India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. With this victory, Suryakumar Yadav and his team lifted India’s third T20 World Cup title on March 8. The historic win also sparked celebrations across the country.

However, amid the celebrations, India pacer Arshdeep Singh has been fined 15 percent of his match fee for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the final against New Zealand.

According to the ICC, Arshdeep breached Article 2.9 of the Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The rule relates to throwing a ball or any piece of cricket equipment at or near a player in an inappropriate or dangerous manner during an international match.

Along with the fine, one demerit point has been added to Arshdeep’s disciplinary record. This is his first offence in the last 24 months.

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Why Arshdeep Singh Was Fined by ICC

India pacer Arshdeep Singh was fined by the ICC after an incident with New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final in Ahmedabad. After Mitchell defended the fifth ball of the over, Arshdeep picked up the ball and threw it towards the New Zealand all-rounder. The action created tension on the field as Mitchell reacted angrily and walked towards the Indian pacer. However, Arshdeep did not continue the argument and moved away. The on-field umpire later spoke to Arshdeep, while India captain Suryakumar Yadav stepped in and calmed the situation with Mitchell.

After the match, Arshdeep said that he spoke with Mitchell about the incident. Still, the ICC decided to punish the Indian pacer. According to the ICC statement, Arshdeep was found guilty of breaching Article 2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct. The rule relates to throwing a ball or any cricket equipment at or near a player in an inappropriate or dangerous way during an international match. As a result, he was fined 15 percent of his match fee and also received one demerit point. It was his first offence in the last 24 months.

Arshdeep Accepts ICC Sanctions

The ICC also confirmed that Arshdeep accepted the punishment given by match referee Andy Pycroft. Because of this, there will be no formal hearing about the incident. Later in the over, Arshdeep and Mitchell were also seen shaking hands, showing that the situation had cooled down.

A Level 1 offence under the ICC Code of Conduct can lead to an official warning or a fine of up to 50 percent of a player’s match fee, along with one or two demerit points. If a player collects four or more demerit points within 24 months, they can face suspension from matches.

Meanwhile, India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final and lifted their third T20 World Cup title. It was also India’s second consecutive T20 World Cup win and the team became the first to win the tournament on home soil.

Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh and Daryl Mitchell were involved in a heated exchange during the IND vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 final at Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. Arshdeep threw the ball back towards Mitchell, which made the Kiwi batter angry. Suryakumar Yadav came in to calm the situation. Later, Arshdeep apologised after the over and shook hands with Mitchell.

The incident happened in the 11th over. Arshdeep bowled a full delivery, and Mitchell hit the ball straight back to the bowler. At the moment, Arshdeep threw the ball back after thinking Mitchell might be outside his crease.

The ball passed very close to Mitchell, and he became angry. He made strong hand gestures while walking toward Arshdeep. Captain Suryakumar Yadav quickly stepped in to stop the fight. The umpires also spoke with Arshdeep. After the over ended, Arshdeep walked to Mitchell, apologized, and shook hands to end the matter.

Watch the video here:

Final Hungama : Daryl Mitchell 🆚 Arshdeep Singh

Surya ಬಂದ ಮೇಲೆ ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಶಾಂತ... SKY Handle ಮಾಡಿದ ರೀತಿ ನಿಜಕ್ಕೂ ಅದ್ಬುತ!👏🏻🤝🏻

ವೀಕ್ಷಿಸಿ | ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup 👉🏻 FINAL | #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW | ನಿಮ್ಮ Star Sports ಕನ್ನಡ & JioHotstar ನಲ್ಲಿ.#T20WorldCup2026Final pic.twitter.com/K4ECnGh9ra

— Star Sports Kannada (@StarSportsKan) March 8, 2026

Also read -Watch: Arshdeep Singh and Daryl Mitchell’s fight in IND vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 final goes viral

India Retain T20 World Cup with Stunning Win Over New Zealand

India played an amazing game to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final. They beat New Zealand by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. India’s batters and bowlers all played very well together.

Chasing a big total of 256 runs, New Zealand struggled and were 72/5 at one stage. Tim Seifert scored a half-century, but it was not enough. New Zealand were bowled out for 159 runs in 19 overs, giving India a big win.

Earlier, Indian batters like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma scored big to set a huge total of 255/5. Samson made 89 runs, Sharma scored 52 runs from 21 balls, and Ishan Kishan added 54 runs. Shivam Dube hit big shots in the last over. Their strong total helped India defend the title at the world’s biggest cricket stadium.

South Africa produced a commanding run chase to defeat New Zealand by seven wickets in the 24th Group D clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. After conceding 175/7 in 20 overs, the Proteas rode on a sensational knock from skipper Aiden Markram to seal the target in just 17.1 overs. The victory was built on aggressive batting during the powerplay and sustained momentum through the middle overs, leaving New Zealand’s bowlers with little room to recover.

New Zealand posted a competitive 175/7 after being asked to bat first. Finn Allen (31 off 17) and Mark Chapman (48 off 26) provided explosive contributions, while Daryl Mitchell added a steady 32. However, the innings was largely defined by Marco Jansen’s four-wicket burst, as he removed key top-order batters including Tim Seifert, Allen, and Rachin Ravindra. Despite James Neesham’s unbeaten 23 late in the innings, the Kiwis struggled to build decisive partnerships in the death overs.

Jansen finished with impressive figures of 4/40, while Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi chipped in with a wicket each to keep New Zealand under 180. The Black Caps raced to 58 in the powerplay but kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Chapman and Mitchell stitched together a 74-run stand to stabilise the innings, yet South Africa’s disciplined bowling ensured the scoring rate never spiralled out of control in the final four overs.

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South Africa dominate chase with fearless approach

In reply, South Africa came out blazing, smashing 83 runs in the powerplay to take firm control of the chase. Quinton de Kock and Markram laid a solid foundation with a 62-run opening partnership. Even after De Kock fell for 20, the tempo never dipped. Ryan Rickelton contributed a brisk 21, while Dewald Brevis added 21 to keep the scoreboard ticking at over ten runs per over.

The standout performer was Markram, who remained unbeaten on a stunning 86 off 44 balls, striking eight fours and four sixes. His calculated aggression dismantled New Zealand’s bowling attack, which struggled for breakthroughs. David Miller provided finishing touches with an unbeaten 24, ensuring South Africa crossed the line comfortably with 17 balls to spare. The clinical chase highlighted South Africa’s batting depth and sent a strong message to their Group D rivals.

Top Performers

In the 24th Group D clash of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Aiden Markram led from the front with a scintillating unbeaten 86 off 44 balls, smashing eight fours and four sixes to anchor the chase. Marco Jansen starred with the ball, picking up 4/40 and removing three top-order batters. For New Zealand, Mark Chapman top-scored with 48 off 26, while Finn Allen provided an explosive start with 31 off 17 balls.

Agony, bizarre twists, crunch passages, and tense finishes have defined Group D so far, and another gripping contest awaits as South Africa take on New Zealand in Match 24 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The clash will be held at the massive Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, February 14. Historically, New Zealand have enjoyed the upper hand, winning four of the last five T20Is between the sides. That record adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already high-stakes encounter.

New Zealand arrive in excellent form, having comfortably defeated Afghanistan before completing a dominant chase against the United Arab Emirates. Another victory would secure their progression to the Super Eights with a game still remaining. South Africa, meanwhile, are coming off a dramatic double super-over win against Afghanistan at the same venue. While they will be eager to collect crucial points, the Proteas would prefer a more controlled performance this time rather than another nerve-racking finish.

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T20 World Cup 2026, Match 24, NZ vs SA: Live Streaming Details

T20 World Cup 2026, Match 24, NZ vs SA: Probable Playing XI

New Zealand

Tim Seifert (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santer (C), Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy

South Africa

Aiden Markram (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, George Linde

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) made history on Wednesday as it held its first-ever player auction, replacing the traditional draft system. The auction took place at the Expo Centre in Lahore, where eight teams, including new franchises Sialkot Stallions and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen, completed their squads for PSL 11. The tournament will be played from March 26 to May 3. Teams were allowed to retain only four players, so franchises spent heavily to rebuild their squads, with many players crossing PKR 80 million (approx ₹2.4 crore).

According to media reports, the new franchise Sialkot Stallions signed Steve Smith through a direct signing. The team confirmed the deal on social media, marking Smith’s first appearance in the Pakistan Super League. Reports say he was signed for PKR 140 million (approx ₹4.2 crore), making him the most expensive player in PSL history.

Other top signings also grabbed attention during the auction. Saim Ayub was retained for PKR 126 million (approx ₹3.8 crore), while Naseem Shah was picked for PKR 86.5 million (approx ₹2.6 crore). Faheem Ashraf went for PKR 85 million (approx ₹2.5 crore), and Daryl Mitchell was signed for PKR 80.5 million (approx ₹2.4 crore). The auction has set a new financial benchmark for the league.

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Here is the list of the Top 5 Most Expensive Players of PSL 2026:

1. Steve Smith – PKR 140 million (approx ₹4.2 crore)

Australian star batter and former captain Steve Smith has become the most expensive player in PSL history. According to media reports, the new franchise, Sialkot Stallions, signed him through a direct deal. The team confirmed the signing on social media. This will be Smith’s first appearance in the Pakistan Super League. Reports say he was signed for PKR 140 million (approx ₹4.2 crore). This makes him the costliest player in the league’s history and sets a new record for PSL contracts.

2. Saim Ayub – PKR 126 million (approx ₹3.8 crore)

Pakistan’s young star Saim Ayub became one of the most expensive players in PSL 2026 yesterday. The Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen signed him for a record amount during the auction. The franchise showed strong faith in the talented batter by making a big investment. Yesterday, he was signed for PKR 126 million (approx ₹3.8 crore). This made him one of the highest-paid players this season and one of the biggest deals in PSL history.

3. Naseem Shah – PKR 86.5 million (approx ₹2.6 crore)

Fast bowler Naseem Shah became one of the most expensive players in PSL 2026 yesterday. He was the costliest bowling option in the auction. The Rawalpindi franchise showed strong trust in his pace and match-winning ability. Yesterday, he was signed for PKR 86.5 million (approx ₹2.6 crore). This made him the most expensive bowler of the season and one of the top deals in the auction.

4. Faheem Ashraf – PKR 85 million (approx ₹2.5 crore)

All-rounder Faheem Ashraf also attracted a big bid in the PSL 2026 auction yesterday. He was among the top picks as teams looked for experienced players who can contribute with both bat and ball. The franchise showed confidence in his all-round skills. Islamabad United signed him for PKR 85 million (approx ₹2.5 crore). This deal made him one of the highest-paid all-rounders of the season.

5. Daryl Mitchell – PKR 80.5 million (approx ₹2.4 crore)

New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell also received a strong bid in the PSL 2026 auction yesterday. Rawalpindi signed him to strengthen their middle order and add experience to the squad. The team showed trust in his ability to perform in big matches. He was bought for PKR 80.5 million (approx ₹2.4 crore). This made him one of the top foreign signings of the season.

On Tuesday (February 10), New Zealand played their second match in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where they faced the United Arab Emirates, who were playing their first match of the competition. During the first innings, New Zealand fielders Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell set up a great catch partnership to break the second-wicket century partnership of the opponents. 

After the UAE chose to bat first, they lost their opener Aryansh Sharma (8) cheaply in the second over. However, the other experienced opener and captain Muhammad Waseem and the no.3 batter Alishan Sharafu, set up a brilliant partnership for the second wicket. They had the 107-run partnership for the second wicket, as both batters hit half-centuries. 

Watch: Mohammad Waseem smartly upper cuts Jacob Duffy for six in NZ vs UAE T20 World Cup 2026

Mark Chapman stunning fielding, and Daryl Mitchell completed the catch

Captain Mitchell Santner finally managed to break that partnership, but complete credit goes to the Blackcaps fielders Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell. Sharafu's shot was targeting just over the boundary line, but the deep midwicket fielder Chapman had another thought. Chapman brilliantly grabbed the ball and pushed it to Mitchell before falling on the ground over the boundary line, while Daryl Mitchell took the catch comfortably after running towards the deep midwicket.

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UAE scored 173/6

It was a big wicket as Alishan was dismissed after scoring 55 off 47 balls with five fours and two sixes. Captain Waseem continued his innings and scored 66 not out off 45 balls with four fours and three sixes, while little cameos also helped UAE to manage the first innings score of 173/6 in 20 overs. 

New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell shared a heartfelt moment of admiration after receiving a signed jersey from India’s batting icon Virat Kohli, following the conclusion of the recently finished India vs New Zealand ODI series. The gesture came just minutes after New Zealand defeated India by 41 runs in the third ODI, sealing the three-match series 2–1.

Mitchell maintained his excellent performance during the series while showing great respect for Kohli because he considered the jersey to be a valuable item that he would keep for life. “It’ll definitely be framed somewhere in the office for many years to come. I’ve got so much respect for Virat for how he plays the game, how he does it day in, day out for almost two decades now,” Mitchell told Hindustan Times. He admitted to being inspired by the Indian superstar while he described Kohli's batting style and his general approach toward playing cricket.

Mitchell delivered an exceptional performance during the match. He tormented the Indian bowling attack with two centuries in the series and played a pivotal role in the decider, scoring a commanding 137 off 131 balls to help New Zealand post a daunting total of 337 runs. His consistency and composure earned him the Player of the Series award, having amassed 352 runs at a staggering average of 176.

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Kohli’s lone century, heartfelt gesture cap off historic New Zealand series win

The statement needs to be rephrased with simpler language and more complex sentence structures which will maintain the same word count and HTML elements. The Indian cricket team relied on Kohli for their third consecutive test match. He scored his 54th ODI century by reaching 124 runs from 108 balls to chase a difficult target. India lost the match because their players kept getting out while the opposing team succeeded in taking all their wickets to finish the game at 296 runs.

The post-match scenes, however, captured the spirit of the game. Kohli walked across to the New Zealand camp, handed Mitchell his signed jersey, and shared a warm embrace - an act that highlighted mutual respect beyond the fierce on-field rivalry.

New Zealand’s series victory marked a historic achievement because it became their first-ever ODI series win on Indian territory. The match result proved difficult for the home team to accept but Kohli's act of goodwill toward Mitchell showed them the proper way to conduct themselves in international cricket.