Author: A Sports

COLOMBO: Pakistan are set to stick with a winning formula as they prepare for their blockbuster clash against arch-rivals India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 later today, with team management likely to field an unchanged playing XI.

According to reports from Colombo, the think tank has decided against tinkering with the combination that secured a convincing victory over the United States earlier this week, signalling confidence in both balance and momentum ahead of the high-pressure encounter.

The expected line-up will see captain Salman Ali Agha continue at number three, with Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub set to open the innings.

Star batter Babar Azam is slated to follow at four, while wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan is likely to anchor the middle order.

Pakistan’s combination offers depth in both departments, with Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf providing all-round strength and multiple bowling options.

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In the bowling attack, Shaheen Shah Afridi remains the primary pace spearhead, supported by mystery spinners Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq, whose variations could prove crucial on Colombo conditions.

Both teams enter the contest unbeaten in the group stage, setting up another intense chapter in cricket’s fiercest rivalry.

Pakistan registered wins over the Netherlands and the USA, while India defeated the USA and Namibia to maintain their perfect start.

Historically, India have held the upper hand in T20 Internationals, winning 13 of the 16 meetings between the two sides, with Pakistan claiming three victories.

In T20 World Cup clashes, India lead 6-1, with one encounter ending in a no result.

Pakistan likely XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed.

WATCH: Suryakumar Yadav mimics Usman Tariq’s action

Islamabad United have removed West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph from the squad ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, Cricinfo reported on Saturday.

According to the report, the pacer is set to be replaced with Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani.

The report also states that the ‘contract has been terminated by mutual consent’.

“Neither the player nor the franchise intend to make a public statement on the matter, and that the decision is set to be approved by the PSL’s technical committee,” it adds.

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Joseph was bought by United for 1.10 crore with no other team bidding for him in the player auction.

It is worth mentioning that shortly after he was acquired, the franchise faced backlash from fans over Joseph’s alleged past.

Blessing Muzarabani previously represented Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans from 2021 to 2024.

The 29-year-old will be the second Zimbabwean player, after Sikandar Raza, to feature in PSL 11.

For the unversed, the auction held on February 10 in Lahore was the first of its kind in the league’s history, replacing the draft—a player selection process—that had been used for the first 10 editions since it started in 2016.

The change to the player selection model followed the expansion, which added two new franchises: Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen.

The PSL 11 will commence on 26 March across Pakistan.

Islamabad United Squad for PSL 11

Retained/direct signing: Shadab Khan (7.00 cr), Salman Irshad (1.2 cr), Andries Gous (1.4 cr), and Devon Conway (6.30 cr).

Bought at the auction: Faheem Ashraf (8.50 cr), Mehran Mumtaz (1.2 cr), Max Bryant (1.95 cr), Khurram Shahzad (2.70 cr), Mark Chapman (7.00 cr), Mohammad Wasim Jr (4.10 cr), Mir Hamza Sajjad (0.7 cr), Sameer Minhas (1.90 cr), Sameen Gul (0.6 cr), Imad Wasim (2.2 cr), Richard Gleeson (1.1 cr), Haider Ali (1.50 cr), Mohammad Hasnain (0.775 cr) and Dipendra Singh Airee (0.6 cr).

READ: WATCH: Suryakumar Yadav mimics Usman Tariq’s action

COLOMBO: India skipper Suryakumar Yadav was seen bowling like Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq during the team’s net session ahead of tomorrow’s high-stakes encounter in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The video was shared on the ICC social handles with Surya bowling to fellow batters in the nets.

“Suryakumar Yadav reiterates India’s focus on being ready to potentially come up against Usman Tariq,” the caption of the post read.

Earlier, the Indian captain also pondered on the question regarding facing Usman Tariq and his unique bowling action.

“Even in the exam, if a question comes out of the syllabus, we have to do it,” he replied to the reporter.

“You can’t leave it. He’s a different character, but we can’t surrender to him. We have practiced and are all very excited,” he added.

Tariq, inspired by former Indian captain MS Dhoni, has caught eyebrows with his unique action.

Tariq has been in impressive form in the ongoing tournament, claiming five wickets in two matches so far.

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Overall, he has picked up 11 wickets in four T20Is, maintaining an outstanding average of 7.90 and an economy of 5.93.

During Australia’s recent T20I series tour of Pakistan, Australian batter Cameron Green was seen making a gesture that many interpreted as questioning Tariq’s action.

This was not the first time Tariq’s bowling has been scrutinised. Tariq was previously reported during PSL 9 and PSL 10, but his action was officially cleared on both occasions.

Addressing the scrutiny last year, Tariq explained that the natural bend in his elbows often creates confusion.

“There are two corners on my elbow that make it hard for me to straighten,” he said in an interview last year.

“I gave two tests at labs in Pakistan, and my action was cleared within a week. I didn’t get told to change anything. I was confident because I knew I was not throwing.”

READ: Markram, Jansen lead South Africa rout of New Zealand

AHMEDABAD: Marco Jansen’s four-wicket haul, backed by a sublime 86* from skipper Aiden Markram, led South Africa to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the Group D fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

South Africa chased down 176 in 17.1 overs with aggressive stroke play, losing only three wickets in the process.

Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram provided a rollicking start. The pair made light work of the chase with 62 in 4.4 overs.

Markram remained the core aggressor with elegant stroke play while De Kock played second fiddle.

The stand culminated with De Kock’s wicket, castled by Lockie Ferguson for 20.

Despite the wicket, New Zealand were unable to stem the runs flow with Ryan Rickelton and Markram both capitalizing on lightning fast outfield.

Rickelton was caught after scoring 21 from 11 with the help of a six and two fours.

At this stage, South Africa were 102-2 in 7.4 overs.

Meanwhile, Markram continued on his charge and never allowed New Zealand bowlers to dominate

South Africa eventually cruised to victory with Markram remaining unbeaten on 86 from 44 balls, laced with four maximums and eight fours.

David Miller, on the other hand, chipped in with 24 off 17, including a six and four.

For New Zealand, there was nothing much in the bowling ranks as Rachin Ravindra, James Neesham, and Lockie Ferguson scalped one apiece.

The victory consolidated South Africa top spot in Group with six points from three games.

Earlier, South Africa pacer Marco Jansen’s four-wicket haul restricted New Zealand’s batting lineup from posting an imposing total

Asked to bat first here under lights at the Narendra Modi Stadium, New Zealand managed 175-7 in 20 overs.

Finn Allen and Tim Seifert were off to a flyer, racing to 33 in 3.2 overs.

Siefert, who remained cautious, was the first wicket to fall as Jansen snared him for 13.

After an early wicket, struggling Rachin Ravindra came to the crease and was involved in a brief 24-run stand with Allen.

The last over of the powerplay saw New Zealand losing the plot as both batters were sent back by Marco Jansen.

The tall left-arm pacer first removed Ravindra, thanks to a sharp catch from David Miller at short third position. The soutpaw could only manage 13 from eight, including a six and a four.

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Second, he bagged the prized wicket of Allen on the final ball of the over to leave BlackCaps reeling at 57-3 in six overs. Allen’s 31 off 17 included two sixes and four boundaries.

The BlackCaps’ woes were further compounded when Keshav Maharaj castled Glenn Phillips for just one.

With New Zealand 64-4 in 6.4 overs, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell came to the fore and rescued their side with a crucial 74-run partnership off 44 balls.

The pair soaked up the pressure and took the score to 138 runs in 14 overs before New Zealand again lost their way with late South Africa strikes.

They lost three wickets in quick time as James Neesham played a little cameo off 23 from 15, with the aid of three fours, to take them to a respectable total.

Daryl Mitchell scored 32 off 24, striking a six and two fours, whereas Chapman top-scored with 48 from 26 balls. His knock featured two sixes and six boundaries.

For South Africa, Marco Jansen took 4-40 in four overs while Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, and Lungi Ngidi scalped one apiece.

READ: T20 World Cup: England edge Scotland to stay on course for Super Eights

COLOMBO: Skipper Suryakumar Yadav has expressed readiness to face mystery off-spinner Usman Tariq ahead of the high-stakes India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Ahead of the clash, Suryakumar answered a question regarding mystery bowler Usman Tariq, who has made headlines due to his unorthodox action.

“Even in the exam, if a question comes out of the syllabus, we have to do it,” he replied to the reporter.

“You can’t leave it. He’s a different character, but we can’t surrender to him. We have practiced and are all very excited,” he added while stating that they have no jetlag while travelling from India to Sri Lanka.

Tariq, inspired by former Indian captain MS Dhoni, has caught eyebrows with his unique action.

The tall off-spinner has made batters clueless with his unique bowling style.

Tariq has been in impressive form in the ongoing tournament, claiming five wickets in two matches so far.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Overall, he has picked up 11 wickets in four T20Is, maintaining an outstanding average of 7.90 and an economy of 5.93.

During Australia’s recent T20I series tour of Pakistan, Australian batter Cameron Green was seen making a gesture that many interpreted as questioning Tariq’s action.

This was not the first time Tariq’s bowling has been scrutinised. Tariq was previously reported during PSL 9 and PSL 10, but his action was officially cleared on both occasions.

Addressing the scrutiny last year, Tariq explained that the natural bend in his elbows often creates confusion.

“There are two corners on my elbow that make it hard for me to straighten,” he said in an interview last year.

“I gave two tests at labs in Pakistan, and my action was cleared within a week. I didn’t get told to change anything. I was confident because I knew I was not throwing.”

READ: Suryakumar deflects handshake question before Pakistan clash

COLOMBO: India captain Suryakumar Yadav played down the question regarding the handshake with Pakistan ahead of their clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking to the media ahead of the match, Suryakumar said everyone should wait 24 hours, take care of their diet, rest well, and see what the future brings.

“Wait for 24 hours. Eat well, sleep well, we will see tomorrow,” the Indian captain told reporters.

Suryakumar Yadav also responded lightheartedly to the remarks from Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha regarding opener Abhishek Sharma’s availability for the high-pressure encounter.

The explosive opener, Sharma, was unable to play in India’s fixture against Namibia due to illness.

“If Salman wants us to play Abhishek tomorrow, we shall play him,” he said.

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Earlier, Salman Ali Agha said he hoped Abhishek Sharma would play in tomorrow’s game.

“I hope he plays tomorrow. I hope he’s recovering well,” said Agha. “We want to play against the best, good luck to him.”

Suryakumar also admitted that the Indian batting lineup failed to meet expectations in the opening game against the USA.

He further discussed the game’s intensity, noting that the lack of fixtures between the two nations also compounds the pressure.

“We had a scratchy start, we can’t run away from the fact. There’s no excuse. Everyone has played a lot of cricket, batters should have their own plans on a tricky wicket. We started well but had a hiccup, but then covered it well. It’s the beauty of T20 cricket,” he explained

“There’s always pressure. With India-Pakistan, it’s more of an occasion. No matter how much we say “it’s just any other game,” it’s a human tendency to be under pressure because it is not any other game. We don’t play them often, either. So the pressure is always there,” Suryakumar concluded.

For the unversed, the India-Pakistan handshake row stemmed from the Asia Cup 2025, where both teams refused to shake hands in three fixtures.

The handshake snub was due to the May 10 conflict between the two countries, which was on the verge of full-scale war following the Pahalgam attack.

READ: Pakistan ‘always ready’ for India despite late green light: Salman Agha

COLOMBO: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has voiced admiration for India’s opener Abhishek Sharma ahead of their marquee showdown in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, expressing hope that the left-hander recovers in time to feature in Sunday’s contest.

Speaking on the eve of the high-voltage encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Agha made it clear that Pakistan want to test themselves against India at full strength, underlining Sharma’s growing stature in international cricket.

“Abhishek is obviously a quality player. I hope he’s recovering well and is available because we want to compete against the best team they have,” Agha said during the pre-match press conference.

The Indian opener had missed his side’s previous outing after being hospitalised with a stomach infection, though India still secured a commanding 93-run victory over Namibia.

Sharma has enjoyed notable success against Pakistan, scoring 110 runs in three matches at a striking rate of 189.65, making his availability a key talking point ahead of the clash.

Addressing another subject, Salman Ali Agha dismissed ongoing chatter around the bowling action of spinner Usman Tariq, reiterating that he has already been cleared.

“There has been talk about Usman Tariq’s action, but he has been cleared twice. I don’t know why the discussion continues. It does not affect him at all,” the skipper stated.

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The Pakistan captain also emphasised collective responsibility within the squad, highlighting the importance of flexibility and bench strength.

“We are ready to play good cricket. We understand the conditions and the pitch. All 15 players are important, and anyone can play,” he said, confirming that the final XI will be decided after assessing the surface.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s historical struggles against India in World Cups, Salman Ali Agha admitted the past has not always been favourable but stressed that the team is focused on learning and improving.

“Our record hasn’t been great, but we have learned from history and will try to play well tomorrow,” he noted.

When asked about India’s strong batting lineup and the form of Babar Azam, Agha remained calm and confident, insisting Pakistan are focused on their own execution.

“Babar is scoring runs, and it is not a concern for us. Hopefully, he continues tomorrow as well,” he said with a composed smile.

READ: Lorcan Tucker helps Ireland crush Oman at T20 World Cup 2026

COLOMBO: Weather conditions could significantly influence the much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with forecasts pointing to a strong possibility of rain in Colombo on Sunday, February 15.

Persistent showers and heavy humidity in the hours leading up to the match have raised concerns about interruptions at the R. Premadasa Stadium, potentially impacting both teams in what is expected to be a high-stakes encounter.

According to the latest weather update, conditions between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM (local time), just before the scheduled toss, remained challenging.

Light rain was reported at 4:00 PM with temperatures around 29°C, although the RealFeel touched 31°C, reflecting muggy and uncomfortable conditions.

Thick cloud cover of 94% hovered above the venue, while humidity stood at 70% with a dew point of 23°C, indicating a sticky atmosphere.

Winds blowing from the north-northeast at 15 km/h, with gusts up to 26 km/h, could offer early movement for seam bowlers.

Visibility was steady at 10 kilometres, though overcast skies dominated, and 0.7 mm of rainfall had already been recorded.

By 5:00 PM, the situation worsened slightly. The temperature dipped to 28°C, but humidity surged to 79%, making conditions more oppressive.

Rain intensified, with 2.5 mm recorded during the hour, while visibility dropped to 6 kilometres and the cloud ceiling lowered to 600 metres, suggesting thicker cloud concentration over the stadium.

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Winds remained consistent at 15 km/h with similar gust speeds.

Looking ahead to the match window between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, cloudy and humid conditions are expected to persist.

Temperatures are forecast to range between 27°C and 26°C, though it may feel closer to 29°C due to humidity levels rising to around 81%.

A steady north-easterly breeze of 13 km/h, with gusts touching 28–30 km/h, could provide slight assistance to seamers under lights.

Cloud cover is predicted to remain complete, while visibility may improve slightly to around 8 kilometres.

With the dew point holding at 23°C, moisture in the air is expected to be significant, meaning dew could become a major factor later in the evening, potentially affecting bowlers’ grip and fielding efficiency.

Both teams enter the contest unbeaten in the group stage. Pakistan have secured wins over the Netherlands and the USA, while India have defeated the USA and Namibia, setting the stage for another high-pressure chapter in cricket’s most intense rivalry.

Historically, India have dominated the T20I head-to-head record, winning 13 of the 16 encounters, with Pakistan claiming three victories. In T20 World Cup meetings, India lead 6-1, with one match ending without a result.

READ: Babar Azam shares mindset ahead of Pakistan-India showdown

COLOMBO: Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has opened up about the pressure and emotions surrounding the much-anticipated clash against India, set to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Babar reflected on the unmatched intensity that defines a Pakistan-India encounter, describing it as a contest that extends far beyond the boundary ropes.

He noted that such fixtures carry enormous global attention and heightened expectations, making mental composure a decisive factor.

“A Pakistan-India match is always high intensity. The whole world and the fans are involved, and expectations naturally rise,” Babar said, highlighting the magnitude of the occasion.

Drawing on years of experience in high-pressure contests, the 31-year-old stressed the importance of staying calm and blocking out external noise.

According to him, handling emotions wisely can be the difference between success and failure, particularly for younger players experiencing the hype of the rivalry for the first time.

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“We’ve learnt that the more we stay cool, relaxed, and don’t listen to what people say, the better it is. Youngsters often get excited, but if you remain tension-free and composed, it works in your favour,” he added.

Both sides head into the blockbuster clash unbeaten in the tournament so far.

Pakistan have secured wins over the Netherlands and the USA, while India have registered victories against the USA and Namibia, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter between the arch-rivals.

Historically, India have dominated the T20I rivalry, winning 13 of the 16 meetings between the two teams, with Pakistan claiming three victories.

In T20 World Cup history, India hold a 6-1 advantage, with one match ending in a no result.

Squads

India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.

READ: T20 sides ‘can’t live’ with England at their best, says Phil Salt

Peshawar Zalmi has signed fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, set to begin on March 26.

The signing was announced on the franchise’s social media accounts with an animated image.

“Fresh pace, right-arm variety, and plenty of promise. ShahnawazDahani
is set to electrify the #YellowStorm with his signature celebration,” the caption wrote.

“Welcome to your new home,” it added.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Peshawar Zalmi (@peshawarzalmipk)

Shahnawaz Dahani went unsold at the PSL Player Auction on February 10 at the Expo Centre Lahore.

The right-arm pacer was listed for a base price of 1.1 crore. However, none of the eight teams showed interest in bidding for the pacer.

Dahani has previously represented Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans, now rebranded as Rawalpindi. In 27 matches between 2021 and 2024, the pacer has claimed 39 wickets at an average of 20.84.

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Overall, he has played 62 T20s and has scalped 81 wickets, including a five-wicket haul.

With the addition of Dahani, the Peshawar Zalmi squad has now expanded to 16 members.

The squad includes notable players, with ace batter Babar Azam leading the side in PSL 11.

For the unversed, the auction was the first of its kind in the league’s history, replacing the draft—a player selection process—that had been used for the first 10 editions since it started in 2016.

The change to the player selection model followed the expansion, which added two new franchises: Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen.

Peshawar Zalmi Squad for PSL 11

Babar Azam, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad, Ali Raza, Aaron Hardie, Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Haris, Khalid Usman, Abdul Subhan, James Vince, Michael Bracewell, Kusal Mendis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Shahnawaz Dahani and Mirza Tahir Baig.

READ: Former spinner urges India to play Usman Tariq cautiously