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Pathum Nissanka's historic 98 keep Sri Lanka alive in tri-series with win vs Zimbabwe

Pathum Nissanka produced a masterful unbeaten 98 off 58 balls as Sri Lanka crushed Zimbabwe by nine wickets in Rawalpindi, keeping their hopes alive in the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series. In the process, the opener also scripted history, surpassing Kusal Perera to become Sri Lanka’s all-time leading run-scorer in T20Is — a landmark that highlighted the significance of his innings on a crucial night for his team.Chasing 147, Sri Lanka were driven almost entirely by Nissanka’s brilliance. Confident from ball one, he peppered the boundary with 11 fours and four sixes, finishing with a blazing strike rate of 168.96. With nine runs required for victory, he launched Richard Ngarava for a four and a six off consecutive balls, but those hits still left him agonisingly short of a second T20I hundred.Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, T20I tri-series, Match 5 HighlightsSri Lanka’s chase remained smooth despite an early stumble. Kamil Mishara made 12 before falling at 59 for one, but Kusal Mendis (25* off 25) ensured stability as he joined Nissanka in an unbroken 89-run partnership that wrapped up the match with 22 deliveries to spare. Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to apply any sustained pressure, barring a disciplined four-over spell from Sikandar Raza that cost just 17 runs..preferred-source-banner{ margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:10px;}Earlier, Zimbabwe posted a competitive 146 for five, anchored by contributions from Brian Bennett (34), Raza (37), and Ryan Burl (37*). But Sri Lanka’s spinners, Maheesh Theekshana (223) and Wanindu Hasaranga (223), choked the innings at key moments, preventing Zimbabwe from accelerating in the middle overs.The victory injects fresh intrigue into the tri-series. With Pakistan already assured of a place in the final, Sri Lanka’s clash against them on November 27 will now decide who joins the hosts in the title match — with Zimbabwe’s fate hanging on that outcome.Brief scoresZimbabwe: 1465 in 20 overs. Brian Bennett (34), Sikandar Raza (37), Ryan Burl (37*); Maheesh Theekshana (223), Wanindu Hasaranga (223)Sri Lanka: 1481 in 16.2 overs. Pathum Nissanka (98*), Kusal Mendis (25*); Brad Evans (136)Result: Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by 9 wickets- EndsPublished By: sabyasachi chowdhuryPublished On: Nov 25, 2025Also Read | India vs Australia in Ahmedabad: Surya picks T20 World Cup finalists, sledges RohitMust Watch

2 hours ago

Sports

India vs Australia in Ahmedabad: Surya picks T20 World Cup finalists, sledges Rohit

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav sent out a strong message to Australia, saying India would prefer facing the 2021 champions in the Men’s T20 World Cup final next year at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India are the defending champions, having won the title last year with a win over South Africa.Suryakumar’s remarks stem from the heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad, where Travis Head’s century powered Australia to a crushing seven-wicket win in front of a packed crowd.When presenter Jatin Sapru asked which team India would want to meet in the T20 World Cup final, Suryakumar didn’t hesitate before naming Australia.“Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Australia. Definitely,” Suryakumar said at an event in Mumbai where the schedule for the Men’s T20 World Cup was unveiled..preferred-source-banner{ margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:10px;}When Rohit was asked the same question, Suryakumar sledged Rohit Sharma, who was also present at the event.“Please say from the ICC side,” Suryakumar said.On Tuesday, Rohit Sharma was named the ICC brand ambassador for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held from February 7 to March 8. The announcement was made by ICC chairman Jay Shah during an event in Mumbai.Rohit said that it isn’t just Australia — he would be happy to see India beat any team. Suryakumar, meanwhile, was also part of the Men’s ODI World Cup final squad in 2023.“Obviously, I want India to be in the finals. I can’t really put my finger on another team and say this or that. What has happened in the past has happened. I know Surya said it with a lot of passion and a heavy heart - Australia coming there and beating them in the same stadium,” Rohit said.“But I think India playing the final against any team, and India coming out on top, is what I would love to see. I’m not sure what others want, but I don’t really care about the opposition, to be honest. I just prefer India to be there, and then let’s see what happens,” Rohit added.India will begin their 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup campaign on February 7 in Mumbai against the United States of America. Their next stop will be New Delhi, where they face Namibia on February 12 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.The much-anticipated clash with Pakistan is slated for February 15 in Colombo. India will wrap up their group-stage fixtures on February 18, taking on the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.- EndsPublished By: sabyasachi chowdhuryPublished On: Nov 25, 2025Also Read | T20 World Cup 2026 schedule: IND vs PAK on Feb 15 as ICC announces dates and venuesMust Watch

3 hours ago

Sports

T20 World Cup 2026 schedule: IND vs PAK on Feb 15 as ICC announces dates and venues

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on November 25 unveiled the full schedule for the 2026 T20 World Cup at a special event in Mumbai, confirming that the tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. A total of 55 matches will be played across eight venues over the course of a month, with 20 teams split into four groups of five before progressing into the Super Eight stage and the knockouts.Defending champions India have been placed in Group A, where they will renew their fierce rivalry with Pakistan, alongside the United States, Netherlands and Namibia. With a mix of familiar opponents and high-pressure fixtures, India’s group-stage run has been carefully mapped out across three Indian cities and Colombo.As per the confirmed schedule, India will begin their campaign on February 7 against the USA in Mumbai, followed by a clash against Namibia on February 12 in New Delhi..preferred-source-banner{ margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:10px;}All eyes, however, will be on the blockbuster India vs Pakistan encounter on February 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo — a contest that is expected to draw global attention and could play a decisive role in shaping the Super Eight equation. India will wrap up their group-stage campaign against the Netherlands on February 18 in Ahmedabad at the Narendra Modi Stadium.Among the key talking points from the unveiling was the decision to stage three group-stage matches per day, with fixtures set for 11 am, 3 pm and 7 pm.Former India T20I captain Rohit Sharma, who led the side to their 2024 title triumph, was present at the announcement ceremony alongside India Women’s World Cup-winning skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and current men’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. During the event, ICC Chairman Jay Shah also revealed that Rohit Sharma has been named the brand ambassador for the T20 World Cup 2026.India head into the tournament as the reigning champions after clinching their second T20 World Cup crown in 2024 with a dramatic seven-run victory over South Africa in the final in Barbados. That win added to their historic maiden title in 2007 and reinforced their reputation as one of the major forces in the shortest format.T20 World Cup 2026: Format and groupsThe 20 teams have been divided into four groups of five, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the Super Eight stage.Group A: India, Pakistan, United States, Netherlands, NamibiaGroup B: Australia, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe, OmanGroup C: England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, ItalyGroup D: New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Canada, United Arab EmiratesAccording to the tournament blueprint, India’s Super Eight fixtures — should they progress — will be played in Ahmedabad, Chennai and Kolkata. In the event of a semi-final qualification, India will feature in Mumbai. The second semi-final is slated for Colombo or Kolkata, depending on whether Pakistan or Sri Lanka makes the last four. The final is scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad, with Colombo designated as the alternate venue should Pakistan reach the title clash.Host venuesIndiaDelhi – Arun Jaitley StadiumAhmedabad – Narendra Modi StadiumMumbai – Wankhede StadiumChennai – MA Chidambaram StadiumKolkata – Eden GardensSri LankaColombo – R Premadasa StadiumColombo – Sinhalese Sports ClubKandy – Pallekele International StadiumT20 World Cup 2026: India’s group-stage fixtures07 February 2026 – India vs USA, Mumbai12 February 2026 – India vs Namibia, New Delhi15 February 6 – India vs Pakistan, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo18 February 2026 – India vs Netherlands, AhmedabadT20 World Cup 2026: Full fixture:07 Feb 2026 – Saturday11:00 AM – Pakistan vs Netherlands – SSC, Colombo3:00 PM – West Indies vs Bangladesh – Kolkata7:00 PM – India vs USA – Mumbai08 Feb 2026 – Sunday11:00 AM – New Zealand vs Afghanistan – Chennai3:00 PM – England vs Nepal – Mumbai7:00 PM – Sri Lanka vs Ireland – Premadasa, Colombo09 Feb 2026 – Monday11:00 AM – Bangladesh vs Italy – Kolkata3:00 PM – Zimbabwe vs Oman – SSC, Colombo7:00 PM – South Africa vs Canada – Ahmedabad10 Feb 2026 – Tuesday11:00 AM – Netherlands vs Namibia – Delhi3:00 PM – New Zealand vs UAE – Chennai7:00 PM – Pakistan vs USA – SSC, Colombo11 Feb 2026 – Wednesday11:00 AM – South Africa vs Afghanistan – Ahmedabad3:00 PM – Australia vs Ireland – Premadasa, Colombo7:00 PM – England vs West Indies – Mumbai12 Feb 2026 – Thursday11:00 AM – Sri Lanka vs Oman – Kandy3:00 PM – Nepal vs Italy – Mumbai7:00 PM – India vs Namibia – Delhi13 Feb 2026 – Friday11:00 AM – Australia vs Zimbabwe – Premadasa, Colombo3:00 PM – Canada vs UAE – Delhi7:00 PM – USA vs Netherlands – Chennai14 Feb 2026 – Saturday11:00 AM – Ireland vs Oman – SSC, Colombo3:00 PM – England vs Bangladesh – Kolkata7:00 PM – New Zealand vs South Africa – Ahmedabad15 Feb 2026 – Sunday11:00 AM – West Indies vs Nepal – Mumbai3:00 PM – USA vs Namibia – Chennai7:00 PM – India vs Pakistan – Premadasa, Colombo16 Feb 2026 – Monday11:00 AM – Afghanistan vs UAE – Delhi3:00 PM – England vs Italy – Kolkata7:00 PM – Australia vs Sri Lanka – KandySuper 8 phase26 Feb 2026 – Thursday3:00 PM – X3 vs X4 – Ahmedabad7:00 PM – X1 vs X2 – Chennai27 Feb 2026 – Friday7:00 PM – Y1 vs Y2 – Premadasa, Colombo28 Feb 2026 – Saturday7:00 PM – Y3 vs Y4 – Kandy01 Mar 2026 – Sunday3:00 PM – X2 vs X4 – Delhi7:00 PM – X1 vs X3 – KolkataKnockouts04 Mar 2026 – Wednesday7:00 PM – Semi Final 1 – Kolkata Premadasa, Colombo05 Mar 2026 – Thursday7:00 PM – Semi Final 2 – Mumbai08 Mar 6 – Sunday7:00 PM – FINAL – Premadasa, Colombo AhmedabadWith the fixture list now locked in, teams will shift focus to squad selection, workload management and tactical preparation as one of the most anticipated editions of the T20 World Cup edges closer — with the India–Pakistan showdown set to headline the group stage.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Nov 25, 2025Also Read | IND vs SA: Early blows in 549 chase kill draw hopes as India face another home sweepMust Watch

5 hours ago

Technology

Ashes : England keep suspense alive, name 12-man squad for Perth series opener

England are keeping their cards close to their chest. Breaking from their usual practice of naming the playing XI well in advance, the Ben Stokes-led side has announced only a 12-man squad for the first Ashes Test against Australia. The much-anticipated series begins at Perth Stadium on Friday, 22 November.England named a 16-man squad for the Ashes, which they have now trimmed to 12. Will Jacks, Jacob Betthel, and pacers Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue are the ones who have been left out.There had been speculation that England might field an all-pace attack for the opener, which is expected to be played on a green seamer. However, Shoaib Bashir has been included in the 12, meaning the decision on whether to play a spinner will be left until the morning of the match.Optus Stadium curator Isaac McDonald has promised a lively surface with pace and bounce for the series opener. Early visuals of the pitch supported expectations of a green top. However, according to the BBC, England believe the surface is slightly drier than anticipated, prompting them to keep their spin option open..preferred-source-banner{ margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:10px;}England have also decided to persist with Ollie Pope at No. 3 despite his modest record in Australia, where he averages 11 in three Tests. Pope, though, strengthened his case with a century and a ninety in England’s only warm-up fixture against the Lions after arriving in Perth.There were also doubts over Mark Wood's availability. The express pacer, who returned from a long injury layoff, was taken for scans after he bowled 8 overs in the warm-up match. Fortunately, he was cleared fit. Wood was seen bowling full tilt in England's training session on Tuesday.For now, it appears Jacob Bethell will have to wait. But if Pope struggles in the first couple of Tests, the highly rated left-hander is likely to come into contention.England 12-man squad for Ashes 1st TestBen Stokes (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Mark Wood- EndsPublished By: Akshay RameshPublished On: Nov 19, 2025Must Watch

6 days ago

Sports

Jasprit Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada will play big role in IND vs SA Tests: Greame Smith

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith believes that both Jasprit Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada will play defining roles in the upcoming India vs South Africa Test series, which begins Friday at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. While much of the focus ahead of the series has been on spin, Smith feels that the early exchanges between the two world-class pacers could shape how the contest unfolds.The SA20 League commissioner said this while speaking at an event in Mumbai, noting that both teams will be wary of losing early wickets to pace before the spinners take over. “It’s never at the forefront of people’s conversation when you play cricket in the subcontinent,” Smith said. “But getting off to a solid start, having a top three that can lay a platform for you, there's nothing worse than if you go two or three down and then the spinners come on and you’re against the game already.”Smith said that South Africa’s biggest challenge will be to counter Bumrah’s precision and pace with the new ball. “So countering Bumrah up front is going to be a big thing, and Rabada as well for India. They're world-class bowlers with world-class Test records,” he added.For Rabada, the former skipper said this series will be a major test of leadership and adaptability. The Proteas fast bowler, who has led South Africa’s attack across formats for several years, will be tasked with making early breakthroughs on pitches expected to assist spin later in the game..preferred-source-banner{ margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:10px;}“This is a big challenge for KG coming to the subcontinent,” Smith explained. “He's definitely the leader of the attack, and how he can set the tone with that new ball is going to be important for Temba (Bavuma) and the team.”The former opener also felt South Africa’s batters will need to adapt quickly to the conditions, especially after gaining valuable subcontinental experience through recent A-team and Pakistan series fixtures. “Your game needs to adapt, your thinking needs to adapt to be able to play here,” he said.Smith expects the Eden Gardens surface to offer a fair contest between bat and ball, especially early in the innings. He noted that while South Africa’s spin pair Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer will be key in the middle overs, how Rabada and India’s seamers handle the new ball — and later reverse swing — could decide the tone of the series.With the defending World Test Champions arriving with a balanced attack and India boasting home advantage, Smith believes the two-Test series is set to be a tactical battle where both pace and spin will share the spotlight.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Nov 12, 2025

Nov 12, 2025