Sports
India, Pakistan headline exhilarating neighbourhood showdown
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)
Opener Abhishek Sharma hit a record T20 century off 30 balls to set up a crushing 127 run win for India in the third match against Afghanistan and sweep the series 3-0.
Left-handed Abhishek’s ton on Thursday was the fastest in a T20 international between full Test-playing nations as he guided India to 221-7 at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Afghanistan, who were the official hosts for the series, checked the opposition surge after Abhishek departed for 108 off 34 balls and India lost their way from 142-1 in 10 overs.
But the Afghan batters once again disappointed and were bowled out for 94 in 14.1 overs.
Afghanistan had posted 156-8 and 159-8 while batting first in the first two matches.
Left-arm spinner Axar Patel struck twice in his first over to send back Rahmanullah Gurbaz, for 15 and Sediqullah Atal, for one. Afghanistan could never recover from the losses.
Seam bowler Nitish Kumar Reddy also took two wickets in one over to return figures of 3-25.
Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi wrapped up the Afghanistan innings with his third strike of the match.
Abhishek stood out with his third T20 century as he surpassed Zimbabwean Sikandar Raza’s ton off 33 balls against Gambia in 2024 and Finn Allen’s effort from the same number of deliveries in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup semi-final win over South Africa earlier this year in India.
The only two faster T20I hundreds came in matches between the lower-tiered associate members of the ICC.
Sahil Chauhan of Estonia holds the overall record of 27 balls after his century against Cyprus two years ago, while Muhammad Fahad needed just 29 balls for his ton for Turkey against Bulgaria in 2025.
Abhishek tore into the Afghanistan bowling attack after India were invited to bat first.
The swashbuckling opener hit a six to reach 99. He completed the hundred with a single and sat in meditation pose to celebrate.
He finally fell for 108 off 34 balls to leg-spinner Rashid Khan. The 26-year-old’s knock was laced with nine fours and 11 sixes.
His opening stand of 142 with Sanju Samson, who hit 50, put India on course for a big total but the Afghan bowlers hit back with regular wickets.
Tilak Varma was run out for two by Rashid and Samson departed after his second successive half-century as he fell to pace bowler Azmatullah Omarzai.
Omarzai struck another blow helped by a stunning catch by Rashid in the deep to send back Shivam Dube for 14.
India raised their 100 in six overs but managed just 79 from the last 60 balls.
India now head to Japan for the Asian Games starting September 19 at Nagoya-Aichi.
Afghanistan will send a largely different team to the Asian Games under Darwish Rasooli.
[Aljazeera]
Consecutive thrashings in three days saw England take the T20I series against Sri Lanka with a game to spare. Thursday’s victory was just as one-sided as the opener at the Utilita Bowl, which they took by 119 runs; in Cardiff, Harry Brook’s side reached a lacklustre target of 146 with 47 balls to spare, with Tom Banton unbeaten on 52 off 24 for the conclusion as England took an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Brook was able to give his team their usual chasing privileges at Sophia Gardens. They punched their ticket once more for a 10th win in 12 completed T20Is at this venue. Their overall record has extended to 22 wins from 25 completed matches since Brook took over last June.
Sri Lanka’s stand-in skipper Charith Asalanka also wanted to bat second to make use of the shorter, straight boundaries, a fact Sri Lanka seemed to forget when setting a total. Their paltry 145 for 9 was baffling: barring Pathum Nissanka’s 37 from 21 and Kamindu Mendis’s 12 off 8, there was no urgency or attempt at ingenuity.
Nissanka lifted them to 55 for 0 after the first five overs, but they were held hostage for the final 15, returning 90 for 9. That included just seven runs from the final three overs, including a wicket-maiden in the 19th for Sonny Baker.
That initial burst of scoring was capped with a 17-run over off Will Jacks, who failed to hide the short, straight hit from the River Taff End. Liam Dawson then removed Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara in consecutive balls in the final Powerplay over.
That proved to be the end of Sri Lanka’s impetus, and this contest. Asalanka’s 31 and Wanindu Hasaranga’s 27 came in the face of an exceptionally professional middle-overs display from Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid and Dawson, who finished with 3 for 32 to earn player-of-the-match honours.
Aneurin Donald, as the hometown hero returning to his boyhood county, Glamorgan, had the crowd with him, managing to better his debut knock with 21 off 13 this time but struggled to get his timing right.
Buttler initially had no such issues, carrying over his form from the 80 struck on Tuesday. He wasted no time getting to 30, moving to 15,000 runs in all T20, reclaiming the outright lead, now one ahead of Kieron Pollard. That included taking 16 off the second over from left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka, brought into the XI with debutant Tharindu Rathnayake, as spinners Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theeskshana made way.
With Buttler removed, and Brook dismissed for the first time in four innings – his 23 today taking his aggregate in that stretch to 311 runs – there was a hint of jeopardy at 79 for 3 after seven overs. But with 69 required from the remaining 78 balls, England’s middle order could decided between themselves who was going to see it home with a score of note.
In the end, it was Banton, adding another finishing cameo to his catalogue. He ticked over a fifth half-century from 24 deliveries before a succession of no-balls and wides was followed by Jacks’s lame tuck into midwicket for an underwhelming finish.
The silent “W” in the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) was represented in the first T20I on Tuesday by Aneurin Donald. It was the first time since 2005 that an England team has featured a product of Glamorgan. This evening, however, was that much more special.
Born in Swansea, Donald – who hails from a family with deep roots in the game – stepped out at Cardiff to an emotional home coming. Even Kevin Pietersen, who presented Donald his maiden cap, referenced it ahead of Southampton. This, really, meant more.
It was with Glamorgan that Donald made his domestic debuts, before leaving to join Hampshire in 2015. The route to this point, back at Sophia Gardens as a Welshman of international repute, has been long, and riddled with doubt.
Donald was not quite able to grab the night for himself. With a low crowd, and against poor opposition, it felt like the evening needed him to be the story. But a lap over fine leg for six, and two fours – all in a row against Dushmantha Chameera – did get the Welsh support vibing with him a little more.
A scuffed heave off Eshan Malinga – misreading a slower ball – saw him depart for just 21 in a low run-chase. But it was an important cameo in the bigger picture.
“I’ve got the opportunity to fly the flag for everyone that’s put some time and energy into me, but not just that, the wider Welsh game,” Donald told the BBC in the lead-up to this match. “It’s an added responsibility but I’m determined to try and fly the flag.”
If you really squint, Pathum Nissanka’s breezy innings could be seen as a silver lining.
Two months on from surgery to his right wrist – which took place in London – the 28-year old produced his most recognisable innings since returning to competitive action at the end of August.
Having missed the Test series against India, and the Lanka Premier League, a couple of T20s for Nondescripts and a couple of hits against England Lions meant he looked understandably rusty in Southampton. Sri Lanka were a doubt to challenge their 255 target, and certainly not when their best batter managed just 12 from 11.
Here in Cardiff, there was a return close to the norm. He was a cut above his teammates, a chasm initially exaggerated at first by Lahiru Udara struggling at the other end, who at one point had 1 off 9 balls.
It was clear Nissanka was central to any respectable total. The only batter sharp enough to use his feet, and create different angles, Jofra Archer was taken for 14 in his opening over. After a flick around the corner, Nissanka charged and cut square before lapping the final ball over his shoulder, crouching to send England’s fastest quick inside the man at short fine.
The problem was always going to be the other end, and consecutive dismissals in the final over of the Powerplay summed that up. After the six-over mark, Sri Lanka were 56 for 2, with 33 contributed by Nissanka, having only faced 13 balls with the fielding restrictions. If that felt like a waste, then his dismissal at the end of the 9th certainly was, having added just 4 runs in eight more balls.
Remarkably, he was the only Sri Lanka batter to target the short, straight boundaries when he hit Will Jacks for a straight six at the start of the fourth over.
Scores:
England 146 for 4 in 12.1 overs (Jos Buttler 30, Aneurin Donald 21, Harry Brook 23, Tom Banton 52*, Jordan Cox 12; Dushmantha Chameera 1-29, Wanidu Hasaranga 1-42, Eshan Malinga 1-27, Tharindu Rathnayake 1-25) beat Sri Lanka 145 for 9 in 20 overs (Pathum Nassanka 37, Lahiru Udara 21, Charith Asalanka 31, Kamindu Mendis 12, Wanidu Hasaranga 27; Sonny Baker 1-15, Joffra Archer 2-34, Liam Dawson 3-32, Jamie Overton 2-23, Adil Rashid 1-18) by six wickets
[Cricinfo]
Sonal Dinusha has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2026.
This marks Dinusha being crowned with the accolade for the first time in his career.
Having played only three Tests for Sri Lanka coming into the ICC World Test Championship series against India, the left-handed batter was the leading run-getter in the two-match series.
Dinusha finished with 420 runs, averaging a spectacular 140, with three centuries and a half-century to his name.
“This recognition means so much to me, especially so early in my career, and I’m truly grateful to the ICC for this honour,” Dinusha said while reflecting on his latest achievement.
While Sri Lanka lost the first Test by 165 runs, Dinusha managed to score 100 in the first innings, followed by 84 runs in the second.
In the second Test, with the hosts battling to avoid a series sweep, Dinusha scored twin centuries in the two innings (103 and an unbeaten 133) to orchestrate a famous draw.
“The series against India will always hold a special place in my heart,” Dinusha added.
“Scoring three centuries was a dream come true, made even more meaningful by achieving them in Colombo and Galle in front of our home fans. “Although we didn’t get the overall result we hoped for, the way our team fought back in the second match showed the character, belief and determination we have as a side. I’m proud to have shared that fight with my teammates.
Dinusha made his Test debut for Sri Lanka last year, during the home series against Bangladesh.
In a short time, the all-rounder has made a big impact while representing his team in the longest format, an achievement he isn’t taking for granted.
“Representing Sri Lanka is a privilege I never take for granted, and this recognition gives me even more motivation to keep learning, improving and contributing to the team.
“I’ll continue to give my very best for Sri Lanka in the months and years ahead.”
The hosts managed to keep the series at 1-0, and Dinusha was named the Player of the Match in Colombo. [ICC]
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