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West Indies, Zimbabwe stuck in India because of travel chaos

The West Indies and Zimbabwe cricket squads and support staff at the T20 World Cup 2026 have been stranded in India, unable to leave because of airspace closures and travel chaos caused by the war in the Middle East.

Both sides exited the tournament on Sunday at the end of the Super Eights stage and had been scheduled to fly home from India via the United Arab Emirates.

But after Iran responded to an attack by the United States and Israel on Saturday by firing missiles and drones across the Gulf region, thousands of flights have been cancelled in the busy hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

“The Zimbabwe senior men’s team remains safe and well in India,” Zimbabwe Cricket said in a statement late Monday.

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“The squad was scheduled to return home via Dubai, but travel plans have been affected by the evolving situation in the Middle East, which has disrupted key transit routes.”

Cricket West Indies (CWI) said they were “working closely with the International Cricket Council (ICC), relevant governmental authorities and airline partners to secure the earliest possible safe travel arrangements for the squad and support staff”.

The ICC has its headquarters in Dubai, where the airport was damaged, and numerous explosions have occurred in recent days.

The cricket world governing body said it had activated comprehensive contingency plans to safeguard everyone associated with the T20 World Cup.

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T20 World Cup: Raza heroics in vain as South Africa stay unbeaten

South Africa survived a brilliant all-round show by Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza to record a five-wicket win Sunday that means they remained unbeaten at the T20 World Cup ahead of a semi-final against New Zealand on Wednesday.

After Zimbabwe scored 153-7 in New Delhi, South Africa survived an early wobble.

Dewald Brevis hit 42 off 18 balls as the 2024 runners-up reached 154-5 in 17.5 overs.

“It’s exciting. Really exciting. A semi-final in Kolkata against New Zealand,” said South Africa captain Aiden Markram.

“The boys will be up for it. It’s still 40 overs of good cricket needed and we need to give it that respect.”

Raza, who was named player of the match, earlier hit 73 and then took 3-29 with his off-spin for Zimbabwe, who had stunned Australia and co-hosts Sri Lanka in the group stage to reach the Super Eights.

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“My immediate reflection is that I shouldn’t be here. I’ve never got a man of the match for losing the game, but I can hold my head high,” said Raza.

“The way the boys have played the whole tournament, I know we took a bit of beating in the previous two games, but I think with each beating came a valuable lesson. I think we have improved with every game that we have played.”

Raza struck on the third ball of the South African chase to send back Quinton de Kock caught behind for a duck.

Raza bowled Markram for four in the next over.

Ryan Rickelton was hit on the helmet by a bouncer from Brad Evans and took five minutes to recover.

He then lifted Evans for two straight sixes in the next over before the bowler had him caught for 31.

Brevis and David Miller, who hit 22, put on 50 before two more quick strikes from Zimbabwe.

Blessing Muzarabani dismissed Miller, and Raza removed Brevis.

Tristan Stubbs (21) and George Linde (30) then put on an unbeaten 53 to steer their side to the target.

After choosing to bat, Zimbabwe lost the in-form opener Brian Bennett, who hit an unbeaten 97 in the defeat by India, for 15.

Raza reached his fifty off 29 balls before falling to left-armer Kwena Maphaka, caught by Miller off a leading edge.

Clive Madande boosted the total with 26 not out off 20 balls at the end.

Maphaka took 2-21 from his four overs and Corbin Bosch 2-40.

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India rewrite record books with 256-4 blitz against Zimbabwe

CHENNAI: Defending champions India produced a batting masterclass to dismantle Zimbabwe and, in the process, rewrote multiple records during their Super Eight clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday.

India piled up a staggering 256-4 in their allotted 20 overs, now their highest-ever total in T20 World Cup history.

The effort eclipsed their previous best of 218/4 against England in the inaugural 2007 edition.

India’s highest totals in T20 World Cups

256/4 vs Zimbabwe (2026)

218/4 vs England (2007)

210/2 vs Afghanistan (2021)

209/9 vs Namibia (2026)

205/5 vs Australia (2024)

The total also ranks as India’s fifth-highest score in men’s T20 Internationals overall, with their 297/6 against Bangladesh in 2024 still sitting at the top.

The 256-4 is also the second-highest total ever recorded in the history of the men’s T20 World Cup.

Only Sri Lanka’s 260/6 against Ireland in 2007 stands above it.

Highest totals in ICC Men’s T20 World Cups

Sri Lanka – 260/6 vs Ireland (2007)

India – 256/4 vs Zimbabwe (2026)

West Indies – 254/6 vs Zimbabwe (2026)

Ireland – 235/5 vs Oman (2026)

England – 230/8 vs South Africa (2016)

In doing so, India surpassed the West Indies’ 254-6, also made against Zimbabwe earlier in the ongoing Super Eight stage, while Ireland’s 235/5 slipped to third in the current edition’s rankings.

Notably, India’s 256-4 is now the highest total of the 2026 tournament so far.

The carnage was highlighted by an onslaught of sixes. Indian batters cleared the ropes 17 times, the most by India in a single T20 World Cup innings.

Their previous best was 15 sixes against Australia in the semi-final of the 2024 edition.

Most sixes in an innings at T20 World Cups

West Indies – 19 vs Zimbabwe (2026)

Netherlands – 19 vs Ireland (2014)

India – 17 vs Zimbabwe (2026)

Australia – 16 vs India (2010)

India – 15 vs Australia (2024)

While West Indies and the Netherlands jointly hold the overall record with 19 sixes in an innings, India’s 17 placed them third on the all-time list.

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T20 World Cup: India win big as Zimbabwe knocked out

CHENNAI: Dominant India sealed a massive win over Zimbabwe in the Group 1 crucial Super Eight fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Thursday.

Set a massive 257, spirited Zimbabwe fell short, managing 184-6 despite Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 97*.

Zimbabwe, who stunned Australia and Sri Lanka to reach the Super Eights, were never in the chase despite a brisk start as the asking rate kept rising.

Opener Brian Bennett was not out 97, the highest individual score by a Zimbabwean in T20 World Cup history, as his side exited the semi-final reckoning with a game still to play.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers conceded 510 runs in 40 overs in two Super Eights matches after West Indies posted 254-6 against the tournament’s surprise packages on Monday.

India’s left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh took 3-24 from his four overs.

With this, South Africa have qualified for the semi-final while India will play West Indies in a virtual quarter-final.

Earlier, Abhishek Sharma’s brisk half-century, ably supported by cameos from the middle order, propelled India to a massive total

Put into bat first under lights at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, India racked up a massive 256-4 in their 20 overs, the second-highest target of World Cup history.

Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma provided a brisk start, adding 48 in 3.4 overs.

Samson made 24 from 15 balls with the help of two sixes and a four.

The rampage continued as Ishan Kishan joined the party, taking the score to 120 in 10.4 overs. Kishan made 38 from 24, striking four boundaries and a six.

Meanwhile, Sharma also continued the assault and reached his — maiden World Cup fifty, putting India into a dominant position.

He was eventually caught after scoring 55 off 30, including four maximums and four boundaries.

At this stage, India were 150-3 in 12.5 overs.

Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav (33 from 13) also flexed their muscles.

Pandya and Varma particularly provided the impetus in the final overs, with the former reaching his fifty on the final ball of the innings. The all-rounder hit four maximums and two fours on his way to 50* from 23.

Meanwhile, Varma 44 from 16 was laced with four sixes and three boundaries.

For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza, Tinotenda Maposa, Blessing Muzarabani, and Richard Ngarava picked up a wicket each.

Playing XIs

India: 1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Sanju Samson (wk), 3 Ishan Kishan, 4 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 5 Tilak Varma, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Shivam Dube, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Arshdeep Singh, 10 Varun Chakravarthy, 11 Jasprit Bumrah

Zimbabwe: 1 Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), 2 Brian Bennett, 3 Dion Myers, 4 Ryan Burl, 5 Sikandar Raza (capt), 6 Tony Munyonga, 7 Tashinga Musekiwa, 8 Brad Evans, 9 Tinotenda Maposa, 10 Blessing Muzarabani, 11 Richard Ngarava

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Samson likely to return for India clash against Zimbabwe

Defending champions India are looking to bolster their faltering opening combination ahead of a dare-not-lose T20 World Cup clash against Zimbabwe to keep hopes of making the semi-finals alive.

Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is an option at the top of the order, in India’s second Super Eights clash in Chennai on Thursday.

Opener Abhishek Sharma’s batting slump — including three consecutive ducks — has dented India’s campaign.

The team suffered a 76-run defeat to South Africa in their Super Eights opener.

India now face a straightforward equation — win their remaining two matches to keep qualification for the semi-finals largely in their own hands, or risk depending on other results.

Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak acknowledged that team combinations are under discussion for the high-stakes match.

“There can be changes, yes,” Kotak told reporters. “And obviously, it goes without saying that we discuss, because there are two leftie openers, number three is left-handed.”

While Kotak downplayed the imbalance, he admitted early setbacks had forced the team to reassess.

“I personally don’t think that there is any problem there but because we lost a wicket in the first over in three games, obviously, any team would think,” he said.

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India’s top and middle order is dominated by left-handers, offering opponents a clear tactical approach.

Teams including Pakistan, the Netherlands, and South Africa have targeted the vulnerability by opening the bowling with off-spin, dismissing one of the two openers in the first over with an off-spinner.

In the loss to South Africa, Abhishek’s opening partner Ishan Kishan fell for a fourth-ball duck after skipper Aiden Markram opened the bowling with off-spin.

Sanju Samson, a right-hander who played in the tournament with Abhishek unwell, could break the left-handed grip on the top of the order.

“People ask about Sanju as right-hander up front,” said Kotak. “Or you think of playing three spinners,” he added.

Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza, have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the tournament, having stunned Australia and co-hosts Sri Lanka to reach the Super Eights.

The West Indies top the Super Eights Group 1 after defeating Zimbabwe, with South Africa second. Both India and Zimbabwe head into Thursday’s clash in urgent need of a victory.

“For us, every match is a must-win from here,” said Kotak.

“If you want to go and win the World Cup, you expect to beat all the sides you play.”

Indian middle-order batter Rinku Singh has left the team to attend to his ailing father and missed training ahead of the key match. But Kotak said Rinku will rejoin the team Wednesday evening.

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Key Indian batter returns home due to family emergency

CHENNAI: India batter Rinku Singh has returned home owing to a family emergency, casting serious doubt over his availability for the upcoming Super Eight fixture against Zimbabwe on February 26 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Rinku was notably absent from India’s training session at the Chepauk on Tuesday evening, while the rest of the squad went through their preparations ahead of the must-win encounter.

The left-hander has endured a difficult campaign in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 so far, managing scores of 6, 1, 11* and 6 not out during the group stage.

His struggles continued in the Super Eight clash against South Africa in Ahmedabad, where he was dismissed for a two-ball duck in India’s 76-run defeat.

With the defending champions under pressure to stay alive in the tournament, Rinku’s potential absence adds another layer of concern.

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India are currently in a position where they must win both of their remaining Super Eight matches to strengthen their case for a semi-final berth.

If Rinku is ruled out for the Zimbabwe game, India have a couple of options on the bench.

Sanju Samson could come into the XI, though his inclusion would likely trigger a reshuffle in the batting order. Alternatively, Axar Patel can slot in at number eight, the position Rinku occupied in the previous outing.

Following the Zimbabwe fixture, India will conclude their Super Eight campaign against the West Indies in Kolkata on March 1.

Should they progress to the knockout stage, their semi-final is scheduled for March 5 in Mumbai. However, if they are drawn against Pakistan, the match will instead take place a day earlier in Colombo.

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T20 World Cup 2026: Rain knocks Australia out as Zimbabwe seal Super Eight spot

PALLEKELE: Zimbabwe booked their place in the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after their crucial Group B clash against Ireland was washed out due to rain at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, a result that officially ended Australia’s campaign.

The abandoned match handed one point each to both teams, taking Zimbabwe to five points and confirming them as the second side from Group B to advance, alongside Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, this result sealed Australia’s fate, who were already under pressure after defeats to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Their qualification hopes depended on Zimbabwe losing to both Ireland and Oman, which would have kept the race open on four points.

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Australia would then have needed a convincing win over Oman in their final group match to progress on net run rate.

However, the shared points between Zimbabwe and Ireland shut that door completely. Even a win in their last fixture can now only take Australia to four points, leaving them mathematically out of contention.

It marks the second time Australia have crashed out in the group stage of a Men’s T20 World Cup.

Ireland, meanwhile, also bowed out of the tournament. With just one victory — against Oman, they finished their campaign with three points.

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T20 World Cup: Raza reacts after thrilling win over Australia

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.

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Muzarabani, Bennett power Zimbabwe to stunning win over Australia

COLOMBO: A disciplined bowling display led by Blessing Muzarabani and a composed half-century from Brian Bennett steered Zimbabwe to a memorable 23-run victory over Australia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday.

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.

He found solid support from Tadiwanashe Marumani and Ryan Burl, who contributed 35 runs apiece, while 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.

Australia’s chase began on a disastrous note as Muzarabani and Brad Evans struck early, sharing four wickets to leave Australia struggling at 29-4 inside five overs.

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

Maxwell scored 31 off 32 before being clean bowled by Ryan Burl, while Renshaw’s determined 65 off 44 ended when Muzarabani struck again, effectively sealing the contest. Australia were eventually bowled out for 146.

Muzarabani finished with four wickets, while Evans claimed three. Wellington Masakadza and Ryan Burl chipped in with one wicket each to complete a clinical bowling performance.

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.

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

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U19 World Cup: India crush Zimbabwe to claim top spot

BULAWAYO: Vihaan Malhotra’s sublime century backed by an all-round bowling effort sealed a 204 run victory for India over Zimbabwe in their Super Six encounter of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 here at the Queens Sports Club on Tuesday.

Set daunting 353, Zimbabwe innings folded for mere 148 run total in 37.4 overs.

Pacers RS Ambrish and Henil Patel made early inroads, removing Nathaniel Hlabangana and Dhruv Patel inside first three overs.

The third wicket fell in the eighth over as the hosts were reduced to 24-3.

However, Leeroy Chiwaula and Kian Blignaut arrested the slide with a 69 run stand. The pair brought the total to 93 in 26.5 overs.

Blignaut was cleaned bowled for 37 off 73 balls which included four boundaries.

Despite the wicket, Chiwaula held one end and stitched a 49 run partnership to keep Zimbabwe afloat.

But both batters were removed in successive overs, sparking a collapse which the side could not recover from.

Chiwaula top scored with 62 from 77 balls which included a six and seven boundaries.

For India, Ayush Mhatre and Udhav Mohan shared six wickets between them. Meanwhile RS Ambrish also managed to took two wickets.

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Earlier, put into bat first, India managed to put 352-8 on the board at the end of their 50 overs.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi laid a strong foundation with a brisk half-century, scoring 52 from just 30, hitting four boundaries and same number of maximums.

After a steady start, Vihaan Malhotra and Abhigyan Kundu forged a 113 run partnership, to propel India to a big total.

Malhotra scord unbeaten 109 from 107 balls which was laced with seven fours while Kundu’s 61 from 62 included five fours and a six.

For Zimbabwe, Tatenda Chimugoro remained the stand out bowler with three wickets to his name.

With this victory, India moved to top position in the Group 2 with six points.

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