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MUMBAI: West Indies delivered a commanding performance to defeat Nepal by nine wickets and secure qualification for the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing a modest 136, the Caribbean side made the target look routine, reaching 136-1 in just 15.2 overs with a composed and clinical batting display led by captain Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer.

The run chase began positively as Brandon King and Hope stitched a steady 43-run opening stand.

King scored a brisk 22 off 17 balls, striking four boundaries before falling, but his dismissal did little to slow the momentum.

Hetmyer then joined Hope, and the duo ensured there were no further hiccups, building an unbeaten partnership to guide their side home comfortably.

Hope anchored the innings with an unbeaten 61 off 44 deliveries, registering his 10th T20I half-century with five fours and three sixes, while Hetmyer provided strong support with a fluent 46 not out from 32 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes.

Earlier, West Indies’ bowlers set up the victory by restricting Nepal to 133-8 in their 20 overs.

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All-rounder Jason Holder was the standout performer, claiming 4/27 in his four overs, while Roston Chase, Shamar Joseph, Matthew Forde and Akeal Hosein chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Nepal’s innings never found sustained momentum after early setbacks.

Kushal Bhurtel fell for just one in the opening over, while captain Rohit Paudel and wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh departed cheaply, leaving the side reeling at 17-3.

Holder and Joseph continued to apply pressure through the middle overs, further denting Nepal’s progress.

A late resistance came through Dipendra Singh Airee and Sompal Kami, who added a valuable 54-run partnership to push Nepal past the 100-run mark.

Airee scored a fighting 58 off 47 balls, including three fours and three sixes, while Kami remained unbeaten on 26 from 15 deliveries with four boundaries.

READ: Islamabad United reveal Shamar Joseph’s replacement for PSL 11

ISLAMABAD: Three-time champions Islamabad United have strengthened their pace attack ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League season by signing Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph.

The franchise confirmed the development through its official social media channels, announcing that Muzarabani has been added to the squad for PKR 1.10 crore.

The post welcomed the Zimbabwean quick in a light-hearted tone, signalling excitement around his arrival.

“Blessing your timelines as Blessing Muzarabani joins Islamabad United,” the franchise captioned its post.

Muzarabani brings valuable PSL experience, having previously represented Multan Sultans and Karachi Kings between 2021 and 2023.

During that period, he featured in 15 matches and picked up 21 wickets, establishing himself as a reliable pace option in league conditions.

Islamabad had originally secured Shamar Joseph at his base price of PKR 11 million during the PSL 11 player auction held at the Expo Centre Lahore on February 11.

However, the franchise opted to release the Caribbean fast bowler and reinforce their bowling resources with Muzarabani.

The tall pacer arrives in strong form, having recently starred for Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where his four-wicket haul powered his side to a memorable victory over Australia.

Islamabad United squad for PSL 11

Shadab Khan, Salman Irshad, Andries Gous, Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mehran Mumtaz, Max Bryant, Khurram Shahzad, Mark Chapman, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mir Hamza Sajjad, Sameer Minhas, Sameen Gul, Blessing Muzarabani, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain and Dipendra Singh Airee.

READ: ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan’s likely Playing XI for India clash revealed

COLOMBO: Pakistan are set to stick with a winning formula as they prepare for their blockbuster clash against arch-rivals India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 later today, with team management likely to field an unchanged playing XI.

According to reports from Colombo, the think tank has decided against tinkering with the combination that secured a convincing victory over the United States earlier this week, signalling confidence in both balance and momentum ahead of the high-pressure encounter.

The expected line-up will see captain Salman Ali Agha continue at number three, with Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub set to open the innings.

Star batter Babar Azam is slated to follow at four, while wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan is likely to anchor the middle order.

Pakistan’s combination offers depth in both departments, with Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf providing all-round strength and multiple bowling options.

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In the bowling attack, Shaheen Shah Afridi remains the primary pace spearhead, supported by mystery spinners Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq, whose variations could prove crucial on Colombo conditions.

Both teams enter the contest unbeaten in the group stage, setting up another intense chapter in cricket’s fiercest rivalry.

Pakistan registered wins over the Netherlands and the USA, while India defeated the USA and Namibia to maintain their perfect start.

Historically, India have held the upper hand in T20 Internationals, winning 13 of the 16 meetings between the two sides, with Pakistan claiming three victories.

In T20 World Cup clashes, India lead 6-1, with one encounter ending in a no result.

Pakistan likely XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed.

WATCH: Suryakumar Yadav mimics Usman Tariq’s action

Islamabad United have removed West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph from the squad ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, Cricinfo reported on Saturday.

According to the report, the pacer is set to be replaced with Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani.

The report also states that the ‘contract has been terminated by mutual consent’.

“Neither the player nor the franchise intend to make a public statement on the matter, and that the decision is set to be approved by the PSL’s technical committee,” it adds.

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Joseph was bought by United for 1.10 crore with no other team bidding for him in the player auction.

It is worth mentioning that shortly after he was acquired, the franchise faced backlash from fans over Joseph’s alleged past.

Blessing Muzarabani previously represented Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans from 2021 to 2024.

The 29-year-old will be the second Zimbabwean player, after Sikandar Raza, to feature in PSL 11.

For the unversed, the auction held on February 10 in Lahore was the first of its kind in the league’s history, replacing the draft—a player selection process—that had been used for the first 10 editions since it started in 2016.

The change to the player selection model followed the expansion, which added two new franchises: Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen.

The PSL 11 will commence on 26 March across Pakistan.

Islamabad United Squad for PSL 11

Retained/direct signing: Shadab Khan (7.00 cr), Salman Irshad (1.2 cr), Andries Gous (1.4 cr), and Devon Conway (6.30 cr).

Bought at the auction: Faheem Ashraf (8.50 cr), Mehran Mumtaz (1.2 cr), Max Bryant (1.95 cr), Khurram Shahzad (2.70 cr), Mark Chapman (7.00 cr), Mohammad Wasim Jr (4.10 cr), Mir Hamza Sajjad (0.7 cr), Sameer Minhas (1.90 cr), Sameen Gul (0.6 cr), Imad Wasim (2.2 cr), Richard Gleeson (1.1 cr), Haider Ali (1.50 cr), Mohammad Hasnain (0.775 cr) and Dipendra Singh Airee (0.6 cr).

READ: WATCH: Suryakumar Yadav mimics Usman Tariq’s action

COLOMBO: India skipper Suryakumar Yadav was seen bowling like Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq during the team’s net session ahead of tomorrow’s high-stakes encounter in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The video was shared on the ICC social handles with Surya bowling to fellow batters in the nets.

“Suryakumar Yadav reiterates India’s focus on being ready to potentially come up against Usman Tariq,” the caption of the post read.

Earlier, the Indian captain also pondered on the question regarding facing Usman Tariq and his unique bowling action.

“Even in the exam, if a question comes out of the syllabus, we have to do it,” he replied to the reporter.

“You can’t leave it. He’s a different character, but we can’t surrender to him. We have practiced and are all very excited,” he added.

Tariq, inspired by former Indian captain MS Dhoni, has caught eyebrows with his unique action.

Tariq has been in impressive form in the ongoing tournament, claiming five wickets in two matches so far.

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Overall, he has picked up 11 wickets in four T20Is, maintaining an outstanding average of 7.90 and an economy of 5.93.

During Australia’s recent T20I series tour of Pakistan, Australian batter Cameron Green was seen making a gesture that many interpreted as questioning Tariq’s action.

This was not the first time Tariq’s bowling has been scrutinised. Tariq was previously reported during PSL 9 and PSL 10, but his action was officially cleared on both occasions.

Addressing the scrutiny last year, Tariq explained that the natural bend in his elbows often creates confusion.

“There are two corners on my elbow that make it hard for me to straighten,” he said in an interview last year.

“I gave two tests at labs in Pakistan, and my action was cleared within a week. I didn’t get told to change anything. I was confident because I knew I was not throwing.”

READ: Markram, Jansen lead South Africa rout of New Zealand

Tom Banton’s unbeaten 63 led England to a five-wicket T20 World Cup victory over Scotland in Kolkata on Saturday that kept Harry Brook’s side on course for the Super Eights.

Victory in their final Group C match against Italy on Monday at the same Eden Gardens stadium will see England safely into the next round.

After bowling Scotland out for 152, England racked up 155-5 in 18.2 overs, with Jacob Bethell scoring 32, Sam Curran 28, and Will Jacks (16 off 10 balls) hitting a six and a four to finish the job.

“I think our full focus was on tonight and then obviously on to Italy in two days’ time,” said Banton, who hit form after scoring just four runs in England’s first two matches.

“It’s T20 cricket. It’s a high-risk game. And you’ve got to keep backing yourself. At times it goes against you. And it’s hard.

“You’ve got to keep coming back, keep trying hard, keep practising. Luckily, today’s my day.”

England wobbled at the start of their chase as the new white ball swung under the floodlights with the sun going down.

Phil Salt fell third ball to Brandon McMullen for just two, and when Jos Buttler picked out McMullen off Brad Currie, they were 13-2.

Scotland bowled tightly until Bethell broke the shackles by hitting McMullen for a six and two fours in the fifth over.

Spinner Mark Watt also came in for some punishment, conceding 22 off his first over as Banton took him for three huge sixes.

A 66-run partnership ended when the left-handed Bethell on 32 helped a leg-side delivery from Oliver Davidson into the grateful hands of Brad Wheal at short fine leg.

Captain Brook did not last long, scooping Michael Leask over his shoulder to Wheal to make it 86-4 but England were always in control and got home with 10 balls to spare.

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Earlier, England’s bowlers found their mojo and vindicated Brook’s decision to field on winning the toss.

After being smacked to all parts of Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium in conceding 196 to the West Indies on Wednesday, England’s attack exerted much more control at Eden Gardens.

Captain Richie Berrington top-scored for Scotland with 49 off 32 balls with five fours and two sixes.

He and Tom Bruce put on 71 for the fourth wicket, but it was their only notable partnership.

Spinner Liam Dawson ended it in the 13th over when Bruce was caught for 24, Curran providing the safe hands at deep square leg.

Scotland collapsed when Adil Rashid trapped Berrington lbw in the next over, losing their last seven wickets for 39 runs from 113-3.

Jofra Archer had been expensive in the two previous outings but made the early breakthroughs before finishing with a brilliant 2-24 off his four overs.

In his second over, he hurried George Munsey into top-edging to Banton and two balls later had McMullen caught by Salt in the deep.

Michael Jones (33) holed out to Bethell off Curran and Scotland were 42-3 at the end of the six-over power play and never threatened a competitive total.

Rashid was the best of the England bowlers with 3-36 from his four overs, while Dawson took 2-34.

READ: Suryakumar says India ready for ‘out-of-syllabus’ Usman Tariq

COLOMBO: Skipper Suryakumar Yadav has expressed readiness to face mystery off-spinner Usman Tariq ahead of the high-stakes India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Ahead of the clash, Suryakumar answered a question regarding mystery bowler Usman Tariq, who has made headlines due to his unorthodox action.

“Even in the exam, if a question comes out of the syllabus, we have to do it,” he replied to the reporter.

“You can’t leave it. He’s a different character, but we can’t surrender to him. We have practiced and are all very excited,” he added while stating that they have no jetlag while travelling from India to Sri Lanka.

Tariq, inspired by former Indian captain MS Dhoni, has caught eyebrows with his unique action.

The tall off-spinner has made batters clueless with his unique bowling style.

Tariq has been in impressive form in the ongoing tournament, claiming five wickets in two matches so far.

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Overall, he has picked up 11 wickets in four T20Is, maintaining an outstanding average of 7.90 and an economy of 5.93.

During Australia’s recent T20I series tour of Pakistan, Australian batter Cameron Green was seen making a gesture that many interpreted as questioning Tariq’s action.

This was not the first time Tariq’s bowling has been scrutinised. Tariq was previously reported during PSL 9 and PSL 10, but his action was officially cleared on both occasions.

Addressing the scrutiny last year, Tariq explained that the natural bend in his elbows often creates confusion.

“There are two corners on my elbow that make it hard for me to straighten,” he said in an interview last year.

“I gave two tests at labs in Pakistan, and my action was cleared within a week. I didn’t get told to change anything. I was confident because I knew I was not throwing.”

READ: Suryakumar deflects handshake question before Pakistan clash

COLOMBO: India captain Suryakumar Yadav played down the question regarding the handshake with Pakistan ahead of their clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking to the media ahead of the match, Suryakumar said everyone should wait 24 hours, take care of their diet, rest well, and see what the future brings.

“Wait for 24 hours. Eat well, sleep well, we will see tomorrow,” the Indian captain told reporters.

Suryakumar Yadav also responded lightheartedly to the remarks from Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha regarding opener Abhishek Sharma’s availability for the high-pressure encounter.

The explosive opener, Sharma, was unable to play in India’s fixture against Namibia due to illness.

“If Salman wants us to play Abhishek tomorrow, we shall play him,” he said.

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Earlier, Salman Ali Agha said he hoped Abhishek Sharma would play in tomorrow’s game.

“I hope he plays tomorrow. I hope he’s recovering well,” said Agha. “We want to play against the best, good luck to him.”

Suryakumar also admitted that the Indian batting lineup failed to meet expectations in the opening game against the USA.

He further discussed the game’s intensity, noting that the lack of fixtures between the two nations also compounds the pressure.

“We had a scratchy start, we can’t run away from the fact. There’s no excuse. Everyone has played a lot of cricket, batters should have their own plans on a tricky wicket. We started well but had a hiccup, but then covered it well. It’s the beauty of T20 cricket,” he explained

“There’s always pressure. With India-Pakistan, it’s more of an occasion. No matter how much we say “it’s just any other game,” it’s a human tendency to be under pressure because it is not any other game. We don’t play them often, either. So the pressure is always there,” Suryakumar concluded.

For the unversed, the India-Pakistan handshake row stemmed from the Asia Cup 2025, where both teams refused to shake hands in three fixtures.

The handshake snub was due to the May 10 conflict between the two countries, which was on the verge of full-scale war following the Pahalgam attack.

READ: Pakistan ‘always ready’ for India despite late green light: Salman Agha

COLOMBO: Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha said on Saturday that his team had been “always ready” to face India on Sunday at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, despite only being given the green light a few days ago.

The biggest and most lucrative clash in world cricket has sold out the 35,000-capacity R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, with hundreds of millions more expected to watch on television.

The game was only confirmed as going ahead late on Monday night after the Islamabad government made a U-turn on its order to boycott the blockbuster Group A game.

“This is a very big game, and the magnitude is huge,” Agha said ahead of the team’s practice at the stadium on Saturday. “We were always ready for the game, whatever the decision.”

Pakistan had a scrappy last-over three-wicket win in their first match against the Netherlands before beating the United States by 32 runs. India have also won both their matches so far.

“We are in good momentum, and I hope that being in Colombo since the start will help us in terms of conditions,” said Agha. “We have to play good cricket to win the match.”

The hugely anticipated match could be hit by bad weather, with rain forecast for Sunday evening.

Agha believed spin would dominate, calling Tariq Usman his trump card against India’s powerful batting line-up.

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“Tariq has been bowling well, and I am sure the mystery element will make him our trump card,” Agha said, brushing aside doubts over the legality of Tariq’s unique sling-arm action and the exaggerated pause in his delivery stride.

“He has been cleared twice, so there are no worries.”

Salman Ali Agha hoped the players would shake hands, unlike during their three Asia Cup matches in Dubai last year.

“The game should be played in the true spirit of the game,”  said Agha. “It has been the norm in cricket for years, but whatever way they want, we will only know tomorrow.”

The winner will be guaranteed of thier berth in the next Super Eights round.

India have a doubt over explosive opener Abhishek Sharma, who has been suffering with a stomach bug.

“I hope he plays tomorrow. I hope he’s recovering well,” said Agha. “We want to play against the best, good luck to him.”

READ: Salman Agha wishes Abhishek Sharma well ahead of India-Pakistan clash

COLOMBO: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has voiced admiration for India’s opener Abhishek Sharma ahead of their marquee showdown in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, expressing hope that the left-hander recovers in time to feature in Sunday’s contest.

Speaking on the eve of the high-voltage encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Agha made it clear that Pakistan want to test themselves against India at full strength, underlining Sharma’s growing stature in international cricket.

“Abhishek is obviously a quality player. I hope he’s recovering well and is available because we want to compete against the best team they have,” Agha said during the pre-match press conference.

The Indian opener had missed his side’s previous outing after being hospitalised with a stomach infection, though India still secured a commanding 93-run victory over Namibia.

Sharma has enjoyed notable success against Pakistan, scoring 110 runs in three matches at a striking rate of 189.65, making his availability a key talking point ahead of the clash.

Addressing another subject, Salman Ali Agha dismissed ongoing chatter around the bowling action of spinner Usman Tariq, reiterating that he has already been cleared.

“There has been talk about Usman Tariq’s action, but he has been cleared twice. I don’t know why the discussion continues. It does not affect him at all,” the skipper stated.

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The Pakistan captain also emphasised collective responsibility within the squad, highlighting the importance of flexibility and bench strength.

“We are ready to play good cricket. We understand the conditions and the pitch. All 15 players are important, and anyone can play,” he said, confirming that the final XI will be decided after assessing the surface.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s historical struggles against India in World Cups, Salman Ali Agha admitted the past has not always been favourable but stressed that the team is focused on learning and improving.

“Our record hasn’t been great, but we have learned from history and will try to play well tomorrow,” he noted.

When asked about India’s strong batting lineup and the form of Babar Azam, Agha remained calm and confident, insisting Pakistan are focused on their own execution.

“Babar is scoring runs, and it is not a concern for us. Hopefully, he continues tomorrow as well,” he said with a composed smile.

READ: Lorcan Tucker helps Ireland crush Oman at T20 World Cup 2026