Author: A Sports

LAHORE: Pakistan produced a ruthless all-round performance to outclass Australia in the second T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, sealing the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Defending a competitive 198-5, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by a dominant spin effort, dismantled Australia for just 108 in 15.4 overs, handing the visitors a crushing 90-run defeat.

Cameron Green top-scored for Australia with a 20-ball 35, followed by Matthew Short, who made 27 off 23 deliveries.

Other than them, only skipper Mitchell Marsh (18) and Xavier Bartlett (10) managed to reach double figures.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan claimed three wickets each, while Usman Tariq bagged two.

Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz also contributed with one wicket each.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha made the most of winning the toss and opting to bat first, as the hosts posted a commanding total on the back of his aggressive knock and a late surge from wicketkeeper Usman Khan.

Pakistan had a shaky start, losing Sahibzada Farhan for 5 in the second over with only 17 on the board. However, Agha quickly took control alongside Saim Ayub, and the pair ensured the innings did not lose momentum in the powerplay.

Agha dominated the stand, while Ayub played a brisk cameo before falling on the penultimate ball of the powerplay. The left-hander struck 23 off 11 balls, hitting four boundaries, before being dismissed by Cooper Connolly.

Pakistan then suffered another setback when Adam Zampa trapped Babar Azam lbw for 2, briefly putting pressure on the hosts at 76/3 in 7.1 overs.

But Agha continued his counter-attack and shifted the momentum decisively with a rapid partnership with Shadab Khan.

The Pakistan skipper brought up his sixth T20I fifty in just 25 balls, eventually top-scoring with a blazing 76 off 40 deliveries, featuring eight fours and four sixes.

Australia finally got relief when Sean Abbott removed Agha in the 13th over, ending a threatening 49-run stand.

At the back end, Usman Khan ensured Pakistan finished strongly, registering his second T20I half-century with a composed yet fluent 52 off 35 balls, including four fours and two sixes.

He also stitched a crucial 63-run partnership with Shadab, who contributed 28 off 20 balls, while Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with a quick 10 off 4 to push Pakistan to 198.

For Australia, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Cooper Connolly and Sean Abbott picked up a wicket each.

In reply, Australia never looked settled as Pakistan’s bowlers struck regularly and kept the scoring under control, eventually bundling the visitors out for 108 to wrap up the series with a match to spare.

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South Africa’s experienced batter David Miller has been medically cleared to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, ending concerns over a groin injury sustained during the SA20.

Miller had missed the Paarl Royals’ playoff matches and was rested from South Africa’s ongoing T20I series against the West Indies to manage his recovery.

With full fitness restored, he is now ready to travel with the squad to India, marking his sixth appearance in a T20 World Cup.

At 36 years old, Miller remains a pivotal figure in South Africa’s batting line-up, expected to slot in at No. 5 behind Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and Dewald Brevis.

Though Miller has not publicly addressed it, this tournament could potentially be his last T20 World Cup.

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He came agonisingly close to leading South Africa to their maiden T20 title in Barbados 2024, only to be caught on the boundary with 16 runs required in the final over as India claimed victory by seven runs.

South Africa have already faced injury disruptions ahead of the tournament.

Donovan Ferreira, who suffered a broken shoulder in the SA20, and Tony de Zorzi, sidelined by a hamstring tear, were replaced by Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton, respectively.

The South African squad will depart Johannesburg for Mumbai on Sunday and play a warm-up fixture against India on Wednesday.

Their World Cup campaign begins against Canada on February 9, followed by matches against Afghanistan (February 11, Ahmedabad), New Zealand (February 14, Ahmedabad), and the UAE (February 18, Delhi).

READ: Ali Tareen to participate in Multan franchise auction

LAHORE: Pakistan have won the toss and opted to bat first in the second T20I against Australia here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Playing XIs

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HEAD TO HEAD

Pakistan and Australia have played a total of 29 T20I matches, with both teams winning 14 games each, while one match ended without a result.

Matches 28, Pakistan 13, Australia 14, NR 1

Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, USA, the Netherlands and Namibia, while Australia will feature in Group B with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman.

Pakistan kicked off the three-match T20I series with a 22-run victory in the opening match, with Saim Ayub stealing the limelight with his all-round performance.

The left-handed batter scored a quick 40 off 22 before returning to take two key wickets of Matthew Short and Travis Head.

READ: PCB postpones Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 jersey launch: sources

Former Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen is reportedly interested in reclaiming the ownership rights of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, sources revealed on Friday.

Tareen, who previously owned the 2021 champions, had opted not to renew the franchise agreement after PSL 10, citing differences with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

However, insiders now claim that he has decided to participate in the upcoming auction, expected to be held on February 8 or 9, to acquire the South Punjab-based city franchise again.

Sources further revealed that Tareen has already submitted the required documentation to participate in the bidding process.

Notably, Tareen was also among the qualified bidders for the two newly-added PSL franchises earlier this month, but withdrew at the eleventh hour.

The teams were eventually secured by FKS Group and OZ Developers, who later announced their franchises as Hyderabad and Sialkot, respectively.

Following his withdrawal, Tareen took to the social media platform X to explain his decision, while reflecting on what the Multan Sultans meant to him beyond cricket.

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“After careful consideration, my family and I have decided not to participate in today’s PSL franchise auction,” he had written.

“Our time with Multan Sultans was never just about owning a cricket team. It was about South Punjab. About giving a voice to a region that had been overlooked for too long. That’s what drove everything we built,” he added.

Tareen also hinted that any return to the PSL would remain tied to the same emotional connection.

“If I come back to PSL, it has to be for the same reason. South Punjab is where my heart is. It is home. This year, I’ll be in the stands, cheering for the players and celebrating with the fans. And when the Multan team is being sold, we’ll be ready,” he stated.

“Wishing all the bidders the best. May the most outspoken owner win,” he concluded.

Interestingly, the PCB had not initially planned to auction the Multan franchise this year.

However, after the successful sale of the two new teams, which were acquired for record prices, the board has reportedly decided to also auction Multan Sultans’ ownership rights ahead of the landmark PSL 11 season.

READ: Australia’s injured Pat Cummins ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has postponed the unveiling ceremony of the team’s official jersey for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sources confirmed on Thursday.

According to details, the PCB was planning to reveal the players’ official kit after the toss of the second T20I against Australia at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

However, the ceremony has now been delayed due to what insiders described as unavoidable circumstances.

The development comes at a time when uncertainty continues to surround Pakistan’s participation in the mega event, which is set to begin on February 7 across India and Sri Lanka.

Sources further revealed that the PCB is expected to make its final decision regarding Pakistan’s participation on Monday, following key consultations at the highest level.

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Notably, Pakistan are currently scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on 7 February, and have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, as well as the USA and Namibia.

Under the tournament’s hybrid model, Pakistan’s group-stage matches are planned to be held in Sri Lanka, despite India being one of the co-hosts.

The situation surrounding Pakistan’s participation intensified last week when the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland for the tournament after the former refused to travel to India.

The move has caused unease within the PCB, which publicly backed Bangladesh’s stance during the dispute.

READ: Former Pakistan all-rounder joins UAE coaching staff for T20 World Cup 2026

Former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat has been appointed as the fast bowling coach of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Friday.

The appointment was announced as part of the ECB’s official statement while unveiling the UAE squad for the 20-team tournament, which will be played across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

In its statement, the board highlighted Arafat’s international background and coaching experience.

“Former Pakistan fast bowler Yasir Arafat (27 international matches for Pakistan) has joined the squad as fast bowling coach for the tournament. Since taking up coaching at the end of his playing career, Yasir has coached various national teams and prominent franchises from around the world,” the ECB said.

The board further confirmed that the 43-year-old will also work with the UAE side in the build-up to the mega event.

“The 43-year-old will work with the UAE team during the World Cup and the preceding two-match T20I series against Ireland,” the statement added.

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Arafat, who represented Pakistan in three Tests, 11 ODIs and 13 T20Is, brings a strong coaching resume to the UAE setup.

Notably, he is the first cricketer from Pakistan to complete an ECB Level 4 coaching course from Loughborough University.

The former all-rounder has previously worked as a bowling coach with county sides Sussex and Surrey, and also served in the coaching staff of Big Bash League (BBL) powerhouse Perth Scorchers.

He has also held roles as Pakistan’s High-Performance Coach, bowling coach of the Hong Kong national team, and a bowling consultant for South Africa.

Meanwhile, Arafat joins a UAE support staff led by head coach Lalchand Rajput as the team gears up for the World Cup challenge.

UAE support staff for T20 World Cup 2026

Amjad Ezzi (team manager), Lalchand Rajput (head coach), Yasir Arafat (fast bowling coach), Stanley Chioza (fielding coach), Azharuddin Qureshi (strength and conditioning coach), Dr Abhijeet Salvi (team doctor), Manipreet Sidhu (video analyst), Emmad Hameed (media manager) and Manish Pardeshi (physiotherapist).

READ: UAE reveal squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Lahore: Pakistan’s right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jr has been released from the squad for the remaining matches of the three-game T20I series against Australia.

According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) statement, the pacer will not be part of the remaining fixtures.

“Fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jnr has been released from Pakistan’s T20I squad for the remaining two matches of the series against Australia,” the statement read.

Wasim, 24, is also not part of the Pakistan squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on 7 February in India and Sri Lanka.

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The pacer was part of the Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka, where he picked up five wickets in two matches at an average of 12.20. Moreover, the pacer did not feature in the playing XI for the T20I series opener against Australia, which the Green Shirts won by 22 runs.

Pakistan updated T20I squad

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

READ: WATCH: Official song for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 revealed

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday released the official song for the T20 World Cup 2026, titled ‘Feel the Thrill’, which is scheduled to begin on 7 February in India and Sri Lanka.

According to the ICC, the track was composed and performed by renowned Indian singer Anirudh Ravichander.

“The lively track was composed and performed by renowned Indian music composer and singer Anirudh Ravichander, offering a sonic pulse for the highly awaited tournament starting on February 7,” the press release read.

“Picking up with the fierce spirit – “when nations collide, action isn’t watched, it’s lived” – the song upholds the competitive nature of the tournament. The song blends energetic beats with lyrics reflective of the passion, drama, and emotion behind T20 cricket,” it added.

“Every cheer, every silence, every heartbeat connects in the same tune when it comes to cricket,” he said.

 

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“It’s a feeling, an emotion. I’m glad to be associated with the Feel the Thrill campaign and official song. This is our attempt to bring the global fans together in a spirited unity up and above the fierce on-field rivalry that is set to unfold across the subcontinent,” he added.

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For the unversed, the T20 World Cup 2026 will run from 7 February to March 8 across India and Sri Lanka.

The marquee event will feature 20 teams competing across a packed schedule of 55 matches, including the semi-finals and final.

The 20 teams have been divided into four groups of five, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super Eight stage, where the race to the knockout rounds intensifies.

Notably, defending champions India became the first team to officially unveil their squad for the tournament.

Group A features Pakistan and India alongside the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands, setting up a high-voltage contest early in the tournament.

READ: U19 World Cup: Pakistan suffer major blow ahead of crucial India clash

England and Afghanistan joined Australia in the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating New Zealand and Ireland, respectively, in their final Super Six matches on Friday.

In the Group 1 fixture played at Harare Sports Club, Afghanistan secured a 191-run victory over Ireland to book their place in the final four of the event.

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan racked up 315-7 at the end of 50 overs, thanks to Faisal Shinozada’s marathon knock of 163 runs from 142 balls.

Afghanistan were reduced to 102 for three in 21.2 overs when Faisal Shinozada was joined by skipper Mahboob Khan. The duo put on a batting masterclass with a monumental 188-run stand.

The pair brought the total to 290 in 47.3 overs as Shinozada was caught after playing a sublime innings. His knock was peppered with 18 fours and a six.

Meanwhile, Mahboob continued on till the third ball of the 50th over, ensuring that Afghanistan finished on a strong total.

The skipper’s 89 from 79 balls included two sixes and five fours.

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In reply, Ireland batters could not get going as they were bowled out for 124 in 40.4 overs.

Afghanistan bowlers applied pressure from the right on set, not allowing batters to settle.

Marko Bates remained the top-scorer for his side as he managed 34 from 81 balls with the aid of two fours.

For Afghanistan, Aqil Khan and Abdul Aziz starred with the ball, sharing six wickets between them.

The victory propelled Afghanistan into the semi-final as Sri Lanka were eliminated on the basis of the former’s better run-rate despite ending up on six points.

In the Group 2 fixture, England defeated New Zealand by 65 runs to qualify for the semi-final.

New Zealand did well with the ball after inviting England to bat first as they restricted them to 234-7 at the end of 50 overs.

Ben Mayes remained the star batter, scoring 53 from 70 deliveries with the help of five fours.

All-rounder Caleb Falconer remained the other notable contributor. The right-hander scored a useful 47 from 57 that included three fours down the order.

New Zealand’s batting lineup in reply displayed a shambolic display and were all out for mere 169 in 38.5 overs.

Manny Lumsden wreaked havoc with the ball as he picked up a five-wicket haul in 6.5 overs while giving away 17.

For Blackcaps, Snehith Reddy showed some resistance with the bat, hitting a maximum and two fours in his 47 from 65 balls.

READ: PCB reveals player retention deadline for PSL 11

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 on Friday announced the player-retention deadlines for all eight franchises.

The announcement for the two new and existing teams was made via the league’s social media handles.

“Countdown begins. The six original [PSL] franchises must confirm their retentions by 3 February 2026,” the caption of the post read.

Meanwhile, the new teams, Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad — yet to be officially named, have to submit their retentions by 6 February.

The news came a day after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released the list of 89 players for category renewal. Each existing outfit may retain one player from each category: Diamond, Silver, Platinum, and Gold.

 

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After the retention window closes, franchises will move into the league’s historic first-ever auction on February 11 to complete their rosters.

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For PSL 11, the PCB has also abolished the mentor, brand ambassador, and RTM clauses altogether, streamlining the squad-building process ahead of the auction.

The two newly inducted franchises, Hyderabad and Sialkot, will also be granted special provisions, allowing them to select and retain four players from the available pool before the player auction.

In addition, each team will be permitted to sign one direct signing of a foreign player who did not feature in PSL 10, a move designed to inject fresh international talent into the competition.

The PSL 11 will get underway on March 26, 2026, and will mark Faisalabad’s first-ever stint as a host city. The venue will join Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, expanding the league to five host cities.

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