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MUMBAI: Suryakumar Yadav and bowlers combined to steer India to a 29-run victory over USA in the third fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Set a challenging 162, the USA fell short of the target and managed 132-8 in 20 overs despite showcasing an excellent display with the ball.

India inflicted a poor start on USA, who lost their top three batters in the first three overs.

As a result, USA were reduced to 13-3 with Milind Kumar and Sanjay Krishnamurthi at the crease.

The pair arrested the slide with a 58-run partnership, although it came on the slower side on 52 balls.

USA scorecard read 71 when Varun Chakravarthy broke the partnership to give India an opening.

The mystery spinner removed Milind Kumar who made 34 from 34 balls.

After the breakthrough wicket, Indian bowlers chipped on and took wickets at regular intervals which never allowed the USA batters to settle down.

As a result, they ended short of the target with Shubham Ranjane losing his wicket on the final ball of the innings.

The right-hander’s valiant knock of 37 from 22 included three sixes and two fours.

For India, Mohammed Siraj picked up three wickets.

Ealier, Suryakumar Yadav played a captain’s knock to lift India out of trouble against a disciplined USA bowling lineup

USA capitalized on the decision to bowl first as they limited the strong Indian batting lineup to 161-9 in 20 overs.

The hosts were put in early trouble right from the outset as their dashing opener Abhishek Sharma was sent back for a duck in the second over.

The left-hander could not make his World Cup debut memorable, holing out to a deep cover.

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After an early wicket, Ishan Kishan played some shots and kept the scoreboard ticking.

He added 37 with returning Tilak Varma for the second wicket, bringing the total to 45. However, Shadley van Schalkwyk’s triple-wicket over put his side in a top position at the end of the powerplay.

He removed Kishan (20) and Varma (25), which was followed by the wicket of  Shivam Dube, who could not open his account.

As a result, India were in dire straits with 46-4 at the end of the six overs.

Rinku Singh came to the fore to rescue India and stitched a 26-run partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav. The pair brought the total to 72 in 11.4 as the partnership was broken in the form of Rinku’s wicket.

The left-hander managed six from 14 before getting caught at long on. The slide continued as all-rounder Hardik Pandya could not trouble the scorers much. He made five as the home side were 77-6.

It was all Suryakumar Yadav’s calculated knock, which not only helped them cross the 150 mark but ensured that they finished on a strong note.

The skipper kept losing partners at the other end and capitalized on the last over from Saurabh Netravalkar, amassing 21 runs.

He remained unbeaten on 84 from 49 balls, striking four sixes and 10 fours.

For the USA, it was a clinical bowling effort except for Netravalkar, who had forgettable figures of 65/0 in four overs. Apart from him, Shadley van Schalkwyk remained the standout bowler, taking four wickets.

Harmeet Singh also provided support from the other end with his two wickets in economical spin bowling.

READ: Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulls out of PSL 11

Chasing 148, the men in green crossed the line at 147 for 7 in 19.3 overs, surviving a nervy finish after the Netherlands applied sustained pressure through the middle overs.

Pakistan made a strong start through openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, who provided early momentum.

Ayub set the tone with a brisk 24 off 13 balls, striking four boundaries and a six, before falling to spinner Aryan Dutt.

Farhan then combined with captain Salman Ali Agha to keep the scoring rate healthy, adding 50 runs by the fifth over.

However, Dutt struck again to remove Agha for 12 off eight balls, leaving Pakistan at 53 for 2 in 4.5 overs.

Despite the early wickets, Farhan remained composed and anchored the chase, eventually finding his rhythm.

He moved within sight of a ninth T20I half-century before being dismissed for 47 off 31 balls, an innings featuring four fours and two sixes. His wicket, claimed by Paul van Meekeren, reduced Pakistan to 98 for 3 in 11.1 overs.

Meanwhile, star batter Babar Azam struggled for his 18-ball 15 before falling to Roelof van der Merwe.

Van der Merwe struck again in the same over, dismissing Usman Khan for a second-ball duck, tightening the grip of the Netherlands on the contest.

Pakistan slipped further when another middle-order batter managed just 15 off 18 balls, allowing the visitors to build pressure during the crucial phase of the chase.

In the final five overs, Pakistan lost two more wickets as Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan fell for six and eight, respectively, courtesy of Kyle Klein and Logan van Beek.

With the required run rate climbing, Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Shah Afridi held their nerve. Ashraf turned the match with a flurry of boundaries, including consecutive sixes, to swing momentum back in Pakistan’s favour.

Faheem finished unbeaten on a decisive 29 off just 11 balls, smashing two fours and three sixes, as Pakistan sealed a memorable win in the final over.

The visitors reached 100 runs in the 13th over, with captain Scott Edwards hitting a six off Nawaz. The spinner responded immediately, removing de Leede for 30 off 25 balls, making it 105 for 4.

Abrar continued his impressive spell by claiming his second wicket, dismissing Edwards for a crucial 37 off 29 balls, further denting the Netherlands’ momentum.

All-rounder Saim Ayub then struck twice in the following over, removing Logan van Beek for a first-ball duck and Zach Lion-Cachet for nine, reducing the Netherlands to 129 for 7.

Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi chipped in by dismissing Roelof van der Merwe for four, before Salman Mirza wrapped up the innings in the final over, removing Aryan Dutt for 13 and Paul van Meekeren for a duck.

Salman Mirza finished as the standout bowler with three wickets for 24 runs in 3.5 overs. Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub picked up two wickets each, while Shaheen Afridi claimed one.

COLOMBO: Pakistan to kick off their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 against the Netherlands on Saturday at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, but weather conditions could have a decisive say in the much-anticipated opener.

Forecasts suggest a mixed outlook for match day, with cloudy skies dominating throughout and the possibility of rain increasing significantly as the day progresses.

Morning conditions are expected to remain relatively stable despite heavy cloud cover of around 88 percent.

Temperatures will hover near 31°C, with a RealFeel of approximately 36°C, while humidity levels are projected to stay high at 77 percent.

Winds from the southeast are likely to blow at around 11 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 32 km/h.

Although the skies will remain overcast, no rainfall is predicted during the early hours.

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However, the situation is expected to shift by evening, raising concerns over potential interruptions.

Cloudy conditions and scattered showers are forecast later in the day, with the probability of precipitation rising sharply to 83 percent and expected rainfall of about 4.2 mm.

Temperatures will remain around 32°C, but the RealFeel could climb to 37°C amid persistent humidity.

Winds are predicted to change direction to north-northwest at 17 km/h, with stronger gusts up to 43 km/h, while visibility may drop to nearly 4 kilometres.

Weather already disrupted Pakistan’s only warm-up match against Ireland earlier in the week, which was abandoned before the toss, making conditions a key factor once again as the Men in Green prepare for their tournament opener.

The Sinhalese Sports Club Ground will also stage Pakistan’s remaining group fixtures against the USA on February 10 and Namibia on February 18.

Squads

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.

Netherlands: Scott Edwards (c), Colin Ackermann, Noah Croes, Bas de Leede, Aryan Dutt, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Max O’Dowd, Logan van Beek, Timm van der Gugten, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul van Meekeren, Saqib Zulfiqar.

READ: ICC reveals star-studded commentary panel for T20 World Cup 2026

LAHORE: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have roped in Bangladesh pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman as a direct signing for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The Bangladeshi star bowler, who was previously picked by the Qalandars in 2016 and 2018, is now set to return to the franchise for the 2026 edition, after he was signed for PKR 6.44 crore.

“Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar. Mustafizur is not just a player; he’s a brother, a key part of our family who never left,” said Sameen Rana, Owner, Lahore Qalandars.

“We are thrilled to welcome him back to our dressing room. His talent, experience, and dedication will be invaluable as we aim to defend our title and make a statement in PSL 11.”

Mustafizur Rahman has represented Bangladesh in 15 Tests, 116 ODIs and 126 T20Is, taking 366 wickets across all formats.

Moreover, the 30-year-old pacer has played franchise cricket across the globe, taking 412 wickets in 322 matches at an average of 21.03.

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Earlier, Lahore Qalandars had retained captain Shaheen Afridi, key batter Abdullah Shafique, dynamic all-rounder Sikandar Raza, and skilled youngster Mohammad Naeem.

Notably, Mustafizur’s signing comes in the backdrop of a turbulent few weeks for the bowler, who was released by Kolkata Knight Riders last month.

The decision was reportedly taken at the direction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), sparking controversy in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) responded strongly to the development, and the matter escalated to the point that the national cricket team opted not to travel to India for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Subsequently, Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the mega-event after multiple meetings between BCB and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Adding to the strained situation, Bangladesh’s government also announced a ban on the broadcast and coverage of the IPL within the country.

READ: Pakistan PM Shehbaz reaffirms decision to boycott India clash

Peshawar Zalmi on Wednesday revealed the retention prices of their four retained players, including star batter Babar Azam, ahead of the historic Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 players’ auction, scheduled for February 11.

The franchise confirmed the figures through PSL’s official social media accounts, with skipper Babar Azam retained in the Platinum category for PKR 70 million.

Sufyan Moqim, kept in the Diamond category, will earn PKR 44.8 million, while Abdul Samad, selected in the Gold category, is set to receive PKR 28 million. Saad Baig, retained under the Emerging category, will earn PKR 19.6 million.

The yellow storm is coming ⚡️

Peshawar Zalmi have confirmed their retentions for HBL PSL 2026, ahead of the upcoming Player’s Auction#HBLPSL | #NewEra pic.twitter.com/wnF8PepPto

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 4, 2026

With these retentions, Peshawar Zalmi have so far spent PKR 162.4 million from their overall franchise budget ahead of the auction.

Each PSL 11 franchise has been allotted a total purse of PKR 450 million, with an additional PKR 55 million reserved for direct signings under the league’s new auction-based model.

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This year, PSL has introduced a major shift in player recruitment, replacing the traditional draft system with a full-fledged auction format for the first time in the league’s history.

Five of the six old franchises had announced their retained players by Tuesday, while Multan Sultans confirmed they will enter the auction with zero retentions, giving them the maximum purse to spend during the bidding process.

PSL 11 retentions

Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Abdullah Shafique (Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Gold), Mohammad Naeem (Silver)

Quetta Gladiators: Abrar Ahmed (Platinum), Usman Tariq (Diamond), Hasan Nawaz (Gold), Shamyl Hussain (Emerging)

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (Platinum), Salman Irshad (Gold), Andries Gous (Silver)

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (Platinum), Sufyan Moqim (Diamond), Abdul Samad (Gold), Ali Raza (Emerging)

Karachi Kings: Hasan Ali (Platinum), Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Diamond), Khushdil Shah (Gold), Saad Baig (Emerging)

READ: Karachi Kings reveal retention prices of four players ahead of PSL auction

Peshawar Zalmi has retained ace batter Babar Azam for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, the franchise confirmed on Tuesday.

Zalmi shared the much-anticipated retention update in a social media post with an animated poster.

“Locked in and confirmed. Here’s the Yellow Storm shaping up for #HBLPSL11,” the caption of the post read.

Babar Azam (Platinum) has been retained, whereas the ace batter Saim Ayub was released as per the new framework of the auction system.

Saim Ayub joined the outfit in the 2022 season and played 33 matches, amassing 860 runs at a strike rate of 152.48.

 

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A post shared by Peshawar Zalmi (@peshawarzalmipk)

Besides Babar, Sufiyan Muqeem (Diamond), Abdul Samad (Gold), and Ali Raza (Emerging) also secured their spots in the team ahead of the auction.

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It is worth noting that PSL is set to move to an auction model, marking a shift from the traditional draft system.

Under the new structure, each franchise is allowed to retain up to four players, with one player per category.

Moreover, this time around, teams could not retain up to eight players, along with additional provisions such as mentors, brand ambassadors, and the Right to Match (RTM) option.

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

For the unversed, 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.

READ: Quetta Gladiators retentions revealed for PSL 11

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday addressed Pakistan’s decision to boycott their T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India, warning that “selective participation” could have serious implications for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Pakistan were originally scheduled to face arch-rivals India on February 15 in Colombo during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

However, the Government of Pakistan announced on Sunday that the national team will take part in the tournament but will not play India.

Within hours of the government’s announcement, the ICC released a strongly worded statement, clarifying that it has not yet received official communication from the PCB regarding the matter.

“The ICC notes the statement that the government of Pakistan has made regarding the decision to instruct its national team to selectively participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026,” the ICC said in a statement.

“While the ICC awaits official communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), this position of selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms per the event schedule.”

The ICC further stressed that its tournaments are built on sporting integrity and fairness, warning that refusing to play a particular opponent undermines the very foundation of international competition.

“ICC tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency and fairness, and selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions,” it added.

Although the ICC acknowledged the role governments play in national policy decisions, it maintained that the move is not in the sport’s best interests and could hurt cricket fans, including millions in Pakistan.

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“While the ICC respects the roles of governments in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan,” the statement continued.

In a clear warning aimed at the PCB, the ICC urged Pakistan’s cricket authorities to reflect on the long-term consequences of such a stance.

“The ICC hopes that the PCB will consider the significant and long-term implications for cricket in its own country as this is likely to impact the global cricket ecosystem, which it is itself a member and beneficiary of,” it said.

The governing body also called on the PCB to find a solution that safeguards the tournament and the interests of all stakeholders.

“The ICC’s priority remains the successful delivery of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which should also be the responsibility of all its members, including the PCB,” the ICC further stated.

“It expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution, which protects the interests of all stakeholders.”

Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands and the USA, and are set to play all their matches in Sri Lanka under the tournament’s hosting model.

The Green Shirts will open their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, followed by matches against the USA on February 10 and Namibia on February 18.

READ: Babar Azam surpasses Kohli to reach major T20I milestone

LAHORE: Pakistan’s men’s cricket team is set to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, but will not play against arch-rivals India, the Government of Pakistan confirmed on Sunday.

The decision follows after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s meeting with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Pakistan were originally scheduled to play India on 15 February in the T20 World Cup 2026 at Colombo.

The Government of Pakistan officially announced the decision on X post, stating that the Pakistan team would participate in the mega event, but also noted that the team would not take the field in the match scheduled for 15th February 2026 against India.

“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026, however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India,” the post wrote.

For the unversed, speculation has been rife about Pakistan’s World Cup participation following the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejection of Bangladesh’s venue change request, which has led to the team’s boycott of the mega event.

On Monday, 25 January, Mohsin Naqvi met Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the potential withdrawal from the tournament.

“Had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday,” he had written on his X account.

The situation surrounding Pakistan’s participation intensified on 24 January when the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament after they refused to travel to India, citing security concerns.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will commence on 7 February across India and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan will play the World Cup opener against the Netherlands on 7 February and have been placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals, the USA and Namibia.

Under the tournament’s hybrid model, Pakistan’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, even though India is one of the co-hosts.

READ: Pakistan bowl out India for 252 in U19 World Cup clash

LAHORE: Pakistan on Sunday crushed Australia by a hefty margin of 111 runs in the third and final T20I as Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Nawaz starred to give the home side a timely confidence booster ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Set a daunting 208, Australia were skittled for 96 in 16.5 overs, with the last batter, Adam Zampa, not coming out to bat.

The home side inflicted a miserable start on Australia as Shaheen Afridi knocked over Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh on the fourth ball of the over.

This set the tone as the Australian batting order could not deliver, with Matthew Short and Matt Renshaw getting dismissed in a cheap manner.

As a result, Australia were reduced to 16-3 in 2.5 overs with Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis at the crease.

The pair arrested the slide with a 44-run partnership for the fourth wicket, propelling the score to 60 in 9.1 overs.

Mohammad Nawaz broke the threatening stand, cleaning up Stoinis. The all-rounder made 23 from 22 with the help of three fours.

Following the wicket, the Australian innings quickly unfolded with Nawaz tormented through the visitors’ batting order.

The whole side was eventually bowled out, leading to their largest defeat margin in T20Is.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz picked up five wicket haul in his quota of four overs while giving away 19. Shaheen Shah Afridi also took two wickets.

Earlier, Saim Ayub and Babar Azam’s gutsy half-centuries and a quick-fire knock from Shadab Khan propelled Pakistan to a big total

Opting to bat first, Pakistan racked up 207-6 at the end of their 20 overs.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s decision to bat first proved decisive as the hosts recovered from an early setback to post their highest total of the series in the Pakistan vs Australia T20I clash.

The Green Shirts made a stuttering start when opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for 10 in the second over, with just 14 runs on the board.

The early wicket brought Agha to the crease at number three, but the skipper failed to repeat his earlier heroics, falling for a three-ball five to Ben Dwarshuis, leaving Pakistan struggling at 34 for 2 in 3.4 overs.

The innings steadied when experienced campaigner Babar Azam joined Saim Ayub, and the pair shifted momentum with a brisk 69-run partnership for the third wicket. Ayub was the aggressor, finding the gaps with ease before being dismissed on the first ball of the 12th over.

Ayub top-scored with a polished 56 off 37 balls, striking six fours and two sixes, before holing out to a spectacular catch by Matthew Renshaw in the deep off Matthew Kuhnemann.

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Babar then combined briefly with Khawaja Nafay, adding 28 runs for the fourth wicket. Nafay impressed with a quick 21 off 12 balls, hitting two sixes and a boundary before departing.

With Pakistan well placed at 131 for 4 after 14 overs, all-rounder Shadab Khan provided late impetus, smashing a rapid 46 off just 19 deliveries, including five sixes among seven boundaries.

Shadab also shared a vital 57-run stand with Babar, who anchored the innings and remained unbeaten on 50 from 36 balls, featuring three fours and a six.

For Australia, Ben Dwarshuis was the most effective bowler, finishing with 2 for 39, while Matthew Kuhnemann, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, and Matthew Short claimed one wicket each.

READ: PSL new outfit Hyderabad set for official launch on Feb 7

LAHORE: Amid the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the PCB is exploring contingency plans should it withdraw from the tournament.

According to sources, the decision is expected today after the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, meets with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the evening.

Additionally, Pakistan has linked the launch of the T20 World Cup kit after the final decision. The kit unveiling ceremony was originally scheduled for 31 January, Friday, during Pakistan and Australia’s second T20I.

Sources familiar with the matter also say that, if Pakistan decides to withdraw from the T20 World Cup, the PCB has devised a plan to hold a domestic tournament, including Pakistan’s senior team, Pakistan Shaheens, and the U19 squad, divided into four teams.

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For the unversed, speculation has been rife about Pakistan’s World Cup participation following the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejection of Bangladesh’s venue change request, which has led to the team’s boycott of the mega event.

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

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 scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka, even though India is one of the co-hosts.

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

READ: Cameron Green makes ‘chucking’ gesture after Usman Tariq dismissal