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RAWALPINDI: Zimbabwe have won the toss and decided to first against Sri Lanka in the fifth fixture of the T20I tri-series here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Mendis (wk), 3 Kamil Mishara, 4 Kusal Perera, 5 Janith Liyanage, 6 Dasun Shanaka (capt), 7 Pavan Rathnayake, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Maheesh Theekshana, 11 Eshan Malinga

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Zimbabwe 1 Brian Bennett, 2 Tadiwanashe Marumani, 3 Brendan Taylor (wk), 4 Sikandar Raza (capt), 5 Ryan Burl, 6 Dion Myers, 7 Tashinga Musekiwa, 8 Brad Evans, 9 Wellington Masakadza, 10 Tinotenda Maposa, 11 Richard Ngarava

Head to Head

Both teams have faced each other 11 times in the shorter format, with the Islanders winning seven of those matches, while the Chevrons have won three.

Matches 11: Sri Lanka 7, Zimbabwe 4

For the unversed, Zimbabwe have won their previous game against Sri Lanka whereas the Islanders are yet to open their account in the tri-series.

READ: South Africa on brink of Test series win with India tottering on 27-2

South Africa had India tottering at 27-2, after declaring their innings and setting a mammoth target of 549, to be on the brink of a series win in the second Test on Tuesday.

South Africa declared on 260-5 in the final session on day four in Guwahati after Tristan Stubbs made 94.

World Test champions South Africa lead the two-match series 1-0, and even a draw would seal their first series victory in India since 2000.

India suffered their fourth defeat in six home Tests in the opener in Kolkata, and the hosts need to bat for three more sessions to avoid another loss.

The highest successful run chase in Test cricket was West Indies’ 418 against Australia in 2003. India’s highest chase was 406 against West Indies in 1976.

Sai Sudharsan (2) and nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav (4) were battling for survival when bad light ended play in the northeastern city, where the sun sets early.

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South Africa pace spearhead Marco Jansen dismissed left-handed Yashasvi Jaiswal with a short delivery outside the off stump to have him caught behind for 13.

Left-arm quick Jansen took his match tally to seven wickets after figures of 6-48 in India’s first innings.

Off-spinner Simon Harmer bowled KL Rahul, the other opener, for six.

South Africa needs eight more wickets to make it 2-0, while India needs to bat out day five to salvage a draw.

Stubbs was earlier the last man out when he was bowled by left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja, who took 4-62. Wiaan Mulder was unbeaten on 35.

Stubbs put on 101 runs for the fourth wicket with Tony de Zorzi, who was on 49 when Jadeja broke through.

Jadeja had de Zorzi lbw to deny the batter his fifty, but Stubbs stood firm to frustrate the Indian bowlers in a 180-ball stay peppered with nine fours and a six.

South Africa resumed on 26-0 after bundling out India for 201 on day three to lead by 288 on the first innings.

They did not enforce the follow-on and decided to bat again to pile the misery on the hosts.

Left-handed opener Ryan Rickelton hit three fours in the first session before he fell to Jadeja while attempting another hit over cover, but was caught for 35.

Jadeja bowled the other overnight batter, Aiden Markram, for 29 before fellow spinner Washington Sundar dismissed skipper Temba Bavuma for three.

The Indian fielders looked tired during a South African innings that lasted for 78.3 overs, as disappointed home fans at a largely empty stadium waited for the agony to end.

READ: Pakistan-India T20 World Cup 2026 clash likely on THIS date: reports

The sacred flame for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy will be lit in ancient Olympia, Greece, on Wednesday, with poor weather forcing last-minute changes by the organisers.

The ceremony to light the Olympic flame is usually held at the ruins of the 2,600-year-old Temple of Hera, near the stadium where the Olympics were born in 776 BC.

But a rainy weather forecast means the sun’s rays will not be able to light the parabolic mirror used by actresses in the garb of ancient priestesses.

Organisers have instead moved the ceremony at the Olympia archaeological museum, where one of Greece’s most famous classical sculptures, Hermes and the Infant Dionysus by Praxiteles, is housed.

Greece’s rowing bronze medallist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Petros Gaidatzis, has been selected to be the first torchbearer to launch the Greek leg of the Olympic flame relay.

The original pick, Greek-American alpine ski racer AJ Ginnis, was injured during training last week.

According to the organisers, former Italian cross-country ski champion Stefania Belmondo and luge legend Armin Zoeggeler will be among the first torchbearers on the Greek leg of the relay.

Following a December 4 handover ceremony at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, where the first modern Olympics were revived in 1896, the flame heads to Rome for a 63-day, 12,000-kilometre (7,500-mile) course through Italy’s major cities and the archaeological site of Pompeii.

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Held February 6-22, the 2026 Winter Games take place in Italy for the third time, and the first time in western Europe since the Turin Games in 2006.

The Paralympic Winter Games will be held from March 6-15. The events will span a vast area from Milan to the Dolomite mountains in Italy’s north-east.

Ice sports will be held in Milan while Bormio and Cortina host alpine skiing.

Across the Dolomites, the biathlon will be in Anterselva and Nordic skiing in Val di Fiemme, with Livigno in the Italian Alps hosting snowboarding and freestyle skiing.

Even though the outdoor events are at a sufficiently high altitude, organisers of the Milan-Cortina Games are stockpiling artificial snow, just in case.

The 2026 organising committee has said it plans to make 2.4 million cubic metres of artificial snow, which will require 948,000 cubic metres of water.

Italy is the European country that uses the most artificial snow, with over 90 percent of Italy’s ski slopes using artificial snowmaking systems, according to an April report from Italian environmental group Legambiente.

According to a December 2024 study published in the International Journal of Climatology, the snow cover in the Italian Alps had decreased by half in the past 100 years.

READ: Karachi Kings renew PSL franchise rights for another decade

LAHORE: The franchise rights for one of the most prominent and widely followed teams of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Karachi Kings, will remain with their current owners for the next decade, following the successful renewal of their franchise agreement on Tuesday.

The owners of the 2020 PSL champions have reaffirmed their long-term commitment by extending the agreement at the updated market valuation determined by Ernst & Young, one of the world’s most credible and respected audit and advisory firms.

The renewal highlights the trust that partners continue to place in the HBL PSL’s upward commercial trajectory and solid brand presence, as the league prepares to welcome eight teams from season 11 onward.

“It is a pleasure to announce that Karachi Kings will continue with their existing owners for another 10 years,” said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

“Mr. Salman Iqbal and his team have played a pivotal role in elevating the stature of the HBL PSL and in building a franchise that commands a passionate following across the country and beyond.

 

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“Their decision to renew reflects the enduring strength and potential of the league.

“Karachi Kings have consistently contributed to the league’s growth and to the promotion of cricket in Pakistan.

“We look forward to strengthening this partnership and further advancing our shared vision for the development of the game.”

PSL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer also lavished praise on the management and owners of Karachi Kings for collaborating and extending the partnership for the next 10 years.

“Karachi Kings have been an integral part of the HBL PSL’s journey, bringing energy, ambition and excellence to the league season after season,” said Naseer.

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“We are delighted to continue working with Salman Iqbal and his management team over the next decade and hope that he continues to contribute beyond the call of duty.

“Their belief in the HBL PSL and their efforts in promoting cricket and nurturing talent are deeply appreciated.

“We are excited about this renewed partnership and the bright future it promises for both Karachi Kings and the league.”

Karachi Kings lifted their maiden PSL title in 2020 and remain one of the league’s most recognisable and commercially influential franchises.

READ: Pakistan-India T20 World Cup 2026 clash likely on THIS date: reports

The most anticipated fixture in world cricket is set to ignite the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Pakistan and India expected to face off on February 15 in Colombo, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.

The report reveals a tentative schedule for the tournament, which will run from February 7 to March 8 and be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan will play all their matches in either Colombo or Kandy under the hybrid model, a mutually agreed arrangement ensuring that India and Pakistan do not tour each other during ICC events.

This model has previously been applied in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, when the UAE co-hosted India’s matches, and during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, with Sri Lanka joining as co-hosts.

The 2026 tournament format will mirror the 2024 T20 World Cup, with 20 teams divided into five groups of four.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage, before progressing to the semi-finals and ultimately the final.

According to the report, the blockbuster Pakistan–India clash will take place at the R Premadasa Stadium, with both teams placed in the same group alongside the USA, the Netherlands, and Namibia.

The 20-team tournament also features Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, Italy, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Oman, UAE, and Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman are reportedly grouped together, while England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Italy form another group, and South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, UAE, and Canada make up the remaining group.

Hosts and defending champions India will open their campaign against the USA in Mumbai on February 7, followed by matches against Namibia in Delhi on February 12, Pakistan in Colombo on February 15, and the Netherlands in Ahmedabad on February 18.

Notably, the group stage is expected to feature three matches per day.

If India progress to the Super Eight, their matches are likely to be held in Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Kolkata, with a semi-final in Mumbai.

The second semi-final is expected to be hosted in either Colombo or Kolkata, depending on whether Pakistan and Sri Lanka qualify.

The final is scheduled for Ahmedabad unless Pakistan reach the title clash, in which case Colombo is expected to host the decider.

The ICC is expected to officially announce the full schedule later this week.

READ: Salman Ali Agha breaks world record, surpasses Dravid, Yousuf, Dhoni

Quetta Qavalry skipper Mohammad Amir has thrown his weight behind emerging batter Khawaja Nafay, tipping the youngster for a call-up to Pakistan’s senior team in the near future.

Unbeaten in their debut Abu Dhabi T10 League campaign, Quetta Qavalry have enjoyed a dream start، and Nafay has been at the heart of it with his consistency and clean ball-striking.

The young wicketkeeper-batter has amassed 144 runs in four innings without being dismissed, hammering 12 sixes and showcasing maturity beyond his years.

After Qavalry’s latest victory, Mohammad Amir praised Nafay’s attitude and temperament, qualities he believes will take the right-hander a long way.

“He is extremely hardworking, and that is his biggest strength,” Amir said. “If he keeps his focus, he can soon become a key contributor to Pakistan cricket.”

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Reflecting on his side’s unbeaten run, the left-arm pacer acknowledged that while early momentum is encouraging, the true challenge lies in sustaining it.

“When you keep winning early, the challenges get tougher as the tournament progresses,” he noted. “I just hope we can maintain this momentum.”

Nafay’s impressive form predates the T10 League. The right-hander has already made his mark in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with Quetta Gladiators, scoring 234 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 130, including two half-centuries.

He was also one of the standout performers for Pakistan Shaheens in the recently concluded Hong Kong Sixes 2025, finishing as the tournament’s third-highest run-scorer.

Khawaja Nafay piled up 151 runs in five matches at an extraordinary strike rate of 284.90, highlighted by a crucial fifty in the knockout rounds as Pakistan lifted the title after defeating Kuwait in the final.

READ: Pakistan-Sri Lanka eye T20I series ahead of 2026 World Cup: reports

Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher, will drive in the full 2026 IndyCar season for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, the team announced on Monday.

The younger Schumacher, a 26-year-old German racer, made 43 F1 starts in the 2021 and 2022 seasons for Haas with a best finish of sixth and has driven in the World Endurance Championship for Alpine in 2024 and 2025.

Schumacher, who will drive the number 47 Honda for RLL in a nod to his family, joins American Graham Rahal and 2025 IndyCar Rookie of the Year Louis Foster of Britain in the team lineup for next season after first testing in an IndyCar last month.

“I’m delighted to confirm today that I will be competing in the IndyCar Series next year,” Mick Schumacher said.

“Having both an F1 and an endurance background, and having competed in various racing series over the years, I have insights and knowledge that I’m sure will contribute to a great partnership. RLL prepared me extremely well during testing already, and I am sure that we can build a lot together.”

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Differences in the US open-wheel series compared to F1 attracted Schumacher.

“I was also immediately excited about the car and the American way of motorsport, which comes across as being more about pure and direct racing, and it is precisely this aspect that I am very much looking forward to,” he said.

“And of course, I’m curious about new experiences and always interested in broadening my horizons. For me, a new journey is beginning here, and I’m excited for the season to start.”

Schumacher will compete in his first oval races, with six ovals on the 17-race IndyCar schedule, including the feature Indianapolis 500 next May 24.

RLL co-owner Bobby Rahal said the team was excited to welcome Schumacher.

“We’re thrilled he has chosen to join us, and we can’t wait to get to work,” Rahal said.

The 2026 IndyCar season begins March 1 at St. Petersburg, Florida.

READ: Josh Hazlewood back bowling in big Ashes boost for Australia

Injured pace spearheads Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins bowled in the nets on Tuesday in a major boost for Australia ahead of the day-night second Ashes Test against England next week.

Hazlewood had not been seen since tweaking his hamstring in a Sheffield Shield clash six days before the opening Test in Perth.

He missed that extraordinary game, which Australia won inside two days by eight wickets on Saturday, with Brendan Doggett taking his place.

Skipper Cummins was also absent with a lingering lower back injury, replaced by Scott Boland.

Local media posted pictures of both men training at Cricket NSW headquarters in Sydney during New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania.

The choice of balls they used was telling, with Cummins steaming in with a pink ball and Hazlewood more reserved with a red one.

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While Hazlewood remains a major doubt for the Brisbane Test on December 4, Cummins said over the weekend he was “half a chance” after an impressive stint in the nets in Perth.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald told reporters no decisions would be made until closer to match day.

“I know that he’ll be available at some point during the series,” McDonald said of Hazlewood.

“We’ve got a little bit of that early rehab to go through to formulate where he may plug into the series, but we expect him to take some part in the series.”

He was more upbeat about Cummins.

“There’s a lot of positives, but now it’s just really building that resilience within the soft tissue and making sure that we’re not putting him in harm’s way in terms of accelerating it too much,” he said.

READ: Pakistan-Sri Lanka eye T20I series ahead of 2026 World Cup

LAHORE: Sri Lanka Cricket and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are in talks over a potential bilateral T20I series ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

The 20-team mega event is likely to be played from February 8 to March 7 across five venues in India and two in Sri Lanka.

According to the reports, the boards are in discussion regarding the three-match shorter format series, with the decision to be announced in a few days’ time.

Sources privy to the matter say the series’ potential timeline could be January 8 to 12, with all fixtures to be held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

It is worth noting that the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium will be unavailable due to upgradation work for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Due to this reason, SLC also postponed the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL).

The Premier League was initially scheduled to be played in the November-December window.

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The T20I series will provide the Green Shirts ample time to prepare for the mega event and adapt to the conditions, as they will play all their games in Sri Lanka under the Hybrid Model— a model between Pakistan and India to play their ICC matches at a neutral venue.

For those unaware, Pakistan is currently hosting the Islanders and Zimbabwe in a T20I tri-series, which will run until November 29 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan has already reached the final of the series after defeating Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka T20I Tri-Series Schedule:

• November 18: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
• November 20: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
• November 22: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
• November 23: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
• November 25: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
• November 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
• November 29: Final

READ: Quetta Gladiators renew PSL ownership rights for next decade

Pep Guardiola said he was “embarrassed and ashamed” of his behaviour after confronting a cameraman following Manchester City’s damaging 2-1 loss at Newcastle on Saturday.

The City manager reacted angrily after he was filmed close up following the final whistle, when he was involved in discussions with Newcastle player Bruno Guimaraes and match officials.

Pep Guardiola had been angered by the decision to award what proved to be Newcastle’s winning goal in the 70th minute at St James’ Park, with City believing goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had been fouled.

The City boss, speaking Monday at a press conference on the eve of his team’s Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen, said he had apologised for his behaviour.

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“I feel embarrassed and ashamed when I see it,” he said. “I don’t like it. I apologised to the cameraman after one second.

“I am who I am. Even after 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person. I made a huge mistake…. The reason why is I want to defend my team and my club.”

City’s fourth Premier League defeat of the season left them third in the table, seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

But Guardiola said the Newcastle reverse was “immediately forgotten” as he turned his attention to the Champions League.

City are fourth in the 36-team league phase after a strong start to their European campaign.

Midfielders Rodri and Mateo Kovacic are unavailable for Tuesday’s match against Leverkusen.

Guardiola said he did not have a timescale for Rodri’s return but it would not be long before he was back in action.

“We will wait a little more to be sure he is fine,” he said.

READ: Quetta Gladiators renew PSL ownership rights for next decade