Sports

New Delhi, Feb 17: Australia’s campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has been underwhelming, with the five-time champions now staring at the real possibility of an early exit from the tournament. Only a near miracle can see the Kangaroos advance to the Super 8 stage. Australia’s Struggles in 2026 Australia’s tournament has been hit by multiple setbacks. Captain Mitchell Marsh missed the first two matches, while key bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were unavailable. These absences significantly weakened the team. Australia first suffered an upset against Zimbabwe and then faced a crushing 8-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in a must-win match. With just one game left against Oman, their chances of qualifying for the next round are extremely slim. The Super 8 Qualification ...

New Delhi, Feb 17: Pakistan’s former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar sparked a stir after India defeated Pakistan in Colombo, initially targeting PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi with sharp criticism on live TV. However, Akhtar has now backtracked, softening his stance and calling Naqvi “brother” in a surprising turn of events. Akhtar’s Original Remarks During a panel discussion on ABP News, which included India’s former cricketer Mohammad Kaif, Akhtar criticized someone without naming them explicitly. He used strong words, describing the person as “incompetent” and “ignorant”, which many interpreted as being directed at Mohsin Naqvi. The U-Turn Soon after, Akhtar clarified his statement on a Pakistani news channel, saying that his original comments were not aimed at Mohsin Naqvi personally...

New Delhi, Feb 17: Australia’s shocking downfall in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has triggered intense discussions across the cricketing world. After suffering a heavy 8-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Australia’s chances of reaching the Super 8 stage have almost vanished. However, what grabbed headlines was not just Australia’s loss, but a controversial statement made by former Pakistan batting great Mohammad Yousuf, which invited a sharp response from Indian ex-cricketer and commentator Akash Chopra. Mohammad Yousuf Sees Pakistan’s “Top 4 Chance” After Australia’s Exit Soon after Australia’s defeat, Mohammad Yousuf took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and expressed disappointment over Australia’s possible early eliminat...

New Delhi, Feb 17: Five-time world champions Australia are facing one of their toughest challenges in the T20 World Cup 2026, as the team now stands on the brink of an early exit from the tournament. After suffering back-to-back defeats against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, Australia’s road to the Super 8 stage has become extremely complicated. In Group B, each team plays four matches, and only the top two teams advance to the Super 8 round. Sri Lanka have already secured qualification, while Oman have been eliminated from contention. The battle for the second Super 8 spot is now between Zimbabwe, Australia, and Ireland. Group B Points Table (Current Standings) | Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | Net Run Rate (NRR) || 1 | Sri Lanka (Qualified) | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | +2.462...

Colombo/New Delhi, Feb 16: Sri Lanka’s star opener Pathum Nissanka delivered a breathtaking performance in the T20 World Cup 2026, smashing an unbeaten century against Australia and rewriting several records in the process. Nissanka remained not out on 100 off just 52 balls, registering the first century of the T20 World Cup 2026. His explosive knock powered Sri Lanka to successfully chase a target of 183 runs, achieving victory with 12 balls to spare. The win also ensured Sri Lanka’s qualification for the Super-8 stage of the tournament. First T20 World Cup Century Against Australia With this knock, Nissanka became the first-ever batsman to score a century against Australia in T20 World Cup history. Previously, the highest score against Australia in the tournament was 94 runs by ...

Colombo: After Pakistan’s crushing 61-run loss to India in the T20 World Cup 2026, questions have arisen not only about team performance but also about key strategic decisions. Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson addressed the delayed bowling of mystery spinner Usman Tariq and the decision to bowl first after winning the toss. Tariq’s Delayed Introduction Prior to the match, Tariq was considered Pakistan’s trump card. However, he was only brought into the attack in the 11th over, by which time Ishan Kishan had already provided India with a blistering start. Hesson explained, “Usman is most effective when batsmen try to attack him. We trusted Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed to build pressure after the powerplay, but their lengths were not precise. Tariq did take the important wicket of Suryak...

New Delhi/Lucknow: Amid the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026, domestic cricket is quietly producing its own fireworks. In the Ranji Trophy semifinal at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, Devdutt Padikkal showcased his sublime form, scoring a remarkable double century against Uttarakhand. Padikkal’s Masterclass On the second day of the match, Padikkal remained unbeaten on 202 runs off 297 balls, striking 25 fours and 2 sixes. His bat has been in relentless form, consistently producing big innings and anchoring Karnataka’s chase. India Team Status The 25-year-old Padikkal has been out of the national team since making his Test debut in 2024, where he scored 90 runs across two matches. His last Test appearance was during India’s 2024 tour of Australia. In T20Is, he debuted in 2021 and ...

New Delhi: Following India’s commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026, former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi did not hold back in voicing his frustrations, even targeting his own son-in-law, Shaheen Afridi, over poor performances. Afridi Calls for Team Overhaul In a Pakistani talk show, Afridi suggested that senior players Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Shadab Khan should be dropped from the squad to make way for junior talent. He emphasized the need to give younger players opportunities, starting with Pakistan’s upcoming match against Namibia. Afridi remarked, “We have been watching these senior players perform for years. We expect them to deliver in big matches. If the seniors aren’t performing, give the juniors a chance—they have been waiting. What’s ...

Colombo/Balochistan: India’s emphatic victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026 has sparked celebrations far beyond the cricket field. A video purportedly from Balochistan has gone viral on social media, showing young men dancing in the streets to mark India’s win. India’s Victory Sparks Festivities While Pakistan reeled from a heavy 61-run defeat in Colombo, reports from Balochistan show an entirely different mood. Social media videos depict Baloch youth celebrating India’s triumph in traditional dances, bringing joy to streets in regions long associated with demands for greater autonomy from Pakistan. Viral Video Captures Attention The video, shared by a social media account linked to Balochistan, shows groups of young men energetically dancing and cheering India’s vict...

New Delhi: Following India’s commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026, former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar did not hold back in criticizing PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, questioning his leadership and decisions. Akhtar Targets Naqvi Speaking to ABP News, Akhtar said, “There is one person who doesn’t even seem to know he is the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. How will the team ever progress? You made a superstar out of someone who can’t even win a match.” He further added, “When you promote such individuals and give them positions, this is the problem you face. Do you know what the biggest crime in the world is? It’s giving a job to an incompetent person. When you appoint someone unqualified and ignorant, they can ruin your country and collapse ...