In the T20 World Cup 2026 match against Zimbabwe, Team India emerged victorious by 72 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In an attempt to chase a target of 257 runs, Zimbabwe managed to score 184 runs for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs. Opening the innings, Brian Bennett played an unbeaten knock of 97 runs off 59 balls, which was laced with eight boundaries and six maximums. Wicketkeeper-batsman Tadiwanashe Marumani scored 20 runs in 20 balls, including two maximums. Dion Myers departed after scoring six runs in nine balls. Skipper Sikandar Raza smashed 31 runs in 21 balls, including two boundaries and the same number of maximums. Ryan Burl was dismissed for a two-ball duck. Tony Munyonga accumulated 11 runs in six balls, including two boundaries. Tashinga Musekiwa scored seven runs in four balls. Brad Evans stayed unbeaten on one run in one ball. Team India's Arshdeep Singh returned with the figures of three wickets for 24 runs in four overs. Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube claimed one wicket each. Lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya went wicketless in the T20 World Cup 2026 match against Zimbabwe. Earlier, having put to bat first, Team India's wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson scored 24 runs in 15 balls, including a boundary and two maximums. Fellow opening batsman Abhishek Sharma smashed 55 runs after facing 30 balls, including four boundaries and the same number of maximums. Facing 24 deliveries, Ishan Kishan played a knock of 38 runs, which was laced with four boundaries and a maximum. Later, Skipper Suryakumar Yadav also accumulated 33 runs off just 13 balls, including three boundaries and two maximums. Premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya garnered an unbeaten 50 runs off 23 balls, including two boundaries and four maximums. Shouldering him was Tilak Varma, who scored an unbeaten 44 runs in just 16 balls, with the help of three boundaries and four maximums. With this, the "Men in Blue" posted a total of 156 runs for the loss of four wickets in 20 overs. Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzarabani returned with the figures of one wicket for 43 runs in four overs. Richard Ngarava, Tinotenda Maposa, and skipper Sikandar Raza bagged one wicket each. Brad Evans, Brian Bennett, and Ryan Burl went wicketless in the T20 World Cup 2026 match against Team India.
26 February,2026 11:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn the Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026 against the West Indies, South Africa emerged victorious by nine wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. During the match, the Proteas' skipper Aiden Markram delivered an unbeaten knock of 82 runs off just 46 deliveries, which was laced with seven boundaries and four maximums. Speaking about the pitch after the clash, Markram said that his team bowled well and the track was "tacky" and "stopy" in Ahmedabad. "I thought we actually bowled quite nicely. A team like West Indies will take the game to you. Thought the pitch was tacky and stopy. With the early nip, wanted to keep the ball up. Steep bounce came from the tackiness. Fortunately ended up on the right side of the toss," he said. The skipper is also hopeful of getting through the semi-final match of the ongoing global showpiece. "No step in this competition is easy. Hopefully, we get through (to the semifinals). Will be great, do not think too far ahead, but boys have got used to the conditions here (at Ahmedabad)," said Markram. He also overtook JP Duminy to become the Proteas' fourth-highest run-getter in T20Is. Currently, in 75 T20Is, Markram has 1,944 runs at an average of 32.40 and a strike rate of 148.73, with 14 fifties to his name and a best score of an unbeaten 86 runs. On the other hand, Duminy has scored 1,934 runs in 81 matches and 75 innings at an average of 38.68 and a strike rate of 126.24 with 11 fifties and a best score of an unbeaten 96 runs. Along with him, veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock smashed 47 runs off 24 balls. His knock also included four boundaries and the same number of maximums. Later, Ryan Rickelton also scored an unbeaten 45 runs, which came in 28 balls. His knock also included four boundaries and two maximums. With this, the Proteas chased the target of 177 runs by losing just one wicket in 16.1 overs. Having secured victories in two matches, South Africa will lock horns with Zimbabwe on March 1 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. (With ANI Inputs)
26 February,2026 09:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn the T20 World Cup 2026 match against Team India, Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza has won the toss and elected to bowl first at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Zimbabwe will enter the clash with just one change, with Tinotenda Maposa replacing Graeme Cremer. After winning the toss, Zimbabwe skipper Raza said, "We’ve chosen to bowl first because this Chennai surface looks different from the usual one, with some moisture that should help our seamers early. We want to give our quarterbacks the best chance to make early breakthroughs and set the tone for the game. Fielding and bowling are two areas we have to improve from the last match, and restricting India to a manageable score will lift our energy. It’s a big game for both sides, and pressure will play a major role—whoever handles the nerves better will come out on top. My hand is fine; we didn’t feel the need for an X?ray. We’ve made one tactical change, with Tinotenda Maposa coming in for Graeme Cremer". The "Men in Blue" have made two major changes. Sanju Samson has come in the place of Rinku Singh, and Washington Sundar will make way for vice-captain Axar Patel. On the other hand, Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav said, "We’re completely fine with the decision because we wanted to bat first and put runs on the board. Pressure games often bring out the best in players, and the group feels relaxed, focused, and ready for the moment. Hardik’s pep talk lifted the energy in the camp—he spoke brilliantly, and his experience always adds confidence to the team. From the last game, we want improvements across all departments while staying true to the style we’ve played all year. The message is simple: enjoy the game, forget the noise, and stay fearless. We’ve made two changes—Axar Patel comes in for Washington Sundar, and Sanju Samson replaces Rinku Singh, with Sanju also taking the gloves". T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8: India vs Zimbabwe- Confirmed Playing XI India: Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah. Zimbabwe: Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (C), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.
26 February,2026 06:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn the T20 World Cup 2026 match against the West Indies, South Africa secured a dominating victory by nine wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Having put to chase a target of 177 runs, the Proteas scored 177 runs for the loss of just one wicket in 16.1 overs. Opening the innings, skipper Aiden Markram played an unbeaten knock of 82 runs off just 46 deliveries, which was laced with seven boundaries and four maximums. Wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock departed after scoring 47 runs in 24 balls, with the help of four boundaries and the same number of maximums. Ryan Rickelton stayed unbeaten on the score of 45 runs, which came in 28 balls. His knock also included four boundaries and two maximums. West Indies' Roston Chase managed to pick up one wicket for 46 runs in four overs. Matthew Forde, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Shamar Joseph, and Gudakesh Motie went wicketless in the T20 World Cup 2026 match against South Africa. Earlier, having put to bat first, the West Indies' opening batsman, Brandon King, scored 21 runs in 11 balls, including five boundaries. Skipper Shai Hope departed after scoring 16 runs in six balls, with the help of a boundary and two maximums. Shimron Hetmyer was dismissed for two runs in three balls. Rovman Powell accumulated nine runs in 11 balls, including a boundary. Roston Chase scored two runs in two balls. Sherfane Rutherford also scored 12 runs in 10 balls, including a maximum. Matthew Forde registered 11 runs in nine balls, with the help of a boundary and a maximum. Later, Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd delivered crucial knocks. Facing 31 balls, Holder missed his well-deserved half-century by just one run. His knock of 49 runs, including four boundaries and three maximums. Shepherd scored an unbeaten 52 runs off 37 deliveries, laced with three boundaries and four maximums. Gudakesh Motie stayed unbeaten without facing any balls. With this, the West Indies posted a total of 176 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs. South Africa's Lungi Ngidi claimed three wickets for 30 runs in four overs. Kagiso Rabada and Corbin Bosch bagged two wickets each. Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj went wicketless in the T20 World Cup 2026 match against the Caribbeans.
26 February,2026 06:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTeam India is all set to lock horns with Zimbabwe in the Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026. The clash is scheduled to be played on Thursday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Ahead of the match, former Team India cricketer Anil Kumble has cautioned the "Men in Blue" not to take Zimbabwe lightly. He said that their top four batsmen have been in excellent form, and pacers Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans have been outstanding with the ball. "India need to play their natural, aggressive brand of cricket against Zimbabwe. But Zimbabwe are going to be a tough opponent, and they must be respected. They have delivered some strong performances. They beat Australia. They chased down 179 against Sri Lanka on Sri Lankan soil. They have convincingly beaten Australia. Their top four batters have been in excellent form. Their tall fast bowlers, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans, have been outstanding with the ball, especially in the Powerplay," he said on JioHotstar. The former cricketer also stated that players have to deliver individual performances to secure a win. "India cannot take them lightly. They need to be at the top of their game. Any individual who gets going must make it count. You cannot assume the next batter will do the job. In the T20 World Cup, there are no ifs and buts. You have to go out and deliver as an individual. So yes, you hope for the right result, but India must focus on doing what they need to do," said Kumble. It will be interesting to see if Abhishek Sharma manages to deliver a big knock tonight against Zimbabwe. T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8: India vs Zimbabwe- Full squads India: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan (WK), Rinku Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Tilak Varma. Zimbabwe: Graeme Cremer, Sikandar Raza (C), Ryan Burl, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Dion Myers, Blessing Muzarabani, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, Ben Curran, Tadiwanashe Marumani (WK), Tashinga Musekiwa, Clive Madande (WK), Brian Bennett, Tinotenda Maposa. (With ANI Inputs)
26 February,2026 06:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentJammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra has been fined 50 percent of his match fee and handed two demerit points for head-butting Karnataka substitute fielder K.V. Aneesh during day two’s play in the Ranji Trophy final at the KSCA Ground on Wednesday. A BCCI official told IANS that Dogra has been fined 50 percent of his match fee shortly after day two’s play ended. “In addition to this, two demerit points have been added to Dogra’s disciplinary record, as per the playing conditions for men’s multi-day matches,” further said the official. The incident occurred in the 101st over of J& K’s first innings, when Dogra and Kanhaiya Wadhawan attempted to steady the innings after early setbacks. Shortly after edging a delivery from Prasidh Krishna to the boundary, Dogra exchanged words with Aneesh, who was stationed at silly point. Dogra then advanced towards Aneesh and headbutted him while still wearing his helmet, prompting immediate intervention from on-field umpires Rohan Pandit and Ulhas Gandhe, as well as Karnataka opener Mayank Agarwal and captain Devdutt Padikkal. Later, Dogra was seen apologising to Aneesh. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) said it would comply with the aforementioned decision, noting that the sanction was in line with established norms by the BCCI and the match referee’s ruling. “Whatever has been done now is as per the BCCI norms and we have to follow them. Plus, we have to follow the decision made by the match referee for this final, who is Vengalil Narayanan Kutty,” said a JKCA official to IANS. A source in the J& K team further said the head-butt from Dogra to Aneesh may have happened in the heat of the moment. “We have no idea yet on what exactly transpired on-field, but it looks like some sledging may have led to that. Otherwise, a very calm and ethics following person like Dogra wouldn’t ever react this way, especially when on-field,” said the source. Coming to the match, Dogra and Kanhaiya Wadhawan struck 70 each while Sahil Lotra was unbeaten on 57 to ensure Jammu & Kashmir, chasing their first Ranji Trophy title, reached 527/6 in 126 overs at the end of day two’s play, before bad light brought an early end to the proceedings. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 February,2026 08:43 AM IST | Hubballi | IANSThe Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) inaugurated the MCA Knowledge Centre 2026 at the MCA Sharad Pawar Indoor Cricket Academy & Recreation Centre, BKC, on Wednesday. The MCA Knowledge Centre will offer certified courses for coaches, physiotherapists, strength & conditioning coaches, performance analysts, curators, umpires, scorers and other cricket support professionals. “The MCA Knowledge Centre is not just about shaping champions on the field, but also about preparing individuals for a successful and dignified second innings beyond their playing careers. Through structured courses and expert mentorship, we aim to build a strong foundation for cricket professionals,” said MCA president Ajinkya Naik.
26 February,2026 08:43 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentJammu and Kashmir skipper Paras Dogra on Wednesday downplayed the on-field incident in which he head-butted Karnataka player KV Aneesh, saying it wasn't a "big thing" during the second day's play in the Ranji Trophy final here. Dogra was involved in a heated exchange with substitute fielder Aneesh and head-butted him on the helmet shortly after hitting a four off Prasidh Krishna. The J&K batter, who eventually fell for 70, was squared up by the India pacer with the ball flying past the slip cordon, which led to words being exchanged on the field. Asked to sum up the day in which J&K seized control reaching a massive 527/6, Dogra told reporters, "Very good, to be honest. We are in a good position." "That's what matters for me. All that keeps happening and especially when you are playing a final or something (like that), a bit of it happens," he said. "It was just in a little heat of the moment. Not a big thing. Yeah, it is all settled now. That's (a hot day) a different thing and it was momentary. We started talking and chatting after that so it's all well," Dogra added. Dogra said Jammu and Kashmir will look to bat as long as possible to force a result in the summit clash on the basis of first-innings lead. "No, we haven't set a target, to be honest. We can get the result from the first innings lead as well so we will try to bat as long as we can," he said. "Mostly everyone (in J&K camp) is satisfied but still we can go (bat) long. Everyone knows Karnataka is a good batting side. We would try to put as many runs as we can," Dogra said. Dogra, who put on 110 runs for the sixth wicket with Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70), said the discussion between them was to "dig in". "(We spoke about) having a good partnership. Let's dig in because this time won't come again. Try to give your best and take the team in a good position," he said. Dogra said he did a one-hour drill against short bowling before play began but refused to comment on the toil for Karnataka bowlers. "I can't comment on all those things. But we have worked hard. We have batted really well and that's why we have put a good score on the board. I will never say anything about the bowlers," he said. "I had a talk with Ajay Sharma sir and Dishant Yagnik, our fielding coach. In the morning (when) I came, I did a one-hour drill for it (short pitch bowling)." 153No. of First-Class matches played by Dogra (including this final) 10,587No. of First-Class runs scored by Dogra 70No. of runs scored by Paras Dogra against Karnataka on Wednesday Brief scoresJ&K 527-6 (S Pundir 121, Y Hassan 88, P Dogra 70, K Wadhawan 70, A Samad 61, S Lotra 57*; P Krishna 3-90) vs Karnataka This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 February,2026 08:42 AM IST | Hubballi | PTIUpset at Pakistan's defeat against England in the T20 World Cup Super Eights match, cricket fans posted threatening messages directed at the family of captain Salman Agha. Salman's wife, Sabe, posted on her Instagram account that by abusing and threatening her or her son, Pakistan will not win the T20 World Cup. The fans also resorted to posting abusive language to other players after Pakistan lost the match by two wickets in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday. Meanwhile, many social media users condemned the use of abusive and threatening language against players and their families with former captain Moin Khan recalling similar experiences when Pakistan had lost the final of the 1999 World Cup. "It is totally unacceptable and the cyber crimes wing should investigate these threatening posts and punish them," he said. Pakistani cricket fans have been known to get hyper emotional whenever the team lost in a major ICC events. In 1996, when Pakistan lost in the quarterfinals to India, angry protesters had attacked the residences of some players, including captain Wasim Akram. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 February,2026 08:20 AM IST | London | PTILeft-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj does not believe that staying put at one venue offers South Africa any significant advantage, saying the key lies in adapting quicker than the opposition as they gear up for a crucial T20 World Cup Super 8 clash against the West Indies here on Thursday. The Proteas have travelled outside Ahmedabad only once so far when they clashed with the UAE in New Delhi and will do one more time to compete against Zimbabwe on March 1. "It's nice to not travel, but from a pitch point of view every game has been very different. The four matches that we've played here, conditions have varied throughout. I won't see it too much as an advantage. It's about adapting quicker rather than later and focusing on execution," Maharaj said on the eve of the contest. South Africa head into the contest high on confidence after a morale-boosting win over India, but Maharaj maintained that the team is not getting carried away. "There was a real energy and buzz in the camp after beating probably the best side in the competition. But we're not getting carried away. There's still a lot of cricket to be played. It's about dusting ourselves off, doing things better and focusing on the positives." With both teams unbeaten in the Super 8 stage, a win could virtually seal a semifinal berth for South Africa. Maharaj, however, stressed the importance of taking it one game at a time. "It was a huge game for us against India. West Indies played an amazing game against Zimbabwe. It's back to the drawing board. We know the danger they possess from an explosive point of view." Having shared dressing rooms with several West Indies players in franchise cricket, Maharaj said the Proteas are well aware of the firepower the Caribbean side possesses. "They've got batters in form and bowlers who are fighting with them. It's about coming up with nice and simple plans and focusing on our execution." On how the challenge differs from facing India, he said the stakes are equally high. "At this stage of the tournament, it's a huge game. If we get over the line, it gives us qualification into the semifinals. West Indies have a way of turning up in these events, so they can't be taken for granted." The match will be South Africa's first afternoon fixture of the tournament, and Maharaj acknowledged that adapting to a 3 pm start will be crucial. "Generally the bowlers give feedback early. Quinton (de Kock) is brilliant behind the stumps in assessing conditions. It's about communication, whether it's slower balls, cutters or lengths , and then adjusting accordingly." With semifinal qualification within touching distance, Maharaj made it clear that clarity of plans and swift adaptation will be decisive against a side known for its explosive strokeplay. "It's about finding those one-percenters on the day. If we're clear in what we want to do and execute well, that's all we can control," he signed off. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 February,2026 08:20 AM IST | Ahmedabad | PTIFormer India coach Ravi Shastri considers the defeat against South Africa in the Super 8s as a blessing in disguise and feels the "shakeup" was much needed for the defending champions to "reflect and reset" going into the business end of the T20 World Cup. India will be desperate to make a strong comeback against Zimbabwe here on Thursday after the heavy 76-run defeat at the hands of South Africa in their Super 8 opener in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The loss against the Proteas, incidentally, was India's first defeat after 12 successive victories across the last two editions of the T20 World Cup. "You win 12 matches on the trot, there's bound to be an off day. And I'm glad it has come early. It might just be the shakeup India needed," Shastri told on the latest episode of The ICC Review. "It might also make them rethink their strategy as to the composition of the side going ahead. "They would have learned from that last experience that they're not going to take things for granted because in this Super Eight if you lose one more (match), then you're really putting yourself under serious pressure." Talking about the team composition for Thursday's crucial match, Shastri advised India to play an extra spinner keeping in mind the spin-friendly Indian conditions. He is in favour of bringing in vice-captain Axar Patel, who was replaced by Washington Sundar in the last match. "They have to bring him (Axar Patel) back. You need that experience. I would say play both (Patel and Sundar). Give yourself that extra option. Because on a given day, you're bound to have one bowler who's going to have an off day. Like for example, Varun Chakravarthy on Sunday," Shastri noted. "If Axar Patel is playing, he might be batting at No.8. You have got Hardik Pandya at No.5, you've got Shivam Dube at No.6, you've got Washington Sundar at No.7. Axar can go at No.5 as well. "Now, if eight batters can't do the job in T20 cricket, then something's wrong, especially with that kind of firepower. Where you're missing out is you're not giving yourself that extra option of a bowler, which I think is important." Australia legend and ICC Hall of Famer, Ricky Ponting too feels that India missed a trick by not playing Axar against the Proteas, and expects the hosts to field their best possible XI. "Listening to the commentary, the reason Axar didn't play (against South Africa) is because of the left handers in the opposition side. But there's still some right handers there. It just comes down to the art of the captain of being able to use Axar at the right time," said Ponting, who has led Australia to two ODI World Cup triumphs. "I would be going back to the basics. I'd be just looking at their lineup. Who's our best XI for the conditions in Chennai? "If that has Axar Patel in it, great. If it has Kuldeep Yadav in it, that's the other one that I'd be thinking about bringing back because it doesn't matter with him if it's left-hand or right-hand. He can bowl wrong ones and spin the ball away from the left-hand outside edge of both those batters," he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 February,2026 08:19 AM IST | Chennai | PTIADVERTISEMENT
