Half-centuries from Aryansh Sharma and Sohaib Khan rescued United Arab Emirates from a slippery chase to register a thrilling five-wicket win over Canada in the T20 World Cup on Friday.

Dasun Shanaka hammered the fastest half-century by a Sri Lankan in T20Is as the co-hosts thrashed Oman by 105 runs at the T20 World Cup on Thursday in Pallekele for their second win in Group B.

The Group A win was a boost for Pakistan before Sunday's high-octane clash with the defending champions in Colombo, now back on after the Islamabad government called off a boycott 24 hours previously.

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul said on Tuesday that the decision not to travel to India for the ongoing 10th edition of the T20 World Cup, also being co-hosted by Sri Lanka, was made by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the cricketers.

Opener Sahibzada Farhan hit a solid half-century while spinner Usman Tariq grabbed three wickets as Pakistan downed the United States by 32 runs in a T20 World Cup Group A game in Colombo on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 owing to a hamstring injury.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

"How did we get to the World Cup? In Italy we say 'miracolo Italiano', an 'Italian miracle'," said Riccardo Maggio, development officer with the Italian Cricket Federation.

Force Majeure is usually reserved for extreme events such as wars, natural disasters or political upheaval. Under ICC rules, however, a government directive also qualifies — giving the PCB legal cover, at least on paper.

James Neesham, during his recent stint with the Rajshahi Warriors in the Bangladesh Premier League, spoke to The Daily Star’s Samsul Arefin Khan about New Zealand’s chances in the tournament, the team’s past World Cup heartbreaks, and the belief that still drives the side forward.

Aside from replicating -- or even bettering -- their run from the previous edition, Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan will also be eyeing a unique individual milestone as he leads his side in their T20 World Cup 2026 opener against New Zealand in Chennai today.

The Pakistan Cricket Board reached out to the ICC after a formal communication from the cricket's world body, a source close to the developments told AFP.

Shepherd grabbed four wickets in five balls in the 17th over to put an end to Scotland's hopes of chasing their target of 183.

The 10th edition of the T20 World Cup begins today in India and Sri Lanka. Ahead of the marquee T20 event, here we look at some interesting facts: