable combinations in the tournament. The doubles draw also underlines the tournaments depth, with five players competing in both singles and doubles Jay Clarke (Great Britain), Sweeny (Australia), Michael Geerts (Belgium), Daniel Michalski (Poland) and Rio Noguchi (Japan). Seven teams have earned direct entry based on the doubles rankings, highlighting the presence of specialist combinations. In addition, Sweeny, Clarke and Michalski have gained entry into the doubles draw via their singles rankings, further strengthening the competition. Speaking ahead of the tournament, DLTA President Rohit Rajpal emphasised the Delhi Opens growing stature on the Challenger circuit. The Delhi Open has established itself as one of the most competitive Challenger events in the region. It plays a crucial role in bridging Indian talent with top international competition, giving our players the advantage of competing at home while offering fans world-class tennis from close quarters, Rajpal said. Speaking ahead of the tournament, DLTA President Rohit Rajpal emphasised the Delhi Opens growing stature on the Challenger circuit. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Delhi Open continues to serve as a key stop on the ATP Challenger Tour calendar, offering valuable ranking points and competitive opportunities for emerging and established players alike. Article Source: IANS

Italy bowl; Nepal bring in Rajbanshi for Malla

For Italy, Campopiano replaced the injured Madsen and Jaspreet came in for Draca

Shanaka and Rathnayake blow Oman away with frenetic half-centuries

Kusal Mendis chipped in with a half-century, while Maheesh Theekshana was almost impossible to score off as Oman went down by 105 runs in a one-sided T20 World Cup contest

T20 WC: Wayne Madsen Misses Out As Italy Opt To Bowl Against Nepal

T20 World Cup: Italy have won the toss and elected to bat against Nepal in their second match of the 2026 T20 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. Italy's captain, Wayne Madsen, is missing the match due to injury; Harry Manenti is captaining the side. After winning the toss, Italy's stand-in captain Manenti said, Well bowl today. There were some nerves there, of course, like any game of international cricket. I think it just didnt work out for us on the day. A few things clearly went the wrong way for us. Losing our skipper, Wayne Madsen, was probably a turning point, and then we didnt manage to get back that momentum in a crucial period of the game. Scotland are a good side, and today we take on another good side in Nepal, so were really looking forward to it. Hes played a lot of cricket for Italy, and Im really looking forward to watching him. Our focus point has been bravery the whole time. Were playing against teams who are well above us in the world rankings, and from the outside looking in, were the outsiders. But within our squad, we believe strongly in our abilities. Were trying to be brave and take the game on, and hopefully well see that today. Weve moved on slightly from then, and Italy cricket has moved on a long way since that stage, he added While Nepal's captain Rohit Paudel said, We would have bowled, to be honest. The toss is something thats not in our control. Well make the most of batting first. Its the same wicket where the last game was played, and it should spin in the second innings, so well try to use that. I think its a great advantage, especially playing in Asian conditions. Playing all our games here at the Wankhede helps, and well try to make the most of it. We felt thats the area we can improve from the last game, in both departments batting and bowling. The last three to four overs have been very crucial for us. Thats where we need to hold our nerves, absorb the pressure, and be present in that moment. Its great to have fans like them; they motivate us a lot. After the England game, we saw many social media posts showing people watching us live back in Nepal. That gives a lot of motivation to all the boys, he added. Playing XIs: We felt thats the area we can improve from the last game, in both departments batting and bowling. The last three to four overs have been very crucial for us. Thats where we need to hold our nerves, absorb the pressure, and be present in that moment. Its great to have fans like them; they motivate us a lot. After the England game, we saw many social media posts showing people watching us live back in Nepal. That gives a lot of motivation to all the boys, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Italy: Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (c), Ben Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (wk), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan. Article Source: IANS

Van Beek: Test cricket for the Dutch can wait, focus now on white-ball game

He says playing one Test in two years doesn't help an Associate team

Duffy Relishes First World Cup Experience At 31 After Breakthrough Year

T20 World Cup: Jacob Duffy is embracing his first ICC Mens T20 World Cup at the age of 31, following a breakthrough 2025 season that saw him etch his name into New Zealand cricket history. The South Island paceman took 81 wickets for the Black Caps last year, breaking a New Zealand record held by Sir Richard Hadlee for four decades. He has continued his strong form at the T20 World Cup 2026, claiming key wickets in wins over Afghanistan and the UAE. Duffys journey to international cricket was far from immediate. He had to wait until he was 26 to make his debut, earning a Player of the Match award after taking four wickets in a T20I against Pakistan. That patience, he says, has been crucial in shaping him into a player capable of thriving under pressure. There were so many times I wished I was in the team and I wasnt, Duffy was quoted as saying by ICC. I have done a lot of A tours and when I finally got a consistent run of games, that was the most important thing. Id had a series or a game here and there over the years, but to play regularly and be comfortable at that level and prove to yourself you belong at that level is pretty huge. I have 10 or 12 years of experience to call upon and that has served me well. I know my game so well; I know my tactics and my action. I had all those experiences to call upon when push came to shove in those high-pressure moments in international cricket. Its not always nice sitting on the sidelines not getting those games but those experiences helped me when I did get there. A big part of it is proving to yourself you are good enough. A lot of sportspeople talk about imposter syndrome and not quite knowing if you are good enough. To prove time and again that you are, not necessarily to dominate, but to have a meaningful impact for New Zealand and hold your own in different formats is a great feeling, he added. Born in Lumsden, Duffy honed his skills bowling to his two older brothers on a back garden pitch prepared by their father using local Kakanui clay. He believes being the youngest sibling definitely fast-tracked my progress. Off the field, he and his wife Natasha are preparing to welcome their first child in mid-June. On the cricketing front, Duffy is set to complete both a World Cup campaign and his maiden IPL season with Royal Challengers Bangalore. He is eager to learn from Josh Hazlewood and share the dressing room with Virat Kohli, while also drawing on tips from fellow Kiwi pacemen Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Kyle Jamieson. One of our greatest strengths is that we all get along so well. We feed off each other pretty well and we all have different attributes. Even just this week, Ive been trying to perfect my away swing to the left-hander. Kyle has come out and nailed those sort of balls for the last five or six years, so he is helping me out trying to do that. We are all good mates, we are all helping each other out and having a good time doing it. I am very grateful for their companionship, he said. Having grown up watching World Cups, Duffy says being at the centre of the action is a dream come true. That 2015 World Cup was pretty amazing; that got a lot of people into cricket back home, and there was a real buzz after that. The pool game against Australia, Kane (Williamson) hitting the last ball six to win it when we were nine down, then obviously there was the semi-final against South Africa at Eden Park. Having grown up watching World Cups, Duffy says being at the centre of the action is a dream come true. Also Read: Live Cricket Score --IANS Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: Afghanistan All-rounder Nabi Fined For Code Of Conduct Breach

Emirates ICC International Panel: Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during their ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 Group D match against South Africa in Ahmedabad. Nabi was found to have breached Article 2.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to 'Disobeying an Umpires instruction during an International Match', ICC said in a statement. Additionally, one demerit point has been added to Nabis disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period. The incident occurred at the start of the 14th over of Afghanistans innings, when Nabi engaged in a prolonged argument with the umpires over bowler Lungi Ngidis wrist band. Nabi admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by David Gilbert of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Jayaraman Madanagopal and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Nitin Menon and fourth umpire K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan levelled the charge. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a players match fee, and one or two demerit points. On-field umpires Jayaraman Madanagopal and Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, third umpire Nitin Menon and fourth umpire K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan levelled the charge. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rahmanullah Gurbaz's multiple explosive stints with the bat in the middle went in vain as South Africa clinched one of the most thrilling contests in the history of T20 World Cups, securing a win in the second Super Over at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Article Source: IANS

Naseem, Faheem fetch record fees at PSL's first-ever auction

For PKR 86.5 million, Naseem moved from Islamabad to Rawalpindi, while Ashraf returned to Islamabad for PKR 85 million

Buoyant Zimbabwe plot massive upset against depleted Australia

Mitchell Marsh is unlikely to be fit for the game and Tim David isn't yet 100% of making the XI, making Australia severely undermanned ahead of the Zimbabwe contest

T20 WC: Rathnayake, Mendis And Shanaka Star As Sri Lanka Post 225/5 Against Oman

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium: Sri Lanka unleashed a commanding batting performance to pile up 225/5 against Oman, riding on explosive half-centuries from Pavan Rathnayake, Kusal Mendis and captain Dasun Shanaka, in their Group B encounter of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. The hosts began briskly after being put in, with Kamil Mishara striking two early boundaries off Shah Faisal. However, Jay Odedra provided Oman an early breakthrough, bowling Mishara for eight with one that skidded through. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis rebuilt steadily, but Oman struck again in the sixth over when Sufyan Mehmood trapped Nissanka lbw for 13 following a successful review, leaving Sri Lanka at 58/2 at the end of the powerplay. From there, the innings gathered pace through a decisive partnership between Mendis and Rathnayake. The latter was particularly aggressive against spin, using his feet confidently and finding the gaps with ease. He punished Wasim Ali in a 17-run 10th over that included two no-balls and a free-hit boundary, as Sri Lanka crossed 100 in the 11th over. Rathnayake brought up his maiden T20I fifty in style, driving Sufyan Mehmood over the umpires head for four. His 24-ball half-century was the second-fastest by a Sri Lankan in T20 World Cups. He eventually fell for a sparkling 60 off 28 balls, bowled by Jiten Ramanandi while attempting a sweep, but not before firmly shifting the momentum Sri Lankas way. At the other end, Kusal Mendis played the anchor role to perfection. Mixing innovation with placement, he manoeuvred the field smartly and accelerated when needed, reaching his 19th T20I fifty in the 15th over. He compiled a fluent 61 off 45 deliveries, ensuring the platform remained intact heading into the death overs. What followed was a brutal onslaught from captain Dasun Shanaka. Walking in after Rathnayakes dismissal, Shanaka wasted no time, targeting both pace and spin with clean striking down the ground and over mid-wicket. He smashed a breathtaking 19-ball fifty, the fastest by a Sri Lankan in T20Is, peppering the boundary with five sixes and two fours. His 50 off 20 balls provided the late surge Sri Lanka were seeking. At the other end, Kusal Mendis played the anchor role to perfection. Mixing innovation with placement, he manoeuvred the field smartly and accelerated when needed, reaching his 19th T20I fifty in the 15th over. He compiled a fluent 61 off 45 deliveries, ensuring the platform remained intact heading into the death overs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 225/5 in 20 ov (Kusal Mendis 61, Pavan Rathnayake 60, Dasun Shanaka 50; Jiten Ramanandi 2-41) against Oman Article Source: IANS

Forest Sack Head Coach Sean Dyche After Just 114 Days In Charge

Nuno Espirito Santo: Nottingham Forest sacked Sean Dyche, who has been relieved of his duties as head coach after 17 matches in charge, the Premier League said on Thursday. The development came after Forest's goalless draw with Premier League bottom club Wolves. Dyche leaves with Forest three points above the relegation zone with 12 games of the season remaining. We would like to thank Sean and his staff for their efforts during their time at the Club, and we wish them the best of luck for the future. We will be making no further comment at this time, Forest said in a statement. The 54-year-old succeeded Ange Postecoglou in October and had signed a contract until the summer of 2027. Interestingly, Postecoglou lasted just 39 days in the job after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo, who was sacked just three matches into the 2025-26 campaign. After Wednesday's goalless draw against bottom club Wolves, Dyche SAID, The owner has been fair to me, without a shadow of a doubt. If anyone chooses to change in football now, that's their decision. We've all seen it. People can demand change, and then it's always whether they change or not. I just work very hard. I care about this club. I've made that clear. I'm working very hard, Dyche said. The 54-year-old succeeded Ange Postecoglou in October and had signed a contract until the summer of 2027. Interestingly, Postecoglou lasted just 39 days in the job after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo, who was sacked just three matches into the 2025-26 campaign. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Forest are out of both domestic cup competitions, losing 3-2 to Swansea under Postecoglou in the EFL Cup third round in September and exiting the FA Cup on penalties to another Championship side, Wrexham, in the third round under Dyche last month. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: All Stats From West Indies 30-run Win Over England In Group C

T20 World Cup: West Indies pulled off a commanding 30-run victory over England in Group C of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, strengthening their bid for the Super 8s. Sent in to bat, West Indies recovered from 8/2 to post 196/6, thanks largely to a blistering unbeaten 76 from Sherfane Rutherford, who struck seven sixes and two fours to set up the total. Roston Chase (34) and Jason Holder (33) provided useful support after early setbacks. In reply, England got starts from Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell but couldnt build big partnerships. West Indies spin attack dominated, with Gudakesh Motie taking 3-33 and Roston Chase chipping in with two more, strangling the chase and restricting England to 166 all out in 19 overs. Sam Currans 43 not out offered resistance, but it wasnt enough as West Indies clinched a second straight win. England now face pressure in their remaining fixtures to keep their tournament hopes alive. Heres a look at all the key stats from the England vs West Indies match 670 It is the number of runs scored by Phil Salt against the West Indies. In 15 matches, he has scored 670 runs at an average of 60.09, with three hundreds and as many fifties. 50 Number of sixes conceded by Jofra Archer in 39 innings, ten of those in three innings at Wankhede Stadium. 200 Number of sixes hit by Jason Holder in T20 cricket. Of the 200 sixes, 67 have come since January 2025. 33 Adil Rashid has claimed the most number of wickets for England in T20 World Cups, tallying 33. 200 Number of sixes hit by Jason Holder in T20 cricket. Of the 200 sixes, 67 have come since January 2025. Also Read: Live Cricket Score 76* It is the highest individual score of Sherfane Rutherford in T20Is, eclipsing his previous best of 68* against New Zealand in Tarouba in 2024. Article Source: IANS

Home Is Love; Its Where You Get Peace: Gambhir Reflects Ahead Of Indias T20 WC Game In Delhi

Arun Jaitley Stadium: As India prepares to face Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the occasion carries special significance for head coach Gautam Gambhir. Delhi is not only his home city but also the venue where a stand bears his name, a tribute to his contributions to Indian cricket. He had also hosted the entire Indian team for dinner at his home when they landed for the upcoming clash. Speaking ahead of the fixture, Gambhir reflected on what returning home means to him, especially in a profession defined by pressure and scrutiny. Youre around your family, so for me, home has always been special. Obviously, its tough because you go through a lot of lonely nights as well; you go through a lot of nights when things dont go your way. Its sometimes a very challenging profession as well. So when youve got your trusted support staff, they normally become as close as your family because you can share a lot of emotions with them, Gambhir said in a bcci.tv video. Infact when youre in this profession, you share a lot more emotions with them as compared to what you share with your family. They know the ups and downs of this profession. They know how it feels when things dont go your way. Support staff is not just support staff; its actually more than a family, he added. For Gambhir, the emotional demands of elite sport make the dressing room bond indispensable. While the intensity of competition is unavoidable, he stressed the importance of maintaining balance within the squad environment. Once the game gets started, its always tense; its always full of pressure. You want to train as hard as you can. But in the dressing room and during the practice session, whenever you get an opportunity, you try and be as relaxed as you can; you can joke around. I think a lot depends on the captain as well. A lot depends on the captain and how he wants the atmosphere. There have to be moments when guys can be themselves, and there has to be a funny moment somewhere, be it in the practice sessions or in the dressing room. Everyone has a funny side to it. So make sure we try and get that out of every individual, and that is something which will keep the atmosphere light as well. But once the game is over, during the practice sessions, you have to try and have a funny side, and more importantly, it keeps things very relaxed, he stated. Once the game gets started, its always tense; its always full of pressure. You want to train as hard as you can. But in the dressing room and during the practice session, whenever you get an opportunity, you try and be as relaxed as you can; you can joke around. I think a lot depends on the captain as well. A lot depends on the captain and how he wants the atmosphere. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Irrespective of how the day has panned out, you go back home, meet your loved ones, and theyre going to receive you, and theyre going to greet you the same way as they normally do. Thats why I say home is love, and home is where you get peace, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

T20 WC: 'Stirling's Injury Doesn't Look Ideal', Says Ireland Coach Gary Wilson

T2o World Cup: Skipper Paul Stirling's knee injury doesn't look good according to batting coach Gary Wilson, as Ireland are waiting for scans to confirm the severity of the injury. Stirling hurt his right knee when completing a catch early in Ireland's 67-run loss to Australia in the Group B match of the T2o World Cup on Wednesday and aggravated it even further when he attempted to bat, which forced him to retire hurt in the first over of the chase. It doesn't look great. He went for a scan this evening, so we'll have to wait for confirmation. But yeah, I would say it doesn't look ideal, Wilson said after the match. Wilson was pushed on why Stirling had come out to bat during Ireland's run chase and the batting coach said the captain wanted to lead from the front. I think credit to him that he knew going out there that he was probably not quite right and he still tried to go out there and get the job done for the team. As I said, unfortunately it wasn't to be tonight, he said. Ireland lost their second game at the 2026 ICC Mens T20 World Cup on Wednesday. They will now likely require victories in their remaining two group fixtures against Oman and Zimbabwe to reach the next phase and Wilson said the side hadn't given up hope of picking up two wins and moving through to the Super Eights. That was why the other day (against Sri Lanka) was so disappointing because actually for 65-70 percent of that game I thought we were the better side. It was just the last five overs of their innings and the last five overs of our innings, and we just couldn't quite put the full game together. Ireland lost their second game at the 2026 ICC Mens T20 World Cup on Wednesday. They will now likely require victories in their remaining two group fixtures against Oman and Zimbabwe to reach the next phase and Wilson said the side hadn't given up hope of picking up two wins and moving through to the Super Eights. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Ireland will next be in action against Oman in Colombo on Saturday. Article Source: IANS

SA Vs AFG Was One Of The Best Games In World Cup History: Irfan Pathan

World Cup: Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan reflected on the high-octane contest between South Africa and Afghanistan in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, a match that required two Super Overs to decide the outcome and called it one of the best games in World Cup history. South Africa and Afghanistan produced a stunning thriller, with the match tied at 187 in regulation and again in the first Super Over, forcing an unprecedented second Super Over. The Proteas finally prevailed by four runs after posting 23, with Afghanistan falling just short despite three sixes from Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the decider super over. It was one of the best games of this World Cup, no doubt about it. In fact, one of the best games in World Cup history, easily among the top five. Two super overs and high drama throughout. There were no-balls, free hits, run-outs, missed yorkers, everything you could ask for. Bowlers tried to bowl yorkers under pressure and missed, which happens to everyone. When they used pace, they went for runs; when they bowled slower balls, they created trouble and picked wickets. Keshav Maharajs last ball in the second super over was exceptional. He stayed away from Gurbaz, bowled the wide line, and backed himself even after bowling a wide earlier. That showed his class and temperament. A truly thrilling contest, Pathan told JioHotstar. The evening game saw West Indies clinch a 30-run win over England at Mumbais Wankhede Stadium. Sherfane Rutherfords unbeaten 76 powered a total of 196/6, and a spin trio led by Gudakesh Motie restricted England to 166 during their chase. Sam Currans 43 wasnt enough as the Windies sealed their second straight Group C win. Pathan credited the West Indies spin trio for laying the foundation of the win. Spin it to win it, that mantra really worked for West Indies. Three spinners came into the game straight away, and that made the difference. I was really impressed with the way Roston Chase bowled. Being an off-spinner, getting Jos Buttler out was huge. Gudakesh Motie showed outstanding skill as well. Against right-hand batters, he used the finger spin effectively, and the way he got Harry Brook out was brilliant. It was a very clinical performance from West Indies. The catching was excellent too, especially Rovman Powells outstanding catch. West Indies have sometimes lagged in fielding, but we saw some really good fielding in this match, he said. Pathan also underlined the all-round value of Roston Chase, whose contribution came at a crucial juncture in the match. First of all, his batting was crucial. When he came in at number four, West Indies were in trouble after losing two early wickets. He provided stability and scored over 30 runs, which was very important. As a right-arm off-spinner, getting Jos Buttler out is never easy. Buttler had hit a big shot the ball before, but Chase changed his length, gave him no room, and got him out well inside the boundary. What I really liked was his planning. Against right-hand batters, he kept changing his line, sometimes targeting the heel, while sometimes going wide outside the off stump. Piyush Chawla, meanwhile, praised Sherfane Rutherfords composure under pressure against England, noting that his knock added crucial runs to the total. First of all, his batting was crucial. When he came in at number four, West Indies were in trouble after losing two early wickets. He provided stability and scored over 30 runs, which was very important. As a right-arm off-spinner, getting Jos Buttler out is never easy. Buttler had hit a big shot the ball before, but Chase changed his length, gave him no room, and got him out well inside the boundary. What I really liked was his planning. Against right-hand batters, he kept changing his line, sometimes targeting the heel, while sometimes going wide outside the off stump. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With two dominant wins on the trot and their spin unit firing, West Indies appear to have found a winning formula as the tournament gathers momentum. Article Source: IANS

Oman make two changes and field; Hemantha replaces injured Hasaranga for Sri Lanka

For Oman, Jay Odedra and Mohammad Nadeem have come in for Karan Sonavale and Shakeel Ahmed

T20 WC: Hasaranga Out, Hemantha In As Sri Lanka Put To Bat By Oman

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium: Oman won the toss and elected to bowl against Sri Lanka in their Group B encounter of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Sri Lanka begin their T20 World Cup campaign in Pallekele facing Oman, but without key spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. His absence is a major blow, especially at a venue known to favour spin, placing added responsibility on Maheesh Theekshana and the rest of the slow-bowling attack. Sri Lanka will also look for improvement with the bat after struggling for fluency against Ireland, particularly in the middle overs. The top order needs to show more intent ahead of tougher matches. For Oman, this is their first-ever T20I against Sri Lanka. They come into the match after being bowled out for 103 by Zimbabwe and must adapt quickly to Pallekeles slower conditions. With the average winning first-innings score around 170, Oman will need a far more disciplined batting effort to challenge the hosts. Winning the toss, Oman captain Jatinder Singh said, We're gonna bowl first, and since there is a bit of moisture, we just want to utilize the conditions. Well, I believe there's hardly anything you can pick from the first game, and it's like one game don't define us, so we just need to get our batting right, so I think everything will fall in place. Yeah, preparations have been really good, so they are the full members, so definitely they play really competitive cricket. We don't get a chance to play with the test playing nations, so this is a golden opportunity for us to come and showcase our talent. I think if you keep your wickets intact, maybe later on you can accelerate. That is what it seems like on this venue. There are two changes. We have Jay Odedra and Mohammad Nadeem coming in. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka said, Yes, unfortunately our champion bowler, Hasaranga misses out, so weve had to make that change. We expected to score more runs, but under the circumstances especially with the pitch playing a bit on the slower side it wasnt easy. Hopefully, the conditions will be better for us today. Of course. Weve discussed a few plans and combinations. Hopefully, if the conditions allow, well be able to execute them well. Playing XIs Meanwhile, Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka said, Yes, unfortunately our champion bowler, Hasaranga misses out, so weve had to make that change. We expected to score more runs, but under the circumstances especially with the pitch playing a bit on the slower side it wasnt easy. Hopefully, the conditions will be better for us today. Of course. Weve discussed a few plans and combinations. Hopefully, if the conditions allow, well be able to execute them well. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushaan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana Article Source: IANS