Former Australia player Usman Khawaja has announced that he and wife Rachel are soon to welcome their third child. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rachel Khawaja (@rachelmkhawaja) Khawaja, 39, and Rachel, 29, are already blessed with two daughters Aisha, five, and Ayla, three. The couple made the announcement via an Instagram post with the caption: “Our forever team [soon to be one more], no matter where life takes us.” Khawaja retired from cricket in Jan 2026.
18 February,2026 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentNew Zealand sealed their qualification to the next phase of the T20 World Cup with an eight-wicket thumping of Canada in Chennai on Tuesday. Chasing 174 to win, New Zealand were never in trouble and reached 176-2 with almost five overs to spare. Glenn Phillips was on 76 not out at the end with Rachin Ravindra unbeaten on 59. "We did get on a bit of a run at the end there, which was fantastic," said Phillips. "But honestly, Rach and I were just trying to stick to our processes and take it one ball at a time." The result eliminates the 2024 semi-finalists Afghanistan as New Zealand joined South Africa as the two qualifiers for the Super Eights from Group D. Canada's Yuvraj Samra earlier became the youngest player to score a T20 World Cup century, when he blasted 110 in 65 balls to help his side to 173-4. The 19-year-old brilliantly anchored the innings after captain Dilpreet Bajwa opted to bat first. Samra and Bajwa got Canada off to a superb start with an opening partnership of 116 in 14 overs. Bajwa fell caught by Phillips off Kyle Jamieson for 36, but Samra carried on and accelerated after the loss of his captain. He reached his hundred off 58 balls, hitting six sixes and 11 fours in all in the highest individual innings of the tournament so far. "I manifested this moment ever since we qualified for the World Cup," said the youngster, who was named after Indian great Yuvraj Singh. "Every single day, I dreamed about scoring a hundred on this stage. "To do it here, in my first appearance, and as the youngest player in this World Cup, it's truly a dream come true." Phillips was full of praise for the teenager, calling his innings "fabulous". "He's a really clean striker of the ball. Got a long future ahead of him." 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
18 February,2026 09:12 AM IST | Chennai | AFPIt’s been a frenetic last six days for Suryakumar Yadav’s India. They played Namibia in New Delhi on Thursday, reached Colombo on Friday night, trained on Saturday, beat Pakistan on Sunday, travelled to Ahmedabad on Monday evening and hit the Narendra Modi Stadium for an optional training session on Tuesday, ahead of their final Group A fixture against the Netherlands on Wednesday. Despite being at peak fitness, this travel-train-play-repeat routine can mess with the best, and India are certainly the best in the T20I landscape. There will, however, be no letdown in intensity, desire and commitment in what is essentially a low-profile, no-stakes-involved faceoff against the Dutch. The Netherlands have just one win, against Namibia in the Indian capital. Despite boasting a 3-0 tournament record, India have a few boxes to tick. After two innings in the competition, Abhishek Sharma is still searching for his first run; he was dismissed first ball against USA in Mumbai and off his fourth delivery in Colombo. While he won’t be downcast or beating himself up, it will be good for his morale if he can get a few off the middle heading into the Super Eights. Abhishek’s opening partner, Ishan Kishan, has been in subliminal form, and Suryakumar, Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube have looked in decent touch on tricky pitches. India will be tempted to bring Washington Sundar into the mix. The only one in the 15-strong squad not to play so far, the all-rounder should fancy his chances of getting into the tournament against a Netherlands outfit looking to make a statement.
18 February,2026 09:11 AM IST | Ahmedabad | R KaushikZimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza said that qualifying for the Super 8s was only part of the larger mission the team had set for themselves after his side sealed a place in the next stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 following a washed-out match against the Ireland cricket team at the Pallekele International Stadium on Tuesday. Both teams got one point each after the washout, which helped Zimbabwe reach five points in the Group B points table, thus eliminating any chances of the 2021 champions, Australia, reaching the next round. “The fact that we’ve qualified for the Super 8s hasn’t changed the ultimate goal that we set out for. Like I said, it’s just a tick in the box, but we have a lot of other goals to achieve and everybody loves an underdog story, don’t they?” Raza said, reflecting on the achievement. The skipper recalled Zimbabwe’s journey through the qualification pathway, including the sub-regional qualifiers, where they faced teams like Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. “I’ll take you back when we played the sub-regional qualifiers B, and we played Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and all those teams. And I remember I stood up to my troops and I said, we are in this position or in this mess, as you want to call it, because of us. There’s no one else to blame. And only us that would get this mess clear and only us can get it out of it. So what are we gonna do about it? And we won the qualifiers B, regional sub-regional B, then the main qualifiers happened. We won that as well,” he said. Zimbabwe is placed in a tough group in the Super 8, as they will have to face defending champions India, 2024 runner-ups South Africa, and two-time champions West Indies and finish in the top two in the points table to reach the semi-final. On preparing for the tough phase, Raza said the team management will closely analyse conditions and opposition. “Yeah, certainly so. Myself and the coach will sit down. We watched Sri Lanka in the last three games as well. We’re going to have the data on them and we try and put our best foot forward and try and win that game. That is the whole point of us being here.” Raza feels that adapting to changing conditions will be crucial for them as the team will now have to play Super 8s matches in India. “I think every condition we find ourselves in, if we can find a day or two to train, I think we’ll sum up the conditions really well and hopefully make those plans. One thing you can’t fight is the weather and conditions. So we try and learn those conditions if we can have two, three training days in a particular city, wherever we’re going to.” Before the Super 8s, Sikandar Raza's team will face the co-hosts Sri Lanka in their last group stage match at the R.Premadasa Stadium on Thursday. 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
18 February,2026 08:42 AM IST | Pallekele | IANSIn the T20 World Cup 2026 match against Scotland, Nepal emerged victorious by seven wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Having put to chase a target of 171 runs, Nepal posted 171 runs for the loss of three wickets in 19.2 overs. Opening batsman Kushal Bhurtel played a knock of 43 runs in 35 balls, with the help of a boundary and four maximums. Wicketkeeper-batsman Aasif Sheikh scored 33 runs in 27 balls, including two maximums. Skipper Rohit Paudel scored 16 runs in 14 balls, with the help of a boundary. Dipendra Singh Airee and Gulshan Jha stayed unbeaten. Facing 23 balls, Airee played a match-winning knock of 50 runs, laced with four boundaries and three maximums, whereas Jha garnered 24 runs in his 17-ball knock, which also included a boundary and two maximums. Scotland's Michael Leask bagged all three wickets for the side. In his spell of four overs, he conceded 30 runs. Brandon McMullen, Bradley Currie, Mark Watt, and Brad Wheal went wicketless in the T20 World Cup 2026 match against Nepal. Earlier having put to bat first, Scotland posted a total of 170 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. Opening batsman George Munsey scored 27 runs in 29 balls, including four boundaries. Fellow opening batsman Michael Jones played a stunning knock of 71 runs off 45 deliveries, which was laced with eight boundaries and three maximums. Brandon McMullen accumulated 25 runs in 19 balls, with the help of a boundary and a maximum. Skipper Richie Berrington managed to score 10 runs in six balls, including a maximum. Tom Bruce scored five runs in six balls. Wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Cross scored four runs in two balls, including a boundary. Michael Leask scored four runs in eight balls. Mark Watt and Oliver Davidson stayed unbeaten. Facing four balls, Watt scored 10 runs, with the help of a maximum, whereas Davidson scored one run in one ball. Nepal's Sompal Kami returned with three wickets for 25 runs in four overs. Nandan Yadav also bagged two wickets by conceding 34 runs in four overs. Captain Rohit Paudel and Kushal Bhurtel picked up one wicket each. Having bowled two overs, Paudel leaked 12 runs, and Bhurtel was smashed for 37 runs in four overs. Dipendra Singh Airee and Sandeep Lamichhane went wicketless in the T20 World Cup 2026 match against Scotland.
17 February,2026 11:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTeam India is all set to lock horns with the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup 2026 match on February 18 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ahead of the match, the cricket fans will expect swashbuckling opening batsman Abhishek Sharma to deliver a big knock. So far, having played two matches, he has not scored any runs, as he was dismissed on ducks on both occasions. Despite the struggles in the two matches, Team India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said that the left-handed batsman has his plans sorted. "Obviously we plan, but he wasn't well and didn't play (against Namibia). Last game got out in the first over. One thing we definitely do unnecessarily is overanalyse; sometimes you only start making more assumptions than the opposition do. He has his plans sorted, he follows the way he wants to, and obviously we discuss opposition, their bowling, their strengths, what they've been doing -- all that is normal for everyone, not just Abhishek," he said. He also explained the nature of the T20 cricket by saying that the format is of high risk and stressing over a player's form will only add pressure on the individual. "Abhishek, before he fell ill, made runs in matches. In the T20 format also, sometimes 10 balls 30 is as important. Not like he hasn't scored runs. T20 format is high risk, someone will get out. If we stress so much, players will be under pressure. He is in good form, has clear plans and a clear mindset, that's what matters for us," said Kotak. The batting coach also said a player should change his game plan according to the situations and not because of failures. "Playing aggressive cricket is important. But not because of a player's couple of failures will change. If anything, the plans will change according to situation and conditions. Like Mumbai game, where Surya has to stay there for a while, he was run-a-ball more or less for 30-35 balls, that's playing to the situation," said the 53-year-old coach. India's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 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. (With PTI Inputs)
17 February,2026 09:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPakistan suffered a humiliating loss by 61 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026 match against arch-rivals, Team India, on Sunday. After the loss, Pakistan's spinner Usman Tariq, who has an unusual stop-start bowling action, said that there is no pressure in the dressing room and stated that winning and losing are part of the game. "To be honest, this pressure is mostly created by spectators and outside opinions. People feel there is panic, but inside the team, I haven't felt any such pressure. Winning and losing are part of the game," he said. The "Green Shirts" will lock horns with Namibia to conclude their group stage matches. The clash is scheduled to be played on February 18 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Sri Lanka. Ahead of the match, Tariq said that there is no clarity on the playing XI for the match against Namibia. They need to win against Namibia to make it to the "Super 8" stage of the tournament. "We believe in our strengths, and we'll use them in the upcoming matches. At the moment, there's no clarity about the playing XI. We'll see who plays on the day," said the spinner. He then revealed that following the loss against the "Men in Blue", the Pakistan team conducted a meeting to discuss where their plans didn't work, and how they can work on their mistakes. "After the match (against India), we had a meeting. We discussed where our plans didn't work, about the areas where we had lapses, and how we could revise them to make sure we don't repeat those mistakes. We'll work on those mistakes, and that will definitely help in getting better results," said the 30-year-old cricketer. During the match against Team India, he returned with the figures of one wicket for 24 runs in four overs. Pakistan's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (C), Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Khan (WK), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Khawaja Nafay (WK), Usman Tariq. (With PTI Inputs)
17 February,2026 06:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentZimbabwe on Tuesday entered the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup after their crucial Group B match against Ireland was washed out due to rain, a result that also eliminated former champions Australia and Ireland from the tournament. Both teams were awarded one point each. The shared points took Zimbabwe to five, enough to secure a Super 8 berth. They will face India in their opening Super 8 match on February 26 in Chennai. Zimbabwe became the seventh team to get a ticket to the Super 8s, completing group G1 also comprising India, South Africa and West Indies. Zimbabwe will play their final group match against co-hosts Sri Lanka on February 19. With table-toppers Sri Lanka (6) having already qualified for the Super 8s, the contest held significant importance for Zimbabwe and Ireland, who had come into the game with four and two points respectively. Australia were also on two points following their defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. The former champions needed Zimbabwe to lose both their remaining matches to stay in contention, but persistent rain ended their hopes. The toss at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium was initially delayed due to drizzle, with the ground remaining under covers for a considerable period. However, continuous rain and a wet outfield prevented any play, confirming Zimbabwe's progression to the Super 8 stage. 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.
17 February,2026 06:27 PM IST | Pallekele | PTITeam India's premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya reflected on the defining moments of his career. He stated that the T20 World Cup 2016 match against Bangladesh shaped his career. Back then, Hardik managed to defend 11 runs in the final over, which helped him to gain the spotlight. A decade later, he is a part of the Indian squad as a senior player. "I think all these moments made me the kind of person I am. There were early challenges in my international career where I had to hold my ground and back myself. It was important to have belief. In cricket, even if there is just a 1% chance, the game is not over until the last ball of the match is bowled. That Bangladesh match was a classic example of that. One ball before the wicket, the batter had started celebrating as if the game was over. He was celebrating right in front of me, and it was all happening before my eyes," he said on JioStar. "When things turn around like that, they create wonderful memories. Every time I see it, I think about how, in the early days, that was one of the challenges in my life and one of the moments in my career that shaped Hardik Pandya. I have had many more moments like this, but my journey started with that one," added Pandya. Further speaking, the cricketer feels that he has just displayed 40 per cent of his batting skills by far and is keen on playing to his full potential. "I think the child in me, the cricket geek, who is always there, was focusing more on my skill set as a bowler. I have always had a lot of confidence in my bowling, but batting was very close to my heart. After the last IPL, I realised that I really wanted to play to Hardik's full potential. I think until now, I haven't utilised more than 40 per cent of my batting potential, and that is genuinely honest feedback. What I know as a cricketer, what I imagine, what I manifest, and how I practice, have not translated into performance by more than 40 per cent," said the 32-year-old cricketer. He also credited his rumoured girlfriend and Indian model, Mahieka Sharma, for helping him rediscover the excitement for the sport. Pandya then spoke about the days when he used to train for several hours at the NCA. "I took some time in my life to figure out how to bring that out. That's when Mahieka came into my life. We started talking about the sport and how to bring that child back. She helped me rediscover that excitement for the game that I always had. I went behind the scenes, worked really hard, and had a good amount of batting sessions. There were days when I was on the ground for six to seven hours. When I went to the NCA, I would go at 3:30 in the afternoon and finish at 12:30 at night. I was usually the last person to leave and shut the lights off," he said. T20 World Cup 2026: Team India's upcoming fixture Currently, Pandya is busy representing Team India in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. So far in the tournament, the "Men in Blue" have played three matches and have secured wins in as many games. They have also qualified for the "Super 8" stage of the global showpiece. Team India is set to conclude their group stage matches by playing a clash against the Netherlands on February 18 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (With ANI Inputs)
17 February,2026 05:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLegendary Team India cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, along with 12 other former captains, have expressed concerns about jailed cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's health. The former cricketers have urged the Pakistan government to provide Imran adequate medical attention and dignified conditions in line with international standards. There have been reports suggesting that the 1992 World Cup-winning skipper, Imran, has lost approximately 85 per cent of vision in his right eye due to medical neglect while in custody at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail. All 14 former skippers wrote a letter to the Pakistan government, asking for fair treatment for Imran. "We, the undersigned former captains of our national cricket teams, write with deep concern regarding the reported treatment and incarceration conditions of Imran Khan, the distinguished former Captain of Pakistan and a legendary figure in world cricket," the letter stated. "Recent reports concerning his health - particularly the alarming deterioration of his vision while in custody - and the conditions of his imprisonment over the past two and a half years have caused us profound concern. As fellow cricketers who understand the values of fair play, honour, and respect that transcend the boundary rope, we believe that a person of Imran Khan's stature deserves to be treated with the dignity and basic human consideration befitting a former national leader and a global sporting icon," it added. The letter is signed by Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Michael Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Steve Waugh and John Wright. Earlier in 2023, the former Pakistan cricketer was sentenced to 14 years in prison regarding a corruption case. "We respectfully urge the Government of Pakistan to ensure that Imran Khan receives: Immediate, adequate and ongoing medical attention from qualified specialists of his choosing to address his reported health issues. Humane and dignified conditions of detention in line with international standards, Including regular visits by close family members. Fair and transparent access to legal processes without undue delay or hindrance," the letter further read. "Cricket has long been a bridge between nations. Our shared history on the field reminds us that rivalry ends when the stumps are drawn-and respect endures. Imran Khan embodied that spirit throughout his career. This appeal is made in the spirit of sportsmanship and common humanity, without prejudice to any legal proceedings," it added. It also highlighted the contributions of the 73-year-old former cricketer to the sport, stating that his leadership qualities and sportsmanship have inspired generations across borders. "Imran Khan's contributions to the game are universally admired. As captain, he led Pakistan to their historic 1992 Cricket World Cup victory a triumph built on skill, resilience, leadership, and sportsmanship that inspired generations across borders. Many of us competed against him, shared the field with him, or grew up idolizing his all-round brilliance, charisma, and competitive spirit. He remains one of the finest all-rounders and captains the sport has ever seen, earning respect from players, fans, and administrators alike. Beyond cricket, Imran Khan served as Prime Minister of Pakistan, leading his nation during a challenging period. Regardless of political perspectives, he holds the honour of having been democratically elected to the highest office in his country," it read. (With PTI Inputs)
17 February,2026 04:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCo-hosts, Sri Lanka, may suffer a huge blow as their pace bowler Matheesha Pathirana limped off without completing his first over during the match against Australia held at Pallekele International Stadium in Sri Lanka, according to the ICC. Pathirana's suspected hamstring injury during the match on Monday may have left the former champions without their fastest bowler for the rest of the tournament. However, no official confirmation has come yet from the Sri Lankan cricket board on Pathirana's injury. The co-hosts are already without Wanindu Hasaranga, who was ruled out earlier in the tournament due to injury. The 23-year-old pulled up in his follow-through while delivering the fourth ball of his opening over and immediately clutched his left leg before going to ground. After on-field treatment, he was helped off the field. Captain Dasun Shanaka finished the over. Coming to the match, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first. An 104-run stand between a returning skipper, Mitchell Marsh (54 in 27 balls, with eight fours and two sixes) started off things for Australia, but Aussies could not make the most of this perfect headstart as they were skittled out for 181 runs in 20 overs, with Josh Inglis (27 in 22 balls, with three fours) and Glenn Maxwell (22 in 15 balls, with a four and a six) being the only ones to touch the 20-run mark later. Dushan Hemantha (3/37 in four overs) and Dushmantha Chameera (2/36 in four overs) were the top bowlers for Sri Lanka. In the run-chase, Perera fell early, but Nissanka (100* in 52 balls, with 10 fours and five sixes), Kusal Mendis (51 in 38 balls, with six fours and a six), and Pavan Rathnayake (28* in 15 balls, with six fours) took Sri Lanka to the target with eight wickets and two overs left. Australia are third in the group with one win and two losses, behind table-toppers SL and Zimbabwe, who have won both their matches. If Zimbabwe win their clash against Ireland on Tuesday, the Aussies will be out of the tournament. 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.
17 February,2026 03:35 PM IST | Pallekele (Sri Lanka) | ANIADVERTISEMENT
