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<p>Mikaela Shiffrin, 30-year-old US skier, has completed a full cricle in her career with a gold medal in slalom on Wednesday (Feb 18) at the ongoing Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. The gold medal came after eight long years with last one coming in 2018 Winter Olympics in giant slalom. Shriffin is now oldest US player to win a gold at the Winter Olympics after being the youngest to win one in 2014 Sochi Games as 18-year-old. This is Shiffrin's fourth medal at Winter Olympics including three golds - both are the most by an American skier. Her medal tally includes: a gold at Sochi (2014) in slalom, gold in giant slalom and silver in combined at Pyeongchang (2018), no medal in Beijing 2018 and a gold on Wednesday (Feb 18) in Cortina.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-fantastic-four-night-gordon-createst-history-in-newcastle-vs-qarabag-with-33-minute-hattrick-1771466617805">UCL | Gordon creates history in Newcastle vs Qarabag with 33-minute hattrick</a></p><h2>Shiffrin remembers dad Jeff after record medal win at Cortina Winter Olympics 2026</h2><p>Shiffrin completed first course in 47.13 seconds and the second one in 51.97 seconds - taking her total time to 1:39.10 which was 1.50 seconds better than the second placed skier. Speaking after the win, remembering her father who died at 65 in 2020, an emotional Shiffrin said: "This was a moment I have dreamed about. I’ve also been very scared of this moment. Everything in life that you do after you lose someone you love is like a new experience. It’s like being born again. I still have so many moments where I resist this. I don’t want to be in life without my dad. Maybe today was the first time that I could actually accept this reality. Instead of thinking I would be going in this moment without him, to take the moment to be silent with him."</p><h2>Shiffrin's world titles</h2><p>Shiffrin is one of the most accomplished skiers of all time including 71 World Cup wins in slalom - a record as well. She has also won world titles in slalom (four), giant slalom and super-G too. With all-time record of 108 world cup wins and five World Championship titles, Shiffrin is defiitely in league of her own.</p>

Shiffrin completed first course in 47.13 seconds and the second one in 51.97 seconds - taking her total time to 1:39.10 which was 1.50 seconds better than the 2nd placed skier. This is Shiffrin's fourth medal at Winter Olympics including three golds - both are the most by an American skier.

Mikaela Shiffrin, 30-year-old US skier, has completed a full cricle in her career with a gold medal in slalom on Wednesday (Feb 18) at the ongoing Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. The gold medal came after eight long years with last one coming in 2018 Winter Olympics in giant slalom. Shriffin is now oldest US player to win a gold at the Winter Olympics after being the youngest to win one in 2014 Sochi Games as 18-year-old. This is Shiffrin's fourth medal at Winter Olympics including three golds - both are the most by an American skier. Her medal tally includes: a gold at Sochi (2014) in slalom, gold in giant slalom and silver in combined at Pyeongchang (2018), no medal in Beijing 2018 and a gold on Wednesday (Feb 18) in Cortina. Also Read - UCL | Gordon creates history in Newcastle vs Qarabag with 33-minute hattrick Shiffrin remembers dad Jeff after record medal win at Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 Shiffrin completed first course in 47.13 seconds and the second one in 51.97 seconds - taking her total time to 1:39.10 which was 1.50 seconds better than the second placed skier. Speaking after the win, remembering her father who died at 65 in 2020, an emotional Shiffrin said: "This was a moment I have dreamed about. I’ve also been very scared of this moment. Everything in life that you do after you lose someone you love is like a new experience. It’s like being born again. I still have so many moments where I resist this. I don’t want to be in life without my dad. Maybe today was the first time that I could actually accept this reality. Instead of thinking I would be going in this moment without him, to take the moment to be silent with him." Shiffrin's world titles Shiffrin is one of the most accomplished skiers of all time including 71 World Cup wins in slalom - a record as well. She has also won world titles in slalom (four), giant slalom and super-G too. With all-time record of 108 world cup wins and five World Championship titles, Shiffrin is defiitely in league of her own.

<p>Shiffrin completed first course in 47.13 seconds and the second one in 51.97 seconds - taking her total time to 1:39.10 which was 1.50 seconds better than the 2nd placed skier. This is Shiffrin's fourth medal at Winter Olympics including three golds - both are the most by an American skier.</p>

Winter Olympics 2026 | 'Very scared of this moment': Mikaela Shiffrin, 30, now oldest US skier to win gold after winning as youngest in 2014

<p>Indian opener <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bad-to-worse-abhishek-sharma-joins-unfortunate-club-with-third-consecutive-duck-in-2026-t20-world-cup-india-vs-netherlands-1771427757152">Abhishek Sharma got out on zero against the Netherlands</a> in India’s final T20 World Cup group game in Ahmedabad on Wednesday (Feb 18), registering his third duck thus far in this tournament. Even though he batted for close to 90 minutes in the nets ahead of the match, he failed to open his account, worrying the fans and even the experts. One such name, Sunil Gavaskar, spoke on Abhishek’s rare slump, considering his scores and strike-rate in the lead-up to the T20 WC, saying perhaps the expectations’ weight is getting onto him.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Maybe the expectations might be weighing just a little too heavily on him. He is a lovely guy. If he had got a flying start in the first game, things might have been different. But now, you can sense that the expectations of being the big guy, the six-hitter, the No. 1 batter in the team, might be weighing heavily on him," Sunil Gavaskar said during post-match analysis on Star Sports.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Gavaskar noted that, considering his range of shots, Abhishek must allow himself to spend more time in the middle before opening his arms. Although known for clearing boundaries for fun even on the first ball of the match, Abhishek is advised to take his time and play dots if required, knowing he can always make up for that in the next eight balls.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"I think with the range of shots he has, he has to give himself a little more time in the middle. Not be looking to open his innings with a boundary or a six. If he gets it, then fine - but looking to play across the line for the big shot, no. Even if there are four dot balls, it does not matter because in the next four to eight balls, he can make up for that,” Gavaskar opined.</p><h2>‘His manner of dismissals is predictable’</h2><p>Abhishek got out on zero thrice in his maiden ICC event, and all while playing a leg-side slog. While twice he got out caught at the mid-on area, Aryan Dutt cleaned bowled him on a four-ball duck in the previous game, forcing Gavaskar to call the manner of his dismissals predictable. Urging him to play smart cricket, Gavaskar said Abhishek must get off before trying to play his natural game.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Watch his dismissal against the Netherlands -</strong></p>

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<p>"He has to play smart cricket. He has to get the circulation in his legs. He has to get off the mark. If you are playing for India, you have to get off the mark, and everything will fall in place. The way he is getting out is very predictable. The mindset is such that, 'I am being seen as somebody who hits at a 200 strike-rate, I have to live up to that.' You don't have to. It's just natural - when you take a couple of singles, you get a sense of the pitch. He will get a big score once he gets set," Gavaskar concluded.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, India’s next challenge is against the last time runners-up, South Africa, in the first Super 8 match in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Feb 22).</p>

‘Weight of expectations’ is hurting Abhishek Sharma. Following a third scoreless outing in Ahmedabad, Sunil Gavaskar breaks down the technical and mental hurdles facing India’s star opener. Can a "single first" solve the T20 World Cup’s biggest batting crisis?

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma got out on zero against the Netherlands in India’s final T20 World Cup group game in Ahmedabad on Wednesday (Feb 18), registering his third duck thus far in this tournament. Even though he batted for close to 90 minutes in the nets ahead of the match, he failed to open his account, worrying the fans and even the experts. One such name, Sunil Gavaskar, spoke on Abhishek’s rare slump, considering his scores and strike-rate in the lead-up to the T20 WC, saying perhaps the expectations’ weight is getting onto him. "Maybe the expectations might be weighing just a little too heavily on him. He is a lovely guy. If he had got a flying start in the first game, things might have been different. But now, you can sense that the expectations of being the big guy, the six-hitter, the No. 1 batter in the team, might be weighing heavily on him," Sunil Gavaskar said during post-match analysis on Star Sports. Gavaskar noted that, considering his range of shots, Abhishek must allow himself to spend more time in the middle before opening his arms. Although known for clearing boundaries for fun even on the first ball of the match, Abhishek is advised to take his time and play dots if required, knowing he can always make up for that in the next eight balls. "I think with the range of shots he has, he has to give himself a little more time in the middle. Not be looking to open his innings with a boundary or a six. If he gets it, then fine - but looking to play across the line for the big shot, no. Even if there are four dot balls, it does not matter because in the next four to eight balls, he can make up for that,” Gavaskar opined. ‘His manner of dismissals is predictable’ Abhishek got out on zero thrice in his maiden ICC event, and all while playing a leg-side slog. While twice he got out caught at the mid-on area, Aryan Dutt cleaned bowled him on a four-ball duck in the previous game, forcing Gavaskar to call the manner of his dismissals predictable. Urging him to play smart cricket, Gavaskar said Abhishek must get off before trying to play his natural game. Watch his dismissal against the Netherlands -

<p>‘Weight of expectations’ is hurting Abhishek Sharma. Following a third scoreless outing in Ahmedabad, Sunil Gavaskar breaks down the technical and mental hurdles facing India’s star opener. Can a "single first" solve the T20 World Cup’s biggest batting crisis?</p>

T20 World Cup: ‘Weight of Expectations,' Gavaskar explains Abhishek Sharma’s rare slump after 3rd duck

<p>Pakistan won its last group-stage match against Namibia on Wednesday (Feb 18) to advance to Super 8 of T20 World Cup 2026 but the story was Babar Azam not getting to bat. Pakistan scored 199/3 in 20 overs - second highest for them in T20 WCs - with Sahibzada Farhan scoring a ton. Ahead of Babar though, Pakistan promoted Khawaja Nafay and Shadab Khan - making it the first time ever in T20Is that Babar didn't bat in a full 20-over innings since his debut in 2016. Overall, Babar has not batted only twice in T20Is including against Namibia. The first instance was in 2020 against Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi when Pak chased down 130-run target in 15.2 overs and skipper Babar did not come to bat.</p><h2>Shadab Khan explains why Babar did not bat vs Namibia</h2><p>Shadab Khan, who ws promoted ahead of Babar and scored a handly 36 unbeaten off 22 balls, explained the reason behind Babar not batting at the post-match press conference.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-never-done-anything-remarkable-pak-s-shadab-khan-reminds-ex-players-of-own-poor-record-vs-india-amid-criticism-1771469758833">T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Never done anything remarkable:' Pak's Shadab Khan reminds ex-players of own poor record vs India amid criticism</a></p><p>" If you’re talking about Babar not being called to bat, he knows exactly when his role comes into play," explained the all-rounder. "The messages are clear for every player. The team changes according to conditions, and that’s what is happening. As a professional, you can’t take these things to heart. The team’s environment and messages are very clear, so it’s not a problem for any player. Everyone is trying to help the team win," he added.</p><h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-ramadan-has-started-pakistan-bank-on-faith-and-belief-supporting-us-in-super-8-1771471434837">Pakistan bank on 'faith and belief supporting us' in Super 8</a></h2><p>Pakistan are placed in Group Y of Super 8 along with England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Pak all-rounder Shadab Khan, who played an important role in team's win on Feb 18, acknowleged that the matches in Super 8 will be tough but Ramadan - holy month in Islam which started Feb 17 - will help them in matches.</p><p>The Salman Agha-led team starts Super 8 campaign against New Zealand on Saturday (Feb 21), face England on Tuesday (Feb 24) in second Super 8 before finishing p against Sri Lanka on Saturday (Feb 28).</p>

Ahead of Babar though, Pakistan promoted Khawaja Nafay and Shadab Khan - making it the first time ever in T20Is that Babar didn't bat in a full 20-over innings. Overall, Babar has not batted only twice in T20Is including against Namibia. The first instance was in 2020 against Zimbabwe.

Pakistan won its last group-stage match against Namibia on Wednesday (Feb 18) to advance to Super 8 of T20 World Cup 2026 but the story was Babar Azam not getting to bat. Pakistan scored 199/3 in 20 overs - second highest for them in T20 WCs - with Sahibzada Farhan scoring a ton. Ahead of Babar though, Pakistan promoted Khawaja Nafay and Shadab Khan - making it the first time ever in T20Is that Babar didn't bat in a full 20-over innings since his debut in 2016. Overall, Babar has not batted only twice in T20Is including against Namibia. The first instance was in 2020 against Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi when Pak chased down 130-run target in 15.2 overs and skipper Babar did not come to bat. Shadab Khan explains why Babar did not bat vs Namibia Shadab Khan, who ws promoted ahead of Babar and scored a handly 36 unbeaten off 22 balls, explained the reason behind Babar not batting at the post-match press conference. Also Read - T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Never done anything remarkable:' Pak's Shadab Khan reminds ex-players of own poor record vs India amid criticism " If you’re talking about Babar not being called to bat, he knows exactly when his role comes into play," explained the all-rounder. "The messages are clear for every player. The team changes according to conditions, and that’s what is happening. As a professional, you can’t take these things to heart. The team’s environment and messages are very clear, so it’s not a problem for any player. Everyone is trying to help the team win," he added. Pakistan bank on 'faith and belief supporting us' in Super 8 Pakistan are placed in Group Y of Super 8 along with England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Pak all-rounder Shadab Khan, who played an important role in team's win on Feb 18, acknowleged that the matches in Super 8 will be tough but Ramadan - holy month in Islam which started Feb 17 - will help them in matches. The Salman Agha-led team starts Super 8 campaign against New Zealand on Saturday (Feb 21), face England on Tuesday (Feb 24) in second Super 8 before finishing p against Sri Lanka on Saturday (Feb 28).

<p>Ahead of Babar though, Pakistan promoted Khawaja Nafay and Shadab Khan - making it the first time ever in T20Is that Babar didn't bat in a full 20-over innings. Overall, Babar has not batted only twice in T20Is including against Namibia. The first instance was in 2020 against Zimbabwe.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Messages are clear:' Babar DID NOT BAT first time for Pakistan in full 20-over innings

<p>Pakistan are now in Super 8 of T20 World Cup 2026 after beating Namibia on Wednesday (Feb 18) by 102 runs in their do-or-die group stage match. From Group A, Pakistan are the second team to qualify for the next stage with India being the first. The Men in Green are placed in Group Y of Super 8 along with England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Pak all-rounder Shadab Khan, who played an important role in team's win on Feb 18, acknowleged that the matches in Super 8 will be tough but Ramadan - holy month in Islam which started Feb 17 - will help them in matches.</p><h2>Pak all-rounder banks on Ramadan to perform in Super 8 stage of T20 World Cup 2026</h2><p>Shadab scored 36 unbeaten off 22 balls, took 3/19 with the ball and a catch in the outfield as well to deliver an all-round performance during his team's must win. Speaking to the reporters after the match at the press conference, Shabad acknowledged the Super 8 matches being tough snad said: “The Super 8 will be tough. There will be pressure games. At the end of the day, you can only control certain things, so you should focus on controlling those. And now Ramadan has started, so we also have our faith and belief supporting us."</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-never-done-anything-remarkable-pak-s-shadab-khan-reminds-ex-players-of-own-poor-record-vs-india-amid-criticism-1771469758833">T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Never done anything remarkable:' Pak's Shadab Khan reminds ex-players of own poor record vs India amid criticism</a></p><h2>Pakistan's fixtures in Super 8</h2><p>Pakistan are in Group Y of Super 8 teams along with New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka. The Salman Agha-led team starts Super 8 campaign against New Zealand on Saturday (Feb 21), face England on Tuesday (Feb 24) in second Super 8 before finishing p against Sri Lanka on Saturday (Feb 28). All of Pakistan's match will be played in Sri Lanka with Colombo hosting the match vs NZ and Pallekele hosting the rest of the two games.</p>

Pak all-rounder Shadab Khan, who played an important role in team's win on Feb 18 vs Namibia, acknowleged that the matches in Super 8 will be tough but Ramadan - holy month in Islam which started Feb 17 - will help them in matches.

Pakistan are now in Super 8 of T20 World Cup 2026 after beating Namibia on Wednesday (Feb 18) by 102 runs in their do-or-die group stage match. From Group A, Pakistan are the second team to qualify for the next stage with India being the first. The Men in Green are placed in Group Y of Super 8 along with England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Pak all-rounder Shadab Khan, who played an important role in team's win on Feb 18, acknowleged that the matches in Super 8 will be tough but Ramadan - holy month in Islam which started Feb 17 - will help them in matches. Pak all-rounder banks on Ramadan to perform in Super 8 stage of T20 World Cup 2026 Shadab scored 36 unbeaten off 22 balls, took 3/19 with the ball and a catch in the outfield as well to deliver an all-round performance during his team's must win. Speaking to the reporters after the match at the press conference, Shabad acknowledged the Super 8 matches being tough snad said: “The Super 8 will be tough. There will be pressure games. At the end of the day, you can only control certain things, so you should focus on controlling those. And now Ramadan has started, so we also have our faith and belief supporting us." Also Read - T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Never done anything remarkable:' Pak's Shadab Khan reminds ex-players of own poor record vs India amid criticism Pakistan's fixtures in Super 8 Pakistan are in Group Y of Super 8 teams along with New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka. The Salman Agha-led team starts Super 8 campaign against New Zealand on Saturday (Feb 21), face England on Tuesday (Feb 24) in second Super 8 before finishing p against Sri Lanka on Saturday (Feb 28). All of Pakistan's match will be played in Sri Lanka with Colombo hosting the match vs NZ and Pallekele hosting the rest of the two games.

<p>Pak all-rounder Shadab Khan, who played an important role in team's win on Feb 18 vs Namibia, acknowleged that the matches in Super 8 will be tough but Ramadan - holy month in Islam which started Feb 17 - will help them in matches.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Ramadan has started:' Pakistan bank on 'faith and belief supporting us' in Super 8

<p>Pakistan spinner Shadab Khan has hit out at ex-cricketers inlcuding Shadi Afridi and Mohammad Yusuf for criticism of the national team. Pakistan team faced a lot of heat for their performance against arch-rivals India in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 with calls of benching a few players including Shadab. Pakistan had lost to India by 61 runs in group stage match on Sunday (Feb 15). Shadab's comments came on Wednesday (Feb 18) after they beat Namibia in comprehensive manner to book their Super 8 berth as the second team from Group A along with India.</p><h2>Shadab reminds ex-Pak cricketers of 2021 win over India</h2><p>“Our ex-cricketers have their own opinions. They have done well for Pakistan, and at the end of the day, they have also never defeated India in the World Cup. We were the ones who defeated India in the 2021 World Cup,” Shadab told reporters on Wednesday after 102-run win over Namibia.</p><p>"In World Cups, we have beaten India only once. Yes, they are legends, but they have never done anything remarkable against India in the World Cup,” he added.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/legal-proceedings-against-shakib-mortaza-to-be-fast-tracked-under-new-bangladesh-government-1771403014671">Legal proceedings against Shakib, Mortaza to be fast-tracked under new govt</a></p><p>Notably, India and Pakistan have played 17 matches in 50-over and T20 World Cups combined. India have won 16 matches including the bowl out in 2007 T20 World CUp group stage match which had ended in a tie. The only win for Pakistan came in 2021 T20 World Cup when Babar Azam-led team beat India by 10 wicket in Dubai, UAE.</p><h2>Pakistan's fixtures in Super 8</h2><p>Pakistan are in Group Y of Super 8 teams along with New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka. The Salman Agha-led team starts Super 8 campaign against New Zealand on Saturday (Feb 21), face England on Tuesday (Feb 24) in second Super 8 before finishing p against Sri Lanka on Saturday (Feb 28). All of Pakistan's match will be played in Sri Lanka with Colombo hosting the match vs NZ and Pallekele hosting the rest of the two games.</p>

Notably, India and Pakistan have played 17 matches in 50-over and T20 World Cups combined. India have won 16 matches including the bowl out in 2007 T20 World CUp group stage match which had ended in a tie. The only win for Pakistan vs India came in 2021 T20 World Cup.

Pakistan spinner Shadab Khan has hit out at ex-cricketers inlcuding Shadi Afridi and Mohammad Yusuf for criticism of the national team. Pakistan team faced a lot of heat for their performance against arch-rivals India in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 with calls of benching a few players including Shadab. Pakistan had lost to India by 61 runs in group stage match on Sunday (Feb 15). Shadab's comments came on Wednesday (Feb 18) after they beat Namibia in comprehensive manner to book their Super 8 berth as the second team from Group A along with India. Shadab reminds ex-Pak cricketers of 2021 win over India “Our ex-cricketers have their own opinions. They have done well for Pakistan, and at the end of the day, they have also never defeated India in the World Cup. We were the ones who defeated India in the 2021 World Cup,” Shadab told reporters on Wednesday after 102-run win over Namibia. "In World Cups, we have beaten India only once. Yes, they are legends, but they have never done anything remarkable against India in the World Cup,” he added. Also Read - Legal proceedings against Shakib, Mortaza to be fast-tracked under new govt Notably, India and Pakistan have played 17 matches in 50-over and T20 World Cups combined. India have won 16 matches including the bowl out in 2007 T20 World CUp group stage match which had ended in a tie. The only win for Pakistan came in 2021 T20 World Cup when Babar Azam-led team beat India by 10 wicket in Dubai, UAE. Pakistan's fixtures in Super 8 Pakistan are in Group Y of Super 8 teams along with New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka. The Salman Agha-led team starts Super 8 campaign against New Zealand on Saturday (Feb 21), face England on Tuesday (Feb 24) in second Super 8 before finishing p against Sri Lanka on Saturday (Feb 28). All of Pakistan's match will be played in Sri Lanka with Colombo hosting the match vs NZ and Pallekele hosting the rest of the two games.

<p>Notably, India and Pakistan have played 17 matches in 50-over and T20 World Cups combined. India have won 16 matches including the bowl out in 2007 T20 World Cup group stage match which had ended in a tie. The only win for Pakistan vs India came in 2021 T20 World Cup.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Never done anything remarkable:' Pak's Shadab Khan reminds ex-players of own poor record vs India amid criticism

<p>Newcastle's Anthony Gordon rewrote history on Wednesday (Feb 18) against Qarabag in Champions League play-off leg 1 match in Baku. The England international scored four goals - all in first half - only the second player to do so in a Champions League match and the first in a knockout Champions League match. Thanks to Gordon, who completed his hattrick in 33 minutes - Newcastle beat Qarabag 6-1 and have almost advanced to the next round, barring an unlikely miracle from Qarabag next week at the home of Magpies. With four goals in the match, Gordon also took his goal tally in the ongoing Champions League season to 10 - second only to Harry Kane. Gordon has already Alan Shearer (6) for most goals by a Newcastle player in a single Champions League season.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-round-up-norway-s-bodo-glimt-stun-inter-milan-atletico-held-to-draw-1771463007266">UCL round-up: Norway's Bodo/Glimt stun Inter Milan, Atletico held to draw</a></p><h2>Gordon creates history for Newcastle vs Qarabag</h2><p>Gordon scored his first goal in the third minute of the match which was followed by &nbsp;Malick Thiaw's goal five minutes later. With Magpies leading 2-0 in less than 10 minutes into the match, Gordon scored on a penalty in the 32nd minute and scored another goal in the next minute to complete his hattrick. He's only the third Newcastle player to score a hattrick in a Champions League match and the first one to do in a knockout round. Gordon completed his dream half with a goal on another penalty in the stoppage time as his side led 5-0 going into the half-time.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️<br><br>A fantastic four for <a href="https://twitter.com/anthonygordon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anthonygordon</a>! ⚡️ <a href="https://t.co/vzdq9QtsOc">pic.twitter.com/vzdq9QtsOc</a></p>&mdash; Newcastle United (@NUFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/NUFC/status/2024227169556451508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>In the second half, Elvin Cafarguliyev scored the only goal for Qarabag int he 54th minute while Jacob Murphy added the sixth one for Newcastle in the 72nd minute.</p><h2>Gordon speaks on making Champions League history</h2><p>"The records are nice, of course, but football is about the team," Gordon told UEFA.com after the win. "Individual moments only matter if the team succeeds and tonight, that was the most important thing.</p><p>"I'm very proud, not just of myself, but of everyone involved. It's never easy to come here, so I'm really happy for the whole group," he added.</p>

Thanks to Gordon, who completed his hattrick in 33 minutes - Newcastle beat Qarabag 6-1 and have almost advanced to the next round. The England international scored four goals - all in first half - only the second player to do so in a Champions League match and the first in a knockout match.

Newcastle's Anthony Gordon rewrote history on Wednesday (Feb 18) against Qarabag in Champions League play-off leg 1 match in Baku. The England international scored four goals - all in first half - only the second player to do so in a Champions League match and the first in a knockout Champions League match. Thanks to Gordon, who completed his hattrick in 33 minutes - Newcastle beat Qarabag 6-1 and have almost advanced to the next round, barring an unlikely miracle from Qarabag next week at the home of Magpies. With four goals in the match, Gordon also took his goal tally in the ongoing Champions League season to 10 - second only to Harry Kane. Gordon has already Alan Shearer (6) for most goals by a Newcastle player in a single Champions League season. Also Read - UCL round-up: Norway's Bodo/Glimt stun Inter Milan, Atletico held to draw Gordon creates history for Newcastle vs Qarabag Gordon scored his first goal in the third minute of the match which was followed by Malick Thiaw's goal five minutes later. With Magpies leading 2-0 in less than 10 minutes into the match, Gordon scored on a penalty in the 32nd minute and scored another goal in the next minute to complete his hattrick. He's only the third Newcastle player to score a hattrick in a Champions League match and the first one to do in a knockout round. Gordon completed his dream half with a goal on another penalty in the stoppage time as his side led 5-0 going into the half-time.

<p>Thanks to Gordon, who completed his hattrick in 33 minutes - Newcastle beat Qarabag 6-1 and have almost advanced to the next round. The England international scored four goals - all in first half - only the second player to do so in a Champions League match and the first in a knockout match.</p>

Champions League | 'Fantastic Four night': Gordon creates history in Newcastle vs Qarabag with 33-minute hattrick

<p>Norway's Bodo/Glimt stunned Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday, beating last season's runners-up 3-1 in the first leg of their knockout phase play-off tie after Anthony Gordon scored four as Newcastle United hammered Qarabag 6-1 in Azerbaijan. Elsewhere Atletico Madrid were held by Club Brugge in a thrilling 3-3 draw, while Bayer Leverkusen took a big step towards reaching the last 16 by beating Olympiacos 2-0 away in Greece. Bodo/Glimt, Norwegian champions in four of the last six years, made it to this stage after some impressive results during the league phase, including wins at home to Manchester City and away to Atletico in their last two games.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-benfica-coach-mourinho-tries-to-justify-alleged-racial-abuse-vs-real-madrid-s-vinicius-jr-1771384511397">UCL | Benfica coach Mourinho tries to justify alleged racial abuse against Vini</a></p><p>The club from north of the Arctic Circle were therefore not afraid of the current Serie A leaders and went in front on 20 minutes through Sondre Brunstad Fet.</p><p>Francesco Pio Esposito equalised on the half-hour mark for three-time European champions Inter, the goal standing after a VAR check despite an apparent handball in the build-up.</p><p>However, Bodo/Glimt went back in front just after the hour when Kasper Hogh's brilliant lay-off set up Jens Petter Hauge to score, and Hogh found the net himself three minutes later.</p><p>The result leaves Inter, who lost 5-0 to PSG in last season's Champions League final, facing a big challenge to overturn their two-goal deficit in next Tuesday's return leg at San Siro.</p><p>The winners of the tie will play either Manchester City or Sporting of Portugal in the last 16 next month.</p><p>Newcastle made short work of Qarabag on their long trip to Baku, with the outstanding Gordon netting two penalties among his four goals on the night -- he now has 10 goals in nine matches in this season's Champions League, a tally bettered only by Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe on 13.</p><h2>Schick double, Atletico held</h2><p>Gordon's clinical finish gave Newcastle a third-minute lead at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, and Malick Thiaw headed in for 2-0 after just eight minutes.</p><p>Former Everton winger Gordon then converted a penalty awarded for a handball just after the half-hour mark, and pounced on poor defending a minute later to complete his first professional hat-trick.</p><p>He then added a penalty for his fourth and his team's fifth in first-half stoppage time, with Jacob Murphy getting the visitors' sixth in the second half after Elvin Jafarguliyev had pulled one back.</p><p>Next week's return at St James' Park should now be a mere formality, with a last-16 tie to come against Barcelona or Chelsea.</p><p>"It's a tribute to the team today. We were really good in the first half. That's as good as we have played in a long time," Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said.</p><p>"I know the tie isn't over but we are in a great position."</p><p>In Belgium, Club Brugge came from 2-0 and then 3-2 down to earn a draw with Atletico and keep their play-off tie firmly in the balance ahead of next week's second leg.</p><p>Julian Alvarez gave the Spaniards an early lead from the penalty spot at the Jan Breydelstadion, and Ademola Lookman finished from close range after Antoine Griezmann had flicked on an Alvarez corner in first-half stoppage time.</p><p>Nigeria's Raphael Onyedika pulled one back just after the break for the hosts and Nicolo Tresoldi equalised on the hour mark.</p><p>Atletico appeared to have won the game when Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez turned a cross into his own net, but Christos Tzolis made it 3-3 in the 89th minute.</p><p>"It was a rollercoaster, like it's been all season. We have to concentrate more," Atletico captain Koke told broadcaster Movistar -- his side are fourth in La Liga, well off the pace at the top, but hammered Barcelona 4-0 in their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg last week.</p><p>Leverkusen were seeking to avenge a 2-0 defeat away to Olympiacos last month as they returned to Piraeus, and this time they were the winners by the same margin as Czech striker Patrik Schick scored twice in the space of four minutes around the hour mark.</p>

Atletico Madrid were held by Club Brugge in a thrilling 3-3 draw, while Bayer Leverkusen took a big step towards reaching the last 16 by beating Olympiacos 2-0 away in Greece. Bodo/Glimt, Norwegian champions in four of the last six years, beat Inter Milan.

Norway's Bodo/Glimt stunned Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday, beating last season's runners-up 3-1 in the first leg of their knockout phase play-off tie after Anthony Gordon scored four as Newcastle United hammered Qarabag 6-1 in Azerbaijan. Elsewhere Atletico Madrid were held by Club Brugge in a thrilling 3-3 draw, while Bayer Leverkusen took a big step towards reaching the last 16 by beating Olympiacos 2-0 away in Greece. Bodo/Glimt, Norwegian champions in four of the last six years, made it to this stage after some impressive results during the league phase, including wins at home to Manchester City and away to Atletico in their last two games. Also Read - UCL | Benfica coach Mourinho tries to justify alleged racial abuse against Vini The club from north of the Arctic Circle were therefore not afraid of the current Serie A leaders and went in front on 20 minutes through Sondre Brunstad Fet. Francesco Pio Esposito equalised on the half-hour mark for three-time European champions Inter, the goal standing after a VAR check despite an apparent handball in the build-up. However, Bodo/Glimt went back in front just after the hour when Kasper Hogh's brilliant lay-off set up Jens Petter Hauge to score, and Hogh found the net himself three minutes later. The result leaves Inter, who lost 5-0 to PSG in last season's Champions League final, facing a big challenge to overturn their two-goal deficit in next Tuesday's return leg at San Siro. The winners of the tie will play either Manchester City or Sporting of Portugal in the last 16 next month. Newcastle made short work of Qarabag on their long trip to Baku, with the outstanding Gordon netting two penalties among his four goals on the night -- he now has 10 goals in nine matches in this season's Champions League, a tally bettered only by Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe on 13. Schick double, Atletico held Gordon's clinical finish gave Newcastle a third-minute lead at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, and Malick Thiaw headed in for 2-0 after just eight minutes. Former Everton winger Gordon then converted a penalty awarded for a handball just after the half-hour mark, and pounced on poor defending a minute later to complete his first professional hat-trick. He then added a penalty for his fourth and his team's fifth in first-half stoppage time, with Jacob Murphy getting the visitors' sixth in the second half after Elvin Jafarguliyev had pulled one back. Next week's return at St James' Park should now be a mere formality, with a last-16 tie to come against Barcelona or Chelsea. "It's a tribute to the team today. We were really good in the first half. That's as good as we have played in a long time," Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said. "I know the tie isn't over but we are in a great position." In Belgium, Club Brugge came from 2-0 and then 3-2 down to earn a draw with Atletico and keep their play-off tie firmly in the balance ahead of next week's second leg. Julian Alvarez gave the Spaniards an early lead from the penalty spot at the Jan Breydelstadion, and Ademola Lookman finished from close range after Antoine Griezmann had flicked on an Alvarez corner in first-half stoppage time. Nigeria's Raphael Onyedika pulled one back just after the break for the hosts and Nicolo Tresoldi equalised on the hour mark. Atletico appeared to have won the game when Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez turned a cross into his own net, but Christos Tzolis made it 3-3 in the 89th minute. "It was a rollercoaster, like it's been all season. We have to concentrate more," Atletico captain Koke told broadcaster Movistar -- his side are fourth in La Liga, well off the pace at the top, but hammered Barcelona 4-0 in their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg last week. Leverkusen were seeking to avenge a 2-0 defeat away to Olympiacos last month as they returned to Piraeus, and this time they were the winners by the same margin as Czech striker Patrik Schick scored twice in the space of four minutes around the hour mark.

<p>Atletico Madrid were held by Club Brugge in a thrilling 3-3 draw, while Bayer Leverkusen took a big step towards reaching the last 16 by beating Olympiacos 2-0 away in Greece. Bodo/Glimt, Norwegian champions in four of the last six years, beat Inter Milan.</p>

Champions League round-up: Norway's Bodo/Glimt stun Inter Milan, Atletico held to draw

From Lasith Malinga to Anrich Nortje here is a list of five most wickets by pacers in T20 World Cup. This list features of Tim Southee, Umar Gul and Trent Boult as the South African pacer takes second spot. 

<p>From Lasith Malinga to Anrich Nortje here is a list of five most wickets by pacers in T20 World Cup. This list features of&nbsp;Tim Southee, Umar Gul and Trent Boult as the South African pacer takes second spot.</p>

From Lasith Malinga to Anrich Nortje, 5 pace bowlers with most wickets in T20 World Cup

<p>India’s top 20-ranked 10m Air Rifle shooters will compete at the 16th RR Lakshya Cup 2025, powered by RR Global,at the Lakshya Shooting Club, Karnala Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. The invitation-only tournament scheduled for 21st and 22nd February will bring together leading junior and senior athletes in a professionally run competition aligned with international standards, with equal podium opportunities for men and women, and prize money and equipment awards for top finishers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The top-contenders like Kiran Jadhav (reigning National Champion and World Championship medalist), Sonam Maskar (ISSF World Cup medalist), Parth Mane (reigning National Games Champion and Junior World Champion), Rajshree Sancheti (international shooter and former National Champion), and Ojasvi Thakur (Asian Championships Youth gold medalist) will compete, where the Senior Champion will receive ₹1.5 lakhs and the rotating Silver Trophy, currently held by Kiran Jadhav of the Navy. The Junior Champion will receive ₹75,000, with additional cash prizes for other podium finishers. Athletes will also be eligible to win shooting equipment and accessories from equipment partner Capapie Sports and accessories partner Tiro Sports.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Founded in 2006, Lakshya Shooting Club introduced the Lakshya Cup in 2009 as an intra-club event. The tournament was conceptualised by Olympian, Arjuna Awardee and Dronacharya Awardee Suma Shirur, Founder and High-Performance Director of Lakshya Shooting Club. Since 2016, it has developed into one of India’s most respected invitation-only rifle competitions, designed to provide structured exposure and competitive pressure for emerging and elite shooters.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691"><strong>From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Speaking ahead of the 16th edition, Suma Shirur, Founder and High-Performance Director of Lakshya Shooting Club, said, “The Lakshya Cup was created to prepare Indian rifle shooters for the demands of international sport. High performance is built through structure, discipline and exposure to competitive pressure. This platform challenges athletes to perform with composure and consistency at the highest level.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Finals will be held on 22 Feb, with the Junior 10m Air Rifle Final at 2:00 p.m., followed by the Senior 10m Air Rifle Final at 3:30 PM. The Prize Distribution Ceremony will commence at 5:30 p.m.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185"><strong>Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A defining feature of the Lakshya Cup since 2009 has been gender parity. Women and men in the senior category, and girls and boys in the junior category, compete together for the same podium positions, reflecting the belief that shooting performance is determined by skill, focus and temperament, and aligning with the sport’s global direction, including Olympic mixed team events.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Founded in 2006, Lakshya Shooting Club introduced the Lakshya Cup in 2009 as an intra-club event. The tournament was conceptualised by Olympian, Arjuna Awardee and Dronacharya Awardee Suma Shirur, Founder and High-Performance Director of Lakshya Shooting Club. 

India’s top 20-ranked 10m Air Rifle shooters will compete at the 16th RR Lakshya Cup 2025, powered by RR Global,at the Lakshya Shooting Club, Karnala Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. The invitation-only tournament scheduled for 21st and 22nd February will bring together leading junior and senior athletes in a professionally run competition aligned with international standards, with equal podium opportunities for men and women, and prize money and equipment awards for top finishers. The top-contenders like Kiran Jadhav (reigning National Champion and World Championship medalist), Sonam Maskar (ISSF World Cup medalist), Parth Mane (reigning National Games Champion and Junior World Champion), Rajshree Sancheti (international shooter and former National Champion), and Ojasvi Thakur (Asian Championships Youth gold medalist) will compete, where the Senior Champion will receive ₹1.5 lakhs and the rotating Silver Trophy, currently held by Kiran Jadhav of the Navy. The Junior Champion will receive ₹75,000, with additional cash prizes for other podium finishers. Athletes will also be eligible to win shooting equipment and accessories from equipment partner Capapie Sports and accessories partner Tiro Sports. Founded in 2006, Lakshya Shooting Club introduced the Lakshya Cup in 2009 as an intra-club event. The tournament was conceptualised by Olympian, Arjuna Awardee and Dronacharya Awardee Suma Shirur, Founder and High-Performance Director of Lakshya Shooting Club. Since 2016, it has developed into one of India’s most respected invitation-only rifle competitions, designed to provide structured exposure and competitive pressure for emerging and elite shooters. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Speaking ahead of the 16th edition, Suma Shirur, Founder and High-Performance Director of Lakshya Shooting Club, said, “The Lakshya Cup was created to prepare Indian rifle shooters for the demands of international sport. High performance is built through structure, discipline and exposure to competitive pressure. This platform challenges athletes to perform with composure and consistency at the highest level.” Finals will be held on 22 Feb, with the Junior 10m Air Rifle Final at 2:00 p.m., followed by the Senior 10m Air Rifle Final at 3:30 PM. The Prize Distribution Ceremony will commence at 5:30 p.m. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli A defining feature of the Lakshya Cup since 2009 has been gender parity. Women and men in the senior category, and girls and boys in the junior category, compete together for the same podium positions, reflecting the belief that shooting performance is determined by skill, focus and temperament, and aligning with the sport’s global direction, including Olympic mixed team events.

<p>Founded in 2006, Lakshya Shooting Club introduced the Lakshya Cup in 2009 as an intra-club event. The tournament was conceptualised by Olympian, Arjuna Awardee and Dronacharya Awardee Suma Shirur, Founder and High-Performance Director of Lakshya Shooting Club.&nbsp;</p>

Parth Mane, Rajshree Sancheti to compete at 16th RR Lakshya Cup, confirms Olympian Suma Shirur

<p>India edged out the Netherlands in the final group game of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday (Feb 18) as they beat the Dutch by 17 runs. Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, maintained their perfect record in the T20 World Cup, now extending their winning streak to 12 matches. The Men in Blue now face South Africa on Sunday (Feb 22) at the same venue in their opening Super 8 match, which will also be the repeat of the 2024 T20 World Cup final.</p><h2><strong>India edge out Netherlands</strong></h2><p>Having been asked to chase 194 runs to win the match, the Netherlands got off to a decent start with starts for the majority of the upper batting order. Bas de Leede was the top scorer with 33 and was given a good helping hand by openers Michael Levitt (24) and Max O'Dowd (20). However, with no big partnership throughout the innings, the Dutch remained second best to win the match.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Colin Ackermann (23), Zach Lion-Cachet (26) and Noah Croes (unbeaten 25) scored important runs but could not prevent the defeat for the Dutch. In the end, the Netherlands ended with a score of 176/7 in 20 overs and dropped curtains on their T20 World Cup campaign.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691"><strong>From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What happened in India’s innings?</strong></h2><p>Batting first, Abhishek’s torrid form saw him being dismissed for a duck on the third ball of the innings. However, Tilak Varma (31) and Ishan Kishan (18) steadied the ship with a 39-run stand for the third wicket before the latter was dismissed in the fifth over. Varma and Suryakumar Yadav (34) then stitched 30 runs for the third wicket before the former was dismissed, with Shivam Dube coming in.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185"><strong>Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Dube took the initiative into his own hands and smashed a quickfire 66 off 31 deliveries. His innings consisted of 6 sixes and 4 fours and scored with a strike rate of more than 200. Alongside Dube, Hardik Pandya also smashed 30 off 21, helping India score 193/6 in their 20 overs.</p>

Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, maintained their perfect record in the T20 World Cup, now extending their winning streak to 12 matches with the victory against the Netherlands. 

India edged out the Netherlands in the final group game of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday (Feb 18) as they beat the Dutch by 17 runs. Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, maintained their perfect record in the T20 World Cup, now extending their winning streak to 12 matches. The Men in Blue now face South Africa on Sunday (Feb 22) at the same venue in their opening Super 8 match, which will also be the repeat of the 2024 T20 World Cup final. India edge out Netherlands Having been asked to chase 194 runs to win the match, the Netherlands got off to a decent start with starts for the majority of the upper batting order. Bas de Leede was the top scorer with 33 and was given a good helping hand by openers Michael Levitt (24) and Max O'Dowd (20). However, with no big partnership throughout the innings, the Dutch remained second best to win the match. Colin Ackermann (23), Zach Lion-Cachet (26) and Noah Croes (unbeaten 25) scored important runs but could not prevent the defeat for the Dutch. In the end, the Netherlands ended with a score of 176/7 in 20 overs and dropped curtains on their T20 World Cup campaign. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds What happened in India’s innings? Batting first, Abhishek’s torrid form saw him being dismissed for a duck on the third ball of the innings. However, Tilak Varma (31) and Ishan Kishan (18) steadied the ship with a 39-run stand for the third wicket before the latter was dismissed in the fifth over. Varma and Suryakumar Yadav (34) then stitched 30 runs for the third wicket before the former was dismissed, with Shivam Dube coming in. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Dube took the initiative into his own hands and smashed a quickfire 66 off 31 deliveries. His innings consisted of 6 sixes and 4 fours and scored with a strike rate of more than 200. Alongside Dube, Hardik Pandya also smashed 30 off 21, helping India score 193/6 in their 20 overs.

<p>Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, maintained their perfect record in the T20 World Cup, now extending their winning streak to 12 matches with the victory against the Netherlands.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026: India maintain perfect record in group stage, edge out Netherlands in Ahmedabad

<p>Abhishek Sharma’s dismal 2026 T20 World Cup went from bad to worse as the Indian opener was dismissed for a third consecutive duck. Playing against the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday (Feb 18), Abhishek was dismissed for a duck, meaning he is yet to score a single run in the T20 World Cup 2026. His form comes as a huge concern for the Indian team as they will be playing in the Super 8 stage of the tournament starting Sunday.</p><h2><strong>Abhishek fails again</strong></h2><p>Having been dismissed for a golden duck against the USA, Abhishek had to skip the Namibia clash due to health issues. However, his return to the Indian team in the Pakistan match did not go according to plan as he was dismissed for a four-ball duck. But the worst was yet to come as he was dismissed for another duck on Wednesday. This meant he joined the unfortunate club with a hat-trick of ducks on the international stage.</p><p>Interestingly, it was also Abhishek’s fourth duck in seven T20I innings, recounting his bad run of form.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691"><strong>From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</strong></a></p><h3><strong>Most consecutive ducks in Men’s T20 WC</strong></h3><p>3 - Ashish Nehra (IND, 2010-2016)</p><p>3 - Andre Fletcher (WI, 2009)</p><p>3 - Roger Mukasa (UGA, 2024)</p><p>3 - Abhishek Sharma (IND, 2025)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185"><strong>Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What happened in India’s innings?</strong></h2><p>Batting first, Abhishek’s torrid form saw him being dismissed for a duck on the third ball of the innings. However, Tilak Varma (31) and Ishan Kishan (18) steadied the ship with a 39-run stand for the third wicket before the latter was dismissed in the fifth over. Varma and Suryakumar Yadav (34) then stitched 30 runs for the third wicket before the former was dismissed, with Shivam Dube coming in.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Dube took the initiative into his own hands and smashed a quickfire 66 off 31 deliveries. His innings consisted of 6 sixes and 4 fours and scored with a strike rate of more than 200. Alongside Dube, Hardik Pandya also smashed 30 off 21, helping India score 193/6 in their 20 overs.</p>

Having been dismissed for a golden duck against the USA, Abhishek Sharma had to skip the Namibia clash due to health issues. However, his return to the Indian team in the Pakistan match did not go according to plan as he was dismissed for a four-ball duck.

Abhishek Sharma’s dismal 2026 T20 World Cup went from bad to worse as the Indian opener was dismissed for a third consecutive duck. Playing against the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday (Feb 18), Abhishek was dismissed for a duck, meaning he is yet to score a single run in the T20 World Cup 2026. His form comes as a huge concern for the Indian team as they will be playing in the Super 8 stage of the tournament starting Sunday. Abhishek fails again Having been dismissed for a golden duck against the USA, Abhishek had to skip the Namibia clash due to health issues. However, his return to the Indian team in the Pakistan match did not go according to plan as he was dismissed for a four-ball duck. But the worst was yet to come as he was dismissed for another duck on Wednesday. This meant he joined the unfortunate club with a hat-trick of ducks on the international stage. Interestingly, it was also Abhishek’s fourth duck in seven T20I innings, recounting his bad run of form. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Most consecutive ducks in Men’s T20 WC 3 - Ashish Nehra (IND, 2010-2016) 3 - Andre Fletcher (WI, 2009) 3 - Roger Mukasa (UGA, 2024) 3 - Abhishek Sharma (IND, 2025) ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli What happened in India’s innings? Batting first, Abhishek’s torrid form saw him being dismissed for a duck on the third ball of the innings. However, Tilak Varma (31) and Ishan Kishan (18) steadied the ship with a 39-run stand for the third wicket before the latter was dismissed in the fifth over. Varma and Suryakumar Yadav (34) then stitched 30 runs for the third wicket before the former was dismissed, with Shivam Dube coming in. Dube took the initiative into his own hands and smashed a quickfire 66 off 31 deliveries. His innings consisted of 6 sixes and 4 fours and scored with a strike rate of more than 200. Alongside Dube, Hardik Pandya also smashed 30 off 21, helping India score 193/6 in their 20 overs.

<p>Having been dismissed for a golden duck against the USA, Abhishek Sharma had to skip the Namibia clash due to health issues. However, his return to the Indian team in the Pakistan match did not go according to plan as he was dismissed for a four-ball duck.</p>

Bad to worse! Abhishek Sharma joins unfortunate club with third consecutive duck in 2026 T20 World Cup

<p>India, Pakistan and seven other teams have officially qualified for the 2028 T20 World Cup after an announcement was made by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday (Feb 18). The ICC, international cricket’s apex body, announced the criteria for the qualification as all the Super 8 teams of the 2026 edition were finalised on Wednesday. As per the qualification criteria set, all eight teams that qualified for the Super 8 stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup will receive direct passage to the 2028 edition, while Australia, which missed out, will also join the contingent, being the co-host alongside New Zealand.</p><h2><strong>India, Pakistan in T20 World Cup</strong></h2><p>“The teams that have progressed to the Super Eights of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 have secured automatic qualification for the next edition of the tournament, to be held in Australia and New Zealand in 2028,” ICC wrote in a statement released on Wednesday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185"><strong>Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Pakistan’s victory over Namibia on Wednesday completed the Super Eights lineup, with the former champions advancing from Group A alongside India, while Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe (Group B), the West Indies and England (Group C), and South Africa and New Zealand (Group D) have also progressed to the second stage of the 20-team competition.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“As co-hosts of the 2028 event, Australia and New Zealand were granted automatic qualification. In accordance with the qualification criteria, all Super Eights teams, including New Zealand along with Australia, now have their places confirmed for the 2028 tournament,” the statement added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691"><strong>From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Bangladesh, Afghanistan to benefit as well</strong></h2><p>Alongside the nine qualified teams, three more teams will also secure direct qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup. According to the ICC, the three highest-ranked non-qualified teams in the T20 rankings will also secure qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup, with the cutoff date set for Mar 9. This means with no more international fixtures apart from the T20 World Cup, Bangladesh, Ireland and Afghanistan will also secure qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup.</p>

The ICC announced the criteria for the qualification, as all the Super 8 teams of the 2026 edition were finalised. As per the qualification criteria set, all eight teams that qualified for the Super 8 stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup will receive direct passage to the 2028 edition. 

India, Pakistan and seven other teams have officially qualified for the 2028 T20 World Cup after an announcement was made by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday (Feb 18). The ICC, international cricket’s apex body, announced the criteria for the qualification as all the Super 8 teams of the 2026 edition were finalised on Wednesday. As per the qualification criteria set, all eight teams that qualified for the Super 8 stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup will receive direct passage to the 2028 edition, while Australia, which missed out, will also join the contingent, being the co-host alongside New Zealand. India, Pakistan in T20 World Cup “The teams that have progressed to the Super Eights of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 have secured automatic qualification for the next edition of the tournament, to be held in Australia and New Zealand in 2028,” ICC wrote in a statement released on Wednesday. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli “Pakistan’s victory over Namibia on Wednesday completed the Super Eights lineup, with the former champions advancing from Group A alongside India, while Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe (Group B), the West Indies and England (Group C), and South Africa and New Zealand (Group D) have also progressed to the second stage of the 20-team competition. “As co-hosts of the 2028 event, Australia and New Zealand were granted automatic qualification. In accordance with the qualification criteria, all Super Eights teams, including New Zealand along with Australia, now have their places confirmed for the 2028 tournament,” the statement added. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Bangladesh, Afghanistan to benefit as well Alongside the nine qualified teams, three more teams will also secure direct qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup. According to the ICC, the three highest-ranked non-qualified teams in the T20 rankings will also secure qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup, with the cutoff date set for Mar 9. This means with no more international fixtures apart from the T20 World Cup, Bangladesh, Ireland and Afghanistan will also secure qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup.

<p>The ICC announced the criteria for the qualification, as all the Super 8 teams of the 2026 edition were finalised. As per the qualification criteria set, all eight teams that qualified for the Super 8 stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup will receive direct passage to the 2028 edition.&nbsp;</p>

India, Pakistan and others secure direct berth in 2028 T20 World Cup as ICC announces qualification criteria

<p>Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Shakeel Butt has opened up about his team’s Sydney horror episode, which left them stranded on the city’s streets for hours, made them wash dishes and toilets, bringing utter embarrassment to the team and the country globally. Days after Butt clarified (in a video posted on social media), revealing that everything was fine amid a viral video of hockey team players left roaming like helpless people, as he claimed, Ammad disclosed that it was a cover-up, as the team management pressurised him to do so to save the country’s grace.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ammad claims that the team management informed him about this information reaching India, further urging him to release a video claiming all was well at their end to save them from international embarrassment. However, the real story was something else, and shocking to say the least.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Revealing in an interview, as also carried out by India Today, Butt admitted to the Sydney horror and how everything unfolded.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan travelled to Australia for the second leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League, and sometime during the tour, was left wandering the streets in Sydney, with nowhere to go. The team hotel they were stationed at cancelled their bookings due to uncleared payments by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), leaving the players to manage their accommodation elsewhere. Butt, who was at the centre of things, admitted that the players struggled to get food on time and that the whole episode was deeply embarrassing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-pakistan-punch-super-8-spot-after-namibia-rout-sahibzada-farhan-stars-with-ton-1771418216658"><strong>T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan punch Super 8 spot after Namibia rout, Sahibzada Farhan stars with ton</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Although they eventually found accommodation at a local facility, Butt revealed the players washed dishes and toilets, even on match days.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"If I talk about the Australia tour, I will begin with the flights and hotel arrangements. After landing in Sydney, we were made to roam around near the Opera Street for 12 to 15 hours like helpless people. No one took responsibility for our team. There was no hotel arranged for us, and we were not given food on time," Ammad said to reporters in Pakistan.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"From Sydney, we then travelled to Hobart. Let me first clarify that whatever news reached Pakistan is completely true. The videos that were sent from my team and by me were real. However, we were told by our team management that the matter had reached India. When India was mentioned, I personally felt that this was about my country, and my country should not be defamed. So I made a video saying that everything was fine and no injustice was happening with the team. But in reality, that was not true. Whatever messages, videos, and reports came out are all true," Pakistan’s hockey team captain continued.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>WATCH VIDEO -</strong></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pakistan&#39;s hockey team faced major mismanagement during their recent FIH Pro League tour in Australia, as revealed by captain Ammad Shakeel Butt.<br><br>The team was stranded for 12-15 hours on Sydney&#39;s streets near the Opera House after landing, with no hotel arranged and delayed… <a href="https://t.co/Nqkhrp60La">pic.twitter.com/Nqkhrp60La</a></p>&mdash; RB. (@rahul4bisht) <a href="https://twitter.com/rahul4bisht/status/2024108846990733370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>‘Prepared breakfast, washed dishes’</h2><p>Butt revealed all didn’t end even after they found a place to stay, as the players had to prepare their breakfast and clean their bedrooms and toilets.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"The boys wake up and prepare their own breakfast. They wash dishes for two to three hours. They clean their bedrooms and toilets themselves. We have no proper rest time. The players have been mentally disturbed. How can we perform for Pakistan under such conditions?" Butt said.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Moreover, the Pakistan captain added that they also spoke with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), only to learn that they had granted funds to the PHF for the tour. Butt further revealed that the team management lied to them about not receiving money.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"I don’t know whether the Sports Board is at fault or the Pakistan Hockey Federation is at fault. But one thing is certain — our team management has lied to us repeatedly," said Butt.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"You asked who is responsible for the poor arrangements, poor accommodation, and poor food. I am holding the team management responsible. But I want to clarify that the Hockey Federation is also at fault. However, we do not directly communicate with the Federation; we communicate through team management. Sheikh Usman and Shehzaman made several claims to us, but those statements were baseless and false,” he continued.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Shakeel Butt reveals the "nightmare" ordeal in Sydney. From washing toilets to roaming streets for 15 hours, Butt slams the PHF for humiliating the national team during their Australia tour. Read the full, shocking admission.

Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Shakeel Butt has opened up about his team’s Sydney horror episode, which left them stranded on the city’s streets for hours, made them wash dishes and toilets, bringing utter embarrassment to the team and the country globally. Days after Butt clarified (in a video posted on social media), revealing that everything was fine amid a viral video of hockey team players left roaming like helpless people, as he claimed, Ammad disclosed that it was a cover-up, as the team management pressurised him to do so to save the country’s grace. Ammad claims that the team management informed him about this information reaching India, further urging him to release a video claiming all was well at their end to save them from international embarrassment. However, the real story was something else, and shocking to say the least. Revealing in an interview, as also carried out by India Today, Butt admitted to the Sydney horror and how everything unfolded. Pakistan travelled to Australia for the second leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League, and sometime during the tour, was left wandering the streets in Sydney, with nowhere to go. The team hotel they were stationed at cancelled their bookings due to uncleared payments by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), leaving the players to manage their accommodation elsewhere. Butt, who was at the centre of things, admitted that the players struggled to get food on time and that the whole episode was deeply embarrassing. Also read | T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan punch Super 8 spot after Namibia rout, Sahibzada Farhan stars with ton Although they eventually found accommodation at a local facility, Butt revealed the players washed dishes and toilets, even on match days. "If I talk about the Australia tour, I will begin with the flights and hotel arrangements. After landing in Sydney, we were made to roam around near the Opera Street for 12 to 15 hours like helpless people. No one took responsibility for our team. There was no hotel arranged for us, and we were not given food on time," Ammad said to reporters in Pakistan. "From Sydney, we then travelled to Hobart. Let me first clarify that whatever news reached Pakistan is completely true. The videos that were sent from my team and by me were real. However, we were told by our team management that the matter had reached India. When India was mentioned, I personally felt that this was about my country, and my country should not be defamed. So I made a video saying that everything was fine and no injustice was happening with the team. But in reality, that was not true. Whatever messages, videos, and reports came out are all true," Pakistan’s hockey team captain continued. WATCH VIDEO -

<p>Pakistan hockey captain Ammad Shakeel Butt reveals the "nightmare" ordeal in Sydney. From washing toilets to roaming streets for 15 hours, Butt slams the PHF for humiliating the national team during their Australia tour. Read the full, shocking admission.</p>

‘Left to roam around like helpless people; washed toilets,’ PAK hockey captain admits Sydney street horror

<p>Pakistan crushed Namibia by 102 runs to book their spot in the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup on Wednesday (Feb 18). Playing at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, Sahibzada Farhan was the star of the show with an unbeaten ton to see the former champions through in a one-sided win. The win means Pakistan join India and other teams to officially confirm all eight entries into the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup 2026.</p><h2><strong>Pakistan punch Super 8 spot</strong></h2><p>Tasked with defending 199 runs, Pakistan bowled out Namibia for 97 runs, thus registering a 102-run victory. Only two Namibia batters scored in double figures as the match was decided in a one-sided affair. Opener Louren Steenkamp (23) was the top scorer while Alexander Volschenk (20) was the only other batter in double figures. Namibia also got seven extra runs but still missed out on reaching the triple-figure mark.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Usman Tariq was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 16/4, while Shadab Khan bagged three wickets.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185"><strong>Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What happened in Pakistan’s innings?</strong></h2><p>Under pressure after a humiliating defeat against India, Pakistan needed a strong statement against Namibia as they started the day outside the qualification places. Sahibzada Farhan played a composed innings and carried his bat, giving a decent start to the 2009 T20 World Cup champions. His innings included 11 fours and 4 sixes as Pakistan made the most of the conditions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Farhan added 40 runs with Saim Ayub (14) while he also stitched a 67-run stand with Salman Agha (38) at the top of the order. However, it was with Shadab Khan (36) that he added 81 runs for the fourth wicket.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691"><strong>From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The win means Pakistan join India, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, West Indies and England to complete the eight teams in the Super 8 stage. Australia remain the only designated seeded team to miss out from the Super 8 stage, with Zimbabwe replacing them instead. The first Super 8 match will take place on Saturday as Pakistan take on New Zealand at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Playing at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, Sahibzada Farhan was the star of the show with an unbeaten ton to see Pakistan through to the Super 8 stage in a one-sided win in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday (Feb 18).



Pakistan crushed Namibia by 102 runs to book their spot in the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup on Wednesday (Feb 18). Playing at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, Sahibzada Farhan was the star of the show with an unbeaten ton to see the former champions through in a one-sided win. The win means Pakistan join India and other teams to officially confirm all eight entries into the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan punch Super 8 spot Tasked with defending 199 runs, Pakistan bowled out Namibia for 97 runs, thus registering a 102-run victory. Only two Namibia batters scored in double figures as the match was decided in a one-sided affair. Opener Louren Steenkamp (23) was the top scorer while Alexander Volschenk (20) was the only other batter in double figures. Namibia also got seven extra runs but still missed out on reaching the triple-figure mark. Usman Tariq was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 16/4, while Shadab Khan bagged three wickets. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli What happened in Pakistan’s innings? Under pressure after a humiliating defeat against India, Pakistan needed a strong statement against Namibia as they started the day outside the qualification places. Sahibzada Farhan played a composed innings and carried his bat, giving a decent start to the 2009 T20 World Cup champions. His innings included 11 fours and 4 sixes as Pakistan made the most of the conditions. Farhan added 40 runs with Saim Ayub (14) while he also stitched a 67-run stand with Salman Agha (38) at the top of the order. However, it was with Shadab Khan (36) that he added 81 runs for the fourth wicket. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds The win means Pakistan join India, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, West Indies and England to complete the eight teams in the Super 8 stage. Australia remain the only designated seeded team to miss out from the Super 8 stage, with Zimbabwe replacing them instead. The first Super 8 match will take place on Saturday as Pakistan take on New Zealand at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

<p>Playing at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, Sahibzada Farhan was the star of the show with an unbeaten ton to see Pakistan through to the Super 8 stage in a one-sided win in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday (Feb 18).</p>

T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan punch Super 8 spot after Namibia rout, Sahibzada Farhan stars with ton

<p>Sri Lanka have been dealt a major blow ahead of the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup after star pacer Matheesha Pathirana is on the verge of getting ruled out. After suffering a calf injury on Wednesday (Feb 18), Pathirana was taken for scans, which revealed the extent of the injury. As things stand, no timeline has been set for his return, but he could miss the early stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026).</p><h2><strong>Pathirana out of T20 World Cup</strong></h2><p>"I think he's been declared unfit for the rest of the tournament. I think that news will be coming out if it's ruling him out. As far as the replacement is concerned, it's still being discussed,” Sri Lanka batting consultant Vikram Rathour said while speaking to the media on Wednesday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185"><strong>Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has approved Dilshan Madushanka as a replacement for Matheesha Pathirana in the Sri Lanka squad. Madushanka was named as a replacement when Pathirana was ruled out after sustaining a muscle strain in his left leg during the team’s previous match against Australia on 16 February,” a statement from ICC read.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691"><strong>From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pathirana had gone down clutching his left leg after bowling his fourth delivery in Sri Lanka's match against Australia in Pallekele, before being helped off the field. He did not return to bowl in that innings.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sri Lanka play England in Pallekele, New Zealand at Khettarama, and a third as-yet-undetermined opponent in Pallekele again, during the Super Eight stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup.</p>

After suffering a calf injury on Wednesday (Feb 18), Matheesha Pathirana was taken for scans, which revealed the extent of the injury.

Sri Lanka have been dealt a major blow ahead of the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup after star pacer Matheesha Pathirana is on the verge of getting ruled out. After suffering a calf injury on Wednesday (Feb 18), Pathirana was taken for scans, which revealed the extent of the injury. As things stand, no timeline has been set for his return, but he could miss the early stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). Pathirana out of T20 World Cup "I think he's been declared unfit for the rest of the tournament. I think that news will be coming out if it's ruling him out. As far as the replacement is concerned, it's still being discussed,” Sri Lanka batting consultant Vikram Rathour said while speaking to the media on Wednesday. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli “The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has approved Dilshan Madushanka as a replacement for Matheesha Pathirana in the Sri Lanka squad. Madushanka was named as a replacement when Pathirana was ruled out after sustaining a muscle strain in his left leg during the team’s previous match against Australia on 16 February,” a statement from ICC read. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Pathirana had gone down clutching his left leg after bowling his fourth delivery in Sri Lanka's match against Australia in Pallekele, before being helped off the field. He did not return to bowl in that innings. Sri Lanka play England in Pallekele, New Zealand at Khettarama, and a third as-yet-undetermined opponent in Pallekele again, during the Super Eight stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

<p>After suffering a calf injury on Wednesday (Feb 18), Matheesha Pathirana was taken for scans, which revealed the extent of the injury.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026: Sri Lanka dealt major blow, Matheesha Pathirana set to miss remaining tournament

<p>Since suffering a shock T20I series defeat at home just ahead of the T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka will meet England again on Sunday (Feb 22) in their first Super 8 tie, and team coach Vikram Rathour confirms that the co-hosts are unfazed by previous results. Even though Sri Lanka has one game pending in the league stage, against Zimbabwe, their focus remains on the crucial England game in Pallekele, eyeing a sweet revenge for their series loss earlier.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sri Lankan batters struggled against the English bowlers, but have improved leaps and bounds during the three contested matches thus far. Starting from Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka’s batting poster boy smashed his maiden T20 World Cup hundred against Australia, knocking the former winners out of the tournament.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-fire-super-8-warning-to-india-with-uae-thrashing-at-t20-world-cup-2026-1771411949844"><strong>South Africa fire Super 8 warning to India with UAE thrashing at T20 World Cup</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"We have had three good games," said batting coach Vikram Rathour. "I don't think there were any issues as such during the England series with batting. We had some good games and not-so-good games.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I wasn't concerned about the results during that series. It was all about getting the process right."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rathour was part of India's support staff when they won the T20 World Cup two years ago.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"We need to play to our strengths. We need to focus on the game and not think too much about the past or the future," he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Zimbabwe have been the T20 World Cup's surprise package, beating Australia on the way to qualifying for the Super Eights, where they will face the West Indies, co-hosts India and South Africa.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Zimbabwe have played really well so far. They have a decent bowling unit," said Rathour. "We need to play to our potential. If we can stick to our plans and execute them well, that will be good for us."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He paid tribute to Nissanka's century against Australia.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"It was the almost perfect batting knock ... one of the best T20 knocks you will ever see."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>(With inputs from AFP)</i></p>

Sri Lanka is unbeaten in the three contested matches, and although they are yet to face Zimbabwe in their last group game, their focus remains on the England tie in the Super 8. 

Since suffering a shock T20I series defeat at home just ahead of the T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka will meet England again on Sunday (Feb 22) in their first Super 8 tie, and team coach Vikram Rathour confirms that the co-hosts are unfazed by previous results. Even though Sri Lanka has one game pending in the league stage, against Zimbabwe, their focus remains on the crucial England game in Pallekele, eyeing a sweet revenge for their series loss earlier. Sri Lankan batters struggled against the English bowlers, but have improved leaps and bounds during the three contested matches thus far. Starting from Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka’s batting poster boy smashed his maiden T20 World Cup hundred against Australia, knocking the former winners out of the tournament. Also read | South Africa fire Super 8 warning to India with UAE thrashing at T20 World Cup "We have had three good games," said batting coach Vikram Rathour. "I don't think there were any issues as such during the England series with batting. We had some good games and not-so-good games. "I wasn't concerned about the results during that series. It was all about getting the process right." Rathour was part of India's support staff when they won the T20 World Cup two years ago. "We need to play to our strengths. We need to focus on the game and not think too much about the past or the future," he said. Zimbabwe have been the T20 World Cup's surprise package, beating Australia on the way to qualifying for the Super Eights, where they will face the West Indies, co-hosts India and South Africa. "Zimbabwe have played really well so far. They have a decent bowling unit," said Rathour. "We need to play to our potential. If we can stick to our plans and execute them well, that will be good for us." He paid tribute to Nissanka's century against Australia. "It was the almost perfect batting knock ... one of the best T20 knocks you will ever see." (With inputs from AFP)

<p>Sri Lanka is unbeaten in the three contested matches, and although they are yet to face Zimbabwe in their last group game, their focus remains on the England tie in the Super 8.&nbsp;</p>

Super 8: Sri Lanka unfazed by England threat in quest for T20 crown at home

<p>Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan joined a rare company on Wednesday (Feb 18) as he became the second batter to score a T20 World Cup hundred. Playing at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo against Namibia, Farhan scored his hundred in 58 balls, equalling Ahmed Shehzad’s record. The hundred saw Pakistan end their innings at 199/3 in 20 overs in a must-win T20 World Cup match as they started the day in third position.</p><h2><strong>Sahibzada Farhan joins rare company</strong></h2><p>Under pressure after a humiliating defeat against India, Pakistan needed a strong statement against Namibia as they started the day outside the qualification places. The batter played a composed innings and carried his bat, giving a decent start to the 2009 T20 World Cup champions. His innings included 11 fours and 4 sixes as Pakistan made the most of the conditions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691"><strong>From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Farhan added 40 runs with Saim Ayub (14) while he also stitched a 67-run stand with Salman Agha (38) at the top of the order. However, it was with Shadab Khan (36) that he added 81 runs for the fourth wicket.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185"><strong>Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Pakistan chase Super 8 spot</strong></h2><p>Entering the final group stage day, Pakistan, on four points, started the day sitting third behind already qualified India (6 points) and the USA (4 points). Pakistan needs a victory coupled with a defeat for the Netherlands in their final group match against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium. However, a defeat for Pakistan will see them miss out on the Super 8 spot.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>They famously missed out on a Super 8 spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup having lost to the USA in the Super Over.</p>

Playing at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo against Namibia, Sahibzada Farhan scored his hundred in 58 balls, equalling Ahmed Shehzad’s record. 

Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan joined a rare company on Wednesday (Feb 18) as he became the second batter to score a T20 World Cup hundred. Playing at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo against Namibia, Farhan scored his hundred in 58 balls, equalling Ahmed Shehzad’s record. The hundred saw Pakistan end their innings at 199/3 in 20 overs in a must-win T20 World Cup match as they started the day in third position. Sahibzada Farhan joins rare company Under pressure after a humiliating defeat against India, Pakistan needed a strong statement against Namibia as they started the day outside the qualification places. The batter played a composed innings and carried his bat, giving a decent start to the 2009 T20 World Cup champions. His innings included 11 fours and 4 sixes as Pakistan made the most of the conditions. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Farhan added 40 runs with Saim Ayub (14) while he also stitched a 67-run stand with Salman Agha (38) at the top of the order. However, it was with Shadab Khan (36) that he added 81 runs for the fourth wicket. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Pakistan chase Super 8 spot Entering the final group stage day, Pakistan, on four points, started the day sitting third behind already qualified India (6 points) and the USA (4 points). Pakistan needs a victory coupled with a defeat for the Netherlands in their final group match against India at the Narendra Modi Stadium. However, a defeat for Pakistan will see them miss out on the Super 8 spot. They famously missed out on a Super 8 spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup having lost to the USA in the Super Over.

<p>Playing at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo against Namibia, Sahibzada Farhan scored his hundred in 58 balls, equalling Ahmed Shehzad’s record.&nbsp;</p>

Sahibzada Farhan joins rare company, becomes second Pakistani batter to score T20 World Cup ton

<p>In a landmark moment for cricket in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir team stormed into the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in history after a commanding victory over Bengal cricket team in the semi-finals. &nbsp;Chasing a modest target of 126 runs, Jammu and Kashmir completed the formalities with confidence and composure. The team cruised to victory in just 34.4 overs, sealing the win in emphatic fashion. The winning runs were struck in style , a towering six that sparked jubilant celebrations both in the dressing room and across the Union Territory.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-as-backup-icc-mulls-shifting-2029-champions-trophy-2031-odi-world-cup-out-of-india-over-pakistan-conflict-report-1771404532257"><strong>Australia as backup? ICC mulls shifting Champions Trophy, World Cup out of India over PAK conflict – Report</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah congratulated the J&amp;K Ranji Team on their semi-final victory and qualifying for the maiden Ranji Trophy final. This landmark achievement reflects the team’s determination, discipline and rising sporting culture in Jammu and Kashmir.</p><p>The Chief Minister congratulated &nbsp;Paras Dogra, team captain for becoming the 2nd player in Indian domestic circuit to score 10,000 plus runs in Ranji Trophy and Auqib Nabi for his 9-wicket haul in the semi-final, A, taking his season's tally to 55 wickets from 16 innings.He also conveyed best wishes to the team for the final.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also lauded the players for scripting a golden chapter in the sporting history of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the entire Union Territory is proud of their extraordinary performance and wished them success in the final. ''Congratulations to J&amp;K cricket team on their magnificent victory in the Ranji Trophy semi-final! You have etched a new golden chapter in the sporting history of J&amp;K. Entire UT is proud of your extraordinary performance. May you continue this winning momentum and bring glory to J&amp;K, ''said Manoj Sinha, JK LG.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This remarkable journey to the final marks a defining moment for cricket in Jammu and Kashmir and stands as an inspiration for aspiring young athletes across the region.</p>

Jammu and Kashmir scripted history by reaching their first-ever Ranji Trophy final with a dominant win over Bengal. Chasing 126, they sealed victory in 34.4 overs. CM Omar Abdullah and LG Manoj Sinha hailed the team’s achievement, calling it a proud and defining moment for the UT.

In a landmark moment for cricket in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir team stormed into the Ranji Trophy final for the first time in history after a commanding victory over Bengal cricket team in the semi-finals. Chasing a modest target of 126 runs, Jammu and Kashmir completed the formalities with confidence and composure. The team cruised to victory in just 34.4 overs, sealing the win in emphatic fashion. The winning runs were struck in style , a towering six that sparked jubilant celebrations both in the dressing room and across the Union Territory. Also Read: Australia as backup? ICC mulls shifting Champions Trophy, World Cup out of India over PAK conflict – Report Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah congratulated the J&K Ranji Team on their semi-final victory and qualifying for the maiden Ranji Trophy final. This landmark achievement reflects the team’s determination, discipline and rising sporting culture in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister congratulated Paras Dogra, team captain for becoming the 2nd player in Indian domestic circuit to score 10,000 plus runs in Ranji Trophy and Auqib Nabi for his 9-wicket haul in the semi-final, A, taking his season's tally to 55 wickets from 16 innings.He also conveyed best wishes to the team for the final. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also lauded the players for scripting a golden chapter in the sporting history of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the entire Union Territory is proud of their extraordinary performance and wished them success in the final. ''Congratulations to J&K cricket team on their magnificent victory in the Ranji Trophy semi-final! You have etched a new golden chapter in the sporting history of J&K. Entire UT is proud of your extraordinary performance. May you continue this winning momentum and bring glory to J&K, ''said Manoj Sinha, JK LG. This remarkable journey to the final marks a defining moment for cricket in Jammu and Kashmir and stands as an inspiration for aspiring young athletes across the region.

<p>Jammu and Kashmir scripted history by reaching their first-ever Ranji Trophy final with a dominant win over Bengal. Chasing 126, they sealed victory in 34.4 overs. CM Omar Abdullah and LG Manoj Sinha hailed the team’s achievement, calling it a proud and defining moment for the UT.</p>

Jammu & Kashmir enter maiden Ranji Trophy final, receive big praise from CM, L-G

<p>South Africa finished as table toppers in Group D after beating the UAE by six wickets, sending warning signs to India, their opponents in their first Super 8 tie in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Feb 22). Playing the United Arab Emirates in their final league game on Wednesday (Feb 18) at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, the Proteas made light work of the minnows, handing them their third loss in this edition. While they had already qualified for the next round earlier, the UAE joins Canada and Afghanistan as three teams from that group to get knocked out of the tournament.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After restricting the UAE side to an under-par score of 122 for six in the first innings, South Africa completed the run chase inside 14 overs and six wickets remaining, with Dewald Brevis top scoring with 36 off 25 balls, including three sixes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-as-backup-icc-mulls-shifting-2029-champions-trophy-2031-odi-world-cup-out-of-india-over-pakistan-conflict-report-1771404532257"><strong>Australia as backup? ICC mulls shifting Champions Trophy, World Cup out of India over PAK conflict – Report</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Next for Aiden Markram’s team is India, whom they lost to at the previous edition’s final in Barbados.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, there was a nasty moment in the 16th over when the UAE's Alishan Sharafu was hit flush on the peak of his helmet by a Corbin Bosch bouncer that saw parts of the headgear go flying. The batsman was cleared to continue after a concussion check and slashed Bosch's next delivery to deep third man, where it fell just short of Anrich Nortje but squirmed under him and went for four.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The moment encapsulated an uncharacteristically sloppy fielding performance by South Africa in the dead-rubber match. They dropped four straightforward chances in the outfield, and Markram acknowledged they will need to be sharper against India.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"We let ourselves down today in the field, not up to the mark at all", said the captain. "You don't want to create anything mentally by not being switched on. So nice little lesson for us to learn there.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"I've got no doubt the boys will be up for it again in Ahmedabad."<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Sharafu top-scored for the UAE with 45; for South Africa, Dewald Brevis scored 36 and Ryan Rickelton 30.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Player of the match Bosch bowled a superb spell of 3-12 from his four overs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>(With inputs from AFP)</i></p>

Perfect 4-0! South Africa cruises into the T20 World Cup Super 8s after a dominant 6-wicket thrashing of the UAE in Delhi. With Dewald Brevis finding form and Corbin Bosch taking 3/12, the Proteas have fired a massive warning to India ahead of their February 22 clash. Read the match report.

South Africa finished as table toppers in Group D after beating the UAE by six wickets, sending warning signs to India, their opponents in their first Super 8 tie in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Feb 22). Playing the United Arab Emirates in their final league game on Wednesday (Feb 18) at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, the Proteas made light work of the minnows, handing them their third loss in this edition. While they had already qualified for the next round earlier, the UAE joins Canada and Afghanistan as three teams from that group to get knocked out of the tournament. After restricting the UAE side to an under-par score of 122 for six in the first innings, South Africa completed the run chase inside 14 overs and six wickets remaining, with Dewald Brevis top scoring with 36 off 25 balls, including three sixes. Also read | Australia as backup? ICC mulls shifting Champions Trophy, World Cup out of India over PAK conflict – Report Next for Aiden Markram’s team is India, whom they lost to at the previous edition’s final in Barbados. Meanwhile, there was a nasty moment in the 16th over when the UAE's Alishan Sharafu was hit flush on the peak of his helmet by a Corbin Bosch bouncer that saw parts of the headgear go flying. The batsman was cleared to continue after a concussion check and slashed Bosch's next delivery to deep third man, where it fell just short of Anrich Nortje but squirmed under him and went for four. The moment encapsulated an uncharacteristically sloppy fielding performance by South Africa in the dead-rubber match. They dropped four straightforward chances in the outfield, and Markram acknowledged they will need to be sharper against India. "We let ourselves down today in the field, not up to the mark at all", said the captain. "You don't want to create anything mentally by not being switched on. So nice little lesson for us to learn there. "I've got no doubt the boys will be up for it again in Ahmedabad." Sharafu top-scored for the UAE with 45; for South Africa, Dewald Brevis scored 36 and Ryan Rickelton 30. Player of the match Bosch bowled a superb spell of 3-12 from his four overs. (With inputs from AFP)

<p>South Africa and New Zealand are two teams qualified from Group D. South Africa will face India in Ahmedabad on Sunday (Feb 22).</p>

South Africa fire Super 8 warning to India with UAE thrashing at T20 World Cup

<p>Cricket’s dynamics keep changing, and despite a handful of cricket boards holding most of the power, none can avoid an inevitable change. In the latest development surrounding India-Pakistan's ongoing conflict regarding venues and decisions around it, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is mulling shifting significant ICC tournaments out of India due to increasing yet unpleasant chaos involving the two countries and their cricket boards, which also puts the ICC in a spot ahead of its marquee match in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Even though the scheduled match went ahead as planned, it took a lot of convincing from the ICC, something they wish to avoid doing in future.<br>India is scheduled to host two significant ICC tournaments in future – the 2029 Champions Trophy and 2031 ODI World Cup; however, since the BCCI and the PCB decided to honour mutual agreement (in December last year) that neither of the teams will travel to each other’s country for any cricket across genders and at any level, with a neutral venue hosting its matches (till 2031), the ICC has found it harder to make peace with it. Although Sri Lanka is co-hosting this 20-team tournament, granting Pakistan an alternate venue to play at this time, the logistics will go for a toss when India stages the tournament.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-pak-spinner-usman-tariq-28-says-2016-ms-dhoni-movie-inspires-him-to-come-back-to-cricket-1771395665144"><strong>T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Story felt similar to mine:' Pak spinner Usman Tariq, 28, says 2016 MS Dhoni movie inspired him to come back to cricket</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>Per reports emerging out of Australia’s The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, India might risk losing its hosting rights for the two upcoming 50-over tournaments, with the ICC mulling Australia as an alternate.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Even though Australia and New Zealand own the hosting rights for the 2028 T20 World Cup, they could stage their first-ever Champions Trophy (in 2029) should the BCCI and PCB fail to end their long-standing tiff led by tense geopolitical relations. Australia, however, remain ICC’s top choice for the 2031 edition of the ODI World Cup should tensions continue to take precedence.</p><h3>Where did it all begin?</h3><p>India and Pakistan last played a bilateral series in 2011/2012 when Pakistan toured India for three-match ODIs and as many T20Is. Since then, the two teams have faced off only in ICC and ACC events, including the World Cups, the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup tournaments.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Fast forward to late 2024, the Indian government denied sending its team to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, citing security reasons. The BCCI, ICC and PCB then agreed on a hybrid model, with Dubai included as the last-minute alternate for India's games. The Men in Blue, however, won the tournament, beating New Zealand in the final in Dubai.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India, Pakistan decided against sending its team for the tournament in solidarity with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over its team’s exit from the event. Although they agreed to participate in the tournament later, they decided against facing India in the scheduled league match, forcing the ICC to intervene and engage in several dialogues to convince the PCB.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>After weeks of drama, and just ahead of the match in Colombo on Feb 15, the Pakistani Government gave a nod to its team to take on its arch-rivals, a contest they lost by 61 runs. &nbsp;</p>

Following a bombshell report from 'The Age', the ICC is reportedly mulling shifting the 2029 Champions Trophy and 2031 ODI World Cup to Australia. Persistent tensions with Pakistan and Bangladesh have triggered a $250 million revenue risk. Get the full breakdown of the ICC’s contingency plan.

Cricket’s dynamics keep changing, and despite a handful of cricket boards holding most of the power, none can avoid an inevitable change. In the latest development surrounding India-Pakistan's ongoing conflict regarding venues and decisions around it, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is mulling shifting significant ICC tournaments out of India due to increasing yet unpleasant chaos involving the two countries and their cricket boards, which also puts the ICC in a spot ahead of its marquee match in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Even though the scheduled match went ahead as planned, it took a lot of convincing from the ICC, something they wish to avoid doing in future. India is scheduled to host two significant ICC tournaments in future – the 2029 Champions Trophy and 2031 ODI World Cup; however, since the BCCI and the PCB decided to honour mutual agreement (in December last year) that neither of the teams will travel to each other’s country for any cricket across genders and at any level, with a neutral venue hosting its matches (till 2031), the ICC has found it harder to make peace with it. Although Sri Lanka is co-hosting this 20-team tournament, granting Pakistan an alternate venue to play at this time, the logistics will go for a toss when India stages the tournament. Also read | T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Story felt similar to mine:' Pak spinner Usman Tariq, 28, says 2016 MS Dhoni movie inspired him to come back to cricket Per reports emerging out of Australia’s The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, India might risk losing its hosting rights for the two upcoming 50-over tournaments, with the ICC mulling Australia as an alternate. Even though Australia and New Zealand own the hosting rights for the 2028 T20 World Cup, they could stage their first-ever Champions Trophy (in 2029) should the BCCI and PCB fail to end their long-standing tiff led by tense geopolitical relations. Australia, however, remain ICC’s top choice for the 2031 edition of the ODI World Cup should tensions continue to take precedence. Where did it all begin? India and Pakistan last played a bilateral series in 2011/2012 when Pakistan toured India for three-match ODIs and as many T20Is. Since then, the two teams have faced off only in ICC and ACC events, including the World Cups, the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup tournaments. Fast forward to late 2024, the Indian government denied sending its team to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy, citing security reasons. The BCCI, ICC and PCB then agreed on a hybrid model, with Dubai included as the last-minute alternate for India's games. The Men in Blue, however, won the tournament, beating New Zealand in the final in Dubai. Meanwhile, ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India, Pakistan decided against sending its team for the tournament in solidarity with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over its team’s exit from the event. Although they agreed to participate in the tournament later, they decided against facing India in the scheduled league match, forcing the ICC to intervene and engage in several dialogues to convince the PCB. After weeks of drama, and just ahead of the match in Colombo on Feb 15, the Pakistani Government gave a nod to its team to take on its arch-rivals, a contest they lost by 61 runs.

<p>Following a bombshell report from 'The Age', the ICC is reportedly mulling shifting the 2029 Champions Trophy and 2031 ODI World Cup to Australia. Persistent tensions with Pakistan and Bangladesh have triggered a $250 million revenue risk. Get the full breakdown of the ICC’s contingency plan.</p>

Australia as backup? ICC mulls shifting Champions Trophy, World Cup out of India over PAK conflict – Report

<p>Bangladesh's new sports minister Aminul Haque has confirmed that the legal proceeding against former players Mashrafe Mortza and Shakib al Hasan will be expedited under the new government. Haque is one 49 state and central ministers to take oath with new BNP government after Feb 12 elections. Former Prime Minister Khalida Zia's son Tarique Rahman is the new Prime Minister of the country. Both Shakib and Mortaza were Members of Parliament in the previous Awami League government with Sheikh Hasina as the PM. After a student movement saw Hasina's government overthrown in 2024, many cases have been filed against the former MPs including Shakib and Mortaza.</p><h2>New Bangladesh sports minister announces fast tracking of cases against Mortaza and Shakib</h2><p>"The government will deal with the matter concerning Shakib and Mashrafe. We will remain tolerant and flexible on them," Haque said. "The cases against them will be handled by the government. We want Shakib to return [to Bangladesh]. We hope those will be resolved swiftly so they can return. We also want Shakib and Mashrafe back in Bangladesh cricket."</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-pak-spinner-usman-tariq-28-says-2016-ms-dhoni-movie-inspires-him-to-come-back-to-cricket-1771395665144">T20 WC 2026 | Pak's Tariq says 2016 MS Dhoni movie inspired him to make come back</a></p><p>Shakib, having announced his retirement from international cricket, made a u-turn on the decision in a recent interview on Beard Before Wicket podcast in December last year. The Bangladesh all-rounder, who hasn't played for the country since October 2024, wants to play a full series at home before being retired. He's currently based in the USA, playing franchise cricket including CPL and PSL. About Mortaza, who was serving his second term as Awami League MP, the whereabouts the little known.</p><h2>Bangladesh boycott T20 World Cup 2026</h2><p>Bangladesh are currently not playing T20 World Cup 2026 after the ICC refused to entertain their demand of shifting matches outside India. Bangladesh had asked the matches to be shifted to Sri Lanka, co-host of tournament, or any other venue outside India, citing safter concerns for its players. ICC rejected the demand and replaced them with Scotland but did not levy any penalty after multiple rounds of talk.</p>

After a student movement saw Hasina's government overthrown in 2024, many cases have been filed against the former MPs including Shakib and Mortaza. Shakib's currently based in the USA. About Mortaza, who was serving his second term as Awami League MP, the whereabouts the little known.

Bangladesh's new sports minister Aminul Haque has confirmed that the legal proceeding against former players Mashrafe Mortza and Shakib al Hasan will be expedited under the new government. Haque is one 49 state and central ministers to take oath with new BNP government after Feb 12 elections. Former Prime Minister Khalida Zia's son Tarique Rahman is the new Prime Minister of the country. Both Shakib and Mortaza were Members of Parliament in the previous Awami League government with Sheikh Hasina as the PM. After a student movement saw Hasina's government overthrown in 2024, many cases have been filed against the former MPs including Shakib and Mortaza. New Bangladesh sports minister announces fast tracking of cases against Mortaza and Shakib "The government will deal with the matter concerning Shakib and Mashrafe. We will remain tolerant and flexible on them," Haque said. "The cases against them will be handled by the government. We want Shakib to return [to Bangladesh]. We hope those will be resolved swiftly so they can return. We also want Shakib and Mashrafe back in Bangladesh cricket." Also Read - T20 WC 2026 | Pak's Tariq says 2016 MS Dhoni movie inspired him to make come back Shakib, having announced his retirement from international cricket, made a u-turn on the decision in a recent interview on Beard Before Wicket podcast in December last year. The Bangladesh all-rounder, who hasn't played for the country since October 2024, wants to play a full series at home before being retired. He's currently based in the USA, playing franchise cricket including CPL and PSL. About Mortaza, who was serving his second term as Awami League MP, the whereabouts the little known. Bangladesh boycott T20 World Cup 2026 Bangladesh are currently not playing T20 World Cup 2026 after the ICC refused to entertain their demand of shifting matches outside India. Bangladesh had asked the matches to be shifted to Sri Lanka, co-host of tournament, or any other venue outside India, citing safter concerns for its players. ICC rejected the demand and replaced them with Scotland but did not levy any penalty after multiple rounds of talk.

<p>After a student movement saw Hasina's government overthrown in 2024, many cases have been filed against the former MPs including Shakib and Mortaza. Shakib's currently based in the USA. About Mortaza, who was serving his second term as Awami League MP, the whereabouts the little known.</p>

Legal proceedings against Shakib, Mortaza to be fast-tracked under new Bangladesh government

<p>Indian domestic cricket’s biggest underdog story is about to reach its conclusion as Jammu &amp; Kashmir is just one step away from clinching its maiden Ranji Trophy title. On Wednesday (Feb 18), J&amp;K completed a six-wicket win over favourites Bengal to reach the first-ever final in this competition. 67 years since making its Ranji Trophy debut, Jammu &amp; Kashmir has done the unthinkable, but is yet to realise the dream of lifting the domestic crown. Chasing a modest 126 at the BCA Ground in Kalyan, the underdogs sealed the famous win inside 35 overs with six wickets remaining, booking their place in this edition’s summit clash.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Since losing both openers overnight, with its scorecard reading 43 for two, J&amp;K suffered quick blows early in the day, with Shubman Pundir and captain Paras Dogra returning to the pavilion, giving Bengal an outside chance of making a comeback in this crucial semifinal. However, Vanshaj Sharma and IPL fame Abdul Samad turned the momentum towards J&amp;K, stitching a 55-run stand to see their side home.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/super-8-preparation-at-t20-world-cup-why-netherlands-clash-is-ultimate-form-reset-for-abhishek-sharma-1771392556253"><strong>Super 8 Prep at T20 World Cup: Why Netherlands clash is ultimate 'form reset' for Abhishek Sharma</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>While Vanshaj remained unbeaten on 43, Samad’s handy 30 was enough to seal a comfortable six-wicket win over Bengal.</p><h2>Watch J&amp;K's Winning Moment -</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝙎𝘾𝙀𝙉𝙀𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝙋𝙐𝙍𝙀 𝙅𝙐𝘽𝙄𝙇𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 🤩<br><br>J&amp;K create history as they defeat Bengal by 7️⃣ wickets to book their ticket to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RanjiTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RanjiTrophy</a> Final for the very first time 🫡<br><br>Scorecard ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/QXyCuRHJ6e">https://t.co/QXyCuRHJ6e</a><a href="https://twitter.com/IDFCFIRSTBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDFCFIRSTBank</a> <a href="https://t.co/VBKPD9I9mX">pic.twitter.com/VBKPD9I9mX</a></p>&mdash; BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCIdomestic/status/2024004086417306046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, J&amp;K dismissed Bengal on 328, thanks to a five-wicket haul for the frontline seamer Auqib Nabi. His fellow opening partner, the left-arm pacer, Sunil Kumar, also returned with three wickets. In reply, the J&amp;K fell shy of Bengal’s first-inning score by 26 runs after being folded on 302.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>India international Mohammed Shami was the pick of the bowlers for Bengal, returning with a magnificent eight-wicket haul (8/90), with Mukesh Kumar picking the remaining two.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Watch Shami's eight-wicket haul -</strong></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">An 8️⃣-wicket masterpiece 🫡<br><br>Watch 🎥<br><br>Mohd. Shami wreaks havoc with his career-best First Class figures of 8/90 🔥 <br><br>Updates ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/QXyCuRIgVM">https://t.co/QXyCuRIgVM</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RanjiTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RanjiTrophy</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/IDFCFIRSTBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDFCFIRSTBank</a> <a href="https://t.co/f4F3TYnSWi">pic.twitter.com/f4F3TYnSWi</a></p>&mdash; BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCIdomestic/status/2023644838919651705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Meanwhile, the turning point of the match came during the third innings, after J&amp;K wrapped up Bengal on 99 inside 26 overs, with Auqib again leading the wickets tally (4/36).&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Needing 126, the J&amp;K batters applied themselves better and absorbed pressure to seal the famous win and qualify for their maiden Ranji Trophy final.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p>They will face the winner of Karnataka vs Uttarakhand for the Ranji Trophy crown.</p>

Historic Win! Jammu & Kashmir defeat Bengal by six wickets to reach their first-ever Ranji Trophy final in 67 years. Despite Mohammed Shami's 8-wicket haul, Auqib Nabi's 9-wicket match heroics and a calm finish by Vanshaj Sharma sealed the historic upset. Read the full match report.

Indian domestic cricket’s biggest underdog story is about to reach its conclusion as Jammu & Kashmir is just one step away from clinching its maiden Ranji Trophy title. On Wednesday (Feb 18), J&K completed a six-wicket win over favourites Bengal to reach the first-ever final in this competition. 67 years since making its Ranji Trophy debut, Jammu & Kashmir has done the unthinkable, but is yet to realise the dream of lifting the domestic crown. Chasing a modest 126 at the BCA Ground in Kalyan, the underdogs sealed the famous win inside 35 overs with six wickets remaining, booking their place in this edition’s summit clash. Since losing both openers overnight, with its scorecard reading 43 for two, J&K suffered quick blows early in the day, with Shubman Pundir and captain Paras Dogra returning to the pavilion, giving Bengal an outside chance of making a comeback in this crucial semifinal. However, Vanshaj Sharma and IPL fame Abdul Samad turned the momentum towards J&K, stitching a 55-run stand to see their side home. Also read | Super 8 Prep at T20 World Cup: Why Netherlands clash is ultimate 'form reset' for Abhishek Sharma While Vanshaj remained unbeaten on 43, Samad’s handy 30 was enough to seal a comfortable six-wicket win over Bengal. Watch J&K's Winning Moment -

<p>Historic Win! Jammu &amp; Kashmir defeat Bengal by six wickets to reach their first-ever Ranji Trophy final in 67 years. Despite Mohammed Shami's 8-wicket haul, Auqib Nabi's 9-wicket match heroics and a calm finish by Vanshaj Sharma sealed the historic upset. Read the full match report.</p>

History in Ranji Trophy! Jammu & Kashmir beat Bengal to reach maiden final

<p>Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq, who has become known worldwide for this pause-and-deliver bowling action, says it was MS Dhoni's movie which inspired him to make a comeback in cricket. Now, the movie on former India skipper MS Dhoni was released in 2016 and Tariq was born, as per records in 1998. It means Tariq was 18 years old when he 'came back to cricket'. The spinner, however, made his First Class debut in 2024 before making his international debut in 2025. So far, he has played only five T20Is for Pakistan, taking 12 wickets with a best of 4/18.</p><p><strong>Also Read </strong>- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-important-to-adapt-india-batting-coach-kotak-not-worried-about-abhishek-s-twin-ducks-1771382905138">T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Important to adapt:' India batting coach Kotak not worried about Abhishek's twin ducks</a></p><h2>Usman Tariq says MS Dhoni movie inspired him to come back to cricket</h2><p>“I came back to cricket after watching M.S. Dhoni. His story felt similar to mine because I was also working a job, and he was too. He created history, and I felt that if he could do it, maybe I could as well. But for that, I would have to work very hard. That’s what inspired me to return to cricket,” Tariq told reporters on Tuesday (Feb 17) - a day before Pakista's do-or-die group stage match against Namibia in T20 World Cup 2026.</p>

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<h2>How can Pakistan qualify for Super 8</h2><p>Pakistan are currently at number 3 in Group A and have four points from three matches - same as the USA. Pakistan, however, have one match left to make it six points and qualify for Super 8 while USA have played all their matches. To qualify for Super 8, Pakistan need to beat Namibia in last group stage match on Wednesday (Feb 18) and if they lose, it will come down to net run rate to decide between them and USA for the final Super 8 spot. As of now, Pakistan's net run rate is -0.403 while USA are at 0.788, which mean a loss against Namibia will ensure Pakistan are out of Super 8 race.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The movie on former India skipper MS Dhoni was released in 2016 and Tariq was born, as per records in 1998. It means Tariq, 28 now, was 18 years old in 2016 and doing job when he 'came back to cricket'.

Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq, who has become known worldwide for this pause-and-deliver bowling action, says it was MS Dhoni's movie which inspired him to make a comeback in cricket. Now, the movie on former India skipper MS Dhoni was released in 2016 and Tariq was born, as per records in 1998. It means Tariq was 18 years old when he 'came back to cricket'. The spinner, however, made his First Class debut in 2024 before making his international debut in 2025. So far, he has played only five T20Is for Pakistan, taking 12 wickets with a best of 4/18. Also Read - T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Important to adapt:' India batting coach Kotak not worried about Abhishek's twin ducks Usman Tariq says MS Dhoni movie inspired him to come back to cricket “I came back to cricket after watching M.S. Dhoni. His story felt similar to mine because I was also working a job, and he was too. He created history, and I felt that if he could do it, maybe I could as well. But for that, I would have to work very hard. That’s what inspired me to return to cricket,” Tariq told reporters on Tuesday (Feb 17) - a day before Pakista's do-or-die group stage match against Namibia in T20 World Cup 2026.

<p>The movie on former India skipper MS Dhoni was released in 2016 and Tariq was born, as per records in 1998. It means Tariq, 28 now, was 18 years old in 2016 and doing job when he 'came back to cricket'.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Story felt similar to mine:' Pak spinner Usman Tariq, 28, says 2016 MS Dhoni movie inspired him to come back to cricket

<p>Sourav Ganguly has joined Indian cricket icons and former captains Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev in appealing for Pakistan great Imran Khan’s fair treatment inside the jail. Khan, who led Pakistan to its maiden and only 50-over World Cup win in 1992, has been in prison for over 800 days; however, several reports have claimed that he has lost 85% of his vision in his right eye and needs immediate medical care before it worsens. On Tuesday (Feb 17), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sunil-gavaskar-kapil-dev-among-14-legendary-captains-write-to-pakistan-govt-for-fair-treatment-of-imran-khan-in-jail-1771316790694">14 legendary cricket captains from five countries appealed to the Pakistani government</a> to provide the best medical care to Imran Khan, with Ganguly being the latest to voice for it.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Although Ganguly hasn’t played against Imran Khan, he admires him like all cricket dignitaries as one of cricket’s most influential figures, while hoping for his recovery. Speaking of the former Pakistan captain, Ganguly acknowledged all that Imran has done, including putting Pakistan on the world map by captaining his team to glory, and later becoming the country's Prime Minister.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"I hope his health recovers, and I hope he gets the right treatment. He has taken Pakistan to the world map, being the captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team and then the Prime Minister of Pakistan. I am sure he must be looked after and respected,” Ganguly said of Imran Khan’s health crisis.</p><h2>Cricket legends come forward to appeal for Imran</h2><p>After several Pakistani cricket legends, including Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar and others, raised concerns over Imran Khan’s vision loss reports while sending best wishes through social media posts, 14 former cricket captains, including Australia’s Allan Border and Ian Chappell, Mike Atherton and Nasser Hussain from England and two from India – Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, among others, wrote to the Pakistani government, appealing for Imran’s fair treatment inside the jail.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"Recent reports concerning his health - particularly the alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody - and the conditions of his imprisonment over the past two and a half years have caused us profound concern," the letter read. "Imran Khan's contributions to the game are universally admired. As captain, he led Pakistan to their historic 1992 Cricket World Cup victory - a triumph built on skill, resilience, leadership, and sportsmanship that inspired generations across borders.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolising his all-round brilliance, charisma, and competitive spirit. He remains one of the finest all-rounders and captains the sport has ever seen, earning respect from players, fans, and administrators alike,” it further read.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, besides Ganguly, another former Indian captain, Mohammad Azharuddin, also took to his social media handle to express concern over reports on Imran Khan’s vision loss.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>“Deeply saddened to hear about Imran bhai. Cricket has given us many shared moments, and as a fellow sportsman who has shared the platform and learned from him, I sincerely appeal that he be treated with dignity. Praying for his good health and strength for his family. @ImranKhanPTI #ImranKhanHealthEmergency,” his X post read.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Deeply saddened to hear about Imran bhai. Cricket has given us many shared moments, and as a fellow sportsman who has shared the platform and learned from him, I sincerely appeal that he be treated with dignity. Praying for his good health and strength for his family.…</p>&mdash; Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) <a href="https://twitter.com/azharflicks/status/2023818172366025126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sourav Ganguly joins Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev in a rare show of solidarity for jailed legend Imran Khan. With reports of 85% vision loss, 14 international captains appeal to Pakistan for urgent medical care. Read Ganguly's powerful message for his former rival.

Sourav Ganguly has joined Indian cricket icons and former captains Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev in appealing for Pakistan great Imran Khan’s fair treatment inside the jail. Khan, who led Pakistan to its maiden and only 50-over World Cup win in 1992, has been in prison for over 800 days; however, several reports have claimed that he has lost 85% of his vision in his right eye and needs immediate medical care before it worsens. On Tuesday (Feb 17), 14 legendary cricket captains from five countries appealed to the Pakistani government to provide the best medical care to Imran Khan, with Ganguly being the latest to voice for it. Although Ganguly hasn’t played against Imran Khan, he admires him like all cricket dignitaries as one of cricket’s most influential figures, while hoping for his recovery. Speaking of the former Pakistan captain, Ganguly acknowledged all that Imran has done, including putting Pakistan on the world map by captaining his team to glory, and later becoming the country's Prime Minister. "I hope his health recovers, and I hope he gets the right treatment. He has taken Pakistan to the world map, being the captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team and then the Prime Minister of Pakistan. I am sure he must be looked after and respected,” Ganguly said of Imran Khan’s health crisis. Cricket legends come forward to appeal for Imran After several Pakistani cricket legends, including Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar and others, raised concerns over Imran Khan’s vision loss reports while sending best wishes through social media posts, 14 former cricket captains, including Australia’s Allan Border and Ian Chappell, Mike Atherton and Nasser Hussain from England and two from India – Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, among others, wrote to the Pakistani government, appealing for Imran’s fair treatment inside the jail. "Recent reports concerning his health - particularly the alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody - and the conditions of his imprisonment over the past two and a half years have caused us profound concern," the letter read. "Imran Khan's contributions to the game are universally admired. As captain, he led Pakistan to their historic 1992 Cricket World Cup victory - a triumph built on skill, resilience, leadership, and sportsmanship that inspired generations across borders. "Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolising his all-round brilliance, charisma, and competitive spirit. He remains one of the finest all-rounders and captains the sport has ever seen, earning respect from players, fans, and administrators alike,” it further read. Meanwhile, besides Ganguly, another former Indian captain, Mohammad Azharuddin, also took to his social media handle to express concern over reports on Imran Khan’s vision loss. “Deeply saddened to hear about Imran bhai. Cricket has given us many shared moments, and as a fellow sportsman who has shared the platform and learned from him, I sincerely appeal that he be treated with dignity. Praying for his good health and strength for his family. @ImranKhanPTI #ImranKhanHealthEmergency,” his X post read.

<p>Sourav Ganguly and Mohammad Azharuddin join former Indian captains to appeal to the Pakistan government for Imran Khan's fair treatment in jail.&nbsp;</p>

‘He must be respected’: Ganguly, Azhar join Indian captains in appeal for Imran Khan's fair treatment

<p>Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has just recovered from the stomach infection that saw him miss the Namibia game and register two ducks in the remaining two matches (against the USA and Pakistan) at the ongoing T20 World Cup. Still, it’s not even a worrying sign for his team’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak. As Team India readies for its last Group-A game against the Netherlands on Wednesday (Feb 18) in Ahmedabad, all eyes will be on Sharma, who is yet to open his account in his maiden ICC tournament.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Abhishek Sharma was hospitalised in Delhi ahead of the marquee Pakistan tie in Colombo, and upon his return to the side, he failed to get going as he got out on a four-ball duck inside the first over. Although Ishan Kishan’s blitz at the top saved India’s grace across all contested matches thus far, the tournament’s co-host needs <a href="T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Important to adapt:' India batting coach Kotak not worried about Abhishek's twin ducks">Abhishek to hit the reset button ahead of the Super 8 stage</a>.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, having entered the competition on the back of a successful run in bilaterals, Abhishek aims to make the best of his chance in this dead-rubber in Ahmedabad and return to doing what he does best – smashing bowlers for fun. Speaking of his lean patch thus far, Kotak said the last thing he will do is over-analyse this whole situation, knowing Abhishek’s condition and what he brings to the table when he finds his rhythm.</p><h2>‘No over-analysing’</h2><p>"The one thing we definitely don't unnecessarily do is over-analyse," Kotak said of Abhishek’s pattern of dismissals.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"Sometimes you [as batters] start making more assumptions than the opposition do. He has his plans sorted, he follows the way he wants to, and obviously, we discuss the opposition, their bowling, their strengths, what they've been doing - all that is normal for everyone, not just Abhishek.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>"Before he fell ill, he made runs. In the T20 format, (also) sometimes a 10-ball 30 is as important. It's not like he hasn't scored runs. T20 format is high-risk; someone will get out [playing attacking cricket]. If we stress so much on it [the occasional failures], players will be under pressure. He is in good form, he has got clear plans, has a clear mindset, and that's what matters to us,” Kotak continued.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>India has qualified for the Super 8s, having won three games from as many league stage matches. Regardless of the result against the Dutch, India will top (Group A) and face South Africa (Feb 22 in Ahmedabad), Zimbabwe (Feb 26 in Chennai) and West Indies (Mar 1 in Kolkata) in the next round.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>The top two teams from India’s group will advance to the semis.&nbsp;</p>

"Not Over-analysing": India coach Sitanshu Kotak backs Abhishek Sharma to find his rhythm in the Netherlands clash at Ahmedabad. After a health scare and two ducks, can India's explosive opener hit the reset button before the Super 8s? Read the latest from the Indian camp.

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has just recovered from the stomach infection that saw him miss the Namibia game and register two ducks in the remaining two matches (against the USA and Pakistan) at the ongoing T20 World Cup. Still, it’s not even a worrying sign for his team’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak. As Team India readies for its last Group-A game against the Netherlands on Wednesday (Feb 18) in Ahmedabad, all eyes will be on Sharma, who is yet to open his account in his maiden ICC tournament. Abhishek Sharma was hospitalised in Delhi ahead of the marquee Pakistan tie in Colombo, and upon his return to the side, he failed to get going as he got out on a four-ball duck inside the first over. Although Ishan Kishan’s blitz at the top saved India’s grace across all contested matches thus far, the tournament’s co-host needs Abhishek to hit the reset button ahead of the Super 8 stage. Meanwhile, having entered the competition on the back of a successful run in bilaterals, Abhishek aims to make the best of his chance in this dead-rubber in Ahmedabad and return to doing what he does best – smashing bowlers for fun. Speaking of his lean patch thus far, Kotak said the last thing he will do is over-analyse this whole situation, knowing Abhishek’s condition and what he brings to the table when he finds his rhythm. ‘No over-analysing’ "The one thing we definitely don't unnecessarily do is over-analyse," Kotak said of Abhishek’s pattern of dismissals. "Sometimes you [as batters] start making more assumptions than the opposition do. He has his plans sorted, he follows the way he wants to, and obviously, we discuss the opposition, their bowling, their strengths, what they've been doing - all that is normal for everyone, not just Abhishek. "Before he fell ill, he made runs. In the T20 format, (also) sometimes a 10-ball 30 is as important. It's not like he hasn't scored runs. T20 format is high-risk; someone will get out [playing attacking cricket]. If we stress so much on it [the occasional failures], players will be under pressure. He is in good form, he has got clear plans, has a clear mindset, and that's what matters to us,” Kotak continued. India has qualified for the Super 8s, having won three games from as many league stage matches. Regardless of the result against the Dutch, India will top (Group A) and face South Africa (Feb 22 in Ahmedabad), Zimbabwe (Feb 26 in Chennai) and West Indies (Mar 1 in Kolkata) in the next round. The top two teams from India’s group will advance to the semis.

<p>After a health scare and two ducks, can India's explosive opener hit the reset button before the Super 8s? Read the latest from the Indian camp.</p>

Super 8 Prep at T20 World Cup: Why Netherlands clash is ultimate 'form reset' for Abhishek Sharma

<p>Ginaluca Prestianni has refuted all allegations of hurling racial abuse at Vinicius Jr. in Benfica vs Real Madrid in Champions League play-off leg 1 match on Tuesday (Feb 17) at Estadio da Luz. Benfica has also released a video of the exact moment Vini Jr ran to referee Francois Letexier to complain. In the video shared by Benfica, who lost the match 0-1, the club says nothing could be heard what has been told, alluding to Real Madrid star Vini Jr's claim of being abused with racially charged taunts. Vini Jr's teammate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mbappe-reveals-what-benfica-s-prestianni-said-to-real-madrid-s-vinicius-jr-in-alleged-racial-abuse-1771377432674">Kylian Mbappe, however, has said that he heard Argentine Prestianni abuse Brazilian Vini</a> and called for banning the Benfica player from Champions League. Real Madrid, meanwhile, won the match 1-0 with Vini Jr. scoring the goal.</p><h2>Benfica releases video of alleged racial abuse moment in Champions League match vs Real Madrid</h2><p>The incident happened shortly after Vini scored the goal in the 50th minute. He can been being congratulated by his teammates and then immediately looks in direction of Prestianni, who is standing at a distance with t-shirt over is mouth. Vini and Prestianni exchange words and then the Real Madrid player runs to referee who makes a cross-arm gesture to indicate racism. Watch the video below:</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="pt" dir="ltr">Como demonstram as imagens, dada a distância, os jogadores do Real Madrid não podem ter ouvido o que andam a dizer que ouviram. <a href="https://t.co/7JF9AVuhEM">pic.twitter.com/7JF9AVuhEM</a></p>&mdash; SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) <a href="https://twitter.com/SLBenfica/status/2023943527906844839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><strong>Also Read </strong>- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-how-psg-s-subsitute-doue-flipped-script-on-monaco-after-folarin-balogun-s-historic-brace-1771380180428">UCL: How PSG's Doue flipped script on Monaco after Balogun's historic brace</a></p><p>After the match, Vinicius called out the abuse faced by him and called the racists 'cowards'. Prestianni, three hours later, offered a statement on social media and wrote: "I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults at Vinícius Júnior; he unfortunately misinterpreted what was said. I have never been racist towards anyone."</p><h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-benfica-coach-mourinho-tries-to-justify-alleged-racial-abuse-vs-real-madrid-s-vinicius-jr-1771384511397">Mourinho blames Vini's goal celebration</a></h2><p>"There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. A stadium where Vinicius plays something happens, always," said Mourinho at after-match press conference. The Benfica coac also said that Vinicus incited the crowd with his 'disrespectful celebration' after the goal.</p><p>"Yes. I believe so," Mourinho responded when asked if thought Vinicius incited the crowd with his goal celebration. Both, Vinicius and Mourinho were seen talking to each other during the incident which halted the match for 10 minutes.</p>

Benfica says nothing could be heard what has been told, alluding to Real Madrid star Vini Jr's claim of being abused with racially charged taunts. Prestianni, in a statement on social media, denied charges and wrote: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults at Vinícius.”

Ginaluca Prestianni has refuted all allegations of hurling racial abuse at Vinicius Jr. in Benfica vs Real Madrid in Champions League play-off leg 1 match on Tuesday (Feb 17) at Estadio da Luz. Benfica has also released a video of the exact moment Vini Jr ran to referee Francois Letexier to complain. In the video shared by Benfica, who lost the match 0-1, the club says nothing could be heard what has been told, alluding to Real Madrid star Vini Jr's claim of being abused with racially charged taunts. Vini Jr's teammate Kylian Mbappe, however, has said that he heard Argentine Prestianni abuse Brazilian Vini and called for banning the Benfica player from Champions League. Real Madrid, meanwhile, won the match 1-0 with Vini Jr. scoring the goal. Benfica releases video of alleged racial abuse moment in Champions League match vs Real Madrid The incident happened shortly after Vini scored the goal in the 50th minute. He can been being congratulated by his teammates and then immediately looks in direction of Prestianni, who is standing at a distance with t-shirt over is mouth. Vini and Prestianni exchange words and then the Real Madrid player runs to referee who makes a cross-arm gesture to indicate racism. Watch the video below:

<p>Benfica says nothing could be heard what has been told, alluding to Real Madrid star Vini Jr's claim of being abused with racially charged taunts. Prestianni, in a statement on social media, denied charges and wrote: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults at Vinícius.”</p>

Champions League | 'Never been racist': Prestianni on racism claims against Vinicius Jr as Benfica releases video in support

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