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Steve Smith Added to Australia T20 World Cup Squad for Crucial Sri Lanka Clash

by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor February 16, 2026

written by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor

Kandy, Sri Lanka – Australia has received a significant boost ahead of their must-win T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka, with star batter Steve Smith officially added to the squad. The move comes after an injury to Mitchell Marsh and the earlier absence of Josh Hazlewood, adding much-needed firepower to the Australian lineup as they fight to stay alive in the tournament. The match is scheduled for Monday night (Tuesday 12:30am AEDT) in Pallekele.

Australia finds themselves in a precarious position in Group B, following a stunning defeat to Zimbabwe. A loss to Sri Lanka, combined with a Zimbabwe victory over Ireland on Tuesday, would eliminate the Australians from contention. The pressure is mounting on the team to perform and Smith’s inclusion provides a potential solution to recent batting struggles. Currently, Sri Lanka leads Group B with a 2-0 record and a net run rate of 3.125, followed by Zimbabwe (2-0, 1.984 NRR), Australia (1-1, 1.100 NRR), Ireland (1-2, 0.150 NRR), and Oman (0-3, -4.455 NRR).

Smith, 36, travelled to Sri Lanka as cover for captain Marsh, who suffered a “testicular bleeding” injury last week, according to reports. He replaces bowler Josh Hazlewood, who was previously ruled out of the tournament due to an Achilles injury. Selector Tony Dodemaide explained, “With Steve here, along with some uncertainty around Mitch and Marcus Stoinis, it made sense he is activated and available for selection in time for the match, if required.”

While Smith’s inclusion is confirmed, his immediate playing status remains uncertain. Marsh is expected to return to the lineup, potentially resuming his role as opener. All-rounder Marcus Stoinis has also declared his injured left hand is “pretty good,” further complicating the selection picture. Smith hasn’t played a T20 International for Australia since February 2024, but he demonstrated strong form in the recent Big Bash League season, scoring a century and two fifties in six matches.

Australia’s Path to the Super 8s

The situation is complex for Australia. Even a victory against Sri Lanka doesn’t guarantee progression to the Super 8s. A three-way tie involving Australia, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka is possible, and net run rate could become a deciding factor. Should that scenario unfold, Australia would need to convincingly defeat Oman in their final group game to improve their net run rate. The team is acutely aware of the stakes, and a focused performance against Sri Lanka is crucial.

The Australian team has been grappling with inconsistent batting performances throughout the tournament. They were bowled out for 146 in their loss to Zimbabwe, highlighting the need for stability at the top of the order. Smith’s experience and versatility could provide that stability, offering options in both the batting and fielding departments.

Injury Updates and Squad Dynamics

The Australian camp has been dealing with several injury concerns. Marsh’s recovery from his testicular injury has been closely monitored, and his return to training on Sunday, including batting and fielding drills, is a positive sign. Stoinis also briefly paused his net session to receive strapping on his left hand, but appears to be fit to play. The availability of both players will heavily influence Smith’s role in the team.

ICC regulations require any squad changes to be submitted and activated on the day prior to a match, ensuring Smith’s inclusion was officially processed before the crucial encounter with Sri Lanka. This allows the team management flexibility in selecting the optimal XI based on the latest fitness assessments and match conditions.

Australia’s clash with Sri Lanka is set to begin at 12:30am AEDT. Fans can follow live updates and scores through various sports news outlets. The pressure is on for both teams, with Sri Lanka aiming to solidify their position at the top of Group B and Australia desperate to salvage their World Cup campaign.

The outcome of this match will have significant implications for the remainder of the tournament. A win for Australia would maintain their Super 8s hopes alive, while a loss would leave their fate hanging by a thread. The team will need a collective effort and a strong performance from all players to overcome the challenge posed by the hosts.

What comes next for Australia hinges on tonight’s result. Regardless of the outcome, the team will need to regroup and assess their performance as they prepare for their final group game against Oman. The T20 World Cup continues to deliver thrilling contests, and the battle for a place in the Super 8s is intensifying.

Share your thoughts on the match and Australia’s chances in the comments below!

February 16, 2026 0 comments

News

Illinois Basketball: Kitt Shines, Boswell Returns & NCAA Outlook

by James Carter Senior News Editor February 16, 2026

written by James Carter Senior News Editor

Champaign, IL – The No. 8 University of Illinois men’s basketball team secured a decisive 71-51 victory over Indiana on Sunday, continuing their strong season. The win came just days after future Illini player Quinton Kitt delivered a remarkable performance for East Peoria High School, signaling a bright future for the program.

Kitt, a committed recruit for the Illini, showcased his talent on February 13th, leading East Peoria to a thrilling 77-75 comeback win against Metamora. Trailing by as many as 21 points, Kitt scored 23 of his game-high 39 points in the fourth quarter to rally his team. “It was a crazy game,” Kitt said. “We were down by, at the most, 21, so we needed to come together and produce a big lead happen and I feel like we got it done overall… It’s probably the craziest moment of my high school career. It’s not easy to win at Metamora, either.”

The excitement continued for Kitt as he attended the Illinois vs. Indiana game two days later. “I’ve been here, I think this is my fifth game back (since committing on November 27, 2025),” Kitt said, expressing his enthusiasm for the program and its atmosphere. He is expected to join the team after graduating from East Peoria in 2027, though a potential run to the Class 3A state finals with his high school team in the next two seasons could alter that timeline.

Illini Secure Third Straight Win Over Indiana

Illinois’ victory over Indiana was fueled by a balanced scoring attack, led by David Mirkovic’s 25 points. Keaton Wagler contributed 18 points and Tomislav Ivisic added 14. The return of Champaign native Kylan Boswell, who recorded nine points and six rebounds, similarly provided a boost for the Illini. Former NBA player Danny Green, a member of North Carolina’s 2009 national championship team and three-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Lakers, praised the atmosphere at State Farm Center before calling the game for Compass Media Networks. “It brings me back to my college days,” Green said. “The environment is great, it’s always a lot of fun. In the NBA we have some great fans, but it’s not like the college fans. It’s very different.”

Green also highlighted the maturity of freshman Keaton Wagler, stating, “It always impresses me when I see freshmen come in that mature. Playing college basketball for your first year and to be able to do those things is very impressive. If he can keep it up, man, he’s going to be a special player.” He also compared Boswell to Marcus Smart, describing him as “the heart and soul of the team.”

Indiana Faces Tournament Pressure

Indiana was led in scoring by Lamar Wilkerson, who had 21 points. However, the loss further complicates their pursuit of an NCAA tournament berth, something they haven’t achieved since 2023. Don Fischer, the radio voice of Indiana basketball since 1973, noted the unique excitement surrounding Indiana athletics this year, particularly with their football team’s undefeated 15-0 season. “It’s really been a fun time in Bloomington,” Fischer said. “Our fan base is jacked up, which has never happened for football before. It’s been special, there’s no question about it. And Hoosier nation is excited about basketball too, but football right now has taken center stage.” Fischer also acknowledged Illinois’ physical advantage, stating Indiana “don’t have the size that Illinois has.”

Illinois fans, including senior history major Adam Borowski, were enthusiastic about the team’s performance. Borowski, who has witnessed the Illini’s 92-40 record since his arrival on campus, including a 2024 Elite Eight appearance, praised the team’s three-point shooting and rebounding. The game was played before a capacity crowd of 15,544, energized by the Orange Krush student section. Former Illini player Mike LaTulip, who played for the team from 2012-2015, emphasized the importance of Boswell’s return, calling him both a defensive force and an emotional leader.

Illinois will continue their challenging schedule with upcoming road games against Southern California on February 18th and UCLA on February 22nd. The team’s performance in these games will be crucial as they aim for a high seed in the NCAA tournament. The Illini are demonstrating a consistent level of play, and with the addition of committed recruits like Quinton Kitt, the future looks promising for Brad Underwood’s program.

What do you think about Illinois’ chances in the NCAA tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

February 16, 2026 0 comments

News

Henry Cejudo & Dwight Howard Open Topps Trading Cards | 2026

by February 15, 2026

written by

Retired mixed martial artist Henry Cejudo spent Friday opening trading cards with former NBA player Dwight Howard, according to a post on Cejudo’s social media account. The post, shared on February 15, 2026, featured a photo of the two athletes with Topps trading cards.

Cejudo, a former UFC Flyweight and Bantamweight Champion, has become increasingly involved with trading card collecting and promotion since his retirement from professional fighting. Trading cards featuring Cejudo have been available since 2015, with releases from Topps, including the UFC Champions and Museum Collection series, according to listings on eBay.

The Topps company has recently released several lines of cards featuring Cejudo, including the 2025 Topps Royalty UFC series, which includes autographed relic cards. A 2024 Topps Chrome UFC Marks of Champions autograph card featuring Cejudo, numbered #MOC-HCE, recently sold for between $2.25 and $20.00, according to data from Sportscardspro.com. The most valuable Cejudo card currently listed is a 2019 Topps UFC Chrome Octagon of Honor SuperFractor, valued at $1,999.

Howard, a veteran of 18 NBA seasons, has also shown an interest in trading card collecting. The nature of their collaboration, beyond the card opening, was not detailed in Cejudo’s social media post. Topps has also released cards featuring other prominent UFC fighters, including Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, and Islam Makhachev, alongside boxing stars like Alex Pereira.

The 2025 Topps NOW UFC series also features a card of Cejudo, card #47, with a print run of 494. Topps has also released Midnight UFC cards featuring Cejudo, with various parallel versions and limited print runs.

February 15, 2026 0 comments

Sport

2026 Iowa Wrestling Brackets Released: State Tournament Preview & Southeast Polk Interview

by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor February 15, 2026

written by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor

The path to a state championship has been laid out for Iowa’s top high school wrestlers with the release of the brackets for the 2026 IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament. Forty-two wrestlers will soon compete for the title, and anticipation is building as the tournament approaches. The brackets, now available for review, detail the matchups that will determine who advances through the competition.

The 2026 Iowa boys state wrestling tournament is scheduled to take place from February 18-21 inside the Casey’s Center in downtown Des Moines. The tournament promises intense competition and showcases the dedication and skill of Iowa’s young athletes. Fans and competitors alike are eagerly awaiting the start of the tournament, which will feature some of the state’s most promising wrestling talent.

Southeast Polk recently secured their third consecutive Iowa state duals title on February 7, 2026, demonstrating their strength as a program. The Rams defeated Indianola 57-11 in the final dual to claim the championship. This victory adds to their impressive record of eight boys state duals titles, trailing only Don Bosco (16) and Davenport Assumption (9) in Iowa high school wrestling history.

Key Matchups and Notable Performances

Several wrestlers are poised for exciting matchups as the tournament progresses. Wil Oberbroeckling of Southeast Polk, a key contributor to the Rams’ state duals victory, is among the competitors to watch. Oberbroeckling secured a 17-1 technical fall over Stoney Wood at 138 pounds during the state duals, showcasing his dominance in the weight class. Justis Jesuroga also contributed to Southeast Polk’s success with a 6-1 decision win over Elijah Blewitt at 150 pounds, a thrilling match that went down to the buzzer.

Looking back at the 2025 IHSAA State Championships, Nico DeSalvo of Southeast Polk emerged victorious at 113 pounds, defeating Alexander Pierce of Iowa City West with a 4-1 decision. Eddie Woody of Southeast Polk also claimed the top spot at 106 pounds, securing a fall victory over Cruz Gannon of Dowling Catholic. These past performances highlight the consistent strength of the Southeast Polk wrestling program and set the stage for continued success in the upcoming tournament.

Bracket Details and Access

Interested individuals can access the 2026 IHSAA state wrestling brackets by clicking here and selecting “brackets” from the menu. The brackets provide a detailed overview of the tournament structure, including first-round matchups, potential quarterfinal clashes, and the path to the championship finals.

The tournament will feature competition across multiple weight classes, with 42 state champions ultimately crowned. The competition is expected to be fierce, with wrestlers from across Iowa vying for the coveted state titles.

Wil Oberbroeckling of Southeast Polk also competed in the 2025 IHSAA State Championships, facing Ethan Sodergren of Ankeny Centennial in the 138 lbs Quarterfinal on February 20, 2025, as documented on Flowrestling.

What to Expect Next

As the tournament draws near, wrestlers will focus on final preparations, refining their techniques and strategies. The coming days will be crucial for athletes as they aim to peak at the right time. The IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of Iowa’s wrestling talent, and fans can expect a high level of competition and excitement.

What matchups are you most looking forward to seeing unfold at the Casey’s Center? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow wrestling enthusiasts!