Pakistan’s off-spinner Usman Tariq, 28, has played just four T20Is so far, but he has claimed 11 wickets thanks to his unique pause-and-release bowling action. Understandably, he has grabbed the limelight in the ongoing T20 World Cup, and more so since he may have a say in Pakistan’s upcoming clash with arch-rivals India in Colombo on Sunday. Former national selector and ex-India left-arm spinner Venkatapathy Raju reckoned any new bowler brings in the element of surprise. “When something is new, it’ll always be a mystery. People take time because they use video analysis to watch everything and then approach things differently. Also, when you’re playing [against Tariq] for the first time, how much ever you’ve seen him before, while facing him, it will be totally different,” Raju told mid-day over the phone from Hyderabad. Venkatapathy Raju, Nilesh Kulkarni and Narendra Hirwani Raju, 56, who represented India in 28 Tests and 53 ODIs, however, stressed that it’s not easy to do what Tariq does. “It’s not easy to pause and bowl. There were very few who could do it, like R Ashwin and maybe one or two bowlers, because bowling is all about rhythm. We should give credit to somebody who’s doing this,” added Raju about Tariq, who claimed 3-27 when Pakistan beat USA in Colombo on Tuesday. Former India left-arm spinner and ex-Mumbai captain Nilesh Kulkarni felt ICC should probe the bend in Tariq’s bowling arm. “The 15 degree bending of the arm, which is the ICC rule, can’t be judged with the naked eye, so it has to be scientifically verified. Otherwise, his bowling is legitimate and even the pause is allowed. Ashwin did it, as did Kedar Jadhav,” Kulkarni told mid-day on Thursday. Interestingly, Kulkarni felt that Suryakumar Yadav & Co will not struggle against Tariq as most of them have come through tennis-ball cricket, where such tactics are common. “We [India] have an advantage as most of our batters come from a good tennis-ball cricket structure where these tactics are used a lot. The Indian batters must use this to their advantage and prepare well [for Tariq]. And if you prepare well, he won’t be a threat,” added Kulkarni. Ex-national selector and leg-spinner Narendra Hirwani, 57, who played 17 Tests and 18 ODIs, however, felt Tariq will hold the edge initially. “When a bowler takes a pause, he gets that extra time to see any late movement or shuffle by the batter and can change his delivery at the last moment. So, Tariq will have that advantage. Also, he bowls with a stand-up action which means he has good power in his fingers and shoulders and can generate good speed,” Hirwani told mid-day over the phone from Indore. The former leggie, however, believes every bowler will eventually get found out, if a batter observes closely. “If he [Tariq] is taking time to bowl, you, as a batter, also take your time. Use the first few balls to watch him closely. I’m not saying block him, but take singles initially; you can always make up for that run-rate later. I believe all our batters are good enough to catch up with a bowler like Tariq by investing time in observing him first,” concluded Hirwani.
14 February,2026 01:57 PM IST | Mumbai | Subodh MayureSpin great R Ashwin has a simple suggestion for Indian batters as they gear up to deal with the unique side-arm action of Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq come Sunday — just move away when he pauses before delivering the ball. “If he stops before delivering the ball, the batsman has the right to move away. He can say that ‘I thought he is stopping’. That will be an interesting case and a huge headache for the umpire,” Ashwin said on his Youtube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’. “If I was there I would have done it. One should do everything to win a game within rules. I would simply say I don’t know when he will release the ball and I would step away. If I move away, it is the umpire’s responsibility,” 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
14 February,2026 09:39 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIIndia all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s girlfriend Mahieka Sharma has made sure her partner gets all the love and support he deserves during the ongoing T20 World Cup campaign by presenting him a pre-Valentine’s Day gift along with an endearing message. Mahieka’s gift to boyfriend Hardik on Thursday. Pics/Instagram The 24-year-old model posted an Instagram story, gifting Hardik a large bouquet of roses, accompanied by the caption: “Made it to Delhi in time. [You’re] the man of the match of my life!!”
14 February,2026 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesBollywood actor Kabir Bedi was at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, celebrating Italy’s maiden win at the T20 World Cup — they beat Nepal by 10 wickets. Bedi, who rose to fame in Italy for his portrayal of the pirate Sandokan in the eponymous TV series in 1976, was a special guest, invited by Cricket Italy. “History was made! Italy’s first win in the T20 World Cup is an amazing achievement for a non-cricketing country that worships football,” Bedi wrote on Instagram.
14 February,2026 09:35 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesVarun Chakravarthy didn’t play his first senior match for Tamil Nadu until September 2018, when he was 27. His first outing for India came just before he turned 30 and a storied cricketing career seemed to have passed him by when, after taking a mere two wickets in his first six T20Is, he was relegated to the wilderness for nearly three years. A bushel of wickets, primarily alongside Sunil Narine for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, catalysed Chakravarthy’s India comeback in October 2024 and the architect from Tamil Nadu hasn’t looked back. In the last 15-and-a-half months, Varun has supplanted Jasprit Bumrah as the country’s most potent T20 weapon with a staggering 61 wickets in 30 innings, repeatedly reaffirming his class and quality. After a quiet start to his maiden T20 World Cup (1-24 vs USA), Chakravarthy bared his fangs on Thursday here. A wicket with his first delivery to pack off Louren Steenkamp was the appetiser; within 12 balls, he left Namibia’s chase of 210 in tatters, snaring 3-7 from two overs in his first spell. Chakravarthy will be expected to have an equal, if not greater, say over the next three weeks when the pitches get more tired, but when dew is also expected to be more pronounced. Consciously refusing to use a wet ball as an excuse, Chakravarthy referenced the experience of operating similarly in the IPL as he acknowledged that he and his spinning colleagues had plenty of practice at bowling with a wet ball. The reasons behind a bushel of IPL wickets that sparked an India comeback was the realisation that he had to keep adding new tricks. That meant instead of merely side-spin, he worked assiduously on over-spin while working out ways and means to be quicker through the air and get more zip off the surface. “I have been working on a few things, but that has been my process all along. I always have some delivery coming up,” he said, prolonging the suspense. “It’s up to me. If I am courageous enough, I will try it in the next match.” Wait and watch then, as they say.
14 February,2026 08:28 AM IST | New Delhi | R KaushikIndian batters are facing a fresh challenge of tackling unorthodox tactics of spin bowlers at this T20 World Cup. After facing difficulty in negotiating the off-spin of Gerhard Erasmus of Namibia here on Thursday night, India will run into another tricky off-spinner, Usman Tariq of Pakistan, in Colombo on Sunday. Given Indian batters have been found wanting against quality spin recently, be it in Test matches or white-ball cricket, Erasmus was a good test on a Kotla pitch that may be similar to the one in Colombo. Ishan Kishan Ishan Kishan, talking to the media after India defeated Namibia hands down, elaborated on the approach to tackle unorthodox spinners. “We [batters] have to trust our own strength. We have to be positive and not over-think. We have to play the ball on merit and not think about the bowler and his variations. We also need to use the crease [while batting] and irritate the bowlers and put them off-line,” said Kishan. Like Indian batters, the ICC and its umpires are also facing a challenge with these spinners. Tariq pauses in his bowling stride before delivering the ball, while Namibian captain Erasmus delivers a few balls well before reaching the crease. Currently, there is no definite rule which says that a bowler cannot pause in his stride, or can’t release the ball before reaching the bowling crease. However, with Tariq, there is the added issue of chucking and he’s on ICC’s radar to check if his elbow straightens more than the prescribed 15 degree when he delivers the ball. Clearly, the bowlers are innovating to confuse the batters, just like the latter have been doing to the bowlers with their switch hits, scoop shots, etc, and this only adds to the flavour of T20 cricket.
14 February,2026 08:28 AM IST | New Delhi | Santosh SuriZimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza described their stunning 23-run win over Australia as “unbelievable”, saying the culture, unity and environment built within the squad made the result possible. Zimbabwe shocked Australia in their Group B clash of the T20 World Cup at the R Premadasa Stadium here on Friday, successfully defending 169-2 as the heavyweights folded for 146 in 19.3 overs. “Very happy and above all, very proud. Feeling of a brother whose younger brothers are achieving a lot together,” Raza said. Raza scored an unbeaten 25 off 13 balls and opened the bowling, but a severe leg cramp while sending down the ninth over forced him off the field in agony. ‘We deserved to win’ “So, it was nice to watch from outside and see how the team went about their business, the culture, the environment, the unity that we have taken, that we have created over a long time. Just to see it from outside, I was extremely proud, and on top of that, a win. It’s just unbelievable. But the way we came and the way we bowled, the way we started, the way we fielded every catch, some of the boundary stops, it’s just unbelievable. I mean, there’s nothing to fault the boys for. It looked like the boys wanted it, and I think they really did and they deserved to win today.” Fast bowlers Blessing Muzarabani (4-17) and Brad Evans (3-23) ripped through Australia’s top order inside four overs, dismissing Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Tim David and Travis Head to set up the victory. UAE beat Canada In another match, Aryansh Sharma (74 not out) and Sohaib Khan (51) struck fifties under pressure as UAE pulled off a five-wicket win over Canada in their Group D clash in New Delhi. Earlier pacer Junaid Siddique claimed 5-35 as UAE restricted Canada to 150-7. We weren’t good enough, admits Aussie Renshaw Australian batter Matt Renshaw (44-ball-65) refused to blame the slow R Premadasa Stadium surface for their defeat to Zimbabwe, saying visiting teams from the sub-continent never complain about pace and bounce when they tour Down Under. Matt Renshaw “I think that’s just the nature of cricket. You get a sub-continent team come to Australia and you don’t get them complaining about the bounce or the pace,” Renshaw said at the post-match press conference. “It’s just the way that cricket is nowadays. You’ve got to be able to go through different surfaces,” he added. 100Zimbabwe’s winning percentage vs Australia in T20 World Cups (played 2, won 2); they are the only team to do so against Australia 4-17Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani’s figures on Friday; the second-best vs Australia in T20 World Cups after R Ashwin’s 4-11 in 2014 315Total runs scored at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium on Friday — the highest match aggregate in a T20 World Cup game involving Australia and Zimbabwe Brief scoresZimbabwe 169-2 in 20 overs (B Bennett 64*, T Marumani 35, R Burl 35) beat australia 146 all out in 19.3 overs (M Renshaw 65, G Maxwell 31; B Muzarabani 4-17, B Evans 3-23) by 23 runs 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
14 February,2026 08:27 AM IST | Colombo | PTISouth Africa captain Aiden Markram believes his side is yet to reach its full potential ahead of their T20 World Cup clash against New Zealand on Saturday. “We’re at a stage as a team where we still don’t think we’re at our best. The focus is on getting closer to our fullest potential. If we keep improving, the end result should take care of itself.” The Proteas skipper admitted discipline with the ball remains a concern, pointing to the 22 extras conceded across two matches. Meanwhile, Kiwi pacer Matt Henry said adapting to conditions will be key if they are to beat South Africa. The Proteas have played both their matches in Ahmedabad, whereas the Kiwis arrive from Chennai. “Being familiar with the ground is always nice, but it’s a new surface. In T20s, conditions can outweigh plans. It’s about assessing quickly and adapting better than the opposition,” Henry said on Friday. New Zealand have never beaten South Africa in the T20 World Cup yet. They have lost all four ties. 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
14 February,2026 07:53 AM IST | Ahmedabad | AgenciesIn the T20 World Cup 2026 match against the Netherlands, the United States of America (USA) emerged victorious by 93 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In an attempt to chase a target of 197 runs, the Netherlands was bowled out for 103 runs in 15.5 overs. Opening the innings, Michael Levitt scored three runs in seven balls. Max O'Dowd scored 13 runs in 11 balls, with the help of a boundary. Bas de Leede accumulated 23 runs in 17 balls, with the help of a boundary and a maximum. Colin Ackermann departed on a one-ball duck. Skipper Scott Edwards accumulated 20 runs off 14 balls, including two boundaries. Zach Lion-Cachet scored six runs in five balls, including a boundary. Roelof van der Merwe scored 10 runs in 11 balls. Logan van Beek scored two runs in five balls. Aryan Dutt scored nine runs in seven balls, with the help of a maximum. Kyle Klein stayed unbeaten on six runs in 11 balls. Fred Klaassen was also dismissed on three runs in six balls. USA's Harmeet Singh returned with the figures of four wickets for 21 runs in four overs. Shadley van Schalkwyk bagged three wickets by conceding 21 runs in 2.5 overs. Mohammad Mohsin claimed two wickets by giving away 19 runs in three overs. Nosthush Kenjige also chipped in with one wicket. Ali Khan and Shubham Ranjane went wicketless in the T20 World Cup 2026 match against Canada. Earlier having put to bat first, the USA posted a total of 196 runs for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs. Skipper Monank Patel scored 36 runs in 22 balls, including three boundaries and a maximum. Wicketkeeper-batsman Shayan Jahangir accumulated 20 runs after facing 14 balls, and also smashed a boundary and two maximums. Saiteja Mukkamalla garnered 79 runs off 51 deliveries, laced with five boundaries and four maximums. Sanjay Krishnamurthi scored one run in two balls. Milind Kumar scored three runs in four balls. Harmeet Singh also scored one run in two balls. Mohammad Mohsin stayed unbeaten on one run in one ball, whereas Shubham Ranjane played a fiery knock of an unbeaten 48 runs. His knock came in 24 balls, with the help of three boundaries and two maximums. Netherlands' Bas de Leede claimed three wickets for 37 runs in four overs. Logan van Beek, Kyle Klein, and Fred Klaasen bagged one wicket each. Aryan Dutt and Roelof van der Merwe went wicketless in the T20 World Cup 2026 match against the USA. Bowling two overs, Dutt was smashed for 24 runs, whereas van der Merwe leaked 36 runs in three overs.
13 February,2026 11:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHaving been given a scare by lowly Nepal, who were stopped just four short of their total, and then losing to the West Indies three days later, England are in a spot of bother as they try to quickly shed the Wankhede woes and brace themselves for a tricky tryst with Scotland at the Eden Gardens on Saturday. An ‘upset’ by their northern neighbours and arch-rivals could see the two-time champions perilously close to the exit door of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Skipper Harry Brook had spoken of the batsmen becoming “too careful” against the West Indians and thereby squandering momentum. Phil Salt pointed to the difference in mindset between a bilateral series and tournament play but was quick to add that they were “possibly a bit too tentative.” “When your back is against the wall, you have to bring the best version of yourself. We did that in 2022, and we'll look to do that again here,” said Salt, alluding to England’s come-from-behind title triumph in Australia. For both England openers, the Eden has been a happy hunting ground, Salt leading Kolkata Knight Riders’s charge to their third title in 2024 with some blistering batting, while Jos Buttler is best remembered here for his unbeaten century in a record chase by Rajasthan Royals against the Knights that same season. Describing it as essentially “a new-ball wicket”, Salt stressed on the importance of the power-play, and hoped to not just get a good start but continue to keep the momentum. “It’s a different venue, different conditions,” he pointed out, trying to brush away the struggles of their previous matches. England are aware that their opponents will see their chances. “With that being said, it's another game of cricket; we've got to bring the best version of ourselves. It’s really simple.” Scotland see England coming out with all guns firing. “They are a very good side, but we have to just ensure we play well, and things will hopefully fall into place. Maybe we’ll see a 2-0 for us and it’ll be a great day for Scottish sport,” quipped Brad Wheal, Scotland’s pacer.
13 February,2026 09:33 PM IST | Kolkata | Arup ChatterjeeTeam India is all set to lock horns with arch-rivals, Pakistan, in the T20 World Cup 2026 match on February 15 at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Ahead of the match, legendary Team India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels that star spinner Kuldeep Yadav can come in place of pacer Arshdeep Singh for the high-octane clash against the "Green Shirts". In Team India's recent match against Namibia, Arshdeep bowled three overs and picked up one wicket by conceding 36 runs. Considering that the pacer didn't complete his quota of overs, Gavaskar feels that it is an indication of his not making an appearance in Colombo. "All our bowlers picked up wickets. Arshdeep did not complete his four overs, while Shivam Dube bowled two and Hardik completed his quota. This hints that Kuldeep Yadav could replace Arshdeep against Pakistan," he said. The former cricketer also feels Kuldeep should be picked in India's playing XI as the Sri Lankan pitches provide help to the spinners. "Sri Lanka pitches help spinners and India have history of playing three spinners. Expect Kuldeep in the XI against Pakistan in Colombo," said the 76-year-old former cricketer. He also heaped praise on mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy by saying he picks wickets whenever he comes in to bowl. "Hardik bowling the first over suggests Arshdeep may not play in the next match against Pakistan. Varun Chakaravarthy bowled only two overs and would have taken five or six wickets if he bowled his full four overs. The best part about Varun is that he gets wickets whenever he is asked to bowl. Axar Patel took two wickets in three overs, it's a good sign," said Gavaskar. T20 World Cup 2026, IND vs PAK: 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. Pakistan: 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)
13 February,2026 08:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
