LIVE

T20 WC Updates: Nissanka, Mendis on the attack

Mon, 16 February 2026

Refresh

21:25

Nissanka, Mendis on the attack

Sri Lanka 61-1 (6 ovs) vs Aus 181 all out | Scorecard

Cooper Connolly comes into the attack and Kusal Mendis sweeps a full toss down the leg and edges it to mid-wicket. A single is taken.

Two dots later, Nissanka reverse sweeps a quicker delivery for a maximum!

Follows it up with a couple through mid-wicket.

Four! Shortish delivery and Nissanka cuts it late through deep backward point for his third boundary of the night.

13 runs came off the over.

Marcus Stoinis is back into the attack and Mendis cuts the first delivery past short third for a boundary.

A dot later, Mendis flicks one to mid-on and gets a single. Maxwell does well to keep it to one.

A dot later, Nissanka smashes a shortish delivery through square leg for a boundary.

Another boundary off and outside-edge through third man to end the over. 13 runs came off it.

Sri Lanka have raced away to 61/1 in the Powerplay.

21:17

Nissanka steadies SL after early blow

Sri Lanka 35-1 (4 ovs) vs Aus 181 all out | Scorecard

Xavier Bartlett continues and Pathum Nissanka lofts a length ball and clears the fielder at mid-on for a boundary.

Four more! Back of a length delivery around leg and Nissanka stays inside the line guides it to the fine leg fence.

Two dots and a wide down the leg follow.

Nissanka then carves one to backward square leg and gets off the strike.

Mendis then guides a back of a length delivery outside off through third man to end the over with a boundary. 14 runs came off it.

Nathan Ellis comes into the attack. Slower delivery and Nissanka nudges it backward of square leg for a single.

Two dots later Mendis whips a fuller delivery over long leg for a maximum.

A wide outside off follows.

Appeal for LBW and the on-field decision is not out. Australia review it. Ball-tracking show it was missing leg-stump. Australia lose the review.

A single through cover point to end the over. 9 runs came off it.

21:04

Kusal Perera departs

Sri Lanka 12-1 (2 ovs) vs Aus 181 all out | Scorecard

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera to open for Sri Lanka.

Xavier Bartlett with the ball for Australia.

Nissanka is on strike and after a dot he punches one to deep backward point to get off the mark.

Kusal Perera then opens his account with a single through backward point.

Six! Terrific shot from Nissanka as he picks the length delivery straying down the leg side and sends it over square leg for a maximum.

Two dots to end the over. Eight runs came off it.

Marcus Stoinis to bowl from the other end and Perera cuts one firmly through point but Inglis makes a good save.

Out! Perera perishes, caught by Nathan Ellis. Short of a length delivery and Perera charges down and chases a wide delivery but slices it to deep point fielder. He goes for 1 off three balls.

Kusal Mendis comes to the crease and gets off the mark with a single through square of the wicket.

A single through backward point follows. Mendis then laps one to fine leg for a couple. Four runs came off the over.

20:47

Australia fumble after Head, Marsh fifties

Australia 181 all out (20 ovs) vs Sri Lanka | Scorecard

Dushmantha Chameera to bowl the final over and Marcus Stoinis taps the slower delivery to backward point and refuses to take a single.

A no-ball as Chameera oversteps. Stoinis drives the low full toss to long-off and gets a couple.

No runs off the free-hit as Stoinis swings and misses the slow leg-cutter.

Out! Stoinis falls, caught by Maheesh Theekshana. Pace-off delivery and Stoinis heaves it through the off-side but gets an outside edge to short third man.

He goes for a 6-ball 4.

Nathan Ellis comes to the crease and after a dot Xavier Bartlett runs himself out trying for a quick single! Ellis goes for a 3-ball duck.

Adam Zampa comes to the crease and is run out attempting a second run off the final delivery! Just 4 runs came off the final over.

Australia are all out for 181 in 20 overs.

20:35

Australia fall apart

Australia 177-7 (19 ovs) vs Sri Lanka | Scorecard

Maheesh Theekshana to bowl the penultimate over and after a dot Cooper Connolly gets a couple by pushing one in front of square.

Out! Connolly goes, caught by Kusal Perera. Konnolly attempts a slog sweep but top-edges it to the keeper.

He goes for a 4-ball 3.

Xavier Bartlett comes to the crease and plays out three dots.

Just two runs came off the over.

20:31

Inglis out; Australia 6 down

Australia 175-6 (18 ovs) vs Sri Lanka | Scorecard

Dushmantha Chameera with his third over and Inglis plays out a dot off the first delivery before drives next on the up through covers for a boundary.

Two singles come off the next two balls.

Out! Inglis goes, caught by Dunith Wellalage as he top-edges a pull off a shortish delivery and gives an easy catch to Wellalage.

Inglis departs after making 27 off 22 balls with three boundaries.

Cooper Connolly is the new man in and he gets off the mark by pushing one past the backward point fielder for a single. Seven runs came off the over.

20:25

Maxwell departs; Australia 5 down

Australia 168-5 (17 ovs) vs Sri Lanka | Scorecard

Dushmantha Chameera is back into the attack and Maxwell plays the first delivery defensively to backward point.

Dropped! Maxwell miscues one to long-off and Nissanka spills a tough chance. Two runs taken.

A single through deep mid-wicket follows.

Four! Inglis kneels down and reverse laps one through short third for a boundary.

Follows it up with a single through sweeper cover.

A single through off-side to end the 9-run over.

Dushan Hemantha is back with his final over and he gets rid of Maxwell straightway!

Maxwell is out caught by Pathum Nissanka for a 15-ball 22 with one boundary and a six each. Flighted delivery and Maxwell is down on his knee to pull off the reverse sweep but slices it to backward point where Nissanka times his jump to perfection to grab a tough chance.

Marcus Stoinis comes to the crease and gets off the mark with the ramp shot for a single.

Four! Inglis goes inside out and lofts a floated delivery over the fielder at extra cover for a boundary.

A dot followed by a couple before Inglis gets a single off the of the final delivery. 8 runs came off the over.

Hemantha finishes his quota with excellent figures of 3/37.

20:14

Maxwell counterattacks

Australia 151-4 (15 ovs) vs Sri Lanka | Scorecard

Dunith Wellalage is bowling out and Glenn Maxwell plays the first delivery with soft hand to cover and scampers for a single.

Maxwell and Josh Inglis then play it safe by rotating the strike. Just five singles came off the 14th over.

Kamindu Mendis continues and Maxwell guides one in front of square and settles for a single.

A single through deep mid-wicket follows.

Six! Maxwell muscles a slower delivery into the stands behind long-on for a maximum.

Four! Full delivery on stumps and Maxwell lofts it wide of long-off four a boundary.

A couple through mid-off follows. 150 up for Australia in 14.5 overs.

A single through mid-wicket to end the 15-run over.

20:06

Australia crumble after bright start

Australia 131-4 (13 ovs) vs Sri Lanka | Scorecard

Dunith Wellalage with his third over and Josh Inglis punches the first delivery down to long-on and gets a single.

A wide down the leg follows and Mendis fumbles allowing the batters to cross over.

Three singles come off the next three balls.

A dot later, Tim David edges one through past the keeper for a boundary.

10 runs came off the over.

Kamindu Mendis comes into the attack and Inglis smashes a full toss outside off through covers and gets a couple.

A dot later, Inglis drives one to deep extra cover and gets off the strike.

Out! Tim David goes, caught by Hemantha! Floated delivery and David goes for a big hit but slices it to the fielder at long-on.

Australia lose four wickets in a span of 25 balls.

Tim David goes for a 5-ball 6 with a lone hit to the fence.

Glenn Maxwell comes to the crease and gets off the mark with a single through point.

A dot to end the over. Just four runs came off it.

19:56

Sri Lanka fight back; Australia 3 down

Australia 117-3 (11 ovs) vs Sri Lanka | Scorecard

Dushan Hemantha with his third over and Mitchell Marsh brings up his fifty with a boundary through mid-wicket.

Two single follow.

Out! Marsh is out LBW. Marsh reviews the on-field decision but it's plumb.

Australia lose their third in quick succession.

Marsh departs after a 27-ball 54 with eight boundaries and two sixes.

Josh Inglis is the new man in. A dot later, he opens his account with a single through sweeper cover. 7 runs came off the over.

19:52

Australia lose 2 quick wickets

Australia 110-2 (10 ovs) vs Sri Lanka | Scorecard

Dunith Wellalage is back into the attack and Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh pick up a single each off the first two deliveries.

Green then cuts the next ball to point and gets off the strike.

A dot and a wide outside off follow.

Marsh then gets a single by cutting one through deep point.

A dot follows.

Out! Green is out, stumped by Kusal Mendis. Seeing Green stepping out for a big shot, Wellalage bowls one wide and Mendis takes off the stumps in a flash.

Green falls cheaply, scoring 3 off 7. Australia lose two quick wickets after a bright start. 5 runs came off the over.

Tim David comes to the crease.

19:47

Head departs; Australia 1 down

Australia 105-1 (9 ovs) vs Sri Lanka | Scorecard

Dushan Hemantha continues and Mitchell Marsh cuts the first delivery to sweeper cover and gets off the strike.

Six! In the slot, and Head carves it over wide of long-on for a maximum.

Out! Head departs, caught by Kamindu Mendis. He goes for a big hit off a slower delivery outside off but miscues it to the fielder at long-off.

Head goes for a fluent 29-ball 56 with seven boundaries and three sixes.

Cameron Green comes to the crease and after two dots he gets off the mark by punching one down to long-off.

8 runs and a wicket came off the over.

19:41

Head slams fifty; Australia on top

Australia 97-0 (8 ovs) vs Sri Lanka | Scorecard

Dushan Hemanth comes into the attack and Travis Head drives the full ball through extra cover and picks up a couple.

A dot later, Head slog-sweeps and gets a brace before Nissanka puts in a diving effort to save two.

Six! Head sits down and bludgeons one of wide of long-on for a maximum.

Four! A googly and Head has enough time to smack it through covers for a boundary.

A dot to end the over. 14 runs came off it. Head is just one short of his fifty.

Dunith Wellalage comes into the attack and Mitchell Marsh smashes the flighted delivery between extra cover and long-off for a boundary.

Follows it up with a single through sweeper cover.

Head then punches one down to long-off for a single and completes his fifty off 27 balls.

A dot later, Marsh smacks one over the long-off boundary for a six.

A single through sweeper cover to end the 13-run over.

19:32

Australia finish Powerplay on a high

Australia 70-0 (6 ovs) vs Sri Lanka | Scorecard

Dasun Shanaka to bowl the fifth over and Travis Head pulls the first delivery over midwicket for a huge six.

Head then smashes the next delivery straight to the fielder at cover.

Four! Head shuffles across and slaps the shortish delivery through sweeper cover.

Follows it up with a single through long-on.

Marsh then inside-edges one onto his pads before finishing the over with a single through long-on. 12 came off the over. 50 up for Australia in five overs.

Maheesh Theekshana to bowl the final over of the Powerplay. Marsh is on strike and after playing out a dot he punches the second delivery through sweeper cover for a boundary.

Three consecutive fours follow! First one through square of the wicket and next thorough backward square leg with a lofted shot. Marsh then sweeps the next delivery through square leg.

Fifth boundary in a row! Marsh finishes the over by driving one through extra cover. 20 runs came off the over.

Australia are 70/0 after the Powerplay.

19:22

Head, Marsh on the attack

Australia 38-0 (4 ovs) vs Sri Lanka | Scorecard

Matheesha Pathirana comes into the attack and Travis Head swings and misses a slower off-cutter.

A wide outside off follows. A dot later, Head cuts one to deep backward point and gets a single.

Marsh then mis-times one to mid-off and picks up a single.

Pathirana has pulled his hamstring in his follow-through and is down on the ground.

He limps off the field and skipper Dasun Shanaka steps up to complete the over.

Four! Head waits and cuts the back of a length delivery away through point for a boundary.

A dot to end the over. 7 runs came off it.

Maheesh Theekshana continues and Mitchell Marsh nudges the full delivery on off to wide of mid-off and gets a single.

A dot later, Head sweeps a full delivery through the gap between mid-wicket and long-on.

A dot follows. Head then gets off the strike by working one away to mid-on for a single.

A dot to end the over. 6 runs came off it.

19:10

Australia off to flier vs Sri Lanka

Australia 25-0 (2 ovs) vs Sri Lanka | Scorecard

Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head are out in the middle to open for Australia.

Marsh, who is playing his first match of the tournament, is on strike.

Dushmantha Chameera with the ball for Sri Lanka and he starts off with a back of a length delivery which Marsh defends into the pitch.

Four! Marsh gets off the mark with backfoot punch through covers for a boundary.

Follows it up with a quick single through mid-on.

Four! Head too gets off the mark with a boundary as he whips a half-volley through mid-wicket. Head then picks up a single through short third man.

Six! Marsh finishes the over in style, pulling a shortish delivery over the long-on boundary for a six.

16 runs came off the first over.

Maheesh Theekshana to operate from the other end and Head plays the first two deliveries defensively before edging the third, a slower delivery on off, through short third man for a boundary.

Four more! Head drives the fourth delivery through covers for another boundary.

A single through backward point gets Marsh back on strike.

A dot to end the 9-run over.

18:45

Marsh returns for Australia; SL make one change

Mitchell Marsh is back for Australia while Sri Lanka have dropped misfiring opener Kamil Mishara with Kusal Perera replacing him.

Let's have a look at the Playing XIs:

Australia: Mitchell Marsh (Captain), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim David, Josh Inglis (Wicketkeeper), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Kamindu Mendis, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana.

18:40

Marsh returns for Australia

Welcome to the coverage of Match No. 30 of the T20 World Cup between Sri Lanka and Australia at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.

Sri Lanka have won the toss and they have opted to field first.

Skipper Mitchell Marsh, who was nursing an injury, has been included in the Australia's Playing XI.

Its do or die for Australia

A win will virtually take Sri Lanka to the Super 8s while Australia, who suffered an embarrassing 23-run defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe, need to win both of their remaining Group D matches for securing a spot in the Super 8s.

Sri Lanka are currently unbeaten, winning their ties against Ireland (by 20 runs) and Oman (by 105 runs).

Kusal Mendis, who scored a 45-ball 61 in the previous clash, will once again hold the key to their chances.

Australia, grappling injuries and form slump, kicked off their campaign with a win against Ireland, but failed to chase down a modest target of 170 against Zimbabwe.

The return of Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith, one of them is expected to feature in the Playing XI against Sri Lanka, might inject renewed energy to their batting line-up which inexplicably suffered a collapse against Zimbabwe.

Sri Lanka and Australia have met each other 26 times in T20Is, with Australia holding a 15-10 head-to-head advantage. One match was tied.

18:27

England win by 24 runs

Italy 178 allout (20 Ovs) vs England 202-7 | SCORECARD

Jamie Overton comes in to bowl the final over. Jaspreet Singh tries to hit but can't connect -- out! Caught by Will Jacks! The ball sails miles into the air before being safely taken. Jaspreet departs for 12 off 10 balls.

Ali Hasan is the new batter. He squeezes out a single to cover for none, then misses his next drive. Disaster strikes -- Ali Hasan, out bowled for a duck!

Italy are bowled out for 178. England win by 24 runs.

England secure Super 8s spot after a hard-fought clash.

Another superb effort by Italy, but they fall just short. Truly magnificent batting and spirit from the Italian side!

18:23

Curran turns the game

Italy 178-9 (19.2 Ovs) vs England 202-7 | SCORECARD

Jamie Overton comes in to bowl the final over.Jaspreet Singh tries to strike but can't connect -- out! Caught by Will Jacks! The ball soars high into the air before being safely taken. Jaspreet departs for 12 off 10 balls.

Ali Hasan is the new batter as Italy scramble to finish the chase.

18:21

Stewart falls, Curran turns the game

Italy 178-8 (19 Ovs) vs England 202-7 | SCORECARD

Sam Curran continues. He starts with a wide. Jaspreet Singh pushes to cover for a single, then is given out LBW! Stewart quickly reviews -- UltraEdge shows an inside edge. Stewart survives! The stadium erupts in a huge roar. Stewart rotates strike with a single. Another wide comes. Jaspreet sneaks a single.

The equation tightens: 25 needed off 8 balls. But Curran strikes again. Stewart swings' and is gone! Caught by Liam Dawson. Stewart departs for 45 off 23 balls.

Curran does the damage -- 25 runs conceded in just 7 balls -- a decisive blow to Italy's chase.

Crishan Kalugamage walks in as the new batter.

Sam Curran will bowl the final over. Italy face a steep task -- 25 runs needed from the last over.

18:12

30 needed off 12, Italy alive

Italy 173-7 (18 Ovs) vs England 202-7 | SCORECARD

Adil Rashid returns for his final over. Jaspreet Singh and Grant Stewart exchange singles to start. Jaspreet then launches a huge six! Rashid responds with a googly, but Jaspreet manages to work it away for a single. Stewart takes over -- massive six! And backs it up with another one!

Back-to-back sixes! A massive 21 runs come off the over.

After 18 overs, Italy are 173-7.They now need 30 runs from 12 balls.

18:08

Curran's double blow floors Italy

Italy 152-7 (17 Ovs) vs England 202-7 | SCORECARD

Jofra Archer is back into the attack. Jaspreet Singh can't connect first up. Archer nails the yorker next ball, but Jaspreet manages to squeeze out a single. A sharp throw keeps it tight.

Grant Stewart responds in style -- launches a huge six! Oh that stings! Stewart is hopping in pain after taking a blow. He swings hard next ball and misses. Top edge' and it sails away for six! 13 runs come off the over.

After 17 overs, Italy are 152-7.They now need 51 runs from 18 balls.

18:04

Curran's double blow floors Italy

Italy 139-7 (16 Ovs) vs England 202-7 | SCORECARD

Sam Curran returns to the attack. Marcus Campopiano and Grant Stewart rotate strike with a single each.

Wicket! Campopiano goes for the big hit but finds the fielder at long-on. Tom Banton takes another sharp catch -- his third of the match. Campopiano departs for 2 off 6 balls.

Meade out! Caught by Jos Buttler -- edged and gone! Two in two!

Gian Meade goes on the back foot to push, but the outside edge is found. Sam Curran is on a hat-trick.

Jaspreet Singh is the new batter. He gets off the mark with a safe single to end the over.

Just 3 runs and 2 wickets come off it.

After 16 overs, Italy are 139-7.

They now need 64 runs from 24 balls

17:58

Rashid strikes! Mosca falls for 43

Italy 136-5 (15 Ovs) vs England 202-7 | SCORECARD

Adil Rashid returns to the attack. Grant Stewart goes on the offensive straight away, launching a huge six. He follows it up with a single to keep the pressure on.

Wicket! Justin Mosca looks to clear long-on but hits it straight to the fielder. Tom Banton takes a safe catch.

Mosca departs for 43 off 34 balls -- a steady knock comes to an end at a crucial stage of the chase.

Marcus Campopiano is the new batter at the crease. Adil Rashid fires in a googly straight away. Campopiano flicks it towards the fielder but manages to pick up a single.

Eight runs and a wicket come off the over.

After 15 overs, Italy are 136-5.

17:51

60 off 25! Jacks ends Manenti storm

Italy 128-4 (14 Ovs) vs England 202-7 | SCORECARD

Grant Stewart is the new batter at the crease. Justin Mosca flicks one towards the deep for a single. Stewart gets off the mark with a run of his own before Mosca pushes towards mid-off for another single. Stewart then frees his arms and slams a boundary to keep the chase alive. A single closes out the over.

Eight runs come from it. After 13 overs, Italy are 122/4. They need 81 from 42 balls.

Jamie Overton is brought back into the attack. He bangs in a short ball and Stewart misses. The next one takes the edge and flies past the keeper for four. Two dot balls follow, building pressure. One drifts too wide.

A single ends the over. Six runs come from it. After 14 overs, Italy are 128/4.

17:43

60 off 25! Jacks ends Manenti storm

Italy 114-4 (12 Ovs) vs England 202-7 | SCORECARD

Liam Dawson continues. Justin Mosca fails to connect, and a leg bye is called. Ben Manenti pushes one towards long-on for a single. Mosca then sweeps well for a couple before finding the gap again -- this time the ball races away to the ropes for four. He backs it up with a single, and a dot ball ends the over. 9 runs come from it. After 11 overs, Italy are 93/3.

Interestingly, England were 93/4 at the same stage.

Change in bowling as Will Jacks returns. Mosca starts with a single to the off side. Then Manenti takes over. He slams a boundary, follows it with a towering six to bring up his fifty in just 22 balls, and then sends another one sailing into the stands. Sensational batting! He isn't done yet -- a cracking boundary follows, with Jacob Bethell unable to cut it off. But just when it looks unstoppable -- Wicket! Manenti skies one high and mistimes it. Tom Banton settles under it and completes the catch. A massive breakthrough for England as Manenti departs for a blistering 60 off 25 balls.

21 runs and a wicket come from the over. After 12 overs, Italy are 114/4. They now need 89 runs from 48 balls.

17:34

Manenti takes on spin

Italy 84-3 (10 Ovs) vs England 202-7 | SCORECARD

Sam Curran is brought into the attack. Ben Manenti clips one towards long-on for a single. The batters then sneak an extra run thanks to an overthrow from Liam Dawson. And then Manenti goes big. He launches a towering six and follows it up with another! A huge swing comes next but he misses completely.

A dot ball ends the over. 14 runs come from it. After nine overs, Italy are 79/3.

Adil Rashid returns from the other end. Justin Mosca defends before sweeping through midwicket for a single. Manenti is beaten by a sharp delivery but manages a single next ball. He then miscues one -- a top edge that lands safely in no man's land, allowing him to pick up a couple. A single ends the over.

Five runs come from it. At the halfway stage, Italy are 84/3.They now need 119 runs from 60 balls.

17:27

Manenti takes on spin, Italy stay alive in chase

Italy 65-3 (8 Ovs) vs England 202-7 | SCORECARD

Adil Rashid is introduced into the attack. Ben Manenti greets him in style, launching a massive six into the stands. He then flicks one towards long-on for a single. Justin Mosca pulls to long-on for another run, and Manenti works one through square leg for a single. A dot ball ends the over. 9 runs come from it. After seven overs, Italy are 56/3.

Another change in bowling as Liam Dawson is brought into the attack. Manenti continues his aggressive intent, smashing a six first ball. He follows it up with a single through the covers. The batters rotate strike with a few more singles before Mosca defends the final two deliveries of the over.

Another 9 runs added. After eight overs, Italy are 65/3.

17:17

Mosca, Ben Manenti fight back

Italy 47-3 (6 Ovs) vs England 202-7 | SCORECARD

Ben Manenti is the new batter at the crease. Jofra Archer comes on for his third over. Justin Mosca goes on the offensive -- cracking a boundary before defending the next two deliveries solidly. He then finds the fence again with another crisp stroke. Leaning into a controlled push to cover, Mosca finishes the over in style with yet another boundary. 12 runs come from it. After five overs, Italy are 34/3.

Change in bowling as Will Jacks is introduced. Ben Manenti wastes no time, welcoming him with back-to-back boundaries. A shot towards fine leg brings no run, but he rotates strike with a single next ball. Mosca defends watchfully before ending the over with a boundary of his own. Thirteen runs come from the over.

After six overs, Italy are 47/3. They now need 156 runs from 84 balls.

17:12

Manenti departs! Buttler pulls off screamer

Italy 22-3 (4 Ovs) vs England 202-7 | SCORECARD

Jofra Archer returns for his second over. Harry Manenti flicks one away for a single. Justin Mosca is beaten by pace next ball but then finds his rhythm -- driving into the gap for four. He follows it up with another boundary, shifting some pressure back onto England. 9 runs come from the over. After three overs, Italy are 18/2.

Jamie Overton continues. Manenti starts aggressively, slamming a boundary with Salt having no chance to cut it off. But Overton responds well -- a swing and miss follows.

Wicket! Manenti edges one high behind the stumps. Jos Buttler tracks it brilliantly and completes a superb catch despite the height and pressure. Manenti departs for 12 off 11 balls. Four runs and a wicket come from the over.

After four overs, Italy are 22/3. They now need 181 runs from 96 balls.

17:00

Archer's double blow rocks Italy early

Italy 10-2 (2 Ovs) vs England 202-7 | SCORECARD

Harry Manenti, the Italy captain, walks in at a tense moment for his side.

Jamie Overton operates from the other end. Justin Mosca pulls one away for a single to get the over underway.

Manenti begins watchfully with a solid defence but then he responds in style. He launches a big hit towards the boundary. Phil Salt sprints across, leaps full stretch, gets both hands to it but can't flick it back into play. It sails over for six!

Manenti follows it up with a single. A dot ball closes the over.

8 runs come from it. After two overs, Italy are 9/2.

16:59

Archer's double blow rocks Italy early

Italy 1-2 (1 Ovs) vs England 202-7 | SCORECARD

Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca are at the crease. Justin Mosca takes strike as Jofra Archer steams in with the new ball. Justin gets Italy off the mark with a single.

Wicket! Anthony looks to go aerial but miscues it and it's taken! Harry Brook pulls off an excellent catch, running back from mid-on, keeping his eyes locked on the ball to complete a fine grab. Anthony Mosca departs for a duck.

JJ Smuts walks in next. He defends the first two deliveries solidly, but then edges one and it's taken at slip! Jamie Overton makes no mistake.

Archer strikes twice in a sensational opening over. After the first over, Italy are reeling at 1/2.

16:40

Jacks' 21-ball 50 powers England to 202

England 202-7 (20 Ovs) vs Italy | SCORECARD

Grant Stewart returns to the attack. Jamie Overton and Will Jacks begin with a single each before Overton drills a boundary to inject more momentum. The pair continue to rotate strike smartly, and Jacks finishes the over with a crisp boundary. 14 runs come off it. After 18 overs, England are 174/6.

Ali Hasan is back for the penultimate over. He starts with a yorker that Overton can only defend, but the very next ball disappears for a huge six. Overton follows it up with a single to long-off. A couple of wides creep in, prompting a quick word from the keeper as Hasan regains his line. The batters keep milking singles, keeping the pressure on. Thirteen runs come from the over. After 19 overs, England are 187/6.

Stewart is handed the final over. Jacks wastes no time, launching a massive six with perfect timing before taking a single. WICKET! Overton then goes hard but holes out -- Crishan Kalugamage takes the catch safely. Overton departs for 15 off 9 balls.

Jofra Archer is the new batter and gets off the mark with a single.

Back on strike, Jacks finishes in style -- another towering six brings up his fifty off just 21 balls. A dot ball ends the innings.

15 runs and a wicket come from the final over. England finish on a commanding 202/7 after 20 overs, powered by Jacks' explosive half-century.

16:20

Curran falls after late England surge

England 160-6 (17 Ovs) vs Italy | SCORECARD

Ben Manenti continues. Will Jacks flicks one away for a single before Sam Curran cuts hard for a couple. Curran then works one towards long-on for another run. And then comes the momentum shift. Jacks smashes one past the fielder for a boundary before going big -- back-to-back sixes!

A massive over for England as 20 runs come off it. Exactly what they needed at this stage. After 16 overs, England are 144/5.

Crishan Kalugamage is back into the attack, but Curran greets him with a towering six. A googly follows, and Curran manages just a single. One drifts too wide. Jacks rotates strike with a run before Curran launches another huge six.

Wicket! Curran looks to go again but holes out. JJ Smuts pulls off a sharp, fantastic catch. Curran departs for 25 off 19 balls.

Jamie Overton is the new batter and gets off the mark with a single. After 17 overs, England are 160/6.

16:11

Banton's cameo ends, England 5 down

England 124-5 (15 Ovs) vs Italy | SCORECARD

Ben Manenti returns to the attack. Sam Curran and Will Jacks rotate strike with a few singles, keeping the scoreboard moving without taking major risks. Seven runs come from the over. After 14 overs, England are 114/5.

Drinks are called, with England still searching for momentum to post a competitive total. Italy, meanwhile, have been disciplined and sharp with the ball, striking at regular intervals and keeping the pressure firmly on.

Jaspreet Singh is brought into the attack after the break. Curran nudges one through mid-wicket for a single. Jacks then picks up a couple through mid-wicket before finding the gap beautifully for a boundary. He flicks the next delivery towards long-on for a run, and another single closes out the over. Seven more runs come off it.

After 15 overs, England are 124/5.

16:02

Banton's cameo ends, England 5 down

England 107-5 (13 Ovs) vs Italy | SCORECARD

Crishan Kalugamage continues. Tom Banton goes on the offensive, launching a massive six into the stands. He then cuts one towards cover for a single to keep the strike rotating. A moment of drama follows -- a stumping chance goes begging! Sam Curran survives as Italy miss an opportunity to tighten their grip. But they don't have to wait long.

Banton looks to clear the boundary again but doesn't get the timing right. He holes out to Ben Manenti at deep mid-wicket. Banton departs for 30 off 21 balls -- another timely breakthrough for Italy.

Will Jacks is the new batter at the crease. He gets off the mark with a couple of runs, looking to settle quickly after the wicket. A dot ball ends the over.

Ten runs and a wicket come from it.

After 13 overs, England are 107/5 -- rebuilding once again after another setback.

15:54

Brook falls, England in trouble

England 93-4 (11 Ovs) vs Italy | SCORECARD

JJ Smuts is back into the attack. Harry Brook and Tom Banton rotate strike with a single each, and the over yields just four runs. After nine overs, England are 76/3.

Crishan Kalugamage switches ends. It's another tidy over -- six runs come from it. At the halfway mark, England are 82/3.

Smuts continues. Brook breaks the shackles with a crisp boundary and then launches a big six into the stands. But Smuts responds immediately.

Wicket! Brook goes for another big shot but holes out. Gian Meade takes the catch safely. Smuts has the last laugh as Brook departs for 14 off 9 balls.

Sam Curran is the new batter. He starts cautiously with a defence and then sweeps one towards cover for a single.

11 runs and a wicket come from the over. After 11 overs, England are 93/4.

15:43

Italy strike again! England 3 down

England 72-3 (8 Ovs) vs Italy | SCORECARD

Crishan Kalugamage is brought into the attack. Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton keep things ticking with smart rotation, dealing largely in singles. Banton then breaks the pattern with a well-timed boundary and follows it up with a single to retain strike.

Ten runs come from the over. After seven overs, England are 66/2.

Spin from both ends now as Ben Manenti is introduced. Banton pats one towards point for a single. Bethell attempts to cut but finds the fielder at backward point. Next ball -- he goes aerial but mistimes it badly. Taken in the deep! Jaspreet Singh settles under it and completes the catch comfortably. Bethell departs for 23 off 20 balls.

Italy continue to strike at regular intervals, and England are suddenly under pressure at 67/3.

Harry Brook walks in and gets off the mark straight away with a quick single. Tom Banton then gets a boundary, helped by a misfield from Jaspreet Singh in the deep -- a costly error at this stage.

A dot ball ends the over.

Six runs and a wicket come from it. After eight overs, England are 72/3.

15:35

England lose both openers

England 56-2 (6 Ovs) vs Italy | SCORECARD

Ali Hasan continues. Phil Salt drives handsomely towards cover, but a sharp stop from Harry Manenti saves a certain boundary. Salt has to settle for just two. He follows it up with a single to rotate strike. A nudge off the pads results in a leg bye as the pressure begins to build.

Wicket! Salt goes big but doesn't get all of it -- and it's taken in the deep. Anthony Mosca holds on to an excellent catch under pressure.

A crucial breakthrough for Italy as Salt departs for a brisk 28 off 15 balls.

Tom Banton is the new batter and he is off the mark with a single.

15:31

England lose Buttler early

England 26-1 (3 Ovs) vs Italy | SCORECARD

Ali Hasan comes on from the other end. Phil Salt begins watchfully with a solid defence, but he doesn't stay quiet for long. The very next ball disappears into the stands for a towering six. He then taps one down to rotate strike before smashing a crisp boundary through the off side. Two more singles follow as England collect 12 from the over.

After two overs, England are 21/0 and off to a brisk start.

Change of bowling now as Grant Stewart is introduced into the attack. Jos Buttler looks to go aerial but miscues it badly -- the ball goes high into the night sky. Taken! Harry Manenti settles under it and completes the catch.

A big breakthrough for Italy as Buttler departs cheaply for 3 off 4 balls.

Jacob Bethell is the new batter at the crease. He gets off the mark quietly, nudging one off his pads but finding no run. No hesitation next ball though -- he frees his arms and slams a boundary to get going in confident fashion.

Bethell then solidly defends the next two deliveries, showing composure after the early wicket, before taking a single to close out the over.

Five runs and a wicket come from it. After three overs, England are 26/1.

15:28

Quick 50 comes up for England

England 50-1 (5 Ovs) vs Italy | SCORECARD

Ali Hasan continues. Jacob Bethell begins the over with a solid defence before breaking free with a cracking boundary. He then finds the gap nicely and comes back for a couple. Seven runs come off the over.After four overs, England are 33/1.

Grant Stewart persists from the other end, but Bethell wastes no time welcoming him -- launching a towering six. He flicks the next ball towards cover for a single. A delivery drifting down leg is called wide. Bethell then pulls confidently for another run.

Back on strike, Phil Salt joins the party with a massive six. He nudges a single off the next ball before a dot ends the over.

17 runs come from it, and that brings up England's 50.

15:06

T20 WC Updates: England off to a good start

England 9-0 (1 Ovs) vs Italy | SCORECARD

Former England captain Nasser Hussain rings the iconic bell at the Eden Gardens as the atmosphere crackles with anticipation.

The national anthems are done. It's time.

Out walk Phil Salt and Jos Buttler to begin the chase. Salt takes strike, while JJ Smuts has the new ball in hand. Salt gets England underway in style -- a crisp boundary to open his account. He follows it up with a single towards deep midwicket. Buttler then flicks one neatly into the leg side for a run. The pair rotate strike smartly for the remainder of the over, keeping the scoreboard ticking without taking undue risks.

Nine runs come off the opening over -- a steady, confident start.

14:43

Afghanistan edge UAE; England opt to bat vs Italy

England have won the toss and have opted to bat against Italy.

Here are the playing XIs

England: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler(w), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook(c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid

Italy: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti(c), Ben Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade(w), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan

14:39

Omarzai stars for Afghans

Afg 162-5 (19.2 ovs) vs UAE 160-9 | Scorecard

Afghanistan beat UAE by 5 wickets in their Group match in New Delhi on Monday.

This is their first win in the tournament.

As a result, South become the third team after India and West Indies to qualify for the Super 8s.

Siddique continues as 4 runs needed.

Nabi starts the over with a single.

Omarzai seals it with a slap through covers to the boundary as Afghanistan beat UAE by 5 wickets.

Jawadullah is back in the attack and Omarzai and Nabi take a single each off the next two balls.

A wide and two dots later, Omarzai swings and smacks it over extra cover for a six!

Omarzai attempts another swing and the ball runs to the fine leg boundary off his inside edge.

13 come off it.

Nabi is the new man in and he is off the mark with a single.

Omarzai then takes a couple and a single as 11 runs and a wicket come off it.

Siddique is back in the attack and the back of length ball is hammered down the ground by Omarzai for a six!

Omarzai then takes a single to long-off.

Full and straight ball next, Rasooli swings and misses as the ball crashes into the stumps and he out for 33 off 23.

Arfan is back in the attack and Rasooli hammers the ball down the ground for a six!

A dot later, Rasooli connects the full ball and hammers it to the leg side, bisecting the fielders to get a boundary.

Again Rasooli swings it to deep midwicket for a couple now.

Rasooli then digs out the yorker to the off side and scampers for a single.

One more yorker safely negotiated by Omarzai who takes a single to end the over as 14 come off it.

Simranjeet is back in the attack and Omarzai and Rasooli start the over with two singles.

Tossed up ball next and Omarzai smacks it hard just over a leaping extra cover for a six!

A single later, Rasooli chips it back towards the bowler who can't catch it in time.

Rasooli ends the over with a single as 10 come off it.

14:14

Afghanistan need 52 off 30 balls

Afg 109-4 (15 ovs) vs UAE 160-9 | Scorecard

Jawadullah is back in the attack and Rasooli gets a boundary in the over as the batters pinch singles and twos as 9 come off the over.

Omarzai is the new man in and after a dot, the batters take three singles to bring up the 100.

A dot to end the over as a wicket and 3 come off it.

Arfan is back in the attack and the slower short ball is pulled straight down towards deep midwicket as the fielder runs in to complete the catch and Zadran is out for 53 off 41 balls.

Haider Ali continues, he bowls it short and Rasooli pulls it to deep midwicket for a single.

Wide ball next.

Zadran and Rasooli then take a single each off the next two balls.

Wide ball called again as Zadran misses the reverse sweep.

Zadran then drives the ball down the ground for a single.

Rasooli and Zadran then take a single each as 8 come off the over.

Simranjeet is back in the attack and Zadran and Rasooli hammer two fours in the over while putting up an exhibition of quick running between the wickets. Zadran brings up his 50 off 37 balls off the last ball of the over. 12 runs come off the over.

Haider Ali is back in the attack and he gets 5 runs in the over.

13:49

Atal out for 16 off 14

Afg 72-3 (10 ovs) vs UAE 160-9 | Scorecard

Darwish Rasooli is the new man in and he is off the mark with a couple to deep midwicket as a wicket and 5 runs come off it.

Jawadullah is back in the attack Zadran starts the over with a single to third man.

Atal then goes for the pull and misses as he hit on the box.

Full and wide and Atal slaps it to sweeper cover for a single.

Zadran then gets a single to point for a single.

Jawadullah then yorks Atal who is unable to get his bat down in time and the ball crashes into his middle stump as he is out for 16 off 14.

Simranjeet continues and Zadran starts the over with a tight couple as he dives in to the crease. A better throw would have seen the back of him.

A dot and a single later, Atal comes down the track and lofts it over long on for a six!

Atal and Zadran then take a single each off the next two balls as 11 come off it.

Arfan is back in the attack and Zadran goes after the wide ball and is beaten.

Short ball next and Zadran pulls it down to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Atal clips the next ball to backward square leg for a four.

A single later, Zadran stands tall and punches the ball through covers for a four!

A single to end the over as 11 come off it.

Left arm spinner Simranjeet in the attack and he concedes just four singles in the over.

13:33

Naib out for 13

Afg 41-2 (6 ovs) vs UAE 160-9 | Scorecard

Sediq Atal is the new man in and he lets the first ball go to the keeper.

Atal is beaten next ball as the batter plants his front foot and the ball goes just past his outside edge.

Atal is off the mark with a single to third man as 2 runs and a wicket come off it.

Muhammad Arfan in the attack now and Zadran starts with a dot.

Zadran then pulls the next ball to square leg for a single.

Short and wide and Naib just cuts it straight to backward point and he is out for 13 off 12.

Left arm pacer Jawadullah in the attack now and he starts with a dot as Naib swings and the inside edge bounces back to the keeper.

Length ball and Naib swings hard and sends the ball flying over log on for a six!

Naib pulls the next ball to square leg for a single.

Zadran then plays the next ball to backward point for a single.

Fuller ball, Naib connects and creams it through covers for a four as he punishes the overpitched ball. 12 come off the over.

Haider Ali continues and after a dot, Zadran drives the ball over mid-on for a one bounce four.

Zadran then makes room and cuts the ball through cover point for a four!

A dot later, Zadran sweeps and top edge takes the ball for a six to backward square leg.

Zadran then cuts the next ball past backward point for a four as 18 come off it.

13:14

Afghanistan struggle to get going

Afg 9-1 (3 ovs) vs UAE 160-9 | Scorecard

Siddique continues and Zadran clips it to short fine leg, the ball falls just short of the fielder.

The bowler keeps it tight and hits the batter on the pad. The bowler appeals. No says the umpire. UAE refrain from taking a review.

Another dot later, Siddique bowls another ball on good length on the off stump and Zadran plays it to covers for a dot.

Fuller ball next and Zadran lofts it straight down the ground for a four.

Zadran takes a tight run to mid-wicket for a single as 5 runs come off it.

Left-arm spinner Haider Ali is in the attack now and after a dot, Naib starts the over with a single.

A dot later, Zadran takes a single before Naib plays two dots to end the over as 2 runs come off it.

Gulbadin Naib is the new man in and he starts with a dot.

Naib is off the ball next ball with a pull to square leg.

A wide later, Zadran drives but can't penetrate the infield.

Another dot to end the over as 2 runs and wicket come off it.

Gurbaz and Zadran come out to chase 161 as Junaid Siddique opens the bowling for UAE and after a dot, Gurbaz comes down the track, miscues and the fielder comes in from deep backward point to take a simple catch and he is out for a duck.

12:52

Azmat Omarzai picks 4

UAE 160-9 (20 ovs) vs Afg | Scorecard

Sohaib Khan scored his second consecutive fifty as Afghanistan restricted United Arab Emirates to 160 for 9 in their Group D T20 World Cup Fixture in New Delhi on Monday.

Sohaib top scored for UAE, smashing 68 off 48 balls while Alishan Sharafu contributed with a 31-ball 40.

Opting to bowl, Afghanistan kept taking wickets at regular intervals.

For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai picked four wickets.

Junaid Siddique is the new man in and he is off the mark with a couple.

He then takes a single and calls for the second but is run out. One run completed and UAE make 160 for 9.

Sharifi comes on to bowl the final over and the batters start with three singles.

A wide later, Haider wants a single but his partner stays put, he runs back but is run out by the keeper and is out for 13 off 12.

Simranjeet is the new man in and after a dot, he gets off the mark with a tight single.

Slower ball and Haider is beaten. A wicket and 5 runs come off the over.

Omarzai continues and after a dot, Sohiab carves the fuller wide ball through vacant point area and a misfield at deep point sends the ball to the boundary.

Short bouncer next and Sohaib gets the top edges the ball to hole out to square leg. He is out for 68 off 48.

Sharifi is back in the attack and Sohaib and Haider take a single each before he short ball is pulled over long leg for a six!

Sohaib then takes a single to cover, he takes another run off a misfield but the 2nd run is not counted as the umpires call it a leg bye.

Haider then creams the next ball through extra cover for a four!

A wide later, Haider slashes hard at the short ball outside as it runs past keeper for a four! 18 come off it.

12:29

Sohaib scores fighting 50

UAE 130-6 (17 ovs) vs Afg | Scorecard

Gulbadin Naib is in the attack now and he starts with a no ball and a wide.

Sohaib and Haider rotate the strike, picking singles and twos, as 9 runs come in the over.

Haider Ali is the new man in and survives three dots. A wicket and 7 runs come off it.

Rashid is back in the attack and Sohaib brings up his half century with a six over the bowler's head.

Sohaib then takes a single.

Arfan is out hit wicket next ball as he goes for a reverse sweep, gets himself in a tangle and the bat hits the stumps. He is out for a duck and that is T20 wicket number 700 for Rashid.

Muhammad Arfan is the new man in and he starts with a dot as two wickets and a run come off it.

Harshit Kaushik is the new man in, he is beaten on the outside first ball as he pokes at a good length ball that holds it's line.

A dot later, Kaushik goes after the full and wide ball, appeal for caught behind. Umpire raises the finger. Kaushik reviews. Ultra Edge shows the bat got the ball and grazed the ground at the same time. He is out for a duck.

12:09

Mujeeb ends Sharafu's stay

UAE 113-3 (14 ovs) vs Afg | Scorecard

Noor is back in the attack and after a dot, Sohaib takes a single to backward square leg.

A dot later, Haider and Sohaib take a single each before Haider latches on to the short ball and pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a six as 9 come off it.

Rashid is back in the attack and Haider gets a four to fine leg off a top-edge as the bowlers take 2 singles as 6 come off it.

Syed Haider is the new man in and he is off the mark with a single.

Three dots to end the over as a single and wicket comes off it.

Mujeeb is back in the attack and after a dot, Sharafu goes for big swing, miscues, only to hole out to long off and he is out for a well-made 40 off 31 balls.

Sharifi is back in the attack and he gives just 4 runs including two leg byes in the over.

12:00

Afghan bowlers clobbered

UAE 93-2 (10 ovs) vs Afg | Scorecard

Noor Ahmad continues and he is clobbered for two sixes in the over while the batters also rotate the strike. 16 runs come off the over.

Rashid continues and Sohaib is beaten first ball as the ball straightens.

A dot later, the batters take a single each before Sohaib plays two dots as just 2 come off the over.

Noor Ahmad comes into the attack and the leggie is spanked for two boundaries in the over as 11 come off it.

Rashid in the attack now and Sohaib and Sharafu take 3 singles from 5 balls before Sharafu slog sweeps the full ball over wide long-on to bring up the 50-run partnership.

11:41

Mujeeb taken to the cleaners

UAE 55-2 (6 ovs) vs Afg | Scorecard

Mujeeb continues and the batters rotate the strike even as Sharafu smashes two fours in the over as 12 come off it. UAE end the Powerplay strongly.

Zia Sharifi is in the attack and he starts with a no ball even as the batters take a single. The free-hit ball is smoked by Sohaib as he gets thick edge past backward point for a four!

Sohaib then edges the ball past slips for another four.

Sohaib then takes a single to mid-wicket.

A dot and a single later, the short ball is then pulled for a four as 16 runs come off it.

11:30

Mujeeb on song!

UAE 27-2 (4 ovs) vs Afg | Scorecard

Mujeeb continues and after two dots, Sharafu takes a single to long off.

Full ball next, in the slot and Sohaib lofts it over long off for a six!

Appeal for LBW next, umpire raises the finger. UAE appeal and the umpire has to reverse his decision.

A dot to end the over as 7 come off it.

Sohaib Khan is the new man in and Omarzai continues and Sharafu and Sohaib start the over with a single each off the first two balls.

Short ball next and Sharaful swivel pulls it over square leg for a four.

A single and two dots to end the over as 7 come off it.

Offie Mujeeb Ur Rahman is in the attack now and Waseem and Sharafu take a single each before Mujeeb bowls a wide.

A dot later Waseem gets back-to-back fours as Rasooli misfields at the boudary to gift the batter a second four.

Mujeeb appeals for LBW next ball, umpire raises the finger. Waseem reviews. Ball tracking shows ball was hitting top of off stump and he has to walk back for 10 off 6.

Alishan Sharafu is the new man in and he is off the mark with a single.

Waseem is off the mark next ball with a single as 2 runs and a dot come off the opening over.

Aryansh Sharma and Muhammad Waseem are at the crease as Azmatullah Omarzai opens the attack for Afghanistan and after surviving a caught behind review, Arysansh is beaten next ball.

A dot later, Aryansh is caught behind as he pulls the short bouncer, big appeal, the umpire reviews for fair catch. The review show he had an edge and the catch was fair and UAE lose an early wicket. Aryansh is out for a duck.

11:11

UAE's batting challenge against Afghanistan's spin

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has won the toss and have opted to field against UAE in their T20 World Cup Group D match in New Delhi on Monday.

Playing XIs:

United Arab Emirates: Aryansh Sharma(w), Muhammad Waseem(c), Alishan Sharafu, Sohaib Khan, Syed Haider, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Haider Ali, Simranjeet Singh, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan(c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi

The United Arab Emirates will look to plug their middle-order frailties, particularly against spin, when they take on a hurting Afghanistan in a must-win Group D clash of the T20 World Cup in New Delhi, on Monday.

The two sides head into the contest after contrasting results in their previous outings. UAE scraped past Canada to register their first win, while Afghanistan suffered a heartbreaking defeat despite pushing their last game into two Super Overs in one of the greatest T20 matches.

With South Africa and New Zealand occupying the top two spots in the group with six and four points respectively, UAE's qualification hopes hinge on a combination of victories and favourable results elsewhere.

Afghanistan, meanwhile, are desperate to open their account after coming agonisingly close against South Africa. They not only need to win their remaining matches convincingly but also rely on other outcomes to stay in contention.

UAE were handed a 10-wicket thrashing by New Zealand earlier and appeared headed for another defeat when Canada reduced them to 66 for 4 in the 13th over while chasing 150. Their top and middle order struggled against spin before opener Aryansh Sharma (74 off 53) anchored the chase. Sohaib Khan's late surge (51 off 29) then helped them complete a remarkable turnaround.

However, UAE's batting will face a sterner test against Afghanistan's formidable spin trio of captain Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi.

"I think we have to improve our batting in the middle overs from 7 to 15, 16th over. I think there we have to look after," UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem had said after the win over Canada.

"So, in the upcoming games, we will work on that and that is the one part of the game where we have to work."

UAE's bowling unit found rhythm against Canada with pacer Junaid Siddique claiming five wickets, but containing the likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai will demand a collective effort.

The 23-year-old Gurbaz was outstanding in the last game, smashing 84 off 42 balls to take Afghanistan to 187 in regulation time. He then struck three sixes in succession in the second Super Over but fell short as Afghanistan ended up on the losing side. Omarzai also picked up three wickets, while Rashid claimed two.

T20 WC Updates: Nissanka, Mendis on the attack

TOP STORIES