Cricket News

VHT: Priyansh, Tejasvi Fifties Help Delhi Chase Down 321, Beat Saurashtra By Three Wickets

Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group: Openers Priyansh Arya and Tejasvi Dahiya hit aggressive half-centuries as Delhi successfully chased down 321 to beat Saurashtra by three wickets in a high-scoring Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group D encounter at the Alur Cricket Ground on Monday. Arya smashed 78 off 45 balls while Tejasvi made 53 off 51 deliveries to lay the foundation for Delhi to complete their chase in 48.5 overs. Saurashtra posted 320/7 in their 50 overs, with opener Vishvarajsinh Jadeja scoring 115 off 104 balls while Ruchit Ahir was unbeaten on 95 from 65 deliveries. Captain Rishabh Pant managed just 22 off 26 balls before being caught by Jay Gohil off Chirag Jani's bowling. Harsh Tyagi's unbeaten 49 off 45 balls and Navdeep Saini's 34 not out proved crucial in the closing stages as the pair guided Delhi home. Senior pacer Saini also impressed with the ball, claiming 3-41 runs in his 10 overs. The victory lifted Delhi to the top of Group D with 12 points from three matches. Meanwhile, Govinda Poddar produced a match-winning all-round performance as Odisha defeated Andhra by six wickets. Poddar claimed 3-36 to help Odisha bundle out Andhra for 221 all out in 49.2 overs before scoring 89 off 105 balls in the successful chase. Brief Scores: Saurashtra 320/7 in 50 overs (Vishvarajsinh Jadeja 115, Ruchit Ahir 95 not out; Navdeep Saini 3-41) lost to Delhi 321/7 in 48.5 overs (Priyansh Arya 78, Tejasvi Dahiya 53; Chirag Jani 2-51) by three wickets Andhra 221 all out in 49.2 overs (SDNV Prasad 66, Saurabh Kumar 47; Biplab Samantaray 3-36, Govinda Poddar 3-36) lost to Odisha 223/4 in 43.4 overs (Govinda Poddar 89, Om T Munda 91; Satyanarayana Raju 2-49) by six wickets Brief Scores: Saurashtra 320/7 in 50 overs (Vishvarajsinh Jadeja 115, Ruchit Ahir 95 not out; Navdeep Saini 3-41) lost to Delhi 321/7 in 48.5 overs (Priyansh Arya 78, Tejasvi Dahiya 53; Chirag Jani 2-51) by three wickets Also Read: Live Cricket Score Haryana 299 all out in 50 overs (Mayank Shandilya 86, Himanshu Rana 57; Arzan Nagwaswalla 3-69, Harshal Patel 3-69) beat Gujarat 273 all out in 47.1 overs (Jaymeet Patel 67, Vishal Jayswal 51; Anshul Kamboj 3-49) by 26 runs Article Source: IANS

Durban Super Giants vs Joburg Super Kings, Match 6, SA20 2025-26, Who will win today DSG vs JSK match?

DSG vs JSK, Match 6 , Cricket Tips :Durban Super Giants had a good start to the fourth edition of the SA20, and they had a big win over MI Cape Town. They had a good start in the second game as well, but the rain spoiled the sport. They have three points in two games and will be in action in the third match. The Super Giants will take on Joburg Super Kings in the sixth game of this season. This contest will start at 9 PM IST on Tuesday in Kingsmead in Durban. The Super Kings also managed a winning start, with a 22-run win over Pretoria Capitals. They also showed good performance and will be keen to win another game here. DSG vs JSK: Match Details Date : December 30, 2025 (Monday) Time : 9:00 PM IST Venue : Kingsmead, Durban DSG vs JSK: Live Streaming Details To catch the live action of the DSG vs JSK contest, Indian fans can tune into the Star Sports Networks. Fans can also enjoy the live stream on the Jio Hotstar app or website. DSG vs JSK: Head-to-Head in SA20 Total Matches : 7 Joburg Super Kings : 4 Durban Super Giants : 3 No-Result : 0 DSG vs JSK: Ground Pitch Report The wicket at Kingsmead is known as a good batting deck. The good bounce here lets the stroke-maker play their shots freely. Even though the boundaries are not big, the altitude of the ground helps the ball fly high. With these conditions in favor of batters, it is always a good decision to chase. DSG vs JSK: Possible XIs Joburg Super Kings : Faf du Plessis (c), Rilee Rossouw, Donovan Ferreira (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Dian Forrester, Matthew De Villiers, Duan Jansen, Shubham Ranjane, Janco Smit, Akeal Hosein, Richard Gleeson Durban Super Giants : Devon Conway, Jos Buttler, Kane Williamson , Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Evan Jones, Aiden Markram (c), Eathan Bosch, David Wiese, Kwena Maphaka, Simon Harmer, Noor Ahmad DSG vs JSK: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Devon Conway has shown good form in both outings for DSG and will be the one to watch out for. For JSK, captain Faf du Plessis is someone who can give the team a flying start. Probable Best Bowler Ethan Bosch had a great start to this tournament with a good spell for DSG. For JSK, Akeal Hosein had a good first game, and he is among the top T20 spinners in the world. Today Match Prediction : JSK have a good lineup, but they can't match the batting strength of the DSG. Hence, we predict Durban Super Giants to win this game on Tuesday. DSG vs JSK Match 6, SA20 2025-26, Today Match DSG vs JSK, DSG vs JSK Prediction, DSG vs JSK Predicted XIs, Injury Update of the match between Durban Super Giants vs Joburg Super Kings Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

Mumbai Indians appoint Kristen Beams as spin-bowling coach

Beams will join head coach Keightley and bowling coach and mentor Goswami in the MI support staff

India Women vs Sri Lanka Women, 5th T20I - Who will win today IND-W vs SL-W match?

IND-W vs SL-W , 5th T20I , Cricket Tips :India Women recorded their highest total in the fourth T20I against Sri Lanka Women, courtesy of their highest T20I opening stand between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. The duo also completed their half-centuries, and it was a carnage from the batters. Sri Lanka also had a decent response. They also posted their highest T20I total of 191 but fell short by 30 runs. Now, these two teams will meet in the final game at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, on Tuesday at 7 PM IST. The batting in the previous game was pretty good, and fans will expect more fireworks from the final game. Sri Lanka will fight to avoid a clean sweep. IND-W vs SL-W: Match Details Date : December 30, 2025 (Tuesday) Time : 7:00 PM IST Venue : Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram IND-W vs SL-W: Live Streaming Details The final T20I on Tuesday will be televised on the Star Sports Networks in India. Fans can also access the action on the Jio Hotstar streaming platform. IND-W vs SL-W: Head-to-Head Total Matches : 30 India : 24 Sri Lanka : 05 No-Result : 01 IND-W vs SL-W: Ground Pitch Report Greenfield International Cricket Stadium is an excellent venue. It is slightly in favor of the batters with small boundaries, good bounce, and a fast outfield. However, seamers will get some movement when the ball is new. The old ball might grip a little for the spinners as well. IND-W vs SL-W: Possible XIs India : Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, Renuka Thakur, Vaishnavi Sharma, Shree Charani Sri Lanka : Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Malsha Shehani, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk), Kawya Kavindi, Nimasha Madushani. IND-W vs SL-W: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Shafali Verma has now scored three consecutive half-centuries, and the way she plays, she can put India on top. Chamari Athapaththu scored a good fifty in the last game and showed her ability to play aggressive cricket at the top. Probable Best Bowler Vaishnavi Sharma has been the find of this series. She has bowled economically well and also taken wickets. Kavisha Dilhari has been a tough bowler for the Indian batters and will be the one to watch out for. Today Match Prediction : India have outplayed Sri Lanka in both departments in this series quite convincingly. Hence, we predict India to win the final game as well. IND-W vs SL-W 5th T20I, Today Match IND-W vs SL-W, IND-W vs SL-W Prediction, IND-W vs SL-W Predicted XIs, Injury Update of the match between India Women vs Sri Lanka Women Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

WPL 2026: Ex-Australia Player Kristen Beams Appointed MI's Spin Bowling Coach

ODI World Cup: Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have appointed former Australia leg-spinner Kristen Beams as their spin bowling coach for the 2026 Women's Premier League (WPL) season, the franchise announced on Monday. It's my first time as a coach here. It's an incredible opportunity to work with someone like Jhulan Goswami, one of the greats of the game, and somebody I played cricket against. Incredible culture that they've developed a winning culture over a really long period of time, but a family, and that's what you hear everyone talk about, that this group is so tight knit, and it's a family, and it's what you want to be a part of, said Kristen in a video posted on the franchises Instagram account on Monday. Kristen was an instrumental player in Australia's World Cup campaigns, finishing as the third-highest wicket-taker in the 2017 Womens ODI World Cup in England. Her international career spanned 1 Test, 30 ODIs and 18 T20Is, and 45 T20 games in the WBBL, before she ended her playing career to move to coaching. I think as a coach coming in, that's exactly what you want to be able to do, is to walk into an environment that feels really tight knit, and a team that knows how to win, added Kristen. Kristen brings a proven coaching pedigree to the MI set-up featuring head coach Lisa Keightley, bowling coach and mentor Jhulan Goswami, batting coach Devieka Palshikaar and fielding coach Nicole Bolton. I think as a coach coming in, that's exactly what you want to be able to do, is to walk into an environment that feels really tight knit, and a team that knows how to win, added Kristen. Also Read: Live Cricket Score WPL 2026 will run from January 9 to February 5 and will be played in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara. MI, the two-time champions are led by India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and will open their campaign against Smriti Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Article Source: IANS

Wasnt Just A Catch, It Was The World Cup, Says Pathan On SKYs T20WC 2024 Game-turning Catch

T20 World Cup: Former India left-arm fast bowler Irfan Pathan lauded Suryakumar Yadavs presence of mind while reminiscing about the catch he took to dismiss David Miller in the 2024 Mens T20 World Cup final, stating that India would have lost the cup had he dropped it. In the final over of the game, Suryakumar took a relay catch at long-off to dismiss Miller, a moment that gave India a seven-run win over South Africa and ended a long trophy jinx in Barbados. A knee-high full toss to a batter like David Miller - more often than not - thats a six. But Suryakumar Yadavs presence of mind was exceptional. It wasnt just a catch; it was the World Cup. The World Cup was in his hands. If he had dropped it, the World Cup would have been dropped as well, said Pathan on the Rise of Champions episode on JioStar. Indias tournament selection strategy initially drew scepticism from former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, who questioned the number of spinners in the squad. There were definitely discussions around that squad, particularly about why so many spinners were picked. It seemed like a slightly flawed strategy. I was one of those who felt something was wrong. It wasnt aligning with what we thought we were going to do, he said. Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody highlighted that Indian crickets growing depth was a happy headache to have. One of the issues with Indian cricket is that there is too much talent. There are simply too many options. Its a wonderful problem to have, but it becomes a nightmare for a selector or a captain. Former New Zealand player Danny Morrison felt the drop in pitch in New York for the Pakistan clash could have worked against India. Playing on that pitch was dangerous in a way. The ball was flying around and it could have gone badly for India, it was a gamble. Pathan also reflected on wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pants solitary effort against Pakistan. Rishabh Pant scored around 40 runs at a strike rate of 135. If you compare that with the other seven batters, none of them had a strike rate of 100. There was a need for someone to take a little more risk and play more fearlessly. England's 2019 World Cup-winning captain, Eoin Morgan, highlighted bowling as the decisive factor in tournament victories. In white-ball cricket, bowling attacks win you tournaments. When you can defend low scores, it creates a belief within the team that you can win a game from anywhere. That belief becomes a big threat for any team in a World Cup, he said. Pathan also reflected on wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pants solitary effort against Pakistan. Rishabh Pant scored around 40 runs at a strike rate of 135. If you compare that with the other seven batters, none of them had a strike rate of 100. There was a need for someone to take a little more risk and play more fearlessly. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Morgan also chipped in with his views. From an Indian point of view, the template they created leading into that game was easy to replicate because they were confident. They had trust in exactly what they were trying to do, he said. Article Source: IANS

India look to cap off successful year with clean sweep over Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, would look to make India pay for their sloppy fielding before they sign off from the tour

India-New Zealand Third Mens T20I Ticket Sales To Start From Thursday, Says ACA

ACA CEO Pritam Mahanta: Ticket sales for the third mens T20I between India and New Zealand, to be played at the ACA Stadium on January 25, will go on sale from Thursday, the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) said on Monday. Tickets will be available exclusively through BookMyShow (BMS) starting from 4:00 PM. Upon successful booking, spectators will receive an M-ticket, facilitating a smooth and hassle-free entry into the stadium, said ACA CEO Pritam Mahanta. He also said ticket prices have been kept affordable to allow maximum cricket lovers to enjoy the match. While ticket rates for students are kept at Rs 500, other categories stands are priced from Rs 1,000 onwards. The Assam Cricket Association extends a warm invitation to cricket lovers to be part of this highly anticipated international match, as Guwahati once again takes centre stage on the global cricketing map, promising an atmosphere filled with passion, pride, and world-class cricketing action, added Mahanta. In 2025, the ACA Stadium was one of the venues for the Womens ODI World Cup and hosted its first-ever Test via the India-South Africa clash, which the Temba Bavuma-led Proteas won by 408 runs. The game in Guwahati is one of the five T20Is India will play against New Zealand as part of their final leg of preparation for the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup. The marquee tournament will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The T20Is between India and New Zealand will begin with the series opener on January 21 in Nagpur, with Raipur, Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram being the other venues alongside Guwahati. The game in Guwahati is one of the five T20Is India will play against New Zealand as part of their final leg of preparation for the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup. The marquee tournament will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Also Read: Live Cricket Score New Zealand, meanwhile, will be led by Mitchell Santner, with the likes of Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi among others touring India for the T20I series. Article Source: IANS

VHT: Mulani Claims Maiden Five-for As Mumbai Crush Chhattisgarh By 9 Wickets

Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group: Left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Shams Mulani claimed his maiden List A five-wicket haul as Mumbai registered a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Chhattisgarh in their Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group C encounter at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya ground on Monday. After electing to field first in helpful conditions, Mumbai skipper Shardul Thakur dismantled Chhattisgarh's top order by picking four wickets. The right-arm seamer struck twice in the opening over, leaving the opposition reeling at 9/3 inside five overs, before he added the scalps of Ashutosh Singh and Sanjeet Desai both caught at slip by Sarfaraz Khan to put Mumbai firmly in control. Captain Amandeep Khare (50) and Ajay Mandal (46) staged a spirited fightback with a 105-run fifth-wicket stand to guide Chhattisgarh past the 100-run mark. Khare, who notched his third consecutive half-century of the tournament, played with composure before left-arm spinner Mulani broke the partnership by trapping Mandal lbw. Once the partnership was severed, Mulani tightened his grip on the innings as Chhattisgarh's lower order crumbled. Musheer Khan claimed the prized wicket of Khare, and the tail folded meekly with the last five wickets tumbling for just 37 runs, as Chhattisgarh were eventually dismissed for 143. Chasing a modest target, Mumbai made light work of it as Angkrish Raghuvanshi struck an unbeaten 68 off 66 balls, studded with six boundaries and two sixes. The youngster, who had been concussed while fielding two days earlier and needed medical clearance to play, anchored the chase with great maturity. Once the partnership was severed, Mulani tightened his grip on the innings as Chhattisgarh's lower order crumbled. Musheer Khan claimed the prized wicket of Khare, and the tail folded meekly with the last five wickets tumbling for just 37 runs, as Chhattisgarh were eventually dismissed for 143. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Chhattisgarh 142 all out in 38.1 overs (Amandeep Khare 63, Ajay Mandal 46; Shams Mulani 5-31, Shardul Thakur 4-31) lost to Mumbai 144/1 in 24 overs (Angkrish Raghuvanshi 68 not out, Siddhesh Lad 48 not out; Harsh Yadav 1-44) by nine wickets Article Source: IANS

All Future Interactions With India Will Be On Equal Terms: PCB Chief

Rising Star Asia Cup: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has reiterated that if India wants the T20 Asia Cup 2005 trophy, then they will have to accept it from him in Dubai. There is a status quo on trophy handing. If India wants the trophy, they must send their captain to Dubai and receive it from me, Naqvi told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net). The trophy is still lying in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) office in Dubai ever since India captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to receive it from Naqvi during the presentation ceremony following their victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final. Naqvi claimed he was entitled to hand over the trophy as president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Pakistan, Naqvi said, will write to the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the rude behaviour of Indian Under-19 players in the Junior Asia Cup. We will be writing a letter to the ICC to complain about the behaviour of Indian Junior players during the final of the Junior Asia Cup which was not acceptable. Naqvi also said that there will be no compromise with India, and if they do not want to shake hands with our players, everything will be on equal terms. If India does not allow their players to shake hands with our players then it will be dealt with on equal terms and there will be no compromise, Naqvi said in response to a question from Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net). We have no interest in shaking hands with them. The controversy over Indian T20 captain Yadav not shaking hands with Pakistani counterpart Salman Agha at the toss, followed by the same action after all three matches marred the Asia Cup in September in Dubai, as a handshake between rivals is the norm in international matches. The trend was also followed by the Indian teams at the Women's World Cup in Sri Lanka in November, the Rising Star Asia Cup in Doha in the same month, and the Under-19 Asia Cup in Dubai this month. The tension was sparked after India and Pakistan engaged in a four-day military conflict in May following a deadly militant attack on tourists in Pahalgam in J&K. New Delhi blamed Pakistan for the massacre, a charge denied by Islamabad. Pakistan team's mentor, Sarfaraz Ahmed, had complained about the behaviour of Indian Junior players and termed it Uneducated and unacceptable. Pakistan won the heated final by a significant 191-run margin last Sunday. Pakistan team's mentor, Sarfaraz Ahmed, had complained about the behaviour of Indian Junior players and termed it Uneducated and unacceptable. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We have appointed Wasim Akram as the brand ambassador of the PSL and that we will handle the Multan Sultans franchise on our own the next year before a new owner is found, said Naqvi. Article Source: IANS

HIL Governing Council And Kalinga Lancers Look To Make Strong Start With Blend Of Experience And Young Talent

The HIL Governing Council Team: As the Mens Hockey India League (HIL) kicks off another exciting season, the HIL Governing Council Team (HIL GC) and Kalinga Lancers strive for strong beginnings and a place in the playoffs. Both teams are composed of a mix of seasoned international players and experienced Indian athletes. Before the 2026 season, the HIL Governing Council Team assumed operational control from the UP Rudras franchise to maintain stability for players and support staff. The HIL Governing Council Team will kick off their campaign on January 5th against SG Pipers, with Hardik leading a squad that combines experience and youth. In goal, they have dependable options like James Mazarelo from England and Prashant Kumar Chauhan. The defensive line will be led by veterans such as Surender Kumar, who has 178 international caps, and Kane Russell, with over 200 senior caps for New Zealand. Additional backline depth is provided by James Albery from Great Britain, along with India's Prasant Barla, Jasjit Singh Kular, Mohammad Harris, and Talem Priyobarta. In midfield, Captain Hardik Singh will lead the unit alongside Manmeet Singh, who recently netted six goals in the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup on home turf. Rahul Yadav and Ireland's seasoned midfielder Daragh Walsh will also be part of the midfield. The attacking lineup features experienced players like Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and British forward Sam Ward, who have scored 67 and 216 senior international goals, respectively, making them key players to watch in the HIL GC attack. Additionally, Gurjot Singh, Sudeep Chirmako, and Ajeet Yadav, along with Belgium's Tanguy Cosyns and New Zealand's Simon Yorston, will boost the forward line with their additional firepower. Kalinga Lancers will once again rely on a solid defensive core and international experience as they aim to improve on their sixth-place finish last season. In goal, they have choices including India's top goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak and Australia's Jed Snowden, both offering reliable coverage in the back. Their defence features a prominent Belgian trio: co-captain Arthur Van Doren, Alexander Hendrickx, and Antoine Kina, all with top-level experience. They are supported by Co-Captain Sanjay, whose leadership and dragflicking skills are vital to the teams strategy. Additional players such as Sunil PB, Pratap Lakra, and Rohit Kullu strengthen the backline. The midfield includes Australia's young pair Liam Henderson and Craig Marias, supported by India's Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Amit Kumar Toppo, and Rosan Kujur. Up front, the Lancers have a lively attacking line with some of India's best attackersDilpreet Singh, Boby Singh Dhami, Angad Bir Singh, and Gursahibjit Singhjoined by Australia's Cooper Burns. Kalinga Lancers will compete in their first HIL match against Ranchi Royals on January 4, 2026, in Chennai. HIL Governing Council Team squad: James Mazarelo (Great Britain), Prashant Kumar Chauhan, James Albery (Great Britain), Jasjit Singh Kular, Mohammad Haris, Surender Kumar, Kane Russell (New Zealand), Prasant Barla, Talem Priyobarta, Hardik Singh, Manmeet Singh, Rahul Yadav, Daragh Walsh (Ireland), Simon Yorston (New Zealand), Ajeet Yadav, Sudeep Chirmako, Sam Ward (Great Britain), Tanguy Cosyns (Belgium), Gurjot Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay. HIL Governing Council Team squad: Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jed Snowden (Australia), Krishan B Pathak, Sunil PB, Antoine Kina (Belgium), Pratap Lakra, Arthur Van Doren (Belgium), Rohit Kullu, Alexander Hendrickx (Belgium), Sanjay, Craig Marais (Australia), Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem, Amit Kumar Toppo, Liam Henderson (Australia), Rosan Kujur, Gursahibjit Singh, Cooper Burns (Australia), Angad Bir Singh, Deepak Pradhan, Dilpreet Singh, Boby Singh Dhami. Article Source: IANS

RR's Captaincy Will Likely Be Between Riyan And Jadeja: Uthappa

Indian Premier League: Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa believes that leadership will be the defining factor for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) success in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. The franchise emerged with a formidable squad, bolstered by key trades and acquisitions such as Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, following the IPL 2026 mini-auction. However, the captaincy remains an unanswered question, with the team trading their Sanju Samson, who led them till 2025, to the Chennai Super Kings. Speaking to JioStar, the former India batter lauded RR's bowling arsenal, noting the advantage of having around 10 fast bowlers for varied options. The advantage Rajasthan Royals have is the fact that they have 10 fast bowlers, offering a lot of options. If they bowl in the right areas at SMS Stadium, Jaipur, they can be very successful. With spinners like Bishnoi and Jadeja, support from Shimron Hetmyer and Donovan Ferreira, and depth in the batting order with Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag, they now have a well-rounded team, Uthappa said. On the teams captaincy, he added, The only question is leadership. My feeling is the captaincy will likely be between Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja, while Jaiswal might need to wait a bit longer. Speaking to JioStar, the former India batter lauded RR's bowling arsenal, noting the advantage of having around 10 fast bowlers for varied options. The advantage Rajasthan Royals have is the fact that they have 10 fast bowlers, offering a lot of options. If they bowl in the right areas at SMS Stadium, Jaipur, they can be very successful. With spinners like Bishnoi and Jadeja, support from Shimron Hetmyer and Donovan Ferreira, and depth in the batting order with Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag, they now have a well-rounded team, Uthappa said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score When you look at this lineup, the captaincy will be the most decisive factor. If you want to replicate the kind of personality Sanju Samson brought to Rajasthan Royals, Dhruv Jurel is probably the closest match. Beyond that, the squad is strong, with talented youngsters, proven players, and all-rounders. The fitness of key players like Jofra Archer at the start of the IPL is also crucial. Ultimately, the management needs to identify and communicate who the captain will be, Kumble asserted. Article Source: IANS

ICC rates MCG Boxing Day Test pitch 'unsatisfactory'

The ICC has a four-tier pitch-rating system, with unsatisfactory in third place; the rating also means that the MCG will be handed a demerit point after the two-day finish

ICC Rates MCG Pitch unsatisfactory After Boxing Day Test Ends In Two Days

NRMA Insurance Boxing Day Test: The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where the fourth Ashes Test is held, has been rated as 'unsatisfactory' and the venue received one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process. England won the fourth Ashes Test in less than 32 hours, with 36 wickets falling for 572 runs off 142 overs. England won by four wickets. No player from either team managed a half-century, a feat that had not occurred in a Test match in Australia since 1932. Jeff Crowe from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees explained the reasoning behind the pitch assessment. He stated, The MCG pitch was too much in favour of the bowlers. With 20 wickets falling on the first day, 16 on the second day and no batter even reaching a half-century, the pitch was Unsatisfactory as per the guidelines and the venue gets one demerit point. James Allsopp, CA Chief of Cricket, said, Weweredisappointedfor the fans holding tickets for days three and four, and also the millions of fans excited to watch the action in Australia and around the world, that the pitch did not providethe MCGs customarybalancebetween bat and ball. We appreciate theoutstandingwork the MCC staff have done over recent years, producingexcellentTest match pitches. Wereconfident they willdeliverfirst-rate surfacesfor next years NRMA Insurance Boxing Day Test against New Zealand and thehugelyanticipated150thAnniversary Test against England inMarch2027. England won the toss and opted to bat, applying early pressure with a strong pace attack. Josh Tongue led the bowling effort, taking 5/45, as Australia were dismissed for 152. The visitors aimed to capitalise on the modest target but struggled to adjust to the challenging conditions, falling for 110 inside 30 overs. The fourth Ashes Test ended in only two days, similar to the Perth Test, with spectators seeing a total of 36 wickets fall within just 142 overs. The visitors aimed to capitalise on the modest target but struggled to adjust to the challenging conditions, falling for 110 inside 30 overs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The final Test of the series will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, beginning on January 4. Article Source: IANS

Concession Tickets For Students, Specially Abled Spectators In NZ V IND Final ODI: MPCA

The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association: The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association is offering concessionary tickets for students and a dedicated ticketing initiative for specially-abled spectators for the final match of the three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand at the Holkar Stadium. MPCA has confirmed that tickets for the final ODI of a three-match series between India and New Zealand, scheduled for January 18, will be sold exclusively online. Concession tickets for students will be available for the East Stand (Lower/II floor), one ticket per student, on a first-come, first-served basis via the online system only, with a high application volume expected. MPCA has engaged District by Zomato as the official online ticketing agency. The tickets shall be available only by online mode, it said in a release. The registration window opens at 11 am on December 31, 2025, and will remain open until the ticket quota is filled or until 5.00 pm on January 1, 2026. The process for obtaining concession tickets will have two stages; the first step involves uploading the necessary documents. In the second step, the documents will be checked and approved or rejected by MPCA. Upon approval of the document, the applicant shall receive a WhatsApp message or email containing a link to purchase the ticket and pay the amount. After successful payment, they shall receive a ticket booking confirmation. The ticket shall be delivered by courier. The ticket rates for the student concession category are Rs 750 for the East Stand lower and Rs 950 for the East Stand (II floor). A similar process has been put in place for specially abled spectators, with the tickets priced at Rs 300 and allocated in the North-East Gallery. Only one ticket can be purchased by the person having a 'duly valid' certificate of incapacity from the competent government authority (civil surgeon). This certificate will have to be uploaded on the link for MPCA record. Those requiring wheelchairs should purchase a wheelchair ticket. The wheelchair has to be arranged by the purchaser on the match day, MPCA said. Meanwhile, general ticket prices for the match range from Rs 800 to Rs 7,000 across various stands and pavilion levels, with additional payment gateway charges, convenience fees, courier charges, etc., and any taxes thereon. Only one ticket can be purchased by the person having a 'duly valid' certificate of incapacity from the competent government authority (civil surgeon). This certificate will have to be uploaded on the link for MPCA record. Those requiring wheelchairs should purchase a wheelchair ticket. The wheelchair has to be arranged by the purchaser on the match day, MPCA said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The three-match ODI series gets underway on January 11 at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, with the second match on January 14 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. The final ODI on January 18 will be the 29th ODI to be hosted by MPCA and the eighth at Holkar Stadium. Article Source: IANS

'This Season Is About Courage, Not Caution,' Says Salima Tete Ahead Of Soorma Hockey's HIL Opener Against Shrachi Bengal Tigers

JSW Soorma Hockey Club: For the womens team of Soorma Hockey Club, the new season doesnt begin with big declarations it starts with familiarity, trust and a group that knows how close it came. As they take the field for their first match of the Hockey India League 2025-26, against Shrachi Bengal Tigers on Monday, Soorma are focused less on making statements and more on settling into their rhythm. After topping the points table in the inaugural season before narrowly missing out in the final, JSW Soorma Hockey Club will head into the second season of the Womens HIL determined to go one step further as they mount another serious title challenge. Co-captain Salima Tete says the team has drawn strength from how last season shaped them. This season is about courage, not caution. We showed what were capable of when we stay together. We know what were capable of, and that gives us freedom. The plan is to trust our instincts and compete honestly in every moment. Co-captain and goalkeeper Savita Punia believes early matches reveal a teams true character. The first game is never about perfection. Its about habits; how you defend as a unit, how you talk to each other under pressure, and how quickly you reset after a mistake. If we stay calm and connected, the results will follow. Co-captain Salima Tete says the team has drawn strength from how last season shaped them. This season is about courage, not caution. We showed what were capable of when we stay together. We know what were capable of, and that gives us freedom. The plan is to trust our instincts and compete honestly in every moment. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As Soorma Hockey Club step into a new campaign, the clash against Shrachi Bengal Tigers offers a first look at a side grounded in belief - ready to trust its process and grow into the season. Article Source: IANS

'Motto Is To Score Runs And Provide Good Finish,' Says Richa On Being Promoted To No. 3

Greenfield International Stadium: Indias wicketkeeper batter Richa Ghosh spoke about her promotion up the order by head coach Amol Muzumdar in the recently concluded T20I against Sri Lanka, and said that her aim, batting at any position, is to score runs and provide a good finish for the team. Smriti Mandhana dazzled with a stunning world record in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday as India beat Sri Lanka by 30 runs in the fourth T20I, leading the five-match series 4-0. Mandhana and Shafali Verma delivered aggressive performances, enabling the hosts to set an imposing total of 221 for 2 in 20 overs at the Greenfield International Stadium after they were asked to bat first. The duo set a record 162-run partnership, the highest for any wicket in Women's T20Is for India. Smriti scored 80 off 48 balls, while Shafali Verma hit 79 off 46. Mandhana also overtook Mithali Raj as the fastest batter to reach 10,000 international runs in terms of innings. In the pursuit of 222, Sri Lanka fought hard but were restricted to 191 for 6, despite a solid fifty from captain Chamari Athapaththu. Speaking after the match during the press conference, Richa, when asked about the teams fielding, said, Were working on the fielding. If you see, we stopped the ball well and took good catches today. Everyone has a bad day, and catches are dropped. Weve worked hard behind the fielding. The duo set a record 162-run partnership, the highest for any wicket in Women's T20Is for India. Smriti scored 80 off 48 balls, while Shafali Verma hit 79 off 46. Mandhana also overtook Mithali Raj as the fastest batter to reach 10,000 international runs in terms of innings. In the pursuit of 222, Sri Lanka fought hard but were restricted to 191 for 6, despite a solid fifty from captain Chamari Athapaththu. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Shedding light on the changes that the World Cup victory has brought in the cricketers lives, she said, Obviously, life has transformed since the World Cup victory. Everyone is joyful, and whenever we go out, we are greeted warmly by the public. More people now recognise the players' names, such as Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, and Shafali Verma. This increased recognition is a wonderful development following the World Cup win. After a World Cup win, you take the confidence into the next series, and that is quite visible in everyone in the team. Article Source: IANS

Bhutans Sonam Yeshey Becomes First-ever To Register 8-wicket Haul In T20I

Sonam Yeshey: Bhutans left-arm spinner Sonam Yeshey has etched his name into cricket history, becoming the first bowler ever to claim eight wickets in a T20 match, international or otherwise. The 22-year-old achieved the landmark during the third T20I against Myanmar in Gelephu on Friday. Yeshey produced a stunning spell of 8 for seven from his four overs, skittling Myanmar for just 45 while they chased Bhutans modest 127 for 9. The series has been heavily one-sided, with Yeshey leading the charge; he has taken 12 wickets across four matches, with the final game scheduled for Monday. Prior to Yesheys performance, the best figures in mens T20 internationals were seven-wicket hauls, achieved only twice: Syazrul Idrus (7 for 8 for Malaysia against China in 2023) and Ali Dawood (7 for 19 for Bahrain against Bhutan in 2025). Outside the international arena, seven-wicket hauls have been recorded just twice moreby Colin Ackermann (7 for 18 for Leicestershire against Birmingham Bears in 2019) and Taskin Ahmed (7 for 19 for Durbar Rajshahi against Dhaka Capitals in 2025). In womens cricket, the benchmark remains Indonesias Rohmalia, who took an extraordinary 7 for 0 against Mongolia in 2024the best bowling figures in womens T20Is and T20s. Outside the international arena, seven-wicket hauls have been recorded just twice moreby Colin Ackermann (7 for 18 for Leicestershire against Birmingham Bears in 2019) and Taskin Ahmed (7 for 19 for Durbar Rajshahi against Dhaka Capitals in 2025). Also Read: Live Cricket Score Yeshey made his T20I debut in July 2022 against Malaysia, immediately making an impact with figures of 3 for 16. While wickets came more steadily in the years that followed, this historic spell has propelled his tally to 37 wickets in 34 T20 internationals. Article Source: IANS

Australia Pace Duo Cummins, Hazlewood Set To Be Named In T20 WC Squad

T20 World Cup: The experienced pace duo of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are set to be included in Australias provisional squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup despite injury concerns. Head coach Andrew McDonald Cummins will undergo another scan of his back in four weeks time, and a final call on his availability for the mega spectacle, which commences on February 7, will be made after the results of that assessment. Pat will have a scan, I think in another four weeks, so that'll give us the information then on where he's at for the World Cup. He'll be named in the squad of 15, and then we'll get that information as to where he's at, McDonald said. Cummins has played just one international match since suffering a lumbar stress injury in July. He pushed the limits of his rehabilitation from a back stress injury to return for the third Test in Adelaide, where he took six wickets as Australia won by 82 runs, retaining the Ashes urn. Subsequently, he withdrew from the remainder of the series, with Australia unwilling to take any further risks. Hazlewood, who missed the entire Ashes series due to hamstring and Achilles injuries that have troubled the 34-year-old pacer, is likely to be fit. Before his injury, the pacer starred in the white-ball series against India and is likely to return in time for the T20 World Cup, giving a major boost to Australia. Josh is returning to bowl. He looks as though he should be right in terms of possible timeframes. McDonald said. Another concern for Australia is hard-hitting middle-order batter Tim David, who recently injured his hamstring while playing for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL. The finisher had been ruled out for two months earlier this year due to a similar injury, but McDonald believes the 29-year-old will be fit in time for the marquee 20-over tournament. Josh is returning to bowl. He looks as though he should be right in terms of possible timeframes. McDonald said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Australia will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on February 11. As part of their preparations, they will play a three-match T20I series in Pakistan in January. Article Source: IANS

Ashes: Australia Like To Be Consistent With Selection, Says McDonald Ahead Of SCG Test

ICC World Test Championship: Head coach Andrew McDonald was wary of making too many changes for the series finale, with valuable ICC World Test Championship points at stake as the Aussies strive for a third successive appearance in the final. The Aussies travel to the SCG for the fifth Test of the series, holding an unassailable 3-1 advantage, but the side will be keen to atone for the disappointing four-wicket loss to England in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. WTC is something that we aim and strive for. Every Test match is vitally important, and we like to think we just pick the best Test team for that surface based upon that opponent, because the WTC is something that is held in such high regard by this group. We like to be consistent, McDonald told reporters in Melbourne on Monday. Khawaja was one player McDonald did guarantee would appear in Sydney, with the Australian coach dismissing any suggestion that the veteran batter would announce his retirement from international cricket. Khawaja began the Ashes series as one of Australia's openers, a role he had held since returning to the side in early 2022. However, severe back spasms while fielding in the Perth Test prevented him from opening the batting and forced him to miss the following Brisbane Test. However, he responded well in Adelaide, scoring 82 and 40 after earning a late reprieve on the day of the game when Steve Smith was ruled out of the contest. We're always having conversations about where players are at and speaking directly with players, there's no indication at my end that he's calling it in Sydney. His performance in this calendar year has been good enough to warrant selection so I'd say he'll be there marking centre in Sydney, McDonald said. Khawaja has shown no signs of calling time on his career ahead of the fifth Test, which begins on January 4. I think Uz will come to us if he's going to retire, there's no doubt about that. And then after this Test match, we've got eight months until the next one, so we've got a lot of time as a selection group to make that decision. If there was a series straight off the back of this, then it would be a little bit different. But with the eight-month gap, as a selection panel, we've got a lot of time to think about our next Test team should Uz push forward, he added. McDonald also suggested that spinner Todd Murphy would be strongly considered for the SCG contest, while back-up all-rounder Beau Webster is also a chance of returning to replace Cameron Green. Its a nice problem to have. People are going to debate selection. Theyre going to debate where Camerons at at this point in time and how he fits. We know weve got a quality player (in Webster) sitting there waiting. Weve got a batting order that wed like to think can function at a higher capacity, so well be having conversations leading into Sydney, McDonald said of his selection dilemma for the Sydney Test. McDonald believes the SCG pitch may favour Australia selecting a specialist spinner and that he would like to see what Murphy could offer. It takes a lot for us to not pick a spinner, and we have been pushed into making that decision, McDonald noted. Red-ball games, thats the first time in a long time that we havent picked a spinner (in Melbourne). Its not something that we like doing. I dont think its something that will happen moving forward. Id love to pick Todd. Id love to see what hes got to offer. We think hes back to his best, and what weve seen when hes come closer to the camp has been excellent. Wed love to pick him, he said. Red-ball games, thats the first time in a long time that we havent picked a spinner (in Melbourne). Its not something that we like doing. I dont think its something that will happen moving forward. Also Read: Live Cricket Score bc/ Article Source: IANS

Bhutan's Sonam Yeshey sets new T20I record with eight-wicket haul

Never before has a bowler picked up eight wickets in a T20, among men or women, in international matches or otherwise

Australia Coach Mcdonald Backs Under-Fire MCG Curator

Australia coach Andrew McDonald came to the defence of the Melbourne Cricket Ground's under-fire curator Monday and warned against authorities meddling in pitch preparation. Curator Matt Page and his team have been in the firing line after leaving 10 millimetres of grass on the wicket for the fourth Ashes Test against England. It provided the seamers with movement and bounce, making batting treacherous, with England winning by four wickets inside two days. The carnage left Cricket Australia facing Aus$10 million (US$6.7 million) in revenue shortfall, with tickets for day three, four and five needing to be refunded. McDonald said Page had done an outstanding job over the years and the batsmen should also shoulder some of the blame for not scoring enough runs. The perspective that I always use is we have bad Test matches as well -- this Test we weren't at our best and sometimes these things can happen. We support him in what he's done and are really proud of the evolution of the MCG. He's found a nice balance for a long period of time. International Cricket Council referee Jeff Crowe is yet to deliver his assessment of the pitch, which if handed an unsatisfactory rating would see the venue slapped with a demerit point. Cricket Australia are set to undertake their own end-of-season review of the management of Test wickets. Chief executive Todd Greenberg has suggested a more interventionist approach might be needed, with shorter Tests bad for business. But McDonald said he was not in favour of any interference, with curators in Australia traditionally independent when preparing pitches, both from captains and Cricket Australia. I don't want to get to a situation ... where we are asking for specific surfaces and tailor-made, McDonald said. I don't think Australia will ever go there, and I don't think they've ever been there, to my knowledge. Also Read: Live Cricket Score

NZ Allrounder Doug Bracewell Retires From All Forms Of Cricket

Joburg Super Kings: New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 35-year-old called time on a career that saw him play 28 Tests, 21 and 20 T20Is between 2011 and 2023. Bracewell retires with a total of 74 Test wickets. In just his third Test appearance, he famously helped New Zealand to beat Australia in Hobart with a man-of-the-match performance, taking 6-40 in the nail-biting last innings for victory by seven runs. That remains the last time that New Zealand defeated their trans-Tasman rivals on Australian shores at the Test level. Bracewell also took 46 wickets across his white-ball appearances for New Zealand. His most recent international appearance came at Test level against Sri Lanka in Wellington in 2023, with a recent rib injury forcing Bracewell to finish up with domestic side Central Districts in New Zealand. It's been a proud part of my life, and something I aspired to as a young cricketer. I will always be grateful for the opportunities I have had through cricket, and the chance to play for my country, as well as for Central Districts, throughout my domestic career. I would like to take this time to acknowledge all the teammates I have played alongside, and the coaches and management who have been on this journey with me, for everything they have done for me. Its a privilege to play first-class and international cricket, and Im grateful to have played and enjoyed the game for as long as I have, Bracewell said in a statement via Central Districts. Bracewell retires as one of the few modern allrounders in the New Zealand game to have achieved the elite first-class double of 4,000 runs and 400 career wickets, with 3,029 of those runs and 258 of the wickets having been for Central the best all-round record in the teams history. Its a privilege to play first-class and international cricket, and Im grateful to have played and enjoyed the game for as long as I have, Bracewell said in a statement via Central Districts. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He also played for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in IPL 2012, Joburg Super Kings at SA20 2024, and Central Stags in the Global Super League earlier this year. Article Source: IANS

Ashes: Atkinson Ruled Out Of SCG Test With Hamstring Injury

Boxing Day Test: England have suffered a blow with news that fast bowler Gus Atkinson will miss the final Test of the Ashes series at the SCG due to injury. Atkinson hurt his left hamstring when bowling on the second day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and failed to return to the field. Other fast bowlers stepped up in his absence, bowling out Australia for 132 in the second innings to set up a four-wicket victory, their first overseas Ashes Test win since January 2011. England seamer Gus Atkinson has been ruled out for the remainder of the Ashes tour after scans confirmed he has sustained a left hamstring injury, England Cricket said in a statement. The Surrey right-armer left the field after bowling his fifth over of Australias second innings during Englands victory at the MCG in the fourth Test. England will not call up a replacement for the fifth Test, which gets under way in Sydney on 4 January, it added. Atkinson arrived in Australia as England's attack leader but struggled to maintain his pace and incisiveness across the first two Tests. He went wicketless in Perth, then took 3-151 from 33 overs in Brisbane only to find himself dropped for the must-win game in Adelaide. The 27-year-old had taken six wickets at 47.33 during the series. England have already lost pace duo Jofra Archer and Mark Wood to injury this tour. Atkinson's injury opens the door for fellow quicks Matthew Fisher and Matthew Potts for a call-up. Potts has taken 36 Test wickets at 29.44, with the most recent of his ten appearances coming back in December 2024. Atkinson's injury opens the door for fellow quicks Matthew Fisher and Matthew Potts for a call-up. Also Read: Live Cricket Score England squad: Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook (vc), Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue Article Source: IANS

Joe Root Says 'Silly' To Change England Management After Ashes Loss

Veteran England batsman Joe Root has said it would be silly to change England's management team after losing the Ashes, with players absolutely committed to the current set-up. England meekly surrendered the famous urn after just 11 days of play with back-to-back eight-wicket defeats in Perth and Brisbane and an 82-run loss at Adelaide. Their capitulation was compounded by criticism of their low-key preparations and allegations of excessive drinking during a mid-series beach break in Noosa. The team restored some pride with a frantic four-wicket win in Melbourne, snapping an 18-match winless streak on Australian soil. It relieved pressure on coach Brendon McCullum, skipper Ben Stokes and cricket chief Rob Key, who have all indicated they want to stay in their roles. In terms of the playing group, we're absolutely committed to the management, Root, England's all-time leading Test run-scorer and a former captain, told English media in Melbourne. Yes, we can be better and there are certain areas that we'll continue to keep working at, but the management work extremely hard. They might do things in a slightly different way, but I think we've made great strides as a group and a big reason for it is because of the guys we have behind us. Management's case to stay on would be strengthened by another win in the fifth Test in Sydney starting Sunday. Root was captain on England's last tour of Australia in 2021-22 when they were crushed 4-0, costing coach Chris Silverwood and cricket director Ashley Giles their jobs. But Root said a lot of progress had been made since under the current regime. You look at the group of players we've got and you look at the guys that were involved in the team when I was captain, four years ago, and you look at their records individually, and every single one of them has improved as a player, he said. This team has improved. I think it would be silly (to consider change) for the amount of hard work and things that have been done. Victory in Melbourne was Root's first in Australia in more than a decade of trying and he said it would be better if we win next week as well. If we can build on it and do it again next time it's momentum in the right direction for the next tour here (in 2029-30), he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score

Injured England Quick Gus Atkinson Out Of 5th Ashes Test

England pace spearhead Gus Atkinson was Monday ruled out of the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia with a hamstring injury, their third fast bowler to head home early during the series. The Surrey right-armer hobbled off early on day two of the fourth Test in Melbourne clutching his left leg and took no further part. Gus Atkinson has been ruled out for the remainder of the Ashes tour after scans confirmed he has sustained a left hamstring injury, the England Cricket Board said. No replacement will be called up, opening the door to either Matthew Potts or Matthew Fisher who are both in the squad but have yet to play. Atkinson is the third England quick to be sidelined after Mark Wood (knee) and Jofra Archer (side strain), leaving Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and Ben Stokes to shoulder the attack. England are 3-1 down ahead of the Sydney Test starting on Sunday. They suffered back-to-back eight-wicket defeats in Perth and Brisbane and an 82-run loss at Adelaide before bouncing back to clinch a four-wicket win in Melbourne. Also Read: Live Cricket Score

Cummins, Hazlewood set to be included in Australia's T20 World Cup squad

Tim David is the other concern ahead of the tournament after picking up a hamstring injury in the BBL

Khawaja locked in for Sydney amid uncertainty over his future

Cameron Green's form is in the spotlight while Australia coach Andrew McDonald wants greater intent from Marnus Labuschagne

Atkinson ruled out of final Ashes Test with hamstring injury

The fast bowler picked up the problem early in Australia's second innings at the MCG, meaning there will be at least one change for Sydney

Sunrisers Eastner Cape vs Pretoria Capitals, Match 5, SA20 2025-26, Who will win today SEC vs PC match?

SEC vs PC, Match 5 , Cricket Tips :The fourth game of the SA20 2025-26 was washed out due to rain. Fans hope for action from the next game. The two-time winner Sunrisers Eastern Cape will be back in action against Pretoria Capitals. This game will be held at St. George's Park in Gqeberha on Monday at 9 PM IST. The Eastern Cape started the fourth season with a big win over Paarl Royals by 137 runs. They will be keen to carry on the momentum and record consecutive wins. Pretoria Capitals lost the opening game against Joburg Super Kings. They had a tough time with the bat, which needs to be addressed ahead of this game. SEC vs PC: Match Details Date : December 29, 2025 (Monday) Time : 9:00 PM IST Venue : St. George's Park, Gqeberha SEC vs PC: Live Streaming Details In India, fans can watch the live telecast on the Star Sports Networks. Fans can also watch the Jio Hotstar app or website on active accounts. SEC vs PC: Head-to-Head in SA20 Total Matches : 7 Sunrisers Eastern Cape : 3 Pretoria Capitals : 4 No-Result : 0 SEC vs PC: Ground Pitch Report St. George's Park is a good venue for the bowlers. Initially, the fast bowlers are expected to get seam and movement when the ball is new. The wicket is expected to slow down, and spinners will be in action in the lateral stages of the game. Batting first is ideal in these conditions. SEC vs PC: Possible XIs Sunrisers Eastern Cape : Quinton de Kock (wk), Tristan Stubbs (c), Jordan Hermann, Matthew Breetzke, Jonny Bairstow, Senuran Muthusamy, Marco Jansen, Lewis Gregory, Tharindu Rathnayake, Anrich Nortje, Adam Milne Pretoria Capitals : Bryce Parsons, Shai Hope, Will Smeed, Dewald Brevis, Connor Esterhuizen, Daniel Smith (wk), Roston Chase, Codi Yusuf, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj (c), Tymal Mills SEC vs PC: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Quinton de Kock is the in-form batter and has been scoring runs at the top. He will be a key batter for the Eastern Cape. For the Capitals, Dewald Brevis is someone who can change the game in a span of a few overs. Probable Best Bowler Anrich Nortje won the Player of the Match award in the previous over for his four-wicket haul and will be keen to deliver yet another match-winning spell here. For the Capitals, Lungi Ngidi, with his attributes in this format, will be the one to watch out for. Today Match Prediction : Pretoria Capitals might not match the batting strength of the Eastern Cape. That is why we predict Sunrisers Eastern Cape to win this game. SEC vs PC Match 5, SA20 2025-26, Today Match SEC vs PC, SEC vs PC Prediction, SEC vs PC Predicted XIs, Injury Update of the match between Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs Pretoria Capitals Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

4th T20I: Should Give Credit To Smriti And Shafali For The Start They Gave, Says Harmanpreet

Sri Lanka Women: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma for their blistering 162-run partnership, taking the side to a 30-run win over a spirited Sri Lanka in the fourth womens T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday. Smriti, who was named Player of the Match, and Shafali struck brilliant knocks of 80 and 79 respectively before Richa Ghosh (40 not out) and Harmanpreet ensured a strong finish to take India to 221/2, their highest ever score in the format. We were getting short on time, and I wanted everyone to be on time. I didn't want the last over with three fielders outside (on her angry expressions in the back end). I have been playing for ages, so I try to improve after each game. We should give credit to Smriti and Shafali for the start they gave. Also to Richa and me for finishing the innings. We thought we would give a chance for Harleen, but how the game went, we thought Richa would finish the game and didn't give her a chance to bat, said Harmanpreet in the post-match presentation ceremony. Smriti, who crossed 10,000 international runs during her knock, admitted the switch back to T20 cricket was a challenge after playing tons of ODIs. After playing a lot of ODI cricket, it was hard to get into T20 mode. Playing six months of ODI and coming back to T20 was a bit hard mentally. The plans were similar; I had some game plans against them. I came early and tried to work on that, she added. She also talked about Shafalis knock and the camaraderie in the team. To watch Shafali bat from the other end is always a treat for the eyes. We complement each other well. Happy with the way she has matured with her batting. In the last one year, there's been a different team building that has happened. We are happy with each other's success, and when she (Kamalini) took the catch, we were all happy. Sri Lanka made a spirited attempt in chasing down 222, and made 191/6 in 20 overs, the highest score they have ever posted in womens T20Is. Captain Chamari Athapaththu acknowledged her sides batting improvement but rued the inexperience in the bowling attack. At least we improved in our batting areas. We still need to improve our power-hitting. They (India) batted really good according to their plans. Our bowlers didn't bowl well, but it is a young bowling attack and a lot of inexperience. Sri Lanka made a spirited attempt in chasing down 222, and made 191/6 in 20 overs, the highest score they have ever posted in womens T20Is. Captain Chamari Athapaththu acknowledged her sides batting improvement but rued the inexperience in the bowling attack. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chamari also had special praise for left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma, who took 2-24. She (Vaishanvi) has been bowling really good; she's improved a lot because she played under-19, and I saw how she played. She doesn't play WPL, but she bowled really good, and according to the plan, the most important thing is how she planned her spells. I saw how Harmanpreet managed her, really good for India. Article Source: IANS

4th T20I: Fifties From Smriti, Shafali Take India To 30-run Win Over Spirited Sri Lanka (ld)

Sri Lanka Women: Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma struck fluent half-centuries to set up Indias record total of 221/2 before the bowlers held off a spirited Sri Lankan chase to clinch a 30-run victory in the fourth womens T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday. Asked to bat first for the first time in the series, Smriti and Shafali shared a blistering 162-run opening stand, Indias highest ever partnership for the first wicket in T20Is. It was an absolute treat for the enthusiastic fans as India posted their highest-ever score in the shortest format. Shafali continued her rich vein of form by hitting 79 off 46 deliveries - her third consecutive half-century laced with 12 fours and a six. Smriti, on the other hand, took her time to get going before matching her partner stroke for stroke in a knock of 80 off 48 balls, hitting 11 fours and three sixes. Though both fell in successive overs, Richa Ghosh applied finishing touches with an unbeaten 40 off just 16 balls. Her late assault, coupled with Harmanpreet Kaurs 16 not out off 10 balls, ensured India closed with a flourish by adding 63 runs in the last five overs. Chasing 222, Sri Lanka mounted a spirited effort by racing to fifty in just 3.3 overs, and captain Chamari Athapaththu top-scoring with 52, as all batters came out with an intention to hit boundaries. Yet they could not overhaul Indias record score, as Sri Lanka ended up at 191/6, which is now their highest total posted in womens T20Is. India were tested for the first time in the series, as their bowlers grappled with a wet ball and the fielding unit looked below par. Vaishnavi Sharma stood out with her figures of 2-24 in her four overs, while Arundhati Reddy took 2-42. The rest of the attack found it hard to contain Sri Lankan batters, but the cushion of a record batting effort proved to be decisive as India held firm to extend their unbeaten run in the series. India raced to 61/0 at the end of the powerplay, with boundaries flowing freely from the bats of Smriti and Shafali as every over in the opening phase yielded at least two fours. The Sri Lankan bowlers found no respite as captain Chamari cycled through her options without success. Smriti reached a significant milestone during her innings, becoming just the fourth woman and second Indian after Mithali Raj to reach 10,000 international runs. She brought up her fifty off 36 balls alongside Shafali, who got her half-century in 30 balls. After a brief slowdown during overs 7-9, where India managed just 14 runs, Shafali and Smriti exploded by plundering 74 runs in the next five overs. The acceleration was remarkable: the first 50 runs came in 32 balls, the next 50 in 33 balls, but the final 50 required just 21 deliveries. Nimasha broke through in the 16th over by dismissing Shafali caught and bowled, before Smriti followed soon after, falling to Malsha when her top edge was caught by backward square leg. Richa then unleashed carnage in the death overs, smashing an unbeaten quick-fire knock that included a brutal assault on Kavisha Dilhari in the 19th over smashing three sixes and a four in four consecutive balls. She and Harmanpreet added an unbroken 50-run partnership in just 24 balls to propel India past their previous best of 217/4, set against the West Indies in Navi Mumbai last year. In the chase, Sri Lanka made their intentions clear from the first ball, with Hasini Perera smashing three boundaries in the opening over off Renuka Singh Thakur. Arundhati Reddy, brought into the side for this match in place of a rested Kranti Gaud, endured a torrid start to her spell. Her first two legal deliveries disappeared to the fence, with the second coming off a no-ball and free hit that yielded 10 runs, as the second over went for 15 runs. India's attempt to stem the flow by introducing spin backfired as Deepti Sharma's first over leaked 13 runs, as Sri Lanka rocketed to 43/0. The opening pair of Hasini and Chamari Athapaththu continued their onslaught through the powerplay, bringing up Sri Lankas fifty in the fourth over. India's breakthrough came in the sixth over when Arundhati dismissed the dangerous Perera for 33 off 20 balls. The opener attempted to clear long-off, but the bat turned in her hand, and Harmanpreet Kaur completed the catch at mid-off. It briefly stalled Sri Lanka's momentum as boundaries dried up. However, captain Chamari and Imesha Dulani steadied the innings through smart strike rotation, keeping the scoreboard ticking. At the 10-over mark, Sri Lanka stood at 95/1, six runs ahead of India's position at the same stage. A moment of fortune came for Imesha when Vaishnavi Sharma beat her in flight and almost had her stumped if wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh hadnt missed it, but the delivery was ruled a no-ball. Chamari reached her fifty off just 31 balls, but just as she appeared set for playing a match-winning knock, she departed for 52 off 37 balls holing out in the deep off Vaishnavi Sharma. Though Deepti misjudged the delivery and dropped a chance of Harshitha Samarawickrama, it didnt cost much as Imesha was run out by a good throw from Amanjot Kaur. In the next over, Harshitha was beaten in flight by Vaishnavi, and this time, Richa held on to complete the stumping. The fielding errors continued when Richa missed a stumping, while Smriti dropped a catch at long-on to give Nilashika Silva and Kavisha Dilhari reprieves. But Kavisha fell for 13 off Arundhati, with substitute fielder G Kamalini finally taking the catch after three failed attempts. Though Deepti dropped another catch, this time of Rashmika Sewwandi, she was castled by a slower full toss from Sree Charani, as India got the game in their favour yet again. Though Deepti misjudged the delivery and dropped a chance of Harshitha Samarawickrama, it didnt cost much as Imesha was run out by a good throw from Amanjot Kaur. In the next over, Harshitha was beaten in flight by Vaishnavi, and this time, Richa held on to complete the stumping. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India 221/2 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 80, Shafali Verma 79, Richa Ghosh 40 not out; Malsha Shehani 1-32, Nimasha Madushani 1-40) beat Sri Lanka 191/6 in 20 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 52, Hasini Perera 33; Vaishnavi Sharma 2-24, Arundhati Reddy 2-42) by 30 runs Article Source: IANS

Rickelton 'at peace' if he doesn't make South Africa's T20 World Cup squad

Rickelton was left out of South Africa's most recent T20I squad for Quinton de Kock with the World Cup next on the calendar

4th T20I: Vaishnavi, Arundhati Pick Two Wickets Each As India Beat Spirited Sri Lanka By 30 Runs

Greenfield International Stadium: Vaishnavi Sharma and Arundhati Reddy picked up two wickets each as India Women overcame a spirited challenge from Sri Lanka Women to win the fourth T20I by 30 runs at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. Chasing 222, after Smriti Mandhanas 80 and Shafali Vermas 79 took India to 221/3 in their 20 overs, Sri Lanka mounted a spirited effort by racing to fifty in just 3.3 overs, and captain Chamari Athapaththu top-scoring with 52, as all batters came out with an intention to hit boundaries. Yet they could not overhaul Indias record score, and the visitors ended up at 191/6 in their 20 overs, which is now their highest total posted in womens T20Is. India were tested for the first time in the series, as their bowlers grappled with a wet ball and the fielding unit looked below par. Vaishnavi stood out with her figures of 2-24 in her four overs, while Arundhati took 2-42. The rest of the attack found it hard to contain the Sri Lankan batters. But the cushion of a record batting effort proved to be decisive as India held firm to extend their unbeaten run in the series. In the chase, Sri Lanka made their intentions clear from the first ball, with Hasini Perera smashing three boundaries in the opening over off Renuka Singh Thakur. Arundhati Reddy, brought into the side for this match in place of a rested Kranti Gaud, endured a torrid start to her spell. Her first two legal deliveries disappeared to the fence, with the second coming off a no-ball and free hit that yielded 10 runs, as the second over went for 15 runs. India's attempt to stem the flow by introducing spin backfired as Deepti Sharma's first over leaked 13 runs, as Sri Lanka rocketed to 43/0. The opening pair of Hasini and Chamari Athapaththu continued their onslaught through the Power-play, bringing up Sri Lankas fifty in the fourth over. India's breakthrough came in the sixth over when Arundhati dismissed the dangerous Perera for 33 off 20 balls. The opener attempted to clear long-off, but the bat turned in her hand, and Harmanpreet Kaur completed the catch at mid-off. It briefly stalled Sri Lanka's momentum as boundaries dried up. However, captain Chamari and Imesha Dulani steadied the innings through smart strike rotation, keeping the scoreboard ticking. At the 10-over mark, Sri Lanka stood at 95/1, six runs ahead of India's position at the same stage. A moment of fortune came for Imesha when Vaishnavi Sharma beat her in flight and almost had her stumped if wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh hadnt missed it, but the delivery was ruled a no-ball. Chamari reached her fifty off just 31 balls, but just as she appeared set for playing a match-winning knock, she departed for 52 off 37 balls holing out in the deep off Vaishnavi Sharma. Though Deepti misjudged the delivery and dropped a chance of Harshitha Samarawickrama, it didnt cost much as Imesha was run out by a good throw from Amanjot Kaur. In the next over, Harshitha was beaten in flight by Vaishnavi, and this time, Richa held on to complete the stumping. The fielding errors continued when Richa missed a stumping, while Smriti dropped a catch at long-on to give Nilashika Silva and Kavisha Dilhari reprieves. But Kavisha fell for 13 off Arundhati, with substitute fielder G Kamalini finally taking the catch after three failed attempts. Though Deepti dropped another catch, this time of Rashmika Sewwandi, she was castled by a slower full toss from Sree Charani, as India got the game in their favour yet again. Though Deepti misjudged the delivery and dropped a chance of Harshitha Samarawickrama, it didnt cost much as Imesha was run out by a good throw from Amanjot Kaur. In the next over, Harshitha was beaten in flight by Vaishnavi, and this time, Richa held on to complete the stumping. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India 221/2 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 80, Shafali Verma 79, Richa Ghosh 40 not out; Malsha Shehani 1-32, Nimasha Madushani 1-40) beat Sri Lanka 191/6 in 20 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 52, Hasini Perera 33; Vaishnavi Sharma 2-24, Arundhati Reddy 2-42) by 30 runs Article Source: IANS

4th T20I: Smriti Mandhana Makes 80, Shafali Hits 79 As India Smash 221/2 Against Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Women: Smriti Mandhana struck a brilliant 80 off 48 balls while Shafali Verma continued her good run by hitting 79 off 46 deliveries, her third successive half-century in this series, as India posted a massive 221/2, their highest womens T20I score, against Sri Lanka in the fourth T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. Asked to bat first for the first time in the series, Smriti and Shafali laid the foundation for the tall score with a blistering 162-run opening stand, Indias highest-ever partnership for the first wicket in T20Is. Shafali continued her rich vein of form with her third consecutive fifty, which was laced with 12 fours and a six. Smriti, on the other hand, took her time to get going before matching her partner stroke for stroke in a knock where she hit 11 fours and three sixes. Though both fell in successive overs, Richa Ghosh applied finishing touches with an unbeaten 40 off just 16 balls. Her late assault, coupled with Harmanpreet Kaurs 16 not out off 10 balls, ensured India closed with a flourish by adding 63 runs in the last five overs. Sri Lanka, which had been keen to bowl first throughout the series, had only Malsha Shehani and Nimasha Madushani as their wicket-takers. They now face the daunting task of chasing 222. Much will depend on Chamari Athapaththu, playing her 150th T20I game, if they are to mount a serious challenge to chasing Indias imposing total. India raced to 61/0 at the end of the powerplay, with boundaries flowing freely from the bats of Smriti and Shafali as every over in the opening phase yielded at least two fours. The Sri Lankan bowlers found no respite as captain Chamari cycled through her options without success. Smriti reached a significant milestone during her innings, becoming just the fourth woman and second Indian after Mithali Raj to reach 10,000 international runs. She brought up her fifty off 36 balls alongside Shafali, who got her half-century in 30 balls. After a brief slowdown during overs 7-9, where India managed just 14 runs, Shafali and Smriti exploded by plundering 74 runs in the next five overs. The acceleration was remarkable: the first 50 runs came in 32 balls, the next 50 in 33 balls, but the final 50 required just 21 deliveries. Nimasha broke through in the 16th over by dismissing Shafali caught and bowled, before Smriti followed soon after, falling to Malsha when her top edge was caught by backward square leg. Richa then unleashed carnage in the death overs, smashing an unbeaten quick-fire knock that included a brutal assault on Kavisha Dilhari in the 19th over smashing three sixes and a four in four consecutive balls. She and Harmanpreet added an unbroken 50-run partnership in just 24 balls to propel India past their previous best of 217/4, set against the West Indies in Navi Mumbai last year. Nimasha broke through in the 16th over by dismissing Shafali caught and bowled, before Smriti followed soon after, falling to Malsha when her top edge was caught by backward square leg. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India 221/2 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 80, Shafali Verma 79, Richa Ghosh 40 not out; Malsha Shehani 1-32, Nimasha Madushani 1-40) against Sri Lanka Article Source: IANS

Mandhana becomes fourth woman to 10,000 international runs

She is the second Indian woman to the landmark after Mithali Raj, who leads the charts with 10,868 runs

4th T20I: Mandhana Becomes Second Indian Woman Batter To Cross 10,000 International Runs

Greenfield International Stadium: India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana on Sunday became only the second Indian woman player after compatriot Mithali Raj to complete 10,000 runs in international cricket. Smriti, who debuted for India against Bangladesh in April 2013, needed 27 runs before the fourth T20I against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram to reach the huge landmark, and reached the milestone in just 20 deliveries at the Greenfield International Stadium. She eventually made 80 off 48 balls her 32nd fifty laced with 11 fours and three sixes at a strike-rate of 170.2. Apart from Mithali, Smriti joins New Zealands Suzie Bates and former England player turned coach Charlotte Edwards as the only other women to cross the big landmark. Smriti has also scored 629 runs in seven Tests and 5,322 runs in 117 ODIs. Raj, the highest run-scorer in womens international cricket, retired with 10,868 runs across formats, and Smriti has the opportunity to surpass her tally. Previously, while hitting a run-a-ball 25 during the T20I series opener against Sri Lanka at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, Smriti became the first Indian batter and second overall after Suzie to complete 4,000 runs in Womens T20Is. The left-handed opener was the second-highest run-scorer in Indias triumphant Womens ODI World Cup campaign amassing 434 runs in nine innings at an average of 54.25. Previously, while hitting a run-a-ball 25 during the T20I series opener against Sri Lanka at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, Smriti became the first Indian batter and second overall after Suzie to complete 4,000 runs in Womens T20Is. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Following the conclusion of the five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka on December 30, Smriti will captain Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2026 Womens Premier League (WPL), beginning on January 9. RCB will face Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians in the opening game at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Article Source: IANS

Will Speak To Shreyas Iyer On His Vijay Hazare Trophy Availability, Says MCA Secretary

Vijay Hazare Trophy: Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar said the association will speak to India batter Shreyas Iyer regarding his availability for the later stages of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Iyer has been at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) since December 25 for further assessment of his recovery from a serious spleen injury suffered during the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in October. No, we have not spoken to Shreyas yet. But we will speak to him about his availability. As of now, there is no official confirmation on this. But it may come in the next few days from him, Khanvilkar told IANS on Sunday. A day before arriving at the CoE in Bengaluru, IANS had reported that Iyer resumed batting after restarting lightweight gym training. He batted for nearly 30-34 minutes at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) nets in Mumbai. A source tracking Iyers recovery said if all goes well and the clearance from CoE comes, Iyer could play for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches in Jaipur on January 3 and 6, respectively. It would be interesting to see if the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee picks Iyer in the squad for three ODIs against New Zealand, starting in Vadodara on January 11. The Agarkar-led panel is set to meet to select the squad in the first week of January. A source tracking Iyers recovery said if all goes well and the clearance from CoE comes, Iyer could play for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches in Jaipur on January 3 and 6, respectively. Also Read: Live Cricket Score If Iyer returns to the ODI set-up, it will be a major boost for the side looking to firm up their plans for the 2027 World Cup. Following the series opener in Vadodara, India, New Zealand will play the next two ODIs in Rajkot and Indore on January 14 and 18, respectively. Article Source: IANS

Hugh Morris, Glamorgan legend, dies aged 62 after cancer battle

Opening batter played three Tests for England in 1991, and also served as senior administrator

Vijay Hazare Trophy: Jaiswal To Join Mumbai Squad Ahead Of Goa Clash, Confirms MCA Secretary

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Super: Indias left-handed opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to link up with the Mumbai squad ahead of their Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) clash against Goa on December 31, confirmed Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar. Jaiswal, who turns 24 on Sunday, missed Mumbais opening two matches in Jaipur due to his recovery from acute gastroenteritis. Yashaswi will play in the game against Goa, which is the one happening on December 31. He will be joining the team either on 29th evening or 30th morning, Khanvilkar told IANS on Sunday. Earlier this month, Jaiswal was hospitalised with stomach cramps after Mumbais final Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Super League fixture against Rajasthan, with tests confirming acute gastroenteritis and doctors advising a weeks rest. With veteran India opener Rohit Sharma opening the batting for Mumbai in the first two matches of the competition, Jaiswal is now set to come into the team in his place, starting from the game against Goa, set to be played at the Anantam Ground on New Years Eve. Jaiswal is expected to feature in more matches for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, though his availability will hinge on Indias squad selection for the three-game ODI series against New Zealand, which begins in Vadodara on January 11. With veteran India opener Rohit Sharma opening the batting for Mumbai in the first two matches of the competition, Jaiswal is now set to come into the team in his place, starting from the game against Goa, set to be played at the Anantam Ground on New Years Eve. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Mumbai, led by Indias seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur, has enjoyed a great start to their 2025/26 Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign. They defeated Sikkim by eight wickets in their first Elite Group C clash, before registering a 51-run win over Uttarakhand. Mumbai will next face Chhattisgarh in round three of the competition at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground on Monday. Article Source: IANS

4th T20I: Sri Lanka Elect To Bowl First Against India, Harleen And Arundhati Come In

Greenfield International Stadium: Harleen Deol and Arundhati Reddy have been drafted into Indias playing eleven, as Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first in the fourth T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday. India already has an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-game series. Its the first time India will bat in the series, after electing to bowl, and then using dew to their advantage to chase down modest totals without breaking a sweat. Harleen comes in for an unwell Jemimah Rodrigues, while Arundhati, who played in the first two games in Visakhapatnam, replaces a rested Kranti Gaud. We were looking to bat today. This is an ideal series to give everyone a chance. Glad it is all coming to plan. I'm really happy everyone is coming up and giving their best. I am not putting any target in mind. Hopefully, we set a good total, said India captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, who is playing her 150th T20I, said Rashmika Sewwandi and Kawya Kavindi come into their playing eleven in place of the rested duo Malki Madara and Inoka Ranaweera. We batted first in the last three matches. Chasing will be a little bit easier with the dew coming in. We have to play our best cricket. 140 will be a good score to chase, she said. Sundays match will be played on pitch number seven, with square boundaries measuring 59m and 60m, while the straight boundary is 70m. As per Mithali Raj and Shebani Bhaskar, the pitch appears browner than it was in the previous game, with some grass shaved off, offering good conditions for batting but also assistance to seamers if they maintain a disciplined 6-8m length targeting the stumps. Playing XIs: Sundays match will be played on pitch number seven, with square boundaries measuring 59m and 60m, while the straight boundary is 70m. As per Mithali Raj and Shebani Bhaskar, the pitch appears browner than it was in the previous game, with some grass shaved off, offering good conditions for batting but also assistance to seamers if they maintain a disciplined 6-8m length targeting the stumps. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sri Lanka: Hasini Perera, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk), Malsha Shehani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kawya Kavindi, and Nimesha Madushani Article Source: IANS

India replace unwell Rodrigues with Deol after Sri Lanka opt to bowl

India also rested Gaud and brought back Reddy, while Sri Lanka made two changes, too

PCB to run Multan Sultans franchise for next PSL season

The board will bring in former cricketers and experts to take over the operation of the franchise and auction it after the season

'Id Call It The Ideal Build-up': Anrich Nortjes SA20 Surge Fuels T20 World Cup Hopes

T20 World Cup: Anrich Nortje believes the past two months have given him the perfect platform to push for a place in South Africas T20 World Cup squad, which is set to be announced next week, as the fast bowler continues his comeback from a long run of injuries. Nortje made a thunderous start to the SA20 season for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, tearing through Paarl Royals with figures of 4 for 13 to bowl them out for a tournament-record low total of 49. It marked his best T20 returns since last years World Cup and his first appearance in South Africas franchise competition since the inaugural season. His back issues forced him to miss the second and third editions, while injuries have limited him to just two international matches over the past 18 months. Despite opting out of a central contract with Cricket South Africa, Nortje remains available for national selection and is firmly in contention for the global tournament. Hopefully I get selected, but for now it's just to try and build, take it game by game and day by day. I had a nice little buildup starting with the CSA T20 challenge and then got the call-up for the India series. I'd call it the ideal build-up. From here on, it's just to try and execute and work on one or two things. It's also so busy, so it's just to try and keep the momentum going, keep a clear head, and keep focus. I'd probably call it the ideal build-up just from where I was a few months ago to now, Nortje was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo after the Eastern Cape's opening win in Paarl. The SA20 schedule will test Nortjes durability, with the possibility of playing five matches in 10 days early on and as many as 13 in a month if the Eastern Cape reach the playoffs. Given his recent history, which includes missing the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, the workload could be a concern. Nortje, however, insists he is not preoccupied by what might go wrong. You've got to trust your body, and you can't worry about this or that. I don't think it's something I ever don't trust, he said. When something's wrong, then it's probably too late, but, in general, you have to trust your bodyWhen I'm out injured, I'm just motivated to get back better and build on what I can remember, he added. Signs of progress were evident even before the SA20. Nortje finished joint fourth on the wicket-taking list in the CSA T20 Challenge and featured in two matches during South Africas recent T20I series in India, where his pace and control steadily improved despite going wicketless. In Paarl, he looked back to his best, using the short ball effectively on a slow, uneven surface and showcasing his full skill set. With his confidence growing, Nortje is also open to expanding his international ambitions beyond T20 cricket. He has not played an ODI in over two years or a Test since early 2023, but remains eager to contribute again in longer formats. Signs of progress were evident even before the SA20. Nortje finished joint fourth on the wicket-taking list in the CSA T20 Challenge and featured in two matches during South Africas recent T20I series in India, where his pace and control steadily improved despite going wicketless. In Paarl, he looked back to his best, using the short ball effectively on a slow, uneven surface and showcasing his full skill set. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For now, Nortjes focus remains firmly on the shortest format, with the SA20, T20 World Cup, and a return to the IPL with Lucknow Super Giants shaping a busy few months ahead. Article Source: IANS

Gujarat Titans Bet On Holder Is Interesting, His Six-hitting Abilities Have Improved, Says Pathan

Indian Premier League: Former India left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan said Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 champions Gujarat Titans (GT) have shown immense faith in West Indies fast bowling all-rounder Jason Holder, noting that his improved six-hitting ability alongside his new-ball bowling will benefit the side in the 2026 season. Holder has been a familiar face in the Indian Premier League, having previously represented Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, and Rajasthan Royals. In the auction held in Abu Dhabi, GT aggressively pursued Holder and eventually got him for Rs 7 crore after a prolonged tussle with CSK. Their bet on Jason Holder is interesting. He is an amazing bowler with the new ball, but his batting has improved, especially his six-hitting abilities. GT has put a lot of faith in that. Their main strength is their top three batters: Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler. How they use Washington Sundar will be important, as his batting has gotten better, too. The role of Glenn Phillips, or whoever plays at number four or five, will also be very big, said Pathan on JioStar. Ex-India opener Abhinav Mukund explained the reasoning behind GT's preference for left-arm pacers and all-rounders like Holder in making their IPL 2026 squad. Gujarat Titans love fast bowlers, especially left-arm pacers like Prithviraj Yarra and Luke Wood. Ashok Sharma had a great Syed Mushtaq Ali season. How they use Washington Sundar will be important, as his batting has gotten better, too. The role of Glenn Phillips, or whoever plays at number four or five, will also be very big, said Pathan on JioStar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So maybe if Glenn Phillips is fit, he plays in the middle order, and Jason Holder finishes. Overall, they still look like a brilliant side. They have the best young Indian talent. I don't know who will control them on the bench. Good luck to Parthiv Patel and Ashish Nehra, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Novelty Of Rashid Khan Has Worn Off A Little, Not As Intimidating As Before, Says Kumble Ahead Of IPL 2026

Even Rahul Tewatia: Former India captain Anil Kumble believes IPL 2022 winners Gujarat Titans (GT) can no longer lean heavily on leg-spinner Rashid Khan, saying that the Afghanistan star's impact has diminished and the novelty factor has worn off a little. GT, who bowed out in the Eliminator of IPL 2025, boasted one of the strongest bowling units, but Rashid endured his poorest campaign in the competition. He managed to pick only nine wickets at an average of 57.11 and an economy rate of 9.35. Rashid also conceded 33 sixes - the most by any bowler in a single IPL season - as batters found ways to dominate him. Kumble also felt the Shubman Gill-led franchise would need greater contributions from left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore, as well as off-spin bowling all-rounders Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia, to remain competitive in IPL 2026. I think the novelty of Rashid Khan has worn off a little. There are many similar bowlers available now, so he is no longer as intimidating as he was before. His workload has to be managed more, along with bowlers like Sai Kishore. Even Rahul Tewatia and Washington Sundar can contribute more for GT this season, said Kumble, a former RCB player and ex-Punjab Kings head coach, on JioStar. Kumble also felt the Shubman Gill-led franchise would need greater contributions from left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore, as well as off-spin bowling all-rounders Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia, to remain competitive in IPL 2026. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rashid has linked his prolonged struggles in T20 cricket to the back surgery he underwent in 2023, following his participation in the Mens ODI World Cup in India. He returned to action only months after the operation, never giving himself sufficient time to regain his bowling rhythm and accuracy. Article Source: IANS

High Court directs CSA to let Shamsi complete ILT20 season

This judgment could have far-reaching implications for freelance cricketers globally

Root admits 'weird' feeling after victory that ends Australian drought

He hopes that another good week in Sydney can lay the foundations for England's next Ashes tour

Nortje hopes 'ideal build-up' earns him T20 World Cup 2026 berth

He has played only two matches for South Africa in the last 18 months but started SA20 2026 with a four-for

Army Boys Sports Company, Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Enter Sub-jr Men Academy C'ships Final

Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy: After winning their semi-final matches, Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy and Army Boys Sports Company advanced to the finals of the 3rd Hockey India Sub Junior Men Academy Championship 2025 - Zone A & B, held at the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University Hockey Ground in Surat, Gujarat, on Sunday. In the first semi-final, Army Boys Sports Company defeated Ritu Rani Hockey Academy 5-1. Arjun scored a hat-trick (25, 37, 39), while Shubham Sanjay Shinde (44) and Arkit Barua (58) added goals, securing their spot in the final. Sandeep Singh (45) scored the only goal for Ritu Rani Hockey Academy. In the second semi-final, Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy won a penalty shootout against Sail Hockey Academy. Sanmukh Singh scored for Roundglass at 57, and Mohmad Shahid scored for Sail at 30. After a 1-1 draw in regular time, Roundglass clinched victory with a 3-2 score in the shootout. Earlier in the tournament, Roundglass Hockey Academy recorded a massive 190 victory over Cheema Hockey Academy in their Pool A game. Inderjit Singh (13, 30, 45) scored a hat-trick, while Captain Arshpreet Singh (4, 14), Anurag Singh (9, 10), Om Rajnesh Saini (36, 39), Gurwinder Singh (2, 48), and Varinder Singh (59, 60) netted braces. Sukhpreet Singh (19), Prince Singh (51), Jarman Singh (55), Sunny (7), Sukhmanpreet Singh (5), and Amandeep (5) added one goal each. In Pool A, Army Boys Sports Company beat Cheema Hockey Academy 61 on Thursday. Goals came from Bara Chhitij (1, 4), Venkateswara Kolnati Rao (22, 47), K.T. Aiyappa Linith (7), and R.P. Rithveesh (57). Harmanjot Singh scored the only goal for Cheema Hockey Academy. Ritu Rani Hockey Academy will compete against Sail Hockey Academy for third place, while Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy will face Army Boys Sports Company in the final on Monday. Brief results: Ritu Rani Hockey Academy will compete against Sail Hockey Academy for third place, while Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy will face Army Boys Sports Company in the final on Monday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Roundglass Punjab Hockey Club Academy defeated Sail Hockey Academy 1-1 (3-2) in semi-final 2 Article Source: IANS

Head Reveals He Reached Out To Duckett After Noosa Backlash 'to See If He Was Going Alright'

Travis Head: Australia opener Travis Head said he reached out to England's Ben Duckett after a social media video surfaced before the Melbourne Test that appeared to show Duckett intoxicated. Englands managing director, Rob Key, had mentioned that the board had initiated an investigation following reports of players drinking heavily during a break in Noosa, a beach town, between the second and third Tests. A viral social media video also appeared to show England opener Duckett intoxicated, prompting increased scrutiny of the team and the batter in particular. I get on with Ducky well and reached out to him to see if he was going alright. Everyone is still human. What you do in your personal time is up to you. I know we live a high profile life and some people are more high profile than others. At the end of the day, it is a bit stiff but I don't think there is any real issue. England's four-night trip to Noosa followed their 2-0 deficit in the Ashes series, after losses in Perth and Brisbane. It was reported that several players spent a significant amount of their time drinking on the Queensland coast and also on two prior days in Brisbane, where the second Test was held. Although England played the second Test better than the Ashes opener, they lost the following Test in Adelaide, which led to Australia winning the series. It was reported that several players spent a significant amount of their time drinking on the Queensland coast and also on two prior days in Brisbane, where the second Test was held. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In tough batting conditions, England's Bazballers thrived in the chaos, finally finding a situation in Australia that suited their freewheeling style. They achieved their target in 33 overs, with England's four-wicket win thrilling the thousands of travelling fans who now have something to celebrate after a largely disappointing tour. Article Source: IANS

Indian Junior Mens Hockey Team Cap Off A Successful 2025 With Two Major International Medals

Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu: The Indian junior mens hockey team concluded 2025 on a high note, earning two major international medals and preparing extensively for the FIH Hockey Mens Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 in December. The foundation for the campaign was laid through a series of intensive national training camps conducted throughout the year under the guidance of PR Sreejesh. Through these camps, the coach built a squad and prepared the players to be at their best as the season progressed towards the Junior World Cup in December. Indias competitive build-up began with the Four Nations Tournament in June, which served as an essential preparatory assignment against quality European opposition. Facing hosts Germany, Spain, and Australia, the Indian junior side tested their systems against heavyweights and finished the tournament in third place, registering a key 2-1 victory over Australia in the 3rd/4th place match. The tournament provided valuable match exposure and clarity on combinations as the team continued its World Cup preparations. Next, they carried the momentum and learnings into the 2025 Sultan of Johor Cup in October, where India produced a strong and consistent run to claim the Silver Medal. The team registered important victories over Great Britain, New Zealand and Malaysia, drew 3-3 with Pakistan, and progressed to the final after a composed league-stage performance. In the title clash, India conceded an unfortunate goal in the 59th minute, lost 1-2 to Australia, and settled for the silver medal. All the preparation led the side to the FIH Hockey Mens Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, the most important assignment of the season, where India delivered a memorable campaign on home soil. India began their campaign with three comfortable wins in the pool stage over Chile, Oman and Switzerland, respectively, and entered the knockout rounds. The quarter-final proved to be a defining moment, as the Indian team held their nerve and defeated Belgium 4-3 in a shootout to book a place in the semi-finals. Goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh showed incredible class and valour, making two crucial saves in the shootout to ensure India progressed in the tournament. Unfortunately, India lost 1-5 in the semi-final against champions Germany but responded with character in the 3rd/4th place playoff, producing an incredible comeback against Argentina to secure the bronze medal. Despite being two goals down by the fourth quarter, India gave it their all in the final 15 minutes of the match and secured four back-to-back goals to seal the tie and win their second international medal of the year. Manmeet Singh finished as Indias highest goalscorer with six goals, while Shardanand Tiwari and Dilraj Singh contributed five goals each. The quarter-final proved to be a defining moment, as the Indian team held their nerve and defeated Belgium 4-3 in a shootout to book a place in the semi-finals. Goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh showed incredible class and valour, making two crucial saves in the shootout to ensure India progressed in the tournament. Unfortunately, India lost 1-5 in the semi-final against champions Germany but responded with character in the 3rd/4th place playoff, producing an incredible comeback against Argentina to secure the bronze medal. Despite being two goals down by the fourth quarter, India gave it their all in the final 15 minutes of the match and secured four back-to-back goals to seal the tie and win their second international medal of the year. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With a Bronze Medal at the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 and a Silver at the 2025 Sultan of Johor Cup, the season not only delivered results but also laid a strong foundation for the future of Indian hockey under Hockey India's vision. Article Source: IANS

Shadab Khan returns to Pakistan T20I squad for Sri Lanka tour

The 27-year-old missed a large part of Pakistans cricket with a shoulder injury since June but regained full fitness after surgery in Britain

Fit India Sundays On Cycle Wraps Up 2025 With High-energy Fitness Festival

Arjuna Awardees Deepika Kumari: Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das, along with other Olympians and Arjuna Awardees from Bengal, gathered at the Sports Authority of India's Kolkata Regional Centre on Sunday for the final Fit India Sundays on Cycle event of 2025. The year-end special edition, the 54th of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, featured a lively, carnival-style celebration with nearly 1,500 participants at the Sports Authority of India centre in Kolkata. The event drew an extraordinary number of enthusiastic cyclists, including athletes, corporate professionals, students, CISF jawans, insurance company employees (the special partners of this edition), and people of all ages, turning the venue into a vibrant festival of movement, music, and community spirit. The mega event in Kolkata was inaugurated by Olympians and Arjuna Awardees Deepika Kumari, Joydeep Karmakar, and Mangal Singh Champia, creating an energetic start to a winter morning focused on fitness and active lifestyles. Also attending were Arjuna Awardees Atanu Das, Rahul Banerjee, Bombayla Devi Laishram, and Susmita Singha Roy. Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Deepika emphasised the significance of daily fitness, stating that energy and strength are vital not only for sports but also for personal life. She highlighted that fitness should be maintained every day and not restricted to just one Sunday. We have to do this every day and Im so happy to see over 1500 people join in today, said Deepika. Joydeep emphasised that initiatives such as Sundays on Cycle are encouraging people to reduce excessive screen time and develop more disciplined fitness routines. A transformation starts with our simple behaviours everyone here has turned their attention from phones and have become busy with their cycles, said the former shooter. Everything falls in place when we get disciplined about fitness. It's a good excuse for us to be here today, joining amidst this winter chill. In the last one year, over 20 Lakh people nationwide have joined in, and from now on, this movement will become even bigger, Joydeep, fourth-place finisher at the 2012 Olympics, added. Participants enjoyed a variety of high-energy activities including cycling, Zumba sessions, Bengali folk music, captivating yoga performances, rope-skipping demonstrations, and several other fitness activities that maintained lively energy levels despite the winter chill. Dronacharya Award winner Kuntal Roy expressed gratitude to the Sports Authority of India and the Fit India initiative, emphasising that both mental and physical fitness collectively influence a persons life. I thank SAI and the Fit India program for this initiative. The concept of fitness is the key of life. Mental and physical fitness rules our whole life. Therefore, we have to keep ourselves fit through various programs on fitness like Sundays on Cycle, the former athletics chief coach at SAI, added. During the event, ten local cycling clubs and the state cycling champions were honoured, including Fit India ambassadors and champions such as Kanthi Dutt, Garima Diwakar, Manas Saha, and Raima Majumder. Besides Kolkata, events took place concurrently at 10000 locations nationwide, hosted at Sports Authority of India and Khelo India centres. These included SAI Training centres in Ludhiana, Rajnandgaon, Dharamsala, Kokrajhar, Hazaribagh, Golaghat, and others. In Bikaner, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, also attended the cycle rally. During the event, ten local cycling clubs and the state cycling champions were honoured, including Fit India ambassadors and champions such as Kanthi Dutt, Garima Diwakar, Manas Saha, and Raima Majumder. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in partnership with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Yogasana Bharat, and MY Bharat, organises Fit India Sundays on Cycle. Article Source: IANS

Ashleigh Gardner Up For Australia Captaincy if Got Asked To Do It

Australian Allrounder Ashleigh Gardner: Australian Allrounder Ashleigh Gardner stated she would be willing to accept the captaincy if offered, despite not having ever envisioned herself in such a role. Over the past 12 months, Gardner has made significant progress in her leadership journey, taking on captaincy roles in three different T20 leagues worldwide. She will begin the new year travelling to India to once again lead the Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League (WPL). Gardner assumed the captaincy at the franchise from Australian teammate Beth Mooney last season, leading them to their first-ever playoff appearance. She then received another leadership role mid-year in the UK when England captain Natalie Sciver-Brunt stepped back, allowing Gardner to lead the Trent Rockets in The Hundred, where they finished in the top four. The experience empowered her to confidently ask for the role with the Sydney Sixers, knowing she would eventually take it. She then succeeded Ellyse Perry as the captain for WBBL 11. Yeah, I guess so. If I got asked to do it, great, Gardner told cricket.com.au when asked if shed be up for Australias captaincy after Alyssa Healy steps down. You can lead without actually having the 'c' next to your name. That's something that I've really tried to do over the last little period, especially within the spin group. (I have) really tried to lead that pack. I've been there the longest, so (I'm) making sure that I'm sharing knowledge where I can, but also just bouncing ideas off each other. I think cricket's such an individual sport within a team environment. It's so important to be able to utilise those around you, she added. While 22-year-old Phoebe Litchfield's name keeps getting mentioned by former players and pundits, current vice-captain Tahlia McGrath also remains a top contender for the role. (I have) really tried to lead that pack. I've been there the longest, so (I'm) making sure that I'm sharing knowledge where I can, but also just bouncing ideas off each other. I think cricket's such an individual sport within a team environment. It's so important to be able to utilise those around you, she added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gardner, meanwhile, leads every franchise team she currently represents. A sign of her high leadership reputation worldwide is that two current national captains play under her in their country's leagues- Healy in the WBBL and Sciver-Brunt at The Hundred. Article Source: IANS

Australia's Head Backs Struggling Opening Partner Jake Weatherald

Australia's Travis Head Sunday backed under-pressure opening partner Jake Weatherald to come good after an extremely tough start to his Test career in a wild Ashes series. Weatherald made his debut in the opening Test against England in Perth, the latest in a flurry of players looking to fill the giant hole left by David Warner calling it quits two years ago. None have managed to cement the spot, with Weatherald the latest to struggle. The aggressive left-hander has scored 146 runs at 20.85 across eight innings so far, with almost half of that courtesy of his 72 at the second Test in Brisbane. With the likes of Matt Renshaw and Sam Konstas waiting in the wings, he needs a big score at the final Test in Sydney this week to extend his tenure. International cricket is extremely tough, Head told Australian media in Melbourne after they lost the fourth Test by four wickets. The wickets have been challenging across the board the last few years, that's well documented. It's not an excuse and I think he's a good enough cricketer for international cricket and I think he showed a lot of glimpses over his first four Tests. Weatherald is not the only Australian batsman under scrutiny with Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne also short of runs. Head was promoted to opener in the second innings at Perth when Usman Khawaja was sidelined with back spasms and has kept the position, cracking two centuries. He said he was content to stay there for the time being. I see myself as this team's opening batter for the series and then we've got a long gap to piece the puzzles together for where the team wants to go, he said. I've felt good at the top, I feel like I've been batting well. After the final Ashes match in Sydney, Australia's next Test series is not until the middle of 2026, when they host Bangladesh. Also Read: Live Cricket Score

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious 2025: A Launchpad For Indias Next Sporting Leap

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: The year 2025 will go down as a truly supercalifragilisticexpialidocious chapter in the journey of Indian sports, marked by sustained excellence, growing belief and an expanding culture of support across disciplines. From Olympic sports to cricket, India witnessed not just improved results but a deeper public connection with sport, signalling a nation steadily embracing a multi-sport identity. Former athletes believe that consistent institutional backing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a significant role in this upward curve. Enhanced infrastructure, structured grassroots programmes and targeted funding have allowed athletes to prepare and perform at a higher level. The impact was evident across boxing, wrestling, shooting, badminton, athletics, chess and several other Olympic disciplines, alongside crickets continued dominance. World Championship medallist Gaurav Bidhuri echoed the optimism surrounding Indian sport while speaking to IANS. India has achieved new heights in all sports. The Modi government is doing really good work for sports. This year was wonderful for Indian sports, and the coming year is even bigger with the Cricket World Cup, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. I am sure India will continue to progress, Bidhuri said. Para athletes, too, continued to receive strong backing from the government in 2025, reinforcing the message that inclusivity remains central to Indias sporting vision. Enhanced funding, exposure and infrastructure ensured that para sports grew not on the margins, but as an integral part of the countrys sporting ecosystem. Their performances and rising visibility inspired millions and underlined Indias commitment to empowering every athlete, regardless of physical limitations. World Championship medallist Gaurav Bidhuri echoed the optimism surrounding Indian sport while speaking to IANS. India has achieved new heights in all sports. The Modi government is doing really good work for sports. This year was wonderful for Indian sports, and the coming year is even bigger with the Cricket World Cup, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. I am sure India will continue to progress, Bidhuri said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As 2025 draws to a close, Indian sport stands confident, inclusive and ambitious, poised for even greater milestones on the global stage. Article Source: IANS

MCG Chief Curator 'in State Of Shock' After Two-day Boxing Day Test Pitch Debacle

Boxing Day Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) chief curator Matt Page has expressed disappointment after the fourth Ashes Test at the MCG ended in two days, with the latter saying he was in a state of shock watching the Boxing Day Test end. England won the fourth Ashes Test in less than 32 hours, with 36 wickets falling for 572 runs off 142 overs. England won by four wickets. No player from either team managed a half-century, a feat that had not occurred in a Test match in Australia since 1932. Speaking to the media outside the MCG on Sunday, Page explained the challenges he faced while preparing the pitch and expressed his dismay at the result. Were obviously really disappointed that its been gone two days. Wed rather be in there (today) watching these two great teams going at it, he told reporters. Well learn from this, well get better from it, as we have done over the last seven years with every setback weve faced. Well grow from it, and well ensure that we get it right again next year. Page admitted he was surprised after 20 wickets fell on Day 1. I was in a state of shock after the first day to see everything that happened. 20 wickets in a day, Ive never been involved in a Test match like it, and hopefully never involved in a Test match like it again. It was a rollercoaster ride for two days to see everything unfold. But well learn from it, well grow from it, well get better at it, just like we have over the past years. I have no doubt we will come back bigger, better and stronger than we have done, he said. Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) chief Stuart Fox also expressed his disappointment on Boxing Day, two days ago, and said the pitch was clearly favouring bowlers and had nothing to offer the batters. This pitch has clearly favoured the bowlers and hasnt given the batters a good opportunity to get set. So were obviously disappointed. What it demonstrates is the really fine margins that Matt and his team are dealing with, Fox said. We had some circumstances leading into the Test that were difficult, particularly around weather. We do understand the impact this has had on, particularly, the fans, and obviously, one of our key stakeholders in Cricket Australia. We dont plan for this to happen; were disappointed, and well move on. Well respond quickly. Matt and his team have done it before and hes produced some good pitches, so Ive got all the faith in the world in Matt and his team, he added. Page also gave the reason for his team having 10 millimetres of grass on the pitch this year, compared with last years seven. We had a lot of hot weather leading into last year, which makes it a lot easier for us to control our moistures leading in. We left more moisture in the top of the pitch last year to provide that contest early up in the game, Page said. We felt that we had the balance really good leading into that game. This year we went in with 10 mils as we knew we were going to get a lot of hot weather at the back end of the game. Were really conscious of flat pitches, we dont want to go back to what we had in 2017 (when it was a road). Our grass is vitally important to what we do. We dont get inconsistent bounce, we dont get deterioration in our pitches. We had a lot of hot weather leading into last year, which makes it a lot easier for us to control our moistures leading in. We left more moisture in the top of the pitch last year to provide that contest early up in the game, Page said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Despite the pitch debacle, the MCC chief said that he stood by Page and his team. We brought Matt on eight years ago because hes considered one of the best in the country, if not the best, and I still believe that, and I always will. Hes done a great job. He and his team worked tirelessly to get this right. You can see hes disappointed today. He carries that responsibility, and my job as a leader is to support people, he said. Article Source: IANS

Shadab returns to Pakistan's T20I side for tour of Sri Lanka

None of the other Pakistan players playing in the BBL - Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali - have been named in the squad

Weatherald has shown 'glimpses' that he can handle Test cricket

Travis Head believes his opening partner has looked the part and picked out his Brisbane innings as a vital moment of the Ashes series

Laura Harris equals fastest fifty record in women's T20s

She hit a 15-ball half-century for Otago in the Super Smash, equalling the mark set by Marie Kelly for Warwickshire in 2022

Babar, Rizwan, Afridi, Rauf Miss Out As Pakistan Name Squad For Sri Lanka T20Is

Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium: Pakistan have named their T20I squad for next month's three-match series in Sri Lanka, with several key players absent, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Rizwan, who are participating in Australia's Big Bash League. Additionally, uncapped keeper-batter Khawaja Nafay received his maiden call-up. The 23-year-old right-handed wicketkeeper-batter, has recently been part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad and has featured in 32 T20 matches, scoring at a strike rate of 132.81. All-rounder Shadab Khan has returned to the T20I team as the selectors announced a 15-player squad for the T20I series next month. Salman Ali Agha, who has played a record 34 T20I matches- the most by a Pakistani player this year- will remain captain of the revamped squad. Shadab, 27, who last played for Pakistan in June, had shoulder surgery earlier this year. After a successful rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, he is now playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia. The Pakistan team will leave for Sri Lanka in the first week of January. All three T20I matches are set to take place at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS) in Dambulla on January 7, 9, and 11. The series will give Pakistan a chance to finalise their squad for the ICC Mens T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. All of Pakistan's matches will be played in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Pakistan are placed in Group B for the upcoming World Cup and will face India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA in the first round Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq Series Schedule: First T20I, January 7, Dambulla Series Schedule: Also Read: Live Cricket Score Third T20I, January 11, Dambulla Article Source: IANS

Head Backs Struggling Weatherald, Says 'he's Good Enough' To Play International Cricket

Travis Head: Travis Head has backed his opening partner Jake Weatherald has endured a tough start to his Test career, to turn things around. Weatherald, who made his Test debut in the Ashes series opener after a stellar run of form at Sheffield Shield, managed just 146 runs from eight innings. The 31-year-old is expected to retain his spot in the final match at the SCG next week. Weatherald Test future's is facing scrutiny following a glut of low scores, except his half century in the opener. But, Head feels there is plenty for Weatherald to offer and admitted the conditions on Australian pitches across the four matches have been difficult. International cricket is extremely tough. The wickets have been challenging across the board the last few years, that's well-documented. It's not an excuse and I think he's a good enough cricketer for international cricket and I think he showed a lot of glimpses over his first four Tests, Head said. It's not always gonna go your way and there's a lot of guys who look like they have been under the pump with the bat who are the best of our generation. It can be a tough way to start your international career, but I think he's a good enough player to play international cricket, he added. Head further said he is happy to continue in his role as opener as the Ashes series against England heads to Sydney for the final Test of the home summer. He has been a revelation for Australia since his move to the top of the order from No.5 and has already scored two centuries in the role during the Ashes to be the leading run-scorer of the series. I see myself as this team's opening batter for the series and then we've got a long gap between to piece the puzzles together for where the team wants to go, said Head. I've felt good at the top, I feel like I've been batting well. For this series, I feel like I've been able to do a job for the team and it's put us in good positions. I see myself as this team's opening batter for the series and then we've got a long gap between to piece the puzzles together for where the team wants to go, said Head. Also Read: Live Cricket Score There will be challenging times, but at the moment I feel like I'm moving really well, which is putting me in good positions against the new ball, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Lee credits Lillee after inducation to Hall of Fame

The fast bowler was part of one of most dominant sides in cricket history and among the quickest bowlers ever

MCG Pitch Controversy Leaves Cricket Australia Facing Millions After Two-Day Ashes Test

Melbourne Cricket Ground head curator Matt Page said Sunday he was in a state of shock watching the carnage unfold during the two-day fourth Ashes Test which has left Cricket Australia facing millions of dollars in revenue shortfall. Page and his team left 10 millimetres of grass on the wicket, providing fast bowlers with excessive seam movement and bounce which made batting treacherous. Thirty-six wickets tumbled in 142 overs, 20 on the first day, and the game was all over in the evening session of day two as England won by four wickets for their first victory in Australia since January 2011. More than 90,000 fans were expected for day three and many more for days four and five. But with ticket sales having to be refunded, Cricket Australia faces another big financial hit after the Ashes series opener in Perth also ended within two days. Chief executive Todd Greenberg on Sunday estimated that the Melbourne shortfall alone would cost the governing body more than Aus$10 million (US$6.7 million). It is the first time the same series has had multiple two-day Tests for 129 years, dating back to the time when wickets were left uncovered to the weather. I was in a state of shock, Page said. I've never been involved in a Test match like it and hopefully never involved in a Test match like that again. We know this hasn't gone as we planned. We will look at what we need to do to improve. A year ago the grass on the pitch had been shaved down to seven millimetres and produced a thrilling Test that went all the way to the final session on day five as Australia beat India. Page said that cool and wet weather leading into this year's Test combined with forecast heat on days three and four meant he had needed to take a different approach. - Pitch 'a joke' - We're trying to balance that contest between bat and ball throughout, over the four or five days, to provide that captivating Test for all, he said. We left it longer because we knew we were going to get (hot) weather at the back end that we knew we needed our grass (for). International Cricket Council referee Jeff Crowe is yet to deliver his assessment of the pitch,pondering whether to give it an unsatisfactory rating which would see the venue slapped with a demerit point. England captain Ben Stokes and Australia counterpart Steve Smith were both critical of the surface, as were a string of former greats. Being brutally honest, that's not really what you want, Stokes said. Smith added: It was tricky. No one could really get in. When you see 36 wickets across two days, that's probably too much. Former England captain Michael Vaughan labelled the pitch a joke. Greenberg said Cricket Australia would undertake an end-of-season review of the management of Test wickets, conceding that the financial deficits sting. With the way batters are batting, and the way the game is evolving, are the preparation of our wickets in lockstep with that? he told cricket.com.au. If they're not, how do we make sure that they are so that we can try to balance the commercial imperatives versus the performance? Despite the controversy, MCG chief executive Stuart Fox backed Page and his ground staff to continue. We bought Matt on eight years ago because he's considered one of the best in the country, if not the best, Fox said. I still believe that, and I always will. Also Read: Live Cricket Score You can see he's disappointed. He carries that responsibility and my job as a leader is to support people.

Webster, Inglis released for BBL duty before Sydney Test

No one else will play BBL after the two-day MCG Test but a number of players should be available after the Ashes finishes

'We've gone too far' - The three millimetres which created a firestorm

Melbourne's fickle summer weather had a part to play in why the curator misjudged his Boxing Day pitch

MCG curator in 'state of shock' as Head offers support after costly two-day finish

Matt Page has been given backing by his boss as the fallout continues for a quickfire Boxing Day Test

Gardner believes Australia still world's best ahead of India series

The team has failed to win the most recent ODI and T20 World Cups but the allrounder doesn't expect dramatic changes

Durban Super Giants vs MI Cape Town, Match 4, SA20 2025-26, Who will win today DSG vs MICT match?

DSG vs MICT, Match 4 , Cricket Tips :The rematch of the tournament's opener of the SA20 2025-26 is all set to be played on Sunday. The current champion, MI Cape Town, will lock horns with Durban Super Giants in the 4th clash. This match will start at 7 PM IST at Kingsmead in Durban. The first game between these two sides was a high-scoring one, which the Super Giants won by 15 runs. There were several contributions for them, and they had an all-round effort. But for MICT, Ryan Rickelton was a standout performer, who slammed a century. But he didn't have any support from others, which cost the team a win. DSG vs MICT: Match Details Date : December 28, 2025 (Sunday) Time : 9:00 PM IST Venue : Kingsmead, Durban DSG vs MICT: Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch the upcoming game on the Star Sports Networks. Fans can also enjoy the live stream of this game on the Jio Hotstar app or website. DSG vs MICT: Head-to-Head in SA20 Total Matches : 7 MI Cape Town : 1 Durban Super Giants : 5 No-Result : 1 DSG vs MICT: Ground Pitch Report The wicket at Kingsmead is a good batting deck. This venue has hosted some high-scoring games in recent times. The wicket has flattened out and has assisted the batters more. Fast bowlers will have some help early on, but the wicket will get better for batting with time. DSG vs MICT: Possible XIs MI Cape Town : Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Nicholas Pooran, George Linde, Jason Smith, Corbin Bosch, Rashid Khan (c), Dwaine Pretorius, Tristan Luus, Trent Boult Durban Super Giants : Devon Conway, Jos Buttler, Kane Williamson, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Evan Jones, Aiden Markram (c), Eathan Bosch, David Wiese, Kwena Maphaka, Simon Harmer, Noor Ahmad DSG vs MICT: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Devon Conway played a good knock for DSG in the first game and showed his good form. For MICT, Ryan Rickelton, who scored a century, will be a key. Probable Best Bowler Ethan Bosch bowled well in the first game. He uses the cutters more effectively on this kind of wicket. Trent Boult was the one bowler that was economical, despite other bowlers going for runs. So, he will be the one to watch out for for MICT. Today Match Prediction : DSG have the momentum, and this is a home game for them. Hence, we predict DSG to beat MICT on Sunday. DSG vs MICT Match 4, SA20 2025-26, Today Match DSG vs MICT, DSG vs MICT Prediction, DSG vs MICT Predicted XIs, Injury Update of the match between Durban Super Giants vs MI Cape Town Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

India's chance to test themselves and their bench strength

With the series against Sri Lanka already won, they could try setting totals instead of chasing them

Ayush Mhatre to lead India at Under-19 World Cup

Suryavanshi will lead India U-19 on their youth-ODI tour to South Africa before the World Cup

Duan Jansen's career-best triggers PC's collapse as JSK start with win

PC lost 5 for 18 after an opening stand of 71, as JSK won at SuperSport Park for the first time

Mhatre To Captain India In U19 World Cup; Sooryavanshi Named Captain For SA Tour

U19 World Cup: Ayush Mhatre has been named as Indias captain for the upcoming Mens Under-19 World Cup, to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6. But Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra, also named in the U19 World Cup squad, will not be a part of the pre-tournament 50-over tour of South Africa, to take place from January 3-7, after sustaining wrist injuries. In Mhatres absence, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will lead the side on the tour of South Africa, where they will play all of their three matches at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, while Yuvraj Gohil and Rahul Kumar are added to the squad selected by the Junior Mens Selection Committee. IANS understands that both Mhatre and Malhotra were in Mumbai on Friday for further assessments of their wrist injuries, and their status so far remains unclear. The duo will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for further management of their injuries and will join the team for the ICC Mens Under-19 World Cup, said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a statement on Saturday. Fast bowling all-rounder RS Ambrish and leg-spin bowling all-rounder Mohamed Enaan also return to the India U19 team in place of Gohil and Naman Pushpak. The 2026 ICC Mens Under-19 World Cup will feature 16 teams split into four groups, and is followed by a Super Six stage, semi-finals, and the final in Harare. Five-time champions India, who won the trophy in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022, have been drawn in Group A alongside New Zealand, the USA, and Bangladesh. India will open their campaign against the USA on January 15 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, before facing Bangladesh and New Zealand on January 17 and 24 at the same venue. Fast bowling all-rounder RS Ambrish and leg-spin bowling all-rounder Mohamed Enaan also return to the India U19 team in place of Gohil and Naman Pushpak. The 2026 ICC Mens Under-19 World Cup will feature 16 teams split into four groups, and is followed by a Super Six stage, semi-finals, and the final in Harare. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Indias squad for SA tour: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (C), Aaron George (VC), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), R.S. Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Henil Patel, D. Deepesh, Kishan Kumar Singh, Udhav Mohan, Yuvraj Gohil, Rahul Kumar Article Source: IANS

Ashes 2025-26: No Test Cricket Fans Should Be Celebrating What We Have Seen For 2 Days, Says Vaughan

Melbourne Cricket Ground: England's dramatic two-day victory over Australia in the fourth Test of the Ashes 2025-26 series has ignited fierce debate about the green pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with former skipper Michael Vaughan saying that while the result merits celebration, the quality of cricket on display will not be celebrated much by fans. A win is a win, and England should celebrate, but NO Test cricket fans should be celebrating what we have seen for 2 days .. #Ashes, wrote Vaughan on his X account on Saturday. The 10mm of grass left on the pitch resulted in 36 wickets falling in six sessions at the MCG, as England ended a 14-year wait for a Test match victory in Australia with a four-wicket win. England dismissed Australia for 132 in their second innings to set themselves a chase of 175 to win, which they completed after losing six wickets. Meanwhile, Englands fast bowling great Stuart Broad said the win in Melbourne came too late to affect the result in the Ashes. Broad added that the four-wicket triumph would resonate more with travelling fans and the players themselves than with Englands supporters back home. I think it (the reaction) will be slightly mixed. I look over to the English fans now, and theyll have that emotion of being here and seeing England win away, singing the songs, having a few drinks with their friends. I think it will be positive in Australia and for the English fans who travelled here. (But) Im sure there would be a sense back home that its too little, too late in a way, in the fact that the Ashes have gone in Adelaide last week. And if Australia werent 3-nil up, would Pat Cummins have played? Would Australia have played a stronger side? I think it (the reaction) will be slightly mixed. I look over to the English fans now, and theyll have that emotion of being here and seeing England win away, singing the songs, having a few drinks with their friends. I think it will be positive in Australia and for the English fans who travelled here. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Australia hold a 3-1 lead in the 2025/26 Ashes series, with the contest now moving to Sydney for the traditional New Years Test starting at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 4. Article Source: IANS

India Women vs Sri Lanka Women, 4th T20I - Who will win today IND-W vs SL-W match?

IND-W vs SL-W , 4th T20I , Cricket Tips :Three games and three dominating performances from India Women to win the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka Women. Renuka Singh Thakur and Shafali Verma were the stars with bat and ball. India had a couple of changes, which didn't break their balance. In fact, it strengthens them more. For Sri Lanka, they have tried a few players, but all of them have struggled in these conditions. Even the toss in all three games has gone in their favor. Trailing by 0-3, Sri Lanka will take on India Women in the fourth T20I on Sunday at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. IND-W vs SL-W: Match Details Date : December 28, 2025 (Sunday) Time : 7:00 PM IST Venue : Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram IND-W vs SL-W: Live Streaming Details The live action of the fourth T20I will be available on the Star Sports channel on the Indian cable TV networks. Fans can also access the live stream of this game on the Jio Hotstar app or website. IND-W vs SL-W: Head-to-Head Total Matches : 29 India : 23 Sri Lanka : 05 No-Result : 01 IND-W vs SL-W: Ground Pitch Report The wicket in Thiruvananthapuram is pretty good for batting. But there is enough help for the bowlers to be in the game. Fast bowlers can move the new ball, and the wicket has good bounce. Spinners will get grip and turn in the lateral stage of the game. The toss will be crucial, and chasing can be an edge in these conditions. IND-W vs SL-W: Possible XIs India : Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Vaishnavi Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Renuka Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani Sri Lanka : Hasini Perera, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nimesha Madushani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk), Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Malsha Shehani, Inoka Ranaweera, Malki Madara IND-W vs SL-W: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Shafali Verma is on fire, and she has now scored two consecutive half-centuries. For Sri Lanka, Hasini Perera has had some starts, but she needs to play big and long, and she can do it against this Indian bowling unit. Probable Best Bowler Renuka Thakur bowled a fiery opening spell and turned things in favor of the hosts. She has done something similar in the fourth game. For Sri Lanka, Kavisha Dilhari was pretty good in the previous game and was the pick of the bowlers. Today Match Prediction : India have been incredible in all three departments. That is why we predict India to beat Sri Lanka on Sunday. IND-W vs SL-W 4th T20I, Today Match IND-W vs SL-W, IND-W vs SL-W Prediction, IND-W vs SL-W Predicted XIs, Injury Update of the match between India Women vs Sri Lanka Women Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

Bryant, Bartlett secure victory for Brisbane Heat

Short had a terrific day with ball and bat but finished on the wrong side of the result

Ashes 2025-26: Pitch At Melbourne Cricket Ground Was Farcical At Times, Says Nasser Hussain

Melbourne Cricket Ground: Former England captain Nasser Hussain described the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch for the fourth Test of the Ashes series as farcical at times, as he and Michael Atherton joined a chorus of fierce criticism after the match ended inside two days. The 10mm of grass left on the pitch resulted in 36 wickets falling in six sessions at the MCG, as England ended a 14-year wait for a Test match victory in Australia with a four-wicket win. England dismissed Australia for 132 in their second innings to set themselves a chase of 175 to win, which they completed after losing six wickets. I don't think the great Shane Warne would have thought that was acceptable, and I don't think it's acceptable not having spin at all, and there being so much movement in the surface. It was farcical at times. That can be thrilling, but there are traditionalists who like the ebbs and flows and the slow build. This was not slow, it was in fast-forward, and we have enough of that whether through T10, T20, The Hundred, said Hussain on Sky Sports, after the game ended. Seamers sent down all 142 overs in the match on a green pitch where no batter reached fifty, and it is expected to cost Cricket Australia (CA) millions of dollars in ticket refunds and revenue losses in terms of merchandise, food, and drink sales. Atherton said the pitch at MCG made for an unsatisfactory spectacle. It wasn't dangerous, and it was fair to both sides in the sense that it didn't change. It was a shoot-out on a difficult pitch. But in terms of spectacle, it's unsatisfactory. There was not an over of spin bowled in the game, and you have 90,000 people who have got tickets for day three, so this is going to cost Cricket Australia an absolute bomb. You also had players saying the only way to play on the pitch is in an unorthodox manner, so for all kinds of reasons, it is an unsatisfactory feeling. Atherton said the pitch at MCG made for an unsatisfactory spectacle. It wasn't dangerous, and it was fair to both sides in the sense that it didn't change. It was a shoot-out on a difficult pitch. But in terms of spectacle, it's unsatisfactory. Also Read: Live Cricket Score England supporters will clearly be thrilled they have seen a win, and so will England players, but people watching will be thinking, 'what kind of Test cricket have I seen?' You come to watch a wide variety of skills, and the game develops over a period of time. You are going to get extreme conditions from time to time, but we have had two now in this series, and I don't think we want to see this too frequently, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Ireland Announces Squad For Womens T20 World Cup Global Qualifier

T20 World Cup Global Qualifier: Cricket Ireland has announced its 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Womens T20 World Cup Global Qualifier in Kathmandu, Nepal, from January 18 to February 1, 2026. Gaby Lewis is set to serve as the team captain again, with Orla Prendergast as her deputy. The Irish squad will leave on January 6, 2026, to attend a six-day preparation camp in Dubai, before travelling to Nepal on January 12. The team will participate in two official warm-up matches against Nepal and Zimbabwe. The Qualifier will feature teams from Bangladesh, Ireland, the Netherlands, Namibia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand, the USA, and Zimbabwe. These teams are divided into two groups of five, with Ireland placed in Group A. After all group matches, the top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, and the top four from this stage will then qualify for the T20 World Cup. Graeme West, Director of High Performance, said, The recent tour to South Africa demonstrated how tough international cricket can be, but also how our group can learn, adapt, and grow from the experience. While that South Africa series was an opportunity to hone skills and identify areas of further improvement required, the upcoming Qualifier will be the time when the squad will need to put that experience into action on the field. Nepali wickets are traditionally low and slow, so we are taking three frontline spinners in the squad as they will likely play a key role in the expected conditions. We have no major injury concerns, with Amy Hunter expected to fully recover from the niggle that kept her out of the 3rd ODI against South Africa recently. Graeme West, Director of High Performance, said, The recent tour to South Africa demonstrated how tough international cricket can be, but also how our group can learn, adapt, and grow from the experience. While that South Africa series was an opportunity to hone skills and identify areas of further improvement required, the upcoming Qualifier will be the time when the squad will need to put that experience into action on the field. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Ireland Squad for T20 World Cup Qualifiers: Gaby Lewis (c), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, ?Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell Article Source: IANS

Josh Tongue succeeds where generations of greats could not

He is the first England bowler named player of the match in an Ashes Test in Australia since Dean Headley in 1998

Very Grateful, All Credit To My Team: Harmanpreet On Becoming Captain With Most Wins In Womens T20Is

Greenfield International Stadium: India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur etched her name into the record books on Friday by becoming the most successful captain in womens T20 internationals, overtaking former Australia leader Meg Lanning. The 36-year-old, however, played down the personal milestone, stressing that the achievement was only possible because of her teammates' collective efforts. Harmanpreet reached the landmark following Indias dominant eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the third T20I of the five-match series at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. With this victory, she now has 77 wins from 130 matches as captain in the format, moving past Lannings tally of 76 wins from 100 games at the helm of Australia. That is something I never thought would happen. As a captain, you always aim to win World Cups or win series, but becoming the most successful T20 captain- that is something which I never thought, but Im very grateful, and I would like to give all credit to my team. Theyve been outstanding. Its because of them that we keep winning. Its just a beginning for all of us. I know the next big thing is coming up (T20 World Cup), and hopefully, well continue the same winning momentum and keep winning for Team India, she said. The record adds another highlight to a standout year for the Indian captain. Earlier this year, in November, she led India to their maiden Womens ODI World Cup title, guiding the team to a memorable 52-run triumph over South Africa in the final at the Dr. D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Reflecting on the latest win against Sri Lanka, Harmanpreet expressed satisfaction with the teams all-round performance, noting that the confidence gained from such displays would be valuable as the Indian side builds toward the Womens T20 World Cup scheduled for June 2026. It was a great series for all of us. That's what we discussed when we got together after the World Cup: we have to raise our standard. Be a little more aggressive in T20, we all know the T20 World Cup is coming up, this is the right time to push ourselves, so really happy with the overall performance, said Harmanpreet. Reflecting on the latest win against Sri Lanka, Harmanpreet expressed satisfaction with the teams all-round performance, noting that the confidence gained from such displays would be valuable as the Indian side builds toward the Womens T20 World Cup scheduled for June 2026. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India and Sri Lanka will next face off on Sunday for the fourth T20I at the same venue in Trivandrum. Article Source: IANS

Dhaka Capitals Assistant Coach Dies After Collapsing Ahead Of BPL Clash

Sylhet International Cricket Stadium: Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki died on Saturday after collapsing suddenly at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium minutes before his team's opening Bangladesh Premier League match was to commence against Rajshahi Warriors. Team staff and medical personnel immediately administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after Zaki, 59, collapsed on the ground during his teams pre-match preparation. He was taken by ambulance to Al Haramain Hospital, where he was declared dead. The match went ahead as per the original schedule, with the players, coaches and match officials observing a minute's silence for Zaki. The Bangladesh Cricket Board deeply mourns the passing of Mahbub Ali Zaki (59), Specialist Pace Bowling Coach of the BCB Game Development Department and Assistant Coach of Dhaka Capitals in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 2026. He passed away today, 27 December 2025, in Sylhet at around 1:00 PM (afternoon). Mahbub Ali Zakis dedication and invaluable contribution to the development of fast bowling and Bangladesh cricket will be remembered with profound respect and gratitude. The Bangladesh Cricket Board extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the entire cricketing fraternity at this time of immense loss, said the BCB in a statement on Saturday. The sudden collapse shocked everyone at the ground, with team officials saying Zaki had not complained of any health issues prior to the incident. Players from several BPL teams, including Sylhet Titans, Noakhali Express, and Chattogram Royals, rushed to the hospital as news of the incident spread in Bangladeshs cricket community. The Bangladesh Cricket Board extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the entire cricketing fraternity at this time of immense loss, said the BCB in a statement on Saturday. Also Read: Live Cricket Score A fast bowler during his playing career, Zaki represented Comilla district in the National Cricket Championship and also played for Abahani Limited, Bangladesh's most decorated club, in the Dhaka Premier League. Article Source: IANS

Pain Of ODI World Cup Semi-final Defeat To India Is Still There, Says Kim Garth

ODI World Cup: Australias seam-bowling all-rounder Kim Garth said the pain of ODI World Cup semi-final defeat to India still exists within the side. She added that playing hosts to the multi-format series against India, to be played from February to March, is an exciting challenge for the Australian team. India had defeated Australia by five wickets to win a thrilling ODI World Cup semi-final in Navi Mumbai, and went on to lift the trophy. Definitely, I think that one certainly still hurts a bit. That semi-final loss, India are obviously a very good team. So look, I think every time we play India, it's always a good game of cricket. So I think to have obviously three one-dayers, three T20s and a Test match in the space of a month and in different conditions all around Australia is going to be really exciting, said Kim to ABC Sport on Saturday, on the sidelines of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). She also felt teams are getting closer in competing against top sides like Australia, something which looks exciting for her. It's an interesting one. Obviously, it's been a very dominant team for so long, but I think obviously all teams are just improving and we're seeing a lot more competitive games, which is really exciting and in World Cups, they all seem to be a lot closer. Australia went through a period there for a while where they pretty much won everything and now they don't hold either of the 50 over or T20 World Cup, which is the first time for a long time I think that that's happened. But look, I think it's really exciting for women's cricket. Obviously, still, as I said before, still hurting a bit from that World Cup loss, but I think it's only a good thing for the game, elaborated Kim. She further stated that the talent within and coming into the Australian team is still top-notch. Very well, I think. Honestly, there's so much talent in that group and so much coming through. I just can't wait to see in years to come how all these girls the likes of Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland develop in coming years. Its also about the next lot coming through as well. To see how that plays out, it's going to be very exciting. But as I said, the India series is something to look forward to, and I think it'll be a really good test for us. Australia and India will also play a Test match and Kim felt there needs to be more longer format games in the women's international arena. I think so. Look, I know the players certainly want more Test cricket. We all love playing Test matches. So I can't see why not (more of it). I think we've had some brilliant women's Test matches over the years. Particularly, I think back to that Ashes Test in England, I think it was 2023, went the full five days with some brilliant cricket played across all five days. So I mean, I personally can't see why not and selfishly, obviously want to play a lot more Test cricket, so hopefully (more of it). Australia and India will also play a Test match and Kim felt there needs to be more longer format games in the women's international arena. I think so. Look, I know the players certainly want more Test cricket. We all love playing Test matches. So I can't see why not (more of it). Also Read: Live Cricket Score Then, a large chunk of the girls are heading off to India next week to play in the WPL over there, which is always very exciting. Then about a week later, we start that multi-format series at home against India. So that'll be a great series as well, she concluded. Article Source: IANS

Did one shot help England win MCG Test?

The early aggression from England's openers set the tone for their chase of 175, and one blow had a significant impact

MCG pitch would unleash 'hell' elsewhere in the world - Ben Stokes

England captain says his feedback to match referee won't be the best after tourists seal victory in two days

Ashes: To Get A Fifer, Get My Name On Honours Board Is A Very Special Feeling, Says Tongue

Melbourne Cricket Ground: England pacer Josh Tongue said to get a match-winning five-wicket haul and have his name registered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is a very special feeling, as the side got a Test match win in Australia after 15 years. Tongue claimed player of the match honours for picking figures of 5-45 and 2-44, as England beat Australia by four wickets inside two days. It's what dreams are made of. Obviously waking up on boxing day, a few nerves. But to get a fifer and get my name on the honours board, it's a very special feeling. It was with 95,000 people yesterday. The Barmy Army have been unbelievable these past four games. And especially here as well, in front of 95,000 people, it's amazing being in the moment for them. 100%, Tongue said at the conclusion of the game. He also opened up about his injury struggles that had threatened to end his career prematurely. I was in a tough situation with my body and stuff (on his past injuries). I was potentially retiring, but I'm glad that I put in the hard work to get myself back playing cricket. And now playing for England, it's all that I've always wanted to do. When asked about his favourite dismissal, Tongue praised all of his scalps rather than singling out an individual wicket. I'd say all of them. Obviously, coming to the ground on the first day, we knew it was going to be great. It suits us, and how we all bowled out there, making sure we broke our lengths. I thought all of our bowlers did exceptionally well and to be part of a Test match winning team here at the MCG, I can't be happy enough. Young batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell, who top-scored with 40 in the successful chase of 175, said he was thrilled to leave an impact in Englands victory. It was lovely to come in and have an impact, and what matters most is that it contributed to a win. Ive faced him (Starc) a little before, so I kind of knew what to expect, but it definitely feels a lot quicker when its nipping around. Still, a great experience to test yourself in conditions like that. Asked about what changed after the first innings dismissal, Bethell said, First innings, I probably didnt commit enough to my plans and didnt have enough conviction. In the second innings it was pretty clear, especially chasing a tricky total - that we had to be more proactive, put their bowlers off their lengths early, and stick to that approach. Quizzed on playing the reverse scoop first over after tea, Bethell said, It wasnt the best hit, but with the keeper up and third man quite wide, I thought that was the best thing to get back into rhythm quickly and trust my options, so its pretty surreal. Asked about what changed after the first innings dismissal, Bethell said, First innings, I probably didnt commit enough to my plans and didnt have enough conviction. In the second innings it was pretty clear, especially chasing a tricky total - that we had to be more proactive, put their bowlers off their lengths early, and stick to that approach. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I think its about taking confidence, learning from the moments that went well, and understanding what worked under pressure. Hopefully, its something I can build on for the rest of my career, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Ujjain Seers Threaten To Disrupt IPL Matches Over Bangladeshi Player

World Arabic Language Day: Religious leaders in Ujjain have issued a stark warning to disrupt Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches by damaging pitches if Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman is allowed to participate. The threat stems from growing anger over recent violent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, particularly two brutal lynching incidents involving blasphemy allegations. The seers, including Mahavir Nath, chief priest of the Rinmukteshwar Mahadev Temple in Ujjain, told reporters that ascetic warriors will storm stadiums to prevent matches involving the Bangladeshi player. They accuse authorities of ignoring the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh while permitting its cricketers to play in India. Other seer organisations have also issued the same warning. The controversy intensified after Kolkata Knight Riders acquired Mustafizur Rahman, the only Bangladeshi player picked in the recent IPL auction, for Rs 9.20 crore. Social media campaigns have called for boycotting KKR, with users labelling it a slap on every Hindu's face amid reports of minority violence. The incidents in Bangladesh have fuelled the outrage. On December 18, in Bhaluka Upazila, Mymensingh district, 27-year-old Hindu garment factory worker Dipu Chandra Das was accused by Muslim co-workers of allegedly making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad during an event marking World Arabic Language Day. He was dragged from his workplace at Pioneer Knit Composite Factory, brutally beaten by a mob, hanged from a tree, and his body set on fire beside a highway. Investigations found no direct evidence of blasphemy, with the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arresting several individuals. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus condemned the act but described it as isolated, amid broader unrest following the death of a prominent youth leader. Days later, on December 24, another Hindu man, 29-year-old Amrit Mondal (alias Samrat or Amit Mondal), was lynched in Rajbari's Pangsha sub-district over allegations of extortion. Villagers attacked him, and though police rescued him in critical condition, he succumbed at the hospital. Investigations found no direct evidence of blasphemy, with the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arresting several individuals. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus condemned the act but described it as isolated, amid broader unrest following the death of a prominent youth leader. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He called for deporting Bangladeshi infiltrators in India and urged strong measures to protect minorities abroad, stating, If Hindus there are not safe, they should be given refuge here. These developments have strained India-Bangladesh ties, with India expressing grave concern over documented violence against minorities. Hindu nationalist groups in India have held protests, while Bangladesh authorities have made arrests in the cases. Article Source: IANS

Ashes: 50 Or 60 More Runs Across Both Innings Could Have Changed The Result, Says Smith

Melbourne Cricket Ground: Australias stand-in captain Steve Smith admitted that an extra 50 or 60 runs across both innings might have altered the outcome of the fourth Ashes Test, which England won by four wickets to seal their first victory in the country since 2011. England chased down 175 to beat Australia by four wickets inside two days at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The tourists bundled out the hosts for 132, with Brydon Carse taking 4-34 and captain Ben Stokes picking up 3-24, before completing the chase in 32.2 overs. Despite the win for England, Australia hold an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series. Tricky one. Obviously a very quick game! Had we got 50 or 60 more across both innings then we might have been there at the end but credit to England, they came out today, bowled really well this morning and didn't let us get away. Then the way they started with the bat, they were very aggressive, got a few away and probably softened our ball a bit - it didn't offer as much from that point, said Smith at the conclusion of the game. Despite the win for England, Australia hold an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series. Tricky one. Obviously a very quick game! Had we got 50 or 60 more across both innings then we might have been there at the end but credit to England, they came out today, bowled really well this morning and didn't let us get away. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I think (it was in favour of the bowlers) a little bit too much. It was tricky, no-one could really get in. When you see 36 wickets across two days, that's probably too much. Maybe taking a bit of grass off or easing the preparation slightly wouldve helped. But thats how it was, and we just had to adapt, concluded Smith. Article Source: IANS

Stokes pleased to end Australia drought, but circumstances 'not ideal'

England captain praises fans for sticking with team through thick and thin, as they seal four-wicket win

Ashes: To Come Out On The Right Side Of The Result Feels Really Special, Says Stokes

Melbourne Cricket Ground: England captain Ben Stokes said it felt eally special to be on the winning side in the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and lauded his team for maintaining their focus and intensity. On Saturday, England ended a 14-year wait for a Test match victory in Australia with a four-wicket win on day twos play in Melbourne, a result that capped an intense turnaround after three successive defeats and mounting scrutiny over the teams preparation, as well as their conduct during a mid-series break in Noosa. Its been a massive effort from everyone, and to come out on the right side of the result feels really special. Hopefully it means a lot. We play for a lot of people - not just ourselves. The support we get, wherever we go in the world, is incredible. The noise, the chants, the constant backing - the lads out in the middle hear it, feel it, and thrive off it. I know a lot of our fans will be buzzing right now, said Stokes at the conclusion of the game. England dismissed Australia for 132 in their second innings to set themselves a chase of 175 to win, which they completed after losing six wickets. Definitely very satisfying. There was a fair bit going on in the build-up to this match, a lot being thrown our way. For the lads to come out, stay focused, and perform the way they did says a lot about the character in this team. Huge credit to the players, support staff, and management for keeping everyone locked in on what mattered - playing good cricket. We knew it wasnt going to be a straightforward (chase). The pitch had plenty in it, and the bowlers were always in the game. The message was to stay positive, not let the bowlers settle, and make them keep running in and hitting those tough areas. I thought the way we balanced intent with discipline was brilliant. It took courage, but the lads handled it superbly, elaborated Stokes. Huge credit to the players, support staff, and management for keeping everyone locked in on what mattered - playing good cricket. We knew it wasnt going to be a straightforward (chase). The pitch had plenty in it, and the bowlers were always in the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Every time hes pulled on an England shirt, hes given everything. Bethell as well - the partnership he helped build in tricky conditions was really important. Seeing younger players stand up in moments like this is fantastic, concluded Stokes. Article Source: IANS