Category: Cricket

KANDY: Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has brushed aside concerns over Jofra Archer’s pace threat ahead of Tuesday’s high-stakes Super Eight encounter against England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

England enter the contest with momentum on their side after a commanding 51-run victory over Sri Lanka at the same venue on Sunday.

Pakistan, meanwhile, have a solitary point in their Super Eight group after their opening fixture against New Zealand in Colombo was washed out due to persistent rain.

Archer played a pivotal role in England’s win, producing a fiery spell while defending 147 and removing Sri Lankan openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara to set the tone early.

However, Farhan made it clear during the pre-match press conference in Kandy that Pakistan are not intimidated.

“It’s not that big a deal to face Jofra Archer. We also have bowlers who clock 140-plus, and they have come prepared. We’ve done our preparation as well,” he said.

The opener stressed that confidence within the Pakistan camp remains intact despite the circumstances.

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“We are confident. The team has played good cricket here before, and we will give England a tough time,” Farhan stated, adding that tactical calls such as opting to bat or bowl rest with the captain and coaching staff.

Playing in Kandy for the first time, Sahibzada Farhan revealed he sought insights from senior players, including Babar Azam.

“I have never played here, but our senior players have. I spoke to Babar Azam, and he said the ball comes nicely onto the bat here. The other boys who have played here are saying the same, that these are batting-friendly tracks,” he noted.

At the same time, he acknowledged that conditions in the recent England-Sri Lanka match suggested some variation.

“In the last match, the ball was gripping, and the pitch looked different, so we’ll assess the conditions tomorrow,” he added.

Farhan also addressed Pakistan’s recent struggles with the bat, admitting that the top order must shoulder greater responsibility.

“We have been collapsing in batting, and we need to think about that. We have to carry the innings deeper from the top order. We are working on it, and there will be improvement,” he said.

READ: ECB warns The Hundred franchises amid concerns over Pakistan snub

LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has issued a formal reminder to all eight franchises of The Hundred regarding their obligations, following reports that Pakistan players could be overlooked by teams with Indian Premier League (IPL)-linked ownership at next month’s auction.

According to English media, the ECB circulated an email on Sunday stressing that any form of discrimination, including decisions influenced by nationality, would invite action.

It is understood that if credible evidence emerges, the matter could be referred to the independent Cricket Regulator, while the ECB may also pursue separate measures as the governing body of the 100-ball competition.

The move follows a report earlier this week claiming that Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds may opt against considering Pakistan players at the March 11–12 auction.

The issue has once again highlighted the broader geopolitical tensions that have impacted cricketing ties between India and Pakistan for over a decade.

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Pakistan players have not featured in the IPL since 2009, and their participation in other leagues has narrowed as IPL team owners have expanded into tournaments such as SA20 in South Africa and the ILT20 in the UAE.

For the upcoming edition of The Hundred, 67 Pakistan players, 63 men and four women, have entered the auction pool. The list includes high-profile names such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah.

In total, 964 players have registered for the draft. Franchises are required to submit a preferred list of 75 to 100 names, with the ECB trimming the overall pool to a shortlist of around 200 players set to go under the hammer.

Notably, no Pakistan players were picked in last year’s auction, although Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim later featured as replacement signings.

READ: Rawalpindi franchise reveals team name ahead of PSL 11

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi-based franchise for Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 has officially been named ‘Pindiz’, marking a fresh identity for the side ahead of the upcoming edition scheduled from March 26 to May 3.

The franchise, recently acquired by Walee Technologies for Rs 2.45 billion, unveiled the new name through a 25-second promotional video on Sunday.

The clip showcased iconic landmarks of Rawalpindi, accompanied by energetic background music, signalling a new chapter for the team.

“Team Rawalpindi’s official franchise name is here. We’re bold. We’re challenging. We’re bringing the vibe. We’re changing the game,” the franchise wrote while sharing the video.

🚨 Team Rawalpindi’s official franchise name is here.

We’re bold
We’re challenging
We’re bringing the vibe
We’re changing the game 🔥

Next up: the official team logo 👀🔜#HBLPSL11 #NewEra | @thePSLt20 | @M_Ahsan_Tahir | @CWR_WALEE pic.twitter.com/f9hXr3iRf0

— Pindiz (@thepindiz) February 22, 2026

The announcement also hinted at more to follow, confirming that the official team logo will be revealed soon. The teaser ended with the message: “To be continued.”

The development comes after significant changes behind the scenes. The franchise, previously operating as Multan Sultans, went under the hammer after former owner Ali Tareen opted not to renew the ownership agreement following PSL season 10.

Subsequently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had temporarily taken control of the team, with chairman Mohsin Naqvi stating that the board would manage the former champions for the upcoming season.

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However, after successfully auctioning two new franchises, Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen and Sialkot Stallionz, the PCB decided to place the Sultans on the market as well.

Walee Technologies ultimately secured ownership following a competitive bidding war, most notably with CD Venturers, who placed the second-highest bid before withdrawing.

Under PSL regulations, the winning bidder was granted the right to rebrand the franchise. Owner Ahsan Tahir exercised that option, opting to align the team’s identity with Rawalpindi.

READ: England Lions seal T20 series against Pakistan Shaheens

ABU DHABI: James Coles’ all-round show powered England Lions to a T20 series win over Pakistan Shaheens here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Sunday. 

Set stiff 184, Pakistan Shaheens were bowled out for 151 in 19.3 overs.

Maaz Sadaqat and skipper Shamyl Hussain added 40 runs for the opening wicket partnership.

Shamyl made 20 off 15 with the help of two sixes and a four.

Following his wicket, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Baig stabilized the innings with a 29-run stand.

However, Maaz’s wicket in the ninth over sparked a mini-collapse that halted Pakistan Shaheens’ progress.

The left-hander made 32 from 25, including two sixes and two fours, as Pakistan were slumped 78-5 in 11.4 overs.

With the required run rate creeping, Saad Masood and Hasan Nawaz stitched a 48-run partnership to take the scorecard to 126 in 16.4 overs.

However, the stand culminated and ended Pakistan’s hopes of chasing down the target.

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Saad Masood resisted with a well-made 30 off 17, hitting two sixes and two fours.

For England Lions, James Coles starred with the ball, picking up a four-wicket haul.

Earlier, put into bat first, England Lions racked up 183-5 in their 20 overs.

James Coles starred with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 48 off 30 balls, hitting two sixes and four boundaries.

Ben McKinney was the other notable batter, amassing 38 from 25, laced with six fours.

For Pakistan, Shahid Aziz remained the pick of the bowlers, scalping two wickets.

The third and final match of the T20 series will be played on February 24 at the same venue.

READ: West Indies wary of Zimbabwe’s ‘X-factor’ Muzarabani

West Indies coach Daren Sammy said Sunday his side had plans to counter Zimbabwe’s giant quick bowler Blessing Muzarabani, while admitting the 2.03m (6ft 8in) beanpole had the “X-factor”.

The West Indies will open their Super Eights campaign at Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium on Monday against tournament surprise packages Zimbabwe, who topped a group including Sri Lanka and Australia.

Muzarabani was one of the revelations of the group phase, taking nine wickets and 4-17 in the upset of Australia.

“We plan for every single player. Not only him. He’s an X-factor,” Sammy told reporters Sunday.

“You’ve got to respect the opposition. We know the threat they bring against us but we also know what we have to do in order for him not to be threatening against us.”

The Super Eights were pre-seeded before the tournament, so the top eight seeds knew in advance where they would be playing in the second phase. Only one, Australia, did not make it and were replaced by Zimbabwe.

The format, though, has come under fire after all four group winners — India, South Africa, West Indies, and Zimbabwe — were pitted against each other in the second phase.

The four group runners-up — Sri Lanka, England, Pakistan, and New Zealand — are all in the other Super Eights group.

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The format has brought accusations of a lopsided second phase of the tournament, with two of the group winners certain to miss the semi-finals.

Daren Sammy played a straight when quizzed about the fixture list by reporters, saying the format gave certainty to teams and fans.

“If you take the logistics that comes into it, trying to give the fans who travel an opportunity to plan ahead, that’s the big thing for most people,” said Sammy.

“Zimbabwe came out of the group. That means somebody did not come out. Zimbabwe did what they had to do.

“I do understand from the logistic standpoint, trying to give the fans the surety, flights, whatever.”

Sammy indicated that all-rounder Romario Shepherd, who took a hat-trick against Scotland, could return after being out for the past week.

“He practised well yesterday,” Sammy said of the right-arm seamer and power hitter, who had strapping on his right knee during training on Sunday but looked in no discomfort.

“Bowled quite well, you know, hit the ball very, very cleanly.

“The good thing for us is that everybody is available for selection.

“So I’m glad to know and happy to know that all my soldiers are ready to go out to war.”

READ: WATCH: Pakistan reach Kandy ahead of England clash

AHMEDABAD: David Miller’s brisk half-century and a commanding bowling performance powered South Africa to a big win over the defending champions India in the second Super Eight fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Set 188, India were blown away in the chase by South Africa, bowling them out for 111 in 18.5 overs.

India were off to a similar start, losing their top three batters inside four overs.

Hence, the only difference was the absence of a Miller and Brevis-like partnership, which could have carried them all the way.

As a result, India continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. The Nadir came when Corbin Bosch chipped in the wickets of skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Washington Sundar.

Yadav could manage only 18 from 2,2 while Sundar scored 11.

The slide continued, but it got a break with Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya’s partnership of 35, which provided them with a glimmer of hope.

But Keshav Maharaj’s 14th over proved to be a final nail in the coffin, as the hosts lost three wickets. Hardik (18 from 17 balls), Rinku Singh (0), and Arshdeep Singh (1) were all caught in a similar fashion on the boundary rope by Tristan Stubbs.

The innings quickly unraveled with South Africa sealing a decisive 76-run victory.

Marco Jansen remained prolific for South Africa with his four-wicket haul, while Keshav Maharaj snared three to put his name into the wickets column.

Earlier, opting to bat first under lights here at the Narendra Modi Stadium, South Africa huffed and puffed to 183-5 in their 20 overs.

The hosts were on top as they removed South Africa’s top three in the first four overs.

With the Proteas reeling at 20-3, David Miller and Dewald Brevis joined hands and took their side out of trouble.

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The pair not only launched a steady recovery with a 97-run stand, but also put South Africa in a commanding position at 117 in 12.2 overs.

Shivam Dube provided India the much-needed breakthrough, removing Dewald Brevis for 45 from 29 balls. The right-hander hit three fours and three sixes in his enterprising knock.

Meanwhile, David Miller continued on, adding another 35 runs with Tristan Stubbs.

The southpaw got out just when South Africa were eyeing a massive total. He made 63 off 35, including three sixes and seven fours.

After his wicket, South Africa lost their way, thanks to a brilliant over from Jasprit Bumrah.

But it was Tristan Stubbs’ blitz in the final over that helped the 2024 runners-up finish strong. Stubbs tonked Hardik Pandya for 20 runs to finish strong.

The right-hander remained unbeaten on 44 from 23 balls, laced with three maximums and a four.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah remained the outstanding bowler, scalping three wickets while giving away just three runs.

READ: Sehrish Ali storms into German Junior Open 2026 final

KANDY: The Pakistan men’s cricket team arrived here on Sunday ahead of their Super Eight clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 against England, scheduled to be played on February 24.

The Green Shirts will undergo training tomorrow at the Pallekelle Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan’s last two Super Eights matches are scheduled in Kandy. They will play their last match against Sri Lanka on Feb 28.

The 2009 champions’ opening Super Eight fixture against New Zealand was washed out on Saturday. Both teams have been awarded one point each.

Persistent drizzle right after the toss — which Pakistan won and opted to bat — at the Premadasa Stadium did not relent, and the umpires finally called the match off at 9:05pm local time (15:35 GMT).

The abandonment of the Super Eight opening fixture has made Group 2 of the Super Eights more interesting, with each game now carrying greater importance.

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Not even a five-over match was possible by the 10:16 pm (1646 GMT) cut-off time, giving the two teams one point each.

For Pakistan to qualify for the semi-finals without relying on the Net Run Rate, they simply have to win two of their remaining games against England and Sri Lanka.

The victories will ensure Pakistan finishes on five points, virtually booking their place in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, title-holders India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the West Indies are placed in Group 1.

The top two teams from each Group will qualify for the semi-finals.

READ: T20 World Cup: South Africa win toss against India

AHMEDABAD: South Africa have won the toss and opted to bat first against India in the Super Eight fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here on Sunday.

Playing XIs

India: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy.

South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi.

Head-to-head

Both teams have met 35 times in the shorter format. India leads with 23 wins, while South Africa has 13, with one match ending in a no result.

The Men in Blue are also leading in the T20 World Cup with five wins. Meanwhile, Proteas remained successful in two matches.

Their last meeting in the tournament came in the final of the 2024 edition, which the Men in Blue won by seven runs.

Matches: 35 India: 23, South Africa: 13, No Result: 1

READ: T20 World Cup: England sink Sri Lanka in clinical bowling display

KANDY: An all-round bowling effort helped England defend a modest target against Sri Lanka in their Super Eights encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

England successfully defended a partly target of 147, skittling Sri Lanka for a mere 95 in 16.4 overs.

Jofra Archer and Will Jacks combined to pile a miserable start on Sri Lanka, leaving them five down for 34 at the end of the powerplay.

The early blows never allowed the Islanders to make a comeback in the match as skipper Dasun Shanaka resisted with 30 off 24 with the help of two sixes and a boundary.

However, there was no support from others, as Sri Lanka kept losing wickets while England bowlers turned the screws on them.

For Enlgnad, Will Jacks took three wickets while Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer and Liam Dawson shared six wickets between them.

As a result, the whole team was bundled out for a modest total

Earlier, Sri Lanka delivered a collective bowling effort to keep England to a below-par 146-9.

Opting to bat first, England never truly found momentum after an early setback. Star batter Jos Buttler struggled for fluency and was dismissed for seven off 14 deliveries, falling to Dunith Wellalage inside the powerplay.

Phil Salt attempted to anchor the innings, but wickets continued to tumble at the other end. England crawled to 68-4 at the halfway stage, unable to capitalise as Sri Lanka maintained tight lines and applied constant pressure.

Sam Curran briefly threatened to accelerate but managed just 11 before Dushmantha Chameera struck.

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Salt, who had held the innings together with a counter-attacking knock, eventually fell in the following over to Wellalage after scoring 62 off 40 balls, laced with six fours and two sixes.

With Salt’s departure, England’s innings lost its backbone. Maheesh Theekshana removed Liam Dawson for six, reducing England to 124-7 in the 18th over.

Will Jacks provided late impetus with a 21-run cameo off 14 balls, while Jamie Overton’s unbeaten 10 ensured England batted out their 20 overs.

For Sri Lanka, Wellalage was the standout performer, claiming three crucial wickets. Dilshan Madushanka and Theekshana supported him well with two scalps apiece.

READ: India outclass Bangladesh to lift ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars trophy

BANGKOK: India produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat Bangladesh by 46 runs in the final and clinch the ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars title at the Terdthai Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Defending 135, India’s bowlers dominated from the outset, bundling Bangladesh out for 88 in 19.1 overs to seal a comprehensive victory in the summit clash.

Bangladesh never quite recovered after early setbacks. Shamima Sultana provided brief resistance with a brisk 20 off 15 balls, striking three boundaries, while captain Fahima Khatun chipped in with 14 off 11 deliveries.

However, the rest of the batting unit struggled to build partnerships as wickets fell at regular intervals.

Prema Rawat led India’s bowling charge with impressive figures of 3/12 in her four overs, applying sustained pressure through the middle phase.

Sonia Mendhiya and Tanuja Kanwar claimed two wickets apiece, while Saima Thakor, Minnu Mani and Radha Yadav contributed with one wicket each to wrap up the innings.

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Earlier, India posted a competitive total after opting to bat first. Openers Nandini Kashyap and Dinesh Vrinda laid a steady foundation, guiding the side to 30 before the first breakthrough.

Vrinda departed for 19, dismissed by Fatema Jahan, while Kashyap was run out shortly after.

Minnu Mani fell for a first-ball duck, and Anushka Sharma managed just eight, leaving India needing consolidation in the middle overs.

That stability came through Tejal Hasabnis and skipper Radha Yadav, who stitched together a crucial 69-run partnership to revive the innings. Yadav struck 36 off 30 balls, including three fours and a six, before being dismissed.

Hasabnis anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 51 off 34 deliveries, hitting three fours and two sixes, ensuring India crossed the 130-run mark, a total that ultimately proved more than sufficient.

For Bangladesh, Fahima Khatun was the standout performer with the ball, returning figures of 4/25 in her four overs, while Fatema Jahan and Farjana Easmin picked up one wicket each.

READ: Lahore Qalandars sign THIS South African batter for PSL 11