T20 World Cup News Bulletin Feb 11: Abhishek Sharma Out, NZ Smash UAE

T20 World Cup news continues to deliver drama on and off the field, with dominant wins, injury setbacks, and fresh controversy shaping the early narrative of the tournament. Pakistan and New Zealand strengthened their positions with commanding performances, while the Netherlands added another clinical chase to the mix.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, has been hit by a major injury blow, and off-field remarks have stirred debate just as the build-up intensifies toward marquee clashes. From record-breaking partnerships to selection headaches, the group stage is already setting the tone for a fiercely contested World Cup.

1. Abhishek Sharma Hospitalised Ahead of India vs Namibia T20 World Cup Match

India opener Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalised with a stomach infection and is doubtful for the T20 World Cup group-stage clash against

Namibia. According to reports, the left-hander was unwell before the USA match, and his condition worsened afterward, with a high fever requiring medical drips. He also skipped India's practice session at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, casting uncertainty over his availability.

2. Seifert and Allen Set Record as New Zealand Crush UAE by 10 Wickets

Tim Seifert and Finn Allen registered the highest opening partnership in T20 World Cup history as New Zealand defeated the UAE by 10 wickets in Chennai. Seifert smashed 89* off 42 balls, while Allen remained unbeaten on 84 from 50 deliveries. Chasing 174, the Black Caps reached the target with 28 balls to spare, marking their second consecutive win of the tournament.

3. Wanindu Hasaranga Ruled Out of T20 World Cup With Hamstring Tear

Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup after an MRI scan confirmed a left hamstring tear. The 28-year-old, who has 40 World Cup wickets and 154 T20I scalps, suffered the injury after taking 3-25 against Ireland. His absence compounds Sri Lanka's injury concerns following Eshan Malinga's earlier shoulder setback.

4. Bhanuka Rajapaksa Alleges Indian Players Using 'Superior' Bats at T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa has sparked controversy at the T20 World Cup 2026 by alleging that Indian players are using unusually powerful bats not available to other teams. Speaking after Sri Lanka's win over Ireland, Rajapaksa claimed the bats feel as though "a layer of rubber" has been applied, suggesting a potential unfair advantage. The remarks have ignited fresh debate despite no official complaint being lodged.

5. Michael Vaughan Calls for India vs Pakistan Test Series After ICC Deadlock Ends

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has urged cricket authorities to organise a Test series between India and Pakistan following the resolution of the PCB-ICC deadlock. With the T20 World Cup clash between the rivals set to go ahead in Colombo, Vaughan suggested the UK could host a long-format series, noting that nearly two decades have passed since the teams last played a bilateral Test series.

February 10 Match Summaries:

T20 World Cup Group A: Pakistan Beat USA by 32 Runs to Go Top of Table

Pakistan defeated the USA by 32 runs in Group A to avenge their loss to the Americans at the previous T20 World Cup. Sahibzada Farhan starred with 73 off 41 balls, while Babar Azam and Shadab Khan added crucial late runs to push Pakistan to a strong total. The USA began aggressively but struggled once Pakistan's spinners tightened control, with Shadab Khan and Usman Tariq combining for 4-53 in eight overs. The win takes Pakistan to four points and keeps them unbeaten ahead of their high-profile clash against India.

T20 World Cup Group D: New Zealand Hammer UAE by 10 Wickets in Dominant Chase

New Zealand cruised to a 10-wicket victory over the UAE in Group D, completing a second successful run chase in Chennai. After the UAE posted 173/6, the Black Caps responded emphatically, reaching 175/0 in just 15.2 overs. Tim Seifert, named Player of the Match, anchored the innings with another commanding knock as New Zealand maintained their perfect record in the tournament.

T20 World Cup Group B: Bas de Leede Stars as Netherlands Beat Namibia by 7 Wickets

Bas de Leede produced an all-round performance to guide the Netherlands to a comfortable seven-wicket win over Namibia in Group B. De Leede struck an unbeaten 72 and picked up two wickets, while Logan van Beek and the Dutch off-spinners kept Namibia in check. Namibia's 156/8 proved insufficient, with the Netherlands chasing down 157 with 12 balls to spare.