Sports

India, Pakistan headline exhilarating neighbourhood showdown

Published

2 years ago

2024/05/31

Sahan Weerasooriya

India and Pakistan will face off in Group A at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024

Two traditional rivals will face off in a crucial group at the T20 World Cup, while two further neighbours are joined by a talented European side.

Group A preview:

The Asian rivals will face still competition from co-hosts USA, Canada and Ireland in Group A of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is just around the corner as 20 teams battle it out for the most coveted title in T20I cricket.

In Group A, a pair of neighbours – India and Pakistan along with the USA and Canada – will be joined by Ireland.

India

India enter the T20 World Cup with a burning desire to shatter their streak of near misses in world events, having come agonisingly close in recent tournaments only to falter at the final hurdle.

With a formidable squad at full strength, India now stands poised to reclaim the elusive title they last clinched in the inaugural edition back in 2007.

Under the seasoned leadership of Rohit Sharma, who embarks on his second stint as captain in the T20 World Cup, the team boasts a formidable top-order line-up featuring the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav.

Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson are currently in scintillating form, presenting a pleasant dilemma for Rohit and the team management in selecting the wicket-keeper for the World Cup campaign.

India’s all-round prowess is further bolstered by the likes of Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Shivam Dube, providing depth and versatility to the squad. The bowling department boasts formidable talent with the presence of Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav and others, ensuring a well-rounded line-up.

India take on Ireland in their tournament opener on 5 June before the focus shifts to the epic clash against Pakistan on 9 June in New York.

Squad

Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Fixtures

vs Ireland – Wed, 5 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs Pakistan – Sun, 9 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs USA – Wed, 12 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs Canada – Sat, 15 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Key Player – Jasprit Bumrah

India will be bolstered by the return of Jasprit Bumrah, who was sidelined during the previous edition of the T20 World Cup in 2022 due to injury.

Since his comeback, Bumrah has reaffirmed his indispensable role in the team, showcasing his prowess with 20 wickets in 11 matches during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 held at home.

His T20 form has been sensational as well, picking up 20 wickets in 13 matches for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, despite the team struggling in the tournament.

Bumrah’s repertoire of skills knows no bounds, and in the unique conditions of the USA and the Windies, where India plays their group stage matches, his ability to vary his deliveries will prove instrumental.

Pakistan

Pakistan, much like their counterparts India, have been tantalisingly close to clinching an ICC trophy, having reached the semi-finals and final in the last two editions of the T20 World Cup.

With the disappointment of those near misses driving them, Babar Azam leads Pakistan into the upcoming tournament with a fervent desire to end their trophy drought.

Babar and Mohammad Rizwan have been linchpins of the Pakistan batting line-up for years and will be supported by Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman and Iftikhar Ahmed.

Pakistan have a variety of spin-bowling options in Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim and Abrar Ahmed to go with the abundance of riches in the pace bowling department.

Spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi, the team in green have an admirable pace battery with the presence of Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir and Abbas Afridi.

Pakistan take on co-hosts USA in their opening clash on 6 June before facing off against India in a much-awaited clash on 9 June.

Squad

Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan

Fixtures

vs USA – Thu, 6 June 2024, Texas, 10:30 AM local time

vs India – Sun, 9 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs Canada – Tue, 11 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs Ireland – Sun, 16 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Key Player – Babar Azam

Babar Azam has navigated through a turbulent period in recent months, beginning with Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, where they managed only four wins in nine games, leading to an early exit from the group stages.

He was since removed as captain and reinstated as well, tasked with the responsibility of leading Pakistan’s charge at the T20 World Cup under new leadership.

At the forefront of Pakistan’s batting line-up, Babar has been a consistent force, accumulating 3987 runs in 118 matches at an impressive average of 41.10 and a strike rate of 129.91. He has the experience of leading Pakistan in ICC events, taking the team to the semi-final and final in the last two editions under his leadership.

While scrutiny persists over his strike rate, Babar’s unwavering presence at the crease has often laid the groundwork for Pakistan’s successes in recent years, highlighting his importance to the team’s fortunes.

Ireland

For the eighth consecutive edition, Ireland have earned their spot at this year’s T20 World Cup, a testament to the nation’s evolving cricketing journey over the years.

Ireland will be under new leadership heading into the tournament, with veteran batter Paul Stirling taking over the reins of the team from Andrew Balbirnie, who had led the team in the last two editions.

The batting line-up revolves around the dynamic opening duo of the current and former captain, supported by the likes of Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ross Adair and Curtis Campher.

In the bowling department, Mark Adair and Josh Little headline the pace attack, complemented by Graham Hume, Campher, Barry McCarthy and Craig Young. Meanwhile, the spin duties are entrusted to the duo of Ben White and Gareth Delany, offering a balanced and varied bowling arsenal.

Ireland face a formidable challenge in their tournament opener against India on 5 June. However, a victory in this encounter could serve as a significant morale boost for the team, fueling their aspirations to progress beyond the group stage in the T20 World Cup for the first time in their history.

Squad

Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young

Fixtures

vs India – Wed, 5 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs Canada – Fri, 7 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs USA – Fri, 14 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

vs Pakistan – Sun, 16 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Key Player – Paul Stirling

A pillar of Ireland’s cricketing landscape, Paul Stirling assumes the leadership reins for the first time in an ICC event, marking a significant milestone in his already illustrious career.

Since his T20I debut in 2009, the 33-year-old has been a dynamic force at the top of the order, amassing 3589 runs in 142 matches at an impressive average of 27.60, with a striking rate of 135.43.

Stirling stands as Ireland’s leading run-scorer in T20Is, being the sole player from his country to surpass the 3000-run milestone in the shortest format.

His formidable partnership with Balbirnie has been instrumental in Ireland’s success, with Stirling’s explosive batting prowess setting the tone at the outset. As Ireland’s key player, his performances at the top order will play a pivotal role in the team’s quest for success in the T20 World Cup.

USA

USA embarks on a historic journey as they make their debut appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, earning their spot as co-hosts of the tournament.

This marks their first foray into a major men’s ICC event since 2004 when they competed in the group stages of the Champions Trophy.

Monank Patel will lead USA’s charge in their historic campaign and will be a key part of their batting line-up along with Aaron Jones and Steven Taylor.

The inclusion of former New Zealand international Corey Anderson adds depth and experience to the middle order, further strengthening USA’s batting prowess.

The return of Ali Khan provides a significant boost to USA’s bowling attack, with support from Saurabh Netravalkar and Milind Kumar.

USA commence their T20 World Cup campaign against neighbours Canada on 1 June, aiming to set the stage for a successful tournament with a victory in the opening match.

Squad

Monank Patel (c), Aaron Jones, Andries Gous, Corey Anderson, Ali Khan, Harmeet Singh, Jessy Singh, Milind Kumar, Nisarg Patel, Nitish Kumar, Noshtush Kenjige, Saurabh Nethralvakar, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Steven Taylor, Shayan Jahangir

Fixtures

vs Canada – Sat, 1 June 2024, Dallas, 7:30 PM local time

vs Pakistan – Thu, 6 June 2024, Texas, 10:30 AM local time

vs India – Wed, 12 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs Ireland – Fri, 14 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Key Player – Ali Khan

USA will be elated with the return of Ali Khan, who missed the recent five-match T20I series against Canada due to injury.

Khan has been a globetrotter in the franchise T20 circuit, playing in the Caribbean Premier League and Pakistan Super League. He burst onto the scene in the USA in late 2015 and shot to fame in 2016, picking up the wicket of Kumar Sangakkara off the very first ball he bowled for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the CPL.

Despite a career hampered by injuries, Khan has showcased his talent in the limited opportunities he’s had in T20Is for USA, claiming nine wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.69 in just eight matches.

Armed with a lethal yorker, Khan now finds himself with a golden opportunity to make his mark on the international stage at the T20 World Cup, hosted in his home country, where he can showcase his prowess to the world.

Canada

Like USA, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will mark the maiden appearance of Canada at the showpiece event.

However, Canada are no strangers to the big stage, having previously played the 50-over World Cup first in 1979 and then on three consecutive occasions in 2003, 2007 and 2011.

The veteran Saad Bin Zafar will captain Canada at the upcoming tournament in a side filled with experienced players, with only four players under the age of 30.

Uncapped batter Kanwarpal Tathgur, who has only played six List-A games, was a surprise inclusion in the team. Additionally, the return of pacer Jeremy Gordon and seasoned 39-year-old all-rounder Junaid Siddiqui further bolsters Canada’s squad depth.

Canada commence their T20 World Cup campaign on 1 June against co-hosts USA in Dallas, marking the beginning of their quest for success on the global stage.

Squad

Saad Bin Zafar (c), Aaron Johnson, Ravinderpal Singh, Navneet Dhaliwal, Kaleem Sana, Dilon Heyliger, Jeremy Gordon, Nikhil Dutta, Pargat Singh, Nicholas Kirton, Rayyankhan Pathan, Junaid Siddiqui, Dilpreet Bajwa, Shreyas Movva, Rishiv Joshi

Fixtures

vs USA – Sat, 1 June 2024, Dallas, 7:30 PM local time

vs Ireland – Fri, 7 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs Pakistan – Tue, 11 June 2024, New York, 10:30 AM local time

vs India – Sat, 15 June 2024, Florida, 10:30 AM local time

Key Player – Saad Bin Zafar

Saad Bin Zafar stands as the cornerstone of Canada’s campaign at the upcoming T20 World Cup, shouldering multiple responsibilities as captain, batter and bowler.

The second-most capped T20I player in the country, Saad brings with him a wealth of experience that would serve Canada greatly on the big stage.

A left-arm spinner by trait, Saad is the leading wicket-taker for Canada in T20Is with 43 scalps to his name. He is also quite handy with the bat, having scored 272 runs in 19 innings at an average of 22.66 at a strike rate of 133.99.

For Canada to have a memorable T20 World Cup debut, they will want Saad Bin Zafar to be firing on all cylinders at the upcoming tournament.

(ICC)

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CAF strips Senegal of AFCON title, Morocco declared African champions

Published

17 hours ago

2026/03/18

Priyan

Senegal forward Sadio Mane holds up the trophy as he celebrates with his teammates after the AFCON final [File: Aljazeera]

African football’s governing body has stripped Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title they won in a chaotic final two months ago and declared Morocco the champions.

In a stunning decision, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said on Tuesday that its appeals board ruled that Senegal is “declared to have forfeited” the match, a 1-0 victory. The result, it said, was now “being officially recorded as 3-0” ‌in favour of host nation Morocco.

At the January 18 final in Rabat, Senegal’s players walked off the pitch, led by coach Pape Thiaw, in protest against a penalty awarded late in regulation time to Morocco.

When play resumed after a delay of about 15 minutes, Morocco forward Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved. In extra time, Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal that saw Senegal become champions of Africa for the second time.

The heated final also saw supporters trying to storm the field, players scuffling on the sidelines, reporters from the two countries fighting in media areas, and a bizarre sequence in which Moroccan ball boys tried to seize a towel being used by Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy – in an apparent bid to distract him and help their team win the continental title.

At a disciplinary hearing in January, CAF imposed fines of more than $1m as well as bans for Senegal and Morocco players and officials, but it had left the result untouched.

The case could go to a further appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

[Aljazeera]

Sports

Sri Lanka’s 1996 fairytale still defies the odds

Published

19 hours ago

2026/03/18

Sahan Weerasooriya

Arjuna Ranatunga won the battle against Shane Warne, not just with runs but with words too.

As Sri Lanka marked the 30th anniversary of their Cricket World Cup triumph, the odds they overcame remain the stuff of cricketing folklore. Barely 15 years into their journey as a full member of the ICC, they didn’t just compete – they turned the game on its head, blindsiding the cricketing world with a brand of cricket that was as audacious as it was effective.

With field restrictions in place for the first 15 overs, Sri Lanka cashed in like seasoned pros at the top of their game. They went after bowlers with a nothing-to-lose attitude, throwing caution to the wind and runs on the board. By the time opponents tried to plug the gaps, the horse had well and truly bolted, the damage was already done.

Arjuna Ranatunga had long been tipped for greatness. Sir Garry Sobers, Sri Lanka’s first coach after gaining Test status, had earmarked him as one to watch. While Ranatunga’s contributions with the bat were invaluable, it was his leadership that truly set him apart, a skipper who knew how to marshal his troops and bring out the best in each of them.

A towering presence in Sri Lankan cricket, Ranatunga, much like Imran Khan in 1992 was handed the reins and the freedom to build a side in his own image. More than half a dozen players in that World Cup squad hailed from outstations, many of them taken under the captain’s wing and housed in his own home, a gesture that spoke volumes of the unity and trust within the camp.

“I was very lucky to have guys like Duleep Mendis, Roy Dias and Ranjan Madugalle working closely with the team. We had developed this side for about two years and our batting unit from number one to number seven had collectively played over 1000 ODIs. We knew no team could match that,” Ranatunga told Telecom Asia Sport.

For Ranatunga, success was about spotting raw talent and backing it to the hilt.

“It was clear to me there was a lot of hidden talent in the outstations. You had to identify them and give them confidence. Take Sanath Jayasuriya; in his early years he struggled. I think he had just one half-century in his first 50 games. But we knew what he was capable of. Once he got his confidence, he was unstoppable,” he said.

Sri Lanka’s triumph was not built on luck or favourable conditions, it was forged in the fire of big-match pressure. They beat India twice in their own backyard, a feat that underlined their dominance.

“Why our win is special is because we beat India twice in that tournament, in their own backyard. They had a very strong side, but we outplayed them. Aravinda’s knocks in the semi-final and final were sensational. At that point, he was the best player in the world and I was fortunate to have played alongside him,” Ranatunga recalled.

The ICC recently presented Sri Lankan players
with medallions to mark the World Cup win.

Until 1996, Sri Lanka had never made it past the first hurdle in a World Cup. But in that tournament, they were unstoppable, brushing aside England in the quarter-finals, overwhelming India in the semis and then outplaying a formidable Australian outfit in the final.

Ranatunga, never one to shy away from a verbal duel, believed that taking the fight to Australia was half the battle won.

“I always tried to get under the Australians’ skin. I knew that if you gave it back to them, they could crack under pressure,” he said.

There was much chatter ahead of the final about how Sri Lanka would handle Shane Warne. But Ranatunga had his cards in place.

“We had four left-handers in the top seven, so we knew we could counter him. Australia rely on building dot-ball pressure when wickets don’t come. But we handled it well. Asanka Gurusinha stepped out to Warne and hit a few boundaries and from there, we had the chase under control.”

Three decades on, that triumph still stands tall, not just as a victory, but as a turning point. It was the day Sri Lanka didn’t just win a World Cup, but rewrote the script of one-day cricket, proving that even the underdogs can have the last laugh if they are willing to play with courage, conviction and a touch of madness.

(Telecom Asia Sport)

Sports

Time for a Result at Lovers’ Quarrel

Published

19 hours ago

2026/03/18

Sahan Weerasooriya

Richmond College Team

‎Seated (from left) Ravinu Randinu, Avindu Theekshana (Asistant Coach), Lahiru Maduwantha (Assistant Coach), P.A Dharmarathne (Assistant Principal), Bevin Jayawardena (Captain), Rusira Maddumahewage (Principal), Tenusha Nimsara (Vice Captain), Chamith Wickramasingha (MIC), Mahesh Sandaruwan (Head Coach), Sidath Priyankara (Assistant Coach), Nethuja Basitha.

‎Standing (from left) Hiruk Akalanka, Daham Sathsara, Ameesha Rasanjana, Chalindu Karunarathne, Punal Hansajith, Ranindu De Silva, Tenura Dias, Vihanga Indusara, Shevan De Soyza, Nethsara Akash, Minaga Ariyadasa, Risinu Rupasinghe, Senuk Dulmeth.

One of the most anticipated school cricket encounters in the south, the “Lovers’ Quarrel” between Richmond College and Mahinda College returns with high expectations as the 2026 edition gets underway at the iconic Galle International Stadium on Thursday.

‎Despite its rich legacy and passionate following, the series has been locked in draws, with no outright winner emerging over the past six years. While such streaks are not uncommon in Sri Lanka’s school cricket circuit, the nature of play both Richmond and Mahinda bring to the field has only intensified the calls for a decisive result. With two well-balanced sides, 2026 could well be the year that produce a result.

‎Richmond enter the contest with memories of their last victory still relatively fresh, having triumphed under Thaveesha Abishek in 2019. Mahinda, on the other hand, are eager to end a much longer drought, with their last win dating back to 2008 under the captaincy of Rajitha Priyan. Over the years, both teams have come close, producing thrilling contests, yet the elusive result has remained just out of reach.

‎This year, Richmond skipper Bevin Jayawardhana leads from the front with a consistent run tally exceeding 500 runs for the season. He is well supported by a formidable batting unit featuring Ameesha Rasanjana, who has amassed over 600 runs including a century and four half-centuries. Risinu Rupasinghe and Tenusha Nimsara, both with over 500 runs, add further depth, with Nimsara also contributing a century and three fifties—making Richmond a side capable of posting imposing totals.

‎Their strength extends into the bowling department, where spin is likely to play a decisive role. Off-spinner Minaga Ariyadasa, with 39 wickets, leads the attack, backed by left-arm spinners Nethuja Basitha and Tenusha Nimsara, who have claimed over 30 and 26 wickets respectively. Seam option Ranindu de Silva adds variety and could be a key factor with the new ball.

‎Mahinda, led by Arosha Udayanga, boast an equally dangerous lineup. Wicketkeeper-batsman Randula Mabarana has been in sublime form, accumulating 692 runs, including a century and four fifties, highlighted by a fine 115 against S. Thomas’ College. Thevindu Rashmika has also impressed with 680 runs and two centuries, including a commanding 151 against Nalanda College. Deputy skipper Dulsith Darshana (578 runs) and Dineth Pahasara, who struck a notable 175 against Nalanda, strengthen a batting order that can turn matches on its head.

‎Their bowling attack is spearheaded by off-spinner Manitha Rajapaksha, who has taken over 50 wickets this season, making him one of the most potent threats in the encounter. Leg spinners Sehas Ashinsa and skipper Udayanga add further depth with their all-round capabilities, giving Mahinda a well-rounded edge.

‎With both teams stacked with proven performers and match-winners, the stage is perfectly set for a gripping contest. The question remains whether either side will seize the initiative and push for victory, or if the Lovers’ Quarrel will once again end in a stalemate.

‎Cricket’s unpredictability has long defined this historic encounter—but as anticipation builds, fans in Galle and beyond will be hoping that 2026 finally delivers the result they have been waiting for.

Mahinda College Team

‎Seated (from left) G.H. Sachith Lakmal (Asst. Coach), Jagath Samarakoon (Master in Charge – Junior), M.W. Ajith (Prefect of Games), Arosha Udayanga (Captain), Janaka Peduruhewa (Principal), Dulsith Darshana (Vice Captain), L.P. Weeraman (Deputy Principal – Sports), Y. Nishantha Kumara (Master in Charge – Senior), T.D. Ajantha Kumara (Head Coach ‎Standing (from left) Ruvinda Deshanjana, Kavindu Nimsara, Buddima Tharupathi, Naviru Nishitha, Kaveesha Githmal, Sehas Ashinsa, Thiyon Helika, Manitha Rajapaksha, Sadew Nethmina, Thevindu Rashmika, Randula Mabarana, Vishmitha Sathsara, Gesandu Bisas, Dineth Pahasara, Mandith Manodara.