Ollie Davies begins a new chapter of his career with the Sydney Sixers after reaching a three-year contract agreement which concludes his six-year tenure with the Sydney Thunder. The Player Movement Window now begins with its first significant signing as two teams from the same city compete in a rare player exchange within the BBL.

The 25-year-old batter had a challenging BBL15 season because he played only one game with the Thunder and scored two runs. Davies can achieve his previous batting success because he now has access to a new environment that lets him demonstrate his best abilities.

The move includes a significant plot element which brings Davies back together with his brother Joel Davies who plays for the Sixers. Joel achieved his first major success in BBL15 when he helped the Sixers reach the Final with his batting and bowling performance. The brothers played together for the Thunder in BBL12 but this marks their first time to spend extended time together at one team.

Davies expressed his excitement about playing professional cricket with his younger brother when he said I have fulfilled my childhood dream. The two of us are excited to wear the magenta together as we walk onto the SCG.

ALSO SEE: Watch: “On cricket…”- Former MP Chief Minister shares on-field action with Ravindra Jadeja in viral video

Sixers back Davies’ power as club reshapes squad for BBL16

Davies participated in 49 games with the Thunder during which he scored 836 runs while maintaining a 19.90 batting average and achieving a top score of 65. His most impressive performance occurred during BBL12 when he accumulated 333 runs at 27.75 to establish himself as an emerging talent. The next three seasons showed a decrease in performance because he only managed to score 345 runs throughout that period.

Rachael Haynes who serves as Sixers general manager supported the player's acquisition because she recognized Davies' ability to hit home runs and play multiple positions. “His ability to score at all stages of the innings will be invaluable to our squad,” she said.

The Sixers decided to make this player acquisition at a time when they were undergoing organizational changes after their longtime coach Greg Shipperd left the team. The club acquired Ollie Davies because his presence brings additional offensive capabilities which will help them build their team for upcoming Big Bash League BBL16 matches while they pursue another championship victory.

Sydney Sixers BBL16 Squad (so far): Sean Abbott, Joel Davies, Ollie Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Hayden Kerr, Josh Philippe, Lachlan Shaw, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith

The Indian cricket team currently prepares for the T20 World Cup while they monitor the most important sports event of the year. Indian cricketers Ishan Kishan and Arshdeep Singh revealed their preferred champions for the Australian Open 2026 men's singles final which Novak Djokovic will compete against Carlos Alcaraz at Rod Laver Arena on February 1. 

The upcoming final match will feature two players from different generations who both want to achieve historic milestones at Melbourne Park. Djokovic is targeting his 11th Australian Open championship which would also become his 25th Grand Slam singles title. The Serbian legend reached his 11th final in Melbourne after a gruelling five-set semifinal victory over Jannik Sinner, once again showcasing his trademark resilience on the biggest stage.

Alcaraz reached his first Australian Open final after he defeated Alexander Zverev in their semifinal match which lasted 5 hours and 27 minutes making it the longest semifinal match in tournament history. A World No 1 player who faced cramps and extreme physical fatigue demonstrated impressive determination to advance to the final match. A Sunday victory would grant him both his first Australian Open title and a complete career Grand Slam, making him the youngest player to achieve this milestone.

Watch the video:

Team Carlos Alcaraz or Team Novak Djokovic? 🎾🤔

Here’s who @ishankishan51 and @arshdeepsinghh are backing ahead of the Australian Open final 😎 #TeamIndia | @AustralianOpen pic.twitter.com/gNUYB2v3qu

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 1, 2026

ALSO SEE: Top 5 shocking upsets in T20 World Cup history

Kishan backs Alcaraz’s fearless style, Arshdeep trusts Djokovic’s experience in Australian Open final

Ishan Kishan revealed his support for Alcaraz after India won their fifth T20I match against New Zealand. The left-handed batter explained that he relates to the Spaniard’s aggressive, instinctive style of play, which he sees as a modern batting approach used by India’s current players.

The experienced Arshdeep Singh backed Djokovic because he showed coolness during matches together with his desire to win his 25th Grand Slam title. The Australian Open 2026 final presents an exciting match between two top players because their head-to-head record stands even, while both competitors aim to achieve historic milestones.

Pakistan will face Australia in the third and final T20I of the three-match series on Sunday, February 1, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The hosts have already sealed the series with a dominant 2-0 lead. Pakistan outplayed Australia in the opening two encounters, registering a 22-run win in the first match before securing a comprehensive 90-run victory in the second, leaving the visitors with no chance of a comeback in the series.

Riding high on confidence, Pakistan will be keen to complete a clean sweep and build momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Australia, meanwhile, are treating the series as an opportunity to experiment with combinations and fine-tune their squad. The visitors will aim to end the tour on a positive note by winning the final match, hoping to carry some momentum into the global tournament.

See Also: Watch: “Ninth-ranked Pakistan…”- Former Pakistan skipper reacts to Babar Azam’s constant failures ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

PAK vs AUS, 3rd T20I: Live Streaming Details

PAK vs AUS, 3rd T20I: Probable Playing XI

Pakistan (PAK):

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (C), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed

Australia (AUS):

Matthew Short, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (C), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (WK), Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa

Australia have suffered a major setback just days before the start of the T20 World Cup 2026 because fast bowler Pat Cummins has been declared unfit to compete in the tournament because of his ongoing back problem. Cummins physical condition had not improved since the Ashes series because selectors decided to handle his playing time with caution.

Cricket Australia announced their 15-player team on Saturday January 31 which Mitchell Marsh will lead through Indian and Sri Lankan cricketing environments. Australia will be aiming to secure their second T20 World Cup title, but they will have to do so without several experienced names.

Cummins is the most high-profile omission but veteran batter Steve Smith and hard-hitting all-rounder Matt Short have also been left out. The selectors have instead chosen players who provide flexibility and multiple playing options which match the requirements of subcontinent weather.

Dwarshuis steps in as Australia rely on depth and firepower for T20 World Cup challenge

The selection panel member Tony Dodemaide explained that the left-arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis has been selected to replace Cummins in the team. Dodemaide explained that Dwarshuis can bowl at high speeds while swinging the ball which helps him create effective bowling variations and provides him the ability to bat lower in the order.

ALSO SEE: Ticket pricing for India A vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match revealed

Australia has been assigned to Group B together with Ireland, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. Their first match against Ireland will take place on February 11 in Colombo. The team will play their next two matches against Zimbabwe on February 13 and Sri Lanka on February 16 before facing Oman on February 20.

Australia maintains high offensive strength despite missing players. The batting order will begin with Travis Head and Marsh while Josh Inglis and Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell and Tim David will play in the middle order. The team will use Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis as their primary bowlers while Adam Zampa will lead the spin attack.

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

Pakistan and Australia will meet again in the second T20I of the three-match series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, January 31. Riding high on confidence, Pakistan will look to build on their impressive showing in the series opener, while Australia aim to respond strongly and keep the contest alive. With both sides eager to assert dominance, the clash promises another competitive encounter under familiar conditions in Lahore.

In the first T20I, Pakistan ended a long wait for success against Australia in the shortest format, registering a 22-run victory at the same venue. After choosing to bat first, the hosts posted 168/8. Australia began well but lost momentum as spinners took control. Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz exploited the turning pitch to derail the chase.

See Also: Watch: Suryakumar Yadav’s special welcome to Sanju Samson in Thiruvattanampudam ahead of IND vs NZ 5th T20I goes viral  

PAK vs AUS, 2nd T20I: Live Streaming Details

PAK vs AUS, 2nd T20I: Probable Playing XI

Pakistan (PAK):

Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (C), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.

Australia (AUS):

Matthew Short, Travis Head (C), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Josh Phillipe (WK), Jack Edwards, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Mahli Beardman.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to get underway on February 7, with India and Sri Lanka hosting the much-awaited 20-over spectacle. The tournament promises thrilling contests, explosive batting, and intense battles between the world’s best teams. With top players in peak form and high expectations surrounding every fixture, fans can look forward to non-stop action and unforgettable moments across iconic venues in the subcontinent.

While trophies and points matter, World Cups are often remembered for the rivalries that ignite passion and drama. These clashes go beyond numbers, shaping narratives and defining momentum throughout the tournament. Historic matchups bring added pressure, emotion, and excitement, making them must-watch encounters. In this article, we take a closer look at five of the fiercest rivalries, fueled by history and pride, that are set to headline the T20 World Cup 2026.

See Also: 5 legendary players who might play their final T20 World Cup in 2026 ft. Glenn Maxwell

Here are the 5 best rivalries to watch in T20 World Cup 2026;

Pakistan and Australia will clash in the first T20I of their three-match series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, January 29. Pakistan recently toured Sri Lanka for a three-match series against Dasun Shanaka’s side, which ended in a 1-1 draw after the second match was abandoned due to rain. The home side will be eager to start their series strongly, building on lessons from Sri Lanka, while relying on key players in both batting and bowling to gain an early advantage in the tightly contested T20I series.

Australia, meanwhile, arrives fresh off an exciting Big Bash League season, where Perth Scorchers claimed the title by defeating Sydney Sixers. Boasting a formidable squad of T20 specialists, the Australians will enter the Lahore series as favourites. However, Pakistan’s home advantage, familiarity with local conditions, and experienced players make them a dangerous opponent. Both sides will aim to set the tone early, with the first T20I expected to be a high-intensity clash full of big-hitting and tactical bowling battles.

See Also: 3 Indian players from 2024 T20 World Cup missing in India’s 2026 squad

PAK vs AUS, 1st T20I: Live Streaming Details

PAK vs AUS, 1st T20I: Probable Playing XI

Pakistan (PAK):

Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan (WK), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (C), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed

Australia (AUS):

Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (C), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Matt Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, marking the 10th edition of the prestigious global tournament. India enter the competition as the defending champions, having lifted the title in the previous edition. With world-class venues and subcontinental conditions in play, the tournament is expected to deliver high-octane cricket and intense rivalries. Fans around the world are gearing up for a month-long spectacle featuring the best T20 talent from across the globe.

A total of 20 teams will compete in the 2026 edition, divided into four groups of five teams each. Co-hosts India have been slotted into Group A, where they will face Namibia, Netherlands, USA, and arch-rivals Pakistan in the group stage. Each team will play the others once, with the top two sides from every group advancing to the Super 8 stage. This phase will further intensify the competition as teams battle for places in the knockout rounds.

See Also: Watch: Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube practicing right after India's emphatic win against New Zealand in 3rd T20I

Following the Super 8s, the tournament will move into the knockout phase, beginning with the semifinals. The first semifinal is scheduled for March 4, followed by the second on March 5. The winners will then lock horns in the grand final on March 8 to decide the new world champions. As the countdown to the marquee event begins, fans eagerly await a closer look at the group-wise squads shaping up for what promises to be a thrilling World Cup.

Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Group A squads

The internet had a collective wince on January 23 2026 when the official Chennai Super Kings X account shared a short but unforgettable video which showed Australian all-rounder Matthew Short. The caption said it all: "Felt the pain through the screen. Hope you are okay Matt #WhistlePodu" which fans instantly agreed with.

The 19-second clip which Short himself posted online shows a typical fatherhood situation that ends in disaster. Short's young child hits him with a violent blow to the groin during their home playtime. The reaction is immediate and universal - Short doubles over in agony which makes viewers laugh and cringe while feeling sympathy for him. The injury which happened outside of cricket practice caused the athlete to experience unfiltered pain which occurred during his duties as a parent.

The fans reacted to the post with comments that showed both worry and amusement. "Forgot the guard at home," one joked while another quipped that even IPL players aren t safe off the field. The clip quickly turned into meme material which proved that relatable moments travel faster than highlight reels.

A simple dad moment that went viral and won CSK fans

CSK used the post to show their #WhistlePodu culture which combines fun with empathy to help fans experience connections with players who play beyond the boundary. Short who recently became a member of CSK gained immediate acceptance from "Yellove" fans through his authentic portrayal of a common human experience.

Watch the video:

Felt the pain through the screen. 😶‍🌫️🥶
Hope you are okay, Matt! 🙈✨#WhistlePodu
🎥: @mattshort95 pic.twitter.com/O3vRBYY5oD

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) January 23, 2026

Matthew Short 😭😂😂 pic.twitter.com/81lX5C4AYf

— One Man Army🪖🌚 (@TherealSigma000) January 23, 2026

ALSO SEE: CSK batter smashed double ton against Hyderabad in Ranji Trophy ahead of IPL 2026

Australia now faces the main challenge of their cricketing situation because ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 approaches their upcoming international match. His explosive batting and useful off-spin abilities make him a strong candidate to secure a permanent position in Australia’s T20 team before the worldwide tournament. 

The situation turned out positive because no one suffered from injuries during the event which only produced brief discomfort and created enduring moments of happiness. The incident showed that international cricketers cannot withstand all physical impacts because they must face certain unavoidable collisions. The experience of being a father comes with direct challenges because it provides no safety equipment. The experience appears to be intense because the situation needs immediate attention. The content became widely spread through online platforms. The content has complete connection with actual human experiences.

Gautam Gambhir began as India's men’s National Cricket Team Head Coach in July 2024 when he took over from Rahul Dravid; this was the beginning of a new era for the country. Although during this period there have been many successes with the Indian team winning important events within white-ball cricket events under him, the side has not performed consistently in the Bilateral Tests and ODIs. While the available talent within the Indian team are many and demonstrate great depth, India continues to be inconsistent overseas and has lost its dominance at home in these two longer formats of the game. As a result of all the above information, Gambhir's strategies and methods as a coach have been heavily scrutinised with many mixed opinions on such things as selections, bowling plans and batting orders primarily in red-ball cricket games.

See Also: 'Ishan will bat at...' - India skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirms Ishan Kishan's batting position ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Since Gambhir became coach of the Indian men’s National Cricket Team, they've suffered a total of six series losses in all formats by January 2026, at both home and away; as a result of the many losses, they have received much media, analyst and fan discussion about the Indian team being inconsistent throughout the Tests and ODIs. There needs to be greater consistency demonstrated, particularly in regard to selection policies and plans for bowling and batting adjustments when needed for red-ball formats. The table below shows the Opponents, Results and Grounds of each Series Lost by India during Gautam Gambhir's coaching tenureship.

Series India Lost Under Gambhir (Summary)

Breakdown of Each Series Defeat

Home Series Losses

1. Test vs New Zealand (2024)
India suffered a rare 3‑0 home Test whitewash against New Zealand. This was their first home Test series defeat in over a decade and highlighted vulnerabilities in red‑ball batting and bowling.

2. Test vs South Africa (2025)
Against South Africa, India lost the two‑match Test series 2–0 at home. This marked a significant low for India in Test cricket, with both defeats featuring comprehensive performances by the visitors.

3. ODI vs New Zealand (2026)
In a tightly contested ODI series on home soil, India lost 2–1 to New Zealand, marking the first time in years that Indian conditions did not yield a home ODI series win.

Away Series Losses

1. ODI vs Sri Lanka (2024)
Gambhir’s first major assignment was an ODI series in Sri Lanka. India lost 2–0, ending a long‑standing dominance in this format in Sri Lankan conditions.

2. Test vs Australia (2024‑25)
India lost the Border‑Gavaskar Trophy 3–1 on Australian soil, despite winning the first Test. This was India’s first Test series defeat to Australia in a decade and represented a key setback in red‑ball cricket.

3. ODI vs Australia (2025)
In the white‑ball leg on the same tour, India lost the ODI series 2–1, dropping crucial matches in unfamiliar overseas conditions.

What the Series Losses Reveal

India has demonstrated their prowess in one-day cricket - both limited overs and Twenty20 International Cricket - by remaining unbeaten in T20 International matches, and by winning multiple International Cricket Council (ICC) trophies with Gautam Gambhir as captain of the national team. However, their performances have not been as impressive as it relates to the team’s Test and One-Day International (ODI) records.

The poor results in the team’s Test and ODI formats have generated much discussion, as there have been several concerning trends regarding India’s inability to play well in Tests, due to the fact that India suffered the first home Test whitewash in decades last season, and it has been nearly thirty years since India lost a home ODI series to the nation of Sri Lanka, which is a historic event.

Under Gambhir’s leadership, the Indian team has also experienced poor performances with regards to batting in critical situations. In the home Tests, the batting unit has been bowled out multiple times for very low scores, which is unusual in their history. These events have prompted a lot of discussion surrounding Gambhir’s coaching style and the need for the Indian team to take a closer look at their Strategic Plan for future ICC Tournaments (ODI and T20 World Cups and Tests) and their upcoming tours to play red-ball cricket.

Even with the recent losses to Sri Lanka, the future schedule for India’s national team is filled with narrow-margin assignments that may prove to define Gautam Gambhir’s position as coach. There will be a Test series against England, as well as the ICC Tournaments. Therefore, should India perform well in these events, it may be able to shift some of the negative perceptions that have been held against Gambhir, especially if results improve in Test cricket. For the time being, however, the fact that Gambhir has lost six series’ while in charge remains a significant topic of conversation around team leadership, coaching strategies and overall direction.