T20 WC: Seifert, Phillips help New Zealand move past Afghanistan in Group D opener

IANS | February 8, 2026 2:53 PM

Chennai, Feb 8 (IANS) New Zealand pulled off a five-wicket win, chasing down 183 with 15 balls to spare, thanks to a composed yet aggressive batting effort anchored by Tim Seifert, and got their T20 World Cup campaign off to a flyer here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. The Kiwis avenged their loss to the Afghans from the previous edition of the tournament and bagged the first two points in the first game of Group D.

T20 WC: From Vadodara to Toronto – Canada’s Ansh Patel cricketing journey comes full circle

Niharika Raina | February 8, 2026 1:30 PM

New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) On Monday, left-arm wrist-spinner Ansh Patel could walk out at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad – a city 110 kilometres away from Vadodara, where he spent a good 12 years of his life playing and honing his cricketing skills. But instead of India’s blue shirt, Ansh will be wearing Canada’s red jersey when they open their Group D campaign against a mighty South Africa.

T20 WC: Naib’s 63 powers Afghanistan to 182/6 against New Zealand

IANS | February 8, 2026 12:58 PM

Chennai, Feb 8 (IANS) Afghanistan produced a brisk and well-balanced batting effort to post 182/6 in their 20 overs against New Zealand in the fourth match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, riding on a decisive middle-overs assault led by Gulbadin Naib. After facing early pressure, Afghanistan recovered smartly through calculated aggression and strong finishing to post a competitive total on a surface that rewarded shots but demanded intent.

T20 WC: Statistical review from India vs USA clash

IANS | February 8, 2026 11:18 AM

New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) India began their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign with a 29-run victory over the USA at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, but not without moments of genuine concern. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s majestic unbeaten 84 and a timely 3/29 from Mohammed Siraj, drafted in as a last-minute replacement, helped the defending champions avoid early embarrassment in their home tournament.