Veteran Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews has apologised for the squad’s poor performance at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, acknowledging the team’s regret for disappointing the hopes of both the nation and the team.

History was created in the clash between England and Namibia in Antigua on June 15 (Saturday) as Namibia opener Nikolaas Davin became the first batter in the 17-year-history of the T20 World Cup to ‘retire out’.

After England's rain-disrupted victory over Namibia in Antigua earlier in the day, Scotland needed a draw, a washout or a first ever win over Australia to progress from Group B at the expense of their southern neighbours.

Anything other than an England win would have seen Jos Buttler's men knocked out and they were left fearing an early exit when rain delayed the scheduled start by three hours.

At one end, there is captain Shanto, a smart leader who has been brave with his use of bowlers, excellent with his on-field decisions, has taken a number of gutsy calls, and almost all of his gambles have come off.

Bangladesh players trained at the Arnos Vale Stadium in Kingstown today ahead of their final Group D fixture against Nepal at the same venue on Monday. A win against Nepal will seal qualification to the Super 8s for the Tigers alongside group-leaders South Africa. 

"Pakistani players think that if they don't perform well, the coaches will be sacked, and nothing will happen to them," former captain Wasim Akram said during a broadcast after the defeat to India.

Afridi said that Babar missed out on a chance to do the honourable thing when the selectors approached him to return as the white-ball captain ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Hazratullah, who has played 43 T20Is, was named as a replacement after Mujeeb was ruled out due to an injury to his right index finger.

England can’t afford to drop any points against Namibia in their final Group B game of the ongoing T20 World Cup on Saturday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua if they are to keep themselves alive in the Super 8 race.

It was a cruel way to finish for Nepal, who were the better side for much of the thrilling contest as their spinners dominated with the ball to reduce South Africa to 115-7 and their top-order looked in control in reply when they reached 85-2 in the 14th over and the required rate well within reach.

"Extremely disappointed to play ourselves out of the tournament," Southee said afterwards.

"I think I am very proud of the unit, especially the way we bowled and batted," Nepal captain Paudel said. "I thought we fought very good. If we get more exposure to games like this, we will be on the other side."

Clear and concise, Bangladesh’s bowling unit has been decisive in their plans so far, which has put the team on course for a berth in the Super Eight.

The Tigers currently have four points in three matches, having beaten Sri Lanka earlier and then losing to South Africa. A victory or a washout against Nepal in their final group-stage match on June 17 will seal their spot in Super Eight.

The early exit is a bitter disappointment though for Pakistan, who were beaten finalists in the tournament two years ago.

Stead, who took over as New Zealand coach in 2018 and led them to the 2021 final, has a year left on his contract.

Pat Cummins ruled out Thursday the prospect of Australia underperforming against Scotland in a bid to oust rivals England from the Twenty20 World Cup, saying it would be against the "spirit of cricket."

Afghanistan underlined their growing status as the dark horses of the 2024 T20 World Cup with a seven-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea on Thursday to advance to the Super Eight phase of the competition and send New Zealand crashing out.

Bangladesh’s premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan said he did not have anything to say in response to former India opener Virender Sehwag, who had asked Shakib to “feel ashamed of his performances” and “retire from the format”.