With a semifinal berth on the line, India are gearing up for a high-stakes Super 8 encounter against West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Sunday, March 1. Ahead of the crunch fixture in the T20 World Cup 2026, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has suggested a key tactical tweak to the Men in Blue’s playing XI.

The Suryakumar Yadav-led side must secure a win to keep their knockout hopes alive, and Manjrekar believes the solution lies in unleashing wrist-spin. According to the cricketer-turned-commentator, bringing a star spinner into the XI could be the decisive move against a West Indies batting unit known for its brute power.

Sanjay Manjrekar’s tactical advice for Team India

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Manjrekar backed the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, stressing that wrist-spin could trouble a Caribbean lineup packed with aggressive stroke-makers.

“To cover up for any run shortage from the batters, really think India should play Kuldeep tonight. Never easy to go after a bowler who turns the ball, especially for this lot of WI batters,” Manjrekar wrote.

To cover up for any run shortage from the batters, really think India should play Kuldeep tonight.. Never easy to go after a bowler who turns the ball, especially for this lot of WI batters.

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 1, 2026

His suggestion comes at a time when India’s bowling combinations are under scrutiny. While the pace attack has delivered in patches, the team management has rotated its spin options depending on conditions. Eden Gardens, historically known to assist spinners as the match progresses, could tilt the scales in favour of wrist-spin.

Star player’s record against West Indies

Kuldeep’s numbers make a compelling case. In nine T20Is against West Indies, the left-arm wrist-spinner has claimed 17 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.33. His best figures of 3/12 against the Caribbean side underline his ability to dismantle their middle order.

Interestingly, West Indies’ top six features four right-handed batters, a matchup that has traditionally suited Kuldeep. Across T20Is, he has dismissed right-handers 56 times in 52 innings while maintaining an economy rate of 6.79. His variations in flight and pace often force big hitters into mistimed shots — a crucial factor in a do-or-die clash.

Despite these credentials, Kuldeep has featured in just one game in the ongoing tournament, returning figures of 1/14 against Pakistan. His tidy spell in that fixture showed control and confidence, but he has since remained on the sidelines as India experimented with other combinations.

Also READ: IND vs WI, T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Kolkata’s Hourly Weather Forecast

A game of fine margins

For India, Sunday’s encounter is more than just another group match — it is a knockout in disguise. West Indies, led by Shai Hope, possess explosive hitters capable of turning a game within a few overs. Containing them through the middle phase could be India’s biggest challenge.

Manjrekar’s recommendation highlights a broader tactical theme: slowing the game down against power hitters. Wrist-spin, especially from a bowler who turns the ball both ways, can disrupt rhythm and force batters to take calculated risks.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: What if the India vs West Indies Super 8 clash at Eden Gardens gets washed out due to rain in Kolkata?

In the aftermath of Pakistan’s embarrassing exit from the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage – marking the fourth consecutive ICC tournament without a semi-final appearance – captain Salman Ali Agha faced a hostile press conference where he was grilled with pointed questions about his future and whether he was merely a “dummy captain” for head coach Mike Hesson. Despite mounting pressure and reports that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has already decided to remove him regardless of results, Agha navigated the stormy waters with remarkable restraint.

Pakistan face elimination in Pallekele

The Men in Green’s campaign ended in cruel fashion on Saturday despite defeating co-hosts Sri Lanka by five runs at Pallekele International Stadium. Chasing a semifinal berth, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or less to overhaul New Zealand’s net run rate. However, Dasun Shanaka’s blistering unbeaten 76 off 31 balls powered the home side to 207, sealing Pakistan’s fate despite their 212 total.

This elimination follows previous failures in the 2023 ODI World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup, and 2025 Champions Trophy – a dismal streak that has pushed Pakistani cricket into crisis mode .

‘Will you leave captaincy yourself or will PCB remove you?’

During the tense post-match media interaction, a journalist delivered a blunt question in Hindi: “Khud kaptani chhodenge ya PCB hatayega?” (Will you leave captaincy yourself or will the board remove you?).

Agha, who managed just 60 runs in six innings during the tournament, responded with composure: “I think we haven’t played as well as we should have in the World Cup. Right now, I think any decision taken right now will be emotional. We will go back and take some time and then make the required decision.”

The 32-year-old accepted responsibility for the team’s performance: “We will take full responsibility. Why not? We were involved in selecting the team and we were responsible for the players. I will take responsibility and I’m sure the coach will also take.”

‘Dummy captain’ accusation stirs press conference

A second reporter posed an even more provocative question, suggesting head coach Mike Hesson had reduced Agha to a figurehead. The journalist referenced Hesson’s public criticism of Babar Azam’s strike rate and his influence over selection and team strategy .

“The problem is that if I don’t answer this, you will take disrespect,” Agha responded, visibly agitated but maintaining dignity. “When a team is formed, it is a team game. It is not formed by one person’s decision. It is the result of the decisions of all stakeholders.” 

Defending the controversial decision to demote Babar Azam to number four, Agha explained: “Babar had a different role in this World Cup. He was a number 4; he had better experience. We needed a batsman who could come in the middle order and provide stability and save us from collapse.” 

Agha candidly identified the root cause of Pakistan’s recurring ICC tournament failures: an inability to handle pressure situations.

“You are absolutely right that we didn’t reach the semi-finals in the last four ICC tournaments. The reason is that we have to improve our game playing under pressure. When the pressure increases, how to improve our decision making? I think that matters more right now.” 

He added: “If you see the entire tournament, we have under-performed. In the 20 over game, we played 18 overs very well, and the other team is allowed to play two overs well. But, yes our last three overs execution was not good. We are a better bowling unit than this. We were missing our execution.” 

Also READ: Former Pakistan cricketers react after Men in Green knocked out of T20 World Cup 2026

PCB Chairman ‘unhappy’ – Major overhaul expected

Behind the scenes, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly made up his mind to remove Agha from T20 captaincy, regardless of the World Cup outcome. Multiple reports indicate Naqvi is “unhappy” after being assured by selectors and management that the team was primed for success .

A PCB source confirmed: “Naqvi is not happy at all because this time he was assured by the selectors, team management and his close aides in the board that the team was set to do well in the World Cup.” 

Also WATCH: Mitchell Starc cheers as Alyssa Healy signs off with an ODI century against India

The Super 8 clash between India and West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata has all the ingredients of a high-stakes knockout. With South Africa already sealing their semifinal berth from Group 1, this encounter has effectively turned into a virtual quarterfinal. It is a straight winner-takes-all contest, with the victorious side booking the final remaining semifinal spot of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

For both teams, the equation is simple yet daunting. India have carried strong momentum into the Super 8 stage, while West Indies have shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. The pressure of a do-or-die contest adds an extra layer of intensity, especially given the rich history between the two cricketing giants. Eden Gardens, known for its electrifying atmosphere, is expected to be packed, with fans bracing themselves for a thriller.

Why Brandon King is not playing today’s match?

West Indies skipper Shai Hope confirmed at the toss that there has been one change in the playing XI. Spinner Akeal Hosein has come in for Brandon King. While Hope did not explicitly mention the exact reason behind King’s omission, the move appears to be a tactical one. With the Eden Gardens surface traditionally assisting spinners as the game progresses, West Indies seem to have opted for an additional spin option in Hosein. The left-arm spinner not only provides control in the middle overs but is also capable of contributing valuable runs lower down the order.

King, on the other hand, has endured a disappointing campaign. The aggressive opener has struggled to find rhythm in this tournament, failing to convert starts and putting the top order under pressure. Given the magnitude of this clash, the team management may have felt the need to make a bold call.

“It’s a do or die game today. This is what we play for – to play against big teams, best teams. One change, Akeal Hosein comes in for Brandon King,” said Hope at the toss.

Also WATCH: Sikandar Raza cleans up Aiden Markram with a carrom ball stunner in ZIM vs SA T20 World Cup 2026 clash

India stick with winning combination

India, meanwhile, have decided to back their settled combination. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that there are no changes to the side. The management’s decision signals confidence in the balance of the team, especially with both pace and spin departments delivering in crunch situations. With big names like Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace attack and Varun Chakaravarthy adding mystery spin, India appear well-equipped for the Kolkata conditions.

Playing XI of both teams

West Indies: Shai Hope (c and wk), Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph

India: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Dewald Brevis shine South Africa’s emphatic win over Zimbabwe

In their last Super 8 match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, South Africa secured a convincing five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Chasing a competitive target of 154, the Proteas reached the finish line in just 17.5 overs, thanks largely to a dazzling knock from Dewald Brevis. The young star’s explosive innings tilted the contest firmly in South Africa’s favour, underlining their championship credentials.

Sikandar Raza steers Zimbabwe to a competitive total

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to capitalize on favourable afternoon conditions. However, early breakthroughs by South Africa’s pace attack kept the scoring in check during the powerplay. Zimbabwe managed 45 runs in the mandatory overs but lost crucial wickets at regular intervals.

Tadiwanashe Marumani departed early, bowled by Kwena Maphaka for 7. Brian Bennett showed intent with a quick 15, but his stay was cut short by Anrich Nortje. Dion Myers struggled to accelerate and fell to George Linde, leaving Zimbabwe at 66/3.

The innings found stability through Sikandar Raza, who played a captain’s knock of 73 off 43 deliveries. His innings was laced with powerful stroke play, including 8 fours and 4 sixes that kept the scoreboard ticking. Raza formed useful partnerships, notably adding 38 runs alongside Myers and later stitching a crucial 39-run stand with Clive Madande.

Madande’s unbeaten 26 off 20 balls added valuable late runs, pushing Zimbabwe to 153/7 at the end of 20 overs. South Africa’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Maphaka and Corbin Bosch claiming two wickets ecach while Nortje, Linde and Lungi Ngidi chipped in effectively. The Proteas maintained pressure through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, restricting Zimbabwe to a modest total on a batting-friendly surface.

Dewald Brevis ignites South Africa’s run chase

South Africa’s chase began on a shaky note. Quinton de Kock fell cheaply for a duck, dismissed by Sikandar Raza in the opening over. Captain Aiden Markram also struggled for fluency and was bowled by Raza for 4, leaving the Proteas at 14/2.

Ryan Rickelton and Brevis then steadied the innings with a crucial partnership for the third wicket. Rickelton contributed a solid 31 off 22 balls before falling to Brad Evans. However, it was Brevis who stole the spotlight with an electrifying 42 off just 18 deliveries, striking at an astonishing rate of 233.33.

Brevis’ innings was packed with innovation and power. He dismantled Zimbabwe’s bowling attack with fearless stroke play, targeting both pace and spin. His aggressive approach during the middle overs shifted momentum decisively. Even after David Miller’s dismissal for 22, the required rate remained comfortably within reach.

Raza attempted to pull Zimbabwe back into the contest with figures of 3/29, but the damage was already done. Tristan Stubbs remained composed with an unbeaten 21, while Linde provided the finishing touch with a quickfire 30 not out. Their unbroken 53-run stand ensured South Africa crossed the line with 13 balls to spare.

South Africa’s winning flow continues in the #T20WorldCup2026 🔥#ZIMvsSA
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/ODQj7gVdn5 pic.twitter.com/T6YQjagtWQ

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 1, 2026

Australia Women delivered a commanding performance in the third ODI of the series, thrashing India Women by 185 runs at Bellerive Oval. After India opted to bowl first, the hosts produced a batting masterclass, piling up a massive 409/7 in 50 overs before bowling India out for 224 in 45.1 overs. With this emphatic win, Australia completed a 3-0 clean sweep in the ODI leg of the tour.

Alyssa Healy’s dazzling ton powers Australia to massive total

The foundation of Australia’s mammoth total was laid by skipper Alyssa Healy, who played one of the finest knocks of her ODI career. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 158 off just 98 deliveries, peppering the ground with 27 boundaries and two sixes. Healy was aggressive from the outset, dismantling India’s pace attack and putting the bowlers under relentless pressure.

She received solid support from Georgia Voll, who scored a fluent 62 off 52 balls, and Beth Mooney, who struck a classy 106 off 84 deliveries. Mooney’s innings, laced with 10 fours and a six, ensured that the scoring rate never dipped. Late cameos from Nicola Carey (34 off 15) and Annabel Sutherland (23 off 20) provided the finishing touches as Australia crossed the 400-run mark with ease.

For India, it was a tough outing with the ball. Shree Charani (2/106) and Sneh Rana (2/66) picked up two wickets each, while Renuka Thakur, Kashvee Gautam and Deepti Sharma managed one apiece. However, none of the bowlers were able to stem the flow of runs on a batting-friendly surface.

Also WATCH: Mitchell Starc cheers as Alyssa Healy signs off with an ODI century against India

Alana King’s four-wicket burst dismantles India

Chasing a daunting 410, India’s innings never truly gained momentum. Smriti Mandhana fell early for a duck, putting immediate pressure on the visitors. Pratika Rawal (27 off 21) and Jemimah Rodrigues (42 off 29) counterattacked briefly, playing some attractive strokes to keep India in the contest during the powerplay.

However, once the spinners were introduced, the chase unraveled quickly. Alana King was the chief destroyer, finishing with impressive figures of 4/33 in her 10 overs. Her disciplined line and sharp turn troubled the Indian middle order, removing key batters including Harmanpreet Kaur and Deept.

Rana showed resilience with a fighting 44 off 74 balls, while Deepti added 29, but the required run rate kept climbing steeply. Georgia Wareham struck twice in quick succession to wrap up the tail, as India were bowled out for 224, falling well short of the target.

With victories by 6 wickets in the first ODI, 5 wickets in the second, and now a dominant 185-run triumph in the third, Australia asserted their dominance throughout the series. The hosts were clinical in all departments — batting depth, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding — leaving India searching for answers ahead of the red-ball clash. Healy was deservedly named Player of the Match for her explosive 158, which set up the one-sided contest.

Australia win the ODI series 3-0 🥇#AUSvIND #AustraliaCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/QoQXL0Wl4C

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) March 1, 2026

Also READ: AUS-W vs IND-W: Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney tons power Australia past 400-run mark in 3rd ODI

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

Pakistan’s campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 came to a dramatic yet painful end on Saturday night, as the Men in Green were knocked out despite defeating Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

In a match filled with explosive batting, tense calculations, and last-over drama, Pakistan did what they could — but not enough. The shortfall in net run rate ultimately denied them a semi-final berth, leaving fans and former cricketers fuming back home.

Batting brilliance but margin heartbreak

Coming into the crucial Super Eights clash, Pakistan needed more than just a win. Sitting third in Group 2, they had to beat Sri Lanka by a significant margin to leapfrog New Zealand on net run rate.

Asked to bat first by Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka, Pakistan responded with intent. The new opening pair of Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman unleashed an attacking masterclass, stitching together a stunning 176-run stand.

Zaman smashed 84 off just 42 deliveries, peppering the boundary ropes with nine fours and four towering sixes before falling in the 16th over. Farhan, however, carried on to complete a magnificent century — 100 off 60 balls — a knock that blended elegance with power. Pakistan finished with a formidable 212/8 in 20 overs. The equation was clear: restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or below to secure a semi-final spot.

Sri Lanka’s reply kept Pakistan alive in the contest but alive in anxiety too. The hosts kept chipping away, and with the qualification equation tightening, every run became crucial. Eventually, Sri Lanka crossed the 147 run mark without getting all out and hence denying Pakistan a chance to book a place in the semis. Though Pakistan ended up winning the contest but it was a victory on paper and a defeat in reality.

Ahmed Shehzad questions direction

Former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad did not mince his words on social media. He expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of progress under the current setup.

Shehzad criticised the constant shuffling of the batting order and alleged that team selections were influenced by external pressures rather than cricketing logic. He pointed out that promises of building a strong middle order had failed to materialize, calling the last three years a period of stagnation instead of growth.

“Pakistan is officially out of the World Cup. We supported you when you backed youngsters in the Asia Cup. You promised a strong middle order, but everything changed, not for balance, but to adjust your own people and bow to social media pressure. Three years of this setup, and still no progress. How much more time do you need? We’re not improving. We’re falling,” Shehzad wrote on X as quoted by Geonews.

Mohammad Yousuf and Shahid Afridi demand accountability

Former captain Mohammad Yousuf used sharp sarcasm to sum up the mood. Reflecting on bold pre-tournament claims about reaching the final, he likened the campaign to “the final moments of a sinking ship,” urging serious introspection while hinting that domestic leagues might soon shift public focus.

“We were loud and clear in declaring we were headed for the finals. Turns out, they meant the final moments of a sinking ship. Do we even have enough life jackets, or is this just another Titanic? No worries! #PSL is around the corner, and this embarrassment will soon be forgotten as pride rises again,” Yousuf said.

Meanwhile, ex-skipper Shahid Afridi called for structural reform. He questioned how a cricket-loving nation of over 240 million people continues to struggle at the highest level. Afridi demanded accountability from management and administrators, insisting that Pakistan must rediscover its competitive edge.

“This is a moment to reflect on the future of cricket in Pakistan. How is a nation of our population producing just eleven subpar players at the highest level? Who will take responsibility for restoring the pride and standard of Pakistan national cricket team?,” wrote Afridi.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Sahibzada Farhan outduels Dasun Shanaka but Pakistan’s semifinal dream ends in T20 World Cup 2026

Shoaib Akhtar raises questions on selection

Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar echoed similar concerns on a television show, criticizing recent team combinations. He pointed out that players like Saim Ayub could have offered balance, and questioned why natural roles were ignored earlier in the tournament. According to Akhtar, the strong performances of Fakhar, Farhan, and Abrar Ahmed in this match exposed earlier selection flaws.

“Pakistan’s management looks completely clueless. Today’s team selection only confirmed that the XI picked over the last 15 days was wrong. There was one clear error — Saim Ayub should have played instead of Khawaja Nafay. Saim could have contributed with the ball as well. This selection showed that when you pick the right players for the right roles, they perform. Fakhar Zaman is a natural opener, yet he wasn’t played earlier. Today, Farhan, Fakhar and Abrar all delivered. That tells you everything,” Akhtar said on Tapmad.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Final-over wide triggers debate in Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Super 8 clash

In a fitting finale to Alyssa Healy’s glittering ODI career, Australia registered their second highest-ever total against India in the third and final match of the series against India at Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Sunday, March 1.

Alyssa Healy’s masterclass lights up Hobart

Walking out to a guard of honour from the Indian team, Healy produced an innings for the ages in her final ODI appearance.

After Phoebe Litchfield’s departure for 14, caught by Shree Charani off Kashvee Gautam, Healy found an able partner in Georgia Voll. The pair added 104 runs off 91 deliveries for the second wicket, with Healy accelerating rapidly while Voll contributed a solid 62 off 52 balls before falling to Sneh Rana.

Record partnership between Healy and Beth Mooney

The true carnage began when Beth Mooney joined her long-time opening partner at the crease. With Australia at 136 for 2 in the 22nd over, the two most experienced batters in the lineup unleashed an assault that left the Indian bowling attack in tatters .

Healy and Mooney plundered 145 runs off just 92 deliveries, with Healy doing the bulk of the scoring – contributing 100 runs during the partnership while Mooney rotated strike efficiently with 44 off 49 balls at that stage. The Australian captain brought up her century off 79 balls and continued her onslaught, eventually falling for 158 off 98 deliveries in the 37th over, caught in two minds attempting a reverse sweep off Sneh Rana.

Her innings included 27 fours and two sixes, a masterclass in controlled aggression that demonstrated exactly why she will be remembered as one of the game’s all-time greats.

After Healy’s departure at 281 for 3 in the 37th over, Annabel Sutherland provided quick support to Mooney, adding 47 runs off 33 deliveries before falling to Deepti Sharma for 23. Ashleigh Gardner (4 off 5) and Tahlia McGrath (2 off 4) fell cheaply, but Georgia Wareham’s late cameo of 12 off 5 balls and Nicola Carey’s explosive unbeaten 34 off just 15 deliveries ensured Australia finished with a flourish.

Carey’s innings was particularly devastating, featuring 4 fours and a six as she added 54 unbeaten runs off just 25 balls with Mooney, who had by then settled into her anchor role.

Also WATCH: Mitchell Starc cheers as Alyssa Healy signs off with an ODI century against India

Mooney’s century caps perfect tribute to Healy

Beth Mooney’s unbeaten 106 off 101 balls was the perfect complement to Healy’s fireworks. The left-hander played the anchor role to perfection, rotating strike effectively during the middle overs before opening up in the final phase. She remained unbeaten when the innings closed, having faced 101 deliveries and struck 10 boundaries.

The partnership between Mooney and Healy underscored the remarkable understanding the pair have developed over years of opening together – an understanding that will now end in ODIs but leaves behind a legacy of match-winning stands .

Manwhile, India’s bowlers endured a difficult afternoon on a true Bellerive surface. Teenager Shree Charani was the most expensive, conceding 106 runs off her 10 overs while picking up two wickets – those of McGrath and Wareham. Sneh Rana provided the breakthrough wickets of Voll and Healy, finishing with 2 for 66 off 10 overs .

Renuka Singh (1 for 64) and Kashvee Gautam (1 for 83) also picked up wickets but at considerable cost, while Deepti Sharma’s 10 overs disappeared for 90 runs. The Indian attack simply had no answer to Australia’s depth and quality on a day when Healy was determined to sign off in style.

Australia’s total of 409 for 7 represents the eighth-highest total in women’s ODI history. The innings featured three fifty-plus scores – Healy’s 158, Mooney’s unbeaten 106, and Voll’s 62 – demonstrating the extraordinary depth in Australian women’s cricket as they prepare for the one-off Test against India starting March 6 in Perth.

Also WATCH: Alyssa Healy receives Guard of Honour from India players in her final ODI

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

England cricketer Jonny Bairstow has made an emotional public appeal to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for assistance in repatriating the England Lions team from Abu Dhabi, as escalating Middle East tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States have left the squad stranded amid missile threats and explosions across the UAE capital. Bairstow, currently serving in a coaching role with the Lions, took to social media in the early hours of Sunday with a desperate plea as security concerns mount in the region.

“Can you get us home?”: Bairstow’s desperate appeal to the Prime Minister of United Kingdom

The former England international responded directly to Starmer’s official statement on Iran posted Saturday evening, tweeting a stark four-word message: “Can you get us home???”  The appeal came after multiple residents in Abu Dhabi reported hearing loud explosions across the city, with state media confirming one fatality though details remain scarce .

Starmer had earlier released his position on the escalating Iran situation, but Bairstow’s reply highlighted the immediate human consequences facing British citizens caught in the conflict zone.

Can you get us home???

— Jonny Bairstow (@jbairstow21) February 28, 2026

The England wicketkeeper-batter also sought urgent communication from Emirates after his flight was cancelled, urging the airline to provide clarity and assistance.

@emirates we haven’t had any communication post flight getting cancelled.
Tried the lines of communication but nothing. Could someone please be in contact.

— Jonny Bairstow (@jbairstow21) March 1, 2026

Explosions rock Abu Dhabi as tensions in Middle East escalate

According to Reuters reports, witnesses described hearing five rapid explosions that shook windows near Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, with similar blasts reported in the Al Dhafra and Al Bateen areas. Fighter jets were observed circling over Yas Island on Saturday afternoon, adding to the atmosphere of heightened alert .

Residents received mobile phone alerts instructing them to take shelter in the nearest secure building and stay away from windows due to missile threats, underscoring the severity of the situation . The presence of strategic military installations – including Al Dhafra Air Base used by both UAE and US Air Forces, and Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port serving as the US Navy’s largest regional facility – has placed the UAE in a potentially vulnerable position amid Iran-Israel tensions.

Also READ – T20 World Cup 2026: Final-over wide triggers debate in Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Super 8 clash

ECB cancels second One-Dayer due to safety concerns

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) moved swiftly to cancel Sunday’s scheduled 50-over match between the England Lions and Pakistan Shaheens, prioritizing player and staff safety above all else. In an official statement released Saturday, the ECB confirmed: “The safety and security of our teams and staff is our top priority. We are in contact with security experts and the Government in relation to current events in the Middle East and are following official advice.” 

Bairstow’s presence in Abu Dhabi stems from his coaching involvement with the England Lions setup, a role that has kept him connected to the game following his illustrious international career. The 35-year-old, who remains a popular figure in English cricket, now finds himself navigating a very different challenge than the sporting contests he anticipated.

Also WATCH: Australia captain Alyssa Healy receives Guard of Honour from India players in her final ODI

In a fairytale ending to a glittering One-Day International (ODI) career, Australian captain Alyssa Healy produced a breathtaking knock of 158 runs off just 98 balls against India at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval on Sunday, with husband Mitchell Starc watching proudly from the commentary box as she walked off into ODI sunset in emphatic style. The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batter’s farewell innings was nothing short of spectacular, featuring 27 fours and two sixes in a masterclass of aggressive strokeplay that left the Indian bowling attack haples.

Guard of honour precedes Alyssa Healy’s final ODI knock

The emotion was palpable even before Healy took strike. As she walked out to open the batting alongside Phoebe Litchfield in the third ODI, the Indian women’s team, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, formed a guard of honour to acknowledge the retiring great’s immense contribution to women’s cricket. The BCCI Women shared images of the tribute on social media, capturing the moment Harmanpreet shook hands with her long-time rival as Healy made her way to the crease.

#TeamIndia formed a guard of honour before the start of play today for Australia Captain Alyssa Healy, who is playing her Final ODI match 👏👏#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Vb9dg1dfhE

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) March 1, 2026

The gesture represented the deep respect Healy commands across the cricketing world, having been one of the most influential figures in the sport’s growth over 16 years at the highest level.

Alyssa Healy races to 150 in just 95 balls

After reaching her century in just 79 balls, Healy accelerated further to bring up 150 off 95 deliveries, tormenting the Indian bowlers with her signature blend of power and precision. The Australian captain appeared destined for a double century before Sneh Rana finally ended her innings in the 37th over with a high full-toss that Healy missed while attempting a reverse sweep .

Her 158-run knock placed Australia in a commanding position at 3-281 when she departed, with a total of 400 or more appearing well within reach. The innings added to her career tally of 3,777 ODI runs at an average of 37.02, which includes eight centuries and 19 fifties across 126 matches.

Also WATCH: Alyssa Healy receives Guard of Honour from India players in her final ODI

Throughout her innings, Healy had a special spectator watching intently. Mitchell Starc, the Australian pace spearhead and Healy’s husband since 2016, was positioned in the Channel Seven commentary box. Cameras captured the moment Healy brought up her century, with Starc remaining silently emotional as the milestone was raised – a contrast to the thunderous applause from the Hobart crowd.

The couple’s cricketing journey together spans decades, having first met as nine-year-olds playing against each other in club cricket before becoming teammates in representative cricket from under-10s through under-16s . They tied the knot in April 2016, and Starc has been a constant presence supporting his wife throughout her career, famously leaving the Australian camp early in March 2020 to watch her Player of the Final performance in the T20 World Cup final against India.

Here’s the video:

An Alyssa Healy century in her final ODI!

And no one is prouder than Mitch Starc in the commentary box 😊#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Ey27zCbPt2

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) March 1, 2026

Earlier in the series, Starc was spotted in the commentary box during the first ODI in Brisbane, donning stylish attire alongside former cricketer Lisa Sthalekar as Healy’s farewell series began. His presence throughout the ODI leg underscored the personal significance of this moment for cricket’s most admired power couple.

When Healy announced her retirement in January, Starc shared a photograph of her sitting on a lawn giving a thumbs-up, accompanying it with a short but deeply felt caption: “Proud of you.”  In a subsequent Instagram tribute, he posted “Proud of ya” with a heart emoji, a message that resonated powerfully with fans worldwide .

Reflecting on his wife’s evolution as a player, Starc had earlier noted how she transformed after taking over the captaincy from Meg Lanning in late 2023. “She watches a lot more cricket than I do. I mean, she’s the captain too. She’s a bit more switched on with all that sort of thing, probably seeing her shift a little bit when she took over the captaincy and putting her personal stuff aside and trying to push that team to achieve all that potential.”

Also READ: Kayla Reyneke earns maiden ODI call-up as South Africa announce squad for New Zealand tour

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

After a commanding victory over Zimbabwe, India have kept their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign alive and breathing. The Men in Blue are now firmly in the race for a semi-final berth, but their path is far from easy. The upcoming clash against West Indies is a virtual knockout — whoever wins will punch their ticket to the semis.

With the stakes sky-high, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared his insights on how mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy can elevate his game and deliver a match-defining performance.

Irfan Pathan on how Varun Chakaravarthy can unleash his ‘A game’ in the clash against West Indies

Chakaravarthy’s tournament statistics reflect consistency. He currently stands as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the competition with 11 wickets in six matches at an impressive economy rate of 7.20. Those are solid numbers in a high-scoring T20 era. However, despite the encouraging figures, the Tamil Nadu spinner hasn’t quite looked at his intimidating best and had produced concerning performances in the recent few games. The sharp bite off the pitch, the unplayable variations, and the aura of unpredictability that once rattled batters seem slightly muted.

With India heading into a do-or-die contest, the team will hope their mystery weapon rediscover his most lethal version. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan highlighted minor technical adjustments that could transform Chakaravarthy’s impact against West Indies.
According to Pathan, it’s all about subtle refinements rather than major overhauls.

“Against West Indies in Kolkata — a pitch he knows well — he can bounce back. Just a slight adjustment in length, maybe come closer to the stumps around the wicket to left-handers, and he’ll be back. If he picks up an early wicket, he can create serious pressure,” Pathan said.

The advice centers around bowling a fraction fuller or shorter depending on conditions and attacking from tighter angles, especially against left-handers. By coming closer to the stumps and operating around the wicket, Chakaravarthy could cramp batters for room and force mistakes. On a Kolkata surface that traditionally offers grip and turn, those minor tweaks could prove decisive.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 [EXPLAINED]: Why Matt Henry is returning home after the England vs New Zealand match?

Recent dip in Varun’s form raises questions

Chakaravarthy’s overall figures in the tournament still look impressive on paper, but his last two outings have sparked a bit of concern. In the clash against South Africa in Ahmedabad, he leaked 47 runs at a steep economy rate of 11.75, managing just a single wicket. The trend continued in the next game versus Zimbabwe, where he conceded 35 runs in three overs, going at 8.75 per over.

These performances stood in sharp contrast to his strong showing in the group stage, where his clever variations and tight control played a key role in providing India with timely breakthroughs.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan’s semi-final qualification scenario after England’s win over New Zealand