Category: Sports

KANDY: Pakistan are poised to ring in sweeping changes in the Playing XI for their decisive Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

With their semi-final hopes hanging by a thread, the team management is expected to reshuffle the playing XI in a bid to engineer the massive victory required to stay alive in the tournament.

Fast bowler Mohammad Salman Mirza is likely to make way for spinner Abrar Ahmed, who has not featured since the group-stage matches against the Netherlands, USA and India.

Young batter Khawaja Nafay is also tipped to return for the high-stakes encounter and could replace all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz in the XI.

There is further speculation that senior batter Babar Azam may be rested, while pace all-rounder Faheem Ashraf is in contention for inclusion.

While Sri Lanka have already been knocked out of the competition, Pakistan enter the contest under immense pressure.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Green Shirts sit third in Super Eight Group 2 with just one point from two matches and a net run rate (NRR) of -0.461.

To qualify for the semi-finals, Pakistan must not only beat Sri Lanka but do so convincingly.

With New Zealand holding a superior NRR of 1.390, Pakistan need a win by roughly 65 runs or chase down a target within 13 overs to leapfrog the Black Caps.

England’s recent victory over New Zealand has kept Pakistan’s campaign alive, but their fate now rests entirely in their own hands.

Anything short of the required margin will see New Zealand join England in progressing to the semi-finals from Group 2.

Pakistan’s likely playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (c), Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq.

READ: Kandy weather update ahead of Pakistan-Sri Lanka Super Eight clash

KANDY: Pakistan’s do-or-die Super Eight clash against co-hosts Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to unfold under clear skies at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, with weather unlikely to disrupt proceedings.

As of 7 PM local time, conditions in Kandy are expected to be ideal for cricket.

The temperature will hover around 25°C, with a matching RealFeel, while a gentle north-westerly breeze at 6 km/h, gusting up to 13 km/h, should offer slight relief from the humidity.

Humidity levels stand at 62%, accompanied by a dew point of 18°C, creating a mildly muggy atmosphere.

However, cloud cover is almost non-existent at just 2%, visibility stretches to eight kilometres, and the cloud ceiling is positioned high at 9,100 metres.

With the AccuLumen Brightness Index reading zero, the encounter will be played entirely under floodlights.

While air quality has been flagged as unhealthy for sensitive individuals, playing conditions themselves appear well-suited for an uninterrupted contest.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For Sri Lanka, the fixture carries little more than pride, having already been eliminated from the tournament. For Pakistan, however, the stakes could not be higher.

The Green Shirts sit third in Super Eight Group 2 with just one point from two matches and a net run rate (NRR) of -0.461. Their semi-final ambitions hinge not only on victory but on the scale of it.

With New Zealand currently boasting a superior NRR of 1.390, Pakistan require a commanding win to leapfrog the Black Caps in the standings.

Calculations suggest they must defeat Sri Lanka by approximately 65 runs, or chase down a target within 13 overs, to overhaul New Zealand’s net run rate.

England’s recent win over New Zealand has kept Pakistan’s hopes flickering, but their fate now rests entirely in their own hands.

Anything less than the required margin would see New Zealand advance alongside England to the semi-finals from Group 2.

READ: Shahid Afridi names Agha’s replacement for Pakistan captaincy

Former all-rounder Shahid Afridi believes Shadab Khan will not be a bad choice to captain Pakistan’s T20I team, emphasizing that consistent performances will be key if he is to lead the team following the conclusion of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Currently, Salman Ali Agha is leading the side in the shorter format. The 2009 champions are on the brink of elimination after losing to England in the Super Eight.

Shahid Afridi shared his views on the captaincy while talking on a private channel.

“If the same coach [Mike Hesson] continues, then in my opinion, Shadab Khan will be appointed as captain,” he remarked.

The 27-year-old backed Shadab Khan amid limited options to lead the side.

“Shadab is not a bad choice for captaincy because we do not have many other options at the moment,” he continued

“However, if Shadab had maintained consistency in his bowling, the way he was performing earlier, it would have strengthened his case,” Afridi explained.

The 48-year-old linked better performances from Shadab with leadership responsibility.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“As captain, we also need him to contribute regularly with his performances so that when someone talks about him, it will be worth mentioning.  Appoint him as captain, but he will have to perform,” he concluded.

For the unversed, Salman Ali Agha was appointed the captain of the Pakistan T20I side in March 2025, replacing wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan.

Under his leadership, Pakistan played 49 T20Is, winning 30 and losing 18. His win percentage record is 61.22.

Pakistan played 49 T20Is under his captaincy, winning 30 and losing 18, with a win rate of 61.22%. Despite this, they failed to claim the Asia Cup 2025, losing four times to arch-rivals India.

However, Pakistan struggled in major matches, particularly against arch-rivals India, whom they faced four times- three in the Asia Cup, including the final, and one in the T20 World Cup 2026.

READ: Clinical England restrict New Zealand to modest total

COLOMBO: England’s dramatic four-wicket win over New Zealand by four wickets in the Group 2 Super Eight fixture has kept Pakistan alive in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Before heading into the fixture, Pakistan needed an England win over New Zealand to remain in contention for the semi-final.

England chased down a stiff 160-run target on the third ball of the final over, with Will Jacks hitting a boundary behind fine leg to seal the victory.

New Zealand were in command when Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed joined hands in the 17th over, with the Three Lions requiring 43 from 18 balls. However, a 22 run over from Glenn Phillips turned the game on its head.

The next over unfolded in a similar manner as Rehan struck boundaries off the first and final deliveries to collect 16 runs. That left England needing just five runs in the final over.

Will Jacks, who remained unbeaten on 32 from 18, was awarded Player of the Match for his all-round contribution.

With this win, England denied New Zealand a direct chance of reaching the semi-finals, leaving their fate dependent on the Sri Lanka- Pakistan clash.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For Pakistan to advance to the semis, they need to beat Sri Lanka by approximately 65 runs or chase the target in about 13 overs.

However, this remains an estimate, with the exact qualification scenario to be confirmed after the conclusion of the first innings.

The first semi-final will be played in Colombo if Pakistan manage to win, according to the required equation.

But a defeat would mean the first semi-final will be staged in Kolkata — unless South Africa lose to Zimbabwe and India somehow top Group 1.

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

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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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

Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Salman Mirza is hopeful ahead of their last Super Eight fixture in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 against Sri Lanka, scheduled for Saturday, February 28, at the Pallekele International Stadium. 

Speaking ahead of their last Super Eight fixture against Sri Lanka, Mirza acknowledged the difficulty of securing a spot in the final four.

“It’s a critical situation as reaching the semi-final is not in our control,” Mirza told reporters

Pakistan need to rely on the ongoing fixture between New Zealand. A win for the BlackCaps would end the Green Shirts’ hopes of reaching the semi-final.

If the Three Lions managed to beat England by a hefty margin, then Pakistan would have to seal a big win over Sri Lanka to ensure qualification.

“But if we reach the semi-final, we have the capability to do better,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He mentioned Pakistan’s loss against England, lamenting that if he had taken two wickets in the last over, the situation would have been entirely different.

“We needed to win the match against England, and that defeat has given us this position,” he recalled.

“I had the opportunity to become a hero in the final over, but I couldn’t grab that one.”

The 32-year-old said that such opportunities do not come every day and admitted that had he taken two wicket, they would have won the match, but it was not meant to be.

“Such opportunities do not come your way every day. Had I taken two wickets, we would have won that match, but it was not to be,” he concluded.

READ: Neymar ends goal drought as Santos edge Vasco da Gama

COLOMBO: New Zealand have won the toss and decided to bat first against England in the Group 2 Super Eight fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at the RPS Stadium on Friday.

Playing XIs

England: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (w), Harry Brook (c), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid.

New Zealand: Tim Seifert (w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi and Lockie Ferguson.

Head to Head

New Zealand and England have played each other 27 times in 20 over format. The Three Lions are ahead with 16 wins, while BlacCaps have managed to win 10 games.

READ: Real Madrid to play Manchester City in Champions League last 16

Mohamed Salah may be experiencing the worst goal drought of his Premier League career but Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes the Egypt striker is paying the price for his own high standards.

Salah, 33, has won the Golden Boot four times as the English top-flight’s leading goal-scorer since arriving at Anfield in 2017, the latest in last season’s title-winning campaign. But he has now gone nine league matches without a goal.

That is his worst run in the Premier League, but Slot, speaking ahead of Saturday’s match at home to West Ham, told reporters: “He set his own standards and those are so high and the moment he doesn’t score for a few games people are immediately surprised –- that is the biggest compliment he can get.”

The Dutch boss, whose side are sixth in the table and three points off a Champions League place, added: “We are used to Mo scoring a lot of goals and at this moment in time that is maybe the biggest difference in his performance and game time.

“But we also know this has happened before. I don’t know if it happened nine games in a row, but I’ve had these questions earlier if he didn’t score for three or five, but I know in the end he always starts scoring again.

“He is not our only attacker at this moment in time that doesn’t score as much as we are used to.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“The focus is totally on him because of everything he did for the club but Hugo (Ekitike) and Cody (Gakpo) haven’t scored that many goals recently as well. It is a team thing which we have to improve.”

Liverpool, meanwhile, announced they had returned to profit after their title triumph last season with a pre-tax surplus of £15.2 million ($20.5 million) that owed much to a £60 million increase in media revenue.

But performance bonuses, plus the contract renewals of high-profile stars such as Salah and skipper Virgil van Dijk, helped leave Liverpool with the highest wage bill in the Premier League as staff expenditure rose by £42 million to £428 million.

That put Liverpool ahead of Manchester City, whose employee costs for the same season were £408 million.

As these figures relate to the 2024/25 campaign, with the accounting period ending on May 31, they do not include Liverpool’s £450m summer spending spree on the likes of British record transfer Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Ekitike.

Liverpool’s chief financial officer, Jenny Beacham, said the figures were welcome but warned tougher times may lie ahead.

“The club does face significant cost challenges, including rises in administrative, staffing and operational costs, alongside the need for us to compete at the highest level of the game, across our men’s and women’s teams.”

READ: Neymar ends goal drought as Santos edge Vasco da Gama

Real Madrid and Manchester City will face off in a Champions League knockout tie for the fifth season running after being drawn Friday to play each other in the last 16, while reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will take on Chelsea.

The Spanish giants, record 15-time European champions, will host City in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu next month before travelling to England for the return the following week.

The clubs have already played each other this season, with Pep Guardiola’s City winning 2-1 in Madrid in December during the league phase, in which the Premier League club finished eighth and Real ninth.

That allowed City, Champions League winners in 2023, to advance straight to the last 16 while Madrid had to come through the knockout phase play-offs, in which they beat Benfica 3-1 on aggregate.

This is the eighth season in which the teams have played each other since 2012. Real beat City in the knockout phase play-offs last season, and in the quarter-finals on the way to winning the trophy in 2024.

They also emerged victorious in the semi-finals in 2022, with City winning at the same stage the following year.

PSG will be at home to Chelsea in the first leg after qualifying for this stage with a 5-4 aggregate win over Ligue 1 rivals Monaco in the play-offs. Chelsea progressed straight to the last 16 after finishing sixth in the league phase.

The sides played each other in the knockout stages in three consecutive years from 2014 to 2016, with Chelsea winning the first of those confrontations in the quarter-finals and PSG triumphing in the last 16 in the following two.

Their last encounter came in July’s Club World Cup final in the United States, when Chelsea won 3-0 against last season’s European champions.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Chelsea have been coached since January by Liam Rosenior, who had previously come up against PSG in Ligue 1 as the coach of Strasbourg.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United will take on Barcelona with the first leg at St James’ Park, where the Spanish side won 2-1 during the league phase in September.

There is a record total of six English clubs in the last 16. Liverpool will have a rematch against Galatasaray, the Turkish giants having defeated the Anfield club 1-0 in September in the league phase.

Arsenal will come up against Bayer Leverkusen, and Tottenham Hotspur were drawn to play Atletico Madrid.

German champions Bayern Munich will play Atalanta, the sole Italian club left in the competition, while Norwegian upstarts Bodo/Glimt’s reward for knocking out Inter Milan is a last-16 tie against Sporting of Portugal.

The first legs will take place on March 10 and 11, with the second legs a week later.

The teams that qualified directly for this stage after finishing in the top eight in the league phase will all be at home in the return matches.

This season’s Champions League final will take place at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30.

READ: Neymar ends goal drought as Santos edge Vasco da Gama

Neymar finally ended his 2026 goal drought in style on Thursday, scoring twice to inspire Santos to a 2-1 victory over Vasco da Gama in the fourth round of the Brasileirao at Urbano Caldeira Stadium.

The Brazil superstar, returning from surgery earlier this year, opened the scoring in the 25th minute and added a second in the second half, securing all three points for his side.

It was his first goal since December 2025 and only his second full 90-minute appearance of the year.

After the match, Neymar addressed critics and speculation about his potential inclusion in the Brazil squad for the upcoming Men’s World Cup.

“Last week, they said I was the worst player in the world. Today I scored two goals, and that’s what matters,” Neymar said.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“One day you’re no good, or you’re ‘retired’; the next, people say you have to go to the World Cup. I’m dedicating myself and working to get in the best possible shape.”

The 2026 season has seen Neymar easing back into competitive action following surgery, and he admitted the challenge of regaining match fitness.

“This was my third game of the year and only my second full 90 minutes. I felt some cramping at the end, but that’s just part of the process,” he added.

The celebrations were briefly interrupted by a tense moment with Vasco midfielder Thiago Mendes, whose 2020 challenge at PSG had previously caused Neymar a serious injury.

“He always wants to cause trouble and act tough. He already broke me once at PSG, and he threatened me again today. It’s always the same with him,” Neymar remarked.

READ: Tilak Varma calls for ‘fearless cricket’ ahead of West Indies showdown