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Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Varma starred as India posted 256/4 to beat Zimbabwe by 72 runs in a Super 8 T20 World Cup clash, keeping semifinals hopes alive.

T20 World Cup: Abhishek, Hardik help India pulverise Zimbabwe by 72 runs; stay in semis race

Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Varma starred as India posted 256/4 to beat Zimbabwe by 72 runs in a Super 8 T20 World Cup clash, keeping semifinals hopes alive.

Abhishek Sharma rediscovered his form with a blazing fifty, Hardik Pandya bludgeoned a half-century and Tilak Varma allayed strike-rate worries in India&rsquo;s massive 72-run victory over Zimbabwe, keeping them alive in the race to the T20 World Cup semifinals in Chennai on Thursday.
Along with that ticking of several boxes in their must-win Super Eight match here, India posted an imposing 256 for four &mdash; their highest ever total in T20 World Cups, and also the highest in this edition of the ICC showpiece.
In the tournament&rsquo;s scenario, India&rsquo;s win ensured South Africa&rsquo;s (4 points) entry into the last four from Group 1, leaving the hosts and the West Indies locked in a virtual knockout match at Kolkata on March 1.&nbsp;
Both India and West Indies now have two points, going into their last group stage encounter. But all of it could not have happened without contributions from Abhishek (55, 30b, 4x4, 4x6), Pandya (50 not out, 23b, 2x4, 4x6) and Tilak Varma (44 not out, 16b, 3x4, 4x6), which shaped India's recovery from a debilitating 76-run defeat to the Proteas in the previous match.
In reply, Zimbabwe could only garner 184 for six. Opener Brian Bennett, who clobbered Shivam Dube for 26 runs in an over, offered lone resistance with an unbeaten 59-ball 97, a well conceptualised knock but destined to be a mere footnote.
Cutting back to India&rsquo;s innings each of those three aforementioned knocks carried a significance of its own, but the lead act was Abhishek.&nbsp;
Abhi-shakes off rust
Since returning from a stomach bug, the Punjab batter looked a distant shadow of his dominating self, registering three ducks in a row.But on a smooth Chepauk pitch the left-hander found his bearings, also easing the worries of the Indian team management over the sudden slump in his form.
The 25-year-old was involved in two excellent partnerships&mdash; a 48 for the opening wicket with Sanju Samson and then a 72 off 42 balls with Ishan Kishan (38) for the following wicket &mdash; that gave the hosts a strong platform.
Re-drafting Samson into the eleven was predominantly to break the sequence of left-handers at the top, but pairing him with Abhishek proved a good move eventually.
The Kerala right-hander smoked 24 off 15 balls to ease any nerves that his partner had.Once Samson departed, lofting pacer Blessing Muzarabani to Ryan Burl in the deep, Abhishek took charge of Indian innings.
He hammered Tino Maposo, Brian Bennett and Richard Ngarava for sixes as India stormed to 80 for one in the Power Play segment, their second best after the 86/1 made against Namibia in a group match.
The bat flow, feet movement and the eye-hand coordination, which were missing in this interim, and he fetched his first fifty off just 26 balls with a single off spinner Sikandar Raza. But more importantly, Abhishek looked assured against off-spin, his nemesis in previous matches, in this game, putting his feet into better use.
Abhishek&rsquo;s belligerence and the largesse of Zimbabwe fielders helped India maintain the tempo even after the Power Play, scoring 81 runs between overs seven and 14.
The tourists were also guilty of modest catching effort &mdash; dropping Kishan (26) and Suryakumar Yadav (8) However, Abhishek could not further extend his innings, skying Maposa to Raza in the deep, much to Zimbabwe&rsquo;s relief.&nbsp;
Middle-order fires, Tilak&rsquo;s SR soars
However, the relief did not last long as India&rsquo;s middle-order batters, who were struggling to force pace on slower surfaces in earlier matches, rediscovered their range in the mixed soil surface at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
India reached the team 100 in 9.1 overs but the next 100 flowed in in just 7.3 overs. Pandya (50 not out) and Tilak (44 not out) used the long handle to telling effect, scoring 84 runs for the fifth wicket as India maximised the final five overs, in which 80 runs were scored.
Pandya just reaffirmed his status as a death-over bully of bowlers with a typically scorching fifty but the outing of Tilak might have pleased the think tank to no extent.
Till this match, the left-hander was striking at a well below par 118. But the true-paced Chennai pitch helped him turn his bat into a cudgel, clubbing runs at 275.
Once India raised that massive total, it was always a case of margin and the bowlers, led by left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh (3/24) did the stifling job to perfection to safeguard India's title defence.&nbsp;

South Africa beat West Indies by nine wickets in their Super 8 clash to stay unbeaten and move closer to the T20 World Cup semifinals, with Aiden Markram starring in the chase.

T20 World Cup: Clinical South Africa hammer West Indies by nine wickets, tighten grip on semifinal spot

South Africa beat West Indies by nine wickets in their Super 8 clash to stay unbeaten and move closer to the T20 World Cup semifinals, with Aiden Markram starring in the chase.

A clinical South Africa outclassed West Indies by nine wickets in their Super 8 clash to stretch their unbeaten run and all but seal a place in the semifinals of the T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
A dominating show by the Proteas pacers was followed by authoritative batting. Yet again, South Africa executed their plans perfectly to further their cause, racking up their sixth win on the trot and halting West Indies' unbeaten run in the tournament.
With South Africa taking two vital points off the West Indies, hosts India now have their qualification hopes firmly in their own hands as a Proteas defeat would have dented their chances severely. The loss hurt the Caribbean side&rsquo;s net run rate that came down to 1.791 from a healthy 5.350.
First it was South Africa pacers that rocked the West Indies&rsquo; batting line-up before a lower-order fightback from Romario Shepherd (52 not out) and Jason Holder (49) lifted the two-time champions to 176 for eight.
Then skipper Aiden Markram (82 not out), Quinton De Kock (47) and Ryan Rickelton (45 not out) batted with authority as the Proteas overhauled the target in 16.1 overs.
By collecting 69 runs from the six Powerplay overs, the South Africans had demoralised the Windies attack. Except for a few hit-and-miss shots, the two openers controlled the proceedings. They struck both pacers and spinners with equal ease and raised a quick 95-run stand in 7.5 overs, hitting 16 boundaries including six shots over the rope.
De Kock hit four sixes and as many fours in his 24-ball knock before offering a catch to Jason Holder at long-on. Markram raised his fifty with a single off Gudakesh Motie. With Rickelton, Markram raised an unbeaten 82-run stand and finished the game in style with a straight four off pacer Jason Holder.
Earlier, from the high of their dominant win over Zimbabwe, the West Indies were in for a rude shock as Kagiso Rabada (2/22) and Lungi Ngidi (3/30) got the ball to bounce from good length to trouble the batters, reducing the big-hitting West Indies line-up to 83 for seven.
Holder (49 off 31) and Romario Shepherd (52 not out off 37) then stitched together a record 89-run stand for the eighth wicket to prevent a complete collapse of the innings.
Opting to bowl, South Africa opened with spinner Keshav Maharaj but Shai Hope (16 off 6) showed early intent, launching him for two sixes and a four. At the other end, Brandon King (21 off 11) threw his bat around against Marco Jansen, collecting quick boundaries as the Caribbean side raced to 29 in just over two overs.
Rabada, however, brought the Proteas back into the contest by having Hope caught behind as the skipper fished outside off stump. It could have been two in two but Shimron Hetmyer (2) was dropped at mid-on by Corbin Bosch, but the reprieve proved brief.
However, Rabada sent back the left-hander three balls later when he miscued a pull. The in-form Ngidi then struck a double blow in the fourth over. After being hit for two consecutive fours by King, he had the opener caught behind and two balls later rattled Roston Chase&rsquo;s (2) stumps.
In the space of 10 deliveries, West Indies had lost four wickets and were 44 for four after four overs.
Sherfane Rutherford (12) briefly counterattacked, smashing Bosch for a towering six over midwicket, but perished next ball, top-edging to Quinton de Kock.
Ngidi&rsquo;s third wicket &mdash; Rovman Powell (9) &mdash; left West Indies tottering at 71 for six, while Matthew Forde (11) became Bosch&rsquo;s second victim soon after a six.
Just when a collapse seemed inevitable, Holder and Romario came to the team's rescue.
Holder, who hammered 22 runs in a Jansen over towards the end, fell to a run-out off the penultimate ball, but Shepherd ensured West Indies finished strongly.

New Zealand eliminated co-hosts Sri Lanka from the T20 World Cup with a commanding 61-run victory in their Super Eight clash. Rachin Ravindra starred with a career-best 4/27 and useful runs.

New Zealand knock out Sri Lanka from T20 World Cup with dominant Super Eight win

New Zealand eliminated co-hosts Sri Lanka from the T20 World Cup with a commanding 61-run victory in their Super Eight clash. Rachin Ravindra starred with a career-best 4/27 and useful runs.

Co-hosts Sri Lanka were on Wednesday knocked out of the T20 World Cup as Rachin Ravindra grabbed a career-best 4/27 in a splendid all-round display to power New Zealand to a comprehensive 61-run victory in their Super Eights clash in Colombo.
Cole McConchie justified his selection with a composed unbeaten 31 off 23 balls (3x4, 2x6) while skipper Mitchell Santner came into his own with a 26-ball 47 (2x4, 4x6) as the duo stitched a match-defining 84-run seventh wicket stand off 47 balls to lift New Zealand to 168/7 after Sri Lanka opted to bowl.
Having let the Kiwis flourish with 70 runs in the last four overs, Sri Lanka, who had collapsed for 95 against England in their Super Eights opener, suffered yet another batting meltdown.
Chasing 169, Sri Lanka could only score 107/8 with Ravindra &mdash; who also made 32 with the bat &mdash; leading the spin charge after pacer Matt Henry rocked the islanders in the powerplay with a sensational bowling display of 2-1-3-2.
The emphatic victory margin not only sealed two crucial points for New Zealand but also put them firmly on the brink of a semifinal berth. Pakistan will now need a massive win in their final game against Sri Lanka to keep their semifinal qualification hopes alive.
New Zealand next face England in their concluding Super Eights fixture on Friday, while Pakistan take on already-eliminated Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Saturday.
Defending 168, New Zealand strangled Sri Lanka in the powerplay through Henry. The pacer struck with the first ball of the opening over, dismissing in-form Pathum Nissanka for a golden duck with a 137kph delivery that pitched on a length outside off, jagged back in and crashed into the stumps.
In the first ball of his next over, Henry removed Charith Asalanka (5), taking pace off to induce a mistimed shot that resulted in a simple catch. Sri Lanka limped to 20 for two in the powerplay with a flurry of dot balls.
Ravindra then took control, dismissing Kusal Mendis with a sharp stumping after pulling his length back and spinning the ball away as the batter stepped out. Two balls later, Pavan Rathnayake charged down the track, was beaten in flight and stumped.
The left-arm spinner struck again, deceiving skipper Dasun Shanaka in the air before removing Dushan Hemantha with another delivery that gripped and turned. Santner quietly completed his quota with 1/19, taking Lankan top-scorer Kamindu Mendis (31) and sealing Sri Lanka&rsquo;s exit.
Invited to bat, New Zealand lost four wickets for nine runs between 9.3 and 12.1 overs as wily offspinner Maheesh Theekshana (3/30) and pacer Dushmantha Chameera (3/38) turned the contest around.
McConchie attacked Chameera in the 17th over, smashing two sixes and a four in an 18-run over. Santner then hit a four and two sixes against Theekshana in the 18th over that yielded 21 runs to seize momentum.
The duo&rsquo;s late onslaught saw New Zealand add 70 runs in the final four overs as Sri Lanka, though sharp earlier, faltered at the death.
At the halfway stage, on a dry Khettarama surface, Theekshana and Chameera shared six wickets to restrict New Zealand after they raced to 73/2 in nine overs.
Finn Allen smashed 23 off 13 balls (3x4, 1x6), while Ravindra looked fluent in his 32 off 22 balls (3x4, 1x6).
Theekshana then applied the brakes, removing Allen with his carrom ball and later dismissing Ravindra with a flighted delivery. He also bowled Mark Chapman for a two-ball duck with a disguised wrong one.
Chameera dismissed Tim Seifert (8) and Glenn Phillips (18), while Wellalage accounted for Daryl Mitchell (3).

Defending champions India face Zimbabwe in a crucial Super 8 clash in Chennai, needing a commanding victory to improve their net run rate after a heavy defeat to South Africa.

T20 World Cup: India seek answers to top-order worries in must-win Super 8s game against Zimbabwe

Defending champions India face Zimbabwe in a crucial Super 8 clash in Chennai, needing a commanding victory to improve their net run rate after a heavy defeat to South Africa.

Bogged down by top-order brittleness and under pressure after a heavy loss, defending champions India would need every ounce of resilience they can muster when they take on a tricky Zimbabwe in their second Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup in Chennai on Thursday.
Winning this contest by a big margin is critical to India's existence in the ICC showpiece given the beating their net run rate (-3.80) took after the 76-run defeat to South Africa on Sunday.
But for that, India need to fix the issues surrounding the opening and No.3 slots.
Coming into this World Cup, the reigning champions rode on excellence from Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma at the pole position to quell the bilateral challenges against South Africa and New Zealand at home.
But light seems to have gone out of Abhishek's batting after a stomach infection.
A combination of dull pitches and off-spinners, who took the ball away from his hitting arc, has reduced the left-hander's firepower.
He is certainly a better batter than his current numbers -- 15 runs from four matches at an average of 3.75 made at a strike-rate of 75.
However, the real question is can he set aside the desire to play his natural game, and grind some runs against his name?
It may not look flashy, but one needs to look ugly, at times, to win.
The changes that England skipper Harry Brook, a batter in Abhishek's mould, made to adapt to the decks got him a match-winning hundred last night in Pallekele.
Watching him will perhaps give the Indian opener an example to follow.
Playing spin was never Brook's forte, but the Yorkshire man sunk Pakistan's spin armada at Pallekele, superbly pacing himself between defence and aggression.
Tilak Varma too needs a course correction, but of a different nature.
One can argue that Abhishek's lean patch has necessitated Tilak to play a more supportive role to Kishan, who continues to impress with a strike-rate of 193 amid the top-order ruins around him.
But even then, a strike-rate of 118 is too less for a batter playing in the Power Play segment as per the modern T20 template.
He generally strikes around 141 in T20Is.
Suryakumar Yadav has 180 runs but those have come at 127, way less than his T20I career strike-rate of 161.
It has left Kishan with the job of doing all the heavy-lifting by himself.
Had it not been for the acceleration given by Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya, India would have struggled to reach par totals in a couple of matches at least.
Should Samson be back?
The opposition teams have cleverly fielded off-spinners in the Power Play against the three left-handed batters -- Kishan, Abhishek and Tilak -- to reduce their scoring opportunities.
The inclusion of Sanju Samson, a right-hander, in top three can be a quick fix, but the Kerala batter himself is not in the pink of form.
So, the effect of adding another struggling batter to an already difficult space is debatable.
In that context, the team think-tank can ponder over giving a promotion to Suryakumar at No. 3, and push Tilak down to No. 4 to break the sequence of left-handers at the top.
But the management can take heart from the fact that Chepauk might offer them the best surface yet in this tournament.
It is the same track that was used in the match between Afghanistan and New Zealand albeit in an 11am game.
On that occasion, New Zealand quite comfortably chased down a 180-plus target set by the Afghans.
What might work for India is the fact that Zimbabwe's spin attack of Graeme Cremer, Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl is not as potent as some others that the co-hosts have faced thus far in the tournament.
But their towering quicks, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava and the pacy Brad Evans, are quite capable of asking a few tough questions to the batters on their day.
On the bowling front, India have little to worry about despite a fumble that allowed the Proteas to reach 187 for seven after struggling at 20 for three.
Jasprit Bumrah is as brilliant as he has ever been, and in the company of Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya, he should be able to blunt a relatively less experienced Zimbabwe batting unit.
Adding teeth to India's attack, left-arm spinner and vice-captain Axar Patel, who was benched against South Africa, is poised to make a return for this match.
Squads:
India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.
Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Ben Curran.
Match starts at 7 pm.

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said the team respects criticism back home after crashing out of the T20 World Cup in the group stage, with a forensic review of the campaign set to follow.

Australia captain Marsh says team respects criticism back home for T20 World Cup debacle

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said the team respects criticism back home after crashing out of the T20 World Cup in the group stage, with a forensic review of the campaign set to follow.

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh on Friday said that his team respects the criticism back home after its exit from the T20 World Cup in the group stage after shock loss to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
The former champions are set to face a "forensic review" of their disappointing T20 World Cup campaign after the injury-ravaged team prematurely crashed out of the showpiece being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
"Yeah, we certainly respect the noise back home when things don&rsquo;t quite go to plan for us as a team. We sort of know that&rsquo;s coming, we respect it," Marsh said before Australia's final group match against minnows Oman.
"We reflect on ways to get better moving forward. But the last couple of days, obviously, a really disappointed group to not make through the Super 8s."
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have progressed to the Super Eights as Australia failed to get past the group stage for the first time since 2009.
Australia, the limited overs titans with six ODI and one T20I World Cup titles, were eliminated in the group stage after Tuesday's game between Zimbabwe and Ireland in Kandy was washed out, which paved the way for the much-improved African side's entry into the Super Eights from Group B along with tournament co-hosts Sri Lanka.
An injury-ravaged Australia showed glimpses of their batting prowess in the first half of their innings in the loss against Sri Lanka, but it was their shock defeat to Zimbabwe that really blew their campaign apart, forcing the administrators back home to announce a "forensic review" of their performance once the players return to the country.
The forgettable campaign was marked by injuries to key players, poor form, and baffling selection calls. The result was that the 2021 winners failed to progress beyond the group stage for the first time since 2009.
Australia were without their star pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, but they entered the tournament as one of the favourites, but things went downhill quickly following the reverse against Zimbabwe.
The team also lost captain Mitchell Marsh, also to injury, during the tournament, disturbing its balance to a great extent. Marsh did not the team's first two matches, including An in-form Steve Smith was not picked and could only come in as cover once Hazlewood was declared ruled out just hours before their loss to Zimbabwe.
Selector Tony Dodemaide had said a full review of the performance would be done once the players are back home.
Australia are the co-hosts of the 2028 T20 World Cup along with New Zealand.

South Africa defeated UAE by six wickets in a low-scoring Group D match in New Delhi, powered by quickfire knocks from Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis while chasing 123.

T20 World Cup: South Africa beat UAE by six wickets

South Africa defeated UAE by six wickets in a low-scoring Group D match in New Delhi, powered by quickfire knocks from Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis while chasing 123.

Dewald Brevis warmed up nicely with some monstrous sixes as South Africa hardly broke sweat during a walk-in-the-park six-wicket victory over United Arab Emirates in their final group league fixture of the T20 World Cup in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Chasing a target of 123, the Proteas romped home in 13.1 overs with Aiden Markram smashing 28 off 11 balls to set the stage for young Brevis who also helped himself to a 36 off 25 balls.
Ryan Rickleton hit some lusty sixes to get 30 off 16 balls in an all-round effort.
With the big Super Eights match against India coming up on Sunday, South Africa needed Brevis to fire, and he did have a good session out there in the middle.
The pull off a bouncer sent down by wrong-footed left-arm seamer Muhammad Jawadullah was a treat for the eyes. Brevis quickly went onto the backfoot and pulled it from above eyeline into the top tier of the square leg stand.
When left-arm spinner Haider Ali tossed one outside the off-stump, Brevis thumped it over extra cover into the Hill B of the Feroz Shah Kotla stands.
The two shots were indicators that Brevis was in prime form. He then picked up a slower one from Mohammed Arfan to dispatch it into the cow corner as South Africa finished proceedings in a jiffy.
Earlier, young Alishan Sharafu led a charmed life with double reprieves but Anrich Nortje, playing his first match of the tournament, bowled quick and straight to restrict UAE to 122 for 6 in stipulated 20 overs.
With Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen rested before the India game in Ahmedabad on Sunday, Nortje (2/28 in 4 overs) and Corbin Bosch (3/12 in 4 overs) bowled short and quick consistently as the UAE batting unit never really looked in control of the situation.
While Sharafu managed a 38-ball 45 with five fours and a six, he was lucky due to the 'butter-fingered' Proteas fielders, who dropped two catches.
With conditions overcast and floodlights being put on, Aiden Markram was spot on in opting to bowl and unleash his pace battery on the minnows by making use of the underlying moisture.
Although skipper Muhammad Waseem (22 off 12 balls) and Aryansh Sharma moved a bit from the line of quick deliveries and got a few boundaries in the process using the pace, it was left-arm spinner George Linde, who got the first breakthrough.
Waseem went to sweep a much fuller delivery and was left plumb in-front.
Once the powerplay got over, UAE batters, save Sharafu's attacking strokes, could never come to terms with the pace and bounce on offer.
Sohaib Khan, who had back-to-back half-centuries against Canada and Afghanistan, had no clue when Bosch let one fly and all he could do was nick it to Quinton de Kock behind the stumps.
How UAE wilted could be gauged from the fact that they hit 10 boundaries in all, in which Sharafu and Waseem hit nine cumulatively.
Just when the UAE innings ended, steady drizzle forced the ground staff to cover the centre square.
Brief Scores: UAE: 122 for 6 in 20 overs (Alishan Sharafu 45; Anrich Nortje 2/28, Corbin Bosch 3/12). South Africa: 123 for 4 in 12.3 overs (Aiden Markram 28, Ryan Rickelton 30, Dewald Brevis 36).&nbsp;

Pakistan face Namibia in a crucial Group A fixture in Colombo, needing a win to boost their Super 8 qualification hopes after a heavy defeat to India.

Pakistan Gears Up for Crucial Match With Namibia Amid Batting Concerns

Pakistan vs Namibia: Crucial Cricket Showdown

Pakistan face Namibia in a crucial Group A fixture in Colombo, needing a win to boost their Super 8 qualification hopes after a heavy defeat to India.

With their backs against the wall, former champions Pakistan will rely on their fragile batting to come good after the jolt against India and seal a Super 8s spot when they face struggling Namibia, in their final league fixture, in Colombo on Wednesday.
In Group A, title favourites India have already sealed their Super 8s berth after their handsome 61-run win over Pakistan the other day.
The second spot is now up for grabs, with the United States having their nose ahead of Pakistan.
Both teams have four points each but Pakistan are behind on Net Run Rate -- Pakistan have a negative NRR of -0.403, while the USA are comfortably placed at 0.788.
Pakistan's equation is simple -- win against the winless Namibia and make the cut as any slip-up could leave them relying on other permutation and combinations.
Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan's campaign has suddenly entered a tense phase after what was meant to be a straightforward progression turned into a battle for survival following the defeat to India.
The spotlight will firmly be on their fragile batting -- including stalwart Babar Azam, openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub and their skipper Agha -- which was exposed in their defeat to India in Colombo.
Former Azam has been under pressure, especially after his seven-ball five against India, with calls for his exclusion growing louder.
After being reduced to 13 for 3 by India's pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, Pakistan's middle order offered no resistance -- worrying sign even against a side like Namibia.
Openers Sahibzada and Ayub, along with the middle order, will also need to show greater application.
Pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi also struggled, claiming just one wicket while conceding over 31 runs in his two overs.
The only bright spot was Ayub, who had India's top order in a spot of bother with his three-wicket haul.
Pakistan's key worry is Afridi's inconsistency; his struggle with rhythm and control was glaring when he leaked 15 runs in the crucial final over, handing India the late momentum.
Against Namibia, Afridi must strike early as removing key batters in the first six overs will let Pakistan dictate the match.
Pakistan's powerplay frailties also remain a worry -- they managed barely 40 runs while losing four wickets in the last game.
Frequent middle-order shuffles have created a muddle, putting late-order acceleration in doubt.
Namibia, though winless in three matches so far, have shown flashes of discipline and tactical awareness.
The smart tactics of their skipper Gerhard Erasmus paid dividends against India when the experienced offspinner cleverly released the ball halfway through his run-up and delivered from well behind the stumps to fox Tilak Varma during his splendid 4/20 spell.
He claimed the prized wickets of Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, and his battle against Pakistan's struggling batters could be a key match-up.
Namibia, often thriving in the underdog role, will look to bow out with pride. If they can drag Pakistan into a low-scoring contest, nerves could once again come into play in what has become a crucial fixture for the 2009 champions.
Left-arm pacer JJ Smuts is also a constant thorn for batsmen, Namibia have the firepower to pull off an upset.
Opening batter Louren Steenkamp has delivered two encouraging knocks, including a half-century, in the previous games, while Jan Nicolaas Frylinck and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton have added much-needed stability to Namibia's top order.
Teams (from):
Namibia: Gerhard Erasmus (c), Jan Balt, Jack Brassell, Alexander Busing-Volschenk, Jan Frylinck, Zane Green (wk), Max Heingo, Malan Kruger, Dylan Leicher, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Willem Myburgh, Bernard Scholtz, JJ Smit, Louren Steenkamp, Ruben Trumpelmann.
Pakistan: Salman Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
Match starts 3:00 p.m.

Zimbabwe advanced to the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup after their rain-hit match against Ireland was abandoned, knocking out Australia and Ireland from the tournament.

T20 World Cup: Rain washout helps Zimbabwe reach Super 8, knocks out Australia and Ireland

Zimbabwe advanced to the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup after their rain-hit match against Ireland was abandoned, knocking out Australia and Ireland from the tournament.

Zimbabwe on Tuesday entered the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup after their crucial Group B match against Ireland was washed out due to rain, a result that also eliminated former champions Australia and Ireland from the tournament.&nbsp;
Both teams were awarded one point each. The shared points took Zimbabwe to five, enough to secure a Super 8 berth. They will face India in their opening Super 8 match on February 26 in Chennai.&nbsp;
Zimbabwe became the seventh team to get a ticket to the Super 8s, completing group G1 also comprising India, South Africa and West Indies. Zimbabwe will play their final group match against co-hosts Sri Lanka on February 19.&nbsp;
With table-toppers Sri Lanka (6) having already qualified for the Super 8s, the contest held significant importance for Zimbabwe and Ireland, who had come into the game with four and two points respectively.&nbsp;
Australia were also on two points following their defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. The former champions needed Zimbabwe to lose both their remaining matches to stay in contention, but persistent rain ended their hopes.&nbsp;
The toss at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium was initially delayed due to drizzle, with the ground remaining under covers for a considerable period. However, continuous rain and a wet outfield prevented any play, confirming Zimbabwe's progression to the Super 8 stage.

India registered a 93-run win over Namibia in the T20 World Cup as Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya starred, while Gerhard Erasmus impressed with a four-wicket haul ahead of the Pakistan showdown.

India crush Namibia by 93 runs but concerns linger before Pakistan clash

India registered a 93-run win over Namibia in the T20 World Cup as Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya starred, while Gerhard Erasmus impressed with a four-wicket haul ahead of the Pakistan showdown.

Sanju Samson disappointed again, Ishan Kishan dazzled and his mentor Hardik Pandya entertained but India's 93-run victory over Namibia in New Delhi on Thursday wasn't exactly the Box Office hit one expected ahead of a tense T20 World Cup face-off against Pakistan.
The victory felt less like an assurance and more like the calm before the cricketing tempest with Pakistan lying in wait.
The margin of victory, India's highest in a T20 World Cup, won't depict the entire picture as little-known Namibian captain Gerhard Erasmus came out as a surprise package by taking 4 for 20 in India's final total of 209 for 9, despite Kishan's smashing 24-ball-61 and Pandya's 52 off 28 balls.
In reply, the Namibian batting unit did struggle against the kind of attack that they hardly get to play, as the innings ended on 116 in 18.2 overs.
Varun Chakravarthy (3/7 in 2 overs) and Pandya (2/21 in 4 overs) shared the bulk of the spoils and India now need just one more win in their next two games to qualify for the Super Eights.
Why India's batting show, despite a 200-plus score, would be considered below par is because of the Namibian skipper.
Erasmus' eerie side-arm action created considerable discomfort for the Indian batters, including Kishan, Pandya and Tilak Varma, as he also bowled from behind the crease at times.
The 24 deliveries that Erasmus bowled was certainly an eye opener for the Indian batters as to what they can expect from the Pakistani freak Usman Tariq, who would pose even more probing questions on a tackier Premadasa track in Colombo.
When Namibia batted, they used the long handle to good effect but one always knew that it was just a matter of time before Chakravarthy and Axar Patel (2/20) come and demolish them in unison.
Earlier, Samson's three-sixes innings was akin to a short-lived Instagram reel but Kishan's batting was a gripping web series, full of drama, action and anticipation.
Kishan muscled five sixes and half a dozen boundaries for a 20-ball-50 that set the foundation for a marauding Hardik Pandya (52 off 28 balls) to take the team to a total that looked beyond the reach of this Namibian batting line-up.
However, Erasmus gave a fantastic account of himself and would certainly keep Pakistan's lethal weapon Tariq interested come Sunday.
Erasmus bowled side-arm deliveries in between the stock ball which is round arm.
As a variation, he also bowled from behind the crease to shorten the length, as a set Tilak Varma (25) couldn't reach to the pitch of the delivery.
It was a flat Kotla deck but Sanju Samson (22 off 8 balls) and skipper Suryakumar Yadav, with a run-a-ball 12, missed out on scoring big with the African side making some sort of a comeback with the ball during the middle overs.
Surya certainly got the best delivery of the innings from left arm spinner Bernard Scholtz, who got one to dip and turn as the skipper gave the charge, missed, and was duly stumped.
It was a golden opportunity for Samson to make it count.
The three sixes -- one down the ground and the other two a product of sinewy wrists -- sent the capacity crowd into raptures.
But another cute flick didn't have the wings to clear the fielder at the cow corner.
Samson's knock was full of intent but fell short in effectiveness quotient.
The difference between Kishan and Samson over the past one month has been consistency and understanding the value of a God-send second chance.
The Namibian pacers didn't stand any chance against him and the moment they erred in length, Ishan's willow came down like a sledgehammer at a tremendous bat speed and the sixes soared into the stands.
During the back-10, India's MVP Pandya took charge as his four sixes and four boundaries kept the momentum going, with Shivam Dube (23 off 16 balls) giving him good support in a 81 run stand off just 6.3 overs.

Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam will attend the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo, hoping to ease tensions with the BCCI amid recent disputes involving ICC decisions.

BCB Chief Aims to Mend Ties with BCCI at India-Pakistan T20 Clash

BCB Chief Mends Fences with BCCI at T20 Clash

Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam will attend the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo, hoping to ease tensions with the BCCI amid recent disputes involving ICC decisions.

Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam says he will be in Colombo to watch the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash on Sunday where he expects to break ice with the BCCI after tense exchanges over the past few weeks.
Speaking to Bangladesh newspaper 'Pratham Alo', Islam said the invitation for the high-profile game has come from the ICC.
"The ICC has taken a decision. The major stakeholders of the ICC are these five Asian countries and for the India-Pakistan World Cup match on the 15th, they want representatives of all five Asian countries to be present at the ground together, watch the match together and talk to one another," Islam said.
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan form the Asian block in the world body.
Asked if the meet could be an opportunity to end tensions with the BCCI, Islam said, "You can consider it as something like that."
The BCCI-BCB strife started after the Indian Board ordered the release of Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL contract with Kolkata Knight Riders for unspecified "developments all around."
It was widely speculated that the move was triggered by political violence in Bangladesh in which Hindus have been targeted.
Bangladesh responded by refusing to travel to India for their World Cup matches citing security worries.
However, the ICC, led by former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, rejected their concerns, describing the threat perception as low to moderate after its own assessment.
Bangladesh were eventually replaced by Scotland in the tournament after refusing to budge from their position despite lengthy discussions with the world body.
Their omission led to the Pakistan government announcing a boycott of the game against India as an expression of solidarity with Bangladesh.
But the impasse was resolved after the BCB and the Sri Lankan government persuaded Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to withdraw the call.
Following another round of discussions, the ICC decided not to penalise BCB for its previous stance and also allotted one ICC event to Bangladesh in the 2028-2031 cycle.
Islam said the board will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure that the assurances are cast in stone.
"We will also enter into an agreement. The agreement will be line by line, an MoU-type document, so that there is no uncertainty," said Islam.
"You know that earlier when we held the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Annual General Meeting in Dhaka, a similar issue arose. There as well, we prepared a MoU-type document so that no one could ever deviate from the contract in any way.
"Similar discussions (regarding preparing the MoU) with the ICC are more or less finalised," he added.

India face Namibia in their second T20 World Cup Group A match, but Abhishek Sharma’s hospitalisation due to a stomach infection raises concerns for the team ahead of the crucial clash against Pakistan.

India to Face Namibia with Key Player Absent: T20 World Cup Preview

India vs Namibia: T20 World Cup Preview

India face Namibia in their second T20 World Cup Group A match, but Abhishek Sharma&rsquo;s hospitalisation due to a stomach infection raises concerns for the team ahead of the crucial clash against Pakistan.

Abhishek Sharma's stomach infection poses a bigger threat to India than their World Cup opponents Namibia.
After a stuttering batting performance on a tacky Wankhede track in the opener against the USA, the Indian batting line-up would like to go all guns blazing on a Feroz Shah Kotla track that could be called a belter for quality teams.&nbsp;
At the receiving end would Namibia, who are not expected to cause much trouble to the dominant defending champions in their second group A game of the T20 showpiece in New Delhi on Thursday.
When it comes to quality, the defending champions are light years ahead of the African team which hardly looked up to scratch against fellow Associate nation the Netherlands at this very ground. To be fair to India, the match against Namibia is more of an extended warm up tie where they would like to bat first and let the line-up get a good hit in the middle.
The gulf in quality is such that Namibia's bowling line-up could be sent on a leather-hunt every day of the week by any of the middle level Indian state teams plying their trade in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
For India, Abhishek's hospitalisation with a stomach infection and viral fever is concerning. Even if he is discharged on Wednesday, it won't be advisable to put him on the park without allowing him to sufficiently recuperate before the big game against Pakistan on Sunday, where Abhishek's presence is a crucial intimidating factor for the opposition.
The Namibia match could be a God-sent opportunity for an out-of-form Sanju Samson to get into run-scoring mode after a string of failures that saw him lose his place to Ishan Kishan, who is going through a purple patch.
"Sanju is feeling well again, understanding where he fits into the scheme of things now as an injury replacement," assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate said at pre-match press conference. "He's a solid guy, he's good around the group, he's training well and that's what we expect from everyone in the team."
For Namibia to stop a batting line-up like India will be an arduous task. Even more challenging for their batters will be to face Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy and Hardik Pandya in tandem.
Out of the top six, only all-rounder JJ Smit has a strike rate of 140 plus while none of the others in the top-five cross the par strike rate figure acceptable in today's day and age.
To face Chakravarthy could be a massive challenge for the Namibian team as they normally don't face operators of such high calibre. "He's actually worked on a few new deliveries which you'll sort of see rolled out in various stages," Ten Doeschate hinted that Namibia match could be a platform for beta testing.
The scheduling team of ICC, along with the broadcasters, who very rightly get to call the shots, have ensured that save the commercial cash cow game against Pakistan, the rest of the league stage matches are against teams who will even lose to an India A, B or C team in this format. A third-string India A team had dismissed Namibia for less than a 100 in a warm up tie before the tournament.
Even if Pakistan match goes haywire, India would eventually make it to Super Eight where the real test starts. Even there, grouping is such that India would face neither Australia nor South Africa if they happen to reach the semi-final.
When it comes to scheduling, choice of venues, match timings and groupings, the commercial compulsions have ensured that till the semi-final, it would be a cakewalk for Men in Blue. If they are in competition till the second last day, it will be all about a bit of luck and a lot of pluck.
For now, it is Namibia's time to get rolled over.
Teams (from):
India: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohd Siraj, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Rinku Singh.
Namibia: Gerhard Erasmus (captain), Jan Balt, Zane Green (wk), Malan Kruger, Dylan Leicher, Lauren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, William Myburgh, JJ Smit, Jack Brassel, Max Heingo, Bernard Scholtz, Ben Shikongo, Ruben Trumpelmann.
Match starts: 7pm.

South Africa defeated Afghanistan in a dramatic Group D T20 World Cup match in Ahmedabad after two Super Overs. Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton starred for South Africa.

Thriller at T20 World Cup: South Africa beat Afghanistan after two Super Overs

South Africa defeated Afghanistan in a dramatic Group D T20 World Cup match in Ahmedabad after two Super Overs. Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton starred for South Africa.

In a T20 World Cup game for the ages, South Africa somehow managed to get past a plucky Afghanistan after two wildly oscillating Super Overs at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.&nbsp;
Ryan Rickelton (61 off 28) and Quinton de Kock (59 off 41) put together a brilliant century stand with quickfire fifties to power South Africa to 187 for six.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (84 off 42) then singlehandedly kept Afghanistan in the run chase before some lusty hitting from the lower-order helped them tie the game in regulation time. What followed was an incredible sequence of two Super Overs with fortunes swinging either way after every ball.
In the first Super Over, Azmatullah Omarzai struck Lungi Ngidi for two fours and a six to help Afghanistan post 17 runs, but Tristan Stubbs hit two sixes off Fazalhaq Farooqi, including off the last ball, to force another Super Over.
Coming in to bat in the second Super Over, Davis Miller and Tristan Stubbs struck three sixes to notch up 23 runs, a steep target which was made to look very gettable by Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The opening batter smashed seasoned left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj for three consecutive sixes before getting out to complete a sensational finish.
In regulation time, the Afghans started aggressively in the run chase before losing the plot, but some brilliant hitting from Omarzai, Rashid and Noor Ahmad, coupled with a disastrous final over from Kagiso Rabada &mdash; in which he gave away two no balls &mdash; cost South Africa dearly.
Afghanistan made a bright start to their chase, with Gurbaz (84 off 42; 4x4s, 7x6s) smashing Ngidi for two fours in the opening over. Gurbaz continued with his attacking approach, ramping Marco Jansen over the slips for a maximum and then hitting Rabada over the third man fence.
George Linde gave away 17 runs in his opening over as Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran took the attack to the opposition to race to 50 in just four overs. But Ngidi put brakes on the scoring, scalping two wickets in the fifth over in the form of Zadran, who was cleaned up, and then accounting for Gulbadin Naib a ball later with the pacer taking a brilliant return catch.
Gurbaz, however, was in ominous form as he dispatched Linde for two sixes in the eighth over to bring up his fifty in 26 balls, lifting Afghanistan to 93 for 3 in 10 overs. Gurbaz was going great guns before twin blows in the 13th over changed the complexion of the match.
Omarzai (22 off 17) and Rashid (20 off 12) kept Afghanistan in the hunt before Noor Ahmed (15 not out off 9) struck two big sixes to bring down the equation to 13 off the last six balls. South Africa looked to have pocketed the match on the first ball of the last over by dismissing Ahmed, only for an ill-timed no ball from Rabada, and the batter punished the Proteas, clearing the bowler for a maximum.
Rabada bowled another no ball in the fourth delivery before Ahmed was run out going for the winning run as the match finished on level scores, forcing a Super Over.
Earlier, South Africa were dealt an early blow in the form of skipper Aiden Markram (5). De Kock broke the shackles in the fourth over, clearing Mujeeb ur Rahman over the fence and then followed it up with a four. Rickelton then joined the party, hitting Omarzai (3/41) for two boundaries as South Africa managed just 43 for 1 in the powerplay.
Both De Kock and Rickelton pressed the accelerator button thereafter, taking on the spin duo of Mohammad Nabi and Rashid (2/28) with some lusty hits. Ahmad was taken to task by the duo as the spinner gave away 23 runs in his first over.
The onslaught continued as De Kock brought up his fifth T20 World Cup fifty with a boundary off Mujeeb, and then Rickelton added salt to the bowler's wound with a maximum to score a quality fifty of just 23 balls.
It took some brilliance from Rashid and poor shot selection to break the dangerous-looking partnership, with both De Kock and Rickelton departing in the 13th over. Rashid first accounted for De Kock, caught at deep midwicket by Ibrahim Zadran, and then a ball later the Afghan skipper trapped Rickelton plumb in front of the wicket with a quicker delivery that skidded on after pitching.
Brief Scores: South Africa: 187 for 6 in 20 overs (Quinton de Kock 59, Ryan Rickelton 61; Azmatullah Omarzai 3/41, Rashid Khan 2/28). Afghanistan: 187 all out in 19.4 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 84; Lungi Ngidi 3/26).&nbsp;

Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Nazrul said the decision to skip T20 World Cup matches in India was taken by the Cricket Board and players to protect national dignity, as the ICC decided not to impose sanctions.

Bangladesh sports advisor takes u-turn on World Cup boycott, says decision was for 'national dignity'

Bangladesh sports advisor Asif Nazrul said the decision to skip T20 World Cup matches in India was taken by the Cricket Board and players to protect national dignity, as the ICC decided not to impose sanctions.

Bangladesh's sports advisor Asif Nazrul, who had insisted that the country's refusal to play its T20 World Cup matches in India was driven by his government's security concerns, now says that the decision was taken by the Cricket Board and the players to "protect national dignity".&nbsp;
Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland after the ICC declined the country's request of shifting its share of games to Sri Lanka. However, the world body has decided against penalising the nation for its stance.&nbsp;
Nazrul took centre-stage during the failed negotiations with the ICC prior to the team's ouster and had insisted that it was the Bangladesh government's prerogative to not send the team out of security worries.&nbsp;
"There is no question of regret (not playing the World Cup). This decision was taken by the BCB and the players as they made sacrifices for the safety of the country's cricket, the safety of the people and to protect national dignity," Asif was quoted as saying by 'Cricbuzz' on Tuesday.&nbsp;
Last month, Nazrul, after talks with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the players, had taken a hard-line position. "I think we did not get justice from ICC. Whether we will play in the World Cup or not is entirely a government decision," he had asserted on January 22.&nbsp;
In the aftermath of their ouster, Pakistan had announced a boycott of the game against India to show solidarity with Bangladesh. However, that impasse was resolved after hectic negotiations that also involved the BCB.&nbsp;
Bangladesh, while expressing gratitude towards Pakistan, asked them to show up for the match against India in the larger interest of the game. The Pakistan government eventually withdrew the boycott call.&nbsp;
"The ICC has said there will be no sanctions and that Bangladesh will be considered for hosting an international tournament. This is a brilliant achievement. I salute the Bangladesh Cricket Board," Nazrul said.&nbsp;

Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has downplayed the hype around the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash, calling it a normal match while expressing confidence after his team’s strong start.

Farhan: India Clash Just Another Match, Pakistan Uplifted

Farhan on India Clash: Just Another Match for Us

Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has downplayed the hype around the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash, calling it a normal match while expressing confidence after his team&rsquo;s strong start.

Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan has played down the hype surrounding Sunday's T20 World Cup clash against bitter foes India, calling it a "normal match" although the mindset of his team will be "different" from previous games.
Pakistan sit atop Group A with back-to-back wins over the Netherlands and the USA. Even though the victory against the Dutch team was a narrow one, Pakistan looked quite assured in their 32-run triumph over the Americans last night in which Farhan smashed a 41-ball 73 to be deservedly adjudged the player of the match.
During the post-match media briefing, the opener fielded queries on the game against India that is finally on after his government withdrew its boycott call.
"See, when you win two matches and are at the top of the table, you feel confident. The upcoming match is not such a big deal, we're not playing against them for the first time," he responded when asked about team's mindset.
"We've played before and this time we'll play with a different mindset. You've seen us...You must have seen that Shadab (Khan) is making runs, (Mohammad) Nawaz is scoring runs. So hopefully you will enjoy our game against them," he said.
"It's a normal match. We'll play like a normal match. We won't put it in our head that this is an India-Pakistan match, it is a normal match and we will play it like a normal match," he added.
The India-Pakistan tensions, which peeked after the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack in 2025, have spilled on to the cricket field as well.
The two sides played out tense games during the Asia Cup, all of them won by India, including the final.
India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav had stated that given his team's dominance in recent years, he no longer considers the rivalry against Pakistan an evenly-matched one.
Farhan disagreed with that assessment.
"No, I think the way we played in the last Asia Cup, we didn't play one-sided. We played and fought till the end. We didn't play a one-sided match till then and hopefully this time we'll play a wonderful game," he asserted.
On whether he has any specific plans in place to tackle India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Farhan said, "I think when you make runs you are confident. I am also very confident and the way the last two innings have gone, I'm very confident."

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalised in Delhi due to a stomach infection and is doubtful for the T20 World Cup match against Namibia, though the team hopes he will recover before the Pakistan clash.

Abhishek Sharma hospitalised with stomach infection, doubtful for Namibia game

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalised in Delhi due to a stomach infection and is doubtful for the T20 World Cup match against Namibia, though the team hopes he will recover before the Pakistan clash.

Flamboyant Indian opener Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalised with a stomach infection, leaving him doubtful for the T20 World Cup match against Namibia in New Delhi on Thursday.&nbsp;
Sharma has been hospitalised here for the past two days.&nbsp;
"Abhishek has been admitted to a private hospital in Delhi due to stomach infection. Some tests are being done to ascertain the problem. It is still not clear whether he will be discharged today. But match against Namibia looks doubtful as of now," a BCCI source said.&nbsp;
The Indian team management is hopeful of having him on the park for the big game against Pakistan in Colombo on February 15.&nbsp;
It has been learnt that the 25-year-old attended the dinner at head coach Gautam Gambhir's place on Sunday but left much earlier than the rest of his teammates.

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake thanked Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif for withdrawing the boycott, allowing the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo to proceed.

Sri Lanka President thanks Pakistan PM for India match boycott withdrawal

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake thanked Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif for withdrawing the boycott, allowing the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo to proceed.

Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has thanked Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for directing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to end the boycott of their T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo on February 15.&nbsp;
The India-Pakistan match will go ahead as scheduled after Pakistan's government decided to withdraw its boycott call following persuasion from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, ending an impasse that cast a shadow on the ongoing tournament.&nbsp;
"Delighted that the eagerly awaited India Pakistan match at the ongoing T20 cricket World Cup in Colombo will go ahead," Dissanayake said on X platform.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMShehbaz</a> for ensuring the game we all love goes on. Delighted that the eagerly awaited India and Pakistan match at the ongoing T20 Cricket World Cup in Colombo will proceed as planned. As co-host of the tournament, Sri Lanka thanks the <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a> and all&hellip;
&mdash; Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) <a href="https://twitter.com/anuradisanayake/status/2020928822288490780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Dissanayake had called Sharif Monday night to convince him to play the game following the Sri Lanka Cricket letter addressed to PCB to change its decision.&nbsp;
Pakistan PM's office acknowledged Dissanayake's call in the government release which effectively ended the match boycott by his country.&nbsp;
Pakistan had earlier said they would not play the India match, which was seen as a political protest linked to Bangladesh's removal from the tournament after the world body declined its request to shift matches from India to Sri Lanka on security grounds.&nbsp;

Pakistan has withdrawn its boycott call after persuasion from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, clearing the way for the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo on February 15.

India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match on after Pak govt withdraws boycott call

Pakistan has withdrawn its boycott call after persuasion from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, clearing the way for the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo on February 15.

The India-Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup will go ahead as scheduled after Pakistan's government decided to withdraw its boycott call following persuasion from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, ending an impasse that cast a shadow on the ongoing tournament.&nbsp;
The eagerly-anticipated and high-intensity game is scheduled to be held in Colombo on February 15.
"In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan National Cricket Team to take the field on February 15, 2026, for its scheduled fixture in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup," the Pakistan government stated in a press release.
It was clear that the country would withdraw the boycott after Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Aminul Islam issued a statement in Dhaka urging Pakistan to take the field for the greater good of the game.
"...this decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket, and to support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations," the statement from Pakistan government added.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also received a call from Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who too urged him to allow the team to play the match.
"The Sri Lankan President requested the Prime Minister to accord serious consideration to amicably resolve the current impasse.".
The government statement came after Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi briefed Sharif about his dialogue with the ICC that also involved Islam on Sunday.
Naqvi had earlier stated that it would take another day to reach a final decision.
"Bangladesh's stance was valid so we had to back them," he asserted.
Bangladesh were ousted from the tournament for refusing to play in India citing security concerns.
Islam issued a statement in Dhaka, expressing his gratitude towards Pakistan for backing his country but requested that the team show up for the high-profile game for the greater good of the sport.
"Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on 15 February against India for the benefit of the entire cricket eco system," he added.
Soon after, the ICC also issued a statement in Dubai, saying that it would not be penalising Bangladesh for its refusal to play in India.
The country was ultimately replaced by Scotland in the tournament roster.
"It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter," stated a press release from the world body.
"It is acknowledged that BCB retains the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), should it choose to do so. This right exists under current ICC regulations and remains intact," it added.
In addition, the ICC also agreed to give the hosting rights of a global event to Bangladesh between 2028 and 2031.
Naqvi brushed aside suggestions that the PCB was under pressure due to ICC's warning of punitive action.
"You know we are not ones to be afraid of these threats at all. Everyone knows our Field Marshall (Asim Munir). We are not worried about any sanctions," he said..
It is understood that during his meeting with ICC deputy chair Imran Khawaja on Sunday, Naqvi had placed a few demands, including resumption of Indo-Pak bilateral cricket and a tri-series involving Bangladesh.
This was meant to offset the losses that the BCB has incurred following the shocking ouster from the global event.
While Indo-Pak bilateral cricket isn't under ICC's purview, the demand for a tri-series was summarily rejected.
India haven't played any tri-nation tournament for more than a decade now.
However, the ICC might consider awarding the next men's Under-19 World Cup to Bangladesh.
A PCB source said that during talks with Khawaja, Naqvi raised a number of grievances.
"He questioned Khwaja if the ICC had kept quiet if the Pakistan team had refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy at the presentation from any Indian board official," the source said.
The Asia Cup trophy lies locked at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) headquarters in Dubai after Naqvi, who currently heads the body, made it clear that only he would carry out the presentation formalities in full media glare.

The ICC announced no penalty for the Bangladesh Cricket Board over its refusal to play T20 World Cup matches in India, citing dialogue, neutrality, and future hosting commitments.

ICC not to sanction Bangladesh for refusal to play T20 World Cup in India

The ICC announced no penalty for the Bangladesh Cricket Board over its refusal to play T20 World Cup matches in India, citing dialogue, neutrality, and future hosting commitments.

The ICC on Monday said it would not be imposing any penalty on the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for refusing to play its T20 World Cup matches in India.&nbsp;
The world governing body said it made the decision after a dialogue with the BCB as well as the Pakistan Cricket Board, which announced a boycott of the February 15 game against India to show its solidarity with Bangladesh.
"It is agreed that no financial, sporting or administrative penalty will be imposed on Bangladesh Cricket Board in relation to the current matter," the ICC said in a statement. "It is acknowledged that BCB retains the right to approach the Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), should it choose to do so. This right exists under current ICC regulations and remains intact."
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The International Cricket Council, Pakistan Cricket Board and Bangladesh Cricket Board have concluded an open, constructive and congenial dialogue. Media Release: <a href="https://t.co/gLDIjB3JOp">https://t.co/gLDIjB3JOp</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/2020916613462229482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2026</a></blockquote>
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The ICC said its "approach is guided by its principles of neutrality and fairness and reflects the shared objective of facilitative support rather than punishment."
Bangladesh had refused to travel to India for the ongoing mega-event citing security worries and were replaced by Scotland.
The world body also said that as part of an understanding, Bangladesh will also host an ICC Event between 2028 and 2031. "As part of this understanding, an agreement has been reached that Bangladesh will host an ICC event prior to the ICC Men&rsquo;s Cricket World Cup 2031, subject to the usual ICC hosting processes, timelines and operational requirements."
ICC said the move "reflects confidence in Bangladesh&rsquo;s capability as a host and reinforces the ICC&rsquo;s commitment to providing meaningful hosting opportunities across its membership to develop cricket in the country."
ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said: "Bangladesh&rsquo;s absence from the ICC Men&rsquo;s T20 World Cup is regrettable, but it does not alter the ICC&rsquo;s enduring commitment to Bangladesh as a core cricketing nation.
"Our focus continues to be on working closely with key stakeholders including BCB to ensure the sport grows sustainably in the country and that future opportunities for its players and fans are strengthened.
"Bangladesh remains a priority cricket ecosystem deserving of long-term investment in its development, competitiveness and global integration, and is not defined by short-term disruptions.&rdquo;
BCB president Aminul Islam had travelled to Pakistan on Sunday for discussions, including a virtual meeting with the ICC and the PCB, amid efforts to resolve the standoff.
In a statement issued in Dhaka earlier in the day, Islam said he had requested Pakistan to end its boycott of the T20 World Cup match against India, during his meeting with PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore.
"Following my short visit to Pakistan yesterday and given the forthcoming outcomes of our discussions, I request Pakistan to play the ICC T20 World Cup game on 15 February against India for the benefit of the entire cricket eco system," he said.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, Naqvi had reached out to Islam and requested that he make a formal appeal to Pakistan.
"Bulbul was called by Naqvi to request that he issues a formal appeal to Pakistan to play the game (against India) and that was a respectable way of wriggling out of the mess," a source aware of the development said.
PCB chief Naqvi on Monday said a final decision on whether Pakistan would boycott the match against India would be clear within the next 24 hours, acknowledging hectic deliberations with the ICC that also involved his Bangladesh counterpart Islam.
The trigger for Bangladesh's refusal to play in India was the release of their pacer Mustafziur Rahman from the KKR squad on BCCI's instructions.
ICC reaffirms BCB's position as a valued Full Member
The ICC said it has concluded an "an open, constructive and congenial dialogue" with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). It said the dialogue covered several matters, including but not limited to the ICC Men&rsquo;s T20 World Cup 2026 and the broader outlook for cricket in South Asia.
"While reflecting on the Bangladesh cricket team&rsquo;s unfortunate absence from the ICC Men&rsquo;s T20 World Cup, the global governing body for cricket reaffirmed BCB's position as a valued Full Member, with a proud cricketing history and a vital role in the growth of the global game.
"The ICC also reiterated its continued facilitation of growth in one of cricket&rsquo;s most vibrant markets, with more than 200 million passionate fans to ensure that the national team's non-participation in ICC Men's T20 World Cup does not have any long-term effects on Cricket in the country," the world body said.
It said the dialogue reflected a forward-looking alignment reached in good faith and intended to provide clarity on the current position of the stakeholders.
"They do not alter, qualify or detract from the ICC&rsquo;s constitutional autonomy, governance framework or established decision-making processes, all of which remain fully applicable," said the ICC.
"The ICC, PCB and BCB, along with other Members, remain committed to continued dialogue, cooperation and constructive engagement in the best interests of the sport. All stakeholders acknowledge that the spirit of this understanding is to protect the integrity of the game and preserve unity within the cricket fraternity."

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to finalize whether the cricket team will boycott the February 15 T20 World Cup match against India, following ICC-PCB discussions and government involvement.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif to take final call on India-Pakistan T20 WC match stand-off

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to finalize whether the cricket team will boycott the February 15 T20 World Cup match against India, following ICC-PCB discussions and government involvement.

Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi is set to request his Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to withdraw the boycott of their T20 World Cup match against India after being requested to do so by his Bangladesh counterpart, a PCB source has revealed.
Naqvi is set to brief Sharif on the latest developments on the issue later on Monday. The game against India is scheduled to be held in Colombo on February 15.
"Naqvi will brief the PM on the communications he has had with the Bangladesh, Sri Lankan and Emirates cricket boards and with the ICC on the crisis," the source said.
Bangladesh Cricket Board President, Amin ul Islam was in Lahore for the talks Naqvi had with Imran Khawaja, vice chairman and independent director of the ICC, on Sunday.
Sri Lanka and Emirates board have both urged the country to review its decision and the PCB source confirmed that Islam, while appreciating the support Pakistan has shown for Bangladesh cricket, also requested Naqvi to end the boycott.
He said that Naqvi is likely to ask the PM to permit the team to play India in the World Cup in view of the discussion and appeals from Sri Lanka, Emirates and Bangladesh boards. However, the final decision rests with Sharif and the PCB would abide by it.
The source said that during talks with Khawaja, Naqvi had raised a number of issues. "He questioned Khawaja if the ICC had kept quiet if the Pakistan team had refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy at the presentation from any Indian board official," the source said.
The trophy lies locked at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) headquarters in Dubai after Naqvi, who currently heads the body, made it clear that only he would carry out the presentation formalities in full media glare.
Bangladesh were ousted from the World Cup after refusing to play in India citing security concerns.

Pakistan faces USA in a high-stakes T20 World Cup rematch in Colombo, aiming to recover from past defeat, with both sides seeking stronger batting and pressure handling in the evening game.

Pakistan Seeks Redemption Against USA in T20 World Cup Clash

Pakistan vs USA: T20 World Cup Showdown

Pakistan faces USA in a high-stakes T20 World Cup rematch in Colombo, aiming to recover from past defeat, with both sides seeking stronger batting and pressure handling in the evening game.

An unpredictable Pakistan will look to exorcise ghosts of the past when they meet a determined USA, 20 months after being handed an infamous defeat by the same opponents, in the T20 World Cup in Colombo on Tuesday.
During their World Cup debut in 2024, USA announced their arrival on the big stage with a memorable victory over the Pakistanis. Having lost to India in the 2026 opener, USA would be extra motivated for an encore against Pakistan in an evening game at the Sinhalese Sports Club here.
Both teams have work cut out on the batting front. Pakistan were cruising in their chase of 148 against The Netherlands before a suicidal middle-order collapse. Thanks to Faheem Ashraf, they got over the line but would be thoroughly shaken by the implosion. USA had defending champions India under pressure at the Wankhede but their batters could not complement an impressive bowling performance.
For Pakistan, Babar Azam will be under the scanner having made a comeback in the shortest format. More from the bat will be expected from opener Saim Ayub as well. Ayub has been more productive as a spinner in the recent past. Captain Salman Ali Agha feels his players need to handle pressure better than how they did against The Netherlands.
"We batted really well. And then they managed to pull wickets down. And then at that time, the pressure came in. And I think we need to absorb pressure better when it comes to these kinds of games. It's not easy to start, but once you get in, it's a good wicket to bat on. When someone gets in, we need to make sure that person will finish," said Agha, who also needs to deliver with the bat after his move up the order.
USA will be looking for an improved batting effort at the top of the order. By captain Monank Patel's own admission, they were guilty of playing loose shots in the powerplay against India. Monank too fell to a soft dismissal. Led by South Africa-born Shadley Van Schalkwyk, they had a good night with the ball. However, senior pacer Saurabh Netravalkar had an opening game to forget and would be itching to make an impact against Pakistan.
USA practised in Sri Lanka ahead of the ICC event and are familiar with the conditions. Question marks remain over the fitness of their pacer Ali Khan who limped off the field against India.
"I thought the intent (with the bat) was a bit missing there because we lost a few wickets initially. But a lot of learning from this game and a lot of positives. And definitely this game is going to help us in running forward," said Monank following the loss to India.
Squads: USA: Monank Patel (c), Jessy Singh, Andries Gous, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Saiteja Mukkamala, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Mohammad Mohsin, Shubham Ranjane.
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.
Match starts 7 PM.

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