Ishan Kishan’s Smashing Century Pushes India Towards a Thrashing Win
India secured a dominant 4-1 series victory after defeating New Zealand by 46 runs in the final T20I. While the Black Caps had managed a consolation win in the previous game, India returned to full strength in Thiruvananthapuram to re-establish total control. India skipper, Suryakumar Yadav stated, “It’s been a long year, long wait. I’ve always been dreaming of this time. I’ve been following the same things, routines. I knew I wasn’t out of form. Very good series going into the World Cup.” He further stated, “I knew my time would definitely come. If you win or lose, you take something from the game. We’ll sit down, analyse our games and start our campaign. It’s hard on the bowlers, this format, but at the same time you need to have a good plan.” Arshdeep Singh spearheaded the bowling effort with a clinical five-wicket haul, ensuring the visitors could not keep up with the required rate despite a quick-fire 80 from Finn Allen. The foundation of this massive win was a historic maiden century by Ishan Kishan. The left-hander stunned the New Zealand attack, smashing 103 runs off only 43 balls at a strike rate of nearly 240. His innings, fueled by 10 sixes and a 240 strike rate, propelled India to a massive total of 271 for 5. Kishan expressed his delight, he emphasised his focus on the World Cup, stating, “I wanted to watch the ball and play accordingly. I think the plan in this team is to go for runs even if you’re close to the milestone. If the ball is there, you have to go for it and think about winning matches. I’m still not there, my focus is on the World Cup. What’s important is we carry the same form over there.” Supported by aggressive cameos from Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, Kishan’s brilliance propelled India to 271 for 5, their third-highest total in T20I history, providing the perfect momentum heading into the T20 World Cup.
Elena Clinches 2026 Australian Open Title Stunning Sabalenka
Elena Rybakina stuns No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to claim the 2026 Australian Open crown. She started the match with precision, breaking World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the opening game to secure the first set 6-4. However, Sabalenka responded with trademark power, levelling the match by taking the second set 6-4 and sprinting to a commanding 3-0 lead in the decider. The match shifted as Rybakina found her composure under pressure. She broke Sabalenka’s serve twice in a row, winning six of the final seven games to take the third set 6-4. This victory marks Rybakina’s second career Grand Slam and her first title in Melbourne, successfully avenging her final loss from three years ago. For Sabalenka, the result marks a heartbreaking second consecutive defeat in the Australian Open final.
Injury Sidelines Pat Cumming From T20 World Cup Squad
Australia is hit with a major blow with Pat Cummins being sidelined for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to injury. The Australian men’s team announced their 15-member squad. Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa. Selector Tony Dodemaide, an Australian selector, advocated the inclusion of Dwarshuis and Renshaw. He stated both players bring significant attributes to the squad. The ICC website quoted Dodemaide about Cumming, stating, “With Pat needing more time to recover from his back injury, Ben is a ready replacement who offers a left-arm pace option as well as dynamic fielding and late-order hitting. We believe his ability to swing the ball at a good pace along with clever variations will be well suited to the conditions we expect and the overall structure of the squad,” Dodemaide said, as quoted by the ICC website. The selector further highlighted Renshaw’s recent versatility across formats. “Matt (Renshaw) has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white-ball formats for Australia, the Queensland Bulls and the Brisbane Heat. With the top order settled and spin-heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we also feel Matt provides extra middle-order support, with Tim David completing his return-to-play programme in the early phase of the tournament,” Dodemaide added. Australia will start their World Cup campaign against Ireland on 11th February. They are placed in Group B alongside Ireland, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Oman.
‘Unfair’: Irfan Pathan Calls Out Management on Samson Dispute
Irfan Pathan, the former India all-rounder, backed Sanju Samson on deserving a consistent position in the batting order. The star further emphasised that Samson should be provided more chances to unwind his potential. He called the middle-order decision ‘unfair’. In an interview with RevSportz, Pathan said, “Personally, I would like to see Sanju Samson getting some runs and getting the position which he is there for a long period of time, because what happened was unfair to him, right? If Samson does not score runs and the team management replaces him with Ishan Kishan, you can understand that decision.” Pathan also expressed his preference for Tilak Verma’s presence in the squad and lauded him for his ability to stay persistent under pressure. Verma was ruled out against the New Zealand series due to injury. However, he is expected to make his appearance for the World Cup. “I think this approach is really good, but I really think in this team, guys like Tilak Varma are very important. Because when there is pressure, or when the ball starts to grip, he will come into play, because he plays percentage cricket. In this team everyone plays aggressively, which is fantastic, but you need a player like Tilak Varma,” Pathan added. Sanju Samson is struggling in the T20I series against New Zealand. He has scored only 40 runs in 4 matches. This poor form has led fans and experts to question his place in the 2026 T20 World Cup squad.
‘Strike while the iron is hot.’ Rashid Latif Opens Up About Pakistan’s Stance on the T20 World Cup
Rashid Latif, former Pakistan wicketkeeper, gets candid about Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 participation. In a recent encounter with a YouTube channel, CaughtBehind, Latif stated, Pakistan could still choose not to play against India. The same applies should both teams face each other in the championship match. “If the government says we won’t play against India, the ICC will have to accept it,” Latif said. “If they don’t, that’s where the real confrontation begins.” When asked what if India and Pakistan qualify for the finals, Latif bluntly replied, “Nahi khelenge” (we won’t play). He further expressed his belief that Pakistan should have pulled out from the competition immediately after Bangladesh’s demise. He said, “The time for a strike has passed. Every decision has a timing. You should strike while the iron is hot. That time was last week during the ICC meeting.” He added, “We showed our support. We voted for them. That chapter is over. If we boycott now, it won’t have the same impact.” Pakistan’s window for deciding their actions regarding the T20 World Cup 2026 has been shut, as the national board waits for the clearance from the government. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently consulted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding Pakistan’s stance in the upcoming tournament. This follows the ICC’s decision to move the tournament from Bangladesh. While a final decision is expected by 2nd February, the board has already arranged for the team to fly to Colombo. The squad’s scheduled departure suggests Pakistan will not boycott the event. It also points to their participation in the high-stakes match against India on February 15. Although there was speculation about a withdrawal, the PCB is now likely to confirm its participation formally. Previously, Naqvi decided to give their final statement on Friday. However, the continuous delay is causing frustration amongst the fraternity.
