England registered a crucial four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the Super 8 Group 2 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R.Premadasa Stadium, Khettarama. In a tightly fought contest, England chased down 160 in 19.3 overs, overcoming early blows to secure two valuable points. England’s win has also helped Pakistan to keep their hopes alive for the semi-final of the multi-team event.

Solid start for New Zealand

After winning the toss, New Zealand chose to bat first and started aggressively. Tim Seifert looked fluent at the top, scoring 35 off 25 balls with three fours and two sixes. Finn Allen complemented him with a quickfire 29 off 19 deliveries, smashing three sixes during the powerplay. The opening pair ensured New Zealand got off to a promising start.

However, England’s bowlers pulled things back in the middle overs. Rachin Ravindra struggled to accelerate and fell for 11, while Daryl Mitchell managed just 3 runs. Glenn Phillips held the innings together with a well-compiled 39 off 28 balls, striking four boundaries and a six. Mark Chapman added a brisk 15 off 9, and late contributions from Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie pushed New Zealand to 159 for 7 in their 20 overs.

England spinners apply the brakes

England’s spin trio played a key role in restricting the total. Adil Rashid delivered an impactful spell, finishing with 2 for 28 in his four overs. Will Jacks was equally impressive, claiming 2 for 23 and breaking important partnerships. Rehan Ahmed also picked up two wickets, maintaining pressure in the middle phase. Liam Dawson chipped in with one wicket, ensuring New Zealand never truly broke free after the powerplay.

Early jolts rock England’s chase

Chasing 160, England endured a nightmare start. Phil Salt fell for 2, and captain Jos Buttler departed for a duck, leaving the side under immediate pressure. The responsibility then fell on the middle order to rebuild.

Harry Brook steadied the innings with 26 off 24 balls, while Jacob Bethell contributed 21 off 16 deliveries, striking four boundaries. Tom Banton added a valuable 33 off 24 balls, keeping England in the hunt as the required rate crept up.

Also WATCH: Brian Bennett’s Beckham-style reflexes deny Jasprit Bumrah a stunning yorker dismissal during T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash

Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed seal the deal

New Zealand spinner Rachin Ravindra produced a superb spell of 3 for 19, briefly swinging momentum back in his team’s favor. Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry also claimed a wicket each, tightening the contest heading into the final overs. However, Jacks turned the tide with a decisive knock of 32 off 18 balls, smashing four fours and a six at a crucial juncture. With the equation narrowing, Ahmed provided the finishing flourish, scoring 19 off just 7 balls, including two massive sixes that sealed the game.

England eventually reached 161 for 6 in 19.3 overs, completing a tense chase with four wickets in hand. The win strengthens England’s campaign in the Super 8 stage, while New Zealand are left to reflect on missed opportunities in a match that remained finely balanced until the very end.

Here’s how fans reacted:

England bag a thrilling win over New Zealand 💪#T20WorldCup2026 #ENGvsNZ
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/QlnBI0A4Tr #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Cby5ZYwUI0

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 27, 2026

A hero with bat and ball for England against New Zealand, Will Jacks wins the @aramco POTM 🏅 pic.twitter.com/SQwRzorKbS

— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) February 27, 2026

Most Player of the Match Awards in a T20 World Cup edition:

Will Jacks – 4* in 2026.

Shane Watson – 4 in 2012. pic.twitter.com/q6fydGSZPC

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) February 27, 2026

4th Man of the Match Award for Will Jacks in T20 WORLD CUP 2026.

Player of the tournament award we are coming for you 🥁😎 pic.twitter.com/M4k1nTHWUz

— Mumbai Indians FC (@MIPaltanFamily) February 27, 2026

Playing Will Jacks at no.7 is turning out to be a masterstroke throughout the tournament. We never were expecting him to have these type of finishing skills with the bat pic.twitter.com/E34WDrzYqV

— Gaz (@crictologist) February 27, 2026

Will Jacks again outstanding performance.. Rehan too 😍😍

— Azeem Rafiq (@AzeemRafiq30) February 27, 2026

Will Jacks has 4 player of the match awards…. Watson 2012 esque tournament for him

— JSK (@imjsk27) February 27, 2026

It’s a Will Jacks winter 🥶🔥

2/23 with the ball and a vital 32 not out at the end to take England to a remarkable four-wicket victory over New Zealand 👏

England finish 3/3 in the Super Eights 📈

🤎 | #SurreyCricket pic.twitter.com/OmlTYayrjM

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) February 27, 2026

Will Jacks ne to kamal kar diya 10 match se 4 main Man OF The Match. 🤯

Will Jacks – 4* (10 matches).

Kevin Pieterson – 3 (15).

Luke Wright – 3 (22).

England team se sab se jada Man OF The Match banane vale player bane crazy.👀 pic.twitter.com/a8CKiZBFse

— Abhishek Vision (@AbhishekVisionX) February 27, 2026

Wow innings by Rehan Ahmad. And of course, where there’s Will (Jacks), there’s always a Way. The best English player in this World Cup. #EngvNZ

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 27, 2026

Wasn’t that long ago that Will Jacks was being derided during the Ashes. He might not be a test spinner but he’s some cricketer. Player of the tournament so far. Certainly for England. #T20WorldCup

— Dan Ogunshakin (@DanOgunshakin) February 27, 2026

🚨 HISTORY FOR WILL JACKS 🚨

– Will Jacks now has Joint Most POTM Awards in an T20 World Cup edition! 🫡#ENGvsNZ #ICCT20WORLDCUP pic.twitter.com/NyIaV3yWNn

— PANKAJ DAUNAWAT (@pankajmeen75939) February 27, 2026

England wins ✅,

Pakistan still alive ✅

Need one good day with bat and ball against sirlanka

see you in the semis! 🇵🇰🔥 pic.twitter.com/atl819j5k8

— Humais khan (@Humireacts) February 27, 2026

Rehan Ahmed kept Pakistan’s hopes alive. Great Cameo of the tournament so far. #ENGvsNZ pic.twitter.com/VEyKsi2zAo

— Shrikant (@shrikantd31) February 27, 2026

🚨 PAKISTAN STAYS ALIVE IN THE T20 WORLD CUP 2026. 🚨

– England beat New Zealand. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QG4FiMZcy9

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) February 27, 2026

🚨 PAKISTAN ALIVE IN THE T20 WC 🚨

– Pakistan needs to beat Sri Lanka by 65 runs or chase the target in 11 overs to qualify for the Semi-Finals of the T20 World Cup 2026. 🇵🇰🔥 pic.twitter.com/DfiglHqGh0

— Rayham (@RayhamUnplugged) February 27, 2026

Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar highlights silver lining of South Africa defeat following India’s T20 World Cup Super 8 triumph vs Zimbabwe

Horoscope Today: Read daily horoscope predictions for February 28, 2026. Know all about the astrological events and influences that will be affecting each of the 12 zodiac signs. Our astrologer has analyzed the movements of the planets and the alignment of the stars to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date horoscope predictions for the day ahead. Get ready to discover what the stars have in store for you today.Aries:Today, you are advised to control your straightforwardness, as careless speech may affect people around you. You may spend your hard-earned money on unnecessary items. Your mind may work very fast today, so it is advisable to make important decisions with patience.Taurus:Today, you are blessed by the Moon. The disappointment of the past couple of days may now turn into happiness. You may enjoy both your professional and personal life. Your network may help you complete postponed projects. You may start a new venture with the help of your siblings, and your network may support you at every step.Gemini:Today, you may be busy at work. Your focus on your goals may be tested multiple times. Your patience may help you achieve your targets on time. Your dedication to work may also be tested, but you are likely to receive rewards for your hard work. You may also consider investing in fixed assets.Cancer:Today, your destiny may help you achieve success easily. You may visit a religious place to seek peace of mind. You may spend time gaining intellectual or occult knowledge. Students are likely to perform better. Singles may find a good match. Love birds may take important decisions regarding marriage.Leo:Today, you may be busy at work. With the help of your strong network, you may successfully implement your plans. Your wisdom may help you gain profits from past investments. You may enjoy romantic moments with your spouse, increasing harmony in domestic life. Love birds may enjoy happy times together.Virgo:Today, you are blessed by the Moon, which may make you happy. Last week’s difficulties are now over. With blessings, you may receive the rewards of your hard work. With the support of subordinates, you may initiate postponed tasks. Business gains may improve your financial condition.Libra:Today, you may feel dull and experience some health issues. You are advised to postpone business investments and avoid starting new ventures. There are chances of facing losses in business. Gains may turn into losses if you are not careful.Scorpio:Today, you may feel happy and peaceful. Your focus on your goals may be strong. You are likely to enjoy romantic moments with your spouse, and your bond may grow stronger. You may also stay busy with domestic matters.Sagittarius:Today, you may feel enthusiastic. Your performance at work may be impressive, improving you relationship with seniors. You may receive new responsibilities, possibly leading to a promotion. In legal matters, you may hear good news. Opponents and hidden enemies may remain under control.Capricorn:Today, you may complete difficult tasks with ease, boosting your confidence. Past investments may bring good returns. You are advised to avoid arguments over trivial matters, as they may waste your precious time.Aquarius:Today may not be favorable. You may feel unhappy and dissatisfied with your current situation. It is advisable to remain patient and avoid making decisions in haste. Take care of your parents’ health.Pisces:Today, you may take quick decisions that could benefit your daily life. With the help of colleagues, you may make important decisions and achieve success easily. Property-related disputes between siblings are likely to be resolved. You may also plan short trips.

England’s Will Jacks, left, and Rehan Ahmed (Photo by AP)

England pull off an exciting four-wicket win over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup Super Eights, thanks to a brilliant late fightback by Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed. The victory keeps Pakistan’s semifinal hopes alive, while England finish top of Group 2 with three wins from three matches.

England pulled off an exciting four-wicket win over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup Super Eights, thanks to a brilliant late fightback by Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed. The victory kept Pakistan’s semifinal hopes alive, while England finished top of Group 2 with three wins from three matches. New Zealand batted first and posted 159 for seven in 20 overs. Their batters got good starts but failed to convert them into big scores. Glenn Phillips scored 39, Tim Seifert made 35, and Finn Allen added 29. England’s spinners played a key role in controlling the innings, with Jacks, Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed picking up two wickets each to slow the scoring in the middle overs. England’s chase began poorly as they lost two early wickets and struggled at 58 for four. Harry Brook attempted to steady the innings, but New Zealand kept striking at regular intervals. Tom Banton and Sam Curran added valuable runs, yet England slipped to 117 for six in 17 overs, still needing 43 runs from 18 balls. At that stage, New Zealand appeared firmly in control. However, Jacks and Rehan had other plans. They attacked Glenn Phillips in the 18th over, smashing 22 runs to shift the momentum. The duo then collected 16 runs off Mitchell Santner in the next over, putting England on course for victory. With confidence high, they calmly guided the team home with three balls to spare. Earlier, there had been a brief moment of drama when Seifert was wrongly given out, only for TV replays to overturn the decision. In the end, England held their nerve to complete a thrilling comeback win.

File photo: US President Donald Trump (Picture credit: AP)

US President Donald Trump has said he is “not happy” with Iran but still wants to reach a deal, even as Washington continues its major military build-up in the Middle East.Speaking to reporters, Trump said more talks with Iran are expected on Friday. “Not happy with Iran but more talks expected Friday,” he said, according to Reuters.He made clear that his core demand remains unchanged: “Iran cannot have nuclear weapons.”

‘Don’t want to, but sometimes you have to’

When asked directly whether he would use military force against Iran, Trump signalled reluctance but did not rule it out.“Don’t want to, but sometimes you have to,” he said.The remarks come amid rising tensions following the latest round of nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Geneva. While Oman-mediated talks have reportedly made some progress, no agreement has yet been announced.Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if Iran refuses to agree to a far-reaching deal curbing its nuclear programme. Iran insists it has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and denies seeking a nuclear weapon.

Diplomacy continues amid military build-up

Despite the tough rhetoric, diplomatic channels remain open.US secretary of state Marco Rubio will travel to Israel on Monday and Tuesday to discuss “a range of regional priorities including Iran, Lebanon, and ongoing efforts to implement President Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan for Gaza,” the state department said.The visit comes as the US gathers significant military assets in the region. One aircraft carrier is already deployed in the Middle East and another is heading there, alongside additional aircraft and warships.Iran has warned it would retaliate against American forces in the region, including those stationed at US bases in allied Arab countries, if it comes under attack.

Embassy departures and travel warnings

The US Embassy in Jerusalem has authorised the voluntary departure of non-essential personnel and their families. In an email cited by news agency AP, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee urged staff who wished to leave to do so immediately.“Those wishing to take AD should do so TODAY,” Huckabee wrote, referring to “authorised departure”.The email warned that while outbound flights might continue for several days, “there may not be”.Other countries have taken similar precautions. Britain has temporarily withdrawn its embassy staff from Iran, with the embassy continuing to operate remotely. Australia has directed dependents of its officials in Israel to leave, while China and several European nations have advised citizens to avoid travel to Iran.

Nuclear concerns and stalled access

Meanwhile, a confidential report from the UN’s nuclear watchdog, seen by AP, said Iran has not granted inspectors access to sensitive nuclear sites since they were heavily bombed during a 12-day conflict launched by Israel last June.As a result, the agency said it could not verify Iran’s claim that it halted uranium enrichment following US and Israeli strikes.Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday that “what needs to happen has been clearly spelled out from our side,” without elaborating. Tehran has long demanded relief from sanctions in exchange for limits — but not a full halt — to its nuclear activities.Technical discussions are scheduled to take place in Vienna next week. US vice president JD Vance was also expected to meet Oman’s foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi in Washington, as Muscat continues to mediate between the two sides.

Former US President Bill Clinton released his opening statements as he testified before Congress on his alleged linked to convicted sexual offender to Jeffrey Epstein, insisting he “did nothing wrong.”He claimed that he saw no signs of wrongdoing and would cut-offif he knew.The former Democratic president opened the deposition with a statement, shared on social media, that stated, “I saw nothing and did nothing wrong.” In his statement he also said, “I had no idea of the crimes Epstein was committing. No matter how many photos you show me, I have two things that at the end of the day matter more than your interpretation of those 20-year-old photos. I know what I saw, and more importantly, what I didn’t see. I know what I did, and more importantly, what I didn’t do.”Further defending himself he added, “As someone who grew up in a home with domestic abuse, not only would I not have flown on his plane if I had any inkling of what he was doing—I would have turned him in myself and led the call for justice for his crimes, not sweetheart deals.”Further clarifying his association and insisting he cut-off ties before Epstein’s record became public he said, “Even with 20/20 hindsight, I saw nothing that ever gave me pause. We are only here because he hid it from everyone so well for so long. And by the time it came to light with his 2008 guilty plea, I had long stopped associating with him.”“You’ll often hear me say that I don’t recall. That might be unsatisfying. But I’m not going to say something I’m not sure of. This was all a long time ago. And I am bound by my oath not to speculate, or to guess. This is not merely for my benefit, but because it doesn’t help you for me to play detective 24 years later,” he added.Clinton also said democracy depends on everyone doing their part and expressed hope that his testimony could help move the country toward civil discourse, where truth and justice take priority over partisan spectacle. He also emphasised that the victims of Jeffrey Epstein deserve both justice and healing and said he was sharing what he knows to help prevent such crimes in the future.BA day before the former president’s testimony, is wife former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also testified, insisting that she had “no idea about their criminal activities” and described herself as “horrified by what we have learned about their crimes”. She acknowledged knowing Maxwell “casually, as an acquaintance”, including at events linked to the Clinton Foundation, and said Maxwell attended her daughter’s wedding as someone else’s guest.

NEW DELHI: The Centre has decided to “temporarily discontinue” the fortification of rice distributed under the free foodgrain scheme (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes, following a comprehensive review of its implementation and effectiveness.The decision was taken on Friday after a study conducted by IIT-Kharagpur, which assessed the shelf life of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) and Fortified Rice (FR) under real storage conditions across diverse agro-climatic zones in the country. The study found that key factors such as moisture content, temperature, relative humidity, storage conditions and packaging materials “critically” affect the stability of fortified rice.As per an official release, the study concluded that FRK and FR are “susceptible to micronutrient reduction and shortening of shelf life during prolonged storage and routine handling. This reduction is rendering the effective shelf life shorter than expected and, in turn, limiting the intended nutritional outcomes”.The food ministry took note that rice procured for distribution often remains in storage for 2-3 years due to high buffer stocks. Against an annual allocation of 372 lakh tonnes under PMGKAY and other welfare schemes, total availability in the central pool is projected at 674 lakh tonnes, including expected receipts from the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025–26. The extended storage duration has emerged as a key challenge in maintaining micronutrient stability.“In view of these findings, it has been decided to temporarily discontinue fortification of rice until a more robust and effective nutrient delivery mechanism is developed and operationalised,” the ministry said.It also said govt that the move will not lead to any reduction in foodgrain entitlements for beneficiaries.In his address from Red Fort on Aug 15, 2021, PM Narendra Modi had announced the mandatory fortification of rice distributed through govt schemes, including PDS and PM POSHAN, by 2024 to combat malnutrition. This initiative was aimed to supply iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12-enriched rice to vulnerable populations nationwide.

Mumbai: The state govt on Friday suspended Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) member secretary M Devender Singh pending disciplinary proceedings. Panel Speaker Dilip Lande had on Thursday directed that Singh be suspended after environment minister Pankaja Munde said in the legislative assembly that the officer had not shown up for her ministerial briefings despite several reminders. BJP MLA Sudhir Mungatiwar demanded that this kind of insubordination by officials was a murder of democracy and such officials must be suspended. Mungatiwar also said the Speaker must move a breach of privilege motion against Singh suo motu. Singh is an IAS officer of the 2011 batch.Following the discussion, Lande directed that such officials must be suspended and the govt must inform the assembly about the action taken. “Nothing can be more serious than this. This is nothing but cold-blooded murder of democracy… if officers are not showing up for briefing the minister. Such officials therefore must be suspended. Their names must be taken and a breach of privilege should be moved against them suo motu. Pankaja Munde is a cabinet minister. A message must be given to all officers and this message should serve for the next 100 years,” Mungantiwar said.Munde had said while replying to a query in the legislative assembly that the officer had not turned up for the briefing and reportedly told her that he would not come for the meeting.“Whereas disciplinary proceeding against M Devender Singh, Member Secretary, MPCB is contemplated. Now, therefore, government of Maharashtra in exercise of powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-rule (i) of rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, hereby places M Devender Singh, Member Secretary, MPCB under suspension with immediate effect,” stated the state govt’s suspension order.“Minister Pankaja Munde said an IAS officer says he would not attend the briefing. The panel Speaker thereafter ordered his suspension on Thursday. Accordingly, such an action should be taken within 24 hours. This incident happened on Thursday and he was suspended on Friday. In future, this officer should be put in jail. Saying I will not come to give a briefing to the minister is an insult to the Constitution. Punish that officer because this is a provision in the Constitution. Some officers have gone a step further; 75% of the district collectors are arrogant, and say MLAs keep changing, we will remain. They must give respect and take respect,” Mungantiwar said.

Actors Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna tied the knot on Thursday in an intimate ceremony in Udaipur, but their fans are already likening the photos to the stuff of mythological epics.Following the private nuptials, attended by only close family and friends, the newlyweds took to social media to share a handful of photographs from their big day. Rashmika stunned in a traditional red sari paired with classic gold jewellery, while Vijay complemented her in an off-white dhoti, gold jewellery and a red shawl.Both stars penned personalised notes alongside the images, but it was one particular photograph that truly captured the internet’s imagination.

In the now-viral image, Vijay is seen leading his new bride, Rashmika out of the ceremony. The photo features his shawl still tied to her sari, as the couple hold each other’s little fingers and walk on as their guests cheer them on in the background.

Vijay and Rashmika’s wedding pic wins over internet

The dramatic yet stunning photo quickly drew comparisons to mythological love stories. Fans flooded social media with posts that read, “This looks straight outta mythology,” while another shared a side-by-side comparison and wrote, “This is soo Shiv-Parvati coded.” A third commented, “Feels straight out of a Shiv–Parvati love story rooted in devotion, strength and forever kind of commitment.”Others echoed similar sentiments saying, “Rashmika and Vijay got married! Idk they look somewhat like Shiv and Parvati.” Another post read, “Shiv Parvati?!! Ohh yesss… How beautiful, this is something unreal.” One admirer added, “All Shiv-Parvati vibes, I missed a South Indian celebrity wedding like this.”Some even likened the couple’s regal presence to other mythological pairs, with one comment reading, “Looking like Arjuna & Subhadra” while another said that they looked like ‘Ram and Sita’.

Vijay and Rashmika pen notes of love

“Missed her in a way that made me feel like my day would’ve been better if she were around. Like my meals would’ve felt more wholesome if she were sitting across from me. Like my workouts would’ve been more fun and less of a punishment if she were doing them with me. Like I needed her – just to feel that sense of home and calm, no matter where I was. So, I made my best friend… my wife,” Deverakonda captioned the wedding photographs.Mandana, titled the caption as ‘Introducing to you now ‘My Husband!’ and wrote, “Mr. Vijay Deverakonda!! The man who taught me what true love feels like, The man who showed me what being in peace feels like! The man who told me everyday that dreaming big was absolutely ok and constantly telling me I was capable of achieving something much more than what I could possibly think I ever could! …I’ve truly been blessed! Vijju I am always short of words to describe the feelings I have for you!! I’ve always told you that!! But you know suddenly all of my achievements, struggles, happiness, sadness, joy, life – everything just makes a lot more sense now – it is because I have you witnessing it all.. being the biggest part of it all! I am so so so so soooo excited to becoming your wife! to it’s full be your wife! To be called your wife!! party time now!! Let’s have the bestestest life ever together! I love you.(sic)”‘In every lifetime’: Rashmika Mandanna’s emotional bridal veil becomes the most romantic wedding moment

In a move that has sent ripples through the Indian cricketing landscape, former BCCI President and legendary captain Sourav Ganguly has thrown his weight behind Jammu and Kashmir’s pace sensation, Auqib Nabi. As the 2026 Ranji Trophy season reaches its dramatic conclusion, Ganguly’s public endorsement on social media has sparked a massive debate over India’s selection strategy for the upcoming white-ball tour of England in July 2026. With Nabi’s career-defining performance in the domestic circuit, many believe the 29-year-old is finally ready to graduate to the international stage.

Sourav Ganguly pushes for Auqib Nabi’s selection for England tour through social media post

The catalyst for this growing momentum was a heartfelt post by Ganguly, who has never been shy about spotting raw talent. Witnessing Jammu and Kashmir’s historic run to the Ranji Trophy final at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground, ‘Dada’ took to X (formerly Twitter) to urge the national selectors to take notice. In his post, Ganguly highlighted the resilience of the J&K team and specifically pinpointed Nabi as the next big thing for Indian cricket.

“J&K has shown the world what effort and intent can do… They have made that region so proud of them… tough environment makes tough people. Aqib Nabi on his way to national colours. England is the place to start in the summer @bcci, @imAagarkar, @lonsaikia,” Ganguly wrote.

J&K has shown the world what effort and intent can do ..They have made that region so proud of them .. tuff environment makes tuff people. Aqib nabi on his way to national colours .. england is the place to start in the summer @bcci @imAagarkar @lonsaikia

— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) February 27, 2026

By tagging Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, Ganguly made it clear that Nabi’s skill set—marked by a high-arm action and the ability to move the ball both ways—is perfectly suited for English conditions. India is scheduled to play a high-octane white-ball series in England this July, consisting of five T20Is and three ODIs. Ganguly’s endorsement suggests that Nabi could provide the fresh energy and wicket-taking threat India needs in swinging conditions.

Also WATCH: Auqib Nabi removes KL Rahul with peach of a delivery in Ranji Trophy final

Auqib Nabi’s emphatic form in Ranji Trophy 2026

Nabi’s case for selection isn’t just based on reputation; it is backed by an overwhelming statistical mountain. In the 2025-2026 Ranji Trophy edition, Nabi has emerged as the most lethal bowler in the country. He currently sits atop the wicket-taking charts with a staggering 60 wickets in just 10 matches. His efficiency is even more remarkable when looking at the numbers: an average of 12.56 and a strike rate of 28.43.

During the ongoing final against powerhouse Karnataka, Nabi dismantled a star-studded lineup that included KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. His 5/54 in the first innings was instrumental in J&K securing a massive 291-run lead. This performance marked his seventh five-wicket haul of the season, making him only the third pacer in the 92-year history of the Ranji Trophy to breach the 60-wicket mark in a single edition.

As Jammu and Kashmir stands on the cusp of their maiden Ranji title—likely to be decided by their first-innings dominance, Nabi has proven he is a big-match player. Having already secured a lucrative ₹8.40 crore deal with Delhi Capitals for the upcoming IPL, the transition to the national team seems less like a possibility and more like an inevitability.

Also READ: Fans react as Mayank Agarwal hits fighting hundred for Karnataka in Ranji Trophy final against J&K