Shoaib Akhtar’s meltdown after Pakistan loss goes viral: From ‘if India get knocked out’ to ‘Salman is not captaincy material’ | Cricket News – The Times of India
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Shoaib Akhtar’s meltdown after Pakistan loss goes viral: From ‘if India get knocked out’ to ‘Salman is not captaincy material’ | Cricket News – The Times of India


Shoaib Akhtar’s meltdown after Pakistan loss goes viral: From ‘if India get knocked out’ to ‘Salman is not captaincy material’ | Cricket News – The Times of India
Shoaib Akhtar (Video grab)

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar unleashed a furious on-air rant after Pakistan’s heartbreaking defeat to England in the T20 World Cup Super 8s, questioning captain Salman Ali Agha’s leadership and lamenting his team’s fading semi-final hopes.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Even before the match, Akhtar had revealed his emotional investment and rivalry-fuelled hopes on the ‘Game On Hai’ show. “I just hope England play poorly so we can take the two points happily,” he had said. “Our joy will know no bounds if India get knocked out and we make it to the semi-finals.”

T20 World Cup: Shaheen Shah Afridi press conference after England vs Pakistan

But those hopes were shattered in dramatic fashion in Pallekele as England pulled off a tense chase of 166, powered by captain Harry Brook’s stunning 100 off 51 balls — the first century by a captain in T20 World Cup history.Pakistan had England in trouble at 58/4, but Brook’s composure and key partnerships turned the match on its head, sealing England’s semi-final spot and leaving Pakistan’s campaign hanging by a thread.The defeat triggered an emotional meltdown from Akhtar, who openly questioned Salman’s credentials.In a viral reaction, Akhtar suggested Salman was “not captaincy material,” a remarkable U-turn given he had earlier supported the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to appoint him.Pakistan’s situation is now precarious. Following the loss and an earlier washout against New Zealand, their semi-final fate is no longer in their own hands. They must beat Sri Lanka and hope other results go their way.Two wins for New Zealand would eliminate Pakistan outright, while other combinations could bring net run rate into play.


Pacers exploit conditions as South Africa storm into T20 World Cup Super 8s unbeaten | Cricket News – The Times of India
tioo Sports
Pacers exploit conditions as South Africa storm into T20 World Cup Super 8s unbeaten | Cricket News – The Times of India


Pacers exploit conditions as South Africa storm into T20 World Cup Super 8s unbeaten | Cricket News – The Times of India
South Africa’s Corbin Bosch celebrates after taking the wicket of UAE’s Aryansh Sharma during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between South Africa and UAE, at Arun Jaitley Stadium, in New Delhi.

TimesofIndia.com in New Delhi: South Africa will go into the T20 World Cup Super Eight stage with a massive morale boost after beating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 6-wickets on Wednesday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.Already qualified for the next round, South Africa got the icing on the cake with an unbeaten run through, despite rain disrupting proceedings before the second innings.

Gautam Gambhir works overtime with Tilak Varma in the nets

Despite the weather gods playing a role, there was no loss of overs as South Africa began their chase of 123 in their trademark aggressive style.Aiden Markram (28) and Quinton de Kock (14) provided the early impetus.Dhruv Parashar dismissed dangerous Ryan Rickelton (30). Dewald Brevis (36) soon followed. But it was already too late. Tristan Stubbs (7) and Jason Smith (2) finished the job, taking the Proteas over the line as floodlights stayed on during the morning fixture.On the eve of the match, the sun was shining brightly, and the weather was as pleasant as a typical February afternoon in Delhi.But almost 24 hours later, conditions had changed drastically, with rain, steady gusts sweeping across the stadium and enough moisture in the air to make the pacers lick their lips.At the toss, skipper Aiden Markram opted to bowl first after assessing the conditions.“Obviously, a bit of rain around. There’s been moisture in here this morning, and we’ll be able to maybe find something in the wicket up front,” he said.However, the start betrayed that feeling of early help for the pacers as UAE openers Muhammad Waseem (22) and Aryansh Sharma (13) took on the Proteas pace trio of Kagiso Rabada (0/30), Kwena Maphaka (0/30) and Anrich Nortje (2/28) with some serious resolution.In the first four overs, they amassed 36 runs without losing a wicket. But George Linde (1/17) and Corbin Bosch (3/12) halted their progress, sending both openers back in successive overs.Alishan Sharafu, one of the most dependable batters in the UAE line-up, once again rose to the occasion to keep the scoreboard ticking, while Sohaib Khan (6) and Syed Haider (6) had a subpar day in the office.A few more could have followed if South Africa had been sharper in the field.Sharafu missed out on his second half-century of the tournament as he fell for 45 to Nortje.Despite being wicketless in the first four overs, the Protea pacers had the final laugh, with all six wickets falling to them.However, heading into the Super Eight, Rabada’s wicket drought and the fielding standards could be a couple of concerns for the 2024 T20 World Cup’s runners-up.