Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav personally mimicked Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq's controversial stop-start bowling action during practice, helping teammates prepare for Sunday's T20 World Cup clash in Colombo. Footage showed Abhishek Sharma, recovered from stomach illness, batting against Suryakumar's imitation of Tariq's quirky delivery stride. The Pakistani spinner has taken 11 wickets in four T20Is with an economy under six, making him a surprise weapon. Suryakumar dismissed concerns, saying: "If you get an out-of-syllabus question in exams, you don't leave it; you try to answer." Abhishek looked in prime condition, dispatching boundaries against Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, sending a message to Pakistan's spin brigade.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav hinted at Abhishek Sharma's return for Sunday's T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan after the young opener missed the Namibia match due to illness. The 23-year-old left-hander was hospitalized with a stomach infection, losing nearly two kilos, but has since recovered. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed hope Abhishek would play, wanting to face India's strongest XI. When told about Agha's comments, Suryakumar cheekily responded: "If Pakistan want Abhishek Sharma to play, he will play." The aggressive opener, currently the top-ranked T20I batter, would likely replace Sanju Samson, bringing crucial spin-hitting capability to Colombo's spin-friendly conditions.

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav cautioned against Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq ahead of Sunday's T20 World Cup clash, calling him "out of syllabus." Tariq has taken 11 wickets in four T20Is at an average of 7.90, but his unique sidearm action has sparked controversy over its legality, with chucking accusations. Suryakumar revealed Indian batters have been practicing against similar bowling actions and styles. Despite medical testing clearing Tariq's action as resulting from a natural anatomical condition, scrutiny continues. India defeated USA by 29 runs and Namibia by 93 runs in their opening fixtures, while Pakistan beat Netherlands by three wickets and USA by 32 runs. (PC: NDTV)

Sri Lanka Police have made strict security plans for the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match in Colombo on Sunday. Armed guards have been assigned to both teams from the airport to the stadium. Security will continue until the teams leave the country. Fans have been asked to reach the R. Premadasa Stadium four hours early. Gates will open at 3 PM for the 7 PM IST match. The game is sold out. Both teams are unbeaten so far. India have won seven of their eight previous T20 World Cup matches against Pakistan. (PC: Asian Cricket Council)

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said he was unsure if his team would observe the traditional handshake with India before their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match, amid ongoing controversy. Agha urged both sides to uphold the spirit of cricket but declined to confirm whether the gesture would take place, saying, “We will see about it tomorrow.” The debate stems from last year’s Asia Cup, when India’s Suryakumar Yadav chose not to shake hands with Pakistan’s players in respect for victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, raising tensions between the rivals. (PC: India Today)

Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan, former spinner Harbhajan Singh advised India to play carefully against Pakistan’s spinner Usman Tariq. He said India is a strong team but must handle Tariq safely.   Tariq has taken 11 wickets in four T20 matches. His bowling action has also sparked debate.   Former wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia said India looks confident and fearless. He added that Pakistan will feel pressure.   Mongia also expects a strong performance from all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has a good record against Pakistan. (PC: AFP)

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir sparked controversy by calling India's World No. 1 T20 batter Abhishek Sharma a "slogger" and questioning his technical ability. During a Pakistani TV discussion, Amir claimed Abhishek has high failure chances, scoring "once in 8 innings" with typical scores of "10, 15, 0, and 20." He suggested bowling on the body to exploit weaknesses and stated he'll consider Abhishek a proper batter only when he tackles swinging deliveries well. Fans reacted angrily on social media to Amir's remarks. Abhishek, currently recovering from a stomach issue that caused him to miss the Namibia game and lose 2kg weight, hasn't been ruled out of the upcoming Pakistan match.

Zimbabwe national cricket team produced a major surprise by beating Australia national cricket team by 23 runs in a ICC Men's T20 World Cup group match in Colombo. Zimbabwe posted 169 for 2 in 20 overs after a steady batting effort. Australia were then bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs. Zimbabwe’s pace attack led the fight with four key wickets from their lead fast bowler. Captain Sikandar Raza said the team aimed for a safe score, adding, “If you look for 190 now, it is 140 all-out.” The result puts Australia in danger in the group stage. 

Crishan Kalugamage produced a match-winning bowling spell to help Italy record their first ever T20 World Cup win, beating Nepal at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The leg-spinner, who earlier worked in pizzerias in Italy, once feared his cricket journey was over. He returned to competitive cricket and delivered a key performance on the big stage. Italy chased down the target without losing a wicket to seal the landmark result. The victory marked a major moment for Italian cricket in global competition. Kalugamage’s performance stood out as the turning point in the historic match.

India opener Abhishek Sharma remains a doubt for the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan after a recent stomach infection. He was hospitalised with fever and pain but has now been discharged. He did not fully train with the squad and is still regaining strength. Teammate Varun Chakravarthy said, “He looks good… he told me he is on the way.” Captain Suryakumar Yadav earlier said the opener could miss “one or two games.” Team staff will take a final call after net sessions in Colombo. His batting workload in practice will guide the selection decision. (PC: NDTV)