Day 10 of the FIFA T20 World Cup promises high drama as teams continue to chase the coveted spots in the Super 8. Entering the crucial stage of the group stage, any result can significantly change the points table and qualification scenarios.
The action begins at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi where Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan face Muhammad Waseem’s UAE. Afghanistan will start as favourites, but the United Arab Emirates showed enough guts to threaten on their day.
Attention then shifts to the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata where England take on Italy. England will be eager to secure promotion, while Italy will aim to gain momentum from their win against Nepal.
The day ends with a sensational clash at the Pallekele International Stadium where Australia take on Sri Lanka in what could prove to be a decider for both sides.
When and where to watch
- Afghanistan vs. UAE in Delhi in Group D clash at 11:00 IST
- England vs. Italy at Kolkata in Group C match at 15:00 IST
- Australia vs Sri Lanka at Pallekele in Group B match at 7 PM IST
All the matches will be telecast on Star Sports with live streaming available on JioHotstar.
Here is a quick preview of the three matches scheduled for Day 10 of the T20 World Cup.
Match 1 Prediction: Afghanistan vs UAE in Delhi
Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates will clash in a crucial Group D clash, with both teams looking for a definitive result in their campaign. Afghanistan got off to a frustrating start, losing both their opening matches. Their latest defeat was particularly painful headed to South Africa in a rare double thriller Super Overhe fell just short of taking the match to the limit – a result head coach Jonathan Trott described as devastating.
The loss left Afghanistan winless and dented their net speed, putting them in a precarious position in a tightly packed group. While their batting unit showed flashes of promise, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz among those who contributed meaningfully, they struggled to get a collective result at key moments.
The UAE, meanwhile, head into the clash with renewed confidence after a five-wicket win over Canada. Chasing 151, they recovered from 66 for four thanks to an 84-run partnership between Aryansh Sharma and Sohaib Khan to seal victory with two balls to spare.
Earlier, Junaid Siddique’s five-wicket haul restricted Canada to 150 for seven, starting the chase. Buoyed by this performance, the UAE will be looking to boost their qualification hopes.
Pitch Report
The ground at the Arun Jaitley Stadium offered an even match with an average first innings score of 165 in 11 matches. The batting surface is expected to improve as the game progresses, making the chase a favorable option.
There is currently no threat of rain and temperatures hovering around 24 degrees Celsius, ensuring ideal conditions for cricket.
Expected playing XI
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan(c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
United Arab Emirates: Aryansh Sharma(w), Muhammad Waseem(c), Alishan Sharafu, Mayank Kumar, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah
Match 2 Prediction: England vs Italy in Kolkata
England have a prime opportunity to seal their place in the Super 8 with victory over Italy. After a shaky start to their campaign, England have regained momentum with a decisive five-wicket win over Scotland at the same venue they successfully chased down 153 thanks to Tom Banton’s unbeaten 63. This result saw them finish second in the group behind West Indies.
Earlier, they outplayed Nepal in a thrilling four-round encounter, underscoring their ability to hold their nerve in tight situations. With Banton and Jacob Bethell providing stability in the batting order and experienced bowlers like Adil Rashid and Jofra Archer playing at key moments, England look well placed to secure qualification.
However, Italy arrives full of confidence after registering their first ever T20 World Cup victorya commanding 10-wicket victory over Nepal. Anthony and Justin Mosca put on an unbeaten 124-run opening stand to chase down 124 with 44 balls to spare, a landmark that reignited their campaign.
Although they suffered a heavy defeat against Scotland earlier, this breakthrough triumph boosted the team’s confidence. While England have the advantage in terms of depth and experience, they will remember Italy’s fearless approach. A win would confirm England’s progress, but an upset could dramatically change the group standings.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Eden Gardens has been a sporting surface so far with an average first innings score of 157 in 15 matches. While teams may consider batting first, the trend in the ongoing tournament suggests that the second bowling is enjoying more success.
The weather is expected to remain favorable, with no rain forecast. Temperatures will hover around 27°C and humidity levels are set to remain comfortable for the 20s, ensuring ideal playing conditions.
Expected playing XI
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: Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti(c), Ben Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade(w), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan
Match 3 Prediction: Australia vs Sri Lanka at Pallekele
Australia and Sri Lanka clash in a high-stakes Group B encounter at the Pallekele International Stadium with major qualifying implications. Australia’s campaign suffered a major setback in their previous outing where they slumped to a 23-run defeat against Zimbabwe.
Chasing 170 after Zimbabwe posted 169 for two, the Australians were bowled out for 146, a result that moved them to third place in the group behind unbeaten Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. Another loss could leave the Australians staring at the prospect of an early exit.
Injuries made the situation even more complicated. Captain Mitchell Marsh remains a doubt after missing recent matches, forcing the management to consider backup options to stabilize the squad. Meantime, All-rounder Marcus Stoinis is also under a cloud following a hand injury in the Zimbabwe game, with his availability subject to a late fitness assessment.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are firmly in control of their destiny. Sitting at the top of the table with a perfect record so far, the hosts combined disciplined bowling with consistent batting displays.
A win would only confirm their place in the Super 8 and maintain their unbeaten streak. With the home conditions in Sri Lanka’s favour, they will be looking to exploit Australia’s vulnerabilities and strengthen their grip on the group.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Pallekele was decent for the batsmen, with an average score of 166 in 31 matches. Sri Lanka’s massive total against Oman earlier in the tournament suggests that the surface offers good value for the stroke play.
Clouds are expected, but rain is minimal. Temperatures will hover around 24C, with humidity above 70s, making conditions slightly sticky but playable.
Expected playing XI
Australia: Travis Head(c), Josh Inglis(w), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis(w), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
February 16, 2026