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T20 World Cup: Crushing Nepal by nine wickets, West Indies become first to reach Super 8s | Cricket News


T20 World Cup: Crushing Nepal by nine wickets, West Indies become first to reach Super 8s
West Indies’ Shimron Hetmyer hits a six (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

West Indies became the first team to reach the Super Eights stage of the T20 World Cup after an easy nine-wicket win over Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. They dominated the match from start to finish and chased down the target comfortably.Nepal batted first and struggled badly against the West Indies bowlers. They lost early wickets and were in trouble at 22 for 3 and then 46 for 5, putting them under heavy pressure.

Abhishek Sharma is back and India to unravel a mystery slinger

Dipendra Singh Airee was the only batter who fought back, scoring 58 runs and helping Nepal cross 100. Sompal Kami also contributed with 26 not out, but the rest of the team failed to score much. Nepal finished with 133 runs for 8 wickets in their 20 overs.West Indies’ bowlers were impressive. Jason Holder was the standout performer with figures of 4 wickets for 27 runs, while Matthew Forde bowled very tightly and took one wicket for just 10 runs in his four overs.In reply, West Indies made the chase look very easy. Captain Shai Hope played a calm and confident innings, scoring 61 not out with five fours and three sixes. Shimron Hetmyer supported him well with 46 not out, and together they added an unbeaten partnership of 91 runs. West Indies reached the target in just 15.2 overs, with 28 balls left, losing only one wicket.With this win, West Indies topped their group and became the first team to qualify for the Super Eights. On the other hand, Nepal were knocked out of the tournament and can no longer move to the next stage.



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USA 0/0 in 0.0 Overs | USA vs Namibia Live Score, T20 World Cup 2026: USA captain Monank Patel wins toss, opts to bat in Mumbai



USA vs Namibia Live Score, T20 World Cup 2026: The United States of America will look to end their group-stage campaign on a winning note when they take on Namibia in the 26th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.

The match will start at 3:00 PM and could be crucial for the USA, who still have an outside chance of qualifying for the Super 8 stage.

Namibia, on the other hand, are still searching for their first victory in the tournament. They suffered a seven-wicket loss to the Netherlands in their opening match and then went down to the defending champions in their second game. With nothing to lose, Namibia will be looking to play freely and finish their campaign on a positive note.

The USA’s journey has been up and down. They impressed early against India by reducing the defending champions to 77/6, but Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 84 helped India win by 29 runs. Pakistan then defeated them by 32 runs in their second match. However, Monank Patel’s side made a strong comeback in their third game, registering a massive 93-run victory, their biggest win of the tournament.

In head-to-head meetings, the USA have a clear edge over Namibia, winning both previous encounters. With contrasting campaigns so far, both teams will be eager to secure a win and end the group stage on a high at the iconic Chepauk Stadium.

Squads:

Namibia Squad: Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Gerhard Erasmus(c), JJ Smit, Zane Green(w), Malan Kruger, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Ben Shikongo, Max Heingo, Dylan Leicher, Jack Brassell, Jan Balt, Willem Myburgh

USA Squad: Monank Patel(w/c), Shayan Jahangir, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shubham Ranjane, Milind Kumar, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Nosthush Kenjige, Ali Khan, Shehan Jayasuriya, Ehsan Adil, Saurabh Netravalkar, Andries Gous



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IND vs PAK: ‘It’s wrong’ – Harbhajan Singh blasts Ex-Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir for his Abhishek Sharma remarks | Cricket News


IND vs PAK: 'It's wrong' - Harbhajan Singh blasts Ex-Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir for his Abhishek Sharma remarks
Harbhajan Singh blasts Mohammad Amir

NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has come out in support of young Indian batter Abhishek Sharma after former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir called him a “slogger” ahead of the big India vs Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup 2026. Harbhajan strongly disagreed with Amir’s comment and said Abhishek is a proper and skilled batsman, not someone who just blindly hits the ball.

Abhishek Sharma is back and India to unravel a mystery slinger

Amir had earlier made the remark while speaking on a Pakistani TV show, which sparked debate ahead of the high-voltage clash. Reacting to it, Harbhajan praised Abhishek’s batting ability and consistency. He said, “Abhishek Sharma is a quality player, and he is a player who is determined to win matches on his own. And not once, but he can do it again and again. I have played cricket, and I know that he is a proper batter who has all the shots; a lot of batsmen don’t have all the shots. A slogger is someone who only sees the ball and slogs; if it connects, great, and if it doesn’t, that’s fine too. He is not like that. He hits the first ball. And as long as he is on the crease, he keeps hitting. So, he is a proper batsman.”Harbhajan also said it is unfair for critics who have never bowled to Abhishek to judge him. He added, “People may say whatever they want. Because, in my opinion, I don’t think they have ever bowled in front of such a batter, and hence, it is wrong to comment that Abhishek is a slogger.”He urged Abhishek to prove his talent on the field, saying, “If I tell you the definition of a slogger, then a lot of people will get angry. So, I don’t want to say that. Because we don’t operate on that level, that they say something and we react again and again. I don’t want to do that. Because maybe he wants us to react. “But, anyway, I’ll say, Abhishek, show us tomorrow what you showed us before. And show us, what Abhishek can do. And I have a lot of hope from Abhishek. And if he plays for a long time, then Team India will set a very long score.”



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Watch: Photos of players framed, prayers offered at Kanpur temple ahead of IND vs PAK T20 World Cup match | Cricket News


Watch: Photos of players framed, prayers offered at Kanpur temple ahead of IND vs PAK T20 World Cup match
Prayers offered at Kanpur temple (Screengrab)

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the big India vs Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup, fans in Kanpur have started praying for India’s victory. At a local temple in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, photos of Indian players were framed and placed as devotees offered prayers for the team to win the high-profile clash. India and Pakistan will face each other on Sunday at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav press conference ahead of India vs Pakistan

This match is one of the most-awaited fixtures of the tournament and is going ahead as planned after some earlier uncertainty.Watch:India, the defending champions, started their World Cup campaign strongly by beating the United States and then crushing Namibia by 93 runs. Pakistan had a shaky start against the Netherlands but managed to win a close game, followed by a convincing victory over the USA.The two rivals have been placed in the same group in recent tournaments, including the last five T20 World Cups and the previous two ODI World Cups. The last time they were in separate groups was in the 2011 ODI World Cup, but they still met in the semi-final, which India won before lifting the trophy.In T20 World Cup history, India has dominated Pakistan, winning 7 out of their 8 meetings, with Pakistan’s only win coming in 2021. India also has a strong record at the Colombo venue, winning 11 of their 15 T20 matches there since 2009.However, rain could affect the match. Weather forecasts predict a high chance of rain during the day, though the chances may reduce in the evening.The match is scheduled for Sunday at 7:00 PM IST at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.



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Nepal 41/4 in 9.4 Overs | West Indies vs Nepal Live Score, T20 World Cup 2026: Nepal’s top-order collapses in Mumbai



West Indies vs Nepal Live Score, T20 World Cup 2026: West Indies will aim to secure the top position in Group C and register their third consecutive win when they face Nepal at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday. The match is set to start at 11:00 AM and could play a key role in shaping the group standings as the tournament progresses.

The West Indies have enjoyed an impressive start to their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. The 2016 champions kicked off with a dominant 35-run win over Scotland and continued their strong run with a 30-run victory against two-time champions England. With confidence high, Shai Hope’s men will look to maintain their winning momentum and seal qualification with a strong showing.

Nepal, on the other hand, are still looking for their first win of the tournament. They showed great fighting spirit against England in their opener, losing by just four runs, but struggled badly in their second match against Italy, where they suffered a heavy 10-wicket defeat. Rohit Paudel’s side will now be desperate to get their campaign back on track and keep their hopes alive.

Despite being considered underdogs, Nepal have a surprising edge in the head-to-head record, winning two of their three meetings against the West Indies. Recent form also shows Nepal winning three of their last five matches, while the West Indies have bounced back strongly with three wins after two losses.

With both teams having plenty to play for, the clash at Wankhede promises to be an exciting contest between a confident West Indies side and a determined Nepal team looking to cause an upset.

T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table



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‘I want rain’: Ex-Pakistan player gives shocking India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match verdict | Cricket News


'I want rain': Ex-Pakistan player gives shocking India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match verdict
India vs Pakistan (Photo by Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Rain could affect the big India vs Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup this Sunday in Colombo, and weather reports suggest a high chance of showers. The Sri Lanka weather department predicts heavy rain and thunderstorms, which could frustrate millions of fans waiting for this blockbuster clash.

Abhishek Sharma is back and India to unravel a mystery slinger

Interestingly, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali said he actually hopes it rains. Speaking on a TV show, he said, “My”prayer is that the almighty makes it rain,” and when asked if he wanted the full match to happen, he repeated, “I want rain.” His comments surprised many fans, as most people want to watch the complete game.For a match to have a result, each team must bat for at least five overs. If rain stops the game before that, the match will be abandoned, and both teams will get one point each because there is no reserve day in the group stage. Right now, India and Pakistan are tied on points at the top of their group, with India ahead on net run rate. If the match is washed out, both teams will likely qualify for the next round.The weather forecast shows a high chance of rain during the day and a lower, but still possible, chance in the evening. The conditions are expected to be cloudy, humid, and windy, which could make things tricky for players and organisers.While fans are hoping for a full match, rain remains a big threat, and Basit Ali’s unusual wish has added another twist to the hype around this rivalry.



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India vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup 2026 Live Streaming: When, where and how to watch IND vs PAK live on TV and online | Cricket News


India vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup 2026 Live Streaming: When, where and how to watch IND vs PAK live on TV and online
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – SEPTEMBER 14: Sahibzada Farhan of Pakistan bats during the Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: The much-awaited India vs Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup 2026 is all set to be played on Sunday at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, despite some earlier uncertainty. Both teams come into this high-pressure game after strong starts. India, the defending champions, began their campaign by beating the United States and then crushed Namibia by 93 runs.

Abhishek Sharma is back and India to unravel a mystery slinger

Pakistan struggled initially against the Netherlands but managed to pull off a thrilling win, followed by a comfortable victory over the USA.India and Pakistan have often been grouped together in major tournaments. They have been in the same group in the last five T20 World Cups and the previous two ODI World Cups. The last time they were in different groups was in the 2011 ODI World Cup, but they still faced each other in the semi-final, which India won before lifting the trophy.In T20 World Cup history, India has clearly dominated Pakistan. The two teams have played eight matches in the tournament so far, with India winning seven and Pakistan winning just one in 2021. India also has a strong record at the Colombo stadium, winning 11 out of 15 T20 matches there since 2009.However, rain could affect the match. Weather reports suggest a high chance of rain during the day, though the chances reduce in the evening.India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026: Match & Live Streaming Details

  • Match: India vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup 2026
  • Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
  • Time: 7:00 PM IST
  • Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
  • Live TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network
  • Live Streaming: JioHotstar



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Hardik Pandya inks heartfelt Valentine’s Day ‘M’ tattoo for girlfriend Mahieka – Watch | Off the field News


Hardik Pandya inks heartfelt Valentine's Day 'M' tattoo for girlfriend Mahieka – Watch
Hardik Pandya’s Valentine’s Day tattoo for Mahieka Sharma

As Valentine’s Day surprises go, Hardik Pandya made a special gesture for his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma. The India all-rounder got a new tattoo inked as a tribute to her, and it quickly caught attention online.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Hardik first wanted to get the initial ‘M’ inked as a simple and meaningful sign of love. However, after detailed discussions and a late-night brainstorming session with the artists, the idea turned into a bigger design.

Hardik Pandya Defends Girlfriend Mahieka After Viral Paps Incident, Calls Her Support System

The final tattoo shows two leopards. One is bold and realistic, while the other is made with flowing lines that subtly form the letter ‘M’ for Mahieka. The leopard represents strength and partnership.Hardik confirmed his relationship with Mahieka Sharma in 2025.Also Read: Watch: Hardik Pandya spotted with girlfriend Mahieka; Arshdeep Singh steals the show on India’s arrival in ColomboHardik Pandya was earlier married to Natasa Stankovic. The couple married in May 2020 and renewed their vows in February 2023 with both Hindu and Christian ceremonies. They announced their separation in July 2024 and continue to co-parent their son, Agastya.On the field, Hardik was also in top form against Namibia. He scored 52 runs off 28 balls as India posted 209 for 9 in 20 overs. With the ball, he picked up two wickets for 21 runs as Namibia were all out for 116. India won the match by 93 runs, and Hardik was adjudged Player of the Match. India will next take on arch rivals Pakistan on Sunday, 15 February.



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‘Cleared by the ICC’: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha backs ‘trump card’ Usman Tariq amid debate on action | Cricket News


'Cleared by the ICC': Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha backs 'trump card' Usman Tariq amid debate on action
Pakistan’s Usman Tariq bowls a delivery during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Pakistan and the United States in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (AP)

NEW DELHI: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said on Saturday that spinner Usman Tariq has been cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and is not affected by the debate around his bowling action, ahead of the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match on Sunday.Usman, 28, has taken 11 wickets in four T20Is at an average of 7.90, including a four-wicket haul. His sidearm action, which includes a brief pause before release, has led to questions over its legality, with some alleging that he is throwing.Usman played against the USA and returned figures of 3 for 27 in four overs.Speaking at the pre-match press conference before the India game, Agha said the spinner remains focused and described him as a key option for the team.

T20 World Cup: ‘Not good for the game’ – Salman Ali Agha on India Asia Cup handshake row

“You all have made Usman Tariq a big name. For us, all 15 players are important. He has been bowling well. You can definitely say that he is a trump card for us. He has been cleared by the ICC, so I don’t understand why everyone is discussing him. Usman doesn’t get affected by these things. He is fine. He doesn’t care about these things,” Agha said.Agha also referred to Pakistan’s record against India in T20 World Cups, saying past results cannot be changed.“Definitely, we do not have a good record against the Indians, but we can’t change history, and every day is a new day.”India and Pakistan have faced each other eight times in T20 World Cup history. India have won seven of those matches, while Pakistan have one victory.The match between India and Pakistan will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.Both teams have played two matches each in the tournament and won both. India has beaten USA and Namibia, while Pakistan has defeated the Netherlands and USA.India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, are at the top of Group A with four points and a net run rate of +3.050. Pakistan are second with four points and a net run rate of +0.932.



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Not India vs Pakistan anymore, it is all about Usman Tariq’s bowling action in Colombo | Cricket News


Not India vs Pakistan anymore, it is all about Usman Tariq’s bowling action in Colombo

TimesofIndia.com in Colombo: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha showed visible frustration when the third question on Usman Tariq’s bowling action was asked in the pre-match press conference on Saturday, ahead of the match against India.Around a week ago, at the captain’s press conference in Colombo, Agha had said: “In the end, it comes down to the fact that he will hang a notice on his neck saying that I am clear, and he will tell the batter first that I am clear. Now, the matter has come to that.”

T20 World Cup: Salman Ali Agha press conference ahead of India vs Pakistan

Tariq’s bowling action has been at the centre of debate even before the T20 World Cup kicked off.The 28-year-old had an extensive net session on Friday, bowling to almost every Pakistan batter for close to two hours.On Saturday, Agha was once again asked about Tariq’s action. He replied: “All players are equal in my eyes. You guys are the ones who are focused on Usman Tariq and have made him a big topic. Obviously, he has been bowling quite well for the past few months. He has played league cricket before representing Pakistan, where he also performed well. It can be said that he is a trump card for us.”When coaxed about whether the bowler was feeling the heat, Agha said, “I don’t think he cares about all that is being said about his action. People have been talking about his action ever since he started playing cricket.”The Pakistan captain is not wrong. Tariq’s journey to top-level cricket has not been a smooth one. He was twice reported for a suspect bowling action during the country’s premier domestic T20 tournament, the Pakistan Super League (PSL), over the last two seasons. On both occasions, he was cleared after testing at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.“He jokes about it,” Usman’s cousin Haseeb ur Rehman told TimesofIndia.com earlier this month.“He says he does not care. He gives a sarcastic smile and says people do not know that he has cleared the ICC’s test twice. ‘Jitni nafrat faila rahe, main utna mashoor ho raha hoon’ (The more hatred they spread, the more famous I become).”The third question on Usman Tariq seemed to make Agha, usually a calm and composed man, lose his cool.He looked at Pakistan’s media manager, took a deep breath and said: “The guy has been cleared twice and has done everything the ICC asked him to do to bowl in international cricket. I don’t know why people are saying so many things about him, but one thing I can assure you is that he is very used to this. It has been with him since he started playing international cricket.”

How to tackle Usman Tariq?

Tariq’s exaggerated pause in his delivery stride has made people increasingly curious.Veteran India spinner R Ashwin floated an interesting idea on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat.“There is one thing I want to see. Who dares to do that?” Ashwin said, adding, “If Tariq pauses before delivery, the batter has the right to move away. The batter can say, ‘I don’t know when the ball is coming, so I moved away.’”“That would be an interesting case and a huge headache for the umpire,” he added. “The umpire would have to decide whether to warn the bowler or the batter. Odds are, and that is how cricket has worked, the bowler will be warned first.”“Imagine this happening in such a big game,” Ashwin said. “Tariq has become the cynosure. He has to bowl 24 deliveries like that. If batters start withdrawing, imagine the pressure on him. He might have to alter his action in the middle of the game. Pakistan’s trump card could suddenly turn ineffective.”Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who played with Tariq at Quetta Gladiators in the PSL, told The Associated Press: “Batters are struggling to read Tariq because of the long pause when he steps on the bowling crease.“The pause disturbs their concentration and when he bowls a fastish delivery after that delay, or even a slower one, it leaves batters clueless.”What was once billed as a clash of arch-rivals has now been overshadowed by a singular subplot. As the February 15 fixture draws closer, the conversation has shifted decisively away from all the drama that has happened between the two countries in the past few months, settling instead on Usman Tariq’s prolonged pause and unconventional action, a detail that could end up defining the narrative of this marquee contest.



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