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)

India national cricket team beat Namibia national cricket team by 93 runs in their T20 World Cup group match in Delhi after posting 209/9. India’s batting was powered by Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya. Ishan Kishan scored a quick 61 off 24 balls. Hardik Pandya added 52 off 27 balls to lift the total past 200. Namibia were bowled out for 116. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy took three wickets for just seven runs. Axar Patel picked two key wickets. Every Indian bowler took at least one wicket. India registered their second Group A win with a dominant all-round performance. (PC: BCCI)

India opener Abhishek Sharma has been discharged from hospital but his availability for the T20 World Cup match against Namibia is still unclear. He was treated for a stomach infection and viral fever after reaching New Delhi. He did not attend the team’s latest practice session. Teammate Tilak Varma said doctors completed his tests and the team will review his condition before the game. “We will decide by tomorrow, check how he feels and then take a call,” he said. Tilak also confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah is fit to play the next match. (PC: BCCI)

India opener Abhishek Sharma has reportedly lost significant weight after a stomach infection led to severe dehydration and hospitalisation. According to reports, the illness began after a net session in Mumbai on February 6, possibly linked to something he ate. His condition worsened, and he was admitted to a Delhi hospital before being discharged later. He is unlikely to play the T20 World Cup match against Namibia. India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said, “Abhi still has a few issues with his tummy.” He added, “We’re waiting on Abhi’s fitness more than anything.” The team is monitoring his recovery closely. (PC: NDTV)

India opener Abhishek Sharma is likely to miss the T20 World Cup match against Namibia after being hospitalised with a stomach infection. He missed India’s training session in New Delhi before the game. A Board of Control for Cricket in India source said he has been admitted for two days and medical tests are ongoing. “Match against Namibia looks doubtful as of now,” the source said. He was unwell even during the last match against USA and left the field early. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said the team is waiting on his fitness before finalising combinations. (PC: HT)

Bangladesh has withdrawn from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, refusing to send its cricket team to play matches in India due to alleged security concerns following the exclusion of pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL and broader political tensions. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) formally asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate its fixtures to Sri Lanka, but the request was rejected, leading to Bangladesh being replaced by Scotland. Sports adviser Asif Nazrul later claimed the decision was made by the BCB and players, not the government. The ICC has said no sanctions will be imposed on Bangladesh. (PC: X)