<p>With scores of 26, 21, 3 and 3 in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, Jos Buttler has not started the tournament strongly. The 35-year-old has also gone 15 international matches in all formats without scoring a half-century, yet he remains England’s leading run-scorer in T20 internationals, amassing 4,003 runs in 151 matches at an average of 34.50 and a strike rate of 148.47. He is also fifth on the all-time list of leading run-scorers in T20 cricket. &nbsp;In England’s last two group games against Scotland and Italy, he scored just three runs in each match. Despite this poor run, Buttler says his focus is to keep playing positively and follow the scoreboard.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Speaking on his For the Love of Cricket podcast, he explained that the approach in T20 cricket is different from Test cricket. In Tests, a player might try to bat slowly and carefully when out of form. But in T20, he believes you must keep attacking and play according to the match situation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“You’ve got to still play the game. There are times I’ve been out of form in Test cricket and the batting coach might say ‘rein it in and bat for an hour. In T20 you have got to keep playing the scoreboard.” Buttler said on his For the Love of Cricket podcast.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Buttler, who plays in T20 leagues around the world, last scored a fifty in the SA20 while representing Durban Super Giants. He made 97 runs off 57 balls against Pretoria Capitals but did not score more than 30 in the rest of the tournament.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-and-out-of-nowhere-comes-a-shocking-sting-from-zimbabwe-1771611205750"><strong>T20 World Cup 2026: And out of nowhere comes a shocking sting from Zimbabwe</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He captained England to victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. During that event, Buttler and Alex Hales shared a record 170-run opening partnership, the highest stand for any wicket in T20 World Cup history. Buttler said that even when he is not making big scores, he feels confident if he is batting well. He takes pride in turning good starts into important contributions for the team.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I felt I was playing really well in the SA20 without getting scores. One thing I always pride myself on in T20 is if you get in, go and make a good contribution,” added Buttler.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>England will next play co-hosts Sri Lanka in their first Super 8 match at Pallekele on Sunday. They will then face Pakistan on Feb 24 and New Zealand on Feb 27.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His teammate Jacob Bethell said the team is not worried about Buttler’s form and explained that some of Buttler’s shot choices have not worked recently, but everyone believes he will perform well when it matters most in the tournament.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“He’s (Jos Buttler) fine. The options he has taken haven’t come off but no one in that side is worried about Jos in terms of performance. He will come good when we need him in the big stages of this tournament.” said Bethell while addressing reporters.</p>



England will next play co-hosts Sri Lanka in their first Super 8 match at Pallekele on Sunday. They will then face Pakistan on Feb 24 and New Zealand on Feb 27.

With scores of 26, 21, 3 and 3 in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, Jos Buttler has not started the tournament strongly. The 35-year-old has also gone 15 international matches in all formats without scoring a half-century, yet he remains England’s leading run-scorer in T20 internationals, amassing 4,003 runs in 151 matches at an average of 34.50 and a strike rate of 148.47. He is also fifth on the all-time list of leading run-scorers in T20 cricket. In England’s last two group games against Scotland and Italy, he scored just three runs in each match. Despite this poor run, Buttler says his focus is to keep playing positively and follow the scoreboard. Speaking on his For the Love of Cricket podcast, he explained that the approach in T20 cricket is different from Test cricket. In Tests, a player might try to bat slowly and carefully when out of form. But in T20, he believes you must keep attacking and play according to the match situation. “You’ve got to still play the game. There are times I’ve been out of form in Test cricket and the batting coach might say ‘rein it in and bat for an hour. In T20 you have got to keep playing the scoreboard.” Buttler said on his For the Love of Cricket podcast. Buttler, who plays in T20 leagues around the world, last scored a fifty in the SA20 while representing Durban Super Giants. He made 97 runs off 57 balls against Pretoria Capitals but did not score more than 30 in the rest of the tournament. Also Read - T20 World Cup 2026: And out of nowhere comes a shocking sting from Zimbabwe He captained England to victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. During that event, Buttler and Alex Hales shared a record 170-run opening partnership, the highest stand for any wicket in T20 World Cup history. Buttler said that even when he is not making big scores, he feels confident if he is batting well. He takes pride in turning good starts into important contributions for the team. “I felt I was playing really well in the SA20 without getting scores. One thing I always pride myself on in T20 is if you get in, go and make a good contribution,” added Buttler. England will next play co-hosts Sri Lanka in their first Super 8 match at Pallekele on Sunday. They will then face Pakistan on Feb 24 and New Zealand on Feb 27. His teammate Jacob Bethell said the team is not worried about Buttler’s form and explained that some of Buttler’s shot choices have not worked recently, but everyone believes he will perform well when it matters most in the tournament. “He’s (Jos Buttler) fine. The options he has taken haven’t come off but no one in that side is worried about Jos in terms of performance. He will come good when we need him in the big stages of this tournament.” said Bethell while addressing reporters.

<p>England will next play co-hosts Sri Lanka in their first Super 8 match at Pallekele on Sunday. They will then face Pakistan on Feb 24 and New Zealand on Feb 27.</p>

‘You’ve still got to play…’: Jos Buttler on his form in T20 World Cup 2026

<p>It must certainly bite and eat a hole in the hearts of the Australian fans when the heavens opened up above the Pallekele International cricket stadium at Kandy in Sri Lanka last Tuesday. What looked like a temporary cloud burst turned into a relentless downpour that forced the match officials to call off the Ireland vs Zimbabwe Group B game of the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026. &nbsp;</p><p><br>With the lights dimming in the stadium following the washout, a gleaming smile beamed across the faces of Zimbabwe fans as the Chevrons booked a spot in the Super 8s.<br>Their Aussie counterparts added more moisture and precipitation on the ground as teardrops came drizzling down the cheeks of Aussie fans as their team bid adieu to the tournament following the shocking exit.</p><p><br>Whilst the Aussies continue to grieve over the embarrassing and humiliating exodus from the T20 World Cup, the Emerald Island is tapping their feet to some new rhythmic tunes that are coming out of the ‘Castle Corner’ (a band of six Zimbabwe fans that have travelled to Sri Lanka to support their team), much to the chagrin of the kangaroos.</p><p><br>The band of six, alongside several other motley groups of Zimbabwe fans, cheered and sloganeered to every wicket scalped and run scored by their beloved Chevrons.<br>Locked and loaded in a group armed with heavyweights like Australia and Sri Lanka, nobody would have given them a chance to qualify, let alone finish undefeated at the top of their seeded group.</p><p><br>Exploiting the absence of Captain Mitchell Marsh, The Chevrons jostled the Australian bowlers, getting to a decent total of 169 for the loss of two wickets with a half-century from Brian Bennett. Following this came a divine intervention in the form of Blessing Muzarabani, scalping four wickets for 17 runs in his four-over spell that included the likes of opener Josh Inglis, Tim David and Matt Renshaw, breaking the lynchpin or the cog in the Australian run chase, bowling them out before the end of the 20th over.</p><p><br>Days later, after humbling Australia, the next task at hand for Zimbabwe was taming the co-hosts Sri Lanka in their own backyard. Roaring their way through the tournament by steamrolling Australia by 8 wickets, many might have expected Sri Lanka to romp Zimbabwe and finish undefeated on top of Group B. But the Chevrons had other ideas. Restricting Sri Lanka to 178, Zimbabwe ensnared the Sri Lankan spinners and went about their business chasing the target with three balls to spare.</p><p><br>Defending a target, Zimbabwe gave a giant killing sting to Australia. On the other hand, while chasing a target against Sri Lanka, the Chevrons made a statement that their victory was not a flash in the pan.</p><p><br>Amidst the Brimming smiles, Zimbabwe and their captain Sikander Raza would certainly not forget the horrid time their cricket team had to go through on and off the field.<br>Around two years ago, Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup that took place in the West Indies and USA.</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><br>The Chevrons did not get past the group stage in the 2022 edition in Australia.<br>While they failed to qualify for the 2021 T20 World Cup and the 2023 and 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup (50-overs).</p><p><br>They were also suspended by the ICC in 2019 for government interference and were later reinstated that same year.</p><p><br>However, fortunes did swing Zimbabwe’s way last year by putting the impetus on Test Cricket. While many of the teams (both full members and associates) pack up their calendars with T20Is and franchise cricket, Zimbabwe decided to play the longest format to quell their issues in the shorter formats of the game.</p><p><br>In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Zimbabwe Cricket Chairman Tavengwa Mukhulani said that they will fix their white-ball problems by playing Test Cricket. According to Mukhulani, Players can work and improve on their basics by playing the longest format.</p><p><br>Zimbabwe’s tilt towards Test Cricket was calibrated. The Chevrons were scheduled to play eleven Test matches and played ten (Eight at Home) in the last calendar year alone. Only Australia has played equal to or more test matches in the past year.</p><p><br>Furthermore, Zimbabwe is projected to get an annual revenue of around $17.64 million as per the ICC’S finance model (2024-27). This roughly comes to about 3% of the total $600 million dollars that the International Cricket Council is estimated to earn in the three-year cycle between 2024 &amp; 2027.</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><br>This pales in comparison to teams like India, which is projected to earn $231 million or 40% of the $600 million that ICC is set to make by the end of the three-year cycle.<br>As per ESPNcricinfo, Zimbabwe spent around $500,000 to organize a Test Match last year. This means that Zimbabwe spent about 2.79% of their annual revenue on holding Test Matches in 2025.</p><p><br>Although the Chevrons managed only two victories out of the Ten Test matches (Home &amp; Away) they played last year, the results have bore fruition. Players like Blessing Muzarabani came through the rigors by scalping 42 wickets with an average of 26.8 against oppositions like England, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Ireland and Afghanistan.</p><p><br>Meanwhile, Brian Bennett scored 509 runs with two centuries and two half-centuries against England, Afghanistan and Bangladesh at an average of almost 30.</p><p><br>The numbers might be minuscule, but the results have been positive considering the success they have had in the ongoing T20 World Cup.</p>

Zimbabwe continued their giant-killing run on Thursday (Feb 19) after they beat co-hosts Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Playing at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Zimbabwe’s win saw them top Group B in the T20 World Cup 2026. 

It must certainly bite and eat a hole in the hearts of the Australian fans when the heavens opened up above the Pallekele International cricket stadium at Kandy in Sri Lanka last Tuesday. What looked like a temporary cloud burst turned into a relentless downpour that forced the match officials to call off the Ireland vs Zimbabwe Group B game of the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026. With the lights dimming in the stadium following the washout, a gleaming smile beamed across the faces of Zimbabwe fans as the Chevrons booked a spot in the Super 8s. Their Aussie counterparts added more moisture and precipitation on the ground as teardrops came drizzling down the cheeks of Aussie fans as their team bid adieu to the tournament following the shocking exit. Whilst the Aussies continue to grieve over the embarrassing and humiliating exodus from the T20 World Cup, the Emerald Island is tapping their feet to some new rhythmic tunes that are coming out of the ‘Castle Corner’ (a band of six Zimbabwe fans that have travelled to Sri Lanka to support their team), much to the chagrin of the kangaroos. The band of six, alongside several other motley groups of Zimbabwe fans, cheered and sloganeered to every wicket scalped and run scored by their beloved Chevrons. Locked and loaded in a group armed with heavyweights like Australia and Sri Lanka, nobody would have given them a chance to qualify, let alone finish undefeated at the top of their seeded group. Exploiting the absence of Captain Mitchell Marsh, The Chevrons jostled the Australian bowlers, getting to a decent total of 169 for the loss of two wickets with a half-century from Brian Bennett. Following this came a divine intervention in the form of Blessing Muzarabani, scalping four wickets for 17 runs in his four-over spell that included the likes of opener Josh Inglis, Tim David and Matt Renshaw, breaking the lynchpin or the cog in the Australian run chase, bowling them out before the end of the 20th over. Days later, after humbling Australia, the next task at hand for Zimbabwe was taming the co-hosts Sri Lanka in their own backyard. Roaring their way through the tournament by steamrolling Australia by 8 wickets, many might have expected Sri Lanka to romp Zimbabwe and finish undefeated on top of Group B. But the Chevrons had other ideas. Restricting Sri Lanka to 178, Zimbabwe ensnared the Sri Lankan spinners and went about their business chasing the target with three balls to spare. Defending a target, Zimbabwe gave a giant killing sting to Australia. On the other hand, while chasing a target against Sri Lanka, the Chevrons made a statement that their victory was not a flash in the pan. Amidst the Brimming smiles, Zimbabwe and their captain Sikander Raza would certainly not forget the horrid time their cricket team had to go through on and off the field. Around two years ago, Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup that took place in the West Indies and USA. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli The Chevrons did not get past the group stage in the 2022 edition in Australia. While they failed to qualify for the 2021 T20 World Cup and the 2023 and 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup (50-overs). They were also suspended by the ICC in 2019 for government interference and were later reinstated that same year. However, fortunes did swing Zimbabwe’s way last year by putting the impetus on Test Cricket. While many of the teams (both full members and associates) pack up their calendars with T20Is and franchise cricket, Zimbabwe decided to play the longest format to quell their issues in the shorter formats of the game. In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Zimbabwe Cricket Chairman Tavengwa Mukhulani said that they will fix their white-ball problems by playing Test Cricket. According to Mukhulani, Players can work and improve on their basics by playing the longest format. Zimbabwe’s tilt towards Test Cricket was calibrated. The Chevrons were scheduled to play eleven Test matches and played ten (Eight at Home) in the last calendar year alone. Only Australia has played equal to or more test matches in the past year. Furthermore, Zimbabwe is projected to get an annual revenue of around $17.64 million as per the ICC’S finance model (2024-27). This roughly comes to about 3% of the total $600 million dollars that the International Cricket Council is estimated to earn in the three-year cycle between 2024 & 2027. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds This pales in comparison to teams like India, which is projected to earn $231 million or 40% of the $600 million that ICC is set to make by the end of the three-year cycle. As per ESPNcricinfo, Zimbabwe spent around $500,000 to organize a Test Match last year. This means that Zimbabwe spent about 2.79% of their annual revenue on holding Test Matches in 2025. Although the Chevrons managed only two victories out of the Ten Test matches (Home & Away) they played last year, the results have bore fruition. Players like Blessing Muzarabani came through the rigors by scalping 42 wickets with an average of 26.8 against oppositions like England, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Ireland and Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Brian Bennett scored 509 runs with two centuries and two half-centuries against England, Afghanistan and Bangladesh at an average of almost 30. The numbers might be minuscule, but the results have been positive considering the success they have had in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

<p>Zimbabwe continued their giant-killing run on Thursday (Feb 19) after they beat co-hosts Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Playing at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Zimbabwe’s win saw them top Group B in the T20 World Cup 2026.&nbsp;</p>

T20 World Cup 2026: And out of nowhere comes a shocking sting from Zimbabwe

<p>Australia salvaged pride in their final T20 World Cup 2026 game on Friday (Feb 20) as they beat Oman by nine wickets. Riding on an excellent batting display from Mitchell Marsh (unbeaten 64) and Adam Zampa’s (21/4) neat bowling saw the Aussies home. However, that win was not enough for the 2021 T20 World Cup champions as they bowed out in the group stage, having lost to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in Group B.</p><h2><strong>Australia salvage pride</strong></h2><p>Marsh reached his fifty inside the six-over power play and hit four sixes and seven fours in all as Australia, having bowled out Oman for 104, raced to 108-1 with more than 10 overs to spare. Fellow opener Travis Head made 32 and Josh Inglis 12 not out, but the win against a 20th-ranked Oman side will be scant consolation after a chaotic campaign in Sri Lanka. A depleted Australia failed to make the second phase for only the second time in the event's history after defeats to Zimbabwe and co-hosts Sri Lanka.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"As I've said a few times, it's a bitterly disappointed change room," said Marsh.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Like every team, we built towards this for two years. Unfortunately, in a couple of key games, we just didn't play our best cricket."</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>Australia arrived after being drubbed 3-0 in Pakistan and without injured fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. They then lost Marsh for the first two games after he was hit during practice and suffered testicular bleeding. Australia's acerbic media did not hold back in their criticism after their fate was sealed when Zimbabwe's match against Ireland was washed out on Tuesday, citing selection "stuff-ups".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chief among those was sticking with the woefully out-of-form Cameron Green and promoting Tim David to number four as a "power hitter" when he had not played since December because of a hamstring injury. Glenn Maxwell, so often a match-winner with the bat in the past, struggled for runs and the Australians dearly missed the experience of Cummins and Hazlewood.</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>Matt Renshaw was Australia's top run scorer in the first two group matches, but he was bewilderingly dropped for the must-win Sri Lanka clash on Monday. After Marsh won the toss and opted to bowl, Australia's Xavier Bartlett took a wicket with the first ball of the Oman innings, bowling Aamir Kaleem. Bartlett took 2-27 and Adam Zampa 4-21 as Oman were routed for 104 in 16.2 overs with Wasim Ali top scoring on 32.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"It's been a really tough few days. There are some pretty quiet voices around the group right now," said Zampa, who was named player of the match.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"We're feeling flat about the World Cup ending so early for us.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I'm pretty disappointed overall. I'm certainly not ready to be flying home tomorrow."</p>

Riding on an excellent batting display from Mitchell Marsh (unbeaten 64) and Adam Zampa’s (21/4) neat bowling saw the Aussies home. However, that win was not enough for the 2021 T20 World Cup champions as they bowed out in the group stage, having lost to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in Group B.

Australia salvaged pride in their final T20 World Cup 2026 game on Friday (Feb 20) as they beat Oman by nine wickets. Riding on an excellent batting display from Mitchell Marsh (unbeaten 64) and Adam Zampa’s (21/4) neat bowling saw the Aussies home. However, that win was not enough for the 2021 T20 World Cup champions as they bowed out in the group stage, having lost to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in Group B. Australia salvage pride Marsh reached his fifty inside the six-over power play and hit four sixes and seven fours in all as Australia, having bowled out Oman for 104, raced to 108-1 with more than 10 overs to spare. Fellow opener Travis Head made 32 and Josh Inglis 12 not out, but the win against a 20th-ranked Oman side will be scant consolation after a chaotic campaign in Sri Lanka. A depleted Australia failed to make the second phase for only the second time in the event's history after defeats to Zimbabwe and co-hosts Sri Lanka. "As I've said a few times, it's a bitterly disappointed change room," said Marsh. "Like every team, we built towards this for two years. Unfortunately, in a couple of key games, we just didn't play our best cricket." ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Australia arrived after being drubbed 3-0 in Pakistan and without injured fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. They then lost Marsh for the first two games after he was hit during practice and suffered testicular bleeding. Australia's acerbic media did not hold back in their criticism after their fate was sealed when Zimbabwe's match against Ireland was washed out on Tuesday, citing selection "stuff-ups". Chief among those was sticking with the woefully out-of-form Cameron Green and promoting Tim David to number four as a "power hitter" when he had not played since December because of a hamstring injury. Glenn Maxwell, so often a match-winner with the bat in the past, struggled for runs and the Australians dearly missed the experience of Cummins and Hazlewood. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Matt Renshaw was Australia's top run scorer in the first two group matches, but he was bewilderingly dropped for the must-win Sri Lanka clash on Monday. After Marsh won the toss and opted to bowl, Australia's Xavier Bartlett took a wicket with the first ball of the Oman innings, bowling Aamir Kaleem. Bartlett took 2-27 and Adam Zampa 4-21 as Oman were routed for 104 in 16.2 overs with Wasim Ali top scoring on 32. "It's been a really tough few days. There are some pretty quiet voices around the group right now," said Zampa, who was named player of the match. "We're feeling flat about the World Cup ending so early for us. "I'm pretty disappointed overall. I'm certainly not ready to be flying home tomorrow."

<p>Riding on an excellent batting display from Mitchell Marsh (unbeaten 64) and Adam Zampa’s (21/4) neat bowling saw the Aussies home. However, that win was not enough for the 2021 T20 World Cup champions as they bowed out in the group stage, having lost to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in Group B.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026: Australia salvage pride in dead-rubber clash, beat Oman in final group game

<p>Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has compared India opener Abhishek Sharma to Pakistan’s Saim Ayub, saying both players have faced similar challenges early in their careers. Abhishek is yet to open his account in the T20 World Cup 2026, having been dismissed for duck in all three matches he has played and also missed one game due to a serious stomach infection. Amir believes Abhishek is trying to hit every ball for a big shot, adding that while this approach may work sometimes, but in international cricket, bowlers will soon find out your weakness. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Saim (Ayub) had the same issue when he came to play the PSL a few years back. He was new and was hitting no-look shots. Nobody knew his weakness because most of his shots were on the leg side. Now, if you bowl at the third or fourth stump line, he struggles to decide. Even in his last two matches, he was dismissed playing on the offside. Unless he improves his offside game, he cannot progress. Strong bowlers will always test your weakness and push you out of your comfort zone. Same for Abhishek. He wants every ball in the slot so he can hit. But at the bigger stages, or in ODIs, har ball lapete mein nahi le sakte (you cannot slog every ball in pressure cricket). Salman Agha and Aryna Dutta got him out in a similar fashion. International cricket will expose you,” Amir said while speaking on the show Haarna Mana hai.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nz-vs-pak-t20-world-cup-2026-super-8-check-live-streaming-details-head-to-head-pitch-weather-report-1771584780582"><strong>NZ vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Check live streaming details, head-to-head, pitch &amp; weather report</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the group stage matches of T20 World Cup 2026, Abhishek was out for a golden duck against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium. In the next match against Pakistan in Colombo, he mistimed a pull shot off captain Salman Agha and got out in the first over. Against the Netherlands, he again fell for duck after missing a pull shot against off-spinner Aryan Dutt.</p><p><br>Despite his recent failures, Abhishek has an aggressive record in T20Is. In 41 matches, he has scored 1,297 runs with a brilliant strike rate of 192.43.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After the Pakistan match, Amir called Abhishek “just a slogger.” He said that the batter attacks every ball and may succeed once in several innings, but often scores only runs like 10, 15 or 20. Amir also questioned his technique.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“By whatever little I have seen, if you ask me honestly, I feel he is just a slogger. He has to go hard at every ball. The day he gets going, it’s fine; otherwise, uske failure ke chances zyaada hain (The chances of his failure are high). He scores once in 8 innings. Otherwise, his scores are 10, 15, 0, and 20. I don’t think he is technically sound,” Amir added.</p>

Despite his recent failures, Abhishek has an aggressive record in T20Is. In 41 matches, he has scored 1,297 runs with a brilliant strike rate of 192.43. 

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has compared India opener Abhishek Sharma to Pakistan’s Saim Ayub, saying both players have faced similar challenges early in their careers. Abhishek is yet to open his account in the T20 World Cup 2026, having been dismissed for duck in all three matches he has played and also missed one game due to a serious stomach infection. Amir believes Abhishek is trying to hit every ball for a big shot, adding that while this approach may work sometimes, but in international cricket, bowlers will soon find out your weakness. “Saim (Ayub) had the same issue when he came to play the PSL a few years back. He was new and was hitting no-look shots. Nobody knew his weakness because most of his shots were on the leg side. Now, if you bowl at the third or fourth stump line, he struggles to decide. Even in his last two matches, he was dismissed playing on the offside. Unless he improves his offside game, he cannot progress. Strong bowlers will always test your weakness and push you out of your comfort zone. Same for Abhishek. He wants every ball in the slot so he can hit. But at the bigger stages, or in ODIs, har ball lapete mein nahi le sakte (you cannot slog every ball in pressure cricket). Salman Agha and Aryna Dutta got him out in a similar fashion. International cricket will expose you,” Amir said while speaking on the show Haarna Mana hai. Also Read - NZ vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Check live streaming details, head-to-head, pitch & weather report In the group stage matches of T20 World Cup 2026, Abhishek was out for a golden duck against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium. In the next match against Pakistan in Colombo, he mistimed a pull shot off captain Salman Agha and got out in the first over. Against the Netherlands, he again fell for duck after missing a pull shot against off-spinner Aryan Dutt. Despite his recent failures, Abhishek has an aggressive record in T20Is. In 41 matches, he has scored 1,297 runs with a brilliant strike rate of 192.43. After the Pakistan match, Amir called Abhishek “just a slogger.” He said that the batter attacks every ball and may succeed once in several innings, but often scores only runs like 10, 15 or 20. Amir also questioned his technique. “By whatever little I have seen, if you ask me honestly, I feel he is just a slogger. He has to go hard at every ball. The day he gets going, it’s fine; otherwise, uske failure ke chances zyaada hain (The chances of his failure are high). He scores once in 8 innings. Otherwise, his scores are 10, 15, 0, and 20. I don’t think he is technically sound,” Amir added.

<p>Despite his recent failures, Abhishek has an aggressive record in T20Is. In 41 matches, he has scored 1,297 runs with a brilliant strike rate of 192.43.&nbsp;</p>

‘International cricket will expose you’: Mohammad Amir on Abhishek Sharma’s T20 World Cup 2026 struggles

<p>India defeated Pakistan in a one-sided contest on Sunday (Feb 15) as the Men in Blue continued their unbeaten streak in the tournament, now stretching their winning run to 12 (after the Netherlands win). Having topped their group, India are now eying a swift run to the semifinal of the T20 World Cup as they prepare to face South Africa in Ahmedabad on Sunday. However, it is the off-field records that are making the rounds with India vs Pakistan clash viewership crossing records and surpassing the 2024 final, which was held between India and South Africa.</p><h2><strong>India vs Pakistan breaks viewership records</strong></h2><p>JioStar, the official digital and broadcast partner of the T20 World Cup 2026, announced that the India vs Pakistan match on JioHotstar set historic milestones on reach and consumption. The match recorded an unprecedented digital reach of 163 million, making it the highest match reach for any ICC event in the T20 format, even surpassing the viewership for the T20 World Cup 2024 final between India and South Africa. The scintillating performance by India also ensured a 56 per cent growth in reach over India vs Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024 on digital.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On mobile, the game clocked the highest match reach in the league stage of any ICC T20 event and 1.2x more than the last India-Pakistan clash at the T20 World Cup 2024. Recognised as the Greatest Rivalry in cricket, the India-Pakistan contest demonstrated its unmatched appeal as fans converged on JioHotstar. On CTV, the match reach was 2.4x higher than the India-Pakistan contest of the 2024 edition. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The match generated a staggering 20 billion minutes of total watch time across all screens, underscoring the massive depth of fan engagement. This led to a 42 per cent increase in consumption compared to the previous edition’s fixture, driven by the Indian national cricket team’s dominant performance as they extended their head-to-head record over Pakistan at the T20 World Cup to 8-1.</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>On linear TV, the highly-anticipated match delivered equally stellar performance, clocking a TVR growth of 71 per cent to become the highest-rated India-Pakistan T20 contest since 2021. The record-breaking engagement on linear TV highlighted the sustained power of traditional broadcast in delivering a massive, collective viewing experience.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>With associate nations competing hard and putting up a show in this edition, the cumulative reach of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the end of the group stage is set to better that of the entire last edition on digital already.</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 build-up to the India vs Pakistan game at the T20 World Cup 2026 and the match itself had all the ingredients of a spectacle. The record-breaking reach and consumption reflect the scale at which fans all over engage with this tournament across platforms,” said Anup Govindan, Head – Sales, Sports, JioStar. “This tournament has already delivered thrilling moments for fans worldwide, and the response to the India-Pakistan clash sets the tone for an exciting ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with the best yet to come.”</p>

The India vs Pakistan match recorded an unprecedented digital reach of 163 million, making it the highest match reach for any ICC event in the T20 format, even surpassing the viewership for the T20 World Cup 2024 final between India and South Africa. 

India defeated Pakistan in a one-sided contest on Sunday (Feb 15) as the Men in Blue continued their unbeaten streak in the tournament, now stretching their winning run to 12 (after the Netherlands win). Having topped their group, India are now eying a swift run to the semifinal of the T20 World Cup as they prepare to face South Africa in Ahmedabad on Sunday. However, it is the off-field records that are making the rounds with India vs Pakistan clash viewership crossing records and surpassing the 2024 final, which was held between India and South Africa. India vs Pakistan breaks viewership records JioStar, the official digital and broadcast partner of the T20 World Cup 2026, announced that the India vs Pakistan match on JioHotstar set historic milestones on reach and consumption. The match recorded an unprecedented digital reach of 163 million, making it the highest match reach for any ICC event in the T20 format, even surpassing the viewership for the T20 World Cup 2024 final between India and South Africa. The scintillating performance by India also ensured a 56 per cent growth in reach over India vs Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024 on digital. On mobile, the game clocked the highest match reach in the league stage of any ICC T20 event and 1.2x more than the last India-Pakistan clash at the T20 World Cup 2024. Recognised as the Greatest Rivalry in cricket, the India-Pakistan contest demonstrated its unmatched appeal as fans converged on JioHotstar. On CTV, the match reach was 2.4x higher than the India-Pakistan contest of the 2024 edition. The match generated a staggering 20 billion minutes of total watch time across all screens, underscoring the massive depth of fan engagement. This led to a 42 per cent increase in consumption compared to the previous edition’s fixture, driven by the Indian national cricket team’s dominant performance as they extended their head-to-head record over Pakistan at the T20 World Cup to 8-1. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds On linear TV, the highly-anticipated match delivered equally stellar performance, clocking a TVR growth of 71 per cent to become the highest-rated India-Pakistan T20 contest since 2021. The record-breaking engagement on linear TV highlighted the sustained power of traditional broadcast in delivering a massive, collective viewing experience. With associate nations competing hard and putting up a show in this edition, the cumulative reach of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the end of the group stage is set to better that of the entire last edition on digital already. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli “The build-up to the India vs Pakistan game at the T20 World Cup 2026 and the match itself had all the ingredients of a spectacle. The record-breaking reach and consumption reflect the scale at which fans all over engage with this tournament across platforms,” said Anup Govindan, Head – Sales, Sports, JioStar. “This tournament has already delivered thrilling moments for fans worldwide, and the response to the India-Pakistan clash sets the tone for an exciting ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with the best yet to come.”

<p>The India vs Pakistan match recorded an unprecedented digital reach of 163 million, making it the highest match reach for any ICC event in the T20 format, even surpassing the viewership for the T20 World Cup 2024 final between India and South Africa.&nbsp;</p>

T20 World Cup 2026: India vs Pakistan group stage clash breaks viewership record, surpasses 2024 final

<p>In the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand will take on Pakistan on Saturday (Feb 21) at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Both sides ended the group stage in second place, with three wins and one loss each. New Zealand, captained by Mitchell Santner, earned comfortable victories against Afghanistan, UAE and Canada. However, they were defeated by South Africa by seven wickets in Ahmedabad on Feb 14.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan began the tournament with a narrow win over the Netherlands. They then beat the United States of America by 31 runs in Colombo. In their next game, they suffered a heavy 61-run defeat to India at R. Premadasa Stadium on Feb 15. Still, Pakistan secured their place in the Super 8s after crushing Namibia by 102 runs in their last group match.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ahead of the match between New Zealand and Pakistan, here’s all you need to know about both sides, including live streaming, broadcast details, squads and other key information.</p><h2>NZ vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 - Live streaming details</h2><h2>Where to watch NZ vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 live?</h2><p>The T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight match between New Zealand and Pakistan will be shown live on the Star Sports Network in India.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vaibhav-sooryavanshi-marked-absent-for-not-appearing-in-class-10-exam-prioritises-ipl-2026-1771324077507"><strong>Sooryavanshi marked absent for not appearing in Class 10 exam, prioritises IPL</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Where to livestream NZ vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match?</strong></h2><p>The fans can watch the live streaming of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight match between New Zealand and Pakistan on the JioHotstar app and website in India.</p><h2><strong>NZ vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026</strong> - Head-to-head</h2><p>New Zealand and Pakistan have faced each other 49 times in T20 Internationals. Pakistan hold a strong advantage with 24 wins, while New Zealand have won 23 matches. Two matches ended without a result.</p><h2><strong>NZ vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 </strong>- Pitch Report</h2><p>The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo usually has a flat pitch that favors batsmen early on but tends to slow down as the game goes on, giving spinners an advantage. While the surface provides consistent bounce at the start, it becomes slower and more responsive to spin later, making it ideal for spin bowlers. Average T20I scores at the venue range between 142 and 167.</p><h2><strong>NZ vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8&nbsp;</strong> - Weather Report</h2><p>According to the Meteorology Department of Sri Lanka, Colombo may experience light to heavy showers on Saturday (Feb 21), putting the New Zealand vs Pakistan T20 World Cup Super Eight clash in doubt. The city has over an 85 percent chance of rain, with evening temperatures expected to hover around 23°C. There is also about a 24 percent chance of thunderstorms.</p><h2><strong>NZ vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8&nbsp;</strong>- Squads</h2><p><strong>New Zealand:</strong> Mitchell Santner (C), Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway and Cole McConchie</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Pakistan:</strong> Salman Ali Agha (C), Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza and Khawaja Nafay</p>

Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight match between New Zealand and Pakistan, here’s all you need to know about both sides, including live streaming, broadcast details, squads and other key information.

In the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand will take on Pakistan on Saturday (Feb 21) at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Both sides ended the group stage in second place, with three wins and one loss each. New Zealand, captained by Mitchell Santner, earned comfortable victories against Afghanistan, UAE and Canada. However, they were defeated by South Africa by seven wickets in Ahmedabad on Feb 14. Pakistan began the tournament with a narrow win over the Netherlands. They then beat the United States of America by 31 runs in Colombo. In their next game, they suffered a heavy 61-run defeat to India at R. Premadasa Stadium on Feb 15. Still, Pakistan secured their place in the Super 8s after crushing Namibia by 102 runs in their last group match. Ahead of the match between New Zealand and Pakistan, here’s all you need to know about both sides, including live streaming, broadcast details, squads and other key information. NZ vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 - Live streaming details Where to watch NZ vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 live? The T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight match between New Zealand and Pakistan will be shown live on the Star Sports Network in India. Also Read - Sooryavanshi marked absent for not appearing in Class 10 exam, prioritises IPL Where to livestream NZ vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match? The fans can watch the live streaming of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight match between New Zealand and Pakistan on the JioHotstar app and website in India. NZ vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 - Head-to-head New Zealand and Pakistan have faced each other 49 times in T20 Internationals. Pakistan hold a strong advantage with 24 wins, while New Zealand have won 23 matches. Two matches ended without a result. NZ vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 - Pitch Report The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo usually has a flat pitch that favors batsmen early on but tends to slow down as the game goes on, giving spinners an advantage. While the surface provides consistent bounce at the start, it becomes slower and more responsive to spin later, making it ideal for spin bowlers. Average T20I scores at the venue range between 142 and 167. NZ vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 - Weather Report According to the Meteorology Department of Sri Lanka, Colombo may experience light to heavy showers on Saturday (Feb 21), putting the New Zealand vs Pakistan T20 World Cup Super Eight clash in doubt. The city has over an 85 percent chance of rain, with evening temperatures expected to hover around 23°C. There is also about a 24 percent chance of thunderstorms. NZ vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 - Squads New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (C), Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway and Cole McConchie Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (C), Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza and Khawaja Nafay

<p>Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight match between New Zealand and Pakistan, here’s all you need to know about both sides, including live streaming, broadcast details, squads and other key information.</p>

NZ vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Check live streaming details, head-to-head, pitch & weather report

<p>The T20 World Cup 2026 group stage is all but with only one match left, Australia vs Oman (Feb 20), which will have no impact on the placing of Super 8 teams. The group matches saw top two teams from each group advance to Super 8 but the pre-seeding done by the ICC has created a situation fans and experts are calling 'nonsense.' After Zimbabwe beat Sri Lanka in Gruop B match on Thursday (Feb 19), pre-seeding meant that all group-topping teams from each group are placed in Super 8 Group X while the second-finishing teams in group-stage are placed in Group Y - prompting a call out against pre-seeding done by the ICC as a means to set up an India vs Pakistan knockout match.</p><h2>What is pre-seeding in T20 World Cup 2026?</h2><p>The ICC, while annoucning the groups, fixtures, and schedule for the T20 World Cup 2026, also shared Super 8 groups based on pre-determined and expected results. As per pre-seeding done by the ICC - India (Group A), Australia (Group B), West Indies (Group C), and South Africa (Group D) were placed in Group X and Pakistan (Group A), Sri Lanka (Group B), England (Group C), and New Zealand (Group D) were placed in Group Y.</p><p>The ICC also said that if any other team qualifies for the Super 8 in place of pre-seeded teams, then the qualified team will take the place of eliminated team in pre-seeded groups.</p><p><strong>Also Read </strong>- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-unwritten-rule-in-t20-leagues-no-pakistan-player-to-be-picked-in-ipl-linked-hundred-teams-report-1771550279808">'Unwritten rule in T20 leagues': No Pakistan player to be picked in IPL-linked Hundred teams - Report</a></p><p>After Zimbabwe went unbeaten in the Group B with wins over Oman, Australia, and Sri Lanka - they ended up qualifying over Australia and finish above Sri Lanka in their group. The result meant Zimbabwe replaced Australia in Group X of Super 8 with India, West Indies and South Africa - all of which also topped their group.</p><p>Meanwhile, all Group Y Super &nbsp;pre-seeded teams ended up being qualified second in the group-stage - making the Super 8 tougher in one group and slightly easier in the other.</p><h2>What the fans are saying?</h2><p>The fans as well as experts have called the pre-seeding with some suggesting that it was done by the ICC to ensure an India vs Pakistan knockout fixture. Here's how the social media erupted:</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This pre-seeding format is nonsense. All the group toppers end up together, and finishing first or second means nothing, which is why so many games feel like dead rubbers.<br><br>It almost looks designed to push big matchups like India vs Pakistan in the knockouts for revenue. <a href="https://t.co/GmuQSH9lsM">pic.twitter.com/GmuQSH9lsM</a></p>&mdash; Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vipintiwari952/status/2024491835956351244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">School ke saare toppers ek group mein aa gaye…<br>India, Zimbabwe, South Africa, West Indies…all undefeated. All in one group. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a></p>&mdash; Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/2024501647716864324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">All the table-toppers have ended up in the same Super Eights group... 🤔 <a href="https://t.co/XPWYdGzXHN">pic.twitter.com/XPWYdGzXHN</a></p>&mdash; Wisden (@WisdenCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/WisdenCricket/status/2024481768674333021?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

After Zimbabwe went unbeaten in Group B with wins over Oman, Australia, and Sri Lanka - they ended up qualifying over Australia and finish above SL in their group. The result meant Zimbabwe replaced Australia in Group X of Super 8 with India, WI and SA - all of which also topped their group.

The T20 World Cup 2026 group stage is all but with only one match left, Australia vs Oman (Feb 20), which will have no impact on the placing of Super 8 teams. The group matches saw top two teams from each group advance to Super 8 but the pre-seeding done by the ICC has created a situation fans and experts are calling 'nonsense.' After Zimbabwe beat Sri Lanka in Gruop B match on Thursday (Feb 19), pre-seeding meant that all group-topping teams from each group are placed in Super 8 Group X while the second-finishing teams in group-stage are placed in Group Y - prompting a call out against pre-seeding done by the ICC as a means to set up an India vs Pakistan knockout match. What is pre-seeding in T20 World Cup 2026? The ICC, while annoucning the groups, fixtures, and schedule for the T20 World Cup 2026, also shared Super 8 groups based on pre-determined and expected results. As per pre-seeding done by the ICC - India (Group A), Australia (Group B), West Indies (Group C), and South Africa (Group D) were placed in Group X and Pakistan (Group A), Sri Lanka (Group B), England (Group C), and New Zealand (Group D) were placed in Group Y. The ICC also said that if any other team qualifies for the Super 8 in place of pre-seeded teams, then the qualified team will take the place of eliminated team in pre-seeded groups. Also Read - 'Unwritten rule in T20 leagues': No Pakistan player to be picked in IPL-linked Hundred teams - Report After Zimbabwe went unbeaten in the Group B with wins over Oman, Australia, and Sri Lanka - they ended up qualifying over Australia and finish above Sri Lanka in their group. The result meant Zimbabwe replaced Australia in Group X of Super 8 with India, West Indies and South Africa - all of which also topped their group. Meanwhile, all Group Y Super pre-seeded teams ended up being qualified second in the group-stage - making the Super 8 tougher in one group and slightly easier in the other. What the fans are saying? The fans as well as experts have called the pre-seeding with some suggesting that it was done by the ICC to ensure an India vs Pakistan knockout fixture. Here's how the social media erupted:

<p>After Zimbabwe went unbeaten in Group B with wins over Oman, Australia, and Sri Lanka - they ended up qualifying over Australia and finish above SL in their group. The result meant Zimbabwe replaced Australia in Group X of Super 8 with India, WI and SA - all of which also topped their group.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Designed to push IND vs PAK': Dissension enuses after ICC pre-seeding puts all top teams together in Super 8

<p>Afghanistan dropped curtains on their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a one-sided victory over Canada as they won by 82 runs. Playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, there was no fairytale story for Afghanistan this time as they were eliminated in the group stage of the T20 World Cup. The Asian side had famously reached the semifinal of the 2024 T20 World Cup but settled for a third-place finish in Group D in the ongoing tournament with two wins in four matches.</p><h2><strong>Afghanistan win dead-rubber</strong></h2><p>Riding on Ibrahim Zadran's fantastic knock and a clinical bowling display led by Mohammad Nabi, Afghanistan outplayed Canada in all departments to secure a comprehensive win. Put into bat, Afghanistan's opening pair once again started well, putting on 47 runs. However, star batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell for 30, and Afghanistan slipped to 49/2 in the power play.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ibrahim Zadran led the Afghanistan rebuild with a gritty half-century, his second successive fifty at the World Cup. His 95-run partnership with Sediqullah Atal (44) gave Afghanistan the perfect platform to launch the final few overs. Carrying the bat through, Zadran scored his personal best knock of 95 off 56, which is also the highest score by an Afghanistan player in this edition of the World Cup. In a well-paced innings, he struck seven fours and five sixes. Afghanistan posted a challenging score of 200/4 in 20 overs.</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>For Canada, Jaskarandeep Singh was the most successful bowler and ended with 3/52 in four overs.</p><p><br>Chasing 201, the last match centurion, Yuvraj Samra departed for 17 runs off 14 balls, with three fours by off-spinner Mohammad Nabi. Captain Dilpreet Bajwa (13) was clean bowled by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Navneet Dhailwal departed after a five-ball duck to Azmatullah Omarzai. Canada crawled to 34/3 in six overs.</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>Wickets continued to fall for Canada after the power play. Mohammad Nabi removed Nicholas Kirton (20) during the eighth over, and wicketkeeper-batter Shreyas Movva (2) was dismissed to Rashid Khan in the next over as Canada reached 48/5 in nine overs. Saad Bin Zafar (28), Dilon Heyliger (3), Jaskaran Singh (7*) and Ansh Patel (2*) also had forgetfull day as Canada crawled to 118/8 in 20 overs, losing the one-sided contest by 82 runs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi (4/7), captain Rashid Khan (2/19), Azmatullah Omarzai (1/18) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (1/23) were among the wicket takers.&nbsp;</p>

Playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, there was no fairytale story for Afghanistan this time as they were eliminated in the group stage of the T20 World Cup. 

Afghanistan dropped curtains on their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a one-sided victory over Canada as they won by 82 runs. Playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, there was no fairytale story for Afghanistan this time as they were eliminated in the group stage of the T20 World Cup. The Asian side had famously reached the semifinal of the 2024 T20 World Cup but settled for a third-place finish in Group D in the ongoing tournament with two wins in four matches. Afghanistan win dead-rubber Riding on Ibrahim Zadran's fantastic knock and a clinical bowling display led by Mohammad Nabi, Afghanistan outplayed Canada in all departments to secure a comprehensive win. Put into bat, Afghanistan's opening pair once again started well, putting on 47 runs. However, star batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell for 30, and Afghanistan slipped to 49/2 in the power play. Ibrahim Zadran led the Afghanistan rebuild with a gritty half-century, his second successive fifty at the World Cup. His 95-run partnership with Sediqullah Atal (44) gave Afghanistan the perfect platform to launch the final few overs. Carrying the bat through, Zadran scored his personal best knock of 95 off 56, which is also the highest score by an Afghanistan player in this edition of the World Cup. In a well-paced innings, he struck seven fours and five sixes. Afghanistan posted a challenging score of 200/4 in 20 overs. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds For Canada, Jaskarandeep Singh was the most successful bowler and ended with 3/52 in four overs. Chasing 201, the last match centurion, Yuvraj Samra departed for 17 runs off 14 balls, with three fours by off-spinner Mohammad Nabi. Captain Dilpreet Bajwa (13) was clean bowled by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Navneet Dhailwal departed after a five-ball duck to Azmatullah Omarzai. Canada crawled to 34/3 in six overs. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Wickets continued to fall for Canada after the power play. Mohammad Nabi removed Nicholas Kirton (20) during the eighth over, and wicketkeeper-batter Shreyas Movva (2) was dismissed to Rashid Khan in the next over as Canada reached 48/5 in nine overs. Saad Bin Zafar (28), Dilon Heyliger (3), Jaskaran Singh (7*) and Ansh Patel (2*) also had forgetfull day as Canada crawled to 118/8 in 20 overs, losing the one-sided contest by 82 runs. For Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi (4/7), captain Rashid Khan (2/19), Azmatullah Omarzai (1/18) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (1/23) were among the wicket takers.

<p>Playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, there was no fairytale story for Afghanistan this time as they were eliminated in the group stage of the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

T20 World Cup 2026: Afghanistan drop curtains with one-sided win over Canada, finish third in Group D

<p>Zimbabwe continued their giant-killing run on Thursday (Feb 19) after they beat co-hosts Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Playing at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Zimbabwe’s win comes as a stern warning to India, whom they face in the Super 8 game. The six-wicket win for Zimbabwe also means they finished top of Group B ahead of Sri Lanka and Australia, having also beaten the latter.</p><h2><strong>Zimbabwe beat Sri Lanka to top Group B</strong></h2><p>Chasing 179, they finished 182/4 with three balls to spare against the co-hosts at the R. Premadasa stadium in Colombo. Ranked 11th in the world, Zimbabwe upset former champions Australia last week. They also beat Oman and shared the points when their game against Ireland was washed out on Tuesday. Zimbabwe needed a tricky 65 off 36 balls when captain Sikandar Raza blasted 20 off an over from leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha, including two sixes and a four, to swing the match.</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>Raza and Brian Bennett added 69 off 40 deliveries for the third wicket and though Raza fell in the 19th over for 45, Zimbabwe eased to their target. Opener Bennett batted through the innings to be 63 not out. Needing eight off the final over, Tony Munyonga clubbed Maheesh Theekshana's first ball for six to calm any Zimbabwe nerves before Bennett hit the winning boundary.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"We have trained for every situation. Then we have the right personnel to send in at the right time," said Raza, who was named player of the match.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"We have got all those roles clear and that is why you see the confidence in the changing room."</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>It was Zimbabwe's second-highest successful run chase in T20 internationals. After opting to bat first, Pathum Nissanka held Sri Lanka’s innings together again. Nissanka had become the first centurion of the tournament against Australia on Monday and he followed that up with a solid 62 off 47 balls. It was his seventh fifty in T20 World Cups, equalling Mahela Jayawardene for the most by a Sri Lankan.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sri Lanka open their Super Eights campaign against England in Kandy on Sunday, while Zimbabwe will face the West Indies in Mumbai on Monday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Playing at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Zimbabwe’s win against Sri Lanka comes as a stern warning to India, whom they face in the Super 8 game. 

Zimbabwe continued their giant-killing run on Thursday (Feb 19) after they beat co-hosts Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Playing at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Zimbabwe’s win comes as a stern warning to India, whom they face in the Super 8 game. The six-wicket win for Zimbabwe also means they finished top of Group B ahead of Sri Lanka and Australia, having also beaten the latter. Zimbabwe beat Sri Lanka to top Group B Chasing 179, they finished 182/4 with three balls to spare against the co-hosts at the R. Premadasa stadium in Colombo. Ranked 11th in the world, Zimbabwe upset former champions Australia last week. They also beat Oman and shared the points when their game against Ireland was washed out on Tuesday. Zimbabwe needed a tricky 65 off 36 balls when captain Sikandar Raza blasted 20 off an over from leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha, including two sixes and a four, to swing the match. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds Raza and Brian Bennett added 69 off 40 deliveries for the third wicket and though Raza fell in the 19th over for 45, Zimbabwe eased to their target. Opener Bennett batted through the innings to be 63 not out. Needing eight off the final over, Tony Munyonga clubbed Maheesh Theekshana's first ball for six to calm any Zimbabwe nerves before Bennett hit the winning boundary. "We have trained for every situation. Then we have the right personnel to send in at the right time," said Raza, who was named player of the match. "We have got all those roles clear and that is why you see the confidence in the changing room." ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli It was Zimbabwe's second-highest successful run chase in T20 internationals. After opting to bat first, Pathum Nissanka held Sri Lanka’s innings together again. Nissanka had become the first centurion of the tournament against Australia on Monday and he followed that up with a solid 62 off 47 balls. It was his seventh fifty in T20 World Cups, equalling Mahela Jayawardene for the most by a Sri Lankan. Sri Lanka open their Super Eights campaign against England in Kandy on Sunday, while Zimbabwe will face the West Indies in Mumbai on Monday.

<p>Playing at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Zimbabwe’s win against Sri Lanka comes as a stern warning to India, whom they face in the Super 8 game.&nbsp;</p>

T20 World Cup 2026: Zimbabwe continue giant-killing run, beat Sri Lanka to top Group B

<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

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 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>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>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

India, with six points in three matches, are already through Super 8 and have been seeded in Group X prior to the tournament. They face South Africa (Feb 22), Zimbabwe (Feb 26), and West Indies (Mar 1) in Super 8 at Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Kolkata, respectively.

<p>India, with six points in three matches, are already through Super 8 and have been seeded in Group X prior to the tournament. They face South Africa (Feb 22), Zimbabwe (Feb 26), and West Indies (Mar 1) in Super 8 at Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Kolkata, respectively.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026 | Another IND vs PAK possible? Which teams India face in Super 8 matches and when

<p>India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has asked the batter to be more adapt to team needs as per the situation while trying to maintain the attacking style. Kotak's comments came on the eve of India's last group-stage match in T20 World Cup 2026. India play Netherlands in their last Group A match on Wednesday (Feb 18). Kotak made the suggestion while addressing Abhishek Sharma's two back-to-back ducks in the tournament so far. While Kotak asserted that the team is not worried about Abhishek's twin failures, they would want him firing before the Super 8 fixtures with Netherlands match offering perfect opportunity to do so.</p><h2>Kotak wants Indian players to adapt to what team needs</h2><p>"I think playing aggressive cricket is important. But I don't think plans change based on whether a player has failed or not," Kotak said at the pre-match press conference. "If anything, plans will change according to situations. No matter whether somebody has scored runs for two innings or somebody hasn't, it's important to adapt to what the team needs.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/big-bash-league-set-for-india-debut-in-chennai-cricket-australia-exploring-move-report-1771337677785">BBL set for India debut in Chennai? Cricket Australia exploring move: Report</a></p><p>"Like the Mumbai game where Surya had to stay there for a while, and he had to go at run-a-ball more or less for 30-35 balls - that's playing to the situation. Whether someone scores runs or not is not important, what team requires at a time and players trying to execute that is more important," the India batting coach explained with an example.</p><h2>India top Group A</h2><p>With six points after three wins in three matches, India are certain to top Group A if they lose against Netherlands or the match gets washed out. They have already qualified for the Super 8 where the Suryakumar Yadav-led team is placed in Group X along with South Africa, West Indies, and Zimbabwe. Each team will play once each against the rest of the teams in each group in Super 8 and top two teams from each group will advance to semis.</p>

Kotak made the suggestion while addressing Abhishek Sharma's two back-to-back ducks in the tournament so far. While Kotak asserted that the team is not worried about Abhishek's twin failures, they would want him firing before the Super 8.

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has asked the batter to be more adapt to team needs as per the situation while trying to maintain the attacking style. Kotak's comments came on the eve of India's last group-stage match in T20 World Cup 2026. India play Netherlands in their last Group A match on Wednesday (Feb 18). Kotak made the suggestion while addressing Abhishek Sharma's two back-to-back ducks in the tournament so far. While Kotak asserted that the team is not worried about Abhishek's twin failures, they would want him firing before the Super 8 fixtures with Netherlands match offering perfect opportunity to do so. Kotak wants Indian players to adapt to what team needs "I think playing aggressive cricket is important. But I don't think plans change based on whether a player has failed or not," Kotak said at the pre-match press conference. "If anything, plans will change according to situations. No matter whether somebody has scored runs for two innings or somebody hasn't, it's important to adapt to what the team needs. Also Read - BBL set for India debut in Chennai? Cricket Australia exploring move: Report "Like the Mumbai game where Surya had to stay there for a while, and he had to go at run-a-ball more or less for 30-35 balls - that's playing to the situation. Whether someone scores runs or not is not important, what team requires at a time and players trying to execute that is more important," the India batting coach explained with an example. India top Group A With six points after three wins in three matches, India are certain to top Group A if they lose against Netherlands or the match gets washed out. They have already qualified for the Super 8 where the Suryakumar Yadav-led team is placed in Group X along with South Africa, West Indies, and Zimbabwe. Each team will play once each against the rest of the teams in each group in Super 8 and top two teams from each group will advance to semis.

<p>Kotak made the suggestion while addressing Abhishek Sharma's two back-to-back ducks in the tournament so far. While Kotak asserted that the team is not worried about Abhishek's twin failures, they would want him firing before the Super 8.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Important to adapt:' India batting coach Kotak not worried about Abhishek's twin ducks

<p>Dipendra Singh Airee scored an unbeaten half-century to guide Nepal to a seven-wicket victory over Scotland in their final Group C match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday (Feb 17). Airee smashed 50 runs from just 23 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes. Kushal Bhurtel scored 43 off 35 balls as Nepal chased down the target of 171 with four balls to spare. Aasif Sheikh contributed 33 from 27 balls, while Gulsan Jha remained not out on 24 from 17 balls.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For Scotland, Michael Leask was the only bowler to make an impact, claiming three wickets for 30 runs in four overs. The other bowlers failed to take a wicket.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/big-bash-league-set-for-india-debut-in-chennai-cricket-australia-exploring-move-report-1771337677785"><strong>BBL set for India debut in Chennai? Cricket Australia exploring move: Report</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, Nepal chose to bowl first and restricted Scotland to 170 for seven in 20 overs. Michael Jones was Scotland’s top scorer with 71 runs off 45 balls, including eight fours and three sixes. George Munsey scored 27 off 29 balls, while Brandon McMullen made 25 from 19 balls.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For Nepal, Sompal Kami took three wickets for 25 runs and Nandan Yadav picked up two wickets for 34 runs. Rohit Paudel and Bhurtel took one wicket each.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-ned-t20-world-cup-2026-match-36-check-live-streaming-details-head-to-head-pitch-weather-report-1771331770811"><strong>IND vs NED, T20 World Cup 2026 Match 36: Check live streaming details, head-to-head, pitch &amp; weather report</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>With this result, both teams ended their T20 World Cup campaign. Nepal finished fifth in Group C with one win and three losses from four matches. Scotland ended third with the same record but had a better Net Run Rate (NRR).</p>

With this result, both teams ended their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Nepal finished fifth in Group C with one win and three losses from four matches. Scotland ended third with the same record but had a better Net Run Rate (NRR).

Dipendra Singh Airee scored an unbeaten half-century to guide Nepal to a seven-wicket victory over Scotland in their final Group C match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday (Feb 17). Airee smashed 50 runs from just 23 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes. Kushal Bhurtel scored 43 off 35 balls as Nepal chased down the target of 171 with four balls to spare. Aasif Sheikh contributed 33 from 27 balls, while Gulsan Jha remained not out on 24 from 17 balls. For Scotland, Michael Leask was the only bowler to make an impact, claiming three wickets for 30 runs in four overs. The other bowlers failed to take a wicket. Also Read - BBL set for India debut in Chennai? Cricket Australia exploring move: Report Earlier, Nepal chose to bowl first and restricted Scotland to 170 for seven in 20 overs. Michael Jones was Scotland’s top scorer with 71 runs off 45 balls, including eight fours and three sixes. George Munsey scored 27 off 29 balls, while Brandon McMullen made 25 from 19 balls. For Nepal, Sompal Kami took three wickets for 25 runs and Nandan Yadav picked up two wickets for 34 runs. Rohit Paudel and Bhurtel took one wicket each. Also Read - IND vs NED, T20 World Cup 2026 Match 36: Check live streaming details, head-to-head, pitch & weather report With this result, both teams ended their T20 World Cup campaign. Nepal finished fifth in Group C with one win and three losses from four matches. Scotland ended third with the same record but had a better Net Run Rate (NRR).

<p>With this result, both teams ended their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Nepal finished fifth in Group C with one win and three losses from four matches. Scotland ended third with the same record but had a better Net Run Rate (NRR).</p>

T20 World Cup 2026: Nepal cruise past Scotland by seven wickets

<p>The crucial T20 World Cup 2026 clash between Ireland and Zimbabwe was washed out at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Tuesday (Feb 17). As a result, both teams earned one point each. With this outcome, Zimbabwe secured their place in the Super Eight stage of the tournament, joining India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, West Indies, England and South Africa. Meanwhile, Australia was knocked out of the tournament, marking the second time in T20 World Cup history that they failed to advance to the next stage.<br>&nbsp;<br>Australia’s chances of reaching the Super Eight stage were already shaken after they lost to Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Kandy on Monday (Feb 16). Dushan Hemantha took three wickets for 37 runs in his four overs and helped bowl Australia out for 181. During the chase, Pathum Nissanka scored an unbeaten 100 from just 52 balls, leading Sri Lanka to an easy win and securing their place in the Super 8.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usman-tariq-confident-of-pakistan-super-8-chances-after-india-drubbing-in-t20-world-cup-namibia-colombo-1771324525558"><strong>Usman Tariq confident of PAK's Super 8 chances after India drubbing in T20 WC</strong></a><br>&nbsp;<br>After the match, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said that his team did not perform well enough and explained that the problem was mainly their execution.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He further added that the team was disappointed but did not want to blame anyone and admitted that they have failed to execute their plans, especially as the pitch became slower later in the match.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I think it was probably just execution tonight. That full-strength batting lineup has some of the best players of spin in Australia. It was more about execution. Sri Lanka pulled it back beautifully. We were probably a few short after the start. We had great belief going into the second innings, but we were outplayed,” Marsh said at post-match press conference.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I guess we’ll never know what would have happened if we made 220. We had a good platform but weren’t able to execute towards the back end. It’s disappointing. We’re certainly not here to blame anyone, but we’re a disappointed group. We knew we were going to face spin towards the back end, the pitch slowed up a little bit, but again, it was about execution,” he added.</p>

This marks the first time in T20 World Cup history that Australia have been eliminated before the Super Eight stage.

The crucial T20 World Cup 2026 clash between Ireland and Zimbabwe was washed out at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Tuesday (Feb 17). As a result, both teams earned one point each. With this outcome, Zimbabwe secured their place in the Super Eight stage of the tournament, joining India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, West Indies, England and South Africa. Meanwhile, Australia was knocked out of the tournament, marking the second time in T20 World Cup history that they failed to advance to the next stage. Australia’s chances of reaching the Super Eight stage were already shaken after they lost to Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Kandy on Monday (Feb 16). Dushan Hemantha took three wickets for 37 runs in his four overs and helped bowl Australia out for 181. During the chase, Pathum Nissanka scored an unbeaten 100 from just 52 balls, leading Sri Lanka to an easy win and securing their place in the Super 8. Also read - Usman Tariq confident of PAK's Super 8 chances after India drubbing in T20 WC After the match, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said that his team did not perform well enough and explained that the problem was mainly their execution. He further added that the team was disappointed but did not want to blame anyone and admitted that they have failed to execute their plans, especially as the pitch became slower later in the match. “I think it was probably just execution tonight. That full-strength batting lineup has some of the best players of spin in Australia. It was more about execution. Sri Lanka pulled it back beautifully. We were probably a few short after the start. We had great belief going into the second innings, but we were outplayed,” Marsh said at post-match press conference. “I guess we’ll never know what would have happened if we made 220. We had a good platform but weren’t able to execute towards the back end. It’s disappointing. We’re certainly not here to blame anyone, but we’re a disappointed group. We knew we were going to face spin towards the back end, the pitch slowed up a little bit, but again, it was about execution,” he added.

<p>This marks the first time in T20 World Cup history that Australia have been eliminated before the Super Eight stage.</p>

Australia knocked out of T20 World Cup 2026 as Zimbabwe qualify from Group B

<p>Rain delayed the toss for the crucial Zimbabwe vs Ireland T20 World Cup 2026 match at the Pallakele International Stadium in Kandy on Tuesday (Feb 17). The match is vital for both Zimbabwe and Australia, as if Zimbabwe win, they will move into the Super Eight stage and knock the 2021 champions Australia out of the tournament.</p><h2>What if Zimbabwe vs Ireland washes out</h2><p>If rain stops the match and there is no result, then both teams will get one point each. Zimbabwe would then have five points. Even if Australia beat Oman in their last league match on Friday, they can only reach four points. This means a no-result would still send Zimbabwe into the Super 8 along with Sri Lanka.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Australia’s chances of reaching the Super Eight stage were already shaken after they lost to Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Kandy on Monday (Feb 16). Dushan Hemantha took three wickets for 37 runs in his four overs and helped bowl Australia out for 181. In chasing, Pathum Nissanka scored an unbeaten 100 from just 52 balls, leading Sri Lanka to an easy win and securing their place in the Super 8.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-crush-canada-to-enter-super-8-afghanistan-knocked-out-from-t20-world-cup-2026-group-d-standings-1771319332418"><strong>New Zealand crush Canada to enter Super 8; AFG knocked out from T20 World Cup</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After the match, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said that his team did not perform well enough and explained that the problem was mainly their execution.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He further added that the team was disappointed but did not want to blame anyone and admitted that they have failed to execute their plans, especially as the pitch became slower later in the match.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I think it was probably just execution tonight. That full-strength batting lineup has some of the best players of spin in Australia. It was more about execution. Sri Lanka pulled it back beautifully. We were probably a few short after the start. We had great belief going into the second innings, but we were outplayed,” Marsh said at post-match press conference.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I guess we’ll never know what would have happened if we made 220. We had a good platform but weren’t able to execute towards the back end. It’s disappointing. We’re certainly not here to blame anyone, but we’re a disappointed group. We knew we were going to face spin towards the back end, the pitch slowed up a little bit, but again, it was about execution,” he added.</p>

Australia’s chances in the Super Eight stage now totally depends on the Ireland vs Zimbabwe clash after they lost to Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Kandy on Monday (Feb 16).

Rain delayed the toss for the crucial Zimbabwe vs Ireland T20 World Cup 2026 match at the Pallakele International Stadium in Kandy on Tuesday (Feb 17). The match is vital for both Zimbabwe and Australia, as if Zimbabwe win, they will move into the Super Eight stage and knock the 2021 champions Australia out of the tournament. What if Zimbabwe vs Ireland washes out If rain stops the match and there is no result, then both teams will get one point each. Zimbabwe would then have five points. Even if Australia beat Oman in their last league match on Friday, they can only reach four points. This means a no-result would still send Zimbabwe into the Super 8 along with Sri Lanka. Australia’s chances of reaching the Super Eight stage were already shaken after they lost to Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Kandy on Monday (Feb 16). Dushan Hemantha took three wickets for 37 runs in his four overs and helped bowl Australia out for 181. In chasing, Pathum Nissanka scored an unbeaten 100 from just 52 balls, leading Sri Lanka to an easy win and securing their place in the Super 8. Also Read - New Zealand crush Canada to enter Super 8; AFG knocked out from T20 World Cup After the match, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said that his team did not perform well enough and explained that the problem was mainly their execution. He further added that the team was disappointed but did not want to blame anyone and admitted that they have failed to execute their plans, especially as the pitch became slower later in the match. “I think it was probably just execution tonight. That full-strength batting lineup has some of the best players of spin in Australia. It was more about execution. Sri Lanka pulled it back beautifully. We were probably a few short after the start. We had great belief going into the second innings, but we were outplayed,” Marsh said at post-match press conference. “I guess we’ll never know what would have happened if we made 220. We had a good platform but weren’t able to execute towards the back end. It’s disappointing. We’re certainly not here to blame anyone, but we’re a disappointed group. We knew we were going to face spin towards the back end, the pitch slowed up a little bit, but again, it was about execution,” he added.

<p>Australia’s chances in the Super Eight stage now totally depends on the Ireland vs Zimbabwe clash after they lost to Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Kandy on Monday (Feb 16).</p>

T20 World Cup 2026: Can Australia qualify for Super 8 if Zimbabwe vs Ireland washes out

The 19-year-old has been named after India legend Yuvraj Singh by his father Balhit Samra - a resident of Canada. Samra made his debut for Canada in ODIs in March 2025 and made the T20I debut in the same month - against Namibia - scoring 37 off 18 balls.

<p>The 19-year-old has been named after India legend Yuvraj Singh by his father Balhit Samra - a resident of Canada. Samra made his debut for Canada in ODIs in March 2025 and made the T20I debut in the same month - against Namibia - scoring 37 off 18 balls.</p>

Meet Yuvraj Samra - Canadian batter named after India's Yuvraj - first batter from associate nations to score T20 World Cup hundred

<p>Pakistan's latest thrashing by India in T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday (Feb 15) at Premadasa Stadium in Sri Lanka isn't going down too well with either fans or Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials. While the fans have brutally trolled them for an unspirited performance, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has also conveyed his displeasure to the team. Pakistan lost the match by 61 runs after being bowled out for 114 in a chase of 176. The 2009 champions now face Namibia in their last Group A fixture for a place in Super 8. If Pakistan lose against Namibia on Wednesday (Feb 18), they will have to depend on net run rate while vying with the USA for a place in the next round.</p><h2>Naqvi leaves red-faced with Pak loss inevitable vs India</h2><p>During the match, Naqvi was in the stadium and was visibly upset about how things were unfolding. Pakistan were unravelling like a pack of cards and the chief couldn't watch it at all. Naqvi eventually left the stadium before the Pak lost. "The Chairman left the match early at the Premadasa Stadium as it became obvious Pakistan were going to face another defeat to India," a source said as reported by the news agency PTI. Have a look at the video below:</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">VIDEO | ICC Men&#39;s T20 World Cup, 2026: PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi leaves R. Premadasa International Stadium. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsPAK</a><br><br>(Full video available on PTI Videos - <a href="https://t.co/n147TvrpG7">https://t.co/n147TvrpG7</a>) <a href="https://t.co/QXbYcjFUCN">pic.twitter.com/QXbYcjFUCN</a></p>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/2023078463838748677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>After the loss, Pakistan's eighth in T20 World Cups against India, Naqvi expressed his displeasure on the performance via a PCB official. The PCB chief "conveyed his displeasure over the team's performance in the 61-run loss to India to team manager Naved Akram Cheema," the source also informed.</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-watch-nissanka-takes-catch-of-the-tournament-and-hits-a-ton-to-push-australia-to-exit-door-1771299830690">T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Catch of the tournament and a ton': How Nissanka pushed Australia to exit door</a></p><p>"Late night the management think tank decided enough was enough and it was to bench Babar and Shaheen and try out Salman Mirza/Naseem Shah and Fakhar Zaman against Namibia on Wednesday," it further added.</p><h2>How can Pakistan qualify for Super 8?</h2><p>For Pakistan to qualify to play Super 8, the equation is simple - beat Namibia. With two wins in three matches, win against Namibia will give Pakistan two points required to advance to the next stage. Meanwhile, a loss against Naimbia will keep Pakistan at four points in maximum four matches - same as the USA. The two teams then will fight it out over net run rate and the team with better NRR will proceed to next stage. Currently, USA's NRR is 0.788 and Pakistan are at -0.403 which means a loss will most definitely see Pakistan out of the tournament.</p>

For Pakistan to qualify to play Super 8, the equation is simple - beat Namibia. Currently, USA's NRR is 0.788 and Pakistan are at -0.403 which means a loss will most definitely see Pakistan out of the tournament.

Pakistan's latest thrashing by India in T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday (Feb 15) at Premadasa Stadium in Sri Lanka isn't going down too well with either fans or Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials. While the fans have brutally trolled them for an unspirited performance, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has also conveyed his displeasure to the team. Pakistan lost the match by 61 runs after being bowled out for 114 in a chase of 176. The 2009 champions now face Namibia in their last Group A fixture for a place in Super 8. If Pakistan lose against Namibia on Wednesday (Feb 18), they will have to depend on net run rate while vying with the USA for a place in the next round. Naqvi leaves red-faced with Pak loss inevitable vs India During the match, Naqvi was in the stadium and was visibly upset about how things were unfolding. Pakistan were unravelling like a pack of cards and the chief couldn't watch it at all. Naqvi eventually left the stadium before the Pak lost. "The Chairman left the match early at the Premadasa Stadium as it became obvious Pakistan were going to face another defeat to India," a source said as reported by the news agency PTI. Have a look at the video below:

<p>For Pakistan to qualify to play Super 8, the equation is simple - beat Namibia. Currently, USA's NRR is 0.788 and Pakistan are at -0.403 which means a loss will most definitely see Pakistan out of the tournament.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026 | PCB chief Naqvi conveys BLUNT message to Pak after loss vs India

<p>The India vs Pakistan matches are always high intensity with players from both team under pressure to perform. In the latest match of now deadbeat rivalry on Sunday (Feb 15), India skipper Suryakumar Yadav was also seen losing his cool over spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the last monents of the game. The two, however, have cleared the air with a lighthearted video on Instagram, depicting the exact moment from the mach which led to the speculation of not all being good in the Indian camp. As for the match, India beat Pakistan by 61 runs too qualify for the next round of Super 8 and took another step closer to their title defence.</p><h2>What happened between Kuldeep and Suryakumar in India vs Pakistan</h2><p>After the match got over, Surya was congratulating and shaking hands with the Indian players. When SKY shook hands with Kuldeep, the spinner - playing his first match in the tournament - was seen as a bit rude before walking away without looking at the skipper with just a formality of the hand shake, leaving Surya shocked. What led to Kuldeep being upset was Surya not being happy about Kuldeep dropping a catch in the final stages of the match.</p><p><strong>Also Read </strong>- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-australia-almost-out-of-super-8-here-s-how-they-can-qualify-after-loss-vs-sl-1771297129216">T20 WC 2026 | AUS out of Super 8? 2021 champs need 'luck of Irish' to qualify</a></p><p>In a video shared on Instagram, Surya and Kuldeep recreated the exact moment and seemed to have buried the hatchet as the caption of the video suggested: "Gussac chodh to bhai" which translates to "stop being upset, brother." Have a look at the video below:</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU0cXzBCNFv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU0cXzBCNFv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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<h2>India play Netherlands in dead rubber group stage match on Feb 18</h2><p>India, with three wins in three matches in Group A, have already qualified for the Super 8. They now face Netherlands in their last Group A fixture on Wednesday (Feb 18). In Super 8, India's first match will be against South Africa on Feb 22 in Ahmedabad. In the second Super 8 match, India face topper of Group B - most likely Sri Lanka - on Feb 26 in Chennai. In the final Super 8 match, India take on West Indies on March 1 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

What led to Kuldeep being upset was Surya not being happy about Kuldeep dropping a catch in the final stages of the India vs Pak match on Feb 15. In a video shared on Instagram, Surya and Kuldeep recreated the exact moment and seemed to have buried the hatchet.

The India vs Pakistan matches are always high intensity with players from both team under pressure to perform. In the latest match of now deadbeat rivalry on Sunday (Feb 15), India skipper Suryakumar Yadav was also seen losing his cool over spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the last monents of the game. The two, however, have cleared the air with a lighthearted video on Instagram, depicting the exact moment from the mach which led to the speculation of not all being good in the Indian camp. As for the match, India beat Pakistan by 61 runs too qualify for the next round of Super 8 and took another step closer to their title defence. What happened between Kuldeep and Suryakumar in India vs Pakistan After the match got over, Surya was congratulating and shaking hands with the Indian players. When SKY shook hands with Kuldeep, the spinner - playing his first match in the tournament - was seen as a bit rude before walking away without looking at the skipper with just a formality of the hand shake, leaving Surya shocked. What led to Kuldeep being upset was Surya not being happy about Kuldeep dropping a catch in the final stages of the match. Also Read - T20 WC 2026 | AUS out of Super 8? 2021 champs need 'luck of Irish' to qualify In a video shared on Instagram, Surya and Kuldeep recreated the exact moment and seemed to have buried the hatchet as the caption of the video suggested: "Gussac chodh to bhai" which translates to "stop being upset, brother." Have a look at the video below:

<p>What led to Kuldeep being upset was Surya not being happy about Kuldeep dropping a catch in the final stages of the India vs Pak match on Feb 15. In a video shared on Instagram, Surya and Kuldeep recreated the exact moment and seemed to have buried the hatchet.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026 | WATCH - Surya, Kuldeep recreate 'friction' from IND vs PAK to bury hatchet

<p>Pathum Nissanka, the Sri Lanka batter who has put Australia on brink of elimination from T20 World Cup 2026, says the Aussies couldn't bowl well. That might be true but before he scored a brilliant 52-ball unbeaten 100 in a chase of 182, Nissanka also plucked a blinding catch out of thin air - as a sign that it was his day and it was indeed. Sri Lanka bossed the chase of 182 in just 18 overs on Monday (Feb 16) at Pallekele in Kandy and qualified for the Super 8 from Group B. Australia, on the other hand, are now hoping for 'luck of Irish' to come through for them.</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2026-australia-almost-out-of-super-8-here-s-how-they-can-qualify-after-loss-vs-sl-1771297129216">T20 World Cup 2026 | Australia out of Super 8 race? 2021 champs need 'luck of Irish' to qualify after humiliating loss vs SL</a></p><h2>Nissanka's catch restrict Australia to 181</h2><p>Australia were 160/5 in 16 overs with Maxwell on the crease - in perfect position to take his team past 200 as he has done for so many years. Maxwell hit a reverse shot on the first ball of 17th over by Dushan Hemantha but Nissanka, at point, flung himself at the ball to catch it mid-air and chnaged the match. Watch the catch below:</p>

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<p>While batting, Nissanka lost his part Kusal Perera in the second over only but then began the carnage. Nissanka added 97 runs with Kusal Mendis in just 11 overs then Mendis departed for his brilliant 38-ball 51 but Nissanka stayed. He stayed till the end and added required 75 runs (plus two extra) with Pavan Rathnayake (15-ball 28) in about six overs to see his team through. He finished at exact 100 off 52, hitting 10 fours and 5 sixes - a target of his. Have a look at the innings below:</p>

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<h2>Nissanka on his match winnings innings vs Australia</h2><p>"After we lost the first wicket, Kusal and I just planned to have a good powerplay," Nissanka said after the match. "He got a good start and that made things easier for me. We thought that there would be some dew, so the plan was to bat normally until that arrived. After 12 overs we were going to take stock and one of us would make a charge."</p><p>"I had a big target to hit a 100 in this World Cup, so I'm happy I was able to do that," Nissanka said about the ton. "We had played a match on this wicket, and we knew it was good for batting. Because Kusal and I batted well also, Australia couldn't bowl so well to us," he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Before he scored a brilliant 52-ball unbeaten 100 in a chase of 182, Nissanka also plucked a blinding catch out of thin air - as a sign that it was his day and it was indeed. Sri Lanka bossed the chase of 182 in just 18 overs and qualified for the Super 8 from Group B.

Pathum Nissanka, the Sri Lanka batter who has put Australia on brink of elimination from T20 World Cup 2026, says the Aussies couldn't bowl well. That might be true but before he scored a brilliant 52-ball unbeaten 100 in a chase of 182, Nissanka also plucked a blinding catch out of thin air - as a sign that it was his day and it was indeed. Sri Lanka bossed the chase of 182 in just 18 overs on Monday (Feb 16) at Pallekele in Kandy and qualified for the Super 8 from Group B. Australia, on the other hand, are now hoping for 'luck of Irish' to come through for them. Also Read: T20 World Cup 2026 | Australia out of Super 8 race? 2021 champs need 'luck of Irish' to qualify after humiliating loss vs SL Nissanka's catch restrict Australia to 181 Australia were 160/5 in 16 overs with Maxwell on the crease - in perfect position to take his team past 200 as he has done for so many years. Maxwell hit a reverse shot on the first ball of 17th over by Dushan Hemantha but Nissanka, at point, flung himself at the ball to catch it mid-air and chnaged the match. Watch the catch below:

<p>Before he scored a brilliant 52-ball unbeaten 100 in a chase of 182, Nissanka also plucked a blinding catch out of thin air - as a sign that it was his day and it was indeed. Sri Lanka bossed the chase of 182 in just 18 overs and qualified for the Super 8 from Group B.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026 | 'Catch of the tournament and a ton': How Nissanka pushed Australia to exit door - WATCH

<p>Australia, arguably the most successful cricket team of all time, is tethering on the brink of elimination from T20 World Cup 2026 in group stage. Australian find themselves in the precarious position after back-to-back losses in the tournament and that too to sub-par Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. On Monday (Feb 16), co-host Sri Lanka beat the former champions by 8 wickets in Pallekele. Chasing 182, Pathum Nissanka hit sensational 52-ball 100 not out to see his team through and on top of Group B with three wins in three matches. Australia now not only must beat Oman by a huge margin but hope ofr Zimbabwe to lose their next two matches against Ireland and Sri Lanka, still the net run rate would decide the second qualifier from Group B.</p><h2>How can Australia qualify for the Super 8?</h2><p>Australia, in three matches played, has won only one - against Ireland on Feb 11 by 67 runs. They then went on to lose against Zimbabwe by 23 runs on Feb 13 before losing to Sri Lanka on Monday by 8 wickets. The former champions are now thrid in Group B behind Sri Lanka (three wins in three matches) and Zimbabwe (two wins in two matches).</p><p><strong>Also Read</strong> - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-s-defeat-to-india-puts-mohsin-naqvi-under-pressure-asim-munir-reaches-out-to-pm-shehbaz-report-1771258256111">Pak’s loss to India puts Naqvi in a spot; Munir reaches out to Shehbaz: Report</a></p><p>With just two points to their name and one match left, Australia must beat Oman and that too by a huge margin to improve their net run rate (0.414). Australia also need Zimbabwe to lose both their matches - against Ireland and Sri Lanka but Zimbabwe's net run rate of 1.984 means that Australia can't be sure of a place in Super 8. The net run rate will play and important role in deciding who goes through Super 8 between Australia and Zimbabwe, given Aussies win their match and Zimbabwe lose both their fixtures. If Zimbabwe beat Ireland or Sri Lanka, Australia are eliminated and Zimbabwe goes through the Super 8 from Group B along with Sri Lanka.</p><h2>Marsh reacts to Australia's loss vs Sri Lanka</h2><p>"It's a pretty shattered group," Marsh said after the loss. "It's a devastated bunch and we're in the lap of the gods now. There's a lot of emotion in the changing rooms right now. We haven't been at our best. I dare say we'll all be watching the match tomorrow (Zimbabwe vs Ireland). Whether it's all together or not we'll wait and see. What do you say? The luck of the Irish?"</p><p>Australia batted well in the start, adding 104 runs for the first wicket as both skipper Marsh (27-ball 54) and Travis Head (29-ball 56) hit fifties but it all went downhill form there for them. After crossing 100 in the ninth over, Australia could add 80-odd runs in the next 11 overs or so before being bowled out for 181 in 20 overs.</p><p>Sri Lanka, riding on Nissanka's ton and Kusal Mendis's 38-ball 51 as well as Pavan Rathnayake's unbeaten cameo of 15-ball 28, chased down the target with ease.</p>

The net run rate will play and important role in deciding who goes through Super 8 between Australia and Zimbabwe, given Aussies win their match and Zimbabwe lose both their fixtures. If Zimbabwe beat Ireland or Sri Lanka, Australia are eliminated and Zimbabwe goes through Super 8 with SL.

Australia, arguably the most successful cricket team of all time, is tethering on the brink of elimination from T20 World Cup 2026 in group stage. Australian find themselves in the precarious position after back-to-back losses in the tournament and that too to sub-par Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. On Monday (Feb 16), co-host Sri Lanka beat the former champions by 8 wickets in Pallekele. Chasing 182, Pathum Nissanka hit sensational 52-ball 100 not out to see his team through and on top of Group B with three wins in three matches. Australia now not only must beat Oman by a huge margin but hope ofr Zimbabwe to lose their next two matches against Ireland and Sri Lanka, still the net run rate would decide the second qualifier from Group B. How can Australia qualify for the Super 8? Australia, in three matches played, has won only one - against Ireland on Feb 11 by 67 runs. They then went on to lose against Zimbabwe by 23 runs on Feb 13 before losing to Sri Lanka on Monday by 8 wickets. The former champions are now thrid in Group B behind Sri Lanka (three wins in three matches) and Zimbabwe (two wins in two matches). Also Read - Pak’s loss to India puts Naqvi in a spot; Munir reaches out to Shehbaz: Report With just two points to their name and one match left, Australia must beat Oman and that too by a huge margin to improve their net run rate (0.414). Australia also need Zimbabwe to lose both their matches - against Ireland and Sri Lanka but Zimbabwe's net run rate of 1.984 means that Australia can't be sure of a place in Super 8. The net run rate will play and important role in deciding who goes through Super 8 between Australia and Zimbabwe, given Aussies win their match and Zimbabwe lose both their fixtures. If Zimbabwe beat Ireland or Sri Lanka, Australia are eliminated and Zimbabwe goes through the Super 8 from Group B along with Sri Lanka. Marsh reacts to Australia's loss vs Sri Lanka "It's a pretty shattered group," Marsh said after the loss. "It's a devastated bunch and we're in the lap of the gods now. There's a lot of emotion in the changing rooms right now. We haven't been at our best. I dare say we'll all be watching the match tomorrow (Zimbabwe vs Ireland). Whether it's all together or not we'll wait and see. What do you say? The luck of the Irish?" Australia batted well in the start, adding 104 runs for the first wicket as both skipper Marsh (27-ball 54) and Travis Head (29-ball 56) hit fifties but it all went downhill form there for them. After crossing 100 in the ninth over, Australia could add 80-odd runs in the next 11 overs or so before being bowled out for 181 in 20 overs. Sri Lanka, riding on Nissanka's ton and Kusal Mendis's 38-ball 51 as well as Pavan Rathnayake's unbeaten cameo of 15-ball 28, chased down the target with ease.

<p>The net run rate will play and important role in deciding who goes through Super 8 between Australia and Zimbabwe, given Aussies win their match and Zimbabwe lose both their fixtures. If Zimbabwe beat Ireland or Sri Lanka, Australia are eliminated and Zimbabwe goes through Super 8 with SL.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026 | Australia out of Super 8 race? 2021 champs need 'luck of Irish' to qualify after humiliating loss vs SL

<p>South Africa and England have booked their spots in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2026, joining India and West Indies in the next round. England beat Italy to qualify for the Super Eight, while Afghanistan defeated the UAE, helping South Africa secure their place. With only a few group matches remaining, here are the Super Eight qualification scenarios for all groups.</p><h2>Group A</h2><p>India is already through after winning its first three matches, including a big victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Men in Green are also in a strong position, sitting second in Group A. They will play Namibia next and a win will take them into the Super Eight. If Pakistan loses, the United States could move ahead, as they have two wins and a better Net Run Rate.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shahid-afridi-on-son-in-law-shaheen-babar-azam-flop-show-vs-india-in-t20-world-cup-if-it-was-in-my-hands-i-would-not-1771232860558"><strong>Shahid Afridi on son-in-law Shaheen’s flop show vs IND: ‘If it was in my hands, I would not…’</strong></a></p><h2>Group B</h2><p>All eyes are on Australia in Group B after their loss to Zimbabwe last week. The result means three teams, Australia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe can finish with six points.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Australia now faces Sri Lanka and if they lose, they must beat Oman and hope Zimbabwe should loose one of their remaining matches against Sri Lanka or Ireland. Net Run Rate could ultimately decide who will qualify.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sri Lanka need to win both of their remaining games to be safe. Ireland still have a littlee chance but depend on other results.</p><h2>Group C</h2><p>England secured qualification after defeating Italy and recording its third win. West Indies had already advanced with three wins in a row.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fide-freestyle-world-championship-india-s-arjun-erigasi-finishes-6th-as-carlsen-wins-almost-lost-maiden-title-1771230755479"><strong>Carlsen wins 'almost lost' maiden FIDE Freestyle World Championship</strong></a></p><h2>Group D</h2><p>South Africa confirmed its place after Afghanistan beat United Arab Emirates. New Zealand will qualify if it wins its final group match against Canada. If Canada pulls off a surprise win, Afghanistan could still move forward, but it would need a big victory in its last game.</p>

With only a few group matches remaining in the T20 World Cup 2026, here are the Super Eight qualification scenarios for all groups.

South Africa and England have booked their spots in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2026, joining India and West Indies in the next round. England beat Italy to qualify for the Super Eight, while Afghanistan defeated the UAE, helping South Africa secure their place. With only a few group matches remaining, here are the Super Eight qualification scenarios for all groups. Group A India is already through after winning its first three matches, including a big victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Men in Green are also in a strong position, sitting second in Group A. They will play Namibia next and a win will take them into the Super Eight. If Pakistan loses, the United States could move ahead, as they have two wins and a better Net Run Rate. Also Read - Shahid Afridi on son-in-law Shaheen’s flop show vs IND: ‘If it was in my hands, I would not…’ Group B All eyes are on Australia in Group B after their loss to Zimbabwe last week. The result means three teams, Australia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe can finish with six points. Australia now faces Sri Lanka and if they lose, they must beat Oman and hope Zimbabwe should loose one of their remaining matches against Sri Lanka or Ireland. Net Run Rate could ultimately decide who will qualify. Sri Lanka need to win both of their remaining games to be safe. Ireland still have a littlee chance but depend on other results. Group C England secured qualification after defeating Italy and recording its third win. West Indies had already advanced with three wins in a row. Also Read - Carlsen wins 'almost lost' maiden FIDE Freestyle World Championship Group D South Africa confirmed its place after Afghanistan beat United Arab Emirates. New Zealand will qualify if it wins its final group match against Canada. If Canada pulls off a surprise win, Afghanistan could still move forward, but it would need a big victory in its last game.

<p>&nbsp;With only a few group matches remaining in the T20 World Cup 2026, here are the Super Eight qualification scenarios for all groups.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight qualification scenarios: Which teams have qualified and who remains?

<p>England won their third match of the T20 World Cup 2026 by beating Italy by 24 runs at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday (Feb 16). Italy had to chase 203 runs in 20 overs but were bowled out for 178. Ben Manenti was the top scorer for Italy with 60 runs in just 25 balls, including six sixes and four fours. Grant Stewart scored 45 and Justin Mosca contributed 43, but their efforts were not enough to win the game.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For England, Jamie Overton (3/18) and Sam Curran (3/22) took three wickets each. Jofra Archer picked up two wickets for 35 runs in his four overs. Will Jacks and Adil Rashid also took one wicket each.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/awkward-wait-steals-spotlight-shaheen-afridi-usman-tariq-left-stranded-after-loss-as-indian-players-avoid-handshake-watch-video-1771245306038"><strong>Awkward wait steals spotlight: Pak pair left stranded after loss as Indian players avoid handshake – WATCH</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, England chose to bat first after winning the toss and scored 202 for seven in 20 overs. Will Jacks played an aggressive innings of 53 runs from 22 balls, hitting four sixes and three fours. Tom Banton made 30 off 21 balls, while Philip Salt scored 28 off 15. Sam Curran also contributed 25 runs from 19 balls.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For Italy, Grant Stewart and Crishan Kalugamage took two wickets each. Ali Hasan, JJ Smuts and Ben Manenti claimed one wicket each.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rashid-khan-scripts-history-becomes-first-player-in-t20s-to-achieve-this-record-1771240282414"><strong>Rashid Khan scripts history, becomes first player in T20s to achieve THIS record</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Italy had a bad start to their chase, as Anthony Mosca and JJ Smuts were both out without scoring. Although Ben Manenti and Grant Stewart tried hard, but they could not take their team to victory.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Will Jacks was named Player of the Match for his powerful batting. With this win, England moved into the Super Eight stage and will look to keep up their strong form in the T20 World Cup 2026.</p>

Will Jacks was named Player of the Match for his powerful batting. With this win, England moved into the Super Eight stage and will look to keep up their strong form in the T20 World Cup 2026.

England won their third match of the T20 World Cup 2026 by beating Italy by 24 runs at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday (Feb 16). Italy had to chase 203 runs in 20 overs but were bowled out for 178. Ben Manenti was the top scorer for Italy with 60 runs in just 25 balls, including six sixes and four fours. Grant Stewart scored 45 and Justin Mosca contributed 43, but their efforts were not enough to win the game. For England, Jamie Overton (3/18) and Sam Curran (3/22) took three wickets each. Jofra Archer picked up two wickets for 35 runs in his four overs. Will Jacks and Adil Rashid also took one wicket each. Also Read - Awkward wait steals spotlight: Pak pair left stranded after loss as Indian players avoid handshake – WATCH Earlier, England chose to bat first after winning the toss and scored 202 for seven in 20 overs. Will Jacks played an aggressive innings of 53 runs from 22 balls, hitting four sixes and three fours. Tom Banton made 30 off 21 balls, while Philip Salt scored 28 off 15. Sam Curran also contributed 25 runs from 19 balls. For Italy, Grant Stewart and Crishan Kalugamage took two wickets each. Ali Hasan, JJ Smuts and Ben Manenti claimed one wicket each. Also Read - Rashid Khan scripts history, becomes first player in T20s to achieve THIS record Italy had a bad start to their chase, as Anthony Mosca and JJ Smuts were both out without scoring. Although Ben Manenti and Grant Stewart tried hard, but they could not take their team to victory. Will Jacks was named Player of the Match for his powerful batting. With this win, England moved into the Super Eight stage and will look to keep up their strong form in the T20 World Cup 2026.

<p>Will Jacks was named Player of the Match for his powerful batting. With this win, England moved into the Super Eight stage and will look to keep up their strong form in the T20 World Cup 2026.</p>

T20 World Cup 2026: England escape shocker at Eden Gardens, beat Italy by 24 runs

<p>In the 28th match of the T20 World Cup 2026 between Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates in Delhi on Monday (Feb 16), Rashid Khan scripted history by becoming the first player to claim 700 wickets in T20 cricket. Rashid entered the game with 699 wickets and reached the milestone in the 16th over of the UAE innings when Muhammad Arfan attempted a reverse sweep, missed the ball and hit his own stumps. The dismissal was recorded as hit wicket and turned out to be Rashid’s only wicket of the match.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Before that, he had bowled 3.2 overs without taking any wicket and gave away 17 runs in 20 balls. He did not celebrate much, as Afghanistan still needed to win and depend on other team results to reach the Super Eights stage.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shahid-afridi-on-son-in-law-shaheen-babar-azam-flop-show-vs-india-in-t20-world-cup-if-it-was-in-my-hands-i-would-not-1771232860558"><strong>Shahid Afridi on son-in-law Shaheen’s flop show vs IND: ‘If it was in my hands, I would not…’</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</p><p>The leg-spinner has an impressive T20 bowling average of 18.51 and an economy rate of 6.59. He also has four five-wicket hauls. He is far ahead of others in total T20 wickets, former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo is second on the all-time list with 631 wickets. Among current players, Sunil Narine is closest to Rashid with 613 wickets, placing him third overall.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rashid also holds the record for most wickets in T20 Internationals with 191. Retired New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee is second with 164 wickets, while his teammate Ish Sodhi ranks third with 162.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fide-freestyle-world-championship-india-s-arjun-erigasi-finishes-6th-as-carlsen-wins-almost-lost-maiden-title-1771230755479"><strong>Carlsen wins 'almost lost' maiden FIDE Freestyle World Championship</strong></a></p><h2>Afghanistan keep their hopes alive</h2><p>Afghanistan defeated the UAE by five wickets to earn their first win of the T20 World Cup 2026. Chasing 161 runs, they had a poor start, losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck and Gulbadin Naib for 13 during the powerplay. However, Ibrahim Zadran scored a steady 53 off 41 balls to rebuild the innings. Later, Darwish Rasooli contributed 33 off 23 and Azmatullah Omarzai finished the match with an unbeaten 40 off 21 balls to guide the team to victory.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>With this win, Afghanistan moved up to third place in the group with one win from three matches. They will next play against the Canada on Feb 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in their final group match.</p>

Rashid also holds the record for most wickets in T20 Internationals with 191 wickets. Retired New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee is second with 164, while his teammate Ish Sodhi ranks third with 162.

In the 28th match of the T20 World Cup 2026 between Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates in Delhi on Monday (Feb 16), Rashid Khan scripted history by becoming the first player to claim 700 wickets in T20 cricket. Rashid entered the game with 699 wickets and reached the milestone in the 16th over of the UAE innings when Muhammad Arfan attempted a reverse sweep, missed the ball and hit his own stumps. The dismissal was recorded as hit wicket and turned out to be Rashid’s only wicket of the match. Before that, he had bowled 3.2 overs without taking any wicket and gave away 17 runs in 20 balls. He did not celebrate much, as Afghanistan still needed to win and depend on other team results to reach the Super Eights stage. Also Read - Shahid Afridi on son-in-law Shaheen’s flop show vs IND: ‘If it was in my hands, I would not…’ The leg-spinner has an impressive T20 bowling average of 18.51 and an economy rate of 6.59. He also has four five-wicket hauls. He is far ahead of others in total T20 wickets, former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo is second on the all-time list with 631 wickets. Among current players, Sunil Narine is closest to Rashid with 613 wickets, placing him third overall. Rashid also holds the record for most wickets in T20 Internationals with 191. Retired New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee is second with 164 wickets, while his teammate Ish Sodhi ranks third with 162. Also Read - Carlsen wins 'almost lost' maiden FIDE Freestyle World Championship Afghanistan keep their hopes alive Afghanistan defeated the UAE by five wickets to earn their first win of the T20 World Cup 2026. Chasing 161 runs, they had a poor start, losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck and Gulbadin Naib for 13 during the powerplay. However, Ibrahim Zadran scored a steady 53 off 41 balls to rebuild the innings. Later, Darwish Rasooli contributed 33 off 23 and Azmatullah Omarzai finished the match with an unbeaten 40 off 21 balls to guide the team to victory. With this win, Afghanistan moved up to third place in the group with one win from three matches. They will next play against the Canada on Feb 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in their final group match.

<p>Rashid also holds the record for most wickets in T20 Internationals with 191 wickets. Retired New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee is second with 164, while his teammate Ish Sodhi ranks third with 162.</p>

Rashid Khan scripts history, becomes first player in T20s to achieve THIS record

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