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Latest Sports LIVE news: Nissanka’s unbeaten hundred powers Sri Lanka to win, Australia on the brink of disqualify, Catch all T20 World Cup updates

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By Rajasree Roy, Aritra Chatterjee

Feb 16, 2026 15:03 IST
2026-02-16 22:31

Australia is on the brink of exit

Australia are staring at a possible early exit from the tournament following their defeat to Sri Lanka. With Sri Lanka securing a commanding win, Australia’s qualification hopes now hinge on the result between Zimbabwe and Ireland. If Zimbabwe defeat Ireland, Australia could be knocked out of the competition based on points and net run rate scenarios in Group B. The heavy loss has significantly dented their campaign momentum and margin for error. Having already suffered setbacks earlier in the tournament, Australia no longer control their destiny and must now rely on other results to keep their Super 8 aspirations alive.

2026-02-16 22:26

Nissanka’s unbeaten hundred powers Sri Lanka to win

Sri Lanka completed a dominant chase, finishing at 184/2 in 18 overs to defeat Australia by eight wickets after the target of 182. The foundation was laid by Pathum Nissanka, who remained unbeaten on a magnificent 100 off 52 balls, striking 10 fours and 5 sixes. athlete contributed 51, while Pavan Rathnayake finished unbeaten on 28 off 15. The decisive surge came in the 17th and 18th overs. In the 17th, bowled by Nathan Ellis, Sri Lanka plundered 18 runs, including two sixes from Nissanka and a wide, effectively breaking Australia’s resistance. The 18th over from Adam Zampa went for 15 runs, with crisp boundaries sealing victory comfortably with two overs to spare.

2026-02-16 22:12

Sri Lanka needs 31 off 24

Sri Lanka is firmly in control at 151/2 in 16 overs, needing just 31 runs from 24 balls to overhaul Australia’s 181. Pathum Nissanka has anchored the chase superbly with 73 off 42 balls, striking eight fours and three sixes at a commanding strike rate. Kusal Mendis contributed a steady 51 before falling, while Pavan Rathnayake remains unbeaten on 19, guiding the innings calmly. Australia’s attack, despite two wickets from Marcus Stoinis, has struggled to contain the scoring as Sri Lanka close in on victory with momentum and wickets in hand.

2026-02-16 21:38

Sri Lanka in command at 85/1 after nine overs, Nissanka and Mendis anchor chase confidently

Sri Lanka progressed strongly to 85/1 in 9 overs, requiring 97 runs from 66 balls, maintaining a healthy run rate of 9.44. Pathum Nissanka led the charge with a fluent 42 off 24 balls, striking five fours and two sixes. Kusal Mendis provided solid support with 40 off 27 deliveries, keeping the scoreboard ticking with controlled aggression. Kusal Perera fell early for 1, dismissed by Marcus Stoinis. Australia’s bowlers, including Xavier Bartlett and Adam Zampa, struggled for breakthroughs as Sri Lanka built steady momentum in the chase.

2026-02-16 20:48

Head and Marsh fire, Sri Lanka fight back to restrict Australia to 181

Australia posted 181 for 10 in 20 overs after Sri Lanka opted to bowl. Mitchell Marsh (54 off 27) and Travis Head (56 off 29) powered the innings with an explosive opening stand, scoring at nearly 200 strike rates. Head fell at 104 in 8.3 overs, triggering a collapse. Josh Inglis added 27, while Glenn Maxwell chipped in with 22, but the middle and lower order failed to capitalise. Sri Lanka fought back strongly through Dushan Hemantha (3/37) and Dushmantha Chameera (2/36), applying sustained pressure. Australia lost nine wickets for 77 runs, slipping from dominance to a competitive but defendable 181.

2026-02-16 18:59

England hold nerve after Italy’s fightback to win by 24 runs

England defeated Italy by 24 runs in a high-scoring T20 contest. Batting first, England posted 202/7 in 20 overs, powered by Will Jacks’ explosive, unbeaten 53 off 22 balls. Tom Banton contributed 30, while Phil Salt added a quick 28 to set the tempo. In reply, Italy fought hard but was bowled out for 178. Ben Manenti smashed 60 off 25, and Grant Stewart struck 45 to keep the chase alive after early setbacks. However, regular wickets stalled momentum. Jofra Archer claimed two key wickets, and England’s bowlers held their nerve at the death to seal a comfortable victory.

2026-02-16 17:38

Mosca keeps Italy in the hunt as Dawson concedes nine

Liam Dawson was brought into the attack, but Justin Mosca responded positively, striking a boundary to keep the scoreboard ticking in the chase. Nine runs came from the over, offering Italy a steady push forward. To stay in contention, Italy will need to bat deep and build partnerships. Italy are 93/3 after 11 overs.

2026-02-16 17:35

The India–Pakistan showdown at the ICC T20 World Cup was more than just a cricket contest- it was a grand spectacle. Even before the first delivery at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday night, the pre-match ceremony had fans on their feet as rapper Hanumankind took centre stage. The Kerala-born artiste, Sooraj Cherukat, energised the crowd with his popular tracks, including the viral hit Big Dawgs. However, while his performance drew loud cheers, many viewers were quick to notice the absence of the much-anticipated ‘Dhurandhar’ title track, sparking conversations across social media. Read the full story.

2026-02-16 17:33

Archer and Overton strike early, but Italy fight back

Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton made an immediate impact with the new ball, ripping through Italy’s top order in a fiery opening spell. Archer’s express pace earned him two early wickets, while Overton added another crucial breakthrough as Italy slumped to three down inside the powerplay, losing early momentum. However, the fightback began when Sam Curran was introduced into the attack. Ben Manenti took on the left-arm pacer, smashing a couple of towering sixes to keep Italy in the contest. Fourteen runs came off the over, hinting at a gradual shift in momentum. Italy reached 79/3 after 9 overs.

2026-02-16 17:10

Jacks’ blazing fifty powers England to 202/7

Will Jacks ignited the innings with a scintillating half-century, launching a counterattack just when England needed momentum and seamlessly accelerating through the death overs. His clean ball-striking and measured aggression propelled England to a commanding 202/7, handing the bowlers a solid platform to defend. Earlier, JJ Smuts delivered a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Harry Brook after enduring early pressure. The Italian all-rounder mixed his pace cleverly, inducing a mistimed shot from the England captain at a key juncture. Brook’s exit disrupted England’s rhythm, leaving the middle order to absorb the mounting pressure.

2026-02-16 15:55

97/4 at 12 over

England at 97/4 after 12 overs, Banton and Curran at strike.

2026-02-16 15:47

England loses 2 wickets in PowerPlay

England suffered an early setback, losing both openers, Jos Buttler and Phil Salt, within the batting powerplay. Although Italy conceded 56 runs in the first six overs, they managed to claim two crucial wickets.

2026-02-16 15:02

ENG vs ITA

England won the toss and chose to bat. Salt and Buttler in action.

2026-02-16 14:57

Viral on-field exchange raises questions in the Indian camp

India’s dominant win over Pakistan in Colombo was briefly overshadowed by an uncomfortable moment on the field after the final wicket fell. A video widely shared on social media shows Hardik Pandya and skipper Suryakumar Yadav engaging in what appeared to be a tense exchange with Kuldeep Yadav during the customary handshakes. Hardik looked visibly animated, gesturing towards Kuldeep, while Tilak Varma watched on, and Rinku Singh stepped in, seemingly attempting to calm the situation. The reaction is believed to have followed a dropped catch in the final over of Pakistan’s chase. On the second delivery of Hardik’s over, Shaheen Afridi pulled a short ball towards long-on, where Kuldeep, positioned near the boundary, got both hands to it but failed to hold on, conceding a six. Although Pakistan were bowled out later in the over, the incident fuelled speculation about possible friction within the Indian side.

2026-02-16 14:55

India placed in tough super 8 group at the T20 World Cup

India, designated as ‘X1’, are set to face a challenging path in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup. They are grouped alongside Australia, South Africa and West Indies in what is widely being labelled a potential “group of death.” Australia and South Africa are counted among the leading title contenders alongside India, while West Indies are emerging as the strongest dark horse of the tournament, making the group highly competitive.

2026-02-16 14:46

Who took the most wickets in the IND vs PAK T20 World Cup match?

In the most recent India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match, India’s bowling was led by Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, both picking up key wickets as Pakistan were bundled out for 114. Pandya struck early and was among the top wicket-takers in the game alongside Bumrah, who also made significant breakthroughs in Pakistan’s batting lineup. In the last India vs Pakistan clash at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in New York, Jasprit Bumrah took the most wickets for India. Jasprit Bumrah picked up 3 wickets for 14 runs, delivering a match-winning spell that played a decisive role in defending a low total. On Pakistan’s side, Naseem Shah was the standout bowler, finishing with 3 wickets as well, but Bumrah’s spell proved more impactful in the context of the match.

Next Article
India vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash: Predictable XI, match time, venue details, when and where to watch?

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