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MS Dhoni confident of India’s chances at T20 World Cup but wary of two factors

Yash Mittal
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MS Dhoni confident of India’s chances at T20 World Cup but wary of two factors

Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni has described the Suryakumar Yadav-led Men in Blue as one of the “most dangerous teams” ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The defending champions walk into the home World Cup far and away the best side in the world. India have lost just eightt matches and won 51 since October 2023. This includes an unbeaten World Cup campaign in the Caribbean and United States of America during the summer of 2024 and a spotless Asia Cup campaign last September.

MS Dhoni believes India have all bases covered for the T20 World Cup but must overcome two factors

Also, they are coming off series wins over Australia (2-1 in Australia), South Africa (3-1), and New Zealand (4-1). Speaking to Jatin Sapru at a recent event, MS Dhoni said that India boasts plenty of experience in all facets of the game to get the job done in front of their home fans in the coming six weeks.

“What all is needed in a good team, everything is there. They have the experience, especially when it comes to this format, the experience is vast. They have played under pressure. Whoever is playing whatever roles they are playing in the team, they have been in that situation for a considerable period of time,” Dhoni said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

But T20 remains a fickle format, and a combination of dew and an opposition player having a day out can send an otherwise strong team packing. Dhoni found that out when he captained India to a semi-final defeat against the West Indies in dewy conditions in Mumbai 10 years ago.

And these factors, according to the 2007 World Cup-winning captain, can spoil India’s part at the showpiece event.

“What worries me, again, I hate dew. Dew changes a lot of things. Even when I was playing, something that really scared me was dew, where the toss becomes crucial and all of that,” he said.

“If we are playing ten matches against some of the best teams, we will come out as winners more often than not, if the conditions are neutral and all of that. The problem is when some of your players have a day off, and somebody from the opposition has a brilliant day, and it can happen in T20 cricket.

“So that’s the time – whether in the league stage or the knockout stage, that’s where all the praying is needed. You know, nobody should get injured. Whatever roles are given, people should accomplish their roles for the team. And if that’s the case, I don’t want to jinx it, but it’s one of the most dangerous teams,” Dhoni said.

India are up against history, as neither a defending champion has been able to retain the title nor has a home team ever won a T20 World Cup. Will history repeat itself this March or will India script their own history? We’ll soon find out.

Nasser Hussain poses question of ICC in India-Pakistan-Bangladesh situation

Charbel Coorey
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Nasser Hussain poses question of ICC in India-Pakistan-Bangladesh situation

Nasser Hussain has asked a question of the International Cricket Council (ICC) after Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

On January 4, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wrote to the ICC requesting that their World Cup matches be played in Sri Lanka due to security concerns. However, the ICC rejected those requests, even offering an ultimatum on January 21.

“The decision was taken after considering all security assessments conducted, including independent reviews, all of which indicated there was no threat to Bangladesh players, media persons, officials and fans at any of the tournament venues in India,” the ICC said in a statement following a board meeting where members voted 14-2 in favour of keeping Bangladesh’s fixtures in India.

“The ICC Board noted that it was not feasible to make changes so close to the tournament and that altering the schedule under the circumstances, in the absence of any credible security threat, could set a precedent that would jeopardise the sanctity of future ICC events and undermine its neutrality as a global governing body.”

Nasser Hussain asks whether ICC would have shifted the tournament had India been in Bangladesh’s position

However, Hussain was not so convinced. The former England captain questions whether the ICC would have been as firm had it been India in Bangladesh’s position.

“In the future, if India, a month before a tournament, say their government didn’t want us to play in that country for a World Cup, would the ICC really be so firm, and said ‘you know the rules bad luck, we’re knocking you out’?,” he said on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.

“That is the only question. All sides ask for is consistency. You have to treat Bangladesh the same as you treat Pakistan the same as you treat India.

“Now India fans will say ‘cry more’, ‘we have the money’, but with power comes responsibility. If you are constantly knocking Bangladesh or Pakistan, their cricket diminishes and hence those great games we’ve seen in the past between India and Pakistan or India and Bangladesh become one-sided as they have done.”

Hussain also mentioned that Mustafizur Rahman’s removal from the Kolkata Knight Riders’ squad was the catalyst for this flow of events.

“You have to remember where this recent crisis started,” Hussain said. “[Mustafizur] Rahman is playing for Kolkata in the IPL, or he’s in the squad, and inexplicably, the BCCI say ‘no, we’re going to take him out of that squad’ because of the ongoing situation with Bangladesh and India.

“Everything after that one decision snowballed.”

Michael Atherton, however, believes it goes back to the 2025 Champions Trophy.

“Well actually, you need to go back further to the Champions Trophy because India not going to Pakistan who were the hosts, they then are given dispensation to play all their games in Dubai, which was a dispensation not given to other sides in the past who’d stepped away from international games,” Atherton said.

“Then when the Mustafizur thing happened and Bangladesh say ‘well our government say we can’t go to India’, they’re demanding the same kind of treatment, albeit this is on the eve of the tournament rather than months in advance.

“So you start from the Champions Trophy, you go through to the Mustafizur decision and then the decisions Bangladesh and Pakistan make… they’re not taken in isolation, there’s context to the whole thing.”

At the time of writing, Pakistan remain firm in their stance to boycott their group match against India on February 15.

You can watch or listen to the discussion below at the six-minute mark.

Brendon McCullum labels constant spotlight on Harry Brook nightclub incident “annoying”

Yash Mittal
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Brendon McCullum labels constant spotlight on Harry Brook nightclub incident “annoying”

England head coach Brendon McCullum has labelled the media’s trial of Harry Brook’s nightclub incident as “annoying.”

McCullum believes that the issue has been handled “pretty well,” and he sees no reason why the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) should release any more findings “every time something arises.”

Brendon McCullum calls on media to support Harry Brook and England players

“I don’t think we need to release all of those findings every time something arises to the media. Others will have their own opinions…The process was done internally at the ECB, which we were all a part of. The boys were under no uncertain terms of how we felt about it, but now our job is to support them,” McCullum said after England’s victory over Sri Lanka in the T20I series, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“And, to be honest, I find it quite annoying that we keep going on and on about it, because these are young men who are under immense pressure and they’ve put their hand up for something they’ve been disciplined for, and piling onto them is not helpful for anyone.”

The incident in question dates back to England’s tour of New Zealand before the Ashes. White-ball captain Harry Brook was punched by a bouncer at a Wellington nightclub after being refused entry. The event happened on the eve of the third ODI and was first reported by The Telegraph after England’s 1-4 drubbing at the hands of Australia.

Brook initially said that he was alone that night but has since admitted that fast bowler Josh Tongue and top-order batter Jacob Bethell were there with him. McCullum said he wasn’t aware of Brook’s initial comment and that the English white-ball captain was trying to protect his teammates. The former New Zealand skipper also revealed that he was made aware of the incident when the third ODI in Wellington was in progress, adding that the players involved were “highly embarrassed.”

McCullum gives strong defence of Harry Brook

“Brooky obviously was trying to protect his other players when he made that comment, I wasn’t aware of that comment until I was told, because I don’t read the media personally. I think he was quite keen to put his hand up when the information came that it was going to land in the media. He was hopeful that it had been dealt with internally, as we all were.”

Brook’s intelligence has often been under spotlight due to his poor decision making on field. However, McCullum launched a strong defense of his captain, stating that he believes that the young dynamic batter has a “very good head on his shoulders.”

“He is a strong leader, he’s a young man, but he’s got a very good head on his shoulders, and I know people will say he’s not that clever. I couldn’t disagree with that more. He wears his intelligence lightly, and he’s a very strong leader, and he’s someone that they play for in their dressing-room as well, and our job is to just keep looking after him because he is still young.”

Brook now heads to India for his first big assignment as England’s white-ball captain. The two-time T20 World Champions are coming off a morale-boosting 3-0 series win over Sri Lanka and will now look to hit the ground running as they aim for a historic third title. 

For Brook, it will be a stern test both on and off the field. His individual performance, decision-making, and leadership skills will be tested. But there lies an opportunity to redeem himself after what has been a winter to forget for the Yorkshireman.

Ricky Ponting asked Delhi Capitals to keep Abhishek Sharma in 2018

Charbel Coorey
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Ricky Ponting asked Delhi Capitals to keep Abhishek Sharma in 2018

Ricky Ponting has revealed that he pleaded with Delhi Capitals (DC) to keep Abhishek Sharma in 2018. Ponting, coach of DC from 2018 to 2024, said he saw something “extra special” in the then 17-year-old.

“I was his first IPL coach,” Ponting said on the ICC review. “He debuted with me, I think as a 17-year-old at Delhi and made an immediate impact. I think he hit his first ball for four or six straight back over the bowler’s head with that classical sort of straight bat and held the pose.

“And you could just see then as a 17-year-old that there was something extra special.”

Ricky Ponting tried convincing Delhi Capitals not to trade Abhishek Sharma

DC traded Abhishek Sharma to Sunrisers Hyderabad. The youngster played a terrific knock of 46* off 19 balls on IPL debut, which caught attention.

“We ended up trading him away from Delhi, but I pleaded and pleaded and pleaded and said, please don’t do this,” Ponting said.

“We’ve got to [keep him], there’s an absolute superstar in the making here. And that’s what it’s turned out to be. I’ve got really high hopes for him this time.”

Ponting predicts Abhishek will have a huge 2026 T20 World Cup campaign. The opener is unarguably the premier T20 batsman in the world, and if he continues his magnificent run of form, India will be even harder to beat.

“[It’s] a real positive to be honest. He can be the leading run-scorer and potentially the Player of the Tournament. That’s how good I think he is,” Ponting said.

“And if he does, that makes India even harder to beat. If he doesn’t, then they’re as vulnerable as anybody else. So that’s how important I think he is to this World Cup for India.”

As of February 4 2026, Abhishek’s 1,297 T20I runs come at an eyewatering strike rate of 194.74.

Pat Cummins reacts to missing 2026 T20 World Cup

Charbel Coorey
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Pat Cummins reacts to missing 2026 T20 World Cup

Pat Cummins has revealed why he will miss the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Test skipper managed to play just one out of the five Ashes Tests recently, contributing to Australia’s series-defining win at Adelaide, due to a back injury suffered during the tour of West Indies last year.

Pat Cummins aims to play every Test after ruled out of T20 World Cup

Cummins said that the recovery period between the Adelaide Test and T20 World Cup was too tight. With a massive schedule coming up, Cummins said management of the injury is crucial.

“It was really unfortunate,” Cummins told AAP, as quoted by cricket.com.au. “I feel pretty good, just a minor setback and just ran out of time really. 

“I’ll rest up for a few weeks and go from there. We knew after the (Adelaide) Test match we were going to need somewhere between four and eight weeks to let the bone settle right down before then building back up. 

“Initially, we thought it might only be four weeks, because I was feeling really good, but just had a follow-up scan. 

“They thought it probably needs another couple of weeks, so the timeline just became a bit too tight.”

Australia have a huge schedule starting in August. Pat Cummins’ team will play Bangladesh in two Top End Tests in August, before a highly-anticipated three-Test and three-ODI tour of South Africa.

The Australians then host New Zealand for four Tests before embarking on a five-match tour of India in January 2027. They will then aim to defend their World Cup title in South Africa.

Following that tournament, Australia play England in the 150th anniversary Test at the MCG in March. Later in the year, Australia will travel to England for the Ashes plus a possible World Test Championship Final.

“We thought the first half of the year was a pretty good time to be conservative with the amount of cricket that’s coming up,” Cummins said.

“We’ll get it right, then hopefully that will mean you won’t have to worry about it, and you can just go out and play all those Test matches. 

‘Whereas, if you’re not careful with it now and it flares up, you’re chasing your tail a bit.”

Cummins also said his participation in the 2026 Indian Premier League will depend on upcoming scans. He is due to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad once again.

“We’ll just be guided by my back. We’ll have another scan in a few weeks, and if it’s good, then we’ll have a slow build-up,” he said.

“T20s are a little bit easier to get up for (than Tests), that’s why I was so close to getting up for this World Cup.”

Josh Hazlewood likely to miss initial stages of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Yash Mittal
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Josh Hazlewood likely to miss initial stages of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

In yet another potential blow for the Australian cricket team, premium fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss the initial stages of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

Sean Abbott has been added as a travelling reserve. While Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, and Nathan Ellis will join the squad in Colombo on February 3 after missing the recently concluded three-match T20I series in Pakistan, Hazlewood will stay back in Sydney as he continues to recover from an Achilles issue.

Josh Hazlewood faces race to be fit for later stages of 2026 T20 World Cup

The past few months have been frustrating for Hazlewood. He was initially ruled out of the first half of the home Ashes series due to a hamstring injury, before picking up an achilles issue.

He was confident of joining the team in time for the T20 World Cup. However, that will not be the case as Australian selectors continue to take a cautious approach with their premier fast bowler.

“We felt with Josh it was more practical and beneficial for him to continue his rehabilitation at home in a familiar environment before travelling to Sri Lanka. With Nathan [Ellis] also completing his return to play, we decided to bring Sean with us as a fast bowling cover, should anything come up at short notice,” selector Tony Dodemaide said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“Sean is an accomplished and versatile international player who has experienced numerous World Cup campaigns. It made sense for him to stay with the group following the Pakistan tour.”

Australia would hope that Hazlewood joins the squad before the business end of the tournament begins. The former World Champions are already without Pat Cummins, who was recently ruled out after needing more time to recover from the back injury that forced him to miss four out of the five Test matches against England. Ben Dwarshuis has been added as his replacement.

Australia’s injury problems don’t end here. T20 specialists Nathan Ellis and Tim David are coming off layoffs due to their respective hamstring injuries. Glenn Maxwell is currently managing his previously broken ankle.

Wristspinner Adam Zampa bowled just two overs in the third T20I against Pakistan. He did not come out to bat due to “groin tightness.”

Australia are scheduled to play a warm-up match against the Netherlands on February 5. They will open their campaign against Ireland in Colombo on February 11.

Fans in disbelief as Australia did not pick Steve Smith in T20 World Cup squad

Charbel Coorey
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Fans in disbelief as Australia did not pick Steve Smith in T20 World Cup squad

As Australia produced terrible performances in Pakistan, selectors decided against selecting Steve Smith in their final squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Instead, Matt Renshaw won a place as a middle order replacement ahead of Matt Short. Ben Dwarshuis for the injured Pat Cummins was the other squad change.

Australia’s issues against spin were on full display in Pakistan, collapsing to totals of 108 and 96 in the final two T20Is which they lost by 90 and 111 runs respectively. The Pakistan spinners combined for 22 wickets in the three matches as the Australians couldn’t get going.

As the carnage unfolded, fans wondered why selectors passed on Steve Smith given his ability against spin. George Bailey is on record of saying that Australia’s top order is settled, while selector Tony Dodemaide echoed similar thoughts.

“Matt (Renshaw) has impressed in all formats of late, including in multiple roles in white ball formats for Australia, Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat,” he said, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

“With the top order settled and spin heavy conditions expected in the pool stages in Sri Lanka, we also feel Matt provides extra middle-order support, with Tim David completing his return-to-play program in the early phase of the tournament.

“As a left-hander, he (Renshaw) also offers a point of difference to the middle order batting.”

Steve Smith not picked in 2026 T20 World Cup squad: Fans react

Smith was outstanding in the recent 2025/26 Big Bash League (BBL) season. He smashed 299 runs at an average of 59.80 and strike rate of 167.97. He achieved these numbers as opener, and that’s how the selectors view his role rather than batting him at three.

However, fans are not convinced, especially as a number of the current squad members are out of form. Australia will play their group games in Sri Lanka where spin is very likely to play a key role.

“Aust can still win the T20 World Cup but there are worrying issues. Several batsmen are out of form at the wrong time.(Maxwell, Inglis,Connolly) and several key players carrying injuries. (Ellis, David, Hazelwood) and our best player Smith is not in the squad,” wrote former Australian cricketer and current Fox Cricket commentator Mark Waugh.

“Australia look awful against the spinners in this series and our best player of spin bowling, Steve Smith, isn’t going to the World Cup,” wrote Andrew Menzcel, co-host of the Cricket Unfiltered Podcast.

Here are some of the other reactions.

Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign begins on February 11 against Ireland in Colombo.

Australia squad: Mitch Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

PAK vs AUS 2nd T20 2026 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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PAK vs AUS 2nd T20 2026 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Australia’s trial by spin in the next month or so began in Lahore, with Pakistan’s spinners combining to inspire a 22-run win in the opening T20I on Thursday.

Australia are expected to welcome back key players for the second T20I, but the task remains the same – overcoming spin. It is an area Adam Zampa has sent a warning about after the Australians lost all their wickets (excluding run outs) to Pakistan’s spin quartet.

For Pakistan, the template remains the same. Quick runs at the top is vital in these conditions, and Saim Ayub showed the way two days ago. However, whether they can get enough impact from their middle order remains to be seen, but their spin attack will be confident of restricting Australia despite the power in their lineup.

PAK vs AUS 2nd T20 2026 Possible Playing XIs

Pakistan could stick with the same XI unless they replace Fakhar Zaman who struggled at number five. Also, Faheem Ashraf or Naseem Shah for Shaheen Shah Afridi is an option.

Pakistan: 1. Sahibzada Farhan, 2. Saim Ayub, 3. Salman Agha (c), 4. Babar Azam, 5. Fakhar Zaman, 6. Usman Khan (wk), 7. Mohammad Nawaz, 8. Shadab Khan, 9. Shaheen Shah Afridi/Naseem Shah, 10. Salman Mirza, 11. Abrar Ahmed

Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis could all return after the trio were rested for the opening T20I.

Australia: 1. Travis Head, 2. Mitchell Marsh (c), 3. Josh Inglis (wk), 4. Cameron Green, 5. Cooper Connolly, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Matt Short/Mitch Owen, 8. Jack Edwards, 9. Xavier Bartlett, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Mahli Beardman

Gaddafi Stadium Lahore Pitch Report and Weather

Pakistan’s four spinners (Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz) took a combined 6/89 off 14 overs to derail Australia’s chase. Adam Zampa took four wickets for the visitors.

That spinners had joy in the first T20I didn’t come as much of a surprise. Before the opening match, spinners had taken 201 T20 wickets at Gaddafi Stadium since the start of 2022 at an average of 24.41 and economy of 7.73. Pace bowlers took a much larger 433 wickets but at a higher economy of 8.99.

Another cool and mostly cloudy afternoon is forecast. No rain is expected according to AccuWeather.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for PAK vs AUS 2nd T20 2026: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicketkeeper picks:

  • Josh Inglis will likely bat in the top three, making him the best value pick for fantasy cricket among the wicketkeepers. In all T20s since the start of 2025, Inglis has scored 421 runs batting at number three at an average of 28.1 and strike rate of 174.1.

Key batter picks:

  • Travis Head looked in promising form in the opening T20I before he holed out to long off for 23 off 13 balls. Powerplay runs will be vital and Head will look to go hard from the outset. Since the start of 2025, Head has scored 501 T20 runs at a modest average of 23.9 (SR 153.7), so he’ll be after a big score.
  • Mitchell Marsh is crucial to Australia’s chances. The captain has been in terrific touch in all T20s in the past year, scoring 1,441 T20 runs (avg. 37.9, SR 152.8) since the start of 2025.

Top allrounder picks:

  • Saim Ayub is the most popular captaincy option in Dream11. He opens the batting and bowling and offers impact in both disciplines. He was awarded man of the match in the opening T20I with 40 (22) and 2/29 from three overs, where he dismissed the openers.
  • Cameron Green looked in promising touch in the first T20I, despite a middle overs slowdown. He bowled just the one over but remains a crucial cog at number four in Australia’s batting lineup.
  • Salman Ali Agha batting at number three offers good fantasy value. The captain looked good in the first T20I for his 26-ball 39. Plus, there is the possibility he brings himself on to bowl given the importance of spin in these conditions.

Top bowler picks:

  • Adam Zampa was the star for Australia in the first T20I, taking 4/24. He has taken 16 wickets in 12 T20Is against Pakistan at an average of 17.93 and economy of 6.52, including a strong record against Babar Azam (see below).
  • Abrar Ahmed will test the Australians with his variations. He has taken 50 T20 wickets since the start of 2025 at an average of 18.5 and economy of 6.78.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

  • Babar Azam will be motivated to perform against Australia after a tough BBL, but he needs to make the number four position his own.
  • Sahibzada Farhan missed out in the opening match, but he was Pakistan’s leading run-scorer last year (771, avg. 30.84, SR 133.62) and is key against the new ball where batting should be easiest.
  • Xavier Bartlett is a powerplay wicket-taker and he can provide lower order runs.
  • Mohammad Nawaz picked up from where he left off in 2025. He was Pakistan’s top wicket-taker in T20Is last year with 36 at an economy of 6.56.
  • Cooper Connolly is struggling with the bat but will play a key role with the ball in these conditions.
  • Mahli Beardman bowls in the crunch death overs which brings wicket-taking opportunities, as the first T20I showed. The youngster also has a host of variations.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

  • Head-to-head: Matches 29, Pakistan 14, Australia 14, N/R 1.
  • Mitchell Marsh against spin in all T20s since 2025: 449 runs, avg. 64.1, SR 146.3.
  • Adam Zampa vs Babar Azam in T20Is: 77 balls, 78 runs, four wickets.

PAK vs AUS 2nd T20 2026 Dream11 Prediction Today Match

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Lahore Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 2nd PAK vs AUS T20 2026 Today Match.
PAK vs AUS 2nd T20 2026 Dream11 Prediction Today Match

Option 2:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Lahore Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 2nd PAK vs AUS T20 2026 Today Match.
PAK vs AUS 2nd T20 2026 Dream11 Prediction Today Match

PAK vs AUS 2nd T20 2026 Match Prediction – Who will win?

Expect a tight match. Australia have it in them to bounce back. Perhaps the team batting first will win this.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, and Cricmetric.

Adam Zampa warns Australia batters of challenges against spin in Sri Lanka during T20 World Cup

Yash Mittal
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Adam Zampa warns Australia batters of challenges against spin in Sri Lanka during T20 World Cup

Wrist-spinner Adam Zampa has warned his Australian batters of more trial by spin in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after the tourists suffered a 22-run defeat to Pakistan in the first T20I of the three-match series in Lahore on Thursday.

Chasing 169, the Australian batting unit, in the absence of Glenn Maxwell, captain Mitch Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Tim David, succumbed to the Pakistani spin quartet of Shadab Khan (1/25 in 3 overs), Sami Ayub (2/29 in 3 overs), Abrar Ahmed (2/10 in 4 overs), and Mohammad Nawaz (1/25 in 4 overs), eventually falling short by 22 runs.

Adam Zampa spin warning as Australia will play their T20 World Cup Group games in Sri Lanka

Australia are set to play their Group matches in Sri Lanka, with their first two matches taking place in Colombo (against Ireland and Zimbabwe on February 11 and 13, respectively), followed by an encounter with the co-hosts in Pallekele on February 16.

The events in Lahore is an indication of what’s in store for the Australians when they travel to Sri Lanka for the opening stage of the T20 World Cup, feels Zampa.

However, he believes that the return of senior batters in the lineup will hold the Aussies in good stead. He also feels that the challenge in the ongoing series in Pakistan will be a good learning curve for the likes of Matthew Short, Cooper Connolly, Matt Renshaw, and Co.

“Definitely in Sri Lanka. If anything, the challenge in Pakistan is the low bounce; in Sri Lanka, it probably spins and bounces a little bit more. Tonight, I think the challenge was definitely slow off the wicket, and then the low bounce gets you on the bottom of the bat. It’s pretty alien for some of the young guys, particularly in the group,” Zampa said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

“Obviously, we’ve got a very different squad in this series as to what we’ll have in the World Cup. A lot more experience comes back then, but exposing those guys in the middle order, particularly to conditions like those tonight, it’s going to be good for them in the long run.

“The conditions will change throughout the World Cup. The first stage of the tournament, particularly in Sri Lanka, the spinners will play a huge role, but it’ll change, definitely in India, where my experience is that it’s totally different — good batting wickets as you’ve seen in the latest series with New Zealand there.”

The Aussies will look to bounce back from the 22-run defeat on Thursday and force a series decider when they take on the hosts in the 2nd T20I at the same venue on Saturday afternoon.

IND vs NZ 5th T20 2026 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

Charbel Coorey
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IND vs NZ 5th T20 2026 Dream11 Prediction Possible 11 Pitch Report

New Zealand registered their first win of this series, and more importantly generated some momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup.

A batting display set up by Tim Seifert and finished by Daryl Mitchell ensured the Black Caps struck their second 200+ score in this series. This time, it was enough as the bowlers restricted India to 165 courtesy of early wickets including the prized scalp of Abhishek Sharma first ball.

Can New Zealand follow up the win with another in Thiruvananthapuram? They are set to welcome back some experience as India seek to bounce back after a disappointing display in the third T20 where Shivam Dube’s 23-ball 65 was the shining light.

India’s powerplay bowling will be under the spotlight once again with Finn Allen and Tim Seifert expected to open. Also, India conceded 52 in the final four overs in the last match, so that is an area for improvement as well especially as they operate pretty well in the middle overs.

IND vs NZ 5th T20 2026 Possible Playing XIs

India experimented with their XI in the fourth T20I but may choose an XI closer to what they’ll field in the T20 World Cup. Ishan Kishan missed the third match with a niggle and could return. Axar Patel is also a chance of featuring.

“Arshdeep comes in for Ishan Kishan, who picked up a niggle in the last game. Axar Patel still needs a bit more time, so hopefully we’ll see him in the next game,” said Suryakumar Yadav at the toss a few nights ago.

India: 1. Abhishek Sharma, 2. Sanju Samson (wk), 3. Ishan Kishan, 4. Suryakumar Yadav (c), 5. Hardik Pandya, 6. Shivam Dube, 7. Rinku Singh/Axar Patel, 8. Harshit Rana/Varun Chakravarthy, 9. Arshdeep Singh, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Kuldeep Yadav

Finn Allen is set to return in this match. He could come in for Rachin Ravindra who is struggling. Also, Lockie Ferguson and James Neesham could feature in today’s game.

New Zealand: 1. Finn Allen, 2. Tim Seifert (wk), 3. Rachin Ravindra/Devon Conway, 4. Glenn Phillips, 5. Mark Chapman, 6. Daryl Mitchell, 7. Mitchell Santner (c), 8. Zak Foulkes/James Neesham, 9. Matt Henry, 10. Ish Sodhi, 11. Jacob Duffy/Lockie Ferguson

Greenfield International Stadium Thiruvananthapuram Pitch Report and Weather

Thiruvananthapuram has hosted four T20Is to date. The average first innings score is 144.5 at a run rate of 8.50. Teams batting first and second have won two games each.

In these T20Is, pace bowlers have taken 28 wickets at an average of 24.39 and economy of 8.84. Spinners have picked up 13 wickets at 31.85/7.75.

A clear evening is forecast with temperatures around 24 degrees. Dew is possible, so chasing may be preferred once again.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for IND vs NZ 5th T20 2026: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicketkeeper picks:

  • Finn Allen is in outstanding form. He recently smashed the most runs in the BBL (466) at a strike rate of 184.18 with 38 sixes.
  • Tim Seifert took on India’s attack in the 4th T20I and won. His 36-ball 62 was key in New Zealand’s victory. Overall, Seifert has 420 runs against India at an average of 35.00 and strike rate of 148.40.
  • Ishan Kishan was in magnificent form before missing the last match with a niggle. He hit 112 runs in the opening three T20Is of this series at a strike rate of 224.

Key batter picks:

  • Abhishek Sharma had a rare failure in the 4th T20I. His 152 runs in this series come at a strike rate of 266.66. Abhishek is striking at 191.2 in the powerplay in all T20s since the start of 2025.
  • Suryakumar Yadav will also be seeking to bounce back. The Indian skipper has the second-most runs in IND-NZ T20Is (463) at an average of 57.87 and strike rate of 166.54.

Top allrounder picks:

  • Mitchell Santner produced his best performance with the ball in the last match (3/26). The skipper has also been excellent with the bat (105 runs, SR 166.66), resulting in 350 Dream11 points so far in the series.
  • Hardik Pandya didn’t bowl in the last match with India opting to stick with five specialist bowlers. Keep an eye on the make up of India’s XI for this match which will indicate whether Hardik will bowl, making him a strong fantasy pick.
  • Glenn Phillips is the second-highest run-scorer this series (169). The all-rounder is striking at 155.04 with a fifty.

Top bowler picks:

  • Expect Varun Chakravarthy to return with the T20 World Cup fast approaching. He was India’s premier bowler in T20Is in 2025 (36 wickets) and he also took three wickets in the first two matches of this series.
  • Jasprit Bumrah bowls in the crunch overs and is often economical against New Zealand, despite his expensive final over in the 4th T20I. He has 16 wickets against the Black Caps at an average of 19.75 and economy of 6.44.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

  • Shivam Dube produced a magnificent performance in the last match (65 off 23 balls). He is capable of six-hitting – especially against spin – making him a good differential pick in fantasy cricket. He has ammassed 343 Dream11 points so far in this series.
  • The spotlight is on Sanju Samson in what has been a difficult series. He has the potential to produce on his day which makes him one to consider for fantasy cricket.
  • Daryl Mitchell is more dangerous batting up the order, but he can still contribute lower down as he showed in the 4th T20I (39* off 18 balls).
  • Jacob Duffy is the leading wicket-taker this series with five scalps. Ish Sodhi also has five wickets and the most wickets overall in IND-NZ T20Is (30, SR 16.20).

Other Stats and Important Matchups

  • Arshdeep Singh vs New Zealand: 8 inns, 12 wickets, avg. 21.41, SR 14.
  • Arshdeep Singh vs Tim Seifert in T20Is: 14 balls, 36 runs, one wicket.
  • Matt Henry vs Abhishek Sharma in T20Is: Four balls, nine runs, one wicket.
  • Lockie Ferguson vs Suryakumar Yadav in all T20s: 39 balls, 87 runs, no wickets.
  • Mitchell Santner vs Suryakumar Yadav in all T20s: 73 balls, 79 runs, four wickets.
  • Hardik Pandya vs Tim Seifert in all T20s: 24 balls, 44 runs, one wicket.

IND vs NZ 5th T20 2026 Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

Option 1:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Thiruvananthapuram Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 5th IND vs NZ T20 2026 Today.
IND vs NZ 5th T20 2026 Dream11 Prediction Today

Option 2:

Screenshot from Dream11 app. Possible XIs, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Thiruvananthapuram Pitch Report & Dream11 Prediction for the 5th IND vs NZ T20 2026 Today.
IND vs NZ 5th T20 2026 Dream11 Prediction Today

IND vs NZ 5th T20 2026 Match Prediction – Who will win?

Expect New Zealand to give another good fight. However, I believe India will prevail and take the series 4-1.

Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.

All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, and Cricmetric.

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