BREAKING NEWS
Shamoon Abbasi opposes reported drama on drug dealer ‘Pinky’ • Wasim Akram and others break silence on criticism over Hajj journey • 17 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operations across Balochistan • Two Pakistanis arrested over killing of four Pakistanis in Italy’s Calabria • Australia set Pakistan 232-run target in second ODI in Lahore • Ranveer Singh faces fresh setback amid ‘Don 3’ controversy • Who is Momina Iqbal’s husband? Details emerge • Federal budget delay linked to political deadlock over key legislation • Iran warns it will halt US talks if Israel continues strikes on Lebanon • Ex-PM Nawaz Sharif criticises development delays in Gilgit-Baltistan • Actress Raveena Tandon’s mother’s home targeted in theft • Supercomputer reveals favourite to win 2026 FIFA World Cup • New Drama Buzz: Saba Qamar may play Anmol “Pinkie” character • Dua Lipa marries actor Callum Turner in private London ceremony • Momina Iqbal’s mehndi celebrations go viral on social media
Advertise with us >

Sports

Zimbabwe outclass Sri Lanka by six wickets

by
Zimbabwe outclass

Colombo: Zimbabwe delivered a commanding performance to defeat hosts Sri Lanka by six wickets in a Group B clash of the ICC T20 World Cup.

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka elected to bat first and posted 178 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Pathum Nissanka led the charge with a solid 62 runs, while Rathnayake contributed a valuable 44 runs to anchor the innings.

Confident Run Chase

In reply, Zimbabwe chased down the 179-run target comfortably in the final over, losing just four wickets.

Opener Brian Bennett remained unbeaten on 63, guiding his side home with composure. He was well supported by: Sikandar Raza – 45 runs,  Marumani – 34 runs and Ryan Burl – 23 runs.

Zimbabwe Top Group B

With this victory, Zimbabwe finished top of Group B with seven points, remaining unbeaten in the group stage.

Zimbabwe won three out of four matches, registering victories over Australia and Sri Lanka, while one match was washed out due to rain.

It is worth noting that both Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka had already qualified for the Super 8 stage from Group B prior to this encounter.

Northern Waziristan girl’s bowling talent goes viral

by
Northern Waziristan

PESHAWAR: A young girl from Shiwaa Tehsil, North Waziristan, has taken social media by storm with her impressive bowling skills, catching the attention of Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi, who has included her in the upcoming Zalmi Women League.

The girl, Aina Wazir, showcased her fast bowling during a local children’s cricket match, and the video quickly went viral across social media platforms. Viewers praised her talent, leaving messages such as “Mashallah” and wishing her a bright future in cricket.

Local cricket enthusiasts highlighted that while Pakistan has immense young talent, lack of proper facilities and opportunities often prevents these gifted players from reaching their potential.

Upon seeing the viral video, Javed Afridi expressed his admiration for Aina Wazir, calling her “an extraordinarily talented young player” and emphasizing that such talent deserves the right platform. He announced that she will be part of the Zalmi Women League, a league designed to provide girls the opportunity to play, showcase their skills, and inspire others.

Afridi further assured that Aina would be provided with all necessary cricket equipment and facilities to help her develop her skills and seize the opportunities she deserves. He also urged social media users to share Aina Wazir’s contact details so the team could reach out to her directly.

This inclusion marks a significant step in promoting young female talent from remote areas of Pakistan in professional cricket.

Pakistan qualifies directly for ICC T20 World Cup 2028

by
Pakistan qualifies

KARACHI: Following their advancement to the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan has secured direct qualification for the ICC T20 World Cup 2028, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), the eight teams that reach the Super 8 stage of the 2026 edition automatically qualify for the next World Cup.

These teams include Pakistan, India, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and West Indies. Host Australia also qualifies directly.

Additionally, the next three highest-ranked teams in the ICC T20 rankings as of 9 March 2026 will earn direct entry.

Currently, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Ireland are in contention for these spots. The remaining eight teams will be determined through regional qualifiers.

On the other hand, Pakistan’s aggressive opener Sahebzada Farhan has emerged as the highest run-scorer in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 following a spectacular unbeaten century against Namibia.

In the crucial match in Colombo, Pakistan set a challenging target of 200 runs, powered by Farhan’s 100 not out off 58 balls, including 4 sixes and 11 fours.

With this innings, Farhan has scored 220 runs in four matches, surpassing South Africa’s Aiden Markram, who has 178 runs from the same number of games.

Farhan has also become the most prolific six-hitter of the tournament, smashing 11 sixes in four innings, edging out India’s Ishan Kishan, who has 10 sixes in four matches.

His remarkable performances have been instrumental in Pakistan’s dominant campaign, including their 102-run victory over Namibia, which also secured their spot in the Super 8 stage.

Farhan’s consistency and power-hitting make him a standout player in the ongoing T20 World Cup, with fans and analysts hailing him as one of the tournament’s key performers.

Pakistan defeats Namibia by 102 runs to qualify for Super 8

by
Pakistan defeats

Colombo: Pakistan secured a comfortable 102-run victory over Namibia in the ICC T20 World Cup, booking their spot in the Super 8 stage alongside India.

Match Summary:

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to bat first. The national team made two changes for the match, with Mirza Salman and Khawaja Nafay replacing Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed.

Pakistan Innings:

Opening batsmen Sahebzada Farhan and Saim Ayub started the innings, but Ayub was dismissed for 14 runs when the team score was 40. Captain Salman Ali Agha scored 38 off 23 balls before losing his wicket, while Khawaja Nafay managed 5 runs.

Farhan played a spectacular innings, scoring his first T20 World Cup century — 100 not out from 57 balls, including 4 sixes and 10 fours. Shadab Khan contributed 36 runs. Pakistan finished their 20 overs at 199/3. Namibia’s Jack Bresell took 2 wickets and Gerhard Erasmus claimed 1.

Namibia Innings:

Chasing 200, Namibia’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure. The team was bowled out for 97 runs in the 18th over. Top scorers were Steenkamp (23) and Alexander (20).

Pakistan bowlers were exceptional: Shadab Khan took 3 wickets for 19 runs, and Usman Tariq claimed 4 wickets for just 16 runs.

With this dominant win, Pakistan topped Group A and advanced to the Super 8 stage, where they will face India and other qualified teams.

The Pakistan cricket team achieved its largest-ever victory by runs in T20 World Cup history, defeating Namibia by 102 runs to qualify for the Super 8 stage.

Batting first, Pakistan set a challenging target of 200 runs, thanks to a brilliant century by Sahebzada Farhan. Namibia, chasing the target, was bowled out for 97 runs, handing Pakistan a commanding win.

This victory marks Pakistan’s first-ever T20 World Cup win by over 100 runs. Previously, the team’s largest win by runs came in the 2009 World T20, when Pakistan defeated the Netherlands by 82 runs.

With this dominant performance, Pakistan not only secured a place in the Super 8 stage but also set a new benchmark for margin-of-victory records in its T20 World Cup history.

Sri Lanka defeat Australia by 8 wickets to seal Super Eight spot

by
Sri Lanka defeat Australia

In the 30th match of the ICC T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka national cricket team defeated Australia national cricket team by eight wickets to qualify for the Super Eight stage.

The match was played in Kandy, where Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first.

Australia, batting first, posted 181 runs in their allotted 20 overs but were bowled out in the final over. Travis Head scored 56 runs, while Mitchell Marsh contributed 54.

For Sri Lanka, Dushan Hemantha claimed three wickets, and Dushmantha Chameera picked up two crucial scalps.

In response, Sri Lanka comfortably chased down the 182-run target in just 18 overs, losing only two wickets to confirm their qualification from Group B.

The highlight of the match was a magnificent unbeaten century by Pathum Nissanka, who smashed 100 runs off 52 balls, including 10 fours and five sixes. He was well supported by Kusal Mendis, who scored 52 off 38 deliveries.

With this dominant victory, Sri Lanka secured their place in the Super Eight phase of the tournament.

Former all-rounder Imad Wasim announces second marriage, appeals for privacy

by
Former all-rounder

Imad Wasim, former all-rounder of the Pakistan national cricket team, has announced his second marriage through a statement shared on social media.

In his message, Imad revealed that his first marriage did not succeed, describing it as one of the most difficult phases of his life. However, he emphasized that the period also brought him “the greatest blessings” in the form of his children, whom he said he loves deeply and unconditionally.

The cricketer acknowledged that he tried for a prolonged period to salvage his previous relationship, exercising patience and holding on to hope.

He admitted that certain decisions he made during that time led to unintended consequences, including criticism directed at an “innocent person” who, according to him, did not deserve it. He accepted responsibility for the situation.

Imad further shared that, with the blessings of Allah and guidance from his parents, he has now solemnized his nikah with Naila.

 He described the decision as thoughtful and intentional, aimed at building a life founded on peace, stability, and mutual respect. He said Naila has brought dignity, calm, and stability into his life.

Highlighting his commitment to fatherhood, Imad stated that being a father goes beyond financial responsibility and includes presence, love, and guidance.

He expressed regret over not being able to see his children despite his efforts, adding that his only wish is to play an active and meaningful role in their lives.

He also urged the public and media to respect the privacy and dignity of his personal life, saying not every matter requires public debate or commentary and that empathy and boundaries are sometimes the most respectful way forward.

Imad Wasim married Sania Ashfaq in 2019, and the couple has three children. In December 2025, he filed for separation, stating at the time that longstanding differences between the two could not be resolved despite considerable thought and effort.

Pakistan team management considers bench strength changes after loss to India

by
Pakistan team management

Following a humiliating defeat to India in the T20 World Cup, the Pakistan cricket team management is reportedly disappointed with the performance of senior players and is considering changes ahead of the next mach.

Sources indicate that captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Afridi could be rested in the upcoming match to give opportunities to other players from the bench.

Possible Team Changes

For the crucial clash against Namibia on February 18, the management is evaluating two to three changes in the playing XI.

The move aims to strengthen bench depth and give lesser-used players a chance to perform on the big stage.

Match Importance

Pakistan must beat Namibia to secure a spot in the Super Eight stage of the tournament, making the match a “do-or-die” scenario. Even if the game is affected by rain, Pakistan will still advance to the Super Eights.

The management’s strategy highlights a push to balance experience with fresh talent, addressing concerns over senior players’ inconsistent performances in the tournament so far.

Earlier, in a high-stakes ICC T20 World Cup group match, India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs to secure a place in the Super Eight stage. The match was played at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha won the toss and invited India to bat first. Notably, the two captains did not shake hands at the toss.

India posted 175/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck by Salman Agha in the first over.

Eshan Kishan scored 77 off 40 balls before being bowled by Saim Ayub.

Saim Ayub also dismissed Tilak Varma (25) and Hardik Pandya (0) in the 15th over.

Indian captain Surya Kumar Yadav made 32 before being out off Usman Tariq, while other contributions included Dubey (27) and Axar Patel (0).

Pakistan’s Saim Ayub claimed three wickets, Usman Tariq took one, and both Shahin Afridi and Salman Agha picked one each. One player was run out.

Chasing 176, Pakistan was bundled out for 114 in 18 overs.

Top scorer: Usman Khan (44)

Other contributions: Shadab Khan (14), Faheem Ashraf (10)

India’s bowling highlights included Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, and Axar Patel taking two wickets each, while Tilak Varma and Kuldeep Yadav claimed one apiece.

Team Changes

Pakistan fielded the same playing XI as before: Saeem Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shahin Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq.

India made two changes, bringing in Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav into their playing XI.

The win ensures India’s progression to the Super Eight stage, leaving Pakistan’s campaign under pressure.

Pakistani host Tabish Hashmi trolls national cricket team

by
Pakistani host Tabish

Renowned Pakistani host and comedian Tabish Hashmi took a humorous dig at the national cricket team following Pakistan’s heavy defeat to India in the T20 World Cup.

During his television program, Hashmi playfully criticized Pakistani players while also taking light-hearted jabs at the Indian cricket team and board. In a viral clip from the show, he remarked, “News is what shouldn’t happen; what happens all the time isn’t called news—and today was just such a day.”

He referenced commentators Mohammad Amir, Rashid Latif, and Ahmed Shehzad, saying, “They predicted what would happen, and indeed the unexpected happened elsewhere—like the USA defeating Namibia.”

Hashmi also mocked the national excitement over India’s win, noting that while the victory was celebrated in India, Pakistanis have become accustomed to such outcomes and were largely unfazed.

In a tongue-in-cheek segment, he applauded players Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, and Shadab Khan for their underwhelming performances, highlighting the comedic approach to the team’s loss.

His commentary, blending satire with cricket analysis, quickly went viral on social media, generating laughs and discussions among fans.

Salman Agha calls Usman Tariq ‘trump aard’ ahead of clash against India

by
Salman Agha

Colombo: Pakistan T20 captain Salman Ali Agha has termed spinner Usman Tariq as the team’s “trump card” ahead of the much-anticipated match against India, stressing that his side must focus on playing quality cricket.

Addressing a press conference in Colombo, Salman said all players in the squad are equally important, but Usman Tariq holds special value for the team. “You all have made him what he is today; for us, he is a trump card,” he remarked.

Responding to questions regarding concerns over Usman Tariq’s bowling action, the captain clarified that the spinner has already been cleared twice. “I don’t know why the issue is being discussed again. It does not affect Usman at all. We cannot stop people from expressing opinions; everyone has that right,” he added.

Looking ahead to the high-profile encounter, Salman emphasized that the team is fully prepared. “It will be another big-level match tomorrow. We are ready and need to play good cricket. We are familiar with the conditions and understand the pitch. Rain is beyond our control, but we also have plans in place if overs are reduced,” he said.

The skipper reiterated that all 15 squad members are important and that the playing XI will be selected based on match conditions. He also backed Babar Azam, expressing confidence in his form. “Babar is scoring runs. There is no concern from our side, and we hope he continues to perform tomorrow as well.”

On Pakistan’s World Cup record against India, Salman admitted that history has not been in Pakistan’s favor but insisted the team has learned from past experiences. “We have prepared plans for India’s entire playing XI and will aim to deliver a strong performance,” he stated.

When asked about India’s aggressive batter Abhishek Sharma, the Pakistan captain said he hoped the player’s recovery was going well and that he would be available for his side.

Speaking about leadership pressure, Salman concluded, “When you are captain, there is added responsibility and pressure. You represent your country, and all eyes are on you. Our job is to play good cricket on the field.”

Indian captain confident of strategy against Usman Tariq

by
Indian captain

Colombo: India captain Suryakumar Yadav has said his team has prepared a clear strategy against Pakistan, particularly their spin attack, ahead of the high-voltage encounter in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on February 15.

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, Suryakumar said preparations for the Pakistan match were carried out according to schedule. “A Pakistan-India match is ultimately just a game. It’s not as if we don’t play enough cricket. We will try to deliver our best performance,” he remarked.

Referring to Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq, the Indian skipper described him as a different kind of cricketer but stressed that India would not surrender. “Pakistan’s spinners are bowling well. We have made our plans accordingly,” he added.

When asked about shaking hands with Pakistan players, Suryakumar responded lightheartedly, saying, “Wait 24 hours for the handshake. We are here to play good cricket and will focus on that. Have dinner, get some rest, and we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”

The Indian captain also acknowledged Pakistan’s recent performances, noting that they played impressive cricket in the Asia Cup and have continued that form. He admitted that Pakistan-India matches always bring added pressure, but emphasized that controlling nerves and executing skills on the field is key to success.