Suryakumar Yadav and Shai Hope (Image credit: ICC)

NEW DELHI: The iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata is all set to host a blockbuster clash on Sunday as India take on the West Indies in what has become a virtual quarterfinal of the T20 World Cup 2026. The stakes couldn’t be higher: win this match, and you’re through to the semifinals. Lose, and your campaign ends here.India earned their place in this do-or-die clash with a convincing 72-run win over Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. With South Africa having already secured a spot in the knockouts, all eyes now turn to Kolkata, where the winner between India and the West Indies will move on to face England in the semifinals.

India vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s: NET RUN RATE COULD DECIDE FATE

While India’s victory over Zimbabwe keeps them alive, their net run rate (NRR) is currently a concern. India’s NRR stands at -0.100, whereas West Indies, boosted by a massive 101-run win over Zimbabwe earlier in the Super 8s, have a strong +1.791. This means that in the unlikely event of rain washing out the match, both teams would get one point each, leaving them tied on points at 3 each after three Super 8 matches. However, the West Indies would advance to the semifinals thanks to their superior net run rate, while India would be eliminated despite their earlier win.

India vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s: WEATHER FORECAST IN KOLKATA

For now, the forecast is encouraging for cricket fans. Kolkata is expected to see sunny and clear conditions on Sunday. Daytime temperatures will hover around 34°C, cooling to 25–26°C by evening when the match is set to begin.The match is scheduled to start at 7 PM, with the toss taking place at 6:30 PM. Currently, there is no chance of rain, meaning fans can expect a full match at the iconic Eden Gardens.

India vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s: WHAT IF IT RAINS?

Both India and West Indies have one win from two matches in the Super 8s, making this encounter effectively a knockout. But if rain intervenes:Both teams earn one point each.Points tally: 3 points for India and West Indies.West Indies advance to the semifinals due to a higher NRR of +1.791, while India’s -0.100 NRR would leave them eliminated.This makes Sunday’s clash must-win for India, as there is no margin for error, and even weather interruptions could prove costly.

Photo credit: X/@dcciofficial

The Union sports ministry has asked the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) to stop using the words “India” or “Indian” in its name and activities, stating that the body is not recognised as a National Sports Federation (NSF).In a communication to DCCI secretary Ravi Kant Chauhan, the ministry said that only government-recognised federations are allowed to use those terms. Similar notices were sent to the Women’s Football Federation of India and the Indian Body Builders’ Federation, among others.“…It has come to the notice of this Department that the expression “India” is being used by your Federation, namely, Differently-Abled Cricket Council of India, despite the fact that the said Federation is not recognised as National Sports Federation by this Ministry,” the letter stated, as cited by news agency PTI.

“…it is hereby directed to desist from using the expression “India” or “Indian” in the name and/or any activities of your Federation. Unauthorized use of the said expressions are liable for appropriate action under the extant rules and applicable laws,” it warned.The DCCI does not have official recognition from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), although it has the board’s backing. The BCCI itself is not a recognised NSF.Chauhan confirmed that he had received the ministry’s letter and requested that DCCI be granted NSF status.“…it is not just us but multiple sports bodies have been notified that they can’t use the word India since they are not Registered NSF. My plea to ministry would be to accord us NSF status as we have been running the Differently Abled Cricket in the country.”“We have organised World Cups, Asia Cups, national tournaments as well bilateral series. Our national team has played in England, Sri Lanka. The BCCI also recognises us,” Chauhan, the secretary of DCCI, told PTI.He also sought similar action against other organisations involved in differently-abled cricket.“There is CABI (Cricket Association for Blind), the Wheelchair Association, Association for speech and hearing impaired players. I believe everyone should get this notification from Ministry,” he said.A ministry source said that with the National Sports Governance Act now in force, all sports bodies must seek recognition from the National Sports Board, which is yet to be set up, to receive approval from the ministry.

Taekwondo decision

In a separate move, the ministry has withdrawn recognition of the Taekwondo Federation of India. It also said that India Taekwondo would not be granted recognition as the governing body for the sport.The decision followed directions from the Delhi High Court, which had asked both factions to justify their claims.“…upon further examination, it has been observed that the Constitution/Memorandum of Association (MoA)/Bye-laws of Taekwondo Federation of India and India Taekwondo are not fully in conformity with the Sports Code…it is observed that, as on date, both the parties’ viz., Taekwondo Federation of India and India Taekwondo do not fully meet the conditions prescribed in the guidelines for recognition of NSFs as contained in the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011.““…at present, neither of the above said two Federations qualifies for grant of government recognition…in compliance of the directions of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi dated 06.01.2026, it has been decided that, as neither Taekwondo Federation of India nor India Taekwondo fully meet the criteria prescribed in the Sports Code for grant of recognition.”Also See: PAK vs SL

Pakistan were eliminated from the T20 World Cup on Saturday despite a five-run win over Sri Lanka in their Super Eights match, as New Zealand progressed to the semifinals on the basis of a superior net run rate.Pakistan needed to hold Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer to move ahead of New Zealand in Group 2. Although they posted 212 for 8 after being sent in to bat, Sri Lanka finished on 207 for 6, which was enough to keep Pakistan behind on net run rate. Both teams ended the Super Eights stage with three points each, but New Zealand advanced as the second-placed side from the group.Pakistan had reduced Sri Lanka to 101 for 5 in the 12th over, putting themselves in a strong position. However, Pavan Rathnayake and captain Dasun Shanaka added runs quickly to take Sri Lanka to 148 in the 16th over, effectively ending Pakistan’s qualification hopes.At one stage, Pakistan were also in danger of failing to defend their highest T20 World Cup total of 212. In the final over bowled by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shanaka struck 4-6-6-6 off the first four balls. Sri Lanka then needed six runs from the last two deliveries.Shanaka missed while attempting a scoop on the fifth ball and left the final delivery, a yorker, expecting it to be called wide. It was not. Pakistan secured a five-run win but still fell short of a semifinal spot, finishing one point behind New Zealand.Sri Lanka had already been ruled out of semifinal contention but closed their campaign with a competitive performance in front of their home crowd.England, New Zealand and South Africa have secured semifinal berths. The final spot will be decided between India and the West Indies on Sunday.Earlier, Pakistan made 212 for 8 in 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan scored 100, while Fakhar Zaman made 84. For Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka returned figures of 3 for 33 and Dasun Shanaka took 2 for 42.In reply, Sri Lanka posted 207 for 6 in 20 overs. Shanaka remained unbeaten on 76 off 31 balls and Rathnayake made 58. Abrar Ahmed was Pakistan’s most successful bowler with 3 for 23.Brief Scores:Pakistan: 212 for 8 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 100, Fakhar Zaman 84; Dilshan Madushanka 3/33, Dasun Shanaka 2/42).Sri Lanka: 207 for 6 in 20 overs (Dasun Shanaka 76 not out, Pavan Rathnayake 58; Abrar Ahmed 3/23).

South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, second right, celebrates with teammate Marco Jansen (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

TimesofIndia.com in New Delhi: South Africa are the team to beat in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Except a nervous and edge-of-the-seat double Super Over against Afghanistan, they have highlighted their credentials with win versus title favourites and defending champions India. As a result, they’re on a six match winning run and the only undefeated team in the competition. Up next for them are the already-eliminated Zimbabwe in an all-Africa contest at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.With a semi-final against New Zealand in the offing, this would be the worst time to take the foot off the pedal. What is most impressive for the Proteas is the fact that there’s no single individual at the wheel to keep this juggernaut going all guns blazing. Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs have fired with the bat and Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch have done the job with the ball.

“From our point of view, we’ve been really sharp and what we want to ensure is that we maintain that discipline and intensity and that we don’t drop off as far as those are concerned,” said South Africa batting coach Ashwell Prince on the eve of the dead rubber.Six wins in a row and two recent ones coming in convincing fashion, against India and West Indies by 76 runs and 9 wickets, respectively, South Africa have form and momentum on their side as they enter the knockouts. Their semi-final opponents, New Zealand, in comparison, scraped through as Pakistan failed to restrict Sri Lanka in their Super Eight clash. So, is there anything as “ideal lead-up”?“Obviously winning creates good momentum. However you win, sometimes you can have convincing wins. Other times you can have tight matches that really brings the group together, so however you’re able to get over the line I don’t think there’s an ideal way. If you look at England’s last game (vs New Zealand), you win the way that England did (by 4 wickets with 3 balls to spare) and their guys down at number seven and eight making telling contributions, that lifts them as well, gives their batting lineup a lot of confidence knowing that those guys can come to the party and take the team over the line,” explained Prince.“I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way of doing it or an ideal way – I think it’s nice not to have a lot of close games, but I think close games definitely helps in terms of team morale,” he continued.

Zimbabwe will be playing for pride on Sunday (AP Photo/Wonder Mashura)

If Zimbabwe’s last two games are an indication, the odds of it being a close encounter look slim. After becoming the darlings of the tournament with wins over Australia and Sri Lanka, the journey across the Palk Strait has brought with a rude awakening. The Sikandar Raza-led unit were walloped for 254 runs by West Indies (in Mumbai) and 256 runs by India (in Chennai) – both featuring in the top-3 highest totals in T20 World Cup history.“The conditions over here in India is different from what we had in Sri Lanka, different pitches, and all that. So it took a while for us to adapt. We didn’t adapt as quickly or as quickly as we wanted to. And it’s a different surface. So obviously, we didn’t go to plan in terms of our execution but I still think the guys put their hands up they did the best they could,” said Zimbabwe’s bowling consultant Courtney Walsh.“Hopefully we’ll have taken away a lot from these conditions here for future references And I think one of the things, the biggest takeaway is that how quickly you have to adapt in different conditions is one of the things that we will take away from this group,” he continued.In the group stage, Zimbabwe and Raza stressed on being taken seriously and being respected. After the two recent hammerings, the brutality of the sport means they’d have to go about chasing that all over again.

Openers Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan put Pakistan in control with a record opening stand against Sri Lanka in a must-win Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup at Pallekele International Stadium on Saturday.Batting first, Pakistan built a 176-run partnership for the opening wicket, their highest stand for any wicket in T20 World Cup history. It is also the third-highest partnership for Pakistan in all T20Is.Sri Lanka did not help their cause in the field. Dunith Wellalage dropped Farhan when he was on 75. Kamindu Mendis Liyanage appeared to have caught him on 76 but stepped on the boundary cushion.The breakthrough came through Dushmantha Chameera. He bowled wide outside off to Fakhar, who had been moving across the crease through the innings. This time, Fakhar got an inside edge that deflected onto the stumps.The opening stand of 176 is now a T20 World Cup record, going past the unbroken 175-run stand between Finn Allen and Tim Seifert against UAE earlier in the tournament.Highest partnerships in T20 World Cup (any wicket)176 – Sahibzada Farhan & Fakhar Zaman (PAK) vs SL, Pallekele, 2026*175* – Tim Seifert & Finn Allen (NZ) vs UAE, Chennai, 2026170* – Jos Buttler & Alex Hales (ENG) vs IND, Adelaide, 2022168 – Quinton de Kock & Rilee Rossouw (SA) vs BAN, Sydney, 2022166 – Mahela Jayawardene & Kumar Sangakkara (SL) vs WI, Barbados, 2010154 – Ibrahim Zadran & Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG) vs UGA, Providence, 2024

Pakistan post 212

Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman powered Pakistan to 212 in the first innings. Pakistan bowlers need to stop Sri Lanka at 147 or less to to go past New Zealand on net run rate and qualify for the semi-finals.Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl in their final Super 8 match at Pallekele in Kandy.Pakistan made changes to their playing XI. Former captain Babar Azam was left out after a run of low scores. Saim Ayub was also not included.Pakistan entered the match after a narrow loss to two-time champions England on Tuesday. Sri Lanka were already out of the tournament following defeats to England and New Zealand in their first two Super 8 matches.

Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan created history in the must-win Super 8 clash against Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup 2026, going past Virat Kohli to register the highest number of runs in a single edition of the tournament on Saturday.Kohli had scored 319 runs in six innings during the 2014 T20 World Cup, a record that had stood for years.

Farhan, however, overtook that mark with another fluent knock at a crucial time for Pakistan, emphasising his dream run in this year’s competition.The big moment came in a high-pressure game. Farhan amassed 100 off 60 balls, having racked up nine 4s and five 6s. And thanks to this innings, he now holds 383 runs, 64 more runs than Kohli’s tally, in a single edition of a T20 World Cup.Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and chose to bowl first. While Sri Lanka were already out of the semifinal race, Pakistan still had a slim chance. To qualify, they needed not just a win but a massive 64-run victory to overtake New Zealand on net run rate.Pakistan made three changes to their playing XI, with Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Salman Mirza missing out. Naseem Shah, Khawaja Nafay and Abrar Ahmed were drafted in. Sri Lanka also made two changes, bringing in Kamil Mishara and Janith Liyanage.Batting first, Pakistan got off to a blazing start. Farhan and Fakhar Zaman put together an unbeaten 150-run partnership in just 14 overs.Pakistan raced to 150 without losing a wicket, scoring at more than 10 runs per over. The powerplay itself yielded 64 runs, setting the tone for a strong total.With Farhan in record-breaking form and Pakistan off to a flying start, the team kept its semifinal hopes alive in style.

PAK vs SL Playing XIs

Pakistan: Salman Agha (c), Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka.

Babar Azam (PTI Photo/R SenthilKumar)

NEW DELHI: Pakistan have made a big call for their must-win Super 8 clash against Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as Babar Azam has been left out of the playing XI.At the toss, skipper Salman Agha confirmed three changes to the side.

“Massive opportunity. We need to bat well, bowl well and field well and everything will be fine. We need to put up a good total and try and restrict them. Sometimes it can be tough and sometimes it can be easy, it’s a mixed feeling knowing what we need to do. We got three changes. Babar, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza are not playing,” said Salman at the toss.Babar’s exclusion appears to be form-related. In six matches so far, he has scored just 91 runs at an average of 22.75 and a strike rate of 112.34, numbers well below expectations for a player of his stature.Pakistan’s qualification scenario is now simple but challenging. After England defeated New Zealand in Colombo, the Group 2 table shifted dramatically. England finished unbeaten with six points from three games and have sealed the top spot. New Zealand are second with three points and a strong net run rate of +1.390.Pakistan sit third with one point from two matches and a net run rate of -0.461. To qualify, they must beat Sri Lanka by 64 runs to boost their net run rate enough to overtake New Zealand.With their World Cup hopes on the line, Pakistan have taken a bold step by dropping their star batter in a do-or-die encounter.Pakistan (Playing XI): Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha(c), Khawaja Nafay, Usman Khan(w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Usman TariqSri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara(w), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka

Sachin Tendulkar lauds J&K’s Ranji Trophy win (Photos by PTI)

NEW DELHI: The cricket fraternity came together to celebrate Jammu & Kashmir’s historic maiden Ranji Trophy triumph, as tributes poured in from legends and administrators alike.Sachin Tendulkar hailed the moment as a beautiful transformation for the region. “The Kashmir willows have been a part of many champions’ kits. To see Jammu & Kashmir’s journey from being an enabler of champions, to becoming champions themselves, is beautiful,” he wrote on X.

Reflecting on the team’s campaign, he added, “The season was built on consistency, resilience, and season-long excellence. Auqib Nabi’s impact with the ball stood out in a demanding campaign.“A historic moment for the team, coaches, and support staff. Journeys like these define the beauty of domestic cricket.”ICC chairman Jay Shah also congratulated the team after their fairytale win over Karnataka in their first-ever Ranji final. “Congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir team in India for scripting a remarkable story of grit and perseverance. While the players are fully deserving of the adulation they receive, one must also remember the contribution of the coaching staff, management and administrators from J&K who have toiled behind the scenes to fashion this landmark achievement. I am sure that this win will ignite belief in the hearts of the current generation from the region and drive the next one to pick up a bat or ball. Our sport is rich with such stories of inspiration from around the world, and I hope this one also receives its fair share of admiration,” he wrote.Mohammad Kaif shared, “Historic day for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. Having led UP to its first Ranji Trophy title, I know what this moment means to the players and the state. More players from J&K will now believe that they too can do it.”Irfan Pathan posted, “Many congratulations to J&K cricket for creating history by winning the first-ever Ranji Trophy. I never had even a shadow of a doubt that you guys will achieve this and many more trophies.”Aakash Chopra wrote, “Jammu & Kashmir, you beauty. The story for the ages. So so happy for what our boys have achieved. Indian cricket is in a safe and happy place.”Shikhar Dhawan added, “Historic moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. Maiden Ranji Trophy title built on belief, strong leadership from Paras Dogra, and a remarkable season with the ball from Auqib Nabi. Big contributions from Shubham Pundir, Yawer Hassan, Qamran Iqbal, Sahil Lotra, Abdul Samad, and the entire unit. Proud moment.”Harbhajan Singh said, “Will to win, that’s what matters. What a day for Jammu & Kashmir. Well done, simply outstanding, winning the Ranji Trophy isn’t easy at all. They have played terrific cricket throughout the season and played like a unit: many congratulations and many more trophies to come. Great to see Cricket growing in the Jammu and Kashmir region.”Yuvraj Singh posted, “Unbelievable! History has been written today! Huge congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir team for clinching their maiden #RanjiTrophy title after 67 long years! Dominating Karnataka with pure grit, heart, and unbreakable spirit. Proud beyond words of #AuqibNabi’s fire, #QamranIqbal’s masterclass, and the entire squad and training staff’s belief! J&K cricket has arrived! Keep shining, boys!”Suresh Raina simply wrote, “Congratulations on the maiden Ranji Trophy, Jammu & Kashmir.“Jammu & Kashmir crowned the Ranji Trophy champions for the first time ever. A monumental moment for the state and domestic cricket!! Well done, team, truly well deserved.”

Jammu & Kashmir (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir scripted history by winning their first-ever Ranji Trophy title after their final against Karnataka ended in a draw on Saturday. They were declared champions because of a massive first-innings lead, which proved decisive in the summit clash.In terms of prize money, the BCCI had increased domestic rewards in April 2023. The Ranji Trophy winners will now receive Rs 5 crore, runners-up get Rs 3 crore, and losing semi-finalists earn Rs 1 crore.

J&K had put themselves in a strong position by scoring a huge 584 in their first innings. In response, Karnataka were bowled out for 293 in 93.3 overs. Pacer Auqib Nabi led the bowling attack brilliantly. The right-arm pacer picked up five wickets for 54 runs and handed his team a commanding 291-run lead.Despite having the option to enforce the follow-on, J&K chose to bat again and bat Karnataka completely out of the contest. On the fifth and final day, they resumed their second innings at 186 for four. Qamran Iqbal, who was unbeaten on 94 overnight, and Sahil Lotra, who was on 16, turned the game firmly in their side’s favour with superb centuries.Iqbal remained unbeaten on 160 while Lotra stayed not out on 101 as J&K reached 342/4, stretching their overall lead to a massive 633 runs. With no realistic chance for Karnataka to chase the target, the two captains agreed to shake hands.The triumph is a landmark moment for Jammu and Kashmir, coming 67 years after they began competing in the tournament.