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New Zealand’s preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 have been disrupted by fresh injury concerns, with fast bowler Adam Milne and all-rounder Michael Bracewell both picking up knocks just weeks before the global tournament.

Milne sustained a left hamstring injury while bowling for Sunrisers Eastern Cape during an SA20 fixture on Sunday.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed on Tuesday that the pacer is undergoing assessment to determine the severity of the injury, casting uncertainty over his availability for the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

Bracewell, meanwhile, suffered a left calf strain while fielding in the third and final ODI against India in Indore on Sunday.

The all-rounder had just captained New Zealand to a historic 2–1 ODI series win over India, making the setback particularly untimely.

Despite the injury, Bracewell has travelled with the T20I squad to Nagpur, where New Zealand are set to begin a five-match T20I series against India.

Head coach Rob Walter confirmed that the team management will monitor Bracewell closely over the coming days before taking a call on his continued involvement in the tour.

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“Bracewell will be treated and monitored over the coming days before a decision on his further involvement in the tour is confirmed,” NZC said in a statement.

With player availability becoming a growing concern, all-rounder Kristian Clarke has been added to the squad as cover for the first three T20Is against India, starting on Wednesday.

Walter acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries and player movement but said the inclusion of Clarke would help balance the squad.

“We’ve got a fair bit of player movement at the moment with some guys returning from injury for this series, others joining us immediately from franchise cricket, and the rest coming off the India ODI series,” Walter said.

“We want to ensure we’ve got enough pace-bowling options for the first three games of this series, and it’s a great opportunity for Kristian to stay on with the group a little longer on his first tour of India.”

New Zealand will begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in Group D against Afghanistan in Chennai on February 8.

New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi.

READ: Star fast bowler unlikely to make Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad

Pakistan’s star fast bowler Haris Rauf is unlikely to be included in the national team’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, according to reliable sources.

According to sources, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson is reportedly not keen on including Rauf in the squad for the mega-event, which is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Rauf, who last played a T20I for Pakistan in the Asia Cup final against India on September 28, 2025, has been out of the national T20 setup since that game.

The 32-year-old endured a difficult outing in the high-pressure final, conceding 50 runs in 3.4 overs while defending 146, a performance that raised doubts about his ability to handle crucial moments on the biggest stage.

Despite his absence from recent T20 internationals, Rauf remains Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker in the format, having claimed 133 wickets in 94 matches at an economy rate of 8.38.

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The fast bowler, however, has been in impressive rhythm in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season 15, where he is currently the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.

Rauf has taken 18 wickets in 10 matches at an economy of 7.96 for Melbourne Stars, a strong reminder of his potential.

Still, reports suggest that Hesson is considering alternative pace options for the World Cup, possibly prioritising bowlers with more recent T20I experience and those who have demonstrated consistency under pressure.

Pakistan’s selection process has moved to the next stage, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly having already submitted a preliminary squad list to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

However, the final squad announcement is expected in the coming days. PCB officials can make changes to the submitted list without ICC approval until January 31.

READ: Janice Tjen becomes first Indonesian to win at Australian Open in 28 years

Janice Tjen called it “special” after she pulled off an upset to become the first Indonesian to win a match at the Australian Open in 28 years on Tuesday.

Unseeded Tjen stunned Canadian 22nd seed Leylah Fernandez 6-2, 7-6 (7/1) to surge into the second round in Melbourne and add to her growing list of milestones.

Tjen, who this time last year was ranked 413 but is now the world number 59, is the first Indonesian to win a match at a major since Yayuk Basuki in 1998.

“I’m very happy to be a part of history and be able to get a win here for Indonesia,” said the 23-year-old.

“It was special, especially being able to do it in front of my family here and there were a lot of Indonesians, and my close friends are also here.”

Asked by AFP how her life had changed off court since a breakthrough in 2025, she said: “I get recognised a little bit here and there, and I think it’s nice, it’s a nice feeling to be recognised.”

In front of the vocal Indonesian fans, Tjen made a lightning start, sealing the first set in 36 minutes to leave her higher-ranked opponent from Canada reeling.

Tjen seized an early break in the second set to put 2021 US Open runner-up Fernandez immediately on the back foot.

The fourth game of the second set threatened to be pivotal, Tjen digging herself out of a hole on her own serve to hold and go 3-1 up.

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The 23-year-old Fernandez fought back, reeling off three games in a row to turn the tide.

The battling duo headed into a tiebreak, where Tjen powered into a 3-0 lead and never looked back, letting out a mighty roar when victory was confirmed.

Tjen’s career took off in 2025.

She pulled off another surprise in upsetting Russian 24th seed Veronika Kudermetova as a qualifier at the US Open.

In New York, she was the first Indonesian to play in the main singles draw of a Grand Slam since 2004.

The Jakarta native lifted the title in Chennai last year — the first Indonesian to win a WTA Tour singles crown since 2002.

Reflecting on the support in Melbourne of Indonesian fans waving their red and white flag and chanting, Tjen said: “It’s something special and feels a little bit like home.

“Knowing that a lot of Indonesians came out to support me today means a lot.”

READ: Man City sign Palace’s Marc Guehi on five-year deal

Manchester City signed Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi on a five-and-a-half-year contract for a reported fee of £20 million ($27 million) on Monday.

City stepped up their pursuit of the England international after suffering an injury crisis at centre-half.

Guehi, who came close to joining Liverpool on transfer deadline day in September, is City’s second signing of the January transfer window after their capture of Ghana winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for about £65 million.

“I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player,” Guehi said.

“This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career. I am now at the best club in England and part of an unbelievable squad of players.

“It feels good to be able to say that. I want to grow as a player and a person, and I know at this club that’s going to happen.”

City boss Pep Guardiola praised his club for sealing the deal for the highly sought after defender.

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“A top central defender, playing for the national team. Personally, thanks to the club to bring him here because he’s come at the perfect age, he can play right and left,” he said.

“I know how much he wanted to choose us. With the problems that we have in the back in the next few months it’s really, really important he’s here.

“I’m pretty sure if he had a long contract at Crystal Palace it would have been impossible, but the fact that it’s six months (left), end of contract, the situation was easier in those terms.”

The Chelsea academy graduate played 188 times for Palace after moving to Selhurst Park from the Blues in 2021.

He captained Palace to FA Cup glory against City in May — the first major trophy in the south London club’s history — and has won 26 England caps.

Other teams reportedly interested in the defender, including Liverpool once again and Bayern Munich, were understood to be targeting a move at the end of the season, when Guehi would have been a free agent.

Guardiola’s men, dethroned as Premier League champions by Liverpool last year, are second in the table, seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

Central defenders John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol all missed from Saturday’s 2-0 defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The club are also still challenging for silverware in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.

Guardiola has overseen an expensive rebuild of his squad over the past year, with a clutch of long-serving players exiting the club, including Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Ederson.

READ: Pakistan women’s football team group for FIFA Series unveiled

LAHORE: Pakistan women’s football team have been drawn into the Ivory Coast group for the highly anticipated FIFA Series 2026.

Pakistan women’s football team group for FIFA Series unveiled

The FIFA Women’s Series will be held in March and April 2026, with the opening events scheduled in Brazil, Ivory Coast and Thailand.

According to the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), the national team will compete alongside Mauritania from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Turks and Caicos Islands from the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).

The global football governing body is expected to announce the match schedules in due course, with fixtures likely to take place during the first two weeks of April 2026.

For the unversed, the FIFA Series 2026 brings together national teams with a wide range of competitive profiles, reinforcing its development-driven design.

The event will mark a historic moment in Pakistan’s football landscape.

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The participation came on the backdrop of PFF president Mohsin Gillani meeting with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino on the sidelines of the FIFA Executive Football Summit in 2025.

During the meeting, discussions were held on the development of women’s football in the country, while the men’s team’s potential participation in the future editions of the FIFA series also came under consideration.

“We touched upon key topics such as the development of the women’s football team and the men’s team potentially participating in next year’s FIFA Series,” Infantino was quoted as saying.

“President Gilani brings significant experience and football management know-how to the role, and I look forward to seeing our game take positive strides under his leadership,” Infantino said.

READ: South Africa, Sri Lanka seal commanding victories in U19 World Cup

WINDHOEK: South Africa and Sri Lanka delivered dominant performances to seal victories over Tanzania and Ireland respectively in their group stage fixtures here at the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 on Monday.

Put into bat first, South Africa racked up a massive 397-5 at the end of their 50 overs.

Skipper Muhammed Bulbulia and Jason Rowles scored commanding centuries, with both batters forging a monumental 201-run stand for the third wicket partnership.

The pair took the score from 93 to 294 in 42.5 overs.

Bulbulia’s innings of 108 from 108 balls was laced with 10 fours and six while Rowles remained unbeaten on 125* from 101 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and five sixes.

For Tanzania, Simba Mbaki picked up two wickets.

In reply, Tanzania could not get going, with the whole team bundled out for only 68 in 32.2 overs. The innings involved two run-outs with one batter absent due to injury.

For South Africa, it was Jason Rowles again with the ball, scalping two wickets. Bayanda Majola also took wickets.

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In the Group A fixture played here at the Namibia Cricket Ground, Sri Lanka crushed Ireland by 106 runs as skipper Vimath Dinsara led from the front with an all-round performance.

Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka managed to put 267-5 on the board in their 50 overs.

Despite losing three wickets for 59 in 14.2 overs, it was Vimath Dinsara who held the innings together. He strung a couple of partnerships that kept Sri Lanka afloat.

The highlight of Sri Lankan batting was a century stand between Dinsara and Kavija Gamage, which brought the total from 139-4 to 239 in 46 overs.

Dinsara top-scored with 95 from 102 balls, striking half a dozen boundaries and a six.

Gamage fell one short of a half-century, a knock that included six boundaries. Meanwhile, Chamika Heenatigala also chipped in with 51 off 53 balls.

For Ireland, Oliver Riley took two wickets.

In reply, Ireland were bowled out for 161 in 40.1 overs, thanks to Dulnith Sigera’s four-wicket haul.

The Irish batters were in trouble fromthe start, with none of their batters getting going except opener Callum Armstrong, who made 39.

With this win, Sri Lanka registered their second consecutive win of the tournament, having previously defeated Japan in their opening encounter.

READ: WATCH: Ahmed Hussain’s stunning catch against Scotland

HARARE: Pakistan all-rounder Ahmed Hussain took another brilliant catch during his side’s clash against Scotland in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026.

Ahmed, 18, once again made headlines after pulling off a stunning grab against Scotland during the 45th over of the game, highlighting Pakistan’s improved fielding over the past couple of months.

On the fifth ball of Mohammad Sayyam’s over, Scotland batter Manu Saraswat tried to whip a full and straight delivery on the leg side but ended up offering a leading edge. Ahmad Hussain, running back from the backward point, completed an outstanding catch.

 

 

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The catch quickly grabbed attention, with commentators praising the Pakistani fielder for his outstanding grab.

This was not the first time Ahmed demonstrated his fielding prowess. The right-hander also took a blinder at the point during Pakistan’s opening encounter against England.

Nonetheless, Pakistan eased past Scotland by six wickets to open their account in the mega event.

The Green Shirts chased down a mere 188-run target in 43.1 overs, losing four wickets in the process here at the Takashinga Sports Club on Monday.

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Ahmed Hussain and Usman Khan starred with the bat, forging a 111-run partnership for the third wicket.

Both batters showed composure at the crease, with Usman Khan top-scoring with 75 from 85 balls. Ahmed Hussain remained the second-highest scorer with 47 off 92 deliveries.

For Scotland, Ollie Jones was the pick of the bowlers, who took two wickets. Manu Saraswat also bowled well and scalped two wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan pacer Ali Raza’s fiery four-wicket haul and Momin Qamar’s spin wizardry bowled Scotland out for a below-par total

Pakistan capitalized on the decision to bowl first as they skittled out Scotland for 187 in 47.1 overs.

Ali Raza starred with the ball, picking up a four-wicket haul, while Momin Qamar took three wickets.

READ: U19 World Cup: Usman, bowlers seal Pakistan win over Scotland

Novak Djokovic embarked on his latest quest to win a record 25th Grand Slam by easing to an ominous straight-sets victory Monday at the Australian Open.

The Serb dismissed Spain’s Pedro Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in two hours and meets Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli in the second round.

It was his landmark 100th Australian Open victory.

“Great to be back once again, definitely my favourite court,” the smiling 38-year-old told Rod Laver Arena.

“Centurion is pretty nice. I always give my best on the court, history-making is a great motivation.”

He added: “I am blessed to be still playing at this level.”

The former world number one raced into a 3-0 first-set lead as Serbian fans serenaded their hero.

Djokovic, now ranked four, pulled out of a warm-up event this month saying he was not physically ready.

His last competitive match was in early November as he attempts to limit the wear and tear on his creaking body.

But he showed no signs of discomfort or rustiness in moving freely around the Melbourne Park hard court to seal the first set with minimum fuss.

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He broke the 71st-ranked Martinez’s serve early in the second set and was hardly troubled on his own serve to take a 2-0 lead.

The third set went much the same way, the only moment of concern for Djokovic fans coming when he stretched out his right hamstring in between games.

Djokovic will need to gatecrash the duopoly of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner if he is to break a tie with Margaret Court and win an all-out record 25th major.

Sinner is the two-time defending Australian Open champion, and along with Alcaraz has dominated the majors in the past two years.

Djokovic has been stuck on 24 major titles since winning the US Open in 2023.

He reached the last four in Melbourne a year ago but retired from the match against Alexander Zverev with an injury.

He did make one slice of history on Monday, his 81st Grand Slam equalling the all-time record men’s singles appearances with old rival Roger Federer and Feliciano Lopez.

READ: Steve Smith keeps T20I dream alive, targets LA Olympics

HARARE: Usman Khan’s 75 and a clinical bowling performance propelled Pakistan to a comprehensive win over Scotland in the 12th fixture of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan chased down a mere 188-run target in 43.1 overs, losing four wickets in the process here at the Takashinga Sports Club on Monday.

Ali Hassan Baloch and Sameer Minhas added 43 for the opening wicket partnership in 9.4 overs.

Scotland got their first breakthrough in the form of Ali Hassan Baloch, who was bowled by off-spinner Ollie Jones for 15.

Soon after, Jones trapped Sameer Minhas lbw to keep Pakistan in check. Minhas 28 off 30 included three fours.

Consequently, Pakistan were 48-2 in 11.1 overs.

However, Ahmed Hussain and Usman Khan forged a 111-run partnership, which brought the Green Shirts to the cusp of their first win in the tournament.

Both batters showed composure at the crease, with Usman Khan reaching his half-century on 59 balls. At this stage, Pakistan were 124 for 2 in 31 overs.

Eventually, the stand culminated in the 39th over with Usman’s wicket. The left-hander’s 75 off 85 balls was laced with five fours and two sixes.

The scorecard read 159-3 with Pakistan requiring 29 more runs to win.

Ahmed Hussain, who remained the second-highest scorer with 47, kept the scoreboard ticking until his dismissal in the 41st over, with the team only requiring three to win.

With a couple of tight overs from Scotland, Pakistan finally sneaked through, courtesy of a boundary from skipper Farhan Yousaf’s bat.

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For Scotland, Ollie Jones was the pick of the bowlers, who took two wickets. Manu Saraswat also bowled well and scalped two wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan pacer Ali Raza’s fiery four-wicket haul and Momin Qamar’s spin wizardry bowled Scotland out for a below-par total

Pakistan capitalized on the decision to bowl first as they skittled out Scotland for 187 in 47.1 overs.

The Green Shirts applied pressure on the Scottish batting lineup right from the onset, with Ali Raza picking up the wickets of opener Theo Robinson and Max Chaplin in the first over.

Robinson made four, whereas Chaplin only managed two. As a result, Scotland were in early trouble with 12-2.

After early wickets, Rory Grant and skipper Thomas Knight steadied the innings with a 47-run partnership. The pair brought the total to 59 in 16.5 overs before Momin Qamar snared Rory Grant, who was caught after scoring 21 from 45 balls.

Pakistan continued to take wickets at regular intervals, with Finlay Carter the next batter to be dismissed after managing 12 from 16.

Scotland were further in dire straits when Ali Raza sent back Ollie Jones and skipper Thomas Knight in one over.

Knight top-scored with 37 from 72 balls with the aid of three fours. Jones, meanwhile, made 30 off 35, which included three boundaries.

After a 40-run partnership between Knight and Jones, Scotland were reduced to 115-6 in 29.2 overs.

However, another stand off 58 runs between Manu Saraswat and Finlay Jones provided them respite, bringing the total to 173 before a lower-order collapse bundled them out for a mere total.

Saraswat 25 from 36 included a boundary, whereas Jones hit two boundaries in his 33 off 56 balls.

For Pakistan, Ali Raza starred with the ball, picking up a four-wicket haul, while Momin Qamar took three wickets.

READ: Steve Smith keeps T20I dream alive, targets LA Olympics

Steve Smith has made it clear that despite his absence from Australia’s T20I side, his focus is firmly on representing his country at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The veteran batter has been in sensational touch during the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season 15, producing a blistering 42-ball century and following it up with a 54-run innings to power Sydney Sixers into the Qualifier.

His performances have reignited discussions about whether he could be recalled to Australia’s T20 squad, from which he has been absent since early 2024.

Smith’s last T20I appearance came against New Zealand in February 2024, where he opened alongside Travis Head and managed just four runs.

Since then, he has continued to dominate in T20 leagues, averaging 51.18 at a strike rate of 156, numbers that have kept his name in conversations, even if the selectors’ door remains tightly shut.

But Smith himself appears pragmatic about his international future.

“I always want to play for Australia in big tournaments, but I think that ship’s sailed,” he said after his 54-run knock against Brisbane Heat on Sunday.

“They’ve got two opening batters doing well. I’m relaxed, enjoying what I’m doing here, and having some fun. My main goal remains the Olympics, which would be pretty cool. Keep doing what I’m doing, and you never know.”

Unlike his ODI career, Steve Smith has not formally retired from T20 internationals, leaving the door slightly ajar.

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Still, the reality is that Australia currently has a settled opening pair in the shortest format, making a comeback increasingly difficult.

Smith has thrived as an opener in the BBL, scoring two centuries and two half-centuries in just five innings this season.

All four of his centuries have come from the top of the order, an adjustment from his usual international role at No. 3 or 4, where he often had to consolidate after early wickets.

“Opening now gives me the freedom from ball one to play how I see it and enjoy myself,” Smith explained. “I’ve played different roles. Often I had to stick it together in the middle, rebuild after early wickets.”

The 36-year-old retired from ODI cricket after last year’s Champions Trophy, choosing to concentrate on franchise cricket across the globe, including stints in Major League Cricket (MLC) and The Hundred.

“I’m trying to get stronger and hit the ball further to keep up with some of the big hitters,” he said.

“It’s nice to open and play freely. I stopped playing one-day cricket to focus on franchise tournaments and maintain rhythm. Playing consistently in this format is really important.”

Australia’s chairman of selectors, George Bailey, has not dismissed the possibility of Smith returning to the T20I fold, but he admitted it would require a series of favourable circumstances.

“Steven’s been playing incredibly well in the BBL over the last couple of years, but we’ve got strong coverage in that position,” Bailey said. “If there were moving parts and a need arose, no doubt his name would be in the mix.”

READ: Pakistan-India clash confirmed as Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars schedule revealed