Author: A Sports

Peshawar Zalmi have named former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq as their new batting coach ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Misbah, 51, has played 75 Tests and 162 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 39 T20Is for Pakistan between 2001 and 2015.

As a captain, he led Pakistan in 151 matches, amassing 7392 runs at an average of 48.31 with eight centuries and 62 half-centuries to his name.

The franchise made the announcement on its social media handles.

“We are delighted to welcome the legendary @captainmisbahpk back to Peshawar Zalmi, this time as our Batting Coach for PSL11,” the caption wrote.

“A former Zalmi stalwart and one of Pakistan cricket’s most respected minds, Misbah-ul-Haq brings with him a wealth of experience, leadership, and deep tactical insight, ” it added.

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It is worth mentioning that Misbah-ul-Haq led Islamabad United to success in the inaugural edition of the PSL in 2016.

Later on, he represented Peshawar Zalmi in 2018 edition of tournament where he played three matches for the franchise before hanging his boots from international cricket.

Earlier in the day, the franchise also strengthened the coaching staff with the inclusion of former all-rounders Azhar Mahmood and Ottis Gibson.

Babar Azam leads the retentions in the Platinum category with a fee of PKR 70 million, followed by Sufiyan Muqeem (Diamond, PKR 44.8 million), Abdul Samad (Gold, PKR 28 million), and Ali Raza (Emerging, PKR 19.6 million).

The franchise had also signed Afghanistan batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz through a direct signing, but the player later pulled out ahead of the season.

READ: New Zealand set new T20 World Cup record partnership to crush UAE

COLOMBO: USA have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Pakistan in the 12th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here on Tuesday.

Notably, this will be the first fixture here at the Sinhalese Sports Club under lights.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Salman Ali Agha (capt), 4 Babar Azam, 5 Shadab Khan, 6 Usman Khan (wk), 7 Mohammad Nawaz, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Shaheen Afridi, 10 Usman Tariq, 11 Abrar Ahmed

USA: 1 Andries Gous (wk), 2 Shayan Jahangir, 3 Monank Patel (capt), 4 Milind Kumar, 5 Sanjay Krishnamurthi, 6 Shubham Ranjane, 7 Harmeet Singh, 8 Mohammad Mohsin, 9 Shadley van Schalkwyk, 10 Ehsan Adil, 11 Saurabh Netravalkar

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HEAD TO HEAD

Historically, Pakistan and the USA have faced each other only once, with the latter scripting a memorable victory in the 2024 World Cup in the Super Over.

Matches: 1, Pakistan: 0, USA: 1

The last time both teams faced each other was in the 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup, where USA defeated Pakistan in the Super Over.

READ: T20 World Cup: Siefert, Allen brush UAE aside in imperious display

CHENNAI: Fin Allen and Tim Siefert’s imperious knocks powered New Zealand to a commanding 10-wicket win over the depleted UAE bowling attack in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday.

The BlackCaps chased down 175 in only 15.2 overs, without breaking a sweat, thanks to a record-breaking opening stand between Fin Allen and Tim Siefert.

The pair provided New Zealand a rollicking start, ending the PowerPlay on 78. Both batters batted aggressively and capitalized on the fielding restrictions.

Despite the fielding restrictions being lifted, the pair continued to dominate with Siefert reaching his half-century on 23 balls.

Allen also followed him in the next two overs, depositing two sixes and fours to reach the milestone.

The charge continued on as UAE bowlers looked clueless, as New Zealand easily accumulated more than 10 runs per over.

Eventually, Siefert finished off the match in style with a six over long-off, marking New Zealand’s second win.

Earlier, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) made 173-6 against New Zealand in their opening T20 World Cup match in Chennai,  largely thanks to their skipper Muhammad Waseem’s unbeaten 66 from 45 balls.

The UAE missed out on the last T20 World Cup in 2024 and arrived in India with an inexperienced squad containing only three players from their 2022 campaign.

They only just made it through Asian qualifying behind Nepal and Oman and lost to Italy, the lowest-ranked side in the tournament, in a warm-up match.

Choosing to bat first, UAE shrugged off losing an early wicket as Waseem and Alishan Sharafu put on 107 for the second wicket.

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It took a sensational piece of New Zealand fielding to break the partnership.

Mark Chapman intercepted a Sharafu slog-sweep a whisker inside the boundary and, before he stepped over the ropes, relayed the ball to Daryl Mitchell to complete the dismissal.

That left the UAE 119-2 after 14.2 overs, and though they lost another wicket soon after, Waseem powered on.

The 31-year-old, who was one of those who featured at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, hit four fours and three sixes in facing 45 balls.

READ: Major blow for Sri Lanka as Hasaranga ruled out of T20 World Cup

In a significant blow, Sri Lanka ace all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the remainder of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Hasaranga, 28, sustained a hamstring injury during the hosts’ opening game against Ireland in Colombo on Sunday.

He came into the eighth over and bowled two deliveries before pulling his hamstring. The leg-spinner, despite remaining in pain, completed his overs and played a pivotal role with the ball in his side’s 20-run victory.

He scalped three wickets in his quota of four overs while giving away 25 runs.

According to a report, Hasaranga’s MRI scan revealed a serious tear in his left hamstring, subsequently ruling him out of the T20 World Cup.

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Although his replacement is yet to be named, he is likely to be replaced by all-rounder Dushan Hemantha.

The Islanders’ next group fixture is against Oman on February 12 in Pallekele, before they will take on Australia on Feb 16 at the same venue.

Their last group match will be against Zimbabwe in Colombo (RPS) on February 19.

Sri Lanka Squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga

Sri Lanka Remaining Fixtures

February 12: v Oman, Pallekele

February 16: v Australia, Pallekele

February 19: v Zimbabwe, Colombo

READ: PSL 11: Peshawar Zalmi appoint former pacer as head coach

Peshawar Zalmi have officially named former West Indies all-rounder Ottis Gibson as their head coach for the upcoming season 11 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The franchise made the announcement through a social media post on Tuesday, welcoming Gibson to the “Zalmi Fam.”

“We are proud to appoint the battle-hardened 𝐎𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐬 𝐆𝐢𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐧 as our 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 for PSL 11,” the franchise posted.

“A proven leader with a champion’s mindset, ready to guide our troops with clarity, strength, and purpose. The Yellow Storm’s journey just got stronger. Welcome aboard, Coach!”

Gibson brings a wealth of international coaching experience to the Yellow Storm.

He led the West Indies as head coach from 2010 to 2014, guiding them to the 2012 T20 World Cup title.

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He has also served as bowling coach for England in two separate stints (2007–2010 and 2015–2017), coached Bangladesh in 2020, and was head coach of South Africa between 2017 and 2019.

As a player, Gibson represented the West Indies in 2 Tests and 15 ODIs.

Ahead of the historic PSL 11 players’ auction on February 11, Peshawar Zalmi had already retained four players.

Babar Azam leads the retentions in the Platinum category with a fee of PKR 70 million, followed by Sufiyan Muqeem (Diamond, PKR 44.8 million), Abdul Samad (Gold, PKR 28 million), and Ali Raza (Emerging, PKR 19.6 million).

The franchise had also signed Afghanistan batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz through a direct signing, but the player later pulled out ahead of the season.

READ: Tim Brand brace helps Australia edge Pakistan in FIH Pro League

HOBART: Pakistan men’s hockey team endured another setback in their FIH Pro League 2025-26 campaign, falling 3-2 to Australia at the Tasmania Hockey Centre on Tuesday.

Australia took control early, with Tim Brand scoring in the first quarter to put the hosts ahead. Tim Brand doubled the lead in the second quarter, giving Australia a 2-0 advantage as they dominated the opening half of the match.

Pakistan mounted a spirited comeback in the final quarter, with Ahmad Nadeem and Sufyan Khan netting goals within five minutes to level the scores at 2-2, raising hopes of a draw.

However, Australia clinched the victory in dramatic fashion when Blake Govers converted a penalty stroke in the dying moments, sealing a 3-2 win.

The defeat leaves the Pakistan hockey team winless in the tournament so far.

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Pakistan will look to regroup as they face Germany on February 11, before taking on Australia again on February 13 and Germany once more on February 14.

For the unversed, before arriving in Australia, the side had suffered four consecutive losses during the Argentina leg, including defeats against hosts Argentina and the Netherlands.

Their campaign began with a 5-2 loss to the defending champions, the Netherlands, followed by a narrow 3-2 defeat to Argentina and a 7-3 loss in a high-scoring rematch against the Dutch.

In their final game of the first leg, Pakistan suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat at the hands of Argentina.

READ: All-rounder Bas de Leede guides Netherlands to first T20 World Cup 2026 win

DELHI: The Netherlands registered their first victory of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, thanks to an outstanding all-round display from Bas de Leede.

Chasing Namibia’s 157, the Dutch side reached 159-3 in 18 overs, with de Leede leading the charge.

The 26-year-old top-scored with a fluent 72 off 48 balls, striking five boundaries and four sixes, while Michael Levitt provided brisk support with 28 off 15 deliveries, including three sixes.

Colin Ackermann added 32 off 28 balls, and skipper Scott Edwards remained unbeaten on 18, finishing the chase with a boundary and a six.

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Earlier, Bas de Leede had made an impact with the ball, claiming two key wickets as the Netherlands restricted Namibia to 156-8.

Logan van Beek also picked up two scalps, while Aryan Dutt and Fred Klaassen chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Namibia’s innings was anchored by Jan Loftie-Eaton, who scored 42 off 38 balls with two sixes, and Jan Frylinck, who contributed a vital 30 from 26 deliveries.

This win came after the Netherlands had suffered a defeat against Pakistan in their opening T20 World Cup 2026 fixture.

READ: Pakistan-India T20 World Cup match saves ICC from heavy losses

COLOMBO: The confirmation of the blockbuster Pakistan–India encounter in the T20 World Cup 2026 has reportedly spared the International Cricket Council (ICC) from massive financial losses, with Indian media estimating the figure at around USD 174 million.

According to reports, the projected losses were based on potential setbacks in broadcasting revenue, sponsorship commitments and gate receipts, all of which had been under threat during uncertainty surrounding the high-profile fixture.

The resumption of the match has also triggered a sharp spike in travel activity.

Media reports indicated that airfares between Mumbai and Colombo surged soon after the decision was confirmed, reflecting renewed fan interest in what is widely regarded as cricket’s most commercially valuable contest.

Colombo’s hospitality industry has also welcomed the development.

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Hotel operators revealed that several fans had earlier reached out to cancel bookings after suggesting they would boycott Pakistan’s matches, while others had been inquiring about refund policies for tickets to the Pakistan–India game.

It is worth noting that the Government of Pakistan late Monday night directed the national men’s team to participate in the T20 World Cup clash against India at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15.

In an official statement, the federal government said the decision followed careful evaluation of multiple factors, including the outcome of recent discussions involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

The statement also referenced formal requests from various cricket boards and a telephonic conversation between Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which the Sri Lankan leader urged a peaceful resolution to ensure the marquee fixture proceeds as scheduled.

READ: Villarreal beat Espanyol to close La Liga gap to Atletico Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return to action for Al Nassr after bringing an end to his recent dispute with the Saudi Pro League club, sources told ESPN Brasil.

The Portugal captain had missed two matches, Al Nassr’s 2-0 victory over Al Ittihad on Friday and last week’s win against Al Riyadh, amid reported frustration over issues involving Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and its role in the club’s affairs.

Sources indicated that Ronaldo has now decided to rejoin the squad and is set to feature in Al Nassr’s league clash against Al Fateh on February 14.

The Riyadh-based side are also scheduled to play Arkadag in the AFC Champions League Two on Wednesday.

Reports suggested Ronaldo’s absence stemmed from dissatisfaction with the PIF’s involvement in transfer dealings and broader club management.

The situation intensified after Al Nassr’s rivals, Al Hilal, also majority-owned by the PIF, secured the signing of Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema, from Al Ittihad during the January transfer window.

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However, the matter appears to have been resolved after Ronaldo’s key concerns were addressed.

According to sources, overdue salaries at Al Nassr were cleared, and authority was restored to the club’s senior management.

Sporting director Simão Coutinho and CEO José Semedo, who had previously been suspended, have reportedly resumed their duties.

Ronaldo has been in impressive form this season, scoring 18 goals and providing three assists in 22 appearances across competitions.

Al Nassr currently sit second in the Saudi Pro League standings, just one point behind leaders Al Hilal, keeping the title race finely poised.

Last week, the Saudi Pro League issued a statement stressing that no individual player could influence decisions beyond their club, reiterating that all teams operate independently under the same regulatory and financial framework.

READ: Free entry announced for Pakistan vs USA clash in Colombo

COLOMBO: Cricket fans will be treated to free entry when Pakistan take on the United States of America (USA) in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 fixture at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground on Tuesday.

The match, scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST), will mark the first-ever international floodlit game hosted at the iconic SSC Ground, offering spectators a rare opportunity to witness a milestone moment in Sri Lanka’s cricketing history.

The venue has already staged two matches in the ongoing tournament, including Pakistan’s campaign opener against the Netherlands on February 7, where the Green Shirts secured a comfortable victory.

Pakistan will head into the contest mindful of their previous meeting with the USA, which came during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Dallas.

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In that dramatic encounter, Pakistan posted 159 for 7, courtesy of contributions from Babar Azam (44) and Shadab Khan (40), only for the USA to level the scores at 159 for 3, powered by a half-century from captain Monank Patel.

The match went into a Super Over, where the USA stunned Pakistan, registering one of the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history.

Meanwhile, the USA have strengthened their squad by drafting in former Pakistan pacer Ehsan Adil as a replacement for injured Jasdeep Singh.

Adil, who has represented the Green Shirts in three Tests and six ODIs, is yet to make his international debut for the USA and was approved as a replacement by the tournament’s Event Technical Committee.

READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan-born pacer Ehsan Adil included in USA squad