Pakistan will face the Netherlands in the opening match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Saturday. Pakistan entered the tournament with high confidence after defeating Australia by 3-0. Saim Ayub, Salman Agha and Abrar Ahmed were the key players for the Pakistan team. Mohammad Nawaz was the top bowler for the Pakistan team, picking up 44 wickets in the last 30 T20I matches.

On the other hand, the Netherlands lost their warm-up match against Zimbabwe by 29 runs. They failed to chase down the target of 178 runs and were bowled out at 149 runs. Both teams played two head-to-head T20I matches and both matches were won by Pak team.

Also Read: Below number three…’- Suryakumar Yadav reveals India’s batting line-up vs USA in T20 World Cup 2026

NAM vs IN-A Dream11 Prediction Today: Warm-Up Match 16, Pitch Report, Playing XI & Fantasy Tips

PAK vs NED Match Details

• Match: Pakistan vs Netherlands, 1st Match

• Date: 7th February 2026

• Time: 11.00 AM IST

• Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo 

• Live Streaming: JioHotstar 

PAK vs NED Weather Report

Pitch Report - Sinhalese Sports Club

Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo has been a decent venue for batters. Around 150 runs is the average score for the first inning at SSC. In the Powerplay overs, the spinners are likely to come into play because of the pitch's favour.

Top Batters to Watch – PAK vs NED

• Babar Azam (PAK): 4505 runs in T20I 

• Fakhar Zaman (PAK): 2385 runs in T20I 

• Scott Edwards (NED): 1226 runs in T20I 

Top Bowlers to Watch – PAK vs NED

• Shaheen Afridi (PAK): 128 wickets in T20I 

• Mohammad Nawaz (PAK): 94 wickets in T20I 

• Logan van Beek (NED): 36 wickets in T20I 

PAK vs NED Recent Form

PAK vs NED Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If NED Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 45–50

• Predicted Total: 140–145

• Match Result: PAK to win

Scenario 2: If PAK bats first

• Powerplay Score: 50–55

• Predicted Total: 155–165

• Match Result: PAK to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

PAK vs NED Predicted Playing XIs

Pakistan 

Salman Agha (c), Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan (wk), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Netherlands 

Scott Edwards (c), Max Odowd, Michael Levitt, Colin Ackermann, Zach Lion Cachet, Bas de Leede, Noah Croes, Logan Van Beek, Fred Klaassen, Kyle Klein, Roelof van der Merwe and Aryan Dutt

Why Pakistan is the favourite today

• Excellent recent form 

• Saim Ayub form

• Good spin-bowler

PAK vs NED Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Based on current form, team balance, and superior batting strength, Pakistan are the favourites to win this ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan and Salman Agha are expected to be the key performers.

PAK vs NED Match FAQs

The 15th warm-up match between Italy and the United Arab Emirates for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 will be held at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Italy have recently won their warm-up match against Canada confidently, defeating Canada by 10 runs at Chepauk, Chennai. Italy batted first and posted a total of 156 runs successfully defending the target. Italy's top performer was JJ Smuts, who scored 49 runs off 37 balls.

On the other hand, the UAE lost their last warm-up match by 7 wickets against Nepal. After batting first, they scored 145 for 6 on a slightly slow Chepauk surface. Aryansh Sharma made an impressive start, with Harshit Kaushik taking control with an attacking 35-ball knock to improve the scoring rate in the middle overs. Sohaib Khan's unbeaten 38 secured the UAE's competitive total on the board.

Also Read: U19 World Cup 2026, Final: ENG U19 vs IND U19 head-to-head, pitch report and predicted playing XIs

Watch: Star Pakistani spinner says he wants to box Indian legend Shikhar Dhawan amid India match boycott controversy

ITA vs UAE Match Details

• Match: Italy vs United Arab Emirates, 15th Warm-up Match

• Date: 6th February 2026

• Time: 3.00 PM IST

• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

• Live Streaming: JioHotstar 

ITA vs UAE Weather Report

Pitch Report - MA Chidambaram Stadium

The pitch at M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai offers a balanced track that favours both the batters and bowlers, the average 1st innings score in the last three T20I matches played at this venue is around 150-160 runs. 

Top Batters to Watch – ITA vs UAE

• Muhammad Waeem (UAE): 3248 runs in T20I

• Alishan Sharafu (UAE): 1676 runs in T20I 

• JJ Smuts (ITA): 211 runs in T20I 

Top Bowlers to Watch – ITA vs UAE

• Muhammad Jawadullah (UAE): 58 wickets in T20I 

• Junaid Siddique (UAE): 119 wickets in T20I 

• Ben Manenti (ITA): 3 wickets in T20I

ITA vs UAE Recent Form

ITA vs UAE Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If ITA Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 50–55

• Predicted Total: 160–165

• Match Result: ITA to win

Scenario 2: If UAE bats first

• Powerplay Score: 40–45

• Predicted Total: 145–155

• Match Result: ITA to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

ITA vs UAE Predicted Playing XIs

Italy 

Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen (C), Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, Gian-Piero Meade (wk), Crishan Kalugamage, Syed Naqvi, Jaspreet Singh, Grant Stewart

United Arab Emirates 

Aryansh Sharma (wk), Muhammad Waseem (c), Muhammad Zohaib, Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Harshit Kaushik, Sohaib Khan, Muhammad Arfan, Junaid Siddique, Haider Ali, Muhammad Farooq

Why Italy is the favourite today

• Excellent recent form 

• All-rounder options 

• Excellent pace bowler 

ITA vs UAE Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Based on current form, team balance, and superior batting strength, Italy are the favourites to win this ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca and JJ Smuts are expected to be the key performers.

ITA vs UAE Match FAQs

Amid rising tensions between the Indian and Pakistani men’s cricket teams, Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed has once again come into the spotlight, this time for an off-field comment. In a recent interview on a Pakistani YouTube channel, the 27-year-old leg-spinner was asked which cricketer he would like to face in a boxing ring.

The question put to him was, “Which player in the world would you want to stand in front of you in a boxing ring, someone you feel very angry about?” Abrar replied that he would like to box against former India opener Shikhar Dhawan.

The comment quickly grabbed attention after a clip from the interview went viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions from cricket fans.

Watch the video here:

Pakistani cricketer Abrar Ahmed said he’d like to do boxing with Shikhar Dhawan.

One word for him 👇 pic.twitter.com/yr7ZGwQJXe

— Kusha Sharma  (@Kushacritic) February 5, 2026

Also read -Watch: The winning moments of RCB when they won the WPL 2026 Trophy

Uncertainty Grows Over India–Pakistan Match at T20 World Cup 2026

Uncertainty has increased around the high-profile India–Pakistan clash at the T20 World Cup 2026 after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that his team will not play the scheduled Group A match. The two sides were set to face each other on February 15 in Colombo, but Sharif stated that Pakistan has decided not to take part in the fixture.

Sharif Explains Pakistan’s Stand

While addressing Pakistan’s cabinet on Wednesday, Sharif said the decision was based on principles rather than cricket. He stressed that sports should be kept separate from political issues. He also added that Pakistan’s position is linked to standing with Bangladesh, calling the decision well thought out and appropriate. According to Sharif, Pakistan believes there should be no politics on the sports field.

The Prime Minister’s comments came amid reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board has not yet officially informed the International Cricket Council about the decision. Due to the lack of formal communication, the ICC is reportedly unable to take the next steps, leaving the situation unresolved.

Team India are the defending champions of the T20 World Cup. They will start their title defense with a Group A match against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7. The Men in Blue will then play Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on February 12.

The India vs Pakistan match at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15 is unlikely to happen, as Pakistan has decided to boycott the game. India’s last group match will be against the Netherlands at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 18.

Many experts consider the Men in Blue favourites to win the 2026 T20 World Cup. Their recent form, strong squad, and familiarity with the conditions give the co-hosts a big advantage.

However, in this feature, we look at three factors that could stop India from defending their T20 World Cup crown.

Also read -India sweat for star player’s fitness ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

1. One Bad Game Can Cost India

Team India has one of the strongest squads on paper for the T20 World Cup. With players like Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakaravarthy, they have many match-winners in both batting and bowling.

But to lose a World Cup, a team only needs one bad game. Strong teams like South Africa have faced setbacks in ICC events before. India suffered heartbreak in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. They were strong before the final, but things went wrong in the most important match. Australia had better luck that day.

Even in T20S, one moment can decide the match. India will enter the tournament with confidence, but fans hope the team does not have a bad day.

2. Dew Can Change the Game

Indian cricket legend MS Dhoni said India have the team to win the T20 World Cup. But he warned that dew can affect matches a lot.

He said: "What worries me, I hate dew. Dew changes many things. Even when I played, the toss became very important because of dew."

Heavy dew is expected in evening games. The team bowling second will have a disadvantage. Spinners like Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav may struggle to grip the wet ball, and even Axar Patel could find it hard to bowl.

3. Aggressive Batting Could Be Risky

India’s strength could also be a weakness. After Rohit Sharma retired, Suryakumar and others are playing very aggressively. Every batter tries to hit big shots, no matter the situation.

This approach worked well last year. But on slow pitches, the ball may not come onto the bat easily. India could lose four or five wickets for very few runs.

Players like Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya can adjust if needed. But Suryakumar says the team will stick to their aggressive style. You live by the sword, and you die by it.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. This will be the 10th edition of the tournament. A total of 55 matches will be played across eight venues, with five in India and three in Sri Lanka.

India, one of the co-hosts, are also the defending champions of the T20 World Cup. They won the 2024 edition held in the United States and the West Indies after beating South Africa in a thrilling final in Barbados. Team India had earlier won the first T20 World Cup in 2007 in South Africa.

West Indies and England are the only other teams to win the T20 World Cup twice. West Indies lifted the trophy in 2012 and 2016, while England won in 2010 and 2022. Over the years, several bowlers from different teams have delivered impressive performances in the Men’s T20 World Cup. In this feature, we take a look at the top wicket-takers in the ICC tournament.

Also read -Top 5 highest individual scores for India in T20 World Cup ft. Rohit Sharma

5. Rashid Khan (37 wickets)

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan is fifth on the list of bowlers with the most wickets in the T20 World Cup. In 23 matches, he has taken 37 wickets at an average of 14.89 and an economy rate of 6.30. He has taken three four-wicket hauls.

Rashid’s best figures of 4-9 came against Scotland in Sharjah in 2021. He also took 4-17 against New Zealand in Guyana in 2024, helping Afghanistan win by 84 runs. In the same edition, he claimed 4-23 against Bangladesh in Kingstown, as Afghanistan won by eight runs under the DLS method.

4. Wanindu Hasaranga (37 wickets)

Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has also taken 37 wickets in the T20 World Cup. He is placed above Rashid Khan because he played fewer matches. In 19 matches, he took 37 wickets at an average of 11.72 and an economy rate of 6.00.

His best figures of 3-8 came against the UAE in Geelong in 2022. He also took 3-28 against the Netherlands at the same venue. Hasaranga claimed 3-13 against Afghanistan in Brisbane. He picked up 16 wickets in 2021 and 15 wickets in 2022.

3. Lasith Malinga (38 wickets)

Former Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga is third on the list. He led Sri Lanka to the 2014 T20 World Cup title. In 31 matches, he took 38 wickets at an average of 20.07 and an economy rate of 7.43.

Malinga’s best figures of 5-31 came against England in Pallekele in 2012. He was named Player of the Match as Sri Lanka won by 19 runs. He also took 3-17 against Pakistan in 2009 and 3-28 against West Indies in 2010.

2. Shahid Afridi (39 wickets)

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi is second on the list. In 34 matches, he took 39 wickets at an average of 23.25 and an economy rate of 6.71. He recorded two four-wicket hauls.

Afridi’s best figures of 4-11 came against the Netherlands at Lord’s in 2009. He also took 4-19 against Scotland in 2007. Afridi picked up 12 wickets in 2007 and 11 wickets in 2009, when Pakistan won the title.

1. Shakib Al Hasan (50 wickets)

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is the leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history. He has taken 50 wickets in 43 matches at an average of 20.12 and an economy rate of 6.86. He has claimed three four-wicket hauls.

Shakib’s best figures of 4-9 came against Papua New Guinea in 2021. He also took 4-15 against Oman in 2016 and 4-34 against West Indies in 2007. Shakib picked up 11 wickets in 2021 and 10 wickets in 2016.

The 20-team competition for the T20 World Cup 2026 begins on February 07 with the defending champions, India, starting their campaign against the United States of America (USA) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in the evening. Pakistan will play the curtain raiser in the morning of the same day against the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo.

Five teams are divided into four groups of five each. Every team will lock horns in four encounters in the group stage, and the top two teams will then qualify for the Super 8s. The tournament rules suggest that every team will get two points. If it gets washed out due to rain, then both will get one point each. In case of a tie, teams will face each other in a super over, and the process will continue unless a winner comes out.

See Also: Know dates and times of T20 World Cup 2026 captains’ day press conference

If two teams end the group stage or the Super 8s with equal points, then the position will be decided based on net run rate (NRR). A team’s NRR is calculated by deducting from the average runs per over scored by that team in its group the average runs per over scored against that team in its group.

Can Pakistan qualify after forfeiting India clash in T20 WC 2026?

Pakistan, as per the current schedule, has forfeited the clash against India on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium in Colombo. In that circumstance, where a match is awarded to a team as a result of the other team’s refusal to play, the match net run rate of the defaulting team shall be affected in that the full 20 overs of the defaulting team’s innings.

In case of the forfeited match, it shall be taken into account in calculating the average runs per over of the defaulting team over the course of the relevant portion of the competition. For the avoidance of doubt, the runs scored and overs bowled in such a match will not be taken into account.

There is no reserve day for the group stage and Super 8s matches. Every effort will be made to complete the match on the scheduled day with the necessary reduction in overs. The two semifinals and the final of the event will have a reserve day each.

Team India will begin their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign with a group match against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7. The Men in Blue are the defending champions and are seen as strong favourites to retain the title under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav.

India won the 2024 T20 World Cup after beating South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. The Men in Blue have won the ICC T20 World Cup twice. Before 2024, they lifted the trophy in 2007 in South Africa under the leadership of MS Dhoni. India also finished as runners-up in 2014 and reached the semi-finals in 2016 and 2022.

Over the years, several Indian batters have produced brilliant performances in the T20 World Cup. Ahead of the 2026 edition, here is a look at the top five highest individual scores by Indian batters in the ICC T20 World Cup.

Also read -Watch: “Marker to do” – Tilak Varma throws cap back during India’s T20 World Cup 2026 warmup match

5. Virat Kohli (82 off 53) vs Pakistan, Melbourne – 2022*

Virat Kohli played a sensational knock of 82 off 53 balls* against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the Super 12 match of the 2022 T20 World Cup. Thanks to his brilliant innings, India chased down a target of 160 on the last ball to win the thrilling match by four wickets.

India had a poor start in the chase and were 31-4 at one stage. Kohli then steadied the innings with Hardik Pandya (40 off 37), adding 113 runs for the fifth wicket. India needed 48 runs from the last three overs, but Kohli hit some stunning shots against Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. India sealed a famous last-ball victory.

4. Virat Kohli (82 off 51) vs Australia, Mohali – 2016*

Kohli scored a classy 82 off 51 balls* against Australia in Mohali during the Super 10 match of the 2016 T20 World Cup. His innings included nine fours and two sixes as India won the match by six wickets. The victory also helped India qualify for the semi-finals.

While chasing 161, India were struggling at 49-3 in the eighth over. Kohli then took control of the chase. He added 45 runs with Yuvraj Singh (21) and an unbeaten 67-run stand with *MS Dhoni (18)**. With 39 needed from 18 balls, Kohli attacked James Faulkner and Nathan Coulter-Nile, hitting several boundaries to finish the game in style.

3. Virat Kohli (89 off 47) vs West Indies, Mumbai – 2016*

Kohli followed his Australia heroics with another brilliant innings against West Indies in the second semi-final of the 2016 T20 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Batting first, India scored 192-2, with Kohli smashing 89 off 47 balls*, including 11 fours and one six.

After the openers added 62 runs, Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane (40) shared a 66-run partnership for the second wicket. Kohli reached his fifty in 33 balls and accelerated towards the end. He hit boundaries off Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell, but his effort went in vain as West Indies chased down the target.

2. Rohit Sharma (92 off 41) vs Australia, Gros Islet – 2024

Rohit Sharma played a stunning knock of 92 off 41 balls against Australia in the Super 8 match of the 2024 T20 World Cup at Gros Islet. His innings included seven fours and eight sixes as India posted 205-5 and won the match by 24 runs.

India lost Virat Kohli for a duck, but Rohit dominated the bowling from the start. He took on Mitchell Starc, hitting four sixes and a four in one over. Rohit reached his fifty in just 19 balls and continued attacking. He was close to a hundred but was bowled by Starc.

1. Suresh Raina (101 off 60) vs South Africa, Gros Islet – 2010

Suresh Raina is the only Indian batter to score a century in the T20 World Cup. He smashed 101 off 60 balls against South Africa in a group match of the 2010 T20 World Cup at Gros Islet. His knock included nine fours and five sixes.

Batting first, India scored 186-5 and later restricted South Africa to 172-5, winning the match by 14 runs. Raina had some early luck as a catch off a no-ball saved him. He reached fifty in 42 balls and then accelerated strongly. He hit big shots in the final overs and brought up his historic century in the last over.

The 11th warm-up match between Zimbabwe and Oman for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 will be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Oman is coming on the back of a confidence-boosting performance as they pulled off a solid five-wicket win against Sri Lanka A in this ICC Men’s T20 World Cup warm-up match at Colombo. They successfully chased the target of 146 runs. 

On the other hand, Zimbabwe produced a strong all-round performance to defeat the Netherlands by 29 runs in their first warm-up match on Tuesday. They successfully defended the target of 178 runs.

Also Read: ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up: Ishan Kishan slams 53 off 20 balls vs SA

IND vs SA Dream11 Prediction Today: Warm-Up Match 10, Pitch Report, Playing XI & Fantasy Tips

ZIM vs OMN Match Details

• Match: Zimbabwe vs Oman, 11th Warm-up Match

• Date: 5th February 2026

• Time: 11.00 AM IST

• Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo

• Live Streaming: JioHotstar 

ZIM vs OMN Weather Report

ZIM vs OMN Pitch Report

The pitch at the Colombo Cricket Club Ground offers a balanced surface that assists both batters and bowlers, with the average first-innings score around 130 runs.

Top Batters to Watch – ZIM vs OMN

• Sikandar Raza (ZIM): 2883 runs in T20I

• Brendan Taylor (ZIM): 1185 runs in T20I 

• Jatinder Singh (OMN): 1605 runs in T20I 

Top Bowlers to Watch – ZIM vs OMN

• Sikandar Raza (ZIM): 102 wickets in T20I 

• Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM): 93 wickets in T20I 

• Sufyan Mehmood (OMN): 21 wickets in T20I

ZIM vs OMN Recent Form

ZIM vs OMN Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If OMN Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 40–50

• Predicted Total: 165–170

• Match Result: ZIM to win

Scenario 2: If ZIM bats first

• Powerplay Score: 46–60

• Predicted Total: 175–180

• Match Result: ZIM to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

ZIM vs OMN Predicted Playing XIs

Zimbabwe 

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Clive Madande, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tony Munyonga, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer.

Oman 

Aamir Kaleem, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale, Mohammad Nadeem, Vinayak Shukla, Jiten Ramanandi, Jay Odedra, Shah Faisal, Shakeel Ahmed, Nadeem Khan

Why Zimbabwe Are Favourites Today

• Experienced players

• Sikandar Raza is in excellent form 

• Excellent pace bowler 

ZIM vs OMN Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Based on current form, team balance, and superior bowling strength, Zimbabwe are the favourites to win this ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Brian Bennett, Dion Myers and Sikandar Raza are expected to be the key performers.

ZIM vs OMN Match FAQs

AFG vs SCO Match Preview

AFG vs SCO Match Details

Afghanistan vs Scotland – 01st Warm-up Match, ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026

Venue: BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground, Bengaluru

Date & Time: 02nd February 2026 at 03:00 PM IST 

Live Streaming: JioHotstar

AFG vs SCO Venue Stats 

AFG vs SCO Pitch Report

Once hitters settle in for a T20I at BCCI Centre, scoring can pick up quickly—the pitch has true bounce, and the ropes are closer than at many older Indian grounds. 

AFG vs SCO Weather Report

The evening will be clear, with a high of 26 degrees Celsius during the time of the match 

AFG vs SCO Last Five Matches

AFG vs SCO Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Playing XI: 2nd T20I

AFG vs SCO Probable Playing XIs:

Afghanistan Probable Playing XIs

Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan(C), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad

Scotland Probable Playing XIs

George Munsey, Richie Berrington(C), Matthew Cross, Brandon McMullen, Chris Greaves, Tom Bruce, Michael Leask, Mark Watt, Safyaan Sharif, Bradley Currie, Jack Jarvis

Topmost Picks for AFG vs SCO Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Afghanistan

• Ibrahim Zadran – He looked in excellent form in the recently finished T20I series against the West Indies. Zadran paces his innings exceptionally well in the brief format.
• Rashid Khan – Skipper Rashid Khan is expected to be Afghanistan's leading wicket-taker in both warm-up and main event matches.

Top Picks – Scotland

• George Munsey – George Munsey is a hard-hitting top-order batsman who can challenge bowlers from the start. Munsey is expected to score runs in the upcoming matches.
• Bradley Currie – He is an effective pacer who does not leak runs and takes wickets when it counts the most for his team.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for AFG vs SCO Dream11 Team:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Matthew Cross, Brandon McMullen(VC), Ibrahim Zadran(C), George Munsey, Richie Berrington, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Mark Watt, Bradley Currie, Rashid Khan

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan

Vice-captain – Brandon McMullen, George Munsey

Wicketkeeper – Rahmanullah Gurbaz

AFG vs SCO Probable Winners:

Scotland has few chances of making it past the league stages of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Afghanistan is a strong team that is expected to perform well in their upcoming matches. Afghanistan's strength in this match should lead to an easy victory over Scotland, unless Scotland performs exceptionally well. Considering the team combination, Afghanistan is expected to win this match.

AFG vs SCO FAQ

Q: Who is likely to win the AFG vs SCO match today?

A: Afghanistan is expected to win this match.

Q: Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?

A: Afghanistan is ahead in H2H stats.

Q: Who are the top fantasy picks for the AFG vs SCO Dream11 team?

A: Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey.

Q: What is the pitch report for this match?

A: Once hitters settle in for a T20I at BCCI Centre, scoring can pick up quickly—the pitch has true bounce, and the ropes are closer than at many older Indian grounds.

The Bangladesh women’s cricket team continued their strong performance in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers. They qualified for the main tournament after a convincing 39-run win over Thailand in the Super Six stage.

Bangladesh remained unbeaten in the tournament and has now won five matches in a row. They won all four matches in the group stage and carried four important points into the Super Six stage. In their first Super Six match, they played better than Thailand and secured an easy victory.

With six points in the Super Six stage, including the four carried forward, Bangladesh are now comfortably placed at the top of the points table.

Also read -Sachin Tendulkar, Ajinkya Rahane and other cricketers mourn the death of Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Bangladesh book their berth for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in June 👏#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/aK4aoA98rE

— ICC (@ICC) January 28, 2026

Bangladesh Seals World Cup Spot with Strong Super Six Run

Bangladesh entered the Super Six stage as Group A winners after beating the United States, Papua New Guinea, Namibia, and Ireland. Their strong performance put them in a very good position for qualification.

The qualification situation clearly favours Bangladesh. Even if they lose their remaining two matches, their excellent net run rate of +1.150, the best in the tournament, makes it almost impossible for them to fall out of the top four. Only a very rare situation, where five teams finish with the same points, could affect their qualification. Even then, Bangladesh remain in a strong position.

As of now, Bangladesh have officially qualified for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in England and Wales in June and July.

Match Summary: Bangladesh vs Thailand

In Wednesday’s match, Bangladesh batted first after losing the toss and scored 165 for 8 in 20 overs. Thailand were then restricted to 126 for 8, giving Bangladesh a 39-run win.

Bangladesh had a shaky start as opener Dilara Akter was out for a golden duck, while Sharmin Akter scored 11. Juwairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary then shared a crucial 110-run partnership for the third wicket. Both scored half-centuries. Juwairiya made 56 off 43 balls, and Sobhana scored 59 off 42 balls. Ritu Moni added a quick 15 runs, while the lower order contributed little.

During the chase, Thailand lost early wickets but showed some fight through Nathakan Chantham (44), Naruemol Chaiwai (30), and Nannapat Koncharoenkeat (29). No other batter reached double figures.

Marufa Akter led the bowling with three wickets. Ritu Moni and Swarna Akter took two wickets each, while Fahima Khatun picked up one.