The World around U

  Pakistan produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Australia by a massive 90-run margin in the second T20I, taking an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series. As part of their preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026, the hosts made full use of home conditions to outplay the visitors in every department. After winning the toss, Pakistan posted an imposing total of 198 for 5 in their 20 overs. Captain Salman Agha led from the front with a superb knock of 76 off just 40 balls, smashing eight fours and four sixes. He was well supported by Usman Khan, who scored a brisk 53 off 36 balls, registering his second half-century against Australia. The partnerships between Agha and Usman gave Pakistan complete control of the innings and set up a daunting target. In reply, Australia’s chase never really took off as they collapsed against Pakistan’s spin attack. Chasing 199, the visitors were bowled out for just 108, struggling to cope with the guile and accuracy of the home s...

  With the T20 World Cup just around the corner, Indian fans are once again dreaming of glory on home soil. The five-match T20I series against New Zealand was meant to serve as the final rehearsal. In the fifth T20I at Thiruvananthapuram, India posted a massive 271 and eventually restricted New Zealand to 225, winning the match by 46 runs and the series 4–1. While the margin looks comfortable on paper, the match itself exposed worrying signs, especially in India’s bowling. There are hardly any concerns about India’s batting. Suryakumar Yadav rediscovered his form at the right time, while Ishan Kishan produced a sensational century. However, the bowling unit told a different story. The performances of Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy failed to inspire confidence and left head coach Gautam Gambhir visibly concerned. The bowling attack that once turned matches around in the previous T20 World Cup now appears to be India’s biggest weakness. Another area of concern is Sanju Samson’...