Tag: Pakistan

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: Weather conditions could significantly influence the much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with forecasts pointing to a strong possibility of rain in Colombo on Sunday, February 15.

Persistent showers and heavy humidity in the hours leading up to the match have raised concerns about interruptions at the R. Premadasa Stadium, potentially impacting both teams in what is expected to be a high-stakes encounter.

According to the latest weather update, conditions between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM (local time), just before the scheduled toss, remained challenging.

Light rain was reported at 4:00 PM with temperatures around 29°C, although the RealFeel touched 31°C, reflecting muggy and uncomfortable conditions.

Thick cloud cover of 94% hovered above the venue, while humidity stood at 70% with a dew point of 23°C, indicating a sticky atmosphere.

Winds blowing from the north-northeast at 15 km/h, with gusts up to 26 km/h, could offer early movement for seam bowlers.

Visibility was steady at 10 kilometres, though overcast skies dominated, and 0.7 mm of rainfall had already been recorded.

By 5:00 PM, the situation worsened slightly. The temperature dipped to 28°C, but humidity surged to 79%, making conditions more oppressive.

Rain intensified, with 2.5 mm recorded during the hour, while visibility dropped to 6 kilometres and the cloud ceiling lowered to 600 metres, suggesting thicker cloud concentration over the stadium.

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Winds remained consistent at 15 km/h with similar gust speeds.

Looking ahead to the match window between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, cloudy and humid conditions are expected to persist.

Temperatures are forecast to range between 27°C and 26°C, though it may feel closer to 29°C due to humidity levels rising to around 81%.

A steady north-easterly breeze of 13 km/h, with gusts touching 28–30 km/h, could provide slight assistance to seamers under lights.

Cloud cover is predicted to remain complete, while visibility may improve slightly to around 8 kilometres.

With the dew point holding at 23°C, moisture in the air is expected to be significant, meaning dew could become a major factor later in the evening, potentially affecting bowlers’ grip and fielding efficiency.

Both teams enter the contest unbeaten in the group stage. Pakistan have secured wins over the Netherlands and the USA, while India have defeated the USA and Namibia, setting the stage for another high-pressure chapter in cricket’s most intense rivalry.

Historically, India have dominated the T20I head-to-head record, winning 13 of the 16 encounters, with Pakistan claiming three victories. In T20 World Cup meetings, India lead 6-1, with one match ending without a result.

READ: Babar Azam shares mindset ahead of Pakistan-India showdown

COLOMBO: Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has opened up about the pressure and emotions surrounding the much-anticipated clash against India, set to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Babar reflected on the unmatched intensity that defines a Pakistan-India encounter, describing it as a contest that extends far beyond the boundary ropes.

He noted that such fixtures carry enormous global attention and heightened expectations, making mental composure a decisive factor.

“A Pakistan-India match is always high intensity. The whole world and the fans are involved, and expectations naturally rise,” Babar said, highlighting the magnitude of the occasion.

Drawing on years of experience in high-pressure contests, the 31-year-old stressed the importance of staying calm and blocking out external noise.

According to him, handling emotions wisely can be the difference between success and failure, particularly for younger players experiencing the hype of the rivalry for the first time.

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“We’ve learnt that the more we stay cool, relaxed, and don’t listen to what people say, the better it is. Youngsters often get excited, but if you remain tension-free and composed, it works in your favour,” he added.

Both sides head into the blockbuster clash unbeaten in the tournament so far.

Pakistan have secured wins over the Netherlands and the USA, while India have registered victories against the USA and Namibia, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter between the arch-rivals.

Historically, India have dominated the T20I rivalry, winning 13 of the 16 meetings between the two teams, with Pakistan claiming three victories.

In T20 World Cup history, India hold a 6-1 advantage, with one match ending in a no result.

Squads

India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.

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COLOMBO: Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza lavished praise on his side after sealing an emphatic 20-run victory over Australia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The result marked one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far, as Zimbabwe outplayed the former champions in all departments to continue their impressive run.

Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe produced a confident batting effort to post a competitive 169-2.

Opener Brian Bennett anchored the innings with a steady 64 off 56 deliveries, striking seven boundaries. Meanwhile, captain Sikandar Raza added late impetus with an unbeaten 25 off just 13 balls.

For Australia, only Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis managed to pick up wickets as Zimbabwe built a strong foundation.

Zimbabwe inflicted a poor start on Australia as they were reduced to 29-4 inside five overs.

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A fighting 77-run stand between Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw briefly revived the chase, but the rising required rate kept mounting pressure.

Australia were eventually bowled out for 146.

Sikandar Raza took to X and praised his team for defeating a strong Australian side.

“This team. No words to describe what we all feeling today but we are aware what lies ahead and in sha Allah we remain committed and focused,” he wrote.

“Keep praying for us and in sha Allah we keep going,” Raza added.

Interestingly, this was only the second T20 World Cup meeting between the two sides, with Zimbabwe now holding a perfect 2-0 record after also defeating Australia in the inaugural 2007 edition.

With back-to-back wins, including their earlier victory over Oman, Zimbabwe have strengthened their chances of progressing to the next round. They are set to face Ireland and Sri Lanka in their remaining group fixtures.

Australia, meanwhile, must win both of their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and Oman to keep their Super Eight hopes alive.

READ: Driven by Dhoni, Pakistan’s X-factor tweaker Tariq targets India

COLOMBO: Weather could play spoilsport in the much-anticipated Pakistan vs India clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with forecasts indicating a significant chance of rain on Sunday, February 15.

The high-voltage encounter at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium is already surrounded by drama after uncertainty earlier threatened the fixture.

However, while the political and administrative hurdles were eventually cleared, attention has now shifted to Colombo’s unpredictable weather.

According to forecasts, there is around a 50 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms during the match window, with nearly 2.1mm of rainfall expected.

The conditions raise the possibility of interruptions and, in the worst-case scenario, a complete washout if the weather fails to improve.

As per tournament regulations, both sides would share one point each should the match be abandoned.

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Despite the looming weather threat, the result is unlikely to significantly impact qualification scenarios.

Both teams currently sit at the top of Group A with two wins each, India leading on net run rate.

A washout would move both sides to five points, keeping them firmly on course for a place in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Historically, India have held the upper hand in this rivalry in the shortest format.

Out of 16 T20 internationals between the two teams, India have won 13, while Pakistan have secured three victories.

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

READ: Will Abhishek Sharma be available for India-Pakistan clash?

COLOMBO: India’s preparations for their marquee showdown against Pakistan have been dealt a potential blow, with explosive opener Abhishek Sharma still uncertain for the high-voltage ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 encounter scheduled on February 15.

The left-handed batter is racing against time to regain full fitness after being hospitalised earlier this week due to a stomach infection.

According to Indian media reports, Sharma has recovered enough to be discharged and rejoin the squad, but lingering weakness continues to concern the team management ahead of the crucial fixture.

Sharma had already missed India’s previous match against Namibia on Thursday, a game the defending champions won comfortably by 93 runs.

Medical staff are closely monitoring his condition, and a final decision on his participation is expected after Friday’s training session in Colombo.

In a recent video update alongside pacer Arshdeep Singh, Sharma revealed the toll the illness has taken on him, sharing that he survived mostly on plain rice and lentils and lost nearly two kilograms during his recovery period.

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India are due to arrive in Colombo from Delhi later tonight as preparations intensify for one of cricket’s most anticipated rivalries against the Pakistan national cricket team.

The clash, part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, is scheduled for Sunday and carries significant importance for both sides.

The aggressive opener has amassed 1,297 runs in 39 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 194.95, including two centuries and eight half-centuries.

Against Pakistan, he has scored 110 runs in three appearances at a strike rate of 189.65, registering one half-century.

Historically, India have dominated the rivalry in the shortest format. Out of 16 T20 internationals between the two teams, India have won 13, while Pakistan have managed three victories.

In T20 World Cup contests, India lead 6-1, with one match ending without a result.

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COLOMBO: Sahibazada Farhan’s gutsy half-century and Usman Tariq’s three-wicket haul helped Pakistan beat the USA in the 12th fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at the Sinhaleese Sports Club on Tuesday.

Set stiff 191, USA fell short by 32 runs despite Shubham Ranjane’s valiant half-century.

USA openers started positively with a 42 run parntership in 4.5 overs.

Andries Gous struck two boundaries before getting caught for 13. Meanwhile, Shayan Jahangir played briskly and took USA to a good score at the end of the PowerPlay.

However, the momentum shifted once fielding restrictions were lifted, as Pakistan’s spinners tightened the screws to slow down USA.

The pressure reaped high rewards in the form of skipper Monank Patel and Shayan Jahangir’s wickets. Patel managed only three while Jahangir departed for a well-made 49 from 34 balls, striking two sixes and five fours.

At this stage USA were 69-3 in 10.2 overs as Milind Kumar and Shubham Ranjane came to the fore.

The pair put on a 54-run partnership from 35 balls, with Ranjane playing the core aggressor’s role. However, the asking rate creeping up, it was not going to be an easy task for USA batters.

Consequently, USA fell wickets at regular intervals despite Ranjane reaching his half-century.

He was eventually trapped lbw in the final over, scoring 51 from 30 balls, striking three sixes and three fours.

Usman Tariq remained the pick of bowlers for Pakistan, returning with the figures of 3/27 in four overs.

Earlier, Sahibazada Farhan, Babar Azam, and a late cameo from Shadab Khan took Pakistan to a strong total.

Asked to bat first, Pakistan piled up 190-9 in their 20 overs.

Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan provided a strong start with a 54-run partnership in 5.1 overs.

However, USA quickly turned the momentum back with back-to-back wickets. Saim was the first to go, scoring 19 from 17 with the help of two sixes. The second one was skipper Salman Ali Agha, losing his wicket on the final ball of the powerplay.

The right-hander only managed one from three balls.

As a result, Pakistan were 56 at the end of the powerplay with Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan at the crease.

The pair launched a recovery as USA bowled a few tight overs to restrict the new batter Babar Azam from going big.

Pakistan’s scorecard read 85-2 at the halfway mark of the innings.

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After a slowdown, Sahibzada and Babar soon took advantage of Harmeet Singh’s 12th over. The pair accumulated 21 runs from the over to boost the run-rate and took the score from 101 to 122.

Babar Azam finally finds his groove, hitting six and two boundaries in the over to take his runs tally to 32.

However, USA made a comeback in the 15th over as Babar departed after scoring 46 from 32 balls. In the next over, Harmeet nabbed Farhan as USA made a strong comeback.

Sahibzad top-scored with 73 from 41 balls, laced with six fours and five sixes.

Consequently, Pakistan were reduced to 145-4 in 16 overs.

After a brief slowdown, Shadab Khan played a blinder to lift their hopes of reaching the 200-run mark. He made 30 off just 12 balls with the help of four boundaries and a six.

USA bowled well in the final two overs as Pakistan slumped from 177-5 to 190-9 at the end of their innings.

For USA, Shadley van Schalkwyk remained the standout bowler with four wickets to his name.

READ: Misbah-ul-Haq named Peshawar Zalmi batting coach for PSL 11

HOBART: Pakistan men’s hockey team endured another setback in their FIH Pro League 2025-26 campaign, falling 3-2 to Australia at the Tasmania Hockey Centre on Tuesday.

Australia took control early, with Tim Brand scoring in the first quarter to put the hosts ahead. Tim Brand doubled the lead in the second quarter, giving Australia a 2-0 advantage as they dominated the opening half of the match.

Pakistan mounted a spirited comeback in the final quarter, with Ahmad Nadeem and Sufyan Khan netting goals within five minutes to level the scores at 2-2, raising hopes of a draw.

However, Australia clinched the victory in dramatic fashion when Blake Govers converted a penalty stroke in the dying moments, sealing a 3-2 win.

The defeat leaves the Pakistan hockey team winless in the tournament so far.

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Pakistan will look to regroup as they face Germany on February 11, before taking on Australia again on February 13 and Germany once more on February 14.

For the unversed, before arriving in Australia, the side had suffered four consecutive losses during the Argentina leg, including defeats against hosts Argentina and the Netherlands.

Their campaign began with a 5-2 loss to the defending champions, the Netherlands, followed by a narrow 3-2 defeat to Argentina and a 7-3 loss in a high-scoring rematch against the Dutch.

In their final game of the first leg, Pakistan suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat at the hands of Argentina.

READ: All-rounder Bas de Leede guides Netherlands to first T20 World Cup 2026 win

COLOMBO: The confirmation of the blockbuster Pakistan–India encounter in the T20 World Cup 2026 has reportedly spared the International Cricket Council (ICC) from massive financial losses, with Indian media estimating the figure at around USD 174 million.

According to reports, the projected losses were based on potential setbacks in broadcasting revenue, sponsorship commitments and gate receipts, all of which had been under threat during uncertainty surrounding the high-profile fixture.

The resumption of the match has also triggered a sharp spike in travel activity.

Media reports indicated that airfares between Mumbai and Colombo surged soon after the decision was confirmed, reflecting renewed fan interest in what is widely regarded as cricket’s most commercially valuable contest.

Colombo’s hospitality industry has also welcomed the development.

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Hotel operators revealed that several fans had earlier reached out to cancel bookings after suggesting they would boycott Pakistan’s matches, while others had been inquiring about refund policies for tickets to the Pakistan–India game.

It is worth noting that the Government of Pakistan late Monday night directed the national men’s team to participate in the T20 World Cup clash against India at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15.

In an official statement, the federal government said the decision followed careful evaluation of multiple factors, including the outcome of recent discussions involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

The statement also referenced formal requests from various cricket boards and a telephonic conversation between Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which the Sri Lankan leader urged a peaceful resolution to ensure the marquee fixture proceeds as scheduled.

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