The stage is set at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley for the third and final T20I of the series. With the hosts already holding an unassailable 2-0 lead, this match is a quest for a clean sweep for South Africa, while Pakistan fights to salvage pride and find momentum before the ODI leg of the tour begins.

The South African lineup is currently anchored by the sublime form of their skipper, Laura Wolvaardt, who has already amassed 101 runs across the first two matches of the series. Her ability to stabilize the innings while maintaining an aggressive strike rate of approximately 150 makes her the most prized wicket for the opposition. Complementing this batting strength is the lethal precision of Ayabonga Khaka, who enters this match fresh off a Player of the Match performance in the second T20I where she claimed figures of 3/10 with clinical death-over execution. Adding to their depth is the young all-rounder Kayla Reyneke, who has emerged as a true revelation for the Proteas by providing vital middle-order cameos and picking up crucial wickets at turning points in the game.

Pakistan’s hopes for a comeback rest heavily on the shoulders of their captain, Fatima Sana, who has been carrying the weight of the team as a premier dual-threat. Her explosive 90-run knock in the series opener proved she has the power to dismantle any bowling attack, though she remains in desperate need of more consistent support from her teammates. Setting the tone at the top of the order is wicket-keeper batter Muneeba Ali, whose role is essential for ensuring Pakistan maintains early momentum without losing quick wickets. On the bowling front, the visitors will rely on the clever left-arm spin of Sadia Iqbal, who remains their most consistent threat and is expected to thrive on a surface that may offer extra grip under the lights.

SA-W vs PAK-W, 3rd T20I: Match Details

• Date and Time: February 16; 9:30 pm IST / 4:00 pm GMT / 6:00 pm local
• Venue: Diamond Oval, Kimberley

Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)

Matches played: 26 | South Africa Women won: 15 | Pakistan Women won: 11

Diamond Oval Pitch Report

The pitch at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley is traditionally a sporting surface that offers a fair contest between bat and ball. Known for its generous carry and early bounce, the wicket typically favours pace bowlers who can exploit the new ball. However, once the initial shine wears off, the surface tends to settle, allowing batters to play their shots with confidence on a consistent line. With an average first-innings score of approximately 131–150 in T20Is, it is a competitive venue rather than a high-scoring paradise. Under the evening lights, a touch of dew may also assist the chasing side.

Also READ: Ayabonga Khaka, Laura Wolvaardt power South Africa to dominant T20I series triumph over Pakistan

Squads:

South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Kayla Reyneke, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Annerie Dercksen, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Dane van Niekerk, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayanda Hlubi, Karabo Meso

Pakistan Women: Sidra Amin, Ayesha Zafar, Muneeba Ali (wk), Aliya Riaz, Eyman Fatima, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (c), Nashra Sandhu, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Tuba Hassan, Gull Feroza, Tasmia Rubab, Humna Bilal, Saira Jabeen

SA-W vs PAK-W, 3rd T20I: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• South Africa wins the toss and bowl first
• Pakistan powerplay score: 30-40
• Pakistan total score: 140-150

Case 2:

• Pakistan wins the toss and bowl first
• South Africa powerplay score: 50-60
• South Africa total score: 170-180

Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest

Also READ: Fatima Sana’s brilliant 90 goes in vain as South Africa edge Pakistan in a thrilling first T20I

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Rajpal Yadav who was in custody at Tihar jail after being asked to surrender in several cheque bounce cases has finally got an interim bail from the Delhi High Court. The actor had filed a plea for bail citing a family wedding and a hearing took place last week on Thursday which was further adjourned to Monday, February 16. The court had given the actor time till 3pm to deposit Rs 1.5 crore if he wants bail, and he managed to do so. As per the latest update, the court has granted interim suspension of sentence to actor Rajpal Yadav in connection with the cheque bounce case against him.While granting relief, the court took note that Rs 1.5 crore had already been deposited into the respondent’s bank account. Considering this submission, the bench ordered that the sentence be suspended subject to certain conditions. Yadav has been directed to furnish a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh along with one surety of an equivalent amount. As a result of the interim relief, the actor will remain out of custody until March 18, the date fixed for the next hearing in the matter.Yadav is yet to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, in an exclusive chat with Bombay Times, his wife had thanked the industry for all the support. Speaking about the support he has been receiving from the industry, Radha added, “Our whole family is together at this time. We are very grateful for the support and love he is receiving from his fans and the film fraternity.”There have been rumours that multiple actors such as Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, and others have paid off the actors debt, Radha addressed the speculations, and clarified, “I can’t take any specific names right now, but I would just want to say many people from the industry have stepped in to support. I’m not able to divulge names and figures at this stage. We are very hopeful that he will be out soon. That’s all I can say now. Once Rajpalji is out, he will be able speak to you and the media and give further clarity on the matter.”

Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai, right, and Mohammad Nabi celebrate after winning the T20 World Cup cricket match between Afghanistan and UAE (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

TimesofIndia.com in New Delhi: How many days do you think one needs to recover from a heartbreak of going down in a double Super Over? Five days, is that enough? Well, Afghanistan flirted with the possibility of another Super Over, or even a defeat, but eventually went past the finish line by five wickets, with four balls remaining, against the UAE at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.At one point, it looked as if Afghanistan were headed for the exit door. Needing 28 runs from 18 balls, the ask looked too big even if they had six wickets in hand.

An over later, which saw a six and a wicket, the equation changed to 17 needed from 12 balls. A couple of singles later, the tension was visible in the dugout and at a venue where quite a few Afghanistan flags could be spotted.Muhammad Jawadullah, who had just produced three valuable dot balls, darted in and sent one outside off, into the fourth stump line, and Azmatullah Omarzai got underneath it and smashed it into the crowd.Next ball, a back of length delivery, luck came to Omarzai and Afghanistan’s rescue with a thick inside edge running off to the boundary rope.With just four needed off the last over, the 25-year-old all-rounder kept Afghanistan’s slender hopes of making the Super Eight alive with a boundary that went over the cover region.Afghanistan, who have Canada next, don’t control their fate in the competition anymore. If New Zealand beat Canada on Tuesday, the last edition’s semi-finalists will be knocked out.

UAE post 160/9, suffer in last two overs

Sohaib Khan produced a fine half-century, but Azmatullah Omarzai’s four-wicket haul helped keep UAE to 160/9.After choosing to bowl, Afghanistan struck early to leave UAE reeling at 13 for 2, before Sohaib anchored the innings with a composed 68 off 48 balls, studded with six fours and four sixes.He put on a 57-ball 84-run stand for the third wicket alongside Alishan Sharafu (40 off 29), helping the side recover from the early blows.Afghanistan, however, fought back in the middle overs with a flurry of wickets, reducing UAE to 121 for 6 by the 16th over.Sohaib then added a further 31 runs with Haider Ali, but Omarzai returned in the 19th over to remove him and claim his fourth wicket.

United Arab Emirates’ Sohaib Khan (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Earlier, UAE suffered an early setback when the previous match hero Aryansh Sharma was dismissed for a four-ball duck, under-edging a pull to wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz off Omarzai. Captain Muhammad Waseem (10) hit two boundaries before being trapped lbw by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, as UAE slipped to 13 for 2. Afghanistan’s replacement pacer Ziaur Rahman, who came in for left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi, and spinner Noor Ahmad both proved costly.Rahman conceded 16 runs in his first over, with Sohaib striking three boundaries.UAE’s batters negotiated the Afghan spinners well in the Powerplay, cashing in on anything loose. Sharafu struck two boundaries off Mujeeb as UAE moved to 55 for 2, before taking on Rashid Khan for a six to raise the half-century stand.Noor endured a difficult outing, with Sohaib hitting him for two sixes over cover and mid-wicket as UAE reached 93 for 2 in 10 overs.Mujeeb eventually broke the stand, with Sharafu finding Ibrahim Zadran at long-off. Omarzai then struck twice in his third over, dismissing Syed Haider (13) and forcing an edge from Harshit Kaushik (0).Sohaib reached his fifty off 37 balls with a six, but Muhammad Arfan (0) was out attempting a reverse hit, knocking over his own stumps. Omarzai, the Man of the Match, finally ended Sohaib’s resistance in the 19th over, capping off an impressive spell.

Almost ten years after the RERA Act, 2016 attention is increasingly moving from developers to the functioning of the regulator itself. (AI image)

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority or RERA is in focus again. Recently, the Supreme Court made blunt observations about the role of RERA and its importance. The apex court remarked that the time has come for all states to reconsider the structure and composition of RERA, observing that the body appears to be merely “facilitating” errant builders rather than holding them accountable. The apex court has raised concerns over whether real estate regulatory authorities are adequately safeguarding the interests of homebuyers. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said that the very individuals RERA was meant to protect are now deeply disillusioned. “Better abolish this institution, we don’t mind that,” the Chief Justice remarked. Almost ten years after the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 came into force and was rolled out across states in 2017, attention is increasingly moving from developers to the functioning of the regulator itself. In this context, a homebuyer advocacy group has alleged that several state regulators have failed to publish the annual reports mandated under the law. Has RERA improved project delivery? What are RERA reports and why are they important for protecting homebuyers? We take a look:

Understanding the importance of RERA annual reports

Fundamentally, the objective of RERA was to move away from opaque practices toward transparent and measurable regulatory oversight, with the annual report serving as an evaluation of the regulator’s functioning. The reports should ideally have information not only on project registrations and complaints received, but also on project completion status, enforcement of regulatory orders, and action taken against developers who fail to comply with the rules.According to an ET report, Section 78 of RERA makes it compulsory for every state regulator to release an annual report which details its activities and performance. This is a key element of the legislation’s framework. In early 2023, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs issued a reporting format to allow for consistent comparison across states.Discussions around RERA’s performance usually centre around metrics such as the number of projects registered and the volume of complaints resolved. However, these indicators reflect activity rather than actual outcomes. Annual reports are intended to provide insight into whether projects were completed within timelines, whether orders related to refunds and compensation resulted in actual payments, and whether possession directives ultimately led to homes being handed over to buyers.A complaint may be marked as resolved once an order is issued, but genuine relief exists only when that order is implemented. In the absence of enforcement-related data, it becomes difficult to objectively evaluate the effectiveness of the law.

What’s the row about?

The Forum for People’s Collective Efforts (FPCE), an organisation representing homebuyers, has alleged that more than 75% of Real Estate Regulatory Authorities have either never released their annual reports, stopped publishing them after the initial years, or failed to keep them updated.According to the group, only a limited number of states have made reports available up to FY24, while some major real estate markets issued reports earlier but subsequently discontinued the practice. FPCE has also said that in several cases where reports have been published, the format recommended by the ministry has not been followed, making meaningful comparison across states difficult.

What are the implications of the alleged lapses?

India has, in the past, grappled with significant delays in housing projects. A government-appointed panel chaired by Amitabh Kant had identified nearly 412,000 housing units across the country as stressed.RERA was introduced as a structural remedy, incorporating mechanisms such as escrow-linked project funding and mandatory disclosures. However, if data on project completion and enforcement remains unavailable, policymakers are left without a clear basis to judge whether the sector’s apparent recovery reflects a genuine strengthening of delivery standards or simply the beginning of another cycle of new project launches, according to the ET analysis. While registration figures indicate the addition of supply, completion statistics provide a more accurate measure of the sector’s underlying health.The consequences extend beyond the interests of homebuyers alone. Governments depend on reliable delivery data to shape taxation decisions and urban planning strategies, while financial institutions use completion records to evaluate lending risk. Regular and standardised reporting could help identify whether delays arise from funding constraints, regulatory hurdles, or litigation, and whether certain developers repeatedly default. RERA was designed to move the sector from a system based on trust to one grounded in transparency. If regulators themselves cannot be assessed, the framework risks operating primarily as a project registration platform rather than a true mechanism of accountability.

LUCKNOW: In a glaring example of medical negligence and quackery, the Ambedkar Nagar police on Friday arrested a class 12 student and an Arts graduate for allegedly conducting a caesarean surgery at an unregistered private hospital, resulting in the death of a woman during childbirth. Probe revealed the illegal hospital had been running for five years.The accused were identified as Yogesh Verma (32), a BA graduate from Malipur, and Shubham Vishwakarma (19), an intermediate student from Sultanpur. The duo allegedly performed surgeries at Navjeevan Hospital in Baskhari without possessing any recognised medical degree or surgical qualification.

The deceased, Priyanka, was admitted to the hospital on February 5 for delivery. According to police, the duo conducted a caesarean section, after which she delivered a baby girl. However, Priyanka allegedly suffered excessive bleeding and never regained consciousness following the administration of anaesthesia. As her condition deteriorated, she was referred to Lucknow, but she died.The incident triggered protests by the victim’s family, after which the hospital operator, identified as Ruby, fled the spot and remains absconding. The police seized mobile phones linked to the case and launched efforts to trace her. Baskhari SHO Sunil Kumar Pandey, who is leading the investigation, said that two so-called “doctors” were called in to conduct the surgery. “Yogesh Verma is only a graduate. His father worked as a ward boy at CHC Jalalpur, and he learned basic medical procedures while assisting him. He reportedly performed surgeries for several years,” the SHO said. The second accused, Shubham Vishwakarma, is associated with Bajrang Nursing Home in Belwai under Akhandnagar police station limits of Sultanpur district. During questioning, he told police that he gained experience by observing procedures at a local hospital after completing his class 12. Both the accused allegedly arrived on call to conduct surgeries at Navjeevan Hospital, which had been operating for nearly 5 years. Police sources revealed that the duo allegedly charged between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000 per caesarean operation—significantly lower than qualified surgeons—attracting poor patients seeking affordable treatment. Following directions from the Chief Medical Officer, a joint inspection was conducted on the night of February 8 by the CHC superintendent, sub-divisional magistrate Tanda, and Baskhari police. During the inspection, officials found that the hospital operated illegally from four rooms of a residential building without any registration certificate, biomedical waste (BMW) authorisation, fire NOC, or required medical staff as per norms. “No signboard displaying hospital registration details was found on the premises. Various medicines, surgical and medical equipment were recovered from the site. After preparing an inventory, authorities sealed all the four rooms in the presence of the SDM and police,” said Dr Ajay Kumar, CHC superintendent. An FIR was lodged on February 9 on the complaint of the CHC superintendent under relevant sections for the illegal operation of a hospital and medical negligence. Police said further investigation is on to identify other hospitals where the accused may have performed surgeries. Authorities also ordered verification of all medical credentials linked to the hospital and warned of strict action against illegal healthcare establishments operating in the district. Police said that Priyanka’s husband Sandeep lodged another FIR under the charges of BNS 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), and efforts are on to catch Ruby.

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy for a heavyweight Group B showdown. On February 16, 2026, co-hosts Sri Lanka will face off against Australia in Match 30 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. With the atmospheric Kandy hills providing the backdrop, this fixture has evolved from a simple group game into a battle for survival and supremacy, as both sides eye a coveted spot in the Super 8 stage.

Steve Smith bolsters Australia squad following Josh Hazlewood’s exit from T20 World Cup 2026

The Australian camp has been forced into a late tactical pivot following the official withdrawal of premier pacer Josh Hazlewood. The veteran right-armer, a cornerstone of Australia’s pace battery, has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2026 T20 World Cup due to a persistent calf strain. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff to nurse him back for the knockout rounds, Hazlewood failed to meet the necessary fitness benchmarks.

In a move that signals a shift in strategy, the Event Technical Committee of the ICC has approved the inclusion of Steve Smith as his replacement. While Smith was initially a travelling reserve providing cover for the injured Mitchell Marsh, he now finds himself officially back in the 15-man squad.

“The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has approved Steve Smith as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood in the Australia squad. Smith is named as a replacement for Hazlewood, who is now officially ruled out from participating in the tournament due to a calf injury,” the ICC confirmed in a media release.

Smith’s return comes at a fascinating time. Having not featured in a T20I for nearly two years before this call-up, his sensational form in the recent Big Bash League, where he boasted a strike rate of nearly 168, suggests he is more than ready for the subcontinental grind. His experience against spin will be vital on a slowing Pallekele surface.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Fans celebrate Ishan Kishan’s heroics as India hammer Pakistan to secure Super 8 spot

A crucial must-win fixture for Australia’s Super 8 ambitions

For the Lions, the equation is clear: victory tonight guarantees them a place in the Super 8. Currently sitting at the top of Group B with two wins from two matches, Sri Lanka have been the form team of the group. Their massive 105-run win over Oman has given them a healthy Net Run Rate (NRR) of +3.125, making them the team to beat on home soil.

However, the pressure is arguably higher on Australia. Following a shock 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe, the 2021 champions are currently third in the table. A loss to Sri Lanka would leave their qualification hopes hanging by a thread, likely requiring other results to go their way and a massive win against Oman in their final fixture.

The Pallekele pitch is expected to offer a balanced contest, but as the lights take effect, the surface typically slows down, aiding Sri Lanka’s formidable spin of Maheesh Theekshana. Australia will look to Smith and a returning Marsh to navigate these tricky middle overs. With the local Kandy crowd expected to turn out in droves, Sri Lanka holds the psychological edge.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Ishan Kishan joins Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir’s elite list after explosive 77 vs Pakistan