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COLOMBO: England sealed a nervy last-over victory against New Zealand in the Group 2 Super Eight fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at the RPS Stadium on Friday.

Set a stiff 160, England managed to secure a thrilling victory in the last over.

England lost wickets early and looked like they would be squeezed out at 117-6, needing 43 from the last three overs.

But Ahmed and Jacks took 22 off the 18th over from Glenn Phillips to turn the match on its head.

Ahmed blasted 19 off seven balls in his first T20 World Cup match.

Jacks made an unbeaten 32 off 18 as the pair saw England to 161-6 with three balls to spare.

Jacks, who also took 2-23 to be England’s leading bowler, was named player of the match for an incredible fourth time in seven T20 World Cup outings this campaign.

England will move on to a semi-final in Mumbai on Thursday against either India or the West Indies, who clash on Sunday to decide the last semi-final berth.

New Zealand now have to sweat on the outcome of Saturday’s clash between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Kandy which will decide the second semi-finalist from Super Eights Group 2.

Pakistan have an inferior run rate to New Zealand so will need to win by 65 runs or inside 13 overs, if chasing, to deny the Kiwis.

England spinners spun a web around the New Zealand batting lineup, restricting them from imposing an important total.

Opting to bat first, New Zealand managed 159-7 at the end of their 20 overs.

Tim Seifert and Finn Allen laid a solid foundation with a 64-run partnership in seven overs.

Adil Rashid broke the threatening stand as Siefert was stumped, courtesy of a brilliant piece of work from Jos Buttler behind the stumps. The right-hander made 35 off 25, smashing two sixes and three fours.

The second wicket also fell in quick succession. Finn Allen was caught off Will Jacks’ bowling after managing 29 from 19 with the aid of three sixes.

After a double blow, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra stabilized the innings with a 31-run partnership.

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The scorecard read when Ravindra fell prey to Rehan Ahmed. He scored 11 off 13.

After a solid start, New Zealand’s middle order crumbled with England spinners tightening the screws.

The only notable batter was Glenn Phillips, who hit a vital 39 from 28 balls with the help of a six and four boundaries.

The right-hander stood firm when wickets tumbled around him. As New Zealand collapsed to 123-4 to 135-6 in 17.1 overs.

Eventually, they managed to put a respectable total on the board at the end of the innings.

For England, Will Jacks, Adil Rashid, and Rehan Ahmed shared six wickets between them.

READ: Salman wary of ‘critical situation’ before Sri Lanka clash

AHMEDABAD: Aiden Markram led from the front with a captain’s knock as South Africa thrashed West Indies by nine wickets to move closer to a semi-final berth in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights on Thursday.

South Africa made lightwork of a stiff 177 target, chasing in 16.1 overs with ease, losing only one wicket in the process.

After the first innings, the momentum was on West Indies side, who remarkably recovered from a precarious position.

However, Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram came out all guns blazing, racing to 69 at the end of the powerplay.

The duo made West Indies bowling attack clueless with their aggressive stroke play, particularly Markram who remained the core aggressor.

West Indies finally got a breakthrough in the form of De Kock, who made 47 from 24 balls with the aid of four sixes and four boundaries.

At this point, South Africa were well ahead in the game, with 95 for 1 in 8 overs.

Despite the wicket, Markram continued on, stitching an 82-run partnership with Ryan Rickelton.

The pair made the chase look easy and reached the target on the first ball of the 16th over.

Markram’s unbeaten 82 off 46 was laced with four sixes and seven boundaries. Rickelton also supported him well, managing 45 off 28, including two sixes and four boundaries.

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For West Indies, there was nothing much in the bowling chart, except a solitary wicket for Roston Chase.

Earlier, A record eighth-wicket partnership by Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder enabled the West Indies to overcome an early collapse and post 176-8 against South Africa.

The pair came together with their team in deep trouble at 83-7 and put on 89, the highest eighth-wicket stand in the history of T20 internationals.

Shepherd was unbeaten on 52 off 37 balls with four sixes. Holder was run out off the penultimate ball of the innings for 49 off 31 balls with three maximums.

Both teams came into the match with a perfect five wins in the T20 World Cup so far.

South Africa have played four of their five matches in Ahmedabad and captain Aiden Markram had no hesitation in opting to bowl when he won the toss.

The West Indies took 17 off the first over, bowled by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj.

Kagiso Rabada’s introduction halted their charge as captain Shai Hope (16) edged his second ball to keeper Quinton de Kock.

Shimron Hetmyer was dropped at mid-on by Corbin Bosch off the next delivery, but lasted only two more when he miscued to midwicket, where Maharaj snapped up the catch.

Lungi Ngidi got in the act in his first over when Brandon King, on 21, edged to De Kock, and two balls later, Roston Chase chopped on.

From 29-0 after two overs, the West Indies slumped to 43-4 after four.

Ngidi took 3-30 from his four overs, Rabada 2-2, and Bosch 2-31.

READ: How Pakistan can still reach semi-finals after Sri Lanka elimination

COLOMBO: New Zealand’s 61-run thrashing of Sri Lanka has left Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 hanging by a thread.

The Black Caps completely outplayed hosts Sri Lanka, knocking them out of the tournament.

Put into bat first, New Zealand managed to score 168-7 in 20 overs, largely due to Mitchell Santner’s gutsy knock of 47 runs.

In reply, Sri Lanka could only manage 107-8 at the end of their innings.

Rachin Ravindra earned the player of the match award for his outstanding all-round performance. The southpaw scored a vital 32 runs from 22 balls with the aid of a six and three fours.

With a 61-run win, New Zealand received a significant Net Run Rate boost and now sit in second position with an NRR of 3.050.

What does Pakistan need to do?

For Pakistan, the equation is no longer as simple as it was before New Zealand and Sri Lanka clash.

Pakistan currently has an NRR of -0.464. The Green Shirts not only need to beat Sri Lanka by a hefty 70-run margin, but must also rely on the result of the England-New Zealand match.

According to statistician Mazher Arshad, if England beat New Zealand by 20 runs, Pakistan would need to defeat Sri Lanka by 50 runs to qualify for the semi-finals.

If the game between New Zealand and England is abandoned due to rain, the Black Caps will qualify.

READ: T20 World Cup: New Zealand knock Sri Lanka out with NRR boost

KANDY: Pakistan’s road to the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has become increasingly narrow after a heartbreaking two-wicket defeat against England in their Super Eight fixture.

The loss has left Pakistan with just one point from two matches in Super Eight Group 2, courtesy of their washed-out encounter against New Zealand.

While their campaign now hangs in the balance, mathematical chances of qualification remain alive, albeit dependent on other results.

England, meanwhile, have already punched their ticket to the semi-finals after registering back-to-back wins, sitting comfortably on four points at the top of the group.

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For Pakistan, the equation is straightforward at first glance: they must defeat Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight fixture. A loss would officially end their campaign.

However, even victory alone may not be enough.

Pakistan currently have a net run rate (NRR) of -0.461, which could prove decisive if teams finish level on points.

Sri Lanka, placed at the bottom of the group with no points and an NRR of -2.550, still have two matches to play, against New Zealand and Pakistan, and could influence the final standings significantly.

Scenario 1

Pakistan’s simplest path to the semi-finals requires them to beat Sri Lanka and hope New Zealand lose both of their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and England.

In that case, Pakistan would finish with three points and advance to the semi-finals.

Scenario 2

If New Zealand manage to win one of their remaining two games, Pakistan would still need to defeat Sri Lanka, but with a substantial margin to improve their NRR and edge past the Black Caps in the standings.

Should New Zealand win both of their remaining fixtures, Pakistan will be eliminated regardless of their own result.

READ: Shadab Khan achieves major T20I milestone against England

KANDY: Skipper Harry Brook’s sublime century powered sloppy England to a two-wicket win over Pakistan in the Super Eight clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Set a stiff 165, England chipped away towards the target despite a stutter in the last over, losing eight wickets in the process.

With this win, England qualified for the T20 World Cup semi-final.

England were off to a shaky start as they lost three wickets inside the first five overs. Shaheen Afridi sent back Phil Salt for a duck in the first over. Soon after, Jos Buttler also fell, whose horror run continued in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell fell prey to Shaheen Afridi on eight despite providing relief in the previous over.

The wicket-keeper only managed two from three balls. As a result, England were reduced to 35-3 in 4.5 overs.

With the side in early trouble, Harry Brook launched a rescue act for the ages, holding the innings together with a string of partnerships alongside the middle-order.

Despite the wickets tumbling around him, Brook made the chase look easy with elegant stroke play.

Brook shepherd the chase with measured stands alongside Tom Banton and Sam Curran, adding 23 and 45 runs respectively.

He later found crucial support from Will Jacks, the pair putting on 52 for the sixth wicket to wrest control from Pakistan.

Afridi returned to end Brook’s innings on the final ball of the 17th over, but England held their nerve.

Jacks fell for 28 to Mohammad Nawaz, who also had Jamie Overton stumped in the same over to set up a tense finish.

Needing three from the final over with two wickets in hand, Jofra Archer struck Salman Mirza for a boundary off the first ball to clinch victory.

Afridi was Pakistan’s standout bowler with 4-30, while Usman Tariq Nawaz claimed two wickets.

Earlier, Sahibzada Farhan’s gutsy half-century lifted Pakistan to a fighting total against England.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan managed to score 164-9 in their 20 overs.

Pakistan were jolted with an early blow in the shape of Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha’s dismissal.

Saim was caught at short mid-wicket in a bid to pull Jofra Archer. He only made seven. While skipper Salman fell cheaply to Liam Dawson after managing five.

As a result, the Green Shirts were pegged back with two down for 27 in 3.3 overs.

Following the hiccup, Babar Azam and Sahizada Farhan held the innings together with a 46-run stand. The pair stabilized the innings and brought the scorecard to 73 in 10.5 overs.

Jamie Overton ended the threatening stand with Babar’s wicket, who chopped on after a cautious knock of 25 from 24 with the aid of two fours.

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Meanwhile, Sahibzada Farhan continued and struck a partnership with Rusty Fakhar Zaman after chewing up a few deliveries.

Both added 49 off 30 balls for the fourth wicket partnership, bringing the total to 112 in 15.4 overs.

Farhan, who was going well, was trapped lbw after hitting a six and a four to Overton. He made 63 off 45, including two sixes and seven fours.

Following his wicket, England got hold of the Pakistan innings with a few quick wickets. As a result, they slumped to 132-5 149-8 in 18.3 overs.

Shadab Khan played a vital knock of 23 from 11 with the aid of four boundaries to take Pakistan’s score to 164.

For England, Liam Dawson picked up three wickets in his four overs.

READ: Santner ready for spin test with eye on Pakistan-England clash

KANDY: Pakistan have won the toss and opted to bat first against England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight clash here at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Pakistan have made one change to their side as fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, who was left out of the XI against New Zealand, has returned, replacing all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.

Playing XIs

England: 1 Phil Salt, 2 Jos Buttler (wk), 3 Jacob Bethell, 4 Tom Banton, 5 Harry Brook (capt), 6 Sam Curran, 7 Will Jacks, 8 Liam Dawson, 9 Jamie Overton, 10 Jofra Archer, 11 Adil Rashid

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

Head to Head 

England and Pakistan have played 31 T20Is against each other, with the Three Lions leading by 21 games, while Pakistan have won only 9.

In the T20 World Cup, England remain unbeaten against Pakistan, having won all three matches.

Matches: 31, ENG 21, PAK 9, NR: 1

READ: Pakistan-India clash confirmed as ICC unveils Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule

KANDY: The much-anticipated Super Eight clash between Pakistan and England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is expected to proceed without weather interruptions at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

After rain washed out Pakistan’s previous fixture against New Zealand in Colombo, all eyes were on the forecast in Kandy.

However, the latest weather update offers encouraging signs, with mostly clear skies predicted around the 7:00 PM start time.

The temperature is expected to hover around 27°C, with a RealFeel of 28°C.

Humidity levels remain high at 68%, creating a sticky atmosphere, while the dew point of 20°C suggests significant moisture in the air, a factor that could influence conditions later in the evening.

Light northwest winds of 6 km/h, with occasional gusts up to 13 km/h, are unlikely to have a major impact.

Cloud cover is minimal at 14%, visibility stands at 16 kilometres, and the cloud ceiling is positioned at 9,100 metres, indicating stable conditions for play.

The AccuLumen Brightness Index points to complete darkness, consistent with typical evening conditions under lights.

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While the weather appears favourable, air quality concerns have been flagged, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues.

The clear forecast comes as a relief after Pakistan’s Super Eight opener against New Zealand was abandoned at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium due to persistent rain.

The match was called off more than two-and-a-half hours after captain Salman Ali Agha had won the toss and opted to bat, resulting in both teams sharing a point.

With only the top two teams from each Super Eight group progressing to the semi-finals on March 4 and 5, every fixture carries added significance.

Historically, England have dominated this rivalry in the shortest format. In 31 T20 Internationals between the sides, England have won 21, Pakistan nine, while one match was abandoned.

In T20 World Cup contests specifically, England hold a 3-0 record over Pakistan.

Squads

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

England: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue and Luke Wood.

READ: T20 World Cup: West Indies thrash Zimbabwe in Super Eight clash

MUMBAI: The West Indies etched their name into the record books on Monday after piling up a staggering 254-6 against Zimbabwe at the Wankhede Stadium, recording the second-highest total in the history of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The two-time champions’ 254 in 20 overs now trails only Sri Lanka’s 260-6 against Kenya in the inaugural 2007 edition.

It is also the highest total of the ongoing 2026 tournament, surpassing Ireland’s 235-5 against Oman earlier in the competition.

Highest totals at ICC Men’s T20 World Cups

Sri Lanka – 260-6 (2007)

West Indies – 254-6 (2026)

Ireland – 235-5 (2026)

England – 230-8 (2016)

South Africa – 229-4 (2016)

While it was a historic effort on the World Cup stage, the total stands as West Indies’ third-highest in overall T20 Internationals, behind their 258-5 against South Africa in 2023 and 256-5 versus Ireland in 2022.

The charge was led by Shimron Hetmyer, who delivered a breathtaking 85 off just 34 balls, smashing seven sixes and seven fours in a brutal display of power-hitting.

Walking in at No.3 with the score at 17-1 in 2.4 overs, the left-hander turned the innings on its head with an aggressive counterattack.

Hetmyer brought up his half-century in just 19 balls, the joint-fastest of the ongoing tournament, equalling South Africa captain Aiden Markram and Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka.

For the West Indies, it is the fourth-fastest T20I half-century in their history.

Shai Hope tops the list with a 16-ball fifty against Bangladesh in 2018, followed by Chris Gayle (17 balls), Evin Lewis (18 balls) and now Hetmyer’s 19-ball blitz.

Kieron Pollard’s 20-ball half-century against Australia in 2012 completes the elite list.

READ: Sahibzada Farhan comments on potentially breaking Virat Kohli’s record

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

Lahore Qalandars have bolstered their squad ahead of the landmark season 11 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) by securing South African wicketkeeper-batter Rubin Hermann as a direct signing.

The franchise confirmed the development on Saturday through their official social media platforms, welcoming the left-hander with a succinct message: “Gloves on. Bat in hand. South African Rubin Hermann joins the Lahore Qalandars as a Direct Signing.”

 

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Set to run from March 26 to May 3, PSL 11 promises to be a defining season for franchises reshaping their combinations, and Hermann’s addition gives Qalandars a versatile option in the middle order.

The 29-year-old has played seven T20 Internationals for South Africa, scoring 153 runs at a strike rate of 131.89, registering a half-century in the process.

At the domestic and franchise level, his numbers underline consistency. Across 65 T20 appearances, the left-hander has scored 1,497 runs at a strike rate of 127.83, including eight fifties and a century.

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Rubin Hermann also arrives with valuable league experience, having represented Paarl Royals in two seasons of SA20.

In 21 matches, he amassed 559 runs at a strike rate of 119.70, striking four half-centuries and often anchoring the innings in challenging situations.

For Lahore, the signing strengthens their wicketkeeping options as Haseebullah Khan was the only glovesman in the squad.

Lahore Qalandars squad for PSL 11

Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem, Mustafizur Rahman, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Fakhar Zaman, Ubaid Shah, Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Farooq, Dasun Shanaka, Parvez Hossain Emon, Asif Ali, Tayyab Tahir, Gudakesh Motie and Rubin Hermann.

READ: What New Zealand washout means for Pakistan semi-final qualification?