India said Tuesday it would be "a challenge" to face a "quality" Pakistan team in Colombo after Islamabad U-turned and decided to play the blockbuster T20 World Cup clash.

Chasing the UAE's 173-6, Seifert struck an unbeaten 89 and Allen scored 84 not out as they pummelled the UAE bowling to all parts of the ground in an unbroken opening stand.

Bas de Leede scored an unbeaten 72 and took two wickets as the Netherlands hammered Namibia by seven wickets for their first win at the T20 World Cup on Tuesday.

Captain Mitchell Marsh backed his Australia players to "get the job done" as they launch their T20 World Cup title charge against Ireland on Wednesday following a torrid build-up.

Pakistan's decision to U-turn and go ahead with their blockbuster Group A match against India at the T20 World Cup on February 15 was hailed Tuesday as an outbreak of "good sense" and "good for cricket".

The four-legged robots are designed to enter dangerous areas and broadcast live video back to security forces, who can watch before taking action during the football tournament.

The loss would have included damages related to broadcasters, gate receipts, and sponsorships. A source stated that the cumulative financial impact of a boycott would have been around $174 million (approximately Tk 19,140 crore).

"In view of the outcomes achieved in multilateral discussions, as well as the request of friendly countries, the Government of Pakistan hereby directs the Pakistan national team to take the field against India," Sharif posted on X.

The outcome of the tripartite discussions between Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), International Cricket Council (ICC) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) in Lahore on Sunday is yet to be officially disclosed, but speculation over it have run amok yesterday, completely overshadowing Pakistan’s bid for revenge against the USA in an ICC T20 World Cup match today.

South Africa inflicted a 57-run thrashing on Canada in Ahmedabad on Monday, as the 2024 runners-up opened their latest T20 World Cup campaign with a dominant performance with bat and ball.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) issued a press release on Monday night, referring to the outcomes of a tripartite meeting involving the world governing body, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), held over the last two days in Lahore.

BCB expressed its gratitude to PCB chairman Mohsin Raza Naqvi, his Board and the cricket fans of Pakistan for their exemplary sportsmanship and solidarity.

Skipper Muhammad Waseem has made it clear that in the UAE dressing room, passports are left at the door.

Pakistan, the 2009 champions, were close to suffering another shock in their opening match against the Netherlands on Saturday.

Zimbabwe outclassed Oman in all departments in Colombo, cruising to an emphatic 8-wicket victory.

A nation better known for its football, Italy are the lowest-ranked side in the 20-team tournament.

With Mitchell Starc having quit the format, Australia will be without all three of their top quicks for the first World Cup in over a decade.

Ponting harbours concerns that Babar no longer has the power he once possessed to maximise the middle overs of a batting innings, pondering whether he’s playing the right role for the team.

During a meeting with ICC officials at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi outlined the conditions.

England took their time. Sam Curran, entrusted with the crucial final over with 10 runs to defend, first consulted skipper Harry Brook before conferring with the experienced wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler.