BCB Bans Womens Selector Monjurul Islam Over Sexual Harassment Allegations By Jahanara Alam
National Team Captain Jahanara Alam: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has barred former international cricketer Monjurul Islam from any direct or indirect involvement in cricket activities under its authority following an inquiry into allegations of misconduct. The decision, announced after a board meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday, was based on the findings of an Independent Inquiry Committee formed to investigate a complaint filed by former Bangladesh womens captain Jahanara Alam. She had accused Monjurul of sexual assault during the 2022 World Cup. According to the board, the inquiry reviewed four allegations made by Alam. While two claims could not be substantiated due to insufficient evidence, the committee found prima facie proof of inappropriate conduct in the remaining two. Monjurul, who previously served as selector and manager of the womens team, completed his contractual tenure with the BCB on June 30, 2025. The committee observed that his behaviour did not meet professional standards and fell within the definition of misconduct and harassment under relevant Supreme Court guidelines. Based on the findings of the Independent Inquiry Committee formed by the BCB to examine the complaint lodged by former Bangladesh Women's National Team Captain Jahanara Alam, the Board has decided to impose a ban on former national cricketer Monjurul Islam from all forms of direct or indirect employment and/or cricket-related activities under the jurisdiction of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, the board stated, confirming the allegations. The BCB is reviewing the recommendations of the Committee and will take any additional measures deemed necessary in light of the report, the boards statement added. Additionally, the board approved the schedule for the inaugural edition of the Women's Bangladesh Premier League, which will be held from April 4 to 14, 2026, across Dhaka and Chattogram. The BCB is reviewing the recommendations of the Committee and will take any additional measures deemed necessary in light of the report, the boards statement added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In view of his intention to step down at the end of his tenure as Chairman National Selection Panel, the Board has decided to offer a one-month extension to Gazi Ashraf Hossain. During this period, the Board will work on finding his successor and reorganisation of the panel, the BCB said. Article Source: IANS
T20 WC: Miller, Brevis, Stubbs Power South Africa To 187/7, Bumrah Picks 3-15 For India
T20 World Cup: David Miller, Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs played stunning knocks to power South Africa to 187/7 in their 20 overs against India in the Super Eights clash of 2026 Mens T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. On a slow, black soil pitch, India had the upper hand in the powerplay as a brilliant Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh struck early to reduce South Africa to 20/3 in four overs. After Brevis and Miller steadied the innings through a 97-run partnership off 51 balls. Though Brevis fell five short of a half-century, Miller went on to make 63 off 35 balls, before being removed by Varun Chakaravarthy, who had an off day at large. Millers dismissal slowed South Africas momentum, as 39 runs came from overs 14-19, until Stubbs cut loose in the final over by smashing Hardik Pandya for a four and two towering sixes to lift the total past 180-mark and be unbeaten on 44 off 24 balls. Apart from Bumrah and Arshdeep, who took 2-28, Indias bowlers looked patchy with their execution, but they will feel the target is within reach given the conditions. With dew expected to play a role and South Africa relying on their four-man pace attack, the chase could tilt in Indias favour. Still, fireworks from Miller, Brevis and Stubbs have given South Africa a fighting chance. South Africas decision to bat first didnt start well as Bumrah removed Quinton de Kock with a nip-backer taking out the leg-side bail. With the ball stopping a bit, Arshdeep had success as Aiden Markram picked out mid-off. Bumrah then returned to fox Ryan Rickelton with a slower ball, and the leading edge on the loft was caught easily by mid-off. Miller, who has played a lot of IPL cricket here for Gujarat Titans, looked in good touch from the get go. With pristine timing on his shots, Miller was great in taking fours off Chakaravarthy and Arshdeep. From the other end, Brevis began his onslaught as 11 runs came off Washington Sundars opening over. With Chakaravarthy overpitching, Miller and Brevis hit him for sixes easily, with the latter also taking two sixes and a four off Shivam Dube. But Dube had the last laugh as Brevis mistimed a pull to deep mid-wicket. Miller capitalised on his second free hit with a lofted drive over extra cover off Dube to get his fifty in 26 balls. Miller, who has played a lot of IPL cricket here for Gujarat Titans, looked in good touch from the get go. With pristine timing on his shots, Miller was great in taking fours off Chakaravarthy and Arshdeep. From the other end, Brevis began his onslaught as 11 runs came off Washington Sundars opening over. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: South Africa 187/7 in 20 overs (David Miller 63, Dewald Brevis 45; Jasprit Bumrah 3-15, Arshdeep Singh 2-28) against India Article Source: IANS
T20 WC: We Played Exceptionally, Awesome Effort, Says Brook On Englands Dominant Super 8s Win Vs SL
T20 World Cup Super: England captain Harry Brook described the teams comprehensive victory over Sri Lanka as a special occasion, praising his sides adaptability and bowling discipline after they successfully defended 145 and bowled the hosts out for just 95 in their ICC Mens T20 World Cup Super 8s clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. A beautiful birthday present. I thought we played exceptionally there and to get over the line and bowl them out for less than 100 is an awesome effort, Brook said during the post-match presentation. Reflecting on the conditions, Brook emphasised how Englands bowlers adjusted their approach after assessing the surface during the first innings. I didn't think there were really any demons on the pitch. I think the spinners on both sides used the pace really well, and that's what brought a lot of wickets. We saw how it was behaving in the first innings and lack of pace was creating chances. So we had a good chat about that before going out and we adapted to the surface really well, the England skipper said. Brook credited Englands batters for laying the foundation despite difficult batting conditions, reserving special praise for Phil Salt, whose gritty half-century proved decisive. He said, It was just slow. It was hard to time, and I thought Salty played an exceptional innings there to get 60 with everybody fumbling around him as well. Not the fluent Phil Salt that everybody knows, but he managed to get us to a very good score there and a couple of partnerships at the end as well. It was a hell of a performance. The England skipper also backed Jos Buttler despite his recent struggles, expressing confidence in the senior batters ability to deliver later in the tournament. Not concerned at all. He's a powerhouse of world cricket. He has been for many years. He's arguably the best white-ball player to have ever played the game. He's just lacking a little bit of confidence at the minute, but I'd rather him start the competition like this and finish with a flourish. Looking forward and really excited to see how he goes in the next couple of games. It has worked for them, we've played a lot of cricket here in the last few weeks, and we knew that it was gonna play a big part today. And Jacksie was pretty annoyed with the way he got out, so he said to me he always bowls better when he's angry, and thankfully he got off to a cracking start, he mentioned. Brook also revealed the tactical clarity shared among Englands spin attack, including Player of the Match Will Jacks, stating, I had a chat with the spinners as well and we were like, we don't really need to vary our lines, it's more about paces, and as we saw, we got rewards for that as well with a few caught and bowleds, like I said, and a couple of catches out on the boundary, it was perfect adaption to the surface. Not concerned at all. He's a powerhouse of world cricket. He has been for many years. He's arguably the best white-ball player to have ever played the game. He's just lacking a little bit of confidence at the minute, but I'd rather him start the competition like this and finish with a flourish. Looking forward and really excited to see how he goes in the next couple of games. It has worked for them, we've played a lot of cricket here in the last few weeks, and we knew that it was gonna play a big part today. And Jacksie was pretty annoyed with the way he got out, so he said to me he always bowls better when he's angry, and thankfully he got off to a cracking start, he mentioned. Also Read: Live Cricket Score No, not really. I feel like we can play on any surface. Like you said, Joss hasn't fired yet, but when he does fire and he gets on a very good wicket, he's going to get 100 and blitz the team away. And same with Salty as well, he got 60 today, but like I said, it's not the flourishing Salty that we know. Once we can figure that power play out and get on top of them with the bat, then we're going to be a very hard team to beat, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Brook backs Buttler as England overcome more top-order batting frailties
Opener looks a shadow of dominant self but captain is sure he'll come good when team needs him
T20 WC: Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka did not shy away from admitting his sides batting failure after they were bowled out for just 95 and suffered a 51-run defeat to England, despite a disciplined bowling effort that had earlier kept the opposition to a modest total. Reflecting on the contest, Shanaka expressed disappointment at how Sri Lanka let a strong bowling performance go to waste with a rash and ill-judged batting display. It's very disappointing, but at the same time, we had a lot of positives in the ball. So I think we kept them towards a total which was at least 20 runs under par. I expected my players to bat well, Shanaka said after the game, summarising the factors behind the low-scoring outcome. Sri Lankas bowlers had executed their plans effectively to restrict England to 145, giving the hosts a realistic chance in familiar conditions. However, Shanaka was clear that the pitch was not to blame for the dramatic collapse, insisting the conditions were playable and that poor decision-making with the bat proved costly. A combination of all the things. I think the pitch played well. Certainly, it was a bit slow in the first innings, but with the lights on, it settled a bit. We played badly. All the bowlers in our side bowled well, it's not that they (England) bowled really well. We played some rash shots in critical intervals, he said. The captain also emphasised the strength of Sri Lankas bowling attack, which had consistently kept opponents in check throughout the tournament. In this World Cup, we tried with five main bowlers. I mean, including allounder. So it is a nice attack to have, so I can restrict most of the sides to lower scores, Shanaka explained. Despite the early wickets, Sri Lanka had planned to pace their chase and take the game deep, but the approach unraveled under pressure. The discussion was to take it deep (during the chase). We have played a lot of cricket in this sort of conditions, it was about taking it deep and taking the positive options and the right options, which we didn't take. So eventually it's one bad game which is not affordable in a World Cup, but we need to bounce back in the next couple of games, the skipper mentioned. Despite the early wickets, Sri Lanka had planned to pace their chase and take the game deep, but the approach unraveled under pressure. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With crucial fixtures ahead, Sri Lanka will now look to regroup quickly and rediscover the batting form that had carried them through earlier matches. Article Source: IANS
Rising Stars Asia Cup: Indian womens remarkable run on the international stage continued as the India A Women's team bagged the Rising Star Asia Cup in Bangkok, a day after the senior side sealed a T20I series triumph in Australia. Congratulating the young squad, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia praised the team, led by Radha Yadav, for its outstanding achievement and lauded the efforts of the coaches and support staff behind the success. The dominance of India Women continues! Just a day after the senior women's team won the T20I series in Australia, India A Women have clinched the Rising Star Asia Cup in Bangkok today. A big congratulations to the young and talented team led by Radha Yadav. Kudos to the coaches & support staffs too, BCCI secretary Saikia posted on X. The win marked Indias second ACC Womens Asia Cup Rising Stars title, having also won the inaugural edition in 2023. Tejal Hasabnis struck an unbeaten half-century as India A Women successfully defended their ACC Womens Asia Cup Rising Stars title with a comprehensive 46-run win over Bangladesh A Women in the final at the Terdthai Cricket Ground on Sunday. After winning the toss and opting to bat, India A posted 134/7 in 20 overs, riding on Hasabnis 51 off 34 deliveries. In reply, Bangladesh A Women were bowled out for 88 in 19.1 overs. Batting first, India made a steady start, reaching 30 without loss in the first five overs. However, Bangladesh fought back strongly, claiming three quick wickets across the next two overs to put the defending champions under pressure. Fahima Khatuns side struck again on the first ball of the eighth over, reducing India to 44/4 in 8.1 overs. With the pressure mounting on the batting side, Hasabnis and captain Radha Yadav stitched together a vital 69-run partnership that steadied the innings and took India past the three-figure mark. Hasabnis brought up her fifty in 33 balls and remained unbeaten on 51, hitting three fours and two sixes. Radha contributed 36 off 30 balls before being dismissed in the 17th over. Chasing 135 for victory, Bangladesh got off to a poor start, losing opener Ishma Tanjim in the third over. They managed 36 runs in the power play. Wicketkeeper-batter Shamima Sultana, who looked promising, was dismissed soon after the power play for 20. Hasabnis brought up her fifty in 33 balls and remained unbeaten on 51, hitting three fours and two sixes. Radha contributed 36 off 30 balls before being dismissed in the 17th over. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Prema Rawat starred with the ball for India A, claiming 3/12, while Sonia Mendhiya and Tanuja Kanwer picked up two wickets apiece. Article Source: IANS
High stakes for a rare West Indies-Zimbabwe clash
Both teams finished on top of their groups and Monday's meeting will be only the fifth T20I between the sides
T20 WC: Knew We Have To Bowl Well And Work Hard, Says Jacks After Match-winning 3-22 Vs SL
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium: Will Jacks reflected on a clinical all-round performance after guiding England to a commanding 51-run win over Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Jacks picked up three crucial wickets as a comprehensive effort by the bowlers saw England defending a modest total of 146. We're buzzing with that. At the halfway stage, we were pleased to get up to 145, but obviously, we knew we were going to have to bowl well and work hard. And we had such a brilliant start in the powerplay, Jof got us off to a good start. And then we managed to continue taking wickets all the way throughout, Jacks said during the post-match presentation after receiving the Player of the Match award. Englands bowlers delivered exactly what was required, dismantling Sri Lanka for just 95 in a relentless display built on early breakthroughs and sustained pressure. Jacks credited familiarity with conditions and Englands spin strength as key factors behind their control. We seem to do well here. We've obviously just come off a series against Sri Lanka at this ground. So we do know it well. Yeah, with minimum really 12 overs to spin here. That's it. I think we spin the ball hard, which definitely helps there. And we seem to do well defending, squeezing the game, like squeezing, eking every dot out that we possibly can. And we know as a chasing side how hard it makes it, he said. Jacks himself played a pivotal role with the ball, embracing the responsibility of delivering in crucial phases. His willingness to step up, particularly in the powerplay, has become an important asset for Englands bowling plans. I love getting that responsibility with the ball. I think it encourages me to get into the game and perform better. I think I like that responsibility and bowling in the powerplay is something I've done a lot. So it's not foreign to me. And when we get on the surface like that, I come into the game knowing what I need to do, he mentioned. The victory continued Englands winning run, even as Jacks acknowledged that the side is still striving for its best cricket. He emphasised the value of building momentum and playing with confidence as the tournament progresses. I love getting that responsibility with the ball. I think it encourages me to get into the game and perform better. I think I like that responsibility and bowling in the powerplay is something I've done a lot. So it's not foreign to me. And when we get on the surface like that, I come into the game knowing what I need to do, he mentioned. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Coming back here and against the better teams in a way, some of that pressure is off you and you just go out there and play your way. And that's something we've done today. Played with freedom. And it's just about trusting our own game. We know we're good enough and we know if we play with that freedom and that unity that more often than not we'll be in the right position, Jacks concluded. Article Source: IANS
T20 WC: Skid On Pitch Suits Bowling Style Ahead Of Clash Against SA, Says Chakaravarthy
Narendra Modi Stadium: Ahead of India playing South Africa in their first Super Eights clash in the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026, wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy explained that the skid on the pitch suits his bowling style and noted the surface at Narendra Modi Stadium has changed since their last meeting in December 2025. Against South Africa, Chakaravarthy has picked 22 wickets in eight T20Is, including his best bowling figures of 5-17 in Gqeberha in 2024. As of now, Chakaravarthy has nine wickets in four matches at an economy of 5.2 and a strike rate of 8, placing him joint second on the tournaments wicket-taking charts behind USA pacer Shadley Van Schalkwyk. Well, those matches were played a month before, and obviously, things have changed after that, but I would say the wicket did help me a bit because it skids more. As I told you, the pitch, if it provides more skid, it sometimes helps me because Im generally quicker through the air, and so I get a little more help here, he said to broadcasters ahead of the game. On his role as a bowler in the middle overs, Chakaravarthy said, Its just taking and picking wickets. So my role in the team is to pick wickets, and I do bowl quite often in the powerplay also because in the last two series, all the matches I have bowled in the powerplay, and Im used to that also. Well, those matches were played a month before, and obviously, things have changed after that, but I would say the wicket did help me a bit because it skids more. As I told you, the pitch, if it provides more skid, it sometimes helps me because Im generally quicker through the air, and so I get a little more help here, he said to broadcasters ahead of the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He acknowledged the challenge of defending totals on smaller grounds. It is challenging because of the small ground and flat wickets. I hope we can play more in Sri Lanka because of the turning tracks, but these are the conditions that we have in front of us. So I can't complain much. Things have been going well for the team, and hopefully we can continue it. Article Source: IANS
T20 World Cup: Well before they started their campaigns in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the top teams were aware of which group they would be placed in if they qualified for the Super Eight stage of the 2026 edition of the mega event. That was because the top teams were pre-seeded into Super Eight Group 1 and Super Eight Group 2 and thus knew their opponents well in advance, well before they reached the group of eight of the tournament. For this edition, India were X1, Australia X2, West Indies X3 and South Africa X4 and were placed in Super Eight Group 1, while England was Y1, New Zealand Y2, Pakistan Y3 and Sri Lanka Y4 and were slotted in Group 2. Only Australia failed to make it to the Super 8s, and their spot went to Zimbabwe, putting them in Group 1 alongside hosts and defending champions India, 2024 finalists South Africa and two-time champions West Indies. If any other form of grouping format had been used, Zimbabwe would have landed in the other group, and the composition of it would have been different. Because of this, there is a feeling that the event has landed with pre-determined match-ups, with commercial interests likely taking precedence in deciding the groups. West Indies coach Darren Sammy, a two-time winner of the T20 World Cup as a player, on Monday expressed his opinion on the unique pre-seeding applied in this edition of the T20 World Cup that ensured that the seeded teams got a pre-determined group placement, their performance in their preliminary group notwithstanding. Sammy initially said they were not bothered by it as they knew that they have to play strong opponents like India and South Africa, the finalists of the 2024 edition. Look, we play what's in front of us, to be honest. I mean, we knew before the tournament what was going to happen, where if we did that, where we were going to be. We just try to control what we can. Ideally, I guess, in sports, you seldom get the top teams in the different groups in the same round. But look, my team knows they just had to play a World Cup. We've got Zimbabwe tomorrow. We got South Africa, and then India. And I think I was here before, and I said, these are teams for us, we got the finalists of the last World Cup. If you're going to win, you've got to play what's in front of you and not take it for granted, not take anybody lightly. If you start to bring in other factors, then it takes you off track with your focus. And for us, our focus is on Zimbabwe tomorrow and doing everything in our power to come out victorious, said Sammy in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Zimbabwe clash in the Super 8 stage. He did see some positives in this arrangement and said it allows the fans to plan their itinerary as they know who their opponent will be in the second half of the tournament. Look, I mean, I guess if you take the logistics that come into it, trying to give the fans who probably travel an opportunity to plan. Ideally, I think the big thing for most people is they would be saying oh - West Indies came out of the group, oh, Zimbabwe came out of the group. That means somebody they see who did not come out. Zimbabwe did what they had to do. If we were not seeded or so, and I saw that this person is going to play there. That gives me motivation. And I'm pretty sure Zimbabwe, looking at that group there, gave them motivation and inspiration to come out and play the way they've played. But I do understand from the logistical standpoint, trying to give the fans the surety, whatever flights, whatever. That's not my field. If you ask me about power play and these things, I could probably answer you in a better manner, he added. Sammy also talked about Shai Hope's approach to the game, as the batter has not gone bonkers from the start and used the long handle as is expected in the shortest format of the game. It seems a very sensible approach for the West Indies as they have players who can resort to power-hitting in the death overs and make up for the slow-going at the start. Sammy said Hope is not as muscular as some of his teammates, but can match their six-hitting in intensity and distance. I think a batsman's job is to score runs. Whether, if you watch Shai, he hits the ball as long as anybody. Six over the hoop or six in the stand is still six runs. But I think the role he plays at the top, and I think I saw something. His strike rate is still higher than a lot of our big hitters. So I think it's just because he's not muscling the ball, we think that he's not as bad as he looks. But his boundary percentage, his strike rate, is still the same, he said. The role he brings, he executes it in a way that makes the team successful. And Rovman or Brandon King or Sherfane or Hetty, they have their role that they could probably execute the best way possible in the squad that we have. When you put all these different roles together, that's what you get, like we've been playing in the group stages. But Shai is class, he works really hard at his game, understands what he has to do in the batting lineup, which could help our guys, and the other guys fulfil their role even better. So, if he's scoring runs, we're happy, but like we've seen throughout this tournament, performances have been coming from different people. When Shai and Brandon didn't come off, it was Hetty and Sherfane, then it was Jason, and Shepherd won one time, so it's good. The team is in a good space. We just have to continue trusting the processes and executing the different roles successfully, he added. The West Indies coach admitted that they did not have an ideal preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup, as the West Indies had won only two out of the seven series they played in 2025. He said that it is the first time in many years that they have all the star players in the side. He admitted that the players got inspired by the fact that they were playing the World Cup. Yeah, obviously it's a World Cup. Which athlete plays sports? The World Cup is the pinnacle. That's what you look for in athletics: the Olympics, Football is the World Cup, Rugby World Cup, Cricket World Cup. However, I think it's the first time that, in the long term, we've had every single person who is available for the West Indies playing. And I think just the way we've been building the different players that we've tried, heading into the World Cup, and I think it's a conscious effort on each player to just pay a little bit more attention to the detail, the preparation, the planning, and I mean with the planning now the clarity that they've had and we've created it makes it easier to execute. The West Indies coach admitted that they did not have an ideal preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup, as the West Indies had won only two out of the seven series they played in 2025. He said that it is the first time in many years that they have all the star players in the side. He admitted that the players got inspired by the fact that they were playing the World Cup. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So I think that's good, plus I mean the guys believe they could do something special. And that's what I saw. And that's why I said it from the first press conference. I feel we could do something special, and we've been taking it one game at a time. And again, tomorrow, that one game is against Zimbabwe. So hopefully we continue in that with that same mindset, that same preparation, and hopefully that equates to performance on the cricket field, he added. Article Source: IANS
Markram's SA bat first against India; no place for Axar
SA made four changes, bringing back all first-choice players who were rested for their last fixture
T20 WC: Maharaj, Ngidi, Jansen, Miller Come As SA Elect To Bat Against Unchanged India
T20 World Cup: Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and David Miller have come back for South Africa as captain Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to bat first against an unchanged India in a crunch Super Eights clash of 2026 Mens T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. Both teams arrive into this clash on the back of being unbeaten teams in their respective groups. While South Africa played and won all three of their league matches in Ahmedabad, India are playing at this venue for the first time in the competition. It looks like a really good wicket - a lot drier than the previous one we came across here - so were not expecting that early tackiness. We think its going to be a good surface throughout, and hopefully we can put a nice big score on the board. The boys are in good touch, which is always a blessing. Were not taking that for granted, but its a good space to be in at the moment. The guys have been putting in a lot of work behind the scenes to maintain that form and confidence. Weve been fortunate to play a couple of games here before. Its a different wicket this time - black soil - but generally this is a high-scoring ground and an entertaining venue. As players, thats what you look forward to being part of, and hopefully tonight is no different, said Markram after winning the toss. India captain Suryakumar Yadav said they are fielding an unchanged playing eleven, which means vice-captain Axar Patel has been left out with Washington Sundar retaining his place. I was actually looking to bat first, but its okay and were happy to bowl first. Its very harsh on Axar Patel, but were going with the same team - just a tactical decision, so no changes from the last game, he said. Talking about the preparation for this clash, Suryakumar said, We played here two or three days back and when they were bowling first, there was a little bit in the wicket, so why not take that advantage? Its a big game, a great occasion for everyone to step up and show their character. Its a full house tonight, hopefully, and weve got a good game for them. Its the business end now, so youve got to bring your A-game. We do have three league games, but you have to deliver that punch from ball one, and I think tonight is the right time. Well look to bring good energy on the field, follow our good habits, and take whatever result comes our way. The pitch looks quite similar to the previous black soil surface we played on, just one strip away, not too much change, he said. Playing XIs: Well look to bring good energy on the field, follow our good habits, and take whatever result comes our way. The pitch looks quite similar to the previous black soil surface we played on, just one strip away, not too much change, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngid Article Source: IANS
T20 WC: Will Approach Zimbabwe Like India Or Australia, Says WI Coach Sammy For Super 8 Clash
T20 World Cup: When they step into the Wankhede Stadium on Monday for their opening Super 8s clash with Zimbabwe in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in Mumbai, the West Indies will be taking the match as seriously as they take a clash with India, Australia or any other top team. Been there, done that -- Darren Sammy, after captaining the West Indies to the titles in 2012 and 2016, is hoping to guide the Caribbean stars to another T20 World Cup title -- this time as the head coach. Having experienced the highs and lows in his career as a player, coach Sammy knows that they can't afford to take things lightly because a win ahead of tougher clashes with India and South Africa will be a big boost to their dream of going all the way to the title. The West Indies finished at the top of their preliminary group and will be opening their Super 8s campaign against Zimbabwe, an unexpected opponent at this stage, who topped Group B by stunning Australia and Sri Lanka. This is one clash nobody had expected at the start of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. But Sammy said they will not take things lightly and will approach it like a game against India or Australia, as every team that has reached this stage has to be taken seriously. Who said Zimbabwe is not supposed to be here? A lot of people say the West Indies is not supposed to be here either. I think when you're in a World Cup, you've got to respect every opposition. And that's what we've been doing. That's what I encourage my guys to do. Respect the opposition, but believe in yourself, believe in your processes and your execution. So, tomorrow we approach it the same way as we would approach a game against India, Australia or whoever - like us, they are very confident. They are playing some good cricket, and I think I've said it before, T20 is a format that brings teams closer together. There's no clear-cut winner. You've got to go out on the day and execute your plans, or else you could lose the match, said Sammy in the pre-match press conference at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. To further boost their confidence, the West Indies got good news on all-rounder Romario Shepherd, who had missed the team's last group match against Italy due to an injury, is fit to play the crucial Super 8s clash. Shepherd had taken a five-fer, including a hat-trick, in their opening match against Scotland, and his return in the business end of the tournament, ahead of tougher clashes with India and South Africa, is a godsend for the West Indies. Yeah, he practised well yesterday -- bowled quite well, hit the ball very, very cleanly. The good thing for us is everybody is available for selection -- going into the Super 8, that's what you want. So I'm glad to know and happy to know that all my soldiers are ready to go out to war, said Sammy. Asked whether they have any special plans for Zimbabwe's tall pacer Blessing Muzarabani for Monday's clash, Sammy said they usually plan for every player in the opposing team and said the pacer is an X factor for the match. We plan for every single player. Not only him, but he's an X factor. And like I said earlier, you've got to respect the opposition. We know the threat they bring against us, but we also know what we have to do in order for them not to be threatening against us. The West Indies coach also said that the Associate teams have justified their presence at the World Cup with some good performances, and it was proof that the game was growing. This tournament, we had 20 teams. If you watch, especially in our group, I think everybody won a game; the associate teams have really pushed the full members. So it says that the game is growing, especially in that shorter format, that one person could actually have a brilliant inning that could actually impact the game on winning or losing. These guys have played well. And Zimbabwe, missing out on the last World Cup, I think theyre led well. Sikandar is very confident, and he leads by example. And they got six fans in the stands that sounds like one million. So there are a lot of things that are going for them. And I could understand from that standpoint, where nobody gives you a chance, how you could use that as inspiration. So I'm really looking forward to tomorrow, two teams they've not lost and hopefully the people will entertain, but with all the entertainment, West Indies will come out victorious, he added. Sammy said they will be focusing on their own performance instead of who they are playing. These guys have played well. And Zimbabwe, missing out on the last World Cup, I think theyre led well. Sikandar is very confident, and he leads by example. And they got six fans in the stands that sounds like one million. So there are a lot of things that are going for them. And I could understand from that standpoint, where nobody gives you a chance, how you could use that as inspiration. So I'm really looking forward to tomorrow, two teams they've not lost and hopefully the people will entertain, but with all the entertainment, West Indies will come out victorious, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score No, it's a cricket game. As I said earlier, I don't see an advantage. What we did against Nepal, what we did against England here, bears no bearing on the game tomorrow. It's a new opposition on a different day. We just got to come back, assess again, and decide what's required, and hopefully we deliver well. I'm pretty sure Zimbabwe will try to do the same thing. So Super 8 match, playing for your country, everything to play for, bring the excitement and the entertainment, and like I said, hopefully West Indies when that last ball is bowled is victorious, he added. Article Source: IANS
Will Jacks stars again as England dismantle Sri Lanka
Defending a modest total of 146 after Phil Salt's lone hand, Will Jacks takes three as Sri Lanka are rolled for 95
Shikhar Dhawan married his Irish girlfriend Sophie Shine on February 21. Rohit Sharma attended the reception with his wife Ritika Sajdeh, along with Suresh Raina, Yuzvendra Chahal and Shefali Bagga, among others. Virat Kohli congratulated the couple.
Former Bihar Cricket Association: Former Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) president Rakesh Tiwari has congratulated Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the young Indian batter was felicitated with 50 lakh by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his outstanding achievements on Sunday. Tiwari lauded the young Indian batter's temperament and dedication. He also feels that Vaibhav's success is an inspiration for all the young cricketers in the state. Vaibhavs performances reflect exceptional talent, discipline, and fearlessness. His success is not only a personal milestone but also an inspiration for aspiring cricketers from Bihar. I congratulate him wholeheartedly and wish him continued success at higher levels, he said. Tiwari also expressed gratitude towards the Bihar government and described the honour as a major boost for cricket in Bihar and said such recognition would inspire young athletes across the state. I sincerely thank the Bihar Government and Honble Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for recognising Vaibhavs achievements. Such encouragement sends a powerful message to young athletes across the state that excellence in sports is valued and supported, Tiwari added. Vaibhav was honoured earlier in the day by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who presented the cash award in recognition of the batters remarkable performances that have brought pride to both the state and the nation. Earlier this month, Vaibhav produced a sensational display in the final of the Under-19 World Cup 2026 against England. He smashed a breathtaking century, reaching the landmark in just 55 balls ,the fastest hundred ever scored in an Under-19 World Cup final. The youngster also set a new record for the most sixes in a single Under-19 World Cup innings, hammering 15 sixes to surpass the previous mark of 12 held by Australias Michael Hill. Earlier this month, Vaibhav produced a sensational display in the final of the Under-19 World Cup 2026 against England. He smashed a breathtaking century, reaching the landmark in just 55 balls ,the fastest hundred ever scored in an Under-19 World Cup final. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Vaibhav will next play for Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The 14 year old has already started training for the tournament. Article Source: IANS
T20 WC: England Refusing To Play The Brand Of Cricket They Are Capable Of Playing, Says Ashwin
T20 World Cup Super Eights: Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned Englands approach with the bat after their underwhelming first-innings display against Sri Lanka in the second match of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup Super Eights. Reacting to Englands 146/9, built on a sluggish powerplay and a middle-overs slowdown against spin, Ashwin did not mince words in his assessment of the 2022 champions intent and clarity. England refusing to play the brand of cricket they are capable of playing. Happens mostly when there is uncertainty around the group, Ashwin wrote on X. England, known for their aggressive white-ball template, struggled to assert themselves after early setbacks. Jos Buttler fell inside the Powerplay attempting an audacious reverse hit, and the innings never fully recovered momentum. Despite Phil Salts half-century, the scoring rate dipped significantly through the middle overs as Sri Lankas spinners tightened the screws. Ashwins remark points to a possible internal hesitation, a side caught between calculated aggression and scoreboard pressure. Englands conservative approach against spin was particularly striking, given their established philosophy of high-tempo batting irrespective of conditions. Sri Lankas bowlers, led by Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana, capitalised on that indecision. Variations in pace, subtle changes in lengths and disciplined field placements forced England into risk-averse strokes, a departure from their usual attacking blueprint. Speaking of the first innings, Wellalage (3/26) and Theekshana (2/21) choked the middle overs after early strikes when England were left reeling at 37/2 in the powerplay, their lowest in the tournament. Sri Lankas bowlers, led by Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana, capitalised on that indecision. Variations in pace, subtle changes in lengths and disciplined field placements forced England into risk-averse strokes, a departure from their usual attacking blueprint. Also Read: Live Cricket Score A run-out and disciplined fielding further dented Englands progress. Late boundaries from Will Jacks and Jamie Overton briefly lifted the scoring, but Dilshan Madushankas double strike in the 19th over and accurate death bowling ensured England finished with a below-par total. Article Source: IANS
T20 WC: Sri Lankas Spin Web Restricts England To Sub-par 146/9
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium: Sri Lanka produced a disciplined and tactically astute bowling performance to restrict England to a below-par 146/9 in the second Super Eights match of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, with the spinners setting up the squeeze before the pacers closed out efficiently at the death. After being put in to bat, England never quite found the fluency expected of their power-packed line-up. The early overs hinted at a steady start, but Sri Lankas decision to introduce spin inside the Powerplay paid immediate dividends. Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage struck a decisive blow in the fourth over, trapping Jos Buttler lbw for seven as the England skipper missed a premeditated reverse hit. The wicket set the tone for a testing middle phase. Maheesh Theekshana compounded Englands troubles by dismissing Jacob Bethell with his very first delivery, inducing a miscued slog that was safely pouched at backward point. At 37/2 at the end of the powerplay, their lowest powerplay score in the tournament, England were already under pressure. Phil Salt attempted to counterattack, but only briefly provided stability. The opener struck two sixes and six boundaries en route to a 40-ball 62, though his innings lacked the usual fluency and came at a time when wickets kept tumbling around him. Wellalage returned to remove Buttler and later trapped Harry Brook lbw for 14, with ball-tracking confirming umpires call. Englands captain had tried to inject momentum with a boundary and sharp running, but Sri Lankas spin trio, Wellalage (3/26), Theekshana (2/21), and Dushan Hemantha, consistently varied their pace and lengths to deny acceleration. A sharp direct hit from Dasun Shanaka to run out Tom Banton further dented Englands progress, underlining Sri Lankas intensity in the field. Salt, who looked increasingly fatigued in the humid conditions, eventually fell for 62 off 40 balls, holing out to long-off against Wellalage after struggling to maintain timing. The late overs offered England a brief surge. Will Jacks struck a couple of boundaries, and Jamie Overton launched Dushmantha Chameera for an 82-metre six in the final over. However, Dilshan Madushankas double strike in the 19th over, dismissing Jacks and Jofra Archer in successive deliveries, ensured the visitors could not breach the 150-run mark. Chameera closed the innings smartly with a series of yorkers and slower deliveries as England finished on 146/9, a total that appeared well below par on a surface offering grip but not excessive turn. The late overs offered England a brief surge. Will Jacks struck a couple of boundaries, and Jamie Overton launched Dushmantha Chameera for an 82-metre six in the final over. However, Dilshan Madushankas double strike in the 19th over, dismissing Jacks and Jofra Archer in successive deliveries, ensured the visitors could not breach the 150-run mark. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: England 146/9 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 62, Will jacks 21; Dunith Wellalage 3-26, Maheesh Theekshana 2-21) against Sri Lanka Article Source: IANS
Asia Cup Rising Stars Final: Tejal Hasabnis struck an unbeaten half-century as India A Women successfully defended their ACC Womens Asia Cup Rising Stars title with a comprehensive 46-run win over Bangladesh A Women in the final at the Terdthai Cricket Ground on Sunday. After winning the toss and opting to bat, India A posted 134/7 in 20 overs, riding on Hasabnis 51 off 34 deliveries. In reply, Bangladesh A Women were bowled out for 88 in 19.1 overs. Batting first, India made a steady start, reaching 30 without loss in the first five overs. However, Bangladesh fought back strongly, claiming three quick wickets across the next two overs to put the defending champions under pressure. Fahima Khatuns side struck again on the first ball of the eighth over, reducing India to 44/4 in 8.1 overs. With the pressure mounting on the batting side, Hasabnis and captain Radha Yadav stitched together a vital 69-run partnership that steadied the innings and took India past the three-figure mark. Hasabnis brought up her fifty in 33 balls and remained unbeaten on 51, hitting three fours and two sixes. Radha contributed 36 off 30 balls before being dismissed in the 17th over. Chasing 135 for victory, Bangladesh got off to a poor start, losing opener Ishma Tanjim in the third over. They managed 36 runs in the power play. Wicketkeeper-batter Shamima Sultana, who looked promising, was dismissed soon after the power play for 20. Sarmin Sultana (18) and Sadia Akter (10) attempted to rebuild, but India removed both within the space of five balls. Bangladesh were 48/3 after 10 overs before a dramatic collapse against the Indian spinners saw them lose three wickets in the next five overs. They were eventually bowled out for 88 in 19.1 overs. Chasing 135 for victory, Bangladesh got off to a poor start, losing opener Ishma Tanjim in the third over. They managed 36 runs in the power play. Wicketkeeper-batter Shamima Sultana, who looked promising, was dismissed soon after the power play for 20. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This marks Indias second ACC Womens Asia Cup Rising Stars title, having also won the inaugural edition in 2023. Article Source: IANS
T20 WC: Unpredictable Windies Meet Underdog Zimbabwe In Unexpected Super 8s Clash (Preview)
T20 World Cup: The T20 format's most unpredictable exponent, West Indies, will take on Zimbabwe, the Cinderella team of this edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, pitting the Caribbean flair against the African fire in a mouth-watering clash in the Super 8s stage of the 2026 edition here at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. Two-time T20 World Cup winners West Indies are on a resurgence as they topped their preliminary league group ahead of England and advanced to the tournament's second stage as group toppers. They were placed in Group C with three European teams, two-time winners England, Italy, and Scotland, the last-minute replacement for Bangladesh, and Asian minnows Nepal. Though Group D with South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan was considered the Group of Death, Group C turned out to be the toughest of them all, as each of the five teams in the group won at least one match. West Indies topped Group C, while England finished second; both made it to the Super Eights. While the West Indies are usually very unpredictable, especially in the T20 format, capable of producing unforgettable performances one day and quite forgettable ones the next, in this edition of the T20 World Cup, things have fallen perfectly for them as they have come up with some fine performances to top their group. Their form coming into the tournament was patchy. In 2025, they won just 2 out of the 7 T20I series they played and lost both series leading up to the World Cup. However, they have come good when it mattered the most. Shai Hope's side has remained undefeated in Group C, winning four out of four matches, beating Scotland, England, Nepal and Italy with ease. Their bowling unit has been especially impressive, claiming 38 wickets in the group stage, the most among the 20 teams, and bowling out the opposition in three of their four matches. Shamar Joseph, Jason Holder and Matthew Forde did duty for them in the four matches and finished the group stage strongly. All-rounder Romario Shepherd missed the Nepal game due to a niggle and was not risked against Italy. But his return will be a massive boost to both departments, though they will have to make a tough decision whether to prefer him over Roston Chase. However, it is the spinners who will be in the spotlight, with Gudakesh Motie turning out to be a real threat to the opposition in the middle overs. The left-arm finger spinner has also added wrist spin to his armoury and has stopped England's march in the group-stage clash. However, the lack of wickets for Akeal Hosein is a matter of concern, as he has been a bit expensive too. Skipper Shai Hope has rediscovered his form in time and has led West Indies' efforts with the bat. He has been the stabilising factor for the West Indies, as his opening partner, Brandon King, has managed just 62 runs in the group stage. Shimron Hetmyer, who arrived late in India due to a visa issue, hit the ground running and has excelled in his new role at number three. Sherfane Rutherford has also contributed, while Rovman Powell will be keen to make a bigger impact in the Super 8s. Their opponent on Monday, Zimbabwe have surprised everyone by qualifying for the Super 8s. It's a big achievement for the African side, considering they had failed to qualify for the 2024 edition. They topped Group B by upsetting former winners Australia and Sri Lanka and were the main reason for the Aussies taking an early flight back home. Sikandar Raza has led a well-balanced side to the top of Group B ahead of the heavyweights and is hoping to continue their Cinderella run in the Super 8s, also. The West Indies provided them the first opportunity to continue their giant-killing act. Zimbabwe have made adversity into another opportunity at this World Cup. They had lost Brendan Taylor to an injury even before the start of the tournament, but unfazed by that setback, they have gone ahead and topped their group. Brian Bennett has stepped into the breach perfectly, hitting back-to-back fifties against Australia and Sri Lanka as he held their innings together. Bennett has been the leading run scorer in the format for Zimbabwe, scoring around 1000 runs since the last T20 World Cup. In the Super 8s, Zimbabwe will be hoping that the likes of Tadiwanashe Marumani and Ryan Burl will have to shoulder greater responsibility if they have to carry forward this momentum. Zimbabwe have made adversity into another opportunity at this World Cup. They had lost Brendan Taylor to an injury even before the start of the tournament, but unfazed by that setback, they have gone ahead and topped their group. Brian Bennett has stepped into the breach perfectly, hitting back-to-back fifties against Australia and Sri Lanka as he held their innings together. Also Read: Live Cricket Score However, the West Indies have an upper hand in head-to-head series, winning three of the four games played between them. However, the fact that they have won one game against the West Indies gives them the hope to dream of another stunning result. Article Source: IANS
Washout In Super 8 Vs NZ Makes Pakistan The Team With Most Abandoned T20Is
T20 World Cup: After the opening fixture of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight, between Pakistan and New Zealand, was called off due to incessant rain in Colombo, Pakistan became the team with the most number of abandoned games in the shortest format of the game. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had won the toss and elected to bat first, but no sooner had the decision been made than drizzle swept across the ground. Covers were quickly brought on, and puddles formed on the square, making conditions unplayable. Match officials waited through the evening, but with rain showing no signs of relenting, the inevitable call of abandoning the game was made. Overall, Pakistan leads the list of teams with the most abandoned T20 International matches (seven), followed closely by Ireland and New Zealand with 6 each. India and the Netherlands have each had 4 matches abandoned due to weather or other interruptions. The washout leaves both teams with one point each in Group 2, a scenario that could complicate their path to the semifinals. With England and Sri Lanka also in the group, shared points may prove costly in what is expected to be a tightly contested race to enter the semi-finals. Notably, Saturday's washout was Pakistans first-ever abandoned match in T20 World Cup history. During the 2024 T20 World Cup, the India vs Canada fixture was also called off without a ball being bowled, adding to the rain-hit drama of the tournament. Teams with most abandoned T20Is Pakistan 7 Ireland 6 New Zealand 6 Ireland 6 Also Read: Live Cricket Score Netherlands 4 Article Source: IANS
T20 WC: Zimbabwe Vs West Indies Head-to-head Record And Last Five Matches Performances
T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe will play their first match in the Super 8s round of the T20 World Cup 2026 against the two-time champions, West Indies, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Monday. The upcoming encounter will be the West Indies and Zimbabwe fifth meeting in T20I cricket history. In the four matches played so far between the teams, West Indies has a clear advantage and dominance over Zimbabwe. The Caribbean team has won three matches out of the five played between them, while Zimbabwe has been able to clinch just one win. Zimbabwe and the West Indies have only met once in the T20 World Cup history. The lone match was played in the 2022 World Cup, which was held in Australia. In that match, the West Indies batted first and scored 153/7. Zimbabwe was bowled out for just 122 runs, handing a convincing victory to the Windies by 31 runs. Zimbabwe's last victory against the Windies came in 2010, where they won by 26 runs. However, the current Zimbabwe side is widely considered their strongest in over a decade, and they can pose a tough challenge for the West Indies. Zimbabwe and the West Indies are unbeaten in the tournament and have been placed in a tough group A, which includes the table toppers from the rest of the two groups, India and South Africa. Only the top two teams from the group will proceed to play the semi-finals of the multinational tournament. Head-to-Head record between Zimbabwe and the West Indies in T20Is Total Matches Played: 4 West Indies won: 3 Zimbabwe won: 1 Performance of both teams in the last 5 matches West Indies: W, W, W, W, W Zimbabwe: L, W, W, Abandoned, W Squads: Zimbabwe: L, W, W, Abandoned, W Also Read: Live Cricket Score West Indies: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava Article Source: IANS
FIH Men's Pro League: India Lose 4-5 In Shootout After 2-2 Draw Against Australia
The Indian Men: The Indian Mens Hockey Team narrowly lost 4-5 in a penalty shootout against host Australia in the second game of the Hobart leg of the FIH Mens Pro League 2025-26 here at the Tasmania Hockey Centre on Sunday. The match was tied at 2-2 after regulation time, with Amit Rohidas scoring at 15 and Jugraj Singh at 43 to give India the lead. However, Joel Rintala scored twice at 47 and 56 to help Australia level the score. The hosts dominated possession early on, moving the ball well in their own half. Despite this, India responded with resilient defending and gradually gained confidence, applying pressure on Australia and forcing Jed Snowden to intervene twice. Late in the first quarter, India earned a penalty corner, and Amit Rohidas (15) successfully scored his drag flick, putting them ahead 1-0. The second quarter was filled with continuous play, as both teams generated scoring opportunities. Australia made 10 circle penetrations and earned a few penalty corners in the first half while attempting to get back into the match. Meanwhile, India had 9 circle penetrations and posed challenges on counter-attacks. The visitors remained resilient defensively, maintaining their one-goal lead at halftime. Australia retained possession after the restart, pushing forward to level the score. However, India's defence stayed strong, stopping them from creating real scoring chances. Their disciplined play paid off when Jugraj Singh scored a powerful drag flick from a penalty corner in the 43rd minute, doubling Indias advantage and ending the third quarter on a high note. Early in the fourth quarter, the hosts closed the deficit when Joel Rintala (47) scored from a penalty corner. Maintaining their momentum, Australia earned another penalty corner, continuing their push for an equaliser. However, Yashdeep Siwach made a vital block on the line to thwart their efforts. As time ran out, Australia finally equalised through a set-piece, with Joel Rintala (56) scoring his second goal of the match from a penalty corner. Australia relentlessly pursued a winning goal and had several chances to secure the victory. However, Mohith was outstanding in goal, making several excellent saves, including a remarkable double save, that kept India in the match. With the game tied at 2-2 after regulation, it advanced to a shootout to determine the winner. Early in the fourth quarter, the hosts closed the deficit when Joel Rintala (47) scored from a penalty corner. Maintaining their momentum, Australia earned another penalty corner, continuing their push for an equaliser. However, Yashdeep Siwach made a vital block on the line to thwart their efforts. As time ran out, Australia finally equalised through a set-piece, with Joel Rintala (56) scoring his second goal of the match from a penalty corner. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India will next take on Spain in their third game of the Hobart leg of the FIH Mens Pro League 2025-26 on Tuesday. Article Source: IANS
'He's Found Himself Behind In Terms Of Strike Rates': Faf Du Plessis On Babar's Form In T20 WC
Former South Africa: Former South Africa player Faf du Plessis has backed Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson's decision not to send Babar Azam to bat in the top order in the ongoing T20 World Cup, saying that right-hander's strike rate is not in line with the needs of the modern powerplay game. Babar is struggling badly in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. In four matches, the former Pakistan captain has managed only 66 runs at an average of 22 and a strike rate of just 115.78. The former skipper, who used to open the innings for the team, has now been pushed down the order to No. 4 or 5. Look, I think first of all, all great players evolve their careers at different points in their careers. So someone like Babar, we have known him as one of the world's best players for a very, very long time. I think the game of T20 cricket has moved so fast forward and towards strike rates that he's found himself a little bit behind in terms of strike rates, Du Plessis said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo. Looking at him in the last couple of years and certainly in the power play, the game has moved too fast, too forward, to be at a 120 strike rate. Now you need to be 160-190-200 plus for you to maximise that first six overs, he added. Du Plessis, however, feels that Babar deserves his place in the team, and he can deliver on spinning pitches in the middle, as he can minimise dot balls. He can rotate the strike. But on flat wickets where teams chase 200-plus totals, Pakistan needs more firepower at the top. So I think if you're someone like Mike Hesson, what he's trying to do is he's trying to find the best way to introduce him into the game and on spinning pitches in the middle, that's where someone like him is worth his gold. He can minimise the dot balls, and he can rotate strike. So he's found a role for him and especially on slow pitches, Du Plessis said. Du Plessis, however, feels that Babar deserves his place in the team, and he can deliver on spinning pitches in the middle, as he can minimise dot balls. He can rotate the strike. But on flat wickets where teams chase 200-plus totals, Pakistan needs more firepower at the top. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Babar will be in action on Tuesday when Pakistan will face England at the Pallekele International Stadium in a crucial match after their first encounter in the Super 8s against New Zealand got washed out. Article Source: IANS
Sri Lanka bring back Chameera and Mishara, ask unchanged England to bat
England have picked the same XI for the fourth match in a row for their T20 World Cup Super Eight game against Sri Lanka in Pallekele
T20 WC: Chameera, Mishara In As SL Ask Unchanged England To Bat
T20 World Cup Super Eights: Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field against England in the second match of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup Super Eights here at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The two sides recently met at the same venue in a rain-hit bilateral series that England swept 3-0, with the DLS method coming into play more than once, a factor that could again prove relevant. Since then, however, momentum has swung towards the co-hosts. Sri Lanka have looked assured throughout the tournament, barring a minor stumble against Zimbabwe, and were particularly dominant in their dismantling of Australia in Pallekele. They have absorbed the setbacks of losing Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana, with Pathum Nissanka leading a batting unit marked by clarity and composure. England, in contrast, have progressed without conviction, their top order yet to fully click. With home confidence up against Englands big-match pedigree, the contest could shape both teams Super Eights trajectory. Winning the toss, Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka said, We've been chasing it well in the past few occasions; we're happy to chase it down. Boys are very confident playing here. Injuries have been very damaging, but at the same time, the replacements have done really well for us. Couple of changes. Chameera comes back for Pramod Madushan and Kamil Mishara comes for Kusal Perera. Meanwhile, England captain Harry Brook said, We would have had a bowl as well. We see this is a new competition now. We got to be brave and take the opposition and look to put them under pressure. We had an amazing series here against those guys. And we take a lot of confidence from having played three games on this pitch already. So, looking forward to the challenge that presents us today. Playing XIs: Meanwhile, England captain Harry Brook said, We would have had a bowl as well. We see this is a new competition now. We got to be brave and take the opposition and look to put them under pressure. We had an amazing series here against those guys. And we take a lot of confidence from having played three games on this pitch already. So, looking forward to the challenge that presents us today. Also Read: Live Cricket Score England: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid Article Source: IANS
DCCI Welcomes BCCIs Support Framework For Blind Cricket
The Differently Abled Cricket Council: The Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) has welcomed the recent decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to introduce a structured support framework for the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), one of the founder member of DCCI, calling it a landmark step for inclusive growth in Indian cricket. The BCCI on Saturday announced a support framework for the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), underlining its commitment to inclusive growth and greater opportunities across Indian cricket. It said, The initiative reflects the importance of inclusive growth in cricket, an approach that ICC Chairman Jay Shah has advocated during his tenure as BCCI Secretary and continues to support in his role at the ICC. The initiative, which focuses on international exposure, home series support, and access to BCCI-affiliated venues, has been widely appreciated across the disability cricket ecosystem. DCCI office-bearers described the move as a progressive shift that strengthens opportunities and professional pathways for visually impaired cricketers. The BCCI on Saturday announced a support framework for the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), underlining its commitment to inclusive growth and greater opportunities across Indian cricket. It said, The initiative reflects the importance of inclusive growth in cricket, an approach that ICC Chairman Jay Shah has advocated during his tenure as BCCI Secretary and continues to support in his role at the ICC. Also Read: Live Cricket Score DCCI Vice President Sumit Jain added, There is a significant difference between simply working and elevating work to new heights. Under his leadership, Indian cricket particularly womens cricket has witnessed remarkable progress. This evolution is visible not just in numbers, but in the confidence and opportunities available to players. Article Source: IANS
How The Washed-out Super 8 Clash Vs NZ Impacts Pakistans Semifinal Chances
T20 World Cup: Pakistan's road to the semifinals became tricky after rain had the final say in the opening match of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s, forcing the abandonment of their clash against New Zealand at the R Premadasa Stadium on Saturday. The washout leaves both teams with one point each in Group 2, a scenario that could complicate their path to the semifinals. With England and Sri Lanka also in the group, a shared point is better than a defeat for Pakistan, but it may prove costly in what is expected to be a tightly contested race to enter the semifinals. If the match had gotten underway and Pakistan had managed to beat New Zealand, it would have given them a good start in the Super 8 stage with two points to their name. But Salman Aghas side now has only two matches left to push for a top-two finish and advance to the semifinals. Pakistan have to face two-time champions England and the co-hosts Sri Lanka in their next two Super 8 fixtures. If the Men in Green manage to win both matches, they will reach a maximum of five points, which will be enough to guarantee them a place in the semifinals. However, a similar washout in either of the remaining matches or a defeat could put Pakistans semifinal hopes in serious jeopardy. They would then have to depend on the result of other matches in the group, along with maintaining a good net run rate, as it will be crucial if two teams share equal points. If Pakistan lose both their remaining matches against England and Sri Lanka, they will simply be knocked out of the tournament. Just like Pakistan, New Zealand will also have to win both their matches if they are to reach the semifinals without depending on other teams' outcomes. Pakistan will first face England on Tuesday at the Pallekele International Stadium. They have a poor record against Harry Brooks team in T20Is. Pakistan are yet to beat England in T20 World Cup history, holding a 0-3 head-to-head record. Just like Pakistan, New Zealand will also have to win both their matches if they are to reach the semifinals without depending on other teams' outcomes. Also Read: Live Cricket Score However, the 2009 champions have a good record against their Asian counterparts Sri Lanka, whom they will face on February 27 at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Pakistan have won 14 out of 24 games played between the two sides and have lost ten matches against the 2014 T20 World Cup champions. Article Source: IANS
Doha To Host ICC Board And Committee Meetings From March 25-27
The International Cricket Council: The International Cricket Council on Sunday said that Doha, Qatar, will host the next round of ICC Board and Committee meetings from March 25-27. Last year, in a historic first, Zimbabwe hosted the ICC Board and Committee meetings, marking a major milestone for the countrys standing in the global game. The prestigious gatherings took place in Harare on April 10 and 11, before moving to the world-renowned Victoria Falls from April 12 to 13, 2025. The decision to stage the meetings in Doha reflects the ICCs growing engagement with cricket in Qatar and the countrys wider sporting ecosystem. The ICC's support of and collaboration with the Qatar Cricket Association and Olympic Committee, Cricket in Qatar has fuelled remarkable progress for the sport in recent years, the ICC said in a release. The meetings will bring together ICC Board Directors, Chief Executives, Committee Members and senior leadership as part of the organisations ongoing governance calendar, providing an important opportunity to deliberate over key matters pertaining to the present and future of the global game. Since 2020, overall participation in cricket in Qatar has grown by an impressive 447 per cent, driven largely by initiatives aimed at introducing the sport to new and younger audiences. Central to this growth has been crickets inclusion in the Qatar Olympic Committees School Olympic Programme, which has helped embed the game within schools across the country. More recently, the launch of ICC's Criiio Cricket Festivals has further expanded crickets reach, with 287 school teams taking part in the previous edition and nearly 90 per cent of participants experiencing cricket for the first time. Since 2020, overall participation in cricket in Qatar has grown by an impressive 447 per cent, driven largely by initiatives aimed at introducing the sport to new and younger audiences. Central to this growth has been crickets inclusion in the Qatar Olympic Committees School Olympic Programme, which has helped embed the game within schools across the country. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Hosting the ICCs Board and Committee meetings in Doha underlines Qatars increasing role within the international cricket community and provides a valuable opportunity to further strengthen the collaboration between the ICC, the Qatar Cricket Association and key national sporting stakeholders. Article Source: IANS
Young and Heaphy upstage Nicholls as Central Districts win Ford Trophy title
Will Young and Curtis Heaphy added 257 runs for the second wicket, a new CD record in the Ford Trophy
National Cricket Academy: Former India batter and current head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) VVS Laxman lauded the BCCI's initiative of announcing structured support for the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), calling it a wonderful step to create greater opportunities. The BCCI announced a support framework for CABI, underlining its commitment to inclusive growth and greater opportunities across Indian cricket. As part of this initiative, the BCCI will provide assistance in international exposure, home series support and venue access: True progress in sport lies in inclusion, opportunity and empowerment. Wonderful step by the BCCI in announcing a support framework for the Cricket Association for the Blind in India. Proud to see BCCI creating greater opportunities for all, Laxman shared on X. This partnership helps CABI bridge the gap in support it receives through CSR grants, enabling it to more effectively promote cricket for the blind on the global stage, particularly by organising tournaments and supporting participation in away series. It will further strengthen and expand the promotion of cricket for the blind worldwide. Over the past decade, Indias visually impaired cricketers have established an extraordinary legacy on the global stage, winning multiple Mens World Cup titles since 2012 and securing a historic inaugural Womens World Cup triumph. The BCCIs formal backing now ensures that this success is not only celebrated but sustained and elevated through structured support at the highest level. This partnership helps CABI bridge the gap in support it receives through CSR grants, enabling it to more effectively promote cricket for the blind on the global stage, particularly by organising tournaments and supporting participation in away series. It will further strengthen and expand the promotion of cricket for the blind worldwide. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Shah engaged closely with CABI leadership, including Dr Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar (Chairman) and Shailender Yadav (General Secretary), to ensure that blind cricket receives the structural support it rightfully deserves. Article Source: IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised Indian-origin cricketers playing in foreign teams and emphasised the significance of 'Bhartiyata' and noted that wherever Indians travel, they maintain a strong connection to their roots in their 'matrabhoomi' (motherland) while also contributing to the development of their 'karmabhoomi' (place of duty). He highlighted the importance of sports in everyone's life, stressing that One who plays, blooms, adding that sports unite us. Addressing the 131st episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi said, Nowadays, you must be watching T20 World Cup matches. I am sure that while watching a match, you must be eyeing a particular player. The jersey may belong to another country, but on hearing their name, you realise that he is from our country. The moment gives you a slight happiness because the player is of indian origin and is playing for the country where his family settled. They step onto the field wearing the jersey of their country and wholeheartedly represent that nation, he said. The Prime Minister noted that the Canadian cricket team has the highest number of Indian-origin players. He mentioned that the team's captain, Dilpreet Bajwa, was born in Punjab's Gurdaspur, and Naveneet Dhaliwal is from Chandigarh. He also mentioned the names of Harsh Thaker and Shreyas Movva, and said that several players like these are making both Canada and India proud. PM Modi also mentioned that the USA cricket team, and said, America's team has many players from India's domestic cricket. The American team's captain, Monank Patel, has played for Gujarat's U-16 and U-18 teams. Mumbai's Saurabh, Harmeet Singh, and Delhi's Milind Kumar are all proud of the American team. He also stated that several players in the Oman cricket team have played in different states of India and mentioned the names of Jatinder Singh, Vinayak Shukla, Karan, Jai and Ashish. PM Modi also mentioned that the USA cricket team, and said, America's team has many players from India's domestic cricket. The American team's captain, Monank Patel, has played for Gujarat's U-16 and U-18 teams. Mumbai's Saurabh, Harmeet Singh, and Delhi's Milind Kumar are all proud of the American team. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This is the speciality of Bhartiyata. Wherever they go, Indians remain connected to the roots of their motherland, and they also contribute to the development of their karmabhoomi, the Prime Minister added. Article Source: IANS
T20 WC: 'His Shot Selection Getting Him Into Trouble,' Says Pathan On Abhishek's Off-spin Woes
T20 World Cup: Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has analysed Abhishek Sharmas struggles against off-spinners in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, saying the openers shot selection has been the primary reason behind his early dismissals. The No.1 T20I batter is yet to score a run in the tournament. He has registered three consecutive ducks so far. Abhishek's form will be in focus when India take on South Africa in their first Super8s match at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. Abhishek Sharma is getting out to off-spinners. Against Pakistan and the Netherlands, off-spinners got him. The problem lies in his shot selection. His bat comes down from a high angle, and he is not looking to hit straight. He is trying to play across the wicket. That is getting him into trouble. These are not drivable balls. These are balls you either take a single on or, if you hold your shape, you can hit one-bounce fours. That is what Salman Ali Agha and Aryan Dutt bowled to him. South Africa will do the same, Pathan told Jio Hotstar. His bat angle is coming across, which is natural to him. He does not need to change that. If he tries to change it now, it will be a mess. He has not scored runs. First thing first, get a single, get off the mark. Expect the spinner to come in, get to the other end, and target the fast bowlers. When Markram comes on to bowl to him, he does not need to bludgeon from first ball, he added. He further praised Ishan Kishan for his current form, calling it the best phase of his career. He noted that Kishan has been dominant on the leg side but could face a different challenge against the Proteas. Ishan Kishan is in the form of his life. He is playing the leg-side really well. He targets square-leg and fine-leg. When bowlers change their plans, he steps out and targets long-on and mid-on as well. In this T20 World Cup, bowlers have given Ishan the chance to play in his favourite leg-side zone. He does not target the off-side much, the 41-year-old said. He further praised Ishan Kishan for his current form, calling it the best phase of his career. He noted that Kishan has been dominant on the leg side but could face a different challenge against the Proteas. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kishan has been India's top batter in the ongoing tournament. In four matches he has made 176 runs at a strike rate of 202.29, which also include two half centuries. Article Source: IANS
Smriti Mandhana: In her reflection on the historic 21 T20I series victory over Australia, India batter Smriti Mandhana said that the Women in Blue just want to consistently stay at the top, regardless of who they are defeating or where they are playing. India sealed the three-match series with a 17-run win in the decider at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday to secure their first bilateral series win on Australia's soil in a decade. After being put in to bat, the visitors posted a competitive 176 for 6, built around Mandhanas unbeaten 82 off 55 balls and a fluent 59 from Jemimah Rodrigues. The bowlers then held their nerve to restrict Australia to 159 for 9, ensuring India's historic triumph. Mandhana spoke on the teams long-term vision and hunger for consistency at the highest level. I think we are on the verge of a transition where we want to dominate world cricket. Whoever we beat, wherever we beat, that doesnt matter. We just want to be consistent in beating them and being at the top, she said in a video released by the Indian cricket team on Instagram. Mandhana, who has a great record at Adelaide, also showered her love for the city and said, I mean, I really loved Adelaide as a city, even before playing here. And yeah, it's just very peaceful, nice. I mean, a few Aussies will be very happy when I say that it's the best city in Australia, and actually, I find it the best city in Australia. She further stated that after playing lots of 50-over matches last year, the team's focus has now shifted to T20Is and they are working hard to improve their game in the shortest format. Last year was a one-day year where we played a lot of one-day cricket. So coming into this year, for sure, I feel like we are a well-settled ODI squad. But we are still working on our T20 game, for me as well, this is one format which I always have to keep working hard on, she said. Because a one-day cricket test match is very natural. But in T20Is, I always feel like I have to be ahead of the game. So it's good to start the year with a win, especially knowing it's a World Cup year, and again, you're going to play in England, overseas conditions. So starting your year with an overseas T20 series win is a good thing to start. And I hope that we keep the momentum going, the vice captain added. Mandhana also spoke favourably about the multi-format series concept, which blends T20Is, ODIs and Tests. She feels that the concept increases the importance of every match and makes the game more interesting. Well, I really love the concept of multi-format series. I always feel that it's a very good thing for women's cricket. A multi-format series, because it gives all the games equal importance. Even if you have won the series, the third match is still very important. Because it's going to end up giving you points, she said. Plus a test match in that, which is again very special to play a test match in cricket. So I feel going forward, we having a lot of multi-format series is amazing, she added. After winning the T20I series, world champions India will now head to fight Australia in a three-match ODI series. Plus a test match in that, which is again very special to play a test match in cricket. So I feel going forward, we having a lot of multi-format series is amazing, she added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So we've beaten this, we've beaten that. I feel that's not very important now. I think we're on the verge of a transition where we want to dominate world cricket, Mandhana concluded. Article Source: IANS
T20 WC: SA Batters Will Face Stern Examination Against Bumrah And Chakaravarthy, Says Peterson
T20 World Cup: South Africa's batters face a formidable examination against Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy when they take on India in a blockbuster Super Eights clash of Mens T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday evening, said former all-rounder Robin Peterson. In three league matches, fast bowling spearhead Bumrah has picked four wickets at an economy rate of six and strike-rate of 13.5. But the Proteas batters' bigger test will come against Chakaravarthy, who claimed three scalps against the Netherlands to maintain his record of taking at least one scalp in each of his last 17 innings putting him on par with Arshdeep Singhs streak. With a bagful of variations and overspin fetching him consistent success, Chakaravarthy has nine wickets in four matches at an economy of 5.2 and strike rate of 8, placing him joint second on the tournaments wicket-taking charts behind USA pacer Shadley Van Schalkwyk. Against South Africa, Chakaravarthy has picked 22 wickets in eight T20Is, including his best bowling figures of 5-17 in Gqeberha in 2024. Only Arshdeep has more dismissals (23) against the Proteas than Chakaravarthy, the current leading wicket-taker in T20Is since 2025. The key for South Africa's batters will be how they play Bumrah and Chakaravarthy. In combination their eight overs don't go for many runs like about 60 in eight overs, which means that you probably have to get another 120 of the other bowlers, which is no mean feat because Axar and Kuldeep are world-class bowlers, said Peterson in an exclusive conversation with IANS. He also spelt his advice for how South Africa should approach their batting against Bumrah. I do think that South Africa would have eyed up on how to play Bumrah. Knowing the coach and his mindset, it will be to take him on and not be scared. There's no point in being timid against him. You have to put something on world-class bowlers for them to think about and not to allow them to settle into a rhythm on the day. They do have the experience of Markram, who's faced Bumrah and Quinton de Kock up front. That experience of playing in Indian conditions and IPL will be very crucial for South Africa to set the tone, said Peterson, who played 15 Tests, 79 ODIs and 21 T20Is. He identified finisher Tristan Stubbs and wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton as potentially pivotal figures to inflict damage on Indian bowlers. Then the rest of the batsmen, how do they play Axar? I know Tristan Stubbs in the middle order would have played Axar plenty of times and he plays with him in the IPL in Delhi Capitals. He'll be a key player, I would think, in that South African batting line-up. Ryan Rickleton's ability to hit sixes off spinners will be a huge factor in the game. I would think that South Africa will go and try and take the Indian bowlers on and not step back and play a conservative game, he said. South Africa, who lost the 2024 Mens T20 World Cup final to India in Barbados, have undergone significant changes under head coach Shukri Conrad and arrive at this fixture with a squad Peterson described as more balanced and more confident than the side that fell short to the defending champions at Kensington Oval. They're definitely confident playing against India. What South Africa's strength is that they have a lot of players that are playing the IPL. So there's no surprises as far as the Indian team is concerned in terms of playing against them. Every single player plays in the IPL and they know what to expect and what India can throw at them. But they have improved tremendously since the last outing that they've met in the World Cup in Barbados, he said. Peterson attributed the broader shift in mindset directly to the influence of Conrad, who coached South Africa to the 2025 World Test Championship triumph and took charge of all formats after the departure of Rob Walter. This team has developed very well under the new management and coach Shukri Conrad. He's definitely instilled a lot of confidence in them. So I do think South Africa are coming to this with a different mindset as opposed to other events. Peterson also felt captain Aiden Markram has been instrumental in shaping the settled, purposeful environment within the South African camp, with his good form and temperament setting the tone for those around him to thrive. Markram has been in blistering touch by amassing 178 runs at a strike rate of 187.36 to underline his role as South Africas batting spearhead. Aiden Markram is a great leader. He's a tremendous captain. The big thing is that the players follow him. They look to him as a pull-up, so he's quite a calm individual. In the SA20, he's been involved in three finals with Sunrisers and winning two of them, so his leadership ability is exceptional, and in what he does. In combination with his batting form, he's just leading the team, Peterson said. The effect of a captain performing at his peak, Peterson added, cascades through an entire squad. Once your captain is in form, making good decisions on the field and batting well, it bodes really well for the confidence of the group and what they are able to achieve. As a leader, tactically he's superb. Aiden's biggest strength is maybe not even tactically - it's how he's able to keep a group together and keep them going in one direction, which is massive, going into a big clash against India. He's able to keep everybody calm, very level-headed when the pressure's on, and when the opportunity comes to pounce, he leads the way, especially with batting perspective and in the field. We talk about Aiden Markram's tactical nous and his batting, but his fielding on the boundary and his ability to create an opportunity in the field is also something that will lead the boys particularly well in a big clash, said Peterson. At the same time, Peterson was careful to note that India, too, have transformed since winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, with the retirements of batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from giving way to a side with considerably enhanced bowling depth. India are an exceptional T20 team. If you look at the two squads, how they've evolved since the last time they met in the final in Barbados - there's no Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli anymore, but they have increased their bowling depth as a group. With Varun Chakaravarthy coming in, it's really added an extra dimension to India's bowling. He added that India's status as the home nation and reigning ICC champions brings its own weight of expectation - one that may work in South Africa's favour. I do think there's a certain amount of pressure on India being the home nation and their success in ICC events. South Africa have won one, the first edition of Champions Trophy. But in the modern era, they haven't won one white-ball competition. India are an exceptional T20 team. If you look at the two squads, how they've evolved since the last time they met in the final in Barbados - there's no Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli anymore, but they have increased their bowling depth as a group. With Varun Chakaravarthy coming in, it's really added an extra dimension to India's bowling. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I do see this as a clash between a new-look India from that final and a South African team that is brimming with confidence and have evolved and improved their squad since then. It's going to be a mouth-watering clash as both teams are coming in with tremendous form. They're the two in-form teams of the competition and it's going to be an exciting clash, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Curtis the matchwinner after Kellaway's century stands alone
Victoria's defeat meant they finished bottom of the One-Day Cup table but their young opener again impressed
T20 WC: SA's Previous Ahmedabad Experience Will Play Massive Role Against India, Says Peterson
Former South Africa: Former South Africa all-rounder Robin Peterson believes the Proteas' previous deep familiarity with Ahmedabad will play a massive role when they face defending champions India in a blockbuster Super Eights clash in Mens T20 World Cup, to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday evening. In what is also a rematch of the 2024 Mens T20 World Cup final, both India and South Africa come as unbeaten teams after cruising through their respective groups with four wins each. South Africa have played three Group D matches in Ahmedabad and at different times of the day, which means that the Proteas are taking on India in familiar climes. South Africa have been in Ahmedabad for a while and there's a familiarity with the venue and psychologically that plays a massive role. Staying in the same hotel, having a similar routine, and going back to those things will play a massive role in the comfort levels of the group. In playing at one venue, you start to understand the dimensions of the field, the angles, what works, where we can use our catchers in the deep, and using the short ball all those things play a massive role, Peterson told IANS in an exclusive conversation. Several Proteas players carry individual layers of knowledge of ground conditions in Ahmedabad too - Kagiso Rabada and David Miller have represented Gujarat Titans at this very ground during the IPL. In saying that, also guys that have played so much IPL like the ones who have played there for the Gujarat Titans - Rabada and Miller have been there before. So previous knowledge will definitely give them a lot of comfort going into this fixture. I'm pretty sure that South Africans love consistency - not only consistency on the field but consistency in knowing the changing room, training facilities, the route to the ground, and what to expect with the fans. It will all play a massive role in making sure that they give themselves the best opportunity to beat India, added Peterson, who played 15 Tests, 79 ODIs and 21 T20Is. A key loophole in Indias campaign so far has been its batters losing 11 wickets the most by any side to off-spinners. The struggles have come against Namibias Gerhard Erasmus, Pakistans Usman Tariq and Saim Ayub and Netherlands Aryan Dutt, thus exposing a clear pattern to exploit for the Proteas, who have captain Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs as handy off-spinners along with Dewald Brevis, a part-time leg-spinner. Due to that, India have a run rate of just 7.12 in overs 7-10 so far in the showpiece event. Peterson felt India's issues against off-spin in particular is down to their early aggressive approach. I don't think India has a weakness against spin. I just think that they're very aggressive. When you're aggressive against spin, there's always that tendency that you could lose wickets to it because you're looking to maximise deliveries and overs. So I don't think India has a weakness, but conditions will play a role. It depends if the wicket turns, then South African spinners could come into it. But if the conditions are all true, India will be pretty well set to post a big total, he said. South Africa's deployment of part-time bowling options hasnt been much visible, but their moment of reckoning may be coming against India on a black soil pitch. I do think Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis have been underutilized. South Africa are probably keeping it up their sleeves a little bit. I'm pretty sure that Albie Morkel being the bowling consultant in consultation with Shukri Conrad would have earmarked them to be available to bowl a few overs. You have to have all options against India and there's such a tremendous batting lineup that if things go awry with the seam bowlers, you need to have as many options in your bowling department to be able to limit them in terms of what they're able to post. I do think South Africa have always probably eyed that tactically to use Brevis and Stubbs and Markram for that matter. I'm not surprised that they are trying to make sure that all their bowling options are available, especially against a powerful Indian batting lineup, elaborated Peterson. He added that despite the talk around left-handed batters versus off-spin match-up dominating the clash, South Africa will stick to their strength a fiery fast bowling line-up. South Africas pace attack has been among the most effective units at the 2026 T20 World Cup, taking 24 wickets joint-most alongside West Indies while maintaining an economy rate of 7.9. South Africa would have eyed that out in terms of data and analytics. It's probably something that they would try and expose India in - the ability to take wickets with spin bowling. But in saying that, South Africa's strength is their fast bowling - Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, and Marco Jansen being the backbone of the seamers. I do think South Africa possesses great variety in their fast bowling, albeit they may have looked at India's fallibility against spin and may decide to use their spin options to try and just get an advantage if the opportunity presents itself, added Peterson. Peterson also expects the Proteas management to unleash all four frontline seamers on an Indian batting lineup he believes can be rattled early if inroads are made quickly. South Africa's got a phenomenal pace attack in Ngidi, Rabada, Jansen and Bosch and I do think it's about balance. I'll be very surprised if they don't play all their fast bowlers in this fixture because Corbin Bosch has been exceptional at the death and Marco Jansen has been a wicket-taker upfront, so as Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada. So South Africa will try and exploit Abhishek Sharma's lack of form in the competition and try to put India under pressure early. They can dismiss him early and it'll go a long way in terms of culling India's batting ability, he said. On their tactical identity, Peterson was clear that this is no time for deviation on that front. South Africa has always had tremendous fast bowlers and I don't think they're going to go away from their strength. In fact, they will probably lean into that strength going into this fixture. If South Africa are going to win this game, they're going to rely heavily on the likes of Kagiso, Marco, Lungi and taking early wickets to limit India. So South Africa will try and exploit Abhishek Sharma's lack of form in the competition and try to put India under pressure early. They can dismiss him early and it'll go a long way in terms of culling India's batting ability, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score They pose significant threats, as they're all different - Marco, left-handed and being tall, gets extra bounce. Kagiso can bowl those test-like lengths and use the new ball to try and get wickets. Then Lungi, who swings the ball and has great variety in terms of slower balls. So I do think South Africa possesses great variety in their fast bowling, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Captain Suryakumar Yadav Backs Abhishek's Attacking Play Despite 3 Ducks
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav on Saturday backed struggling opener Abhishek Sharma to play his attacking game with enough firepower in the rest of the line-up as they face South Africa in the T20 World Cup. The two teams will clash in the Super Eights stage in Ahmedabad on Sunday in a rematch of the T20 World Cup final two years ago, won by India. Both teams topped their group with perfect records. But while Aiden Markram's South Africa have looked strong in all departments, tournament favourites India have not enjoyed batting consistency, with Abhishek recording three consecutive ducks. People who are worried about Abhishek's form, I worry for them, a smiling Suryakumar told reporters. I think about those teams against whom he is going to fire as he has not been able to score till now. When he gets the runs then you know how it is. Suryakumar said, It is a team sport, it happens. Team requires him to play with his identity, so if he fires it's okay otherwise we are there to cover for him. Last year he covered for us, now we will do it for him. The left-handed Abhishek, the world's number one ranked T20 batsman, has handed the team many explosive starts since his debut in July 2024. Big totals were predicted at the start of the 20-team tournament with India pipped to cross 300 on home ground, but the reality has been different. Ireland's 235 against Oman in the group stage has been the highest total so far, with India reaching their best of 209 in a big win over minnows Namibia. We are trying to explode from the start because everyone knows their T20 template, but we don't want to become a team that's always blasting away, said Suryakumar. There could arise a situation where two-three wickets fall early and we have to be a smart team to bat well between 12-15 overs and we have enough firepower that if the base is strong then we can smash 60-70 runs in last five overs. India boast of a potent spin attack led by world's number one ranked T20 bowler Varun Chakravarthy, who has claimed nine wickets in four matches. South African spinners including Keshav Maharaj have also made their presence felt and Suryakumar said there will be no favourites in the Sunday game. The (Indian) spinners have done well against almost all oppositions, (but) I can't say we will have an edge, said Suryakumar. It's a new game and we start from zero. But definitely some good plans. On the given day, plans and execution should be coming together, if that comes together we will definitely have an edge. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India are on a 12-match unbeaten run at the T20 World Cup, stretching back to their defeat in the semi-final against eventual winners England in 2022.
Alcaraz downs Fils to win Qatar Open, extends perfect start to the year
With the win, Alcaraz improved to 12-0 for the year and collected his ninth ATP 500 trophy, which drew him level with Andy Murray for fourth in the category since its inception, according to the ATP.
IND vs SA Match 43 Prediction, ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Match Preview And Expected Playing XI
IND vs SA, Match 43, Super 8, Cricket Tips :The highly anticipated game of the Super 8 stage is all set to be played at the world's biggest stadium. India are ready to lock horns with South Africa on Sunday at Narendra Modi Stadium, starting at 7 PM IST. These two teams are undefeated so far and will be looking to get a win here. These two teams met last time in the final of the last edition. India have been undefeated since the last edition, while South Africa have lost only one game since the T20 World Cup 2024. Both teams have a winning mentality with them, and it is expected to be a thriller on Sunday evening. India have a brilliant spin unit, while South Africa have a good pace battery. IND vs SA: Match Details Date: February 22, 2026 (Sunday) Time: 7:00 PM IST Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad IND vs SA Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch the IND vs SA game on the Star Sports Networks on the cable TV networks. Fans can either watch the game on the Jio Hotstar app or website. IND vs SA Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches : 35 India : 21 South Africa : 13 No-Result : 1 IND vs SA: Ground Pitch Report Narendra Modi Stadium is a good venue for the batters. The wicket is pretty flat, and bowlers will have very little assistance from the wicket. The toss will be vital, and chasing can be better because there might be dew. The bowlers will have a little help with the new ball as well. IND vs SA Possible XIs India : Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah South Africa : Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi IND vs SA: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Ishan Kishan has been in prime form, and he can be very dangerous if he gets set. Quinton de Kock has exceptional numbers against India, and he always scores runs against this team. Probable Best Bowler Varun Chakravarthy has been India's prime wicket-taker in this format. He brings in different varieties, which makes it hard to pick. For South Africa, Keshav Maharaj can be the standout bowler in the middle. Today Match Prediction : South Africa have a strong core, and they have a good chance. But India are strong with all bases, and we predict them to win this game. IND vs SA Match 43, ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Today IND vs SA Match, IND vs SA Prediction, IND vs SA Predicted XIs, Injury Update for IND vs SA 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.
SL vs ENG Match 42 Prediction, ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Match Preview And Expected Playing XI
SL vs ENG, Match 42, Super 8, Cricket Tips : The first game of the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 was washed out completely. Now, the second game will be played between England and Sri Lanka. This contest will be held at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday at 3 PM IST. This is the must-win game, and both sides will look to win this game. England had two good last games, but their first two group games were below standard. They will hope runs from Salt and Buttler. Sri Lanka had three games, but Zimbabwe exposed their death bowling. They have lost Hasaranga and Pathirana, which has forced them to change their combination. So, both teams will enter this game with some issues, but they will get into this game in search of a win. SL vs ENG: Match Details Date: February 22, 2026 (Sunday) Time: 3:00 PM IST Venue: Pallakele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele SL vs ENG Live Streaming Details The live action of SL vs ENG will be available on the Star Sports Networks. Fans can watch the live stream of the game on the Jio Hotstar streaming platform. SL vs ENG Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches : 17 Sri Lanka : 4 England : 13 No-Result : 0 SL vs ENG: Ground Pitch Report Pallekele International Stadium has been a bowling-friendly wicket. There is enough grip and turn for the slow bowlers, which will be available after the first few overs. The forecast shows rain during the game, and the team that wins the toss should bowl first. SL vs ENG Possible XIs Sri Lanka : Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan England : Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid SL vs ENG: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Pathum Nissanka has one century and one fifty in the last two innings, and he will be the one to watch out for. For England, Jos Buttler holds the key, with this experience. Probable Best Bowler Maheesh Theekshana is the leading wicket-taker for Sri Lanka this edition. He takes wickets and contains the batters in the middle. For England, Adil Rashid has been the game-changer for England with the ball. Today Match Prediction : Both teams are pretty even, but England have a great record over Sri Lanka, and they recently beat Sri Lanka in the T20I series. Hence, we predict England to win this game. SL vs ENG Match 42, ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Today SL vs ENG Match, SL vs ENG Prediction, SL vs ENG Predicted XIs, Injury Update for SL vs ENG 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.
KSCA To Name Pavilion At Hubballi Stadium After Sunil Joshi On Opening Day Of Ranji Trophy Final
The Karnataka State Cricket Association: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) said on Saturday that it will name the Pavilion Block at its Rajnagar ground in Hubballi after former India left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cricket teams in the state and national set-ups. The naming ceremony, to be held at 12 noon, will coincide with day one of the Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir. This decision has been taken as a mark of deep respect and appreciation for Sunil Joshis remarkable cricketing journey and his enduring association with cricket in North Karnataka. Hailing from Gadag district, Sunil Joshi played a significant part of his formative cricket in Hubballi, and the naming of the Pavilion Block in his honour stands as a fitting and lasting tribute to one of Karnatakas most distinguished cricketing ambassadors. The Naming of the Pavilion Block in his name will serve not only as a tribute to his achievements but also as a source of inspiration for aspiring young cricketers who will step onto the field at Hubballi in the years to come, said the KSCA in its statement. The naming event will be attended by KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, former Karnataka chief minister Jagadish Shettar, and Santosh Lad, district in-charge minister, Hubballi-Dharwad. The Naming of the Pavilion Block in his name will serve not only as a tribute to his achievements but also as a source of inspiration for aspiring young cricketers who will step onto the field at Hubballi in the years to come, said the KSCA in its statement. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He also coached Jammu & Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh teams in domestic cricket, apart from being the spin bowling coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL. Joshi is currently the spin bowling coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru and was the bowling coach when India won the U19 Mens Cricket World Cup in Harare earlier this month. Article Source: IANS
Shikhar Dhawan Marries Sophie Shine, Releases Photos Of His Wedding
Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai: Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has released photos of his wedding with long-time partner Sophie Shine, confirming the news through social media posts on Saturday. They have been in a relationship for almost a year, with Dhawan confirming their relationship in May 2025 and a few months back, and last month, the couple announced their engagement on Instagram. In the Insta post, Dhawan also informed his fans that their wedding outfit was designed by famous designer Manish Malhotra. Mr. & Mrs. Dhawan. Outfit - @manishmalhotra05, said Dhawan in his post. Earlier in the day, India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal gave fans a peek into Shikhar and Sophie Shine's wedding celebrations by sharing pictures from the ceremony on Saturday. The wedding, reportedly taking place in the Delhi NCR region, is attended by close friends and family members. Chahal took to Instagram to post cheerful moments from the celebrations, including a picture of Dhawan dressed in traditional grooms attire alongside Sophie, who looked good in her bridal outfit. The spinner was also seen enjoying the festivities and dancing with other guests. Captioning his post, Chahal wrote, Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, expressing his excitement for his former teammates big day. Earlier, Dhawan had shared pictures from his sangeet ceremony on Instagram. Sangeet Night, almost the Dhawans, he wrote in his post. Sophie, too, had offered fans a glimpse of the pre-wedding festivities by sharing photos from her haldi ceremony. Dhawan and Sophie made their relationship public in 2025 and announced their engagement in January 2026. Their love story reportedly began several years ago in Dubai, and since then, Sophie has been a constant presence in Dhawans life. The couple has built a strong following on social media, where their light-hearted and humorous reels are widely appreciated by fans. This is Dhawans second marriage. His first marriage to Ayesha Mukherjee ended in 2021. Dhawan and Sophie made their relationship public in 2025 and announced their engagement in January 2026. Their love story reportedly began several years ago in Dubai, and since then, Sophie has been a constant presence in Dhawans life. The couple has built a strong following on social media, where their light-hearted and humorous reels are widely appreciated by fans. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Across 269 international matches, Dhawan scored 10,867 runs and registered 24 centuries, leaving behind a significant legacy in Indian cricket. Article Source: IANS
3rd T20I: BCCI Secy Saikia Congratulates Indian Women's Team For Winning T20 Series In Australia
Indian Senior Women: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia has congratulated the Indian Senior Women's Team for beating Australia in a three-match T20I series in Australia. India won the third T20I in Adelaide on Saturday to clinch the series 2-1. In a dramatic clash at the Adelaide Oval, India secured a hard-fought 17-run victory over Australia in a high-pressure encounter. Chasing a challenging target of 159, Australias lower-order fought valiantly but ultimately fell short, with Indias bowlers holding their nerve till the final overs to clinch the win. India's innings was built on solid contributions by Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, but it was Shreyanka Patil with the ball who made sure the team cruised past the hosts. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Saikia hailed the team for its clinical performance and asked the players to keep up the good work in the upcoming ODI series Down Under. Congratulations to the Indian Women's Team for a commanding 2-1 T20I series victory against formidable Australia. India were clinical in their approach and have made a perfect start to the multi-format series Down Under. Onto the ODIs next. Keep up the good work! wrote Saikia in his post. India had won the first T20I but lost the second one in Canberra. On Saturday, India started relatively steadily, with Shafali Verma (7 off 6) and Mandhana (82 off 55) getting the innings off to a quick start. However, the former fell quickly, with Australian bowlers showing resistance. Mandhana and Rodrigues (59 off 46) steadied the ship with a 121-run stand and put India on top. While the vice-captain fell just 18 runs short of a well-deserved century, Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh made sure that the batting unit didnt crumble. Australia's chase got off to a shaky start as Beth Mooney (6) fell early, with Renuka Thakur dismissing her in the second over. Another crucial breakthrough came in the third over when Shreyanka Patil removed Georgia Voll, courtesy of a stunning catch by Renuka Singh. Mandhana and Rodrigues (59 off 46) steadied the ship with a 121-run stand and put India on top. While the vice-captain fell just 18 runs short of a well-deserved century, Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh made sure that the batting unit didnt crumble. Also Read: Live Cricket Score However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, with Shreyanka Patil and Shree Charani taking crucial wickets, including the crucial one of skipper Sophie Molineux (6), who was dismissed lbw. Article Source: IANS
3rd T20I: Getting Perrys Wicket In Her 350th Game Gave very Special Feeling, Says Shreyanka
ODI World Cup: Indias off-spin bowling all-rounder Shreyanka Patil said dismissing veteran Ellyse Perry in her 350th international appearance was a very special moment for her as the visitors sealed a 2-1 T20I series win in the multi-format fixtures against Australia at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide. Shreyanka took 3-22, including taking out Ellyse, as India defended a competitive 176/6 by restricting Australia to 159/9 and earned a 17-run win to pick two more points. The result also meant India got a womens T20I series win in Australia after ten years. When I see my hands and revs going in a certain way, I kind of get that confidence, and today I did feel that, and getting that wicket will absolutely boost your confidence. What actually made me happier was getting Pezs wicket, and that made me feel very special because it was her 350th match, and I getting her wicket is what she and me will remember for sure, said Shreyanka in the post-match press conference. In what was her first tour of Australia, Shreyanka said the series win was a landmark achievement for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side. This is my first time being in Australia, and getting the series win is always a special moment for everyone whos a part of this team. We are enjoying this feeling and just being grateful. I just wanted to win it for my team, be it whatever phase I bowl in, and just needed to have that positive intent and mindset to just go out there and look for wickets. Shreyanka further said she relished the challenge of bowling in Australian conditions that offered little turn. Absolutely, it's a little dicey for spinners, not much of a turn. But I really love such situations as well, bowling in different conditions. It challenges you, and you have to come out with a different mindset, plans, and all of that. So I've really enjoyed the two games I've played here. She also praised the batting effort by Smriti Mandhana (82) and Jemimah Rodrigues (59) that set up Indias victory. It was really absolutely magnificent to watch those two play. Those running between the wickets, running two-two runs hardthey did a great job getting that partnership built, and that kind of gave the confidence, and Richa took it over from there. India, fresh from their Womens ODI World Cup triumph, added another feather to their cap with the bilateral win and would be keen to get more points via the upcoming ODI games. I'm only in the T20 series, but I'm just grateful to win this series. The team has shaped really well, and they're doing amazing. They just won the World Cup. So obviously they'll be raring to win another series against Australia, said Shreyanka. She added that the team was focused on building consistency and learning from each contest. I think we've just seen our weaknesses and are building on our strengths. So we're just focusing on what's better we can get at, and that's worked really well so far. India, fresh from their Womens ODI World Cup triumph, added another feather to their cap with the bilateral win and would be keen to get more points via the upcoming ODI games. I'm only in the T20 series, but I'm just grateful to win this series. The team has shaped really well, and they're doing amazing. They just won the World Cup. So obviously they'll be raring to win another series against Australia, said Shreyanka. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Absolutely, playing against Australia, England, any team for that matter, will give you confidence when you play as a team and do well and win series like this. It will give you that extra confidence and extra boost, and then obviously going into the World Cup, you'll always feel good that you've got those series wins. Article Source: IANS
Incessant rain washes out opening Super Eight fixture between New Zealand and Pakistan
The drizzle that started at the toss only grew heavier and never quite relented
Stage set for Sri Lanka to turn the tide and pounce on England
England have a well-rounded team and recent success against Sri Lanka but carry blemishes from their group-stage games
T20 WC: Washout Threat Looms Large On Pakistan-New Zealand Super Eights Clash In Colombo
New Zealand Super Eights: The threat of a washout is looming large on the first Super Eights clash of the Mens T20 World Cup between Pakistan and New Zealand after heavy drizzle forced covers at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo immediately after the toss was held. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and chose to bat first, but the start has been delayed as showers started in a jiffy. With the rain continuing, the loss of overs has begun from 8:10 pm, while the cut-off for a five-over game is at 10:15 pm. If the situation does not improve, the fixture will be abandoned, and both sides will share points. Forecasts had already raised concerns for a washout, with Accuweather predicting cloudy skies and a high chance of evening showers in Colombo. Persistent rain on Friday forced Pakistan to cancel training, and Saturdays drizzle confirmed fears that the weather could play a decisive role in the tournaments opening Super Eights match. Under playing conditions by the ICC, a minimum of five overs per side is required for a result in the match. Additionally, there are no reserve days in the Super Eights, with this arrangement only available for the semifinals and final. A washout would dent both teams hopes of reaching the semi-finals, as shared points could prove costly in a competitive Group 2. Forecasts had already raised concerns for a washout, with Accuweather predicting cloudy skies and a high chance of evening showers in Colombo. Persistent rain on Friday forced Pakistan to cancel training, and Saturdays drizzle confirmed fears that the weather could play a decisive role in the tournaments opening Super Eights match. Also Read: Live Cricket Score New Zealand have brought back captain Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, and Lockie Ferguson into their playing eleven as Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first Article Source: IANS
T20 WC: Handling Pressure, Winning Small Moments Key For SA In Clash Against India, Says De Kock
T20 World Cup: South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock said handling pressure and winning the small moments would be decisive when his side face India in a crunch Super Eights clash of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup, to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Both teams are unbeaten after cruising through their respective groups with four wins each and will meet in what is also a rematch of the 2024 edition final, where India won to break a long trophy drought. Aiden Markram-led South Africa toured India late last year, but lost 3-1 in a five-game T20I series, as well as in a warm-up game held earlier this month. What's going to make for quite a good game tomorrow, I think, is that we've played against each other quite a bit over the last two months. To be honest, the teams haven't really changed much. So I think it's more when you're out there on the pressure side, who deals with the pressure better and wins the small moments in the game, and not even just playing against India. In the IPL, we're always playing against each other a lot. Everyone knows each other, how everyone plays, and how everyone thinks. So I think it's just a matter of being out there who falls under the pressure first, said de Kock in the pre-match press conference on Saturday. South Africa have played three Group D matches in Ahmedabad and played at different times of the day. It means that the Proteas are taking on defending champions India in familiar territory, owing to them knowing the conditions quite well. I think it does help quite a bit. We've played a day game and a night game, so we kind of understand the conditions. But I don't think it means too much because the Indian team's played here and a lot of them have played here their whole careers. I don't think it plays that much of a difference at the end of the day, said de Kock. Indias left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma has bagged three consecutive ducks, but de Kock felt he may come good at some point in the competition. He's the number one T20 batsman in the world at the moment, according to the ranking, so he must keep doing what he's doing. He's obviously quite young; he's bound to fail. So being number one obviously means something, and I'm sure at some point he's going to play an important knock. Indias left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma has bagged three consecutive ducks, but de Kock felt he may come good at some point in the competition. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The spin has kind of travelled a little bit. So I'm saying that it's all about conditions at the end of the day - it's always going to be harder for left-handed batsmen to struggle a bit against a right-arm offie if it's spinning. So like I said, it's all just on to the conditions, and what we deal with. Article Source: IANS
Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai: Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal gave fans a peek into the wedding celebrations of former India opener Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine by sharing pictures from the ceremony on Saturday. The wedding, reportedly taking place in the Delhi NCR region, is attended by close friends and family members. Chahal took to Instagram to post cheerful moments from the celebrations, including a picture of Dhawan dressed in traditional grooms attire alongside Sophie, who looked good in her bridal outfit. The spinner was also seen enjoying the festivities and dancing with other guests. Captioning his post, Chahal wrote, Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, expressing his excitement for his former teammates big day. Earlier, Dhawan had shared pictures from his sangeet ceremony on Instagram. Sangeet Night, almost the Dhawans, he wrote in his post. Sophie, too, had offered fans a glimpse of the pre-wedding festivities by sharing photos from her haldi ceremony. Dhawan and Sophie made their relationship public in 2025 and announced their engagement in January 2026. Their love story reportedly began several years ago in Dubai, and since then, Sophie has been a constant presence in Dhawans life. The couple has built a strong following on social media, where their light-hearted and humorous reels are widely appreciated by fans. This is Dhawans second marriage. His first marriage to Ayesha Mukherjee ended in 2021. Dhawan and Sophie made their relationship public in 2025 and announced their engagement in January 2026. Their love story reportedly began several years ago in Dubai, and since then, Sophie has been a constant presence in Dhawans life. The couple has built a strong following on social media, where their light-hearted and humorous reels are widely appreciated by fans. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Across 269 international matches, Dhawan scored 10,867 runs and registered 24 centuries, leaving behind a significant legacy in Indian cricket. He has represented India in all three formats of the game and was a major player in the Indian Premier League (IPL), also. Article Source: IANS
BCCI President Manhas, Secretary Saikia Back Landmark Push For Blind Cricket In India
ICC Chairman Jay Shah: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Mithun Manhas and Secretary Devajit Saikia on Saturday backed a landmark support system for the mens and womens teams coming under the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), calling it a defining step toward inclusive growth in Indian cricket. On Saturday, the BCCI officially announced the structured arrangement for extending institutional backing to both the men's and women's national teams -- a move that follows a decade of extraordinary success for India's visually impaired cricketers, including multiple Men's World Cup titles and a historic inaugural Women's World Cup triumph in Sri Lanka last year. Manhas said the scale of what India's blind cricketers had achieved on the world stage made formal, sustained support not just warranted but overdue. The achievements of Indias visually impaired cricketers are a source of immense pride for the cricketing fraternity. Through this support framework, the BCCI aims to strengthen opportunities, infrastructure, and exposure for these athletes. Inclusive growth remains central to our vision for the game. We hope this support will further empower the teams to pursue excellence with confidence and inspire many more to take up the sport. The BCCI remains committed to playing its part in ensuring that cricket continues to be a game for all, he said in a BCCI statement. Under the framework, the BCCI will fund international travel for two overseas tournaments annually for both teams, provide accommodation for home and visiting sides during bilateral series held in India, and open its affiliated stadia and grounds for domestic and international fixtures. The BCCI noted that the initiative aligned with the broader philosophy of inclusive cricket championed by ICC Chairman Jay Shah during his tenure as BCCI Secretary, an approach he has continued to advocate at the global governing body. Under the framework, the BCCI will fund international travel for two overseas tournaments annually for both teams, provide accommodation for home and visiting sides during bilateral series held in India, and open its affiliated stadia and grounds for domestic and international fixtures. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The opportunity to benefit from BCCI-supported infrastructure and match environments will further enhance their experience and help raise professional standards across blind cricket in India, added Saikia. Article Source: IANS
'Fielding in Pallekele will prove a different challenge' - Sridhar
The outfield in Pallekele is not in the best condition as it's been covered due to rain in the lead up to Sri Lanka vs England
T20 WC: Was Not Expecting This Much Hype And Appreciation From Legends Of The Game, Says Tariq
T20 World Cup: Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq said he was taken aback by the attention his performances have drawn at the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup, adding that he was relishing the chance to contribute to the team's performance at the big stage. With his unique, slinging bowling action, Tariq has picked 10 wickets in four games at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and is expected to test New Zealand batters at the R. Premadasa Stadium, with the game yet to get underway due to rain. I was not expecting that I would get this much hype and appreciation from all the legends and from you guys (commentators). Im really enjoying every moment and really enjoying my performances. Im looking forward to bringing some more energy and excitement, Tariq told broadcasters in a brief chat on the sidelines. Tariq, who honed his action while playing with a tennis ball in domestic cricket, said his unique bowling technique had been part of his game from the start and continued to serve him well. Yes, even this action was developed from the beginning when I used to bowl with a tennis ball. If you check my action in slow motion, youll see the timing is still there, but Im moving slowly. I just try to break the fractions of my bowling action. Thats how it is working for me, he said. Tariq, who honed his action while playing with a tennis ball in domestic cricket, said his unique bowling technique had been part of his game from the start and continued to serve him well. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The off-spinner also addressed his trademark headband, saying it had become part of his identity. Yes, of course sometimes the hair comes in front of my eyes and distracts me, so thats why I wear the headband. Since it has been appreciated so much, I just want to keep wearing it now, even with short hair. Article Source: IANS
Fakhar in for Nafay as Pakistan bat in Colombo
New Zealand add Fakhar Zaman and Ish Sodhi in their playing XI
'Last year he covered for us, now we cover for him' - Suryakumar on Abhishek's form
The India captain also addressed the issue of oppositions bowling offspin to India's left-handed heavy line-up
T20 WC: Santner, Sodhi, Ferguson Return For New Zealand As Pakistan Elect To Bat First
ICC T20 World Cup: New Zealand have brought back captain Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, and Lockie Ferguson into their playing eleven as Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first in the opening Super Eights clash of the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday. The start of the game may be delayed as rain arrived and covers were put back on the entire ground immediately after the toss was held. Santner has recovered from his illness and is back to lead New Zealand again, while Ferguson is back after flying back home for the birth of his first child. Could be a little bit different here (compared to the conditions in Chennai), but we have seen a lot of the games throughout the tournament here, and we know the challenge they possess. Should be entertaining, they got some good spinners, he said. Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha said Fakhar Zaman comes in for Khawaja Nafay and gets his first game of this World Cup. We have one pacer, Faheem Ashraf -- he is a good all-rounder. So we have two pacers and a lot of spin options. They are a quality side, we know that. We have to play our A game, and that is what we look forward to today, he said. In his pitch report, former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja described the surface as a little tacky, and his view was echoed by ex-Australia captain Aaron Finch. The duo felt that with the grass not live, taking pace off the ball could be the way forward, while spinners may need courage to give the ball some flight. Playing XIs: In his pitch report, former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja described the surface as a little tacky, and his view was echoed by ex-Australia captain Aaron Finch. The duo felt that with the grass not live, taking pace off the ball could be the way forward, while spinners may need courage to give the ball some flight. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, and Usman Tariq Article Source: IANS
India, South Africa meet in the final before the final
A blockbuster to kick off Group 1 will see two teams, familiar with the Ahmedabad conditions, clash on a black-soil pitch
Beating Australia: Smriti Mandhana was very pleased after Indias 17-run victory over Australia in the series decider on Saturday and mentioned that defeating the Aussies in Australia is really special. However, she also noted that the team will not celebrate too much and will instead shift focus to the upcoming ODI leg of the tour, which begins on Tuesday. India sealed a convincing 17-run victory in the third and final T20I on Saturday at the Adelaide Oval, strengthening their position to 4-2 in the multi-format series. A stunning 121-run partnership between Smriti Mandhana (82) and Jemimah Rodrigues (59) powered India to a formidable 176/6, with Mandhanas explosive knock earning her Player of the Match honours. Reflecting on her personal performance and the team's overall success, Mandhana expressed her happiness during the post-match presentation, saying, It was good to contribute to the series win. I think beating Australia in Australia is something really special. I'm really happy for the team and glad that I could contribute. Mandhana, who has been in superb form throughout the series, was instrumental in laying the foundation for Indias total. Her 82 runs came off 55 balls and featured some beautiful stroke-play. However, it was the partnership with Rodrigues that truly turned the tide in Indias favour. Mandhana was full of praise for Jemimah Rodrigues' role in their partnership. When she came in, I think I was 16-ball 15 and still getting my timing, and she came in, got three or four boundaries, got the momentum going, and I could take some time. Those small things dont really get noticed, but I feel when she came in and got those quick 2-3 boundaries, it calmed me down as well. So credit to her to come in and play that sort of knock, she said. The dynamic partnership saw India accelerate in the middle overs, with Mandhana reaching her fifty with a six in the 12th over. Although she was dismissed in the 17th over, the foundation was firmly set for India to finish strong, aided by Richa Ghoshs quick-fire cameo. Defending a competitive target, India struck early with the ball, taking key Australian wickets in quick succession. Despite a fighting 57 from Ashleigh Gardner, Australia could never recover from the early damage. Mandhana also highlighted the significance of India's early breakthroughs in setting the tone for the game, stating, I think we did beat them in 2016 back when we had come here, but I think we've played T20 after a very long time in Australia, so beating them is really nice. In the final stages, India's bowlers maintained the pressure, and a brilliant diving catch from Rodrigues sent Gardner back to the dugout. The visitors eventually restricted the hosts to 159/9, completing a well-deserved victory. Mandhana also highlighted the significance of India's early breakthroughs in setting the tone for the game, stating, I think we did beat them in 2016 back when we had come here, but I think we've played T20 after a very long time in Australia, so beating them is really nice. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With a balanced team effort, the Women in Blue are now preparing for the upcoming ODI series, beginning at The Gabba on February 24. This will be their first 50-over format series since winning their first-ever Womens World Cup trophy in November last year. Article Source: IANS
ICC Picks Gaby, Sobhana, Tara As Nominees For Womens Player Of The Month For January
T20 World Cup Global Qualifier: The ICC has announced the nominees for the Women's Player of the Month award for January, with three standout performances from the month of international cricket making the final shortlist. The nominees include Gaby Lewis, Sobhana Mostery, and Tara Norris, each of whom played pivotal roles in their respective teams' campaigns during the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in January-February 2026. Leading Irelands charge towards qualification for the Womens T20 World Cup 2026, captain Gaby Lewis enjoyed a stellar month. Across six T20Is, Lewis scored a total of 251 runs at an impressive strike rate of 124.87. Her best performance came in a losing cause against Bangladesh, where she scored 73 runs. Despite the defeat, Lewis' knock was a highlight, as she ended the qualification tournament as the highest run-scorer for Ireland with 276 runs. Her consistency and leadership have been key to Ireland securing a spot in the upcoming World Cup. From the other side of the qualifiers, Sobhana Mostery of Bangladesh proved to be a force with the bat. Scoring 229 runs at an average of 45.80 and a blistering strike rate of 145.85, Mostery was central to her team's unbeaten run in the ICC Womens T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. Her highest score of 59 came against Thailand, and she followed it up with another superb knock of 47 against Scotland. Alongside her batting exploits, the 24-year-old off-spinner also claimed a crucial wicket in the match against Papua New Guinea, cementing her all-round impact in the tournament. The standout bowler for the USA during the qualification event, Tara Norris, was a menace with the ball. The left-arm pacer finished as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 15 wickets. In January, Norris claimed 11 wickets in five T20Is, including three-wicket hauls against Namibia, Ireland, and Thailand. Her highest score of 59 came against Thailand, and she followed it up with another superb knock of 47 against Scotland. Alongside her batting exploits, the 24-year-old off-spinner also claimed a crucial wicket in the match against Papua New Guinea, cementing her all-round impact in the tournament. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The January performances of these three players have not only been impressive individually but also crucial to the progress of their respective teams in the global qualifiers. Article Source: IANS
T20 World Cup: Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri feels that the defending champions have got their best playing XI and there will be unlikely any change in the team sheet when India face South Africa in their first match of the Super 8s in the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. India made two changes to the team when they played against the Netherlands in their last group stage match. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav went out for Arshdeep Singh, while Axar Patel was rested to give some game time to all-rounder Washington Sundar. According to Shastri, the only dilemma the team will face is whether to play Axar or Sundar. I think it will be pretty much the same side because you've got depth, you've got all bases covered, you've got options, you need options, Shastri told The ICC Review. When there's dew around, you need that extra bowling option. Whether it's a Shivam Dube, whether it's Hardik bowling his full quota of overs, whether it's Tilak Varma who might roll his arm for an over or two, you need those options. I don't think they'll tinker with the side. I think the team that played in the last game was a good side, he added. Shastri also stood in support of Abhishek Sharma, who is yet to score a run in the ongoing tournament. Abhishek has scored three ducks, but Shastri sees that as a positive and believes that the No. 1 T20I batter will score runs in the later stages of the tournament. I think the positive is that in every game, there's been someone who stood up. It has been Ishan Kishan, sometimes Surya, in the first game. Tilak Varma has played his part. He's got off to a start, but I still think the best of him is still to come. I look at it as a positive that Abhishek Sharma has three zeros. So save your best for the important periods in the tournament. Teams will be a little worried that he's not got runs, he said. Shastri also praised the South Africa team for their self-belief and feels that there will be a neck-to-neck fight when they clash against India. I think the positive is that in every game, there's been someone who stood up. It has been Ishan Kishan, sometimes Surya, in the first game. Tilak Varma has played his part. He's got off to a start, but I still think the best of him is still to come. I look at it as a positive that Abhishek Sharma has three zeros. So save your best for the important periods in the tournament. Teams will be a little worried that he's not got runs, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Both India and South Africa are coming into the match after finishing on top of their respective groups in the first round. Article Source: IANS
Mandhana, Shreyanka Shine As India Beat Australia By 17 Runs In 3rd Match, Seal Series 2-1
In a dramatic clash at the Adelaide Oval, India secured a hard-fought 17-run victory over Australia in a high-pressure encounter. Chasing a challenging target of 159, Australias lower-order fought valiantly but ultimately fell short, with Indias bowlers holding their nerve till the final overs to clinch the win. India's innings was built on solid contributions by Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, but it was Shreyanka Patil with the ball who made sure the team cruised past the hosts. India started relatively steadily, with Shafali Verma (7 off 6) and Mandhana (82 off 55) getting the innings off to a quick start. However, the former fell quickly, with Australian bowlers showing resistance. Mandhana and Rodrigues (59 off 46) steadied the ship with a 121-run stand and put India on top. While the vice-captain fell just 18 runs short of a well-deserved century, Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh made sure that the batting unit didnt crumble. The wicketkeeper-batters cameo of a seven-ball 18, before a mini collapse in the final over, made sure that the Women in Blue posted a defendable target for the home side. Australia's chase got off to a shaky start as Beth Mooney (6) fell early, with Renuka Thakur dismissing her in the second over. Another crucial breakthrough came in the third over when Shreyanka Patil removed Georgia Voll, courtesy of a stunning catch by Renuka Singh. Phoebe Litchfield (26) and Ashleigh Gardner (57) then combined in a partnership to put up a strong fight. Gardners knock was the highlight of Australias chase, as she hit five boundaries and a six, keeping the required run rate in check. However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, with Shreyanka Patil and Shree Charani taking crucial wickets, including the crucial one of skipper Sophie Molineux (6), who was dismissed lbw. Australias middle-order crumbled under the pressure. Despite a brief flurry from Annabel Sutherland, the chase faltered as they lost wickets in quick succession. Grace Harris looked confident but was dismissed hit-wicket. Shreyanka Patil once again struck a decisive blow, dismissing Sutherland for a valuable knock of 14, leaving Australia at 143/9. Deepti Sharma then returned in the final over to bowl a composed spell, giving away only five runs as the visitors restricted the hosts to 150/9, to clinch a 17-run win. Deepti Sharma then returned in the final over to bowl a composed spell, giving away only five runs as the visitors restricted the hosts to 150/9, to clinch a 17-run win. Also Read: Live Cricket Score 176/6 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 82, Jemimah Rodrigues 59; Annabel Sutherland 2-34, Kim Garth 1-25) beat Australia 159/9 in overs (Ashleigh Gardner 57, Phoebe Litchfield 26; Shreyanka Patil 3-22, Shree Charani 3-32) by 17 runs. Article Source: IANS
T20 WC: Bumrah, Hardik To Be India's Twin Trump Cards For Super Eights, Says Paranjape
BCCI Cricket Advisory Committee: Former India cricketer and national selector Jatin Paranjape feels fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be the twin trump cards for the defending champions ahead of their Super Eights campaign in the Mens T20 World Cup starting against South Africa in Ahmedabad on Sunday. In three league games, Bumrah has picked four wickets at an economy rate of six and a strike rate of 13.5. Hardik, meanwhile, has amassed 87 runs with a batting strike-rate of 155 and grabbed five wickets at an economy rate of 7.9. Hardik also produced a great all-round performance hitting 52 and taking 2-28 when India beat Namibia in New Delhi earlier this month. The guy who takes this Indian team to a different level altogether is Hardik Pandya. Without him, this Indian team is half as good as it is with him in it. Hardiks improvement over the last 12 months has shown that he is just so focused on his game. He is not letting the outside chatter get to him at all. He has been through so much in his personal life as well. But he is one player, and I am a big fan of his for that, who has improved tremendously with the bat, with the ball, with the field, and with his body. So, Hardik is the key to Indias fortunes, Paranjape told IANS in an exclusive conversation on Saturday. Due to his previously captaining the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Hardik is well-versed with the conditions and ground size in Ahmedabad. It further reflects in him amassing 470 runs in 19 T20I innings in Ahmedabad, coming at a strike-rate of 142. In last years final T20I against South Africa at the same venue, Hardik scored 63 off 25 balls as India won the series 4-1. With India losing 11 wickets to off-spin - the most among all teams in this World Cup and a glaring loophole to exploit by other teams Hardik will be expected to bail out of trouble, considering the likes of Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Suryakumar Yadav have found the going tough against spin. Hardik, along with Bumrah, has also contributed to India having the best economy rate amongst all bowling units (7) and the second-best bowling average (15.4) by a team in this competition. Along with Hardik, according to me, Jasprit Bumrah is also going to be in top form. I have noticed him, he is looking leaner, he has lost weight, he is looking fitter. These are the tournaments for great players like him and great all-rounders like Hardik to really come to the party and get it done when it matters most. So, according to me, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are going to be two trump cards for India. If India has to do well and win the World Cup, both these guys will have to be in prime form, added Paranjape, the co-founder of KheloMore and member of the BCCI Cricket Advisory Committee. Although India enters the Super Eights as the lone unbeaten team from Group A, they are paired with other undefeated sides, including South Africa, West Indies, and Zimbabwe. Everybody expects India to win this T20 World Cup very easily, but I dont think its going to be super, super easy because the Super Eights will also be interesting. I think India are putting some serious distance between themselves and the competition going into the Super Eights. The first game is with South Africa, but I think, irrespective of the opposition, this Indian setup just looks really strong, despite the three ducks in a row from what was their biggest weapon, Abhishek Sharma, added Paranjape. Though Abhishek is yet to score a run in the World Cup, especially with him recovering from a stomach infection and leading to Indias opening partnerships averaging only 8.5, Dube has added heft to Indias batting depth by accelerating his scoring tempo in recent months, which was seen during his match-winning fifty against the Netherlands earlier this week. Till the end of the 2024 World Cup, Dubes strike rate stood at 134 against pace and spin. Post that tournament, where he was a member of the winning Indian team, the numbers have spiked dramatically -- 172 against pace and 183 against spin. Abhishek's low scores have been offset by Shivam Dube, who is really impressing me a lot with the way he's approached the middle part of the innings, and his six-hitting ability is today second to none across world cricket, and he just looks in fantastic form. Till the end of the 2024 World Cup, Dubes strike rate stood at 134 against pace and spin. Post that tournament, where he was a member of the winning Indian team, the numbers have spiked dramatically -- 172 against pace and 183 against spin. Also Read: Live Cricket Score --IANS Article Source: IANS
India Captain Among ICC Player Of The Month Nominees For January
The International Cricket Council: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named Daryl Mitchell, Joe Root, and Suryakumar Yadav as contenders for the Mens Player of the Month for January. These players have been exceptional, making notable contributions with both bat and ball during a busy month of cricket. New Zealand star Mitchell had a strong start to the year, guiding his team to a 2-1 victory in India during the ODI series. The all-rounder scored consecutive centuries in the second and third matches, enabling New Zealand to come back from a 0-1 series deficit. Mitchell scored 352 runs at an average of 176 against India, earning him the Player of the Series award and the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings. Additionally, he scored 125 runs at a strike rate of 186.56 in the five-match T20I series against India. Joe Root played a crucial role in England's comeback victory against Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series. Improving with every game, Root scored 61 in the first match, increased his contribution with 75 in the second, and scored an unbeaten 111 in the final, helping England overcome a 0-1 series deficit to win 2-1. He was named Player of the Series, scoring 242 runs and taking two wickets. Root also brought a rare spark to the challenging Ashes 2025/26 series against Australia. Although the hosts ultimately secured a 4-1 series victory, Root's 160 in the first innings of the Sydney Test highlighted his brilliance. Suryakumar Yadav found his rhythm just before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, delivering an outstanding performance against New Zealand in the five-match T20I series. He was named Player of the Series, scoring 242 runs and taking two wickets. Root also brought a rare spark to the challenging Ashes 2025/26 series against Australia. Although the hosts ultimately secured a 4-1 series victory, Root's 160 in the first innings of the Sydney Test highlighted his brilliance. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The key performance occurred in the second match, where Suryakumar scored an unbeaten 82, guiding India to surpass New Zealand's total of 208 in only 15.2 overs. This marked India's second-highest successful chase in the shortest format of the game. Article Source: IANS
'He Covered For Us All Year, Now It's Our Turn': Suryakumar On Abhishek's Poor Form
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav: Skipper Suryakumar Yadav has backed opener Abhishek Sharma, who is enduring a lean patch in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, as India gear up for their first Super 8s clash against South Africa to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. Speaking ahead of the match against the 2024 T20 World Cup runners-ups, Suryakumar expressed strong faith in Abhishek's comeback and said that the team management is not worried about the opener's form at all. Surya also feels that the No.1 T20I batter will end his lean patch and deliver for the team as the tournament progresses. I worry for the people who are worried about Abhishek's form; I worry about them. Why are they so worried about Abhishek's form? But I think about those teams who are going to play against him, now that he has not yet scored a run, you know the rest of the answers. Surya said in the pre-match conference. It's a team sport, it keeps going on. Now the team has a requirement that the boy should play with his identity. So he is trying to play. If it happens, then it's fine; if it doesn't, then we are there to cover. Last year, he covered for us fully; now we will cover for him as well, he added. Abhishek is yet to open his account in the tournament. He began his campaign with a golden duck against the United States, followed by early dismissals against Pakistan and the Netherlands. On each occasion, he fell within the first two overs, without scoring a run. Earlier, India's bowling coach Morne Morkel also backed the 25-year-old star and said that there have been no discussions regarding his place in the side. Absolutely no discussion in our team group about that. Abhishek is a world-class player. So far in the tournament, fortunately, there have been guys stepping up while Abhishek hasnt been able to score the runs he would like, Morkel said at the pre-match press conference on Friday. Earlier, India's bowling coach Morne Morkel also backed the 25-year-old star and said that there have been no discussions regarding his place in the side. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Abhishek has featured in eight matches against South Africa, scoring 200 runs against the Proteas, including one half-century against the 2024 World Cup runners-up. Article Source: IANS
England Skipper Harry Brook Promises Aggressive Approach in Super 8s
England skipper Harry Brook has admitted that the team took some of the opposition sides in the Group stage lightly and also promised to perform well in the Super 8s round, where they will play their first match against the co-hosts, Sri Lanka, at the Pallekele International Stadium on Sunday. England's campaign so far in the tournament has been far from convincing, as they nearly escaped defeat in their first match against Nepal by just four runs. Brook's side got hammered by the two-time champions, West Indies, in the next match. However, they won the remaining two matches against Italy and Scotland to reach the Super 8s. It was obviously a niggly start to the competition. We probably underestimated a few of the sides, and they put up a really good fight and yeah, look, we came here to get through that stage, and thankfully we have, so were here in the Super Eights, and thats our main focus now, Brook said in a pre-match conference. Brook also revealed the team's plan to get the wicket of Sri Lanka's opener Pathum Nissanka, who is looking in good touch. Nissanka scored a century against Australia and can be a big threat to England in their upcoming match. Some of their batters are batting really well, so hopefully we can get a few wickets in the power play. And Nissanka is on a bit of a heater at the minute, so it would be ideal if we could get him out early, he said. The 27-year-old also criticised the careful approach of the batters in the tournament and asked them to attack from the start and put the opposition under pressure. I want us to go hell for leather in 20 overs anyway and go out there and really take it to the opposition with the bat and look to put them under pressure. So, there's not really, not too much change there, he said. The 27-year-old also criticised the careful approach of the batters in the tournament and asked them to attack from the start and put the opposition under pressure. Also Read: Live Cricket Score England have a good record against Sri Lanka in T20Is. Brook's side have won 13 out of 17 matches played between the two sides. Article Source: IANS
Patterson, Hadley fire NSW into One-Day Cup decider
Patterson made 125 not out from 89 balls as NSW chased 275 in 31 overs after Hadley bagged 5 for 69
Rain Go Away: Harry Brook Says England Ready For Sri Lanka Disruption
England can adapt to whatever the weather throws at them, captain Harry Brook said Saturday as rain threatens to disrupt their opening Super Eights match against Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup. Unseasonal rain in Sri Lanka the past few days means Sunday's crucial match in Kandy could be reduced to as few as five overs per side. I think you just have to prepare as if it is a T20, Brook told reporters. I think you can sometimes go down a bit of a rabbit hole thinking that you're going to play a five-over game and then it ends up being a T20 and you kind of play it slightly differently. So I think we've just got to prepare as if it is a T20 game and hope that the rain stays away. And then if it doesn't, then we've got to adapt. Brook indicated that a five-over sprint could mean a change in the batting order as they go hell for leather in search of fast runs. There's going to be some changes so we're not too predictable, Brook said. I want us to go hell for leather in 20 overs anyway, go out there and really take it to the opposition with the bat. The inclement weather and a pitch that has been sweating under covers mean England will delay naming their side until Sunday's toss, breaking with their tradition of announcing their eleven 24 hours in advance. Despite a stuttering group campaign, Brook's side are returning to the venue where they swept a T20 series against Sri Lanka 3-0 this month on the eve of the T20 World Cup. We can take a lot of confidence having played here and experienced this surface and this ground, said Brook. But he cautioned that some of the Sri Lankans were in better form now, especially opening batsman Pathum Nissanka, who scored a century against Australia on Monday. Some of their batters are batting really well. So hopefully we can get a few wickets in the power play, he said. And Nissanka is on a bit of a heat at the minute. So it would be ideal if we can get him out early. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We just want to go out there and play our best cricket and put them under pressure as much as possible all the way.
Jemimah Rodrigues Completes 2500 T20I Runs
Canberra T20I: India batter Jemimah Rodrigues completed 2500 runs in the T20 Internationals, achieving the feat during her outing with the willow against Australia in the final and deciding T20I of the three-game series at the Adelaide Oval. Before walking into the crease at No. 3 for the third T20I, Rodrigues had accumulated 2492 runs in 104 innings. Playing her 118th T20 International, the Delhi Capitals skipper went past the 2500-run landmark with a boundary off Kim Garth in the fifth over of the first innings, having opted to bat first. Rodrigues became only the fourth female Indian cricketer to reach the landmark in womens T20Is after skipper Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and opening batter Shafali Verma. The India opener, also Rodrigues teammate at Delhi in the Womens Premier League (WPL), reached 2500 T20I runs earlier this week while scoring a quick 29 off 23 balls at the top of the order in the Canberra T20I. During the same match, Kaur set an impressive record by becoming the most-capped international player in womens cricket. On February 19, in her 356th international game, the Indian World Cup-winning captain overtook New Zealand legend Suzie Bates to secure the record for the most international appearances by a woman. Following Kaur and Bates, Ellyse Perry, who made her historic 350th international appearance for Australia on Saturday, ranks third among women cricketers with the most appearances. The all-rounder made history by becoming the first Australian woman to reach 350 international games, celebrating her 20th year at the highest level. Speaking of the series so far, the visitors dismissed the Aussies for 133 at the SCG in the first match, then quickly reached 50/1 in 5.1 overs before rain interrupted. India were significantly ahead of the DLS par score and managed to seal a win to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The all-rounder made history by becoming the first Australian woman to reach 350 international games, celebrating her 20th year at the highest level. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The two sides are currently locked in the third and final game of the T20I leg of Indias tour, with the Women in Blue reaching 101/1 in 12 overs courtesy of Mandhanas powerful half-century and Rodrigues firepower. Article Source: IANS
T20 WC: England Vs Sri Lanka Head-to-head Record And Last Five Matches Performance
Josh Tongue Luke Wood: Two-time champions, England, will play their first match in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s against the co-hosts, Sri Lanka, at the Pallekele International Stadium on Sunday. England and Sri Lanka have been placed in group B in the Super 8s with 2009 champions Pakistan and New Zealand. Out of four teams, only two will proceed to the semi-final stage. This will be only the 18th time England will face Sri Lanka in T20Is. Harry Brook's team have an upper hand against Sri Lanka in the previous matches. England have come victorious on 13 occasions, while Sri Lanka have only won four matches. England's dominance extends to the T20 World Cup also. Both teams have played six World Cup matches against each other in which England have won five matches, while Sri Lanka have won only one match. Sri Lanka has not beaten England since the 2012 T20 World Cup, and they will look to end their 14-year wait when they face the 2010 and 2022 World Cup winners on Sunday. England recently toured Sri Lanka for a white ball series, which included three ODIs and three T20Is. They first beat Sri Lanka by 2-1 in the 50-over match series and then clinched the T20I series by a margin of 3-0, which came as a big boost for the team. Head-to-head record between England and Sri Lanka in T20Is Total matches played: 17 England won: 13 Sri Lanka won: 4 Performance of both teams in their last 5 matches England: W, W, L, W, W Sri Lanka: L, W, W, W, L Squads: Sri Lanka: L, W, W, W, L Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka(c), Charith Asalanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dushan Hemantha, Dilshan Madushanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Perera, Janith Liyanage, Pathum Nissanka, Pramod Madushan, Pavan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage Article Source: IANS
Ellyse Perry Becomes First Australian To Play 350 International Games
T20 World Cup: Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry became the first female cricketer from her nation to play 350 international matches, when she took the field against India at the Adelaide Oval in the final and decider T20I of the three-game series on Saturday. Perry made history as the first Australian woman to reach 350 games, celebrating her 20th year at the highest level. Only two women have played more international matches: Harmanpreet Kaur, Indias captain, who extended her record to 357 after the third T20I, and New Zealand's Suzie Bates with 355, making Perry the most capped Aussie. Australia's most-capped players after Perry are current ODI and Test captain Alyssa Healy with 295 appearances, and former vice-captain Alex Blackwell with 252 appearances. Healy, however, has announced that she will retire from international cricket after next months day-night Test against India, which begins on March 6. Meanwhile, Megan Schutt has yet to make any long-term commitments, focusing solely on the upcoming T20 World Cup. In contrast, Perry, speaking to reporters ahead of the Adelaide T20I, said she doesn't have a set timeline for her future in international cricket. (I've got) no particular landmarks really on my radar. I just want to keep experiencing what this team is doing, and for as long as I'm contributing to that, and find fulfillment in that, then I'd love to be around, but I don't really have an end point. There's always exciting things on the horizon, but we'll just see where it gets to, Perry was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. Healy, however, has announced that she will retire from international cricket after next months day-night Test against India, which begins on March 6. Meanwhile, Megan Schutt has yet to make any long-term commitments, focusing solely on the upcoming T20 World Cup. In contrast, Perry, speaking to reporters ahead of the Adelaide T20I, said she doesn't have a set timeline for her future in international cricket. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Australia made a strong comeback at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Sent in to bat again, they achieved a higher-than-average total, thanks to Georgia Voll's aggressive 88. They faltered slightly near the end of their innings, but India responded with a quick start. Nevertheless, the Australian bowlers changed their pace effectively, causing a collapse that allowed the hosts to defend their total convincingly and level the series. Article Source: IANS
T20 WC: India Vs South Africa Head-to-head Record And Last Five Matches' Performance
T20 World Cup: India will start their campaign of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s round against South Africa. The clash between the two finalists of the 2024 World Cup will happen at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. India and South Africa are placed in a tough Group A of the Super 8s with two-time champions West Indies and Zimbabwe. All four teams are coming to the contest after being table toppers of their respective groups in the first round. This will be the 36th time India would face South Africa in the shortest format. Suryakumar Yadav's team have the upper hand when it comes to the overall record. In the 35 matches played between them, India have emerged victorious in 21 occasions while South Africa have won only 13 games. One match has no result. India's dominance continues in the T20 World Cup also. Both teams have historically played seven matches in the multi-national tournament, in which the defending champions have won five matches, while the Proteas have been able to get only two wins. South Africa are yet to beat India in a knockout match. Both teams have previously played in the 2014 semi-final and the historic 2024 World Cup final, but the two-time champions won in both matches. India and South Africa recently met each other in a five-match T20I series played in December last year, where the men in blue beat the 2024 runners-up by 3-1, with one match getting washed out. Head-to-head record between India and South Africa in T20Is Total Matches Played: 35 India won: 21 South Africa won: 13 No Result: 1 Performance of both teams in their last 5 matches India: W, W, W, W, W South Africa: L, W, W, W, W Squads: South Africa: L, W, W, W, W Also Read: Live Cricket Score South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi. Article Source: IANS
Labuschagne's ton, Swepson's seven secures huge win
Queensland's bonus-point victory put them into second and waiting on the outcome of the New South Wales game
ACB Begins Hunt For New Coach, Staff To Be Based In Country
The Afghanistan Cricket Board: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is actively searching for a new head coach and support staff, with the clear expectation that they will be based in Afghanistan during the off-season, according to ACB chief executive Naseeb Khan. Following Jonathan Trott's resignation after Afghanistan's exit from the ongoing ICC Mens T20 World Cup, the board has moved forward with plans to appoint a successor. Trott's departure has prompted a restructuring, and the ACB is keen to ensure the incoming coach is more hands-on with the countrys domestic cricket scene. We have stated in the contract (of the head coach and other overseas coaches) that their duty station will be Afghanistan. We want the national team coaches to closely observe our domestic cricket players. And when there are no series scheduled, they should work on improving the national team's weak points, Khan told Cricbuzz. The ACB is aiming to have the new head coach in place before Afghanistans upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. The series, consisting of three One-Day Internationals and three T20 matches, is scheduled to take place in Dubai and Sharjah from March 13 to 25, shortly after the conclusion of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup. Khan expressed confidence that the board will finalise the appointment ahead of the Sri Lanka series, emphasising that the recruitment process is well underway. Our HR and technical department are currently working on the process (of recruiting our next head coach). They have shortlisted three coaches and their interviews have also been conducted. We will announce the appointment of the new head coach before the Sri Lanka series once the hiring is finalised, he confirmed. Khan expressed confidence that the board will finalise the appointment ahead of the Sri Lanka series, emphasising that the recruitment process is well underway. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Afghanistan were eliminated in the group stage of the current T20 World Cup, while Sri Lanka, co-hosts alongside India, advanced to the Super 8s and are now battling for a semifinal spot. Article Source: IANS
T20 World Cup 2026: New Zealand Must Adapt Quickly To Sri Lanka Wickets: Mark Chapman
New Zealand can adapt quickly to switching to Sri Lankan pitches in the T20 World Cup after playing all their matches so far in India, said batsman Mark Chapman on Friday. New Zealand open their Super Eight campaign against Pakistan in Colombo on Saturday, ahead of matches against Sri Lanka and England at the same venue. Pace, bounce and spin in Colombo will be markedly different to Chennai and Ahmedabad, where New Zealand played their group matches, but Chapman said the players knew all about the variation in pitch conditions. I think guys understand what they need to do on slower wickets after playing in India where pitches were batting friendly, said the middle-order batsman. So, we're pretty confident that we'll face up to whatever conditions are in front of us. A lot of the guys have played a lot of cricket here before. Pakistan have played all their four matches in Sri Lanka and have a potent spin attack. Chapman was confident New Zealand can handle Pakistan's spinners, including the unorthodox Usman Tariq, who pauses in his delivery stride and bowls with deceptive variation, including side-arm. Obviously, Tariq has a pretty unique action with the way that he stops at the crease and that's something to factor in, said Chapman. But each of the Pakistan spinners poses their own threat. Pakistan have beaten New Zealand in five of their seven previous T20 World Cup encounters. Captain Mitchell Santner is set to return after missing the game against Canada with a stomach upset. He's pretty excited to get back to the park, said Chapman. And, you know, barring any last-minute sickness, I think he'll be there. Pace bowler Lockie Ferguson will only land back in Sri Lanka on Friday night after returning home for the birth of his first child. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Ferguson missed the win against Canada on Tuesday and is not certain to play against Pakistan after his long-round trip.
Ranaweera's four-for leads Sri Lanka to tense win over West Indies
Sri Lanka defended 240 to edge West Indies by ten runs in the opening ODI
Michael Vaughan Calls For Probe Into Reports Pakistan Stars Sidelined From Hundred
Michael Vaughan has urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to act fast on reports that Pakistani players will be overlooked by Indian-owned teams in the domestic Hundred competition. Longstanding political tensions between India and Pakistan have led to the border rivals only playing each other in international cricket events, although their recent Colombo showdown at the ongoing T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka only went ahead after Pakistan called off a threatened boycott. It has been claimed that politics has also led to an effective ban on Pakistani players participating in the Indian Premier League, world cricket's most lucrative T20 franchise competition. And with several IPL owners now owning teams in several different countries, opportunities for Pakistani cricketers to participate in various leagues are in danger of being reduced further. The BBC has now reported that the issue could be a factor during next month's player auction for English cricket's Hundred, a 100 balls-per-side competition featuring eight franchises rather than the traditional 18 first-class counties. Players will go under the hammer in London on March 11-12, with the BBC reporting that the four Indian-affiliated Hundred teams -- Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds will deliberately avoid selecting players from Pakistan. More than 50 Pakistani cricketers have registered their availability, with four other teams involved in the bidding. The ECB have been unable to substantiate the BBC allegations, but former England captain Vaughan has called for the governing body to investigate the issue thoroughly. Vaughan, referencing the ECB's stated aim of cricket becoming the most inclusive sport in the country, posted on Friday on X: The ECB need to act fast on this... they own the league and this should not be allowed to happen... the most inclusive sport in the country is not one that allows this to happen. An ECB spokesman said: The Hundred welcomes men's and women's players from all over the world and we would expect the eight teams to reflect that. Almost 1,000 cricketers from 18 nations have registered for The Hundred auction, with representation on the longlist of over 50 players respectively from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and West Indies. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Only two Pakistan internationals -- Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim -- - appeared in last year's Hundred, the final edition before new investors became involved.
India Target South Africa Top Order, Abhishek Sharma To Come Good: Bowling Coach
India's bowlers will target early wickets against South Africa, said bowling coach Morne Morkel on Friday as he predicted that their out-of-form opener Abhishek Sharma would be back among the runs soon. Sunday will see what he termed a mouth-watering rematch of the T20 World Cup final two years ago, won by India, when the teams clash in the Super Eights in Ahmedabad. We know that their top order gives them that momentum, with Quinton (de Kock) and Aiden (Markram) up front in good form and hitting the ball very well, said the former South Africa quick bowler Morkel. We will definitely put our best foot forward to try and get those early wickets. Both teams topped their group with perfect records. But while Markram's South Africa have looked strong in all departments, tournament favourites India have not enjoyed batting consistency, with Abhishek recording three consecutive ducks. Morkel said the left-hander was just one innings away from getting back in the zone. Absolutely no discussion in our team group about that, said Morkel about Abhishek's three ducks. He is a world-class player. We are going to a very important phase of the World Cup now and I am sure he is going to deliver. I am pretty sure he is hitting the ball in the nets. It is just a matter of getting the start and getting the innings going. Morkel acknowledged South Africa have been one of the form teams of the T20 World cup so far. They are a team that's full of confidence, said Morkel. They have got guys at the top who are in form. In terms of weaknesses there aren't many. South Africa have also shown guts when needed, coming out victorious after two nerve-shredding super overs against Afghanistan. For us it comes down, on the day, to how well we execute with the bat and the ball, said Morkel of defending champions India. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It's going to be world-class players against each other. It is going to be a mouth-watering thing.
Babar Azam Dropped For Scoring Too Slowly, Says Pakistan Coach Mike Hesson
Batting great Babar Azam was dropped for Pakistan's final T20 World Cup group game against Namibia for scoring too slowly, said head coach Mike Hesson on Friday. Azam, who is the highest run-scorer in T20 international history with 4,571 runs, was left out for the must-win game against Namibia as Pakistan racked up 199-3 and secured a place in the Super Eights by 102 runs. The 2009 champions face New Zealand in Colombo on Saturday in the opening match of the second phase. I think Babar is well aware that his strike rate in the power play in the World Cup is less than 100 and that's clearly not the role we think we need, Hesson told reporters after Pakistan's final practice session on Friday was washed out by rain. Pakistan left out Azam for the same reason at last year's Asia Cup and even after dismal showing in the Big Bash League, he was still selected for the T20 World Cup. We brought Babar back in for a specific role post the Asia Cup, said Hesson. We've got plenty of other options who can come in and perform that role towards the end. Babar is actually the first to acknowledge that. He knows that he's got a certain set of skills that the team requires and there are certain times where other players can perform that role more efficiently. Hesson also defended dropping pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi after he conceded 101 runs in three matches, including 31 in two overs against India. We made a call that Salman Mirza was coming in for Shaheen, and he bowled incredibly well, said Hesson. To be fair, he was probably really unlucky to not be playing the second and third games. Hesson was wary of Pakistan's opponents on Saturday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score New Zealand have played a huge amount in the subcontinent in recent times so we have to play at our best.
Sakamoto to face Crawford in semis
Rei Sakamoto, 19, lost the tie-breaker in the first set, but grew in confidence against the fellow teenager from Palermo as the match progressed
Heartbreak Behind The Heroics: Indian Cricketers And Their Toughest Battles
Chennai Super Kings: Under the glare of stadium lights, they appear invincible soaking in the applause, delivering match-winning performances, winning matches, and lifting trophies. But when the cheers fade, and the cameras turn away, some of Indias cricket stars have found themselves fighting far more personal battles ones that test the heart more than on-field skills. Young leg-spinner Rahul Chahar recently offered a deeply personal account of his divorce from Ishani Johar. The couple, who got engaged in 2019 and married in March 2022 in Goa after being together since their early twenties, had shared years of companionship before deciding to part ways. After nearly 15 months of courtroom proceedings, Chahar chose transparency over silence. There were no dramatic allegations only an honest admission of how emotionally draining the process had been. Importantly, he emphasised that he harbours no ill feelings. Support poured in almost immediately. Fans flooded his social media with words of encouragement, praising his grace and maturity. Many called him brave for speaking openly, while others reminded him that a new chapter awaits. In a country where cricketers are often placed on pedestals, the empathy reflected a growing understanding that heroes, too, are human. Professionally, Chahar now looks ahead to a fresh challenge. The leg-spinner is set to represent Chennai Super Kings after being bought for Rs 5.20 crore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction a new record for him both on and off the field. He isnt alone in navigating personal upheaval. In 2025, Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma ended their marriage, asking fans to honour their privacy. A year earlier, Hardik Pandya confirmed his separation, drawing mixed but largely supportive reactions online. For Shikhar Dhawan, the emotional weight of divorce extended to fatherhood, with supporters frequently expressing solidarity. Earlier generations from Dinesh Karthik to Mohammad Azharuddin, Ravi Shastri, Javagal Srinath, and Manoj Prabhakar have also endured similar storms. Cricket may immortalise their heroics, but these moments reveal something deeper: resilience. Because sometimes, the bravest innings are played not before thousands, but in the quiet spaces where healing begins. Separation pangs -- Top cricketers in divorce battles: Rahul Chahar 2026 Yuzvendra Chahal 2025 Hardik Pandya 2024 Shikhar Dhawan 2023 Dinesh Karthik 2012 Mohammad Azharuddin 1996 & 2010 Ravi Shastri 2012 Mohammad Azharuddin 1996 & 2010 Also Read: Live Cricket Score Manoj Prabhakar 2013 Article Source: IANS
Zampa: 'Probably the worst-feeling four-for I've ever got'
'I think the last three days for me [have been about] reflecting on how the last three [T20] World Cups have gone'
T20 WC: All Stats From Australia's Crushing Win Over Oman
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium: Australia ended their campaign in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on a winning note, with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Oman in a Group B clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Friday. Skipper Mitchell Marsh hammered 64 off 33 deliveries and Travis Head 32 off 19 deliveries as Australia thrashed Oman by nine wickets in the 40th match. With his explosive half-century, skipper Marsh helped Australia finish their campaign in the T20 World Cup on a strong note, underlining the dominance of Australia's bowling attack over Oman, with Adam Zampa being the standout bowler. The game was one of pure dominance in every aspect of the game; however, this game will not change Australia's overall result in the tournament. Electing to bowl first, Australia were well and truly on their game, and the tone was set right from the first delivery of the match; Xavier Bartlett took the wicket of Aamir Kaleem off the first ball of the match to send Oman into a tailspin that they were not able to recover from. Zampa took control in the middle overs. The leg-spinner delivered a stunning ball to dismiss Hammad Mirza in the eighth over. Remarkably, Omans top four batsmen were all bowled, a first in T20 World Cup history. With the scoreboard showing 69/5, the innings were in chaos. Wasim Ali fought a lone battle, scoring 32 off 33 balls, but wickets fell regularly. Zampa ended with impressive figures of 4-21. Glenn Maxwell (2-13) and Bartlett (2-27) also provided strong support. Marcus Stoinis and Ellis each took a wicket as Oman was bowled out for 104 in 16.2 overs. Numbers game after Australia v Oman match: 5 - In the history of T20Is, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell becomes the 5th player to score 2000 runs, claim 50 wickets, and hold 50 catches. Mohmmad Nabi of Afghanistan, Sikandar Raza of Zimbabwe, Hardik Pandya of India, and Virandeep Singh of Malaysia are the other four. 4/21 - The bowling figures of Adam Zampa (4/21). It was the 4th occasion when Zampa claimed 4 or more wickets in an innings of the T20WC, which are the most 4-fers claimed by a bowler. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh), Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan), Rashid Khan ( Afghanistan), and Anrich Nortje (South Africa) have taken three 4-fers in the T20 World Cup. 44 - The number of wickets taken by Australian leg-spinners in the T20WC. After Shakib Al Hasan (50) of Bangladesh, he is now the second most successful bowler in the history of the T20 WC. 6 - Australian captain Mitchell Marsh, who scored an unbeaten 53 in the powerplay, becomes the 6th batter overall and the first Australian to hit a 50-plus score in the powerplay of a T20WC innings. Stephan Myburg (Ned), Litton Das (Ban), Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul, and Ishan Kishan (Ind) are the other five who completed their half-century in the powerplay at the T20WC. 9.4 - Australia, who chased 105 runs, emulated the record of England, who also chased successfully over 100 runs in 9.4 overs in a T20WC inning 13 - The number of half-centuries scored by Mitchell Marsh (64*) in 85 matches. It was his 4th fifty plus score in 21 matches of the T20WCs. 73/0 - Was the score of Australia in the powerplay? This was their second-best score in the powerplay of a T20 WC innings. Before this, they scored 74/1 against Namibia in North Sound and 74/2 against England in Bridgetown in the 2024 T20WC. 5 - After Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik of Pakistan, Rohit Sharma (India), and Shai Hope of the West Indies. Mitchell Marsh is the 5th captain in T20WC history to hit successive 50-plus scores. 73/0 - Was the score of Australia in the powerplay? This was their second-best score in the powerplay of a T20 WC innings. Before this, they scored 74/1 against Namibia in North Sound and 74/2 against England in Bridgetown in the 2024 T20WC. Also Read: Live Cricket Score 6 - Adam Zampa won his 6th MOM award. After Virat Kohli (8) of India. He is now the second player to win the maximum Man of the Match award in the T20WC. Article Source: IANS
Conrad's SA hope to 'expose India under pressure'
South Africa coach wants to use the weight of scrutiny and expectation on India against them
T20 WC: We Are Very Disappointed That Our Campaign Ended So Soon, Says POTM Zampa
POTM Adam Zampa: After delivering a Player of the Match performance of 4-27, Adam Zampa admitted that the comprehensive nine-wicket win over Oman in their last match did little to ease Australias disappointment at their early exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. To be honest, it has been a rough few days for us, Zampa said after the match. The voice in our changeroom has been pretty quiet as we are very disappointed that our World Cup is ending so soon, he said. With his explosive half-century, skipper Marsh helped Australia finish their group stage matches on a strong note, underlining the dominance of Australia's bowling attack over Oman, with Adam Zampa being the standout bowler. The game was one of pure dominance in every aspect of the game; however, this game will not change Australia's overall result in the tournament. Australia had been clinical from the outset, bowling Oman out for 104 in 16.2 overs after Mitchell Marsh opted to field first. Zampas spell through the middle overs broke the backbone of the innings, while Glenn Maxwell, Xavier Bartlett, Marcus Stoinis, and Nathan Ellis ensured there was no recovery. Despite finishing with four wickets and playing a decisive role, Zampa was self-critical about his overall tournament. I think that I could've done more in that Sri Lanka game. My contribution in that game was not good at all. I think that I could've done better in that game. My job is to get wickets through the middle, he said. Australia had been clinical from the outset, bowling Oman out for 104 in 16.2 overs after Mitchell Marsh opted to field first. Zampas spell through the middle overs broke the backbone of the innings, while Glenn Maxwell, Xavier Bartlett, Marcus Stoinis, and Nathan Ellis ensured there was no recovery. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We have built this squad in the last few years, but we failed to do our jobs right, he added. Article Source: IANS
Zampa four-for, Marsh 64* take Australia to big consolation win against Oman
They were already out of the running for the Super Eight, but produced a clinical nine-wicket win at Pallekele
Asa Tribe 64 not out seals England Lions win over Pakistan Shaheens
Lions spinners restrict Shaheens before Tribe anchors successful chase in Abu Dhabi
NZ vs PAK Match 41 Prediction, ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Match Preview And Expected Playing XI
NZ vs PAK, Match 41, Super 8, Cricket Tips :The group stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 has come to an end, and now we will have more high-voltage clashes coming up. The first Super 8 game will feature a contest between New Zealand and Pakistan on Saturday. This contest will be held at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, starting at 7 PM IST. In this stage, a defeat can hurt chances of semis a lot. Pakistan ahve been in Sri Lanka for more than a month now. But they have a major issue with their combination, where New Zealand can hurt them. The Kiwis are coming with good form under their belts, and they have played enough against Pakistan and know their strengths and weaknesses to take advantage. NZ vs PAK: Match Details Date: February 21, 2026 (Saturday) Time: 7:00 PM IST Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo NZ vs PAK Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch the NZ vs PAK game live on the Star Sports Networks. Fans can also watch the game through the Jio Hotstar streaming platform. NZ vs PAK Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches : 49 New Zealand : 24 Pakistan : 23 No-Result : 2 NZ vs PAK: Ground Pitch Report R. Premadasa Stadium has hosted five games, and four have been won batting first. That is where we might see help for the bowlers. Seamers and spinners will be more effective at this venue. With rain predicted around, the batting will be difficult in both innings. NZ vs PAK Possible XIs New Zealand : Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitch Santner (c), James Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy Pakistan : Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq NZ vs PAK: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Sahibzada Farhan has been the leading scorer in this tournament, and he is coming fresh from a blistering century. Tim Seifert has the second-most runs this edition, and he is a versatile batter with several different strokes. Probable Best Bowler Playing Usman Tariq will be a challenge for the Kiwi batters. His pause in action breaks batters' momentum, and he has the most wickets for Pakistan. Matt Henry will have a big responsibility, because Pakistan rely on their top order, and he can take early wickets. Today Match Prediction : Pakistan know these conditions, and they have an excellent spin unit. New Zealand have a better batting unit with an excellent pace battery. Hence, we predict New Zealand to win this game. NZ vs PAK Match 41, ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Today NZ vs PAK Match, NZ vs PAK Prediction, NZ vs PAK Predicted XIs, Injury Update for NZ vs PAK 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: ICC Releases List Of Umpires For Super 8s
TV Umpire Alex Wharf: Rodney Tucker and Paul Reiffel will be in the middle for the opening Super Eights match of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin with New Zealand taking on Pakistan on Saturday at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, with Allahudien Paleker in place as TV Umpire and Sam Nogajski taking on the role of Fourth Umpire. Tucker and Nogajski will be the on-field team on February 28 when Sri Lanka face Pakistan in Kandy, while Nogajski will also oversee Englands match with Pakistan at the same venue on February 24 alongside Nitin Menon. Adrian Holdstock is also part of the Sri Lankan-based officials team for the Super Eights stage and will be on-field alongside Ahsan Raza for Englands clashes with the co-hosts in Kandy on February 22 and New Zealand five days later. Paleker and Asif Yaqoob will be in the middle for Sri Lankas meeting with New Zealand in Colombo on February 25. Group 1 begins with co-hosts India taking on South Africa on February 22, and the experienced duo of Richard Kettleborough and Chris Gaffaney will be taking charge, assisted by TV Umpire Alex Wharf and Fourth Umpire Chris Brown. Gaffaney and Wharf join forces for the final match of the Super Eight stage, Indias match with the West Indies in Kolkata on March 1, while Wharf and Kettleborough are the on-field duo for the co-hosts clash with Zimbabwe on February 26. Zimbabwe are unbeaten after the group stage and will hope to take that momentum into their clash with the similarly in-form West Indies on February 23, with Richard Illingworth and Jayaraman Madanagopal overseeing the action in Mumbai. Gaffaney and Wharf join forces for the final match of the Super Eight stage, Indias match with the West Indies in Kolkata on March 1, while Wharf and Kettleborough are the on-field duo for the co-hosts clash with Zimbabwe on February 26. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft, Richie Richardson, and Javagal Srinath share the match referee duties. Article Source: IANS
AUS-W vs IND-W 3rd T20I Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI
AUS-W vs IND-W 3rd T20I , Cricket Tips :After a good win in the first T20I, India Women failed to keep the momentum going in the second game in Canberra. The Australian opener added a record stand of 128 runs and took the game away from the visitors. Though India were brilliant in death overs and started well with the bat. But once again, their middle order failed, and they fell short by 19 runs. That helped Sophie Molineux record her first win as Australia captain. These two sides will take on each other in the final game on Saturday, starting at 1:45 PM IST at Adelaide Oval. AUS-W vs IND-W: Match Details Date : February 21, 2026 (Saturday) Time : 1:45 PM IST Venue : Adelaide Oval, Adelaide AUS-W vs IND-W: Live Streaming Details The live action of the final T20I in India will be available on Star Sports Networks. Fans can either watch the game through the Jio Hotstar streaming platform. AUS-W vs IND-W: Head-to-Head in T20I Total Matches : 35 Australia Women : 27 India Women : 08 No-result/Tied : 0 AUS-W vs IND-W: Ground Pitch Report Adelaide Oval offers one of the biggest straight boundaries in the world; on square, the boundaries are smaller in comparison. The bounce in the wicket is excellent, and batters will like batting here. The toss will be important, because this is an excellent venue to chase. AUS-W vs IND-W: Possible XIs Australia Women : Beth Mooney (wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Ash Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Nicola Carey, Sophie Molineux (c), Kim Garth, Darcie Brown India Women : Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh AUS-W vs IND-W: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Georgia Voll won the MOTM award in Canberra. She is a powerful striker and is setting the tone upfront. Shafali Verma has looked good in both matches, but India want a big knock from her now. Probable Best Bowler Arundhati Reddy has been excellent in both games, and she has the most wickets in this series so far. For Australia, captain Sophie Molineux has bowled well and has been among wickets in both games. Today Match Prediction : Australia have several match winners, and we saw that one player took them over the line in Canberra. Hence, we predict Australia Women to win this game. AUS-W vs IND-W Match 3rd T20I, Today Match AUS-W vs IND-W, AUS-W vs IND-W Prediction, AUS-W vs IND-W Predicted XIs, Injury Update for AUS-W vs IND-W 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: Zampa, Maxwell And Bartlett Restrict Oman To 104 At Pallekele
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium: A ruthless bowling effort spearheaded by Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, and Glenn Maxwell dismantled Oman for a modest 104 in just 16.2 overs as Australia took firm control of the 40th match of the T20 World Cup 2026, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Friday. After Marsh asked them to bat first, Oman had an absolute nightmare of a game right from the first ball. The first ball of the match indicated the momentum of what was to come. The first ball bowled by Bartlett was the first wicket to fall, that of Aamir Kaleem, with a golden duck, and the innings effectively started from there for Oman. The team got jolted immediately; however, Jatinder Singh and Karan Sonavale tried to steady the ship with a partnership of 24 runs, although the resistance did not last long. Nathan Ellis struck during the Power-play when he took Karan's wicket for 12 runs. Jatinder was the most composed batsman during the first order of batters, and as soon as he got out for 17 runs, it exposed the fact of a weak middle order. The pressure then mounted in the eighth over of the innings when Zampa bowled an incredible delivery that cleaned up Hammad Mirza, with an incredible flight and turn. It also marked the first time in the history of the T20 World Cup that the top four batters had all been bowled out, and it was indicative of the quality of bowling from Australia and the technical difficulties that the Oman batting lineup faced. With the scoreboard reading 69 for 5, the innings were in trouble. Wasim Ali tried to report it, scoring 32 off 33 balls in a solitary effort for respect. However, wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Australias bowlers showed consistent discipline, mixing pace and spin to keep Oman under pressure. Although Oman narrowly passed the 100-run mark, they never looked likely to set a challenging total. The innings ended for just 104 runs in 16.2 overs, marking a complete disaster with the bat and putting Australia firmly in control as they prepared to chase. Adam Zampa was the top performer for Australia, finishing with impressive figures of 4/21. He received good support from Glenn Maxwell, who took 2/13, and Xavier Bartlett, who had 2/27. Although Oman narrowly passed the 100-run mark, they never looked likely to set a challenging total. The innings ended for just 104 runs in 16.2 overs, marking a complete disaster with the bat and putting Australia firmly in control as they prepared to chase. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Oman 104 all out in 16.2 overs (Wasim Ali 32, Jatinder Singh 17; Adam Zampa 4-21, Glenn Maxwell 2-13, Xavier Bartlett 2-27) against Australia Article Source: IANS
