Tag: Pakistan

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

Pakistan’s promising young squash player, Sehrish Ali, has secured her eighth international silver medal after an impressive campaign at the German Junior Open 2026 in Hamburg, Germany.

Competing in the U-15 category at Sportwerk Hamburg, Sehrish delivered a series of commanding performances on her way to the final.

She defeated South Africa’s Julia Kozlova in straight games in the quarterfinal and followed it up with another dominant 3-0 victory over France’s Alexandra Kotkina in the semifinal.

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In the final, Sehrish Ali finished as runner-up against Egypt’s Khadija Rizq, earning a well-deserved silver medal and adding another significant achievement to her growing international record.

This result marks Sehrish Ali’s eighth international silver medal and highlights her consistent progress on the global junior squash circuit.

Her performance in Hamburg stands as a proud moment for Pakistan and reflects the country’s continued emergence of young talent in international squash.

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LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has issued a formal reminder to all eight franchises of The Hundred regarding their obligations, following reports that Pakistan players could be overlooked by teams with Indian Premier League (IPL)-linked ownership at next month’s auction.

According to English media, the ECB circulated an email on Sunday stressing that any form of discrimination, including decisions influenced by nationality, would invite action.

It is understood that if credible evidence emerges, the matter could be referred to the independent Cricket Regulator, while the ECB may also pursue separate measures as the governing body of the 100-ball competition.

The move follows a report earlier this week claiming that Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds may opt against considering Pakistan players at the March 11–12 auction.

The issue has once again highlighted the broader geopolitical tensions that have impacted cricketing ties between India and Pakistan for over a decade.

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Pakistan players have not featured in the IPL since 2009, and their participation in other leagues has narrowed as IPL team owners have expanded into tournaments such as SA20 in South Africa and the ILT20 in the UAE.

For the upcoming edition of The Hundred, 67 Pakistan players, 63 men and four women, have entered the auction pool. The list includes high-profile names such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah.

In total, 964 players have registered for the draft. Franchises are required to submit a preferred list of 75 to 100 names, with the ECB trimming the overall pool to a shortlist of around 200 players set to go under the hammer.

Notably, no Pakistan players were picked in last year’s auction, although Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim later featured as replacement signings.

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KANDY: The Pakistan men’s cricket team arrived here on Sunday ahead of their Super Eight clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 against England, scheduled to be played on February 24.

The Green Shirts will undergo training tomorrow at the Pallekelle Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan’s last two Super Eights matches are scheduled in Kandy. They will play their last match against Sri Lanka on Feb 28.

The 2009 champions’ opening Super Eight fixture against New Zealand was washed out on Saturday. Both teams have been awarded one point each.

Persistent drizzle right after the toss — which Pakistan won and opted to bat — at the Premadasa Stadium did not relent, and the umpires finally called the match off at 9:05pm local time (15:35 GMT).

The abandonment of the Super Eight opening fixture has made Group 2 of the Super Eights more interesting, with each game now carrying greater importance.

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Not even a five-over match was possible by the 10:16 pm (1646 GMT) cut-off time, giving the two teams one point each.

For Pakistan to qualify for the semi-finals without relying on the Net Run Rate, they simply have to win two of their remaining games against England and Sri Lanka.

The victories will ensure Pakistan finishes on five points, virtually booking their place in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, title-holders India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the West Indies are placed in Group 1.

The top two teams from each Group will qualify for the semi-finals.

READ: T20 World Cup: South Africa win toss against India

COLOMBO: The washout of the Pakistan vs New Zealand Super Eight clash has made every game crucial in Group 2 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Persistent drizzle right after the toss — which Pakistan won and opted to bat — at the Premadasa Stadium did not relent, and the umpires finally called the match off at 9:05pm local time (15:35 GMT).

Not even a five-over match was possible by the 10:16 pm (1646 GMT) cut-off time, giving the two teams one point each.

For Pakistan qualification in the semi-finals without relying on the Net Run Rate, they simply have to win two of their remaining games against England and Sri Lanka.

The victories will ensure Pakistan finishes on five points, virtually booking their place in the semi-finals.

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The second scenario for Pakistan qualification is to win one and lose the other, then their fate will be determined by other results and NRR.

With two losses in their remaining games, Pakistan would remain on one point, resulting in immediate elimination.

The washout has effectively made every game a virtual knockout. leaving very little margin for error.

However, the actual situation will become clearer after the clash between Sri Lanka and England on February 22.

Pakistan are placed alongside Sri Lanka, England and New Zealand in Group 2.

Their next match will be against England on February 24, followed by last game against host Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, title-holders India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the West Indies are placed in Group 1.

The top two teams from each Group will qualify for the semi-finals.

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COLOMBO: The opening fixture of the Super Eights stage in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between Pakistan and New Zealand has been abandoned due to heavy rain.

Continuous rain has prevented the play from proceeding after the toss. The cutoff time for a minimum five-over contest was 9:45 pm; however, the contest was cancelled due to a heavy downpour. Both teams have given one point each.

Pakistan will play their next match against England on February 24 in Kandy. Meanwhile, New Zealand will lock horns against Sri Lanka on Feb 25 in RPS, Colombo.

Earlier, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha won the toss and decided to bat first. The Green Shirts have made one change to their playing XI with Khawaja Nafay making way for Fakhar Zaman.

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On the contrary, New Zealand have made three changes to their side. Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, and Mitchell Santner are included in the lineup.

Playing XIs

New Zealand XI: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Jimmy Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq

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COLOMBO: The opening encounter of the Super Eights stage in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between Pakistan and New Zealand has been delayed due to rain. 

Continuous rain has prevented the play from proceeding after the toss. The cutoff time for a result is 7:45 pm PKT, while the deadline to complete a minimum five-over contest is 9:45 pm, provided the rain stops.

Earlier, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha won the toss and decided to bat first. The Green Shirts have made one change to their playing XI with Khawaja Nafay making way for Fakhar Zaman.

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On the contrary, New Zealand have made three changes to their side. Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, and Mitchell Santner are included in the lineup.

Playing XIs

New Zealand XI: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Jimmy Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq

HEAD TO HEAD

Pakistan and New Zealand have faced each other 49 times in the shorter format. The Green Shirts are one match ahead with 24 wins.

In the T20 World Cups, Pakistan leads with five victories, while New Zealand has won two.

Total: 49 — Pakistan 24, New Zealand 23, No Result 2

READ: Harry Brook responds to reports of Pakistan players’ snub in The Hundred

COLOMBO: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first against New Zealand in the opening encounter of the Super Eights stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at RPS Stadium on Saturday.

Playing XIs

New Zealand XI: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Jimmy Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq

HEAD TO HEAD

Pakistan and New Zealand have faced each other 49 times in the shorter format. The Green Shirts are one match ahead with 24 wins.

In the T20 World Cups, Pakistan leads with five victories, while New Zealand has won two.

Total: 49 — Pakistan 24, New Zealand 23, No Result 2

READ: Harry Brook responds to reports of Pakistan players’ snub in The Hundred

England captain Harry Brook has responded to mounting speculation that Pakistan players could be overlooked in the upcoming edition of The Hundred, saying it would be “a shame” if the tournament misses out on their presence.

Reports in English media have suggested that franchises with Indian Premier League (IPL)-linked ownership may refrain from picking Pakistan cricketers at next month’s auction.

While the development has triggered debate across the cricketing world, Brook made it clear that England’s focus lies elsewhere.

“Our main focus now is what’s coming up in the T20 World Cup. It’s not really any of our business, to be honest,” Brook said in a recent interview.

Even so, the England skipper did not shy away from acknowledging Pakistan’s stature in the game. He described the country as one of cricket’s most influential forces and stressed that the global circuit benefits from their involvement.

“Pakistan have been a great cricket nation for many years. I think there’s about 50, 60 players in the auction, and it would be a shame to not see some of them in there,” he remarked.

Harry Brook further underlined the broader impact Pakistani players bring to franchise tournaments, not just through skill, but through fan engagement and atmosphere.

“There’s some amazing cricketers and they bring some great crowds as well. It would be a shame to not see some of the Pakistan players in there and make the tournament and competition even better,” he added.

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The speculation stems from reports indicating that four franchises, Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave and Sunrisers Leeds, all partially owned by IPL-linked investors, could bypass Pakistan players in the men’s auction scheduled for March 12 in London, following the women’s auction on March 11.

According to the reports, a senior England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) official informed an agent that interest in Pakistan players would likely be limited to franchises not associated with IPL ownership.

Another agent reportedly described the situation as an “unwritten rule” in leagues influenced by IPL investments.

The claims appear to contradict assurances previously made by ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould, who had stated that Pakistani players would not face restrictions in England’s 100-ball competition.

“We are aware of the challenges Pakistani players face in other regions, but that won’t be happening here,” Gould had said last year, reaffirming the board’s commitment to inclusivity.

Pakistan cricketers have not featured in the IPL since 2008 and have also had limited opportunities in other IPL-linked leagues such as SA20, ILT20 and Major League Cricket (MLC).

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COLOMBO: Weather could play a significant role in Saturday’s Super Eight clash between Pakistan and New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.

Weather reports indicate overcast skies and light showers this afternoon, creating a warm, humid and potentially disruptive atmosphere ahead of play.

Current temperatures hover around 30°C, but with humidity near 80%, it feels closer to 37°C, while shaded areas record a RealFeel of 34°C.

Winds are gusting up to 26 km/h from the west-northwest, adding an occasional breeze to the conditions.

Rainfall measured so far stands at 7.6 mm, with a 75 percent chance of further showers, and cloud cover close to complete at 99 percent.

Visibility is moderate at around 5 km. The high dew point of 24°C further reflects the moisture-laden air, conditions that could influence both bowling and batting strategies.

By evening, conditions are expected to improve slightly, with temperatures dropping to around 25°C and a RealFeel of 29°C.

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While skies will remain fully cloudy, chances of rain are forecast to fall to 25 percent.

Winds will ease, blowing from the east at around 7 km/h, and humidity is likely to rise further to 86 percent, keeping the atmosphere sticky as dew becomes a possible factor later in the night.

For Pakistan, this match carries considerable importance after a strong Group A performance that saw them finish second with three wins from four games, their only loss coming against India.

In the Super Eights, they find themselves in Group 2 alongside the co-hosts Sri Lanka, New Zealand and England.

Historically, Pakistan have enjoyed the edge over New Zealand in T20 World Cup meetings, leading the head-to-head 5-2 across seven encounters.

In all T20 internationals between the two teams, Pakistan hold a narrow advantage with 24 wins to New Zealand’s 23, while two matches ended without a result.

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