TARN TARAN: A 20-year-old law student shot dead a female classmate inside a college classroom and then turned the gun on himself as others scattered in terror at Mai Bhago Law College in Tarn Taran on Monday. Both of them were in the first semester.The shooter, Prince Raj, is in an extremely critical condition. Victim Sandeep Kaur’s mother says Prince had been harassing her months and had proposed to her on Feb 8 during ‘Valentine Week’. She turned him down. Incensed, he brought a gun to college, say police.

A CCTV clip, shared widely on social media, shows 60 seconds of a classroom slowly coming to life on a Monday, and 30 seconds of horror.The clip begins at 9:16 am, when class had not yet begun, and students were moving around inside the room, chatting with each other. Sandeep is seen seated in the back benches with a friend. Prince is seen approaching them and sits near them. Some conversation takes place. There is nothing to indicate the macabre turn of events. Prince stands up with his back to the camera and is seen rummaging through his backpack.He turns around, pistol in hand, jams the pistol barrel right against Sandeep’s head and shoots her. She slumps on the bench and then half-slides to the floor. Her friend, who was chatting with her just a moment ago, instinctively reaches out to grab her. The very moment, Prince takes a step aside and shoots himself in the head.The classmate, stunned, runs back, steps forward again to help Sandeep, and then retreats in panic. The other students too are seeing running for the exit. The video cuts with both bodies lying motionless — the woman slumped from a desk and the man crumpled in the aisle in the now deserted classroom.Both students were taken to hospital where Sandeep was declared dead on arrival. Doctors are trying to save Prince’s life. Till late Monday, there were conflicting reports regarding his condition. Nachhattar Singh, sarpanch of Prince’s native village, Mallian (100km from Ludhiana), said he had died while police said he was critical.Senior SP Surendra Lamba said they are examining CCTV footage and taking down statements of students and faculty members. “All possible angles are being examined,” the SSP said, adding that they are trying to find out how Prince got his hands on a gun – whether it was licenced to his father, who is serving in Army, or Prince bought it illegally.Nachhattar said Prince’s father had left to rejoin duty 15-20 days ago and he was living with his mother at the time of the incident.Sandeep’s mother, who lives in Naushera Pannuan, on the outskirts of Tarn Taran Sahib, said that Prince had been harassing her daughter and even threatened her. She said he had come to their house twice, pressuring Sandeep to speak to him. “He threatened that if my daughter did not talk to him, he would shoot her,” she said. According to her, he again approached her daughter with a proposal on Monday, and when she did not respond, he shot her.

In a staggering display of modern T20 power-hitting, New Zealand sent a clear message to the rest of the cricketing world at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. During the 11th match of Group D in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Black Caps orchestrated a clinical 10-wicket demolition of the United Arab Emirates, chasing down a competitive target with nearly five overs to spare.

UAE puts up a competitive total against New Zealand

The evening began with a sense of optimism for the UAE. After electing to bat, the Associate nation put forth a spirited performance that momentarily silenced the Chennai crowd. Led by a resilient Muhammad Waseem, who remained unbeaten on 66 off 45 balls, the UAE navigated the New Zealand pace attack with surprising composure. A crucial 100-run partnership for the second wicket between Waseem and Alishan Sharafu (55 off 47) laid a solid foundation.

Despite a late flurry of wickets—with Matt Henry claiming 2/37 and Mitchell Santner strangling the middle order with an economical 1/23—the UAE managed to post a formidable 173/6. Against most sides, a total north of 170 in Chennai offers a fighting chance. However, the “Chepauk” surface, known for its spin, played unexpectedly true, setting the stage for a Kiwi masterclass.

New Zealand storm past UAE as Tim Seifert and Finn Allen unleash batting mayhem

What followed the innings break was not a chase, but a total eclipse. New Zealand openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen transformed the second innings into a highlight reel, treating the UAE bowling attack with utter disdain. The duo utilized the Powerplay to perfection, racing to 78/0 within the first six overs—the highest of the tournament thus far.

Tim Seifert was the primary aggressor early on, reaching his half-century in just 23 deliveries. His unbeaten knock of 89 off 42 balls was a clinic in innovative stroke play, peppered with 12 boundaries and 3 towering sixes. At the other end, Finn Allen provided the brute force. Allen’s 84 off 50 balls featured five massive sixes that cleared the boundary with ease, leaving the UAE bowlers like Muhammad Rohid (0/51) and Junaid Siddique (0/47) with no answers.

The match flow was entirely one-sided. New Zealand crossed the 100-run mark in just 8.3 overs, effectively ending the contest before the second drinks break. A desperate DRS review by the UAE in the 7th over against Seifert returned an umpire’s call, symbolizing a night where nothing went the way of the underdogs.

Fans took to social media to celebrate the “New Zealand Hurricane,” noting that the 10-wicket win (with 28 balls remaining) is a massive boost to the Black Caps’ Net Run Rate. This victory firmly establishes New Zealand as the team to beat in Group D, while the UAE will look to take heart from their batting effort as they head into their next fixture.

Also WATCH: Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell combine for a brilliant relay catch to dismiss Alishan Sharafu in NZ vs UAE clash

Here’s how fans reacted:

New Zealand chased down 174 in just 15.2 overs 🤩#NZvsUAE #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/KdtDqNn2kk

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 10, 2026

Tim Seifert and Finn Allen recorded the highest partnership to help New Zealand beat UAE by 10 wickets!🔥#NZvUAE #worldcup26 pic.twitter.com/sBk7yzfynJ

— Saad Malik (@saadimalik22) February 10, 2026

🔥Tim Seifert is in Form of His Life🔥

Tim Seifert – 89*(42)
Finn Allen – 84*(50)

🚨 NEW ZEALAND CHASE DOWN 174 RUNS IN JUST 15.2 OVERS 🚨 pic.twitter.com/dW6O6olxaj

— Malik Jamshed (@Jamshai41840579) February 10, 2026

Newzealand beat UAE by 10 wickets. This is a massive victory. Finn Allen 84* and Tim Seifert 89*.#TimSeifert #Finnallen #NZvsUAE pic.twitter.com/mdYAVwhzmG

— Tamanna e Dil (@ishqsufiyana00) February 10, 2026

Kiwis on fire at Chepauk! Finn Allen & Tim Seifert smash a blistering opening stand, putting NZ firmly in control chasing UAE’s competitive total in #T20WorldCup2026. Captain Waseem’s gritty fifty gave UAE their highest WC score, but stunning fielding (that Chapman-Mitchell relay… pic.twitter.com/PnsvKv2SWN

— Devangg Shaah (@DevanggShaah24) February 10, 2026

Total Dominance from New Zealand! 🇳🇿💨

151/0 in just 13.1 overs? Finn Allen and Tim Seifert are making this 174-run chase look like a walk in the park! 😱

✅ Need: 23 runs ✅ Balls: 41 ✅ Wickets: 10#T20WC2026 #CricketNews #NZvUAE #TimSeifert #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/jK7IbdAeK4

— sports__life (@statecraft__) February 10, 2026

Finn Allen and Tim Seifert are one of the most destructive Opening Pair In the T20 World Cup🇳🇿

New Zealand in ICC Tournaments are just a completely different Team🏆🏏 #NZvsUAE #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/GmiXphZ9G4

— CricRohan (@CricguyRohan07) February 10, 2026

As a KKR fan, I watched Tim Seifert and Finn Allen flying high together with a 78-run partnership in 6 over 😎🥶 #NZvsUAE #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/iOkvwzh6FG

— Yash X (@SANDEEPMH07) February 10, 2026

Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, these two are one of the most dangerous and destructive opening duo in T20 cricket. 💪🔥

Both are in absolute beast form! 🥶

A stellar buy from the KKR team and it’s a good sign ahead of IPL 2026. 💜#FinnAllen #TimSeifert #NZvsUAE #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/MZPT1cJdf7

— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) February 10, 2026

Tim Seifert and Finn Allen are like two monsters on the field. They are destroying the UAE bowlers so badly that no one wants to bowl to them anymore, Unbelievable Striking !#T20WorldCup #NZvsUAE pic.twitter.com/e91ynmdVR1

— Neeraj (@NeerajY00859341) February 10, 2026

Also READ: Top 5 Associate Nations with most wins in T20 World Cup ft. Netherlands

New Zealand vs UAE (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: New Zealand’s openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen produced a stunning batting display to chase down UAE’s 174-run target with ease as they sealed a dominant 10-wicket victory in the T20 World Cup on Tuesday. The pair unleashed a relentless assault on the UAE bowling attack, putting together an unbeaten 175-run partnership in just 92 balls, the highest partnership for any wicket in the tournament’s history.

New Zealand reached the target in just 15.2 overs, underlining their superiority.Earlier, UAE had posted a competitive 173 for six, their highest-ever T20 World Cup total, thanks to half-centuries from captain Muhammad Waseem (66 not out off 45 balls) and Alishan Sharafu (55 off 47). After Aryansh Sharma fell early, Waseem and Sharafu steadied the innings with a strong partnership, scoring regularly in the powerplay. Waseem played aggressively, using innovative shots like the ramp and stepping down the track for big hits, while Sharafu brought up his fifty with a slog off Matt Henry.New Zealand broke their stand with a brilliant relay catch involving Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell. After Sharafu’s dismissal, UAE struggled to maintain momentum, though Waseem and Mayank Kumar provided a late flourish, especially in an expensive over from Glenn Phillips.UAE added 51 runs in the final five overs but lost four wickets in that phase.In the chase, Seifert (89 not out) and Allen (84 not out) were unstoppable, scoring freely against both pace and spin. Allen attacked early, scooping Junaid Siddique for six, while Seifert impressed with inventive reverse sweeps against left-arm spinner Haider Ali. Allen also reached the milestone of 100 sixes in T20 internationals during his innings. UAE’s bowlers, apart from Haider, failed to contain the duo, who raced to 119 without loss in 10 overs, effectively ending the contest.The emphatic win marked New Zealand’s second victory in the tournament and sent a strong message to their rivals, while UAE were left with lessons to learn after a tough tournament debut.Brief scores: UAE: 173/6 in 20 overs (Alishan Sharafu 55, Muhammad Waseem not out 66; Matt Henry 2/37) lost to New Zealand

NEW DELHI: NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar on Tuesday suggested that the death of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash could have been part of a larger conspiracy, as several questions surrounding the incident remain unanswered.Rohit Pawar made the remarks during a presentation in Mumbai on the air crash that killed Ajit Pawar and four others last month. While briefing on the incident, he said that the circumstances leading up to the crash warranted closer scrutiny.“Ajit Dada’s plane crash could be a part of a conspiracy. We also investigated certain aspects of the accident. A book mentions that if someone wants to kill a person, the easiest way is to target the driver. The day before the accident, Dada was supposed to travel from Mumbai to Pune by car, and the convoy had also started. But why did he not leave by car? Ajit Dada was also scheduled to meet a senior leader,” Rohit Pawar said.He alleged that there were serious doubts about the aircraft, the pilot and the handling company. Rohit said that the crash warranted scrutiny beyond routine procedures.He questioned the credentials of the pilot who flew the aircraft on the day of the crash. The NCP (SP) leader referred to Capt Sumit Kapoor, who was piloting the Learjet and cited his past suspension.“Capt Sumit Kapoor had earlier been suspended for three years for alcohol consumption. This raises serious questions,” he said, while adding that the pilot’s role needed thorough examination.Rohit Pawar also raised concerns over the investigation process, arguing that existing agencies may not be sufficient to clear all doubts.“The AAIB functions under the DGCA. There is a need for an independent and comprehensive probe by multiple expert agencies, including international bodies,” he said, naming agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board, the UK-based Air Accidents Investigation Branch, along with Indian authorities.He further alleged that VSR Company, which owned the Learjet aircraft, wielded influence over aviation regulators.“The final probe report of the 2023 crash involving a VSR company aircraft has already been submitted. Even now, VSR company planes continue to be used by high-ranking political leaders. Why was the company’s licence never cancelled?” Rohit Pawar asked.Stating that the tragedy could not be dismissed as an accident, he added, “We do not believe this was a mere accident. There is room to suspect sabotage.”“Entire Maharashtra is questioning whether Ajit Dada’s plane crash was an accident or a conspiracy? I am sharing with you all what I feel. Some people are still expecting dada to come from somewhere, some say 6 people were in aircraft, it was not Ajit dada’s dead body, it still feels like a nightmare,” Rohit said. Rohit Pawar also flagged multiple technical and operational issues, including whether the aircraft’s transponder was switched off, why a difficult runway was chosen despite poor visibility, and why the aircraft attempted landing under such conditions.“Why did the pilot demand Runway 11? Why did he attempt to land despite visibility issues? Why did he remain silent when the aircraft tilted?” he asked.He further said that Ajit Pawar was scheduled to travel to Pune by road on the evening of January 27 after a cabinet meeting and that his convoy had already been readied.“However, a leader from East Vidarbha arrived with a file related to scrapping a political consultant’s contract, which delayed the meeting. The aircraft booking was done late at night. Ajitdada was scheduled to take off at 7 am, yet the plane departed only at 8.10 am,” Rohit Pawar said.Ajit Pawar was killed on January 28 when a chartered Learjet aircraft crashed while attempting to land at the table-top airstrip in Baramati, Pune district. Four others, including his personal security officer, the pilot, co-pilot and a flight attendant, also lost their lives in the crash. The Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections in Maharashtra were postponed following the incident.Notably, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has earlier ruled out any conspiracy and described the incident as an accident.West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee earlier alleged that Ajit Pawar’s death could be linked to a political conspiracy and demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation, citing reports that he was considering rejoining the NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar.Meanwhile, the Union government has said that a technical investigation is under way. Minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol said that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) were examining the crash.“The black box has been recovered and is being analysed. The data will be downloaded, followed by a detailed inquiry. A preliminary report will be released after that,” Mohol said, urging caution against drawing premature conclusions.Authorities have said the investigation is being conducted under the AAIB Rules, 2025 and will determine the exact sequence of events, including the role of weather and visibility conditions during the aircraft’s attempted landing.The Maharashtra Crime Investigation Department (CID) has also initiated a parallel investigation, while Pune Rural Police have registered a case of accidental death and transferred it to the CID.

Netherlands’ Bas de Leede celebrates his half century (right), and Tim de Leede’s portrait (left), at Arun Jaitley Stadium, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)

There’s a portrait of Tim de Leede, Bas de Leede‘s father, hanging just outside of press box at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Like Bas de Leede, Tim de Leede also played for Netherlands and represented the Dutch in 29 One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Tim’s first international wicket came in the 2003 World Cup when he had dismissed India’s legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar. So cricket runs deep in Leede family and Tim’s portrait at Kotla makes it a special venue for the family. Bas de Leede on Tuesday delivered a special performance at the same venue and showed his all-round prowess as he led Netherlands to a seven-wicket win over Namibia as the Dutch registered their first victory of the T20 World Cup after falling narrowly short against Pakistan in the tournament opener on February 7. However, the things were not that hunky-dowry for Bas de Leede the last time he played in Delhi. Netherlands were facing Australia in a group-stage match of the ODI World Cup 2023 and the Flying Dutchmen were thrashed all along the ground as Pat Cummins’ side scored 399 in the first innings.

Bas de Leede made an unwanted record of conceding most runs in an innings in ODIs. In his quota of 10 overs, he was hit for 115 runs by the Australians at an economy of 11.50. “To be honest, It’s obviously a record that nobody wants, but I wasn’t too fussed about it and it wasn’t in the back of my head today. I’m pretty – yeah, I’m pretty forgetting in terms of performances, so It’s nice to put in a good performance today,” Ledde said when asked about that 2023 match on Tuesday after the match.Netherlands were bowled out for mere 90 in their chase of 399 and lost the match by 309 runs, and it was a forgettable outing for Dutchmen and Leede.On Tuesday, Leede turned the things around for himself and his team as he played an unbeaten knock of 72 off 48 balls in Netherlands’ chase of 157. Leede hit 5 boundaries and four sixes in his innings and made sure there were no hiccups in Netherland’s chase as they reached the target with 12 balls remaining. Earlier, Leede played a significant role with the ball too, to restrict Namibia at 156 in the first innings. He took two wickets in his three overs while conceding just 20 runs. He took the wickets of Namibian skipper Gerhard Erasmus (18 off 9) and JJ Smit (22 off 15 balls), only Namibian batters who scored at the strike rate of over 140.However, the things were not that hunky-dowry for Bas de Leede the last time he played in Delhi. Netherlands were facing Australia in a group-stage match of the ODI World Cup 2023 and the Flying Dutchmen were thrashed all along the ground as Pat Cummins’ side scored 399 in the first innings.Bas de Leede made an unwanted record of conceding most runs in an innings in ODIs. In his quota of 10 overs, he was hit for 115 runs by the Australians at an economy of 11.50. Netherlands were bowled out for mere 90 in their chase of 399 and lost the match by 309 runs, and it was a forgettable outing for Dutchmen and Leede. But against Namibia, Leede made sure it was a memorable day for the Dutchmen in Delhi. “Obviously coming from a cricketing family in the Netherlands, to be able to perform and hopefully make my family proud is really special,” Leede said in the post-match press conference.

India is in discussions with Brazil, Canada, France and the Netherlands to strike agreements for jointly exploring, extracting, processing and recycling critical minerals, as the country steps up efforts to secure key raw materials for its energy transition.The talks are focused mainly on lithium and rare earth elements, with India also seeking access to advanced mineral-processing technologies, sources quoted by news agency Reuters said, adding that the discussions are confidential. The move reflects New Delhi’s push to diversify supply chains amid heavy global dependence on China, which dominates the mining and processing of several critical minerals.

Reducing reliance on China, boosting energy transition

India’s outreach comes as it accelerates plans to cut emissions and meet rising demand from industry and infrastructure. Mining experts cited by Reuters said India’s reliance on China for many critical minerals underlines the need to partner with a wider group of countries. However, they cautioned that mining projects take time to mature, with exploration alone typically lasting five to seven years and often not leading to commercial production.According to sources, India is looking to replicate elements of a critical minerals agreement it signed with Germany in January. That pact covers exploration, processing and recycling, as well as the acquisition and development of mineral assets in both countries and in third nations.

Ministry of mines leads outreach, Canada deal under review

“There are requests and we are talking to France, Netherlands and Brazil while the agreement with Canada is under active consideration,” one source said, as per Reuters. The ministry of mines is leading the effort.Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit India in early March, during which deals related to uranium, energy, minerals and artificial intelligence may be signed. When contacted, Canada’s natural resources department referred to a January statement saying both countries had agreed to formalise cooperation on critical minerals in the coming weeks.

Wider global push for critical minerals

India has already signed critical minerals agreements with Argentina, Australia and Japan, and is in talks with Peru and Chile on broader bilateral pacts that also cover such resources, according to Reuters.The expanded engagement comes amid efforts by major economies to reduce dependence on China for rare earths. Finance ministers from the G7 and other countries met in Washington last month to discuss supply diversification. In 2023, India identified more than 20 minerals, including lithium, as “critical” for its energy transition and long-term economic needs.

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/french-president-emmanuel-macron-to-visit-india-from-february-17-19-10981894” on this server.

Reference #18.c7f5d217.1770728773.32bb763a

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.c7f5d217.1770728773.32bb763a

NEW DELHI: The Unnao rape survivor on Monday expressed relief after the Supreme Court of India rejected the bail plea of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in connection with the custodial death of her father.Speaking to ANI, she said, “I went to the Supreme Court today. I was in the court when the judge gave his verdict. I am very happy with this verdict. I am satisfied that the judge has ordered the hearing to be completed within 3 months, as soon as possible. My father is not going to come back. His brothers, Atul Singh Sengar and Jaideep Singh Sengar, killed my father. They are out of jail for medical treatment. All the police officers who were involved are out. As far as Kuldeep Singh Sengar is concerned, he has committed a heinous act against me. He has raped me. How can I prove it? Am I alive? Do I have to do this?”

The Unnao rape survivor said she has been fighting for eight years to prove the assault, adding that if she had died like Nirbhaya, her ordeal would have been taken seriously. She urged the Supreme Court to ensure justice for her father, calling for the death penalty for Kuldeep Singh Sengar so that her father’s soul may rest in peace.“If I had died like Nirbhaya, everyone would have believed that I was raped. I am alive. It took years to prove what happened to me. I have been struggling for 8 years. Even now, I have to prove that I have been raped. His daughter said that it was a normal accident. I did not know whether the accident was normal. I was on the ventilator. I have requested that the Supreme Court deliver justice for my father. He should be hanged so that my father’s soul can be at peace and justice can be given to him,” she said.Earlier, the Supreme Court declined to grant immediate relief to rape-convict and former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, rejecting his plea for suspension of sentence and bail in the custodial-death case of the rape survivor’s father. The court, however, directed the Delhi High Court to hear and decide the matter within three months.A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant asked the High Court to take up the case expeditiously, observing: “We deem it a fit case to request the High Court to hear the appeal and decide the same, but not later than three months.”Sengar had approached the Supreme Court challenging the January 19, 2026, order of the Delhi High Court declining suspension of sentence and consequential release on bail in the custodial-death case. The challenge arises from his conviction, by a March 4, 2020 judgment, under Sections 166, 167, 193, 201, and 203, read with Section 120-B of the IPC, for which he was sentenced to a maximum of 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment, with separate sentences for individual offences.Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave, representing Sengar, argued that the appellant had already served over seven years and six months in actual incarceration, and that continued denial of bail was unjustified given the delays in the hearing. The Court, however, observed that the criminal appeal is scheduled for final hearing before the High Court on February 11, making the plea for suspension of sentence largely academic.Opposing the plea, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, highlighted that Sengar is already serving a life sentence in a separate rape conviction and that no exceptional or compelling circumstances exist to justify granting him bail.“In cases of conviction, the normal rule is that the appeal should be heard before completion of sentence,” the CJI said, adding that the victim’s right to pursue her own appeal could not be curtailed.Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that courts are generally cautious in granting bail to accused individuals with serious criminal antecedents, especially in cases involving custodial death, where a police officer has already been convicted.(The victim’s identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)(With agency inputs)

The landscape of international cricket is shifting. Once seen as mere participants, Associate Nations have evolved into genuine giant-killers, particularly in the shortest format of the game. As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 unfolds across the historic grounds of India and Sri Lanka, the narrative of “minnows” is being replaced by one of tactical brilliance and high-octane performance.

For many years, these nations fought for a seat at the table; now, they are the ones setting the menu. From the clinical professionalism of the Netherlands to the fearless aggression of Scotland, Associate teams have racked up an impressive tally of victories, often at the expense of established Test-playing nations.

Top 5 Associate teams with most wins in the T20 World Cup

While some of these teams have recently attained Full Member status (like Afghanistan), their legacy and a significant portion of their win tally were built during their years as Associate members, serving as a blueprint for the rising tide of global cricket.

1. Netherlands (11 Wins)

Netherlands currently sit at the pinnacle of Associate success in the T20 World Cup. Following their recent seven-wicket victory over Namibia at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi, the Dutch have officially recorded 11 wins in the tournament’s history.

Their journey is defined by a “total cricket” philosophy. Perhaps their most iconic moment remains the 2009 opening match at Lord’s, where they stunned England on the final ball. Since then, they have become a model of consistency. In the 2022 edition, they famously defeated South Africa, a result that dumped the Proteas out of the tournament and paved the way for Pakistan’s final run. Led by tactical captains like Scott Edwards and bolstered by all-rounders like Bas de Leede, the Netherlands have transformed from an underdog into a side that no Full Member can afford to take lightly.

2. Scotland (8 Wins)

Scotland have rapidly ascended the ranks, particularly in the last five years. Following their historic 2026 performance at Eden Gardens, where they became the first Associate nation to cross the 200-run mark in a World Cup innings (207/4 against Italy), their win tally has reached 8.

The Scots play a brand of cricket that is both aggressive and technically sound. Their “Golden Generation,” featuring players like George Munsey, Richie Berrington, and Michael Leask, has consistently pushed the boundaries. Their 2021 campaign was a watershed moment, as they topped their group by defeating Bangladesh, Oman, and Papua New Guinea to reach the Super 12s. This success isn’t accidental; it is the result of a robust domestic structure and a fearless approach to the powerplay overs.

3. Afghanistan (5 Wins as Associate)

While Afghanistan is now a Full Member and a legitimate semifinalist, their initial impact on the world stage was forged as an Associate powerhouse. During their tenure as an Associate nation, they secured 5 key wins in the T20 World Cup.

The Afghan story is one of the most romantic in sports history, rising from refugee camps to the upper echelons of the ICC rankings. Their early victories against the likes of Hong Kong, Zimbabwe, and Scotland laid the foundation for the world-class spin attack they boast today. Players like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi first announced themselves during these Associate years, proving that talent knows no boundaries. Their transition from “top Associate” to “Full Member threat” was arguably the fastest in the history of the sport.

Also READ: Bas de Leede’s match-winning performance helps Netherlands outclass Namibia by 7 wickets at Arun Jaitley Stadium

4. Namibia (5 Wins)

The Eagles of Namibia are the newest heavyweights on this list, but their impact has been immediate. With 5 wins across their recent World Cup appearances, Namibia has proven to be an incredibly disciplined unit.

Their debut in 2021 was nothing short of a fairy tale. Under the leadership of Gerhard Erasmus and the all-round excellence of David Wiese, they defeated Ireland and the Netherlands to qualify for the Super 12 stage in their very first attempt. Namibia’s strength lies in their bowling variations and their ability to stay calm under pressure. Their win against Sri Lanka in the 2022 opener remains one of the greatest upsets in the history of the competition, proving that on their day, they can dismantle even the most seasoned batting lineups.

5. Ireland (3 Wins as Associate)

Ireland are often credited with starting the Associate revolution. Before they were granted Test status in 2017, they secured 3 significant wins in the T20 World Cup as an Associate side.

The Irish “giant-killing” DNA was established in the 2009 edition when they defeated Bangladesh to reach the Super 8s. While their T20 record as an Associate was slightly overshadowed by their legendary 50-over World Cup exploits, their presence always signalled danger for the established elite. Even after becoming Full Members, they have continued this trend, famously beating England in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Their legacy as an Associate nation provided the roadmap for teams like the USA and Oman to believe that the gap between the “big” and “small” nations is closing.

The 2026 T20 World Cup is proving that Associate cricket is no longer a side-show; it is a vital part of the main event. With teams like the Netherlands and Scotland leading the charge, the era of predictable group stages is officially over.

Also READ: ICC confirms whether Pakistan will play against India in T20 World Cup 2026