Cricket News

Damien Martyn hospitalised with meningitis

The former batter, who played 67 Tests and 208 ODIs, was taken ill on Boxing Day

Rossouw 42, Subrayen three-for guide Super Kings home in low-scoring encounter

Subrayen's wickets restricted Super Giants to 86, a total that proved too little despite Super Kings' hiccup in the powerplay

MI Cape Town vs Pretoria Capitals, Match 8, SA20 2025-26, Who will win today MICT vs PC match?

MICT vs PC, Match 8 , Cricket Tips :The defending champion, MI Cape Town, have had a tough start to the fourth edition of the SA20. They played two games against Durban Super Giants, lost the first one, and the second match was washed out. MICT will now look to win their first game of this season at home. MI Cape Town will lock horns with Pretoria Capitals in the second game to be played on Wednesday. This match will begin at 9 PM IST at Cape Town in Newlands. Just like MICT, the Capitals are also searching for their first win of the season. So, which of these two teams will end their search with this game? MICT vs PC: Match Details Date : December 31, 2025 (Wednesday) Time : 9 PM IST Venue : Cape Town, Newlands MICT vs PC: Live Streaming Details To enjoy the live action of the MICT vs PC clash on Wednesday, fans can tune into the Star Sports Network. Fans can also enjoy the live stream on the Jio Hotstar app or website. MICT vs PC: Head-to-Head in SA20 Total Matches : 6 MI Cape Town 3 Pretoria Capitals : 3 No-Result : 0 MICT vs PC: Ground Pitch Report Cape Town has always been a happy hunting ground for the batting side. The wicket is pretty flat here, and bowlers will have a hard time here. But the overcast conditions can bring in more moisture into this game, and fast bowlers will be benefitted. The toss will be crucial, and chasing will be a good option here. MICT vs PC: Possible XIs MI Cape Town : Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Jason Smith, Nicholas Pooran, George Linde, Dwaine Pretorius, Rashid Khan (c), Karim Janat, Corbin Bosch, Trent Boult Pretoria Capitals : Shai Hope (wk), Will Smeed, Bryce Parsons, Sherfane Rutherford, Dewald Brevis, Codi Yusuf, Connor Esterhuizen, Wihan Lubbe, Tymal Mills, Keshav Maharaj (c), Lungi Ngidi MICT vs PC: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Ryan Rickelton scored a century in the tournament's opener. He will be the one to watch out for. For PC, Shai Hope showed good performance in the previous game and can take the game forward. Probable Best Bowler Trent Boult is the key for MICT. If he can take a few early wickets, MICT will be on top. For PC, Tymal Mills has been a consistent performer with the ball in both games. Today Match Prediction : Irrespective of both games, MICT are looking more settled, and we predict them to win this game. MICT vs PC Match 8, SA20 2025-26, Today Match MICT vs PC, MICT vs PC Prediction, MICT vs PC Predicted XIs, Injury Update of the match between MI Cape Town 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.

5th T20I: It Was About Believing In Ourselves That We Can Do That, Says Harmanpreet Kaur

T20 World Cup: India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur praised the effort put in by her teammates and asked them to make it a habit after the hosts whitewashed Sri Lanka 5-0, beating them in the fifth and last T20I by 15 runs in Thiruvananthapuram. Kaur, who was named Player of the Match for her exceptional 68 off 43 deliveries, expects her team to keep winning all the way to the T20 World Cup title. The clean sweep also marked India Womens third 50 victory in a bilateral T20I series, following similar results against West Indies in 2019 and Bangladesh in 2024. Earlier in 2024, India won the ODI World Cup, beating South Africa in the final to lift their maiden Trophy. Yeah, I mean, 2025 has been really great for us. For all the hard work we have done, this year we have got the credit. Now, it is all about repeating the good habits we've been on, keeping winning the way we have done this year, said Harmanpreet Kaur. One thing is that we have played a lot of T20 cricket together. It was about believing in ourselves that we can do that. Everyone was positive when Sir (Amol Muzumdar) spoke about the strike rates, lifting our standards. Everyone was happy, and we wanted to set those standards. Going forward, we want to look at this series and think of what we can do ahead. With the team missing key batters, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, skipper Kaur was at her best, scoring 68 when the team was reeling at 77 for 5, stitching up a 61-run partnership with Amanjot Kaur to guide the team to a respectable total. Her innings was studded with nine boundaries and a maximum. As a batter, it's my responsibility to give strength to that order and contribute. Shifting to T20 from ODIs wasn't easy, but everyone was excited to play. We fought for this and are happy with how all things came together. We wanted everyone to be available and play in this series, said Harmanpreet. With the team missing key batters, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, skipper Kaur was at her best, scoring 68 when the team was reeling at 77 for 5, stitching up a 61-run partnership with Amanjot Kaur to guide the team to a respectable total. Her innings was studded with nine boundaries and a maximum. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Next is WPL, which is important for all of us. Hopefully, we play our best cricket and enjoy ourselves over there. Next six months are important, we want to keep working hard and raising the bar for all of us. Hopefully, the way things have worked for us in ODIs, we want the same things working for us in the T20s. Article Source: IANS

5th T20I: We Did Not Play Our Best Cricket In Tournament, Says SL Skipper Athapaththu

T20I World Cup: Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu lamented that they did not play their est cricket against India, picking that as the reason for their debacle as visitors lost the fifth and T20I by 15 runs in Thiruvananthapuram. The clean sweep also marked India Womens third 50 victory in a bilateral T20I series, following similar results against West Indies in 2019 and Bangladesh in 2024. However, Athapaththu was confident in her young side to do better in the future. Actually, we did not play our best cricket in this tournament. Especially power hitting and batting. But some positives. We were carrying a young side. Hopefully, we can be better in the future, said Chamari Athapaththu. Athapaththu also asked senior players, including herself, to play good and competitive cricket ahead of the Women's T20I World Cup to be played in England. Some seniors are playing good cricket, but not all of us are doing very well. We need to improve in a couple of areas before the World Cup. We talk about positive things in the dressing room. We were playing good cricket 6-7 months back. Our coach is very good. He motivates us to play to our potential. Chasing 176 on a dry track, Sri Lanka suffered an early loss after the skipper got out early, but Hasini Perera (65) and Imesha Dulani (50) struck a good partnership, adding 79 runs for the 2nd wicket. Some batters executed the plans in the middle. We gave India a good fight. Thanks to the BCCI and the people of India for having us. Arundhati Reddy derailed Sri Lanka's chase by removing the very threatening Athapaththu in the second over of the match, who scored just two runs on that occasion. Although Sri Lanka lost their early wicket, they began to build some valuable momentum as Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani formed a much stronger second-wicket partnership, which contributed 79 runs. Some batters executed the plans in the middle. We gave India a good fight. Thanks to the BCCI and the people of India for having us. Also Read: Live Cricket Score After the two fifties, the middle and lower order crumbled as only Rashmika Sewwandi made it to double figures with an unbeaten score of 14 runs from eight balls. Article Source: IANS

5th T20I: Deepti Sharma Scripts World Record, Becomes Highest Wicket-taker In Womens T20Is

For Sri Lanka: India all-rounder Deepti Sharma scripts history by becoming the highest wicket-taker in womens T20 Internationals after claiming her 152nd wicket during the fifth T20I against Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. The milestone saw Deepti surpass Australias Megan Schutt (151), as she dismissed Nilakshika Silva in the 14th over, helping India complete a comprehensive 50 series sweep at home. Pakistan's Nida Dar follows in third place with 144 wickets from 152 innings. With 103 wickets in 86 innings, Radha Yadav is the second-best Indian on the list of wicket-takers. Radja and Deepti are the only two Indian bowlers with more than 100 T20I wickets on the list. Earlier this week, the 28-year-old became the first-ever cricketer across the mens and womens game to record 1,000 runs and 150 wickets in T20 Internationals. Currently ranked No. 1 in the ICC Womens T20I all-rounder rankings, Deepti has featured in 133 T20Is for India and was named player of the tournament at the 2025 ICC Womens World Cup, where India lifted their maiden title on home soil. India successfully defended 175 to win the game by 15 runs and seal a 5-0 series sweep. Deepti finished the match with one for 28 from four overs. In addition to T20I achievements, Deepti has taken 20 wickets in Tests and 162 in ODIs. She also emerged as one of the biggest names at the Womens Premier League auction, re-joining UP Warriorz for Rs 3.2 crore, the second-highest bid in league history. Meanwhile, Deepti Sharma continues to hold the top spot among T20I bowlers, and Hayley Matthews from the West Indies maintains a strong lead among T20I all-rounders. She also emerged as one of the biggest names at the Womens Premier League auction, re-joining UP Warriorz for Rs 3.2 crore, the second-highest bid in league history. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With India taking a commanding 4-0 lead in the five-match series and aiming for a whitewash on Tuesday, the rankings reflect their dominance, with both batters and bowlers on the rise. Article Source: IANS

Former SL Under-19 player Akshu Fernando dies after being in coma for years

He was struck by a train in December 2018 and had been on life support for much of the time since

Malinga to work with Sri Lanka in lead up to T20 World Cup

Although this is only a 40-day appointment, it is essentially a continuation of Malinga's work with key bowlers in the national set-up

WPL 2026: UP Warriorz Announce Charli Knott As Replacement For Tara Norris

T20 World Cup Qualifier: UP Warriorz have roped in Australia's Charli Knott as replacement for left-arm medium-pacer Tara Norris, who will be unavailable for the Womens Premier League (WPL) 2026 season after being selected for the USA national team for the 2026 ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, scheduled to be held in Nepal from January 18 to February 3, 2026. UP Warriorz have named uncapped Australian all-rounder Knott as their replacement for the upcoming fourth edition of the WPL. Knott has been signed at her reserve price of INR 10 lakh and is set to make her maiden WPL appearance. Uncapped at the international level, Knott brings with her considerable top-level experience, having featured in six seasons of the Womens Big Bash League (WBBL) and two seasons of The Hundred. A highly-rated young all-rounder, she is known for her solid technique with the bat, disciplined off-spin, and the ability to contribute across departments, adding depth and versatility to the UP Warriorz squad ahead of WPL 2026. Kshemal Waingankar, COO, UP Warriorz, added: We wish Tara the very best for her international assignment. We are excited to welcome Charli Knott to UP Warriorz. She is a promising all-rounder with the skill set and temperament to contribute across departments, and make an impact. With Charli Knott set for her maiden WPL stint, UP Warriorz continue to build a well-rounded squad for the WPL 2026 season, combining emerging talent with experience and depth across departments. UP Warriorz will begin their campaign on January 10 against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Meanwhile, Australian all-rounders Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland have also withdrawn from WPL 2026, citing personal reasons, and have been replaced by their respective franchises. With Charli Knott set for her maiden WPL stint, UP Warriorz continue to build a well-rounded squad for the WPL 2026 season, combining emerging talent with experience and depth across departments. UP Warriorz will begin their campaign on January 10 against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Three-time finalists Delhi Capitals have named Aussie Alana King as a replacement for Sutherland. The Australian leg-spinner, who represented UP Warriorz in the previous season, has featured in 27 T20Is and picked up 27 wickets. King will join DC at a reserve price of INR 60 lakh. Article Source: IANS

Relief For England Players As ECB Rules 'no Misconduct' In Noosa Trip

Wales Cricket Board: The England team heaved a collective sigh of relief as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has given the players a clean chit in the case of alleged excessive drinking during a team-building trip to Noosa between the second and third Tests in The Ashes tour 2025-26. Multiple reports had claimed that England players had indulged in excessive drinking during the trip organised as a team-building exercise for the players to recover from the defeat and get ready for the next match. However, there are reports now claiming that the ECB has not found any misconduct on the part of the English players during the trip. Although several videos of top-order batter Ben Duckett emerged on social media that showed him drunk and almost out of his senses after partying till late in the night, the ECB has concluded that there was 'no misconduct' and therefore no disciplinary action will be taken against the players. As per a report in The Daily Mail, if the ECB had found anything to be of concern, it would have been identified and resolved immediately rather than waiting for the Ashes loss. The procedure of the inquiry was not disclosed to the public, and the verdict was drafted against beer drinking and no other misconduct, claimed the report. According to reports, top ECB official Rob Key claimed that the reason for the 'no misconduct' verdict is that nothing was flagged by the security apparatus around the team in Australia. The England cricket team had security personnel assigned for the trip to Noosa, who were also authorised to intervene if any misbehaviour or red flag activities appeared. However, they werent needed to jump in, and the break was more like a bachelorette party, the report said. According to reports, top ECB official Rob Key claimed that the reason for the 'no misconduct' verdict is that nothing was flagged by the security apparatus around the team in Australia. Also Read: Live Cricket Score England, after slumping to an unassailable 0-3 deficit, salvaged some pride and avoided a whitewash against Australia by winning the fourth Test in Melbourne within two days. Ben Stokes and his boys would like to end the series on a high note by making it 3-2 by winning the final encounter in Sydney. Article Source: IANS

5th T20I: Harmanpreet's 68 And Late Blitz From Arundhati Help India Post 175/7

Greenfield International Stadium: Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front and scored a brilliant 68 off 43 deliveries as India Women, helped by a late blitz from Arundhati Reddy (27 off 11 balls), managed to post 175/7 in 20 overs against Sri Lanka in the fifth and final T20I match of the series at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. Struggling at 77 for 5, skipper Kaur added 61 runs in 38 deliveries with Amanjot Kaur (21) to help India reach a respectable total. Earlier, India were dealt with early blows as opener Shafali Varma's dream runs of form came to an end. Coming off three successive fifty-plus scores, Varma got caught at long-on for a score of 1 in the second over. Making her international debut, Gunalan Kamalini looked confident with early boundaries, but her innings came short with 12 runs. She, with Harleen Deol, who herself scored 13, including two boundaries, added 22 runs for the second wicket. Indias late surge ensured they posted a competitive 175 for 7, riding on a powerful finish after appearing in danger of falling well short. The final four overs yielded 51 runs, a phase that transformed the innings, especially considering that Kavisha Dilhari slipped in a tight four-run over, leaving India to smash 47 off the remaining three. Harmanpreet Kaur anchored the recovery with an innings that never allowed the momentum to dip, even as wickets kept tumbling at the other end. It was a knock reminiscent of her Mumbai Indians template fearless, proactive, and unrelenting. Amanjot Kaur provided crucial support, hanging in long enough to stitch a vital 61-run stand for the sixth wicket, which stabilised the innings before the final assault. At 142 for 7 in the 18th over, with dew expected later in the evening, India looked set to finish below par. But Arundhati Reddys explosive cameo of 27 off 11 balls proved the perfect finishing touch, lifting the total to a far healthier mark. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu may rue a few tactical calls, particularly not completing Dilharis quota despite her being the standout bowler with 2-11 in two overs. India found the seam easier to negotiate, yet they were offered eight overs of it. While Shafali, Kamalini, Deol, Ghosh, and Deepti fell to poorly executed shots, Indias captain ensured the innings stayed alive and the late burst ensured it ended strongly. At 142 for 7 in the 18th over, with dew expected later in the evening, India looked set to finish below par. But Arundhati Reddys explosive cameo of 27 off 11 balls proved the perfect finishing touch, lifting the total to a far healthier mark. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu may rue a few tactical calls, particularly not completing Dilharis quota despite her being the standout bowler with 2-11 in two overs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India Women 175/7 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 68, Arundhati Reddy 27 not out; Kavish Dilhari 2/11, Chamari Athapaththu 2/21) against Sri Lanka Women Article Source: IANS

ICC gives 'satisfactory' rating to Eden Gardens pitch for India-South Africa Test

Neither team had passed 200 even once in a three-day Test defined by uneven bounce and sharp turn

Super Kings Academy Expands Footprint In Tamil Nadu With New Centre In Tiruchengode

Super Kings Academy: Chennai Super Kings has announced that its flagship Super Kings Academy, one of Indias leading cricket training institutions, will launch a new academy centre at KSR Educational Institutions, Tiruchengode, further strengthening its grassroots cricket development programme in Tamil Nadu. The Tiruchengode centre marks Super Kings Academys presence in the 12th city in Tamil Nadu, underlining the institution's commitment to nurturing young cricketing talent across the state. Globally, Super Kings Academy operates more than 35 centres, making it one of the most extensive cricket academy networks in the world. The new SKA centre at KSR Educational Institutions will officially commence operations on January 19, 2026, offering aspiring cricketers access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, expert coaching staff, and structured development pathwayshallmarks of the Super Kings Academy ecosystem. The academy will have 2 turf pitches, 2 astro turf pitches, 3 matting pitches, apart from two grounds, a dedicated match simulation area, a bowling machine, floodlights for evening practice, and a gym with a swimming pool. Speaking on the expansion, KS Viswanathan, MD of Chennai Super Kings, said: Even while we expand globally, Tamil Nadu has always been a strong nursery for cricketing talent, and Tiruchengode is an important addition to our growing footprint in the state. Our aim at Super Kings Academy is to provide young players with world-class facilities, expert coaching, and the right opportunities to help them realise their full potential. Partnering with KSR Educational Institutions allows us to bring professional cricket training closer to aspiring players in this region. R. Srinivasan, Chairman of KSR Educational Institutions, added: We are delighted to associate with Super Kings Academy, a name synonymous with excellence and professionalism in cricket. This academy at KSR Educational Institutions will not only enhance our sports infrastructure but also give students and young cricketers in and around Tiruchengode access to elite-level coaching and exposure. We believe this partnership will play a key role in developing future cricketing talent. Speaking on the expansion, KS Viswanathan, MD of Chennai Super Kings, said: Even while we expand globally, Tamil Nadu has always been a strong nursery for cricketing talent, and Tiruchengode is an important addition to our growing footprint in the state. Our aim at Super Kings Academy is to provide young players with world-class facilities, expert coaching, and the right opportunities to help them realise their full potential. Partnering with KSR Educational Institutions allows us to bring professional cricket training closer to aspiring players in this region. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Launched in April 2022, the academy is currently operational in more than 35 centers across India, the USA, Australia, and Canada. Article Source: IANS

5th T20I: Kamalini Makes Debut As Sri Lanka Elect To Bowl In Thiruvananthapuram

Sri Lanka Women: Sri Lanka Women won the toss and elected to bowl first against India in the fifth and final T20I of the series at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. India are currently leading 4-0 in the five-match series and are in line for a clean sweep. The first two matches were played in Visakhapatnam, while the last three are being played at Thiruvananthapuram. Gunalan Kamalini is set to make her international debut for India as Smriti Mandhana, Renuka Thakur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Kranti Goud have been rested. Sneh Rana and Harleen Deol come back in the playing eleven. Kamalini is a 17-year-old top-order batter who also keeps wickets and was part of India's Under-19 team that won the Women's T20 World Cup earlier this year. She was Tamil Nadu's leading run-scorer in the Senior Women's T20 Trophy earlier this year. For Sri Lanka, Inoka Ranaweera and Malki Madara are back in the team. Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka Women's captain, said, We will bowl first. We played some good cricket in the last game, so we decided to bowl first. We learnt a lot of things this year. We played against the World Champions. This opportunity will be very good for the youngsters. We will carry the positives into the new year. Harmanpreet Kaur, India Women's captain, said, We were okay to bat first also. It is an important match. So let's take it that way. How we started this series, that's exactly how we want to finish. We have two changes: Smriti Mandhana and Renuka Thakur are resting. G. Kamalini makes her debut. Sneh Rana is back. Playing XIs: Harmanpreet Kaur, India Women's captain, said, We were okay to bat first also. It is an important match. So let's take it that way. How we started this series, that's exactly how we want to finish. We have two changes: Smriti Mandhana and Renuka Thakur are resting. G. Kamalini makes her debut. Sneh Rana is back. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India Women: Shafali Verma, G. Kamalini, Richa Ghosh (wk), Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Vaishnavi Sharma, Shree Charani, Arundhati Reddy Article Source: IANS

Glenn Phillips brings out the switch cover drive

Playing in the Super Smash, he hit a four with this shot, and then a six over extra-cover while taking strike left-handed

Sri Lanka bowl; Kamalini debuts as India rest Mandhana

Both teams made two changes for the final game of the series

Shaheen Afridi Ruled Out Of BBL 15 With A Knee Injury, To Fly To Lahore For Rehab

The T20 World Cup: Pakistan quick Shaheen Shah Afridi, playing for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26, has been sidelined for the rest of the season due to a knee injury suffered in an earlier match in Australia's domestic T20 league. The Brisbane Heat announced Afridi's unavailability for the remaining matches in the BBL season in a statement on Tuesday. The Pakistan ODI captain sustained a knee cartilage injury while fielding during the final over of Brisbane Heat's match against the Adelaide Strikers at Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday (December 27). The Brisbane Heat also contacted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) medical staff, and they agreed that it would be best for the pacer to go home for further treatment before the upcoming T20 World Cup. Shaheen told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) that he will board a plane early on Wednesday (Australia time) to return home, where he will begin his rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore later this week. My injury is not serious, but I have been informed to return to Lahore, where my rehab will start, and I am confident that after a week of rehab, I will start bowling in the next ten days, the pacer was quoted www.telecomasia.net. Sources familiar with the development mentioned that the PCB considers Shaheen a crucial part of the national teams bowling unit and believes he requires proper rehabilitation, which can be effectively carried out in Lahore. The PCB has also engaged renowned sports medicine specialist Dr. Javed Mughal to manage injury issues within the Pakistan camp. The T20 World Cup will take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, but the PCB has not yet announced the 15-player squad. Recently, the selectors announced the team for the three-match series against Sri Lanka, in which Shaheen, Babar Azam, and Haris Rauf were omitted due to their BBL commitments. However, the injury has altered the situation for Shaheen, and he now faces a race against time to recover before the upcoming World Cup. Pakistan is competing in Group A with India, the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands. The T20 World Cup will take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, but the PCB has not yet announced the 15-player squad. Recently, the selectors announced the team for the three-match series against Sri Lanka, in which Shaheen, Babar Azam, and Haris Rauf were omitted due to their BBL commitments. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The BBL was everything I had heard it would be lots of good, skilful cricket. I have enjoyed the challenge. I will be cheering for the team while recovering from my unexpected injury, and I hope our paths cross again, he added. Article Source: IANS

Sri Lanka Appoint Lasith Malinga As Fast Bowling Consultant To Aid T20 World Cup Preparations

ICC T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has appointed Lasith Malinga, one of their greatest bowlers in white-ball cricket, as Consultant- Fast Bowling Coach for the national men's team on a short one-month term to support their preparations for the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup 2026 to be jointly hosted with India. Malinga, one of the few sling bowlers, has represented Sri Lanka in 30 Tests, 226 One-Day Internationals, and 84 Twenty20 Internationals, claiming 101, 338, and 107 wickets, respectively, in each category. He was a key member of the Sri Lanka team that won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2014 in Bangladesh and finished as runners-up twice -- in 2009 in England and 2012 at home. He had also finished as a runner-up twice in the 50-over World Cup -- in 2007 and 2011. Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce the appointment of Lasith Malinga as the Consultant Fast Bowling Coach for the National Mens Team. His appointment is on a short-term basis for a period of one month, effective from December 15 to January 25, 2026. Malinga will support the preparation and development of Sri Lankas national fast bowlers as part of the build-up to the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026, the SLC informed in a release on Tuesday. The Sri Lanka Cricket aims to leverage Malingas vast international experience and renowned expertise in death bowling, particularly in the shortest format of the game, to strengthen Sri Lankas preparations for the upcoming World Cup, the release said. The ICC Mens T20 World Cup, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, will commence on February 7, 2026, with the opening match scheduled to be played at the SSC, Colombo. The Sri Lanka Cricket aims to leverage Malingas vast international experience and renowned expertise in death bowling, particularly in the shortest format of the game, to strengthen Sri Lankas preparations for the upcoming World Cup, the release said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Malinga has played for Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians from 2008 till 2017 and then from 2019-2020, Besides, he has represented Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, Guyana Amazon Warriors in Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Dhaka Gladiators, Rangapur Riders and Khulna Titans in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Ruhana Royals and Southern Express in the domestic Sri Lanka Premier League. Article Source: IANS

Perry, Sutherland withdraw from WPL 2026 for personal reasons

Tara Norris will also miss the WPL for UP Warriorz to play for USA in the T20 World Cup Qualifiers

Turner's 99* helps Perth Scorchers jump to third spot

He helped revive Scorchers from 34 for 3 to 202 before Thunder collapsed in the chase

Shafali, Renuka close in on top five in ICC T20I rankings

Shafali has advanced four places among batters whereas Renuka went up eight spots on the bowlers' charts

WPL 2026: Perry, Sutherland Withdraw; US Bowler Tara Norris To Miss League For National Duty

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Just 10 days before the start of its fourth edition, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals have suffered a setback with experienced Australian all-rounders Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland withdrawing from the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026. Both have cited personal reasons for pulling out of the WPL, which begins on January 9. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have named Sayali Satghare as a replacement for Perry. Satghare, who represents Mumbai at the domestic level and has been part of the Gujarat Giants squad earlier, will join RCB at her reserve price of INR 30 lakh. Three-time finalists Delhi Capitals have named fellow Aussie Alana King as a replacement for Sutherland. The Australian leg-spinner, who represented UP Warriorz in the previous season, has featured in 27 T20Is and picked up 27 wickets. King will join DC at a reserve price of INR 60 lakh. Meanwhile, left-arm medium pacer Tara Norris has been selected for the USA national team for the 2026 ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, scheduled to be held in Nepal from January 18 to February 1, 2026. As a result, she will be unavailable for the Womens Premier League 2026. UP Warriorz have named uncapped Australian all-rounder Charli Knott as her replacement. Knott has been signed at a reserve price of INR 10 lakh. Meanwhile, left-arm medium pacer Tara Norris has been selected for the USA national team for the 2026 ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, scheduled to be held in Nepal from January 18 to February 1, 2026. As a result, she will be unavailable for the Womens Premier League 2026. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Two-time winners Mumbai Indians Women will take on 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 1 of the fourth edition at the DY Patil Stadium. Article Source: IANS

Abhinav Bindra-led Task Force Recommends Creation Of NCSECB Under MYAS To Accredit, Certify Sports Admin Training

National Sports Governance Act: As India sets its sights on becoming one of the top 10 sporting nations by 2036, the government has outlined a bold plan to transform the countrys sports ecosystem. In a significant move to professionalise sports administration, the Department of Sports has taken steps to strengthen the administrative framework that will be pivotal in realising this ambitious goal. To achieve this vision, the Department of Sports established a Task Force on Capacity Building for Sports Administrators, chaired by Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra. The Task Force recently submitted its detailed report, emphasising the need for professional, accountable, and forward-looking sports administrators to bring about a paradigm shift in Indias sporting infrastructure. The reports recommendations are expected to accelerate Indias rise in global sports. The Task Force has inter-alia, recommended establishing the National Council for Sports Education & Capacity Building (NCSECB) as an autonomous statutory body under Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to regulate, accredit, and certify sports administration training. The Task Force in its report calls for introducing a five-level Capability Maturity Model (CMM) as a diagnostic and planning tool for strengthening the capacity of sports administrators. This is aimed to enable SAI, NSFs, and State Departments to assess institutional maturity across cadre structure, curriculum adoption, digital enablement, and athlete pathways. It shall further support evidence-based monitoring and targeted interventions. The report also recommends integrating sports governance training modules into the induction and advanced training of IAS and State Civil Service officers, recognizing their role in implementation of sports policies. The report proposes tying training to practical application and career progression through structured placements, a national accreditation registry, and policy integration. The report has called for rotational postings, apprenticeship models, innovation labs, and partnerships with federations, government, and the private sector to ensure administrators can apply skills and advance professionally. The Department of Sports is currently assessing the Task Force's recommendations for further necessary action as part of its push to professionalize India's sporting ecosystem. The Department of Sports has already initiated reforms to strengthen the sports administration ecosystem. It has revised the norms of assistance under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs) in May 2025, where NSFs can now allocate up to 10 per cent of their total funding for administrative manpower, ensuring they have the professional staffing and technical support needed to operate more effectively. The Department of Sports is currently assessing the Task Force's recommendations for further necessary action as part of its push to professionalize India's sporting ecosystem. Also Read: Live Cricket Score These reforms aim to establish a globally respected, athlete-focused governance framework, positioning India for long-term sporting success, including 2036 and beyond. The Government has also already laid the foundation for this vision through the enactment of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. Article Source: IANS

Mini Khel Mahakumbh To Be Held In Surat From January 9 To 12

Veer Narmad South Gujarat University: At a time when children are increasingly glued to mobile phones and digital gadgets, Gandhinagar-based Childrens Research University has taken a commendable initiative to bring Gujarats young talent back to the playground and nurture their abilities through a scientific approach. The university will organise the State-level Under-11 Athletics Meet Season 4.0 in Surat from January 9 to 12, 2026. The event has generated enthusiastic participation, with more than 4,500 child athletes registering from across the state. Envisioned as a Mini Khel Mahakumbh, the meet is not merely a competition but a concerted effort to identify and provide a platform for Gujarats hidden sporting talent at an early age. A total of 11 athletic events will be held during the meet. As many as 1,056 winners will be awarded prize money amounting to Rs 22 lakh. In addition, winning athletes will get a direct opportunity for admission to the District Level Sports School (DLSS) run by the Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG), a move expected to be a game-changer for their sporting careers. The competition will be hosted at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, and will feature separate categories for boys and girls in Under-9 and Under-11 age groups. Events include 60m, 100m, 200m and 400m races, hurdles, tennis ball throw, medicine ball throw, standing broad jump, long jump, high jump and javelin throw. Organisers highlighted that sports are not limited to physical exercise alone, but play a crucial role in a childs mental development and character building. Developing sports skills through a scientific framework, they said, will help children become physically fit, mentally resilient and better prepared for the future. Gujarat has steadily built a strong and modern sports infrastructure over the past decade, positioning itself as one of Indias leading states for sports development. The state hosts world-class facilities such as the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the worlds largest cricket stadium, along with international-standard arenas for football, athletics, swimming and indoor sports. Developing sports skills through a scientific framework, they said, will help children become physically fit, mentally resilient and better prepared for the future. Gujarat has steadily built a strong and modern sports infrastructure over the past decade, positioning itself as one of Indias leading states for sports development. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Continuous investment in stadiums, synthetic tracks, hostels, sports science support and talent identification programmes under the Sports Authority of Gujarat has helped nurture young athletes, while successfully hosting national and international events, reflecting the states growing focus on sports excellence and athlete-centric development. Article Source: IANS

Former Sri Lanka U19 Cricketer Akshu Fernando Passes Away After 8 Years In A Coma

Former Sri Lanka U19: Akshu Fernando, the former Sri Lanka Under-19 cricketer, tragically passed away on Tuesday, nearly seven years after being left in a coma following a devastating railway accident. Fernando, 25, had been in critical condition since December 28, 2018, when he was struck by a train while crossing an unprotected railway track near Mount Lavinia Beach. The incident occurred as he was returning from a team running session, leaving him with severe head injuries and multiple fractures. He was immediately placed on life support and remained under constant medical care, with his family by his side throughout his long battle for recovery. A leading Sri Lankan newspaper reported the passing of the young cricketer, quoting international commentator Roshan Abeysinghe. Just heard the sad news that Akshu Fernando has passed away. He was truly a wonderful young man whose promising career was cut short by a cruel accident. A quality player for his school and his final club Ragama. Its a sad day for all of us who knew him. A cheerful, friendly and thorough gentleman was he. We will miss you Akshu and remember you for the rest of our life. Rest in peace sweet prince, Abeysinghe said. At the time of the accident, Fernando was considered one of Sri Lankas brightest young cricketing talents. He had represented his country at the 2010 ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, where he made a significant impact, particularly in the semifinal against Australia. He scored 52 runs in that match, becoming Sri Lanka's top scorer in a contest that saw them narrowly miss out on a place in the final. A product of St Peter's College in Colombo, Fernandos school cricket career was nothing short of exceptional. He led the Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 teams and was the vice-captain of the Under-19 side. His leadership and field talent earned him a place at several prestigious local clubs, including Colts Sports Club, Panadura Sports Club, Chilaw Marians, and Ragama Sports Club. At the time of the accident, Fernando was considered one of Sri Lankas brightest young cricketing talents. He had represented his country at the 2010 ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, where he made a significant impact, particularly in the semifinal against Australia. He scored 52 runs in that match, becoming Sri Lanka's top scorer in a contest that saw them narrowly miss out on a place in the final. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Fernando's sudden death concludes a lengthy period marked by significant physical and emotional pain. It also brings back memories of a promising cricketing journey that many thought could have ascended to the top levels of international cricket. Article Source: IANS

Afridi to return to Pakistan from the BBL after picking up knee injury

Due to an unexpected injury, I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take a rehab, Shaheen Shah Afridi writes on his social media handle

Jatinder to lead Oman in T20 World Cup 2026; no place for Aamir Kaleem

Oman made five changes to their squad from the team that played in the Asia Cup earlier in the year

Sports Review 2025: Looking back at a fascinating year

Fans witnessed many interesting contests in the field of sports. From the French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open finals between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to Divya Deshmukh's Chess World Cup win to the Indian women's triumph at the World Cup at home, there were many moments worth savouring.

Pandya Likely To Play Two Games For Baroda In Vijay Hazare Trophy, Set To Be Rested For NZ ODIs

Asia Cup Super Fours: Indias seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to feature in two of Baroda's final three Vijay Hazare Trophy league matches in January, before being rested for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting on January 11. Yes, its confirmed that Hardik will turn out for Baroda in their Vijay Hazare games on January 3 and 8, which are against Vidarbha and Chandigarh. Hes not there for the clash against Jammu & Kashmir on January 6, as he needs ample break to manage his load in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. Hardik was wishing to turn out in ODIs against New Zealand, but the team think-tank advised him to rest from the series, as they want him in fine fettle for the subsequent T20I series and the all-important T20 World Cup, a source familiar with the matter told IANS on Tuesday. Pandya last played an ODI for India in March, which was the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai. Along with ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, whose workload also needs ample management, Pandya is expected to return for Indias five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting in Nagpur on January 21, before the T20 World Cup begins on February 7. Both Pandya and Bumrah are considered indispensable to India's T20 World Cup title defence hopes by the team management, though the latter has been exempted from featuring in Vijay Hazare Trophy games. Pandya returned to full all-round duties during India's 3-1 T20I series victory over South Africa in December after recovering from a quadriceps injury sustained in the Asia Cup Super Fours match against Sri Lanka in September. The injury had sidelined him from the Asia Cup final against Pakistan and India's subsequent 2-1 T20I series win in Australia. India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series will be announced when the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel meets in the first week of January. Shubman Gill could return to lead the side for the matches in Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore after missing the 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa due to a neck injury. The selectors are expected to get an official update on the status of Shreyas Iyer, who has been training and building up his fitness at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. India's ODI squad for the New Zealand series will be announced when the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel meets in the first week of January. Shubman Gill could return to lead the side for the matches in Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore after missing the 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa due to a neck injury. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The selectors are also likely to deliberate over the second keeper slot, especially with T20 World Cup-bound Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel in fine form, thus giving stiff competition to the incumbent Rishabh Pant. Article Source: IANS

Deepti Continues To Reign Atop; Shafali, Richa, Renuka Make Big Strides In T20I Rankings

T20I Batter Rankings: India opener Shafali Verma's recent resurgence has been further fuelled by her impressive performance in the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka, helping her climb to the sixth spot in the latest Women's T20I Batter Rankings. The young Indian star has gained four spots, bringing her closer to the top position she previously held in 2020, becoming only the second Indian player, after Mithali Raj, to achieve the number one ranking in T20I cricket. Shafali has found her best form again, building on her brilliant performance in last month's ICC Womens Cricket World Cup Final. There, she notched up 87 runs and took two wickets, playing a pivotal role in securing India's first-ever 50-over World Cup title. Her stellar form has carried over into the T20 format, where she has been in sensational touch against Sri Lanka, scoring three half-centuries and leading the run-scoring charts in the series. Shafali now trailed top-ranked Australian batter Beth Mooney by just 60 rating points, showing her growing dominance in the T20I format. Richa Ghosh, another Indian player, has also seen a significant rise in the T20I batter rankings. The 22-year-old moved up seven places to join the 20th position, following her match-winning 40 not out in the fourth game of the series against Sri Lanka. Indias bowling ranks have also seen a surge, with Renuka Singh and Shree Charani making notable strides. Renuka, who took a brilliant four-wicket haul in the third match of the series, jumped eight spots to join the top six in the T20I bowler rankings. Left-arm spinner Shree Charani has gained 17 places, now sitting at 52nd, while Vaishnavi Sharma has seen an extraordinary leap of 390 places to reach 124th in her debut international series. Meanwhile, Deepti Sharma continues to hold the top spot among T20I bowlers, and Hayley Matthews from the West Indies maintains a strong lead among T20I all-rounders. Left-arm spinner Shree Charani has gained 17 places, now sitting at 52nd, while Vaishnavi Sharma has seen an extraordinary leap of 390 places to reach 124th in her debut international series. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With India taking a commanding 4-0 lead in the five-match series and aiming for a whitewash on Tuesday, the rankings reflect their dominance, with both batters and bowlers on the rise. Article Source: IANS

India Batter Tilak Varma Seeks Divine Blessings At Tirumala Tirupati Temple

Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy: India batter Tilak Varma on Tuesday visited the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple to seek the Lord's blessings. He was accompanied by BCCI Apex Council member and former first-class cricketer V. Chamundeswaranath. They offered prayers and had darshan of Lord Venkateswara on Vaikunta Ekadasi, passing through the sacred Vaikunta Dwaram. Officials of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams made arrangements for their darshan and facilitated their visit to the hill shrine. As India look to defend the T20 World Cup crown, Tilaks visit to Tirupati may prove a lucky charm in what promises to be an intense and closely fought tournament. The left-hander also visited the divine shrine in August this year, before the start of the ACC Asia Cup, where his crucial 69-run innings guided India to beat arch-rivals Pakistan in the final. Tilak's most recent outing for India was in the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa, where he led the Men in Blue to a 3-1 victory over the Proteas. In the T20I series opener against South Africa earlier this month, Tilak made history by becoming the first Indian batter to score 1000 runs in T20Is before turning 25. He scored 26, 62, 26, and 73 across the five. The 23-year-old batter will next be in action in the T20I series against New Zealand, starting on January 21. The games will serve as a preparatory series for both sides before they head into the T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on February 7. In the T20I series opener against South Africa earlier this month, Tilak made history by becoming the first Indian batter to score 1000 runs in T20Is before turning 25. He scored 26, 62, 26, and 73 across the five. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India's squad for the T20 World Cup and New Zealand T20 series: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper). Article Source: IANS

WPL 2026: Mumbai Indians Players Begin Pre-season Training

Head Coach Lisa Keightley: Two-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have commenced their training camp ahead of the upcoming Womens Premier League (WPL) season. The fourth edition of WPL will take place across two venues: the first leg in Navi Mumbais DY Patil Stadium and the second in Vadodaras Kotambi Stadium from January 9 to February 5. Under the leadership of Head Coach Lisa Keightley, Bowling Coach and Team Mentor Jhulan Goswami, Batting Coach Devieka Palshikaar, and other support staff, the players who have already arrivedSaika Ishaque, Sajana S, Sanskriti Gupta, Poonam Khemnar, Triveni Vasistha, N Kranthi Reddy, and Rahila Firdous began their pre-season training. Speaking about the camp, Keightley said, It's really good. We've had one training. It was great to work with domestic players. Really excited to see what they can do. Its a good opportunity to watch, to see and communicate and make connections with the players. I'm really excited and really impressed with what I have seen so far. So let's see how we go for the rest of the week._ The session emphasised fitness, skill evaluation, and team cohesion, helping players reconnect with match routines under the supervision of the coaching staff. The group laid the groundwork for the upcoming weeks through a combination of structured drills and net sessions, as the squad continues to arrive, gaining momentum and building cohesion before the season begins. The defending champions will kick off their campaign on the opening day of the tournament, on January 9, 2026, against the WPL 2024 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The session emphasised fitness, skill evaluation, and team cohesion, helping players reconnect with match routines under the supervision of the coaching staff. The group laid the groundwork for the upcoming weeks through a combination of structured drills and net sessions, as the squad continues to arrive, gaining momentum and building cohesion before the season begins. Also Read: Live Cricket Score MI Squad for WPL 2026: Harmanpreet Kaur, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, Kamalini G, Amelia Kerr, Shabnim Ismail, Rahila Firdous, Sajana S, Sanskriti Gupta, Nicola Carey, Poonam Khemnar, Triveni Vasistha, Nalla Reddy, Milly Illingworth, Saika Ishaque Article Source: IANS

Archer and Tongue part of England's provisional squad for T20 World Cup

Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox and Saqib Mahmood have been axed from the provisional squad and the white-ball squads touring Sri Lanka

Suryakumar Yadav Visits Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple

Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy: Indias T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and his wife Devisha Shetty paid a visit to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tirumala, in Andhra Pradesh and offered their prayers on the occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadashi. They prayed to Lord Venkateswara and passed through the Vaikuntha Dwaram (celestial gate) as the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials made arrangements for their darshan and facilitated their visit to the temple on the hill. Their visit received a warm reception from both devotees and temple staff. Wearing traditional clothing, they engaged in the rituals humbly, showcasing the strong cultural and spiritual bonds that many Indian athletes uphold despite their busy professional lives. This morning, they had darshan of the Lord. Following the darshan, the priests blessed them in the Ranganayakulavari Mandapam inside the temple. They then offered the Tirtha Prasadam and presented the Lord's vestments. Suryakumar's most recent outing for India was in the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa, where he led the Men in Blue to a 3-1 victory against the Proteas. Hell next be seen leading the side in the five T20Is against New Zealand in January 2026, which will serve as a preparatory series for both sides before they head into the T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin February 7. This morning, they had darshan of the Lord. Following the darshan, the priests blessed them in the Ranganayakulavari Mandapam inside the temple. They then offered the Tirtha Prasadam and presented the Lord's vestments. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India's squad for the T20 World Cup and New Zealand T20 series: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper). Article Source: IANS

A Resounding Year That Saw Indian Men's Hockey Team Retain Asia No.1 Status

Hero Hockey India League: A resounding victory at the Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar reinstated the Indian men's hockey team's status as the No.1 side in Asia. The title victory after a gap of eight years was a highlight of 2025 for Craig Fulton and team as they trounced giants like Korea, China and Malaysia in the tournament. The year started with a good outing at the home leg of FIH Pro League, soon after the revamped Hero Hockey India League (HIL) that saw some pacy performances from players on the fringes who were pushing for a place in the senior side. The international season kicked off with the Pro League in Bhubaneswar, where India tasted good results against Spain, Germany, Ireland and England. The team led by Harmanpreet Singh won six out of the eight matches on the back of a long HIL season which began soon after the Olympic success where the team had won bronze in Paris and backed it up with an Asian Champions Trophy win in China. However, the Pro League ended on a dull note for India in Europe, where they could only muster one consolation win against Belgium and lost their matches against Australia, the Netherlands and Argentina in June. But they rewrote the script in August by lifting the Asian crown. Another highlight for this squad was their outing in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, where India 'A' side, with most of their star players such as Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh and Hardik Singh rested, put up a valiant show. They lost the title by a whisker (0-1) to Belgium but beat Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand and Canada in an inspiring fashion. However, the Pro League ended on a dull note for India in Europe, where they could only muster one consolation win against Belgium and lost their matches against Australia, the Netherlands and Argentina in June. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This puts us in good stead for a busy year in 2026 with the Asian Games and the World Cup being close to eachother and we can have different options in the squad, expressed Captain Harmanpreet Singh, who capped off the year as the highest goal scorer for India. Article Source: IANS

BCB Postpones Tuesdays BPL Matches After Ex-PM Khaleda Zias Demise

The Bangladesh Cricket Board: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has postponed both Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) matches scheduled for Tuesday, following the death of Khaleda Zia, the country's former prime minister, earlier in the morning. The decision was made shortly after the news of her passing and just a couple of hours before the toss for the first match of the day, between Sylhet Titans and Chattogram Royals at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and former Prime Minister of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, the BCB stated in an X post. The BCB recalls with gratitude her constant blessings and good wishes for the progress of cricket in the country. During her tenure as Prime Minister, she provided outstanding support for the development of cricket in Bangladesh, significantly contributing to improvements in cricket infrastructure and the growth of the sport nationwide. Her vision and encouragement helped pave the way for many of the advancements the game enjoys today. The Bangladesh Cricket Board joins the whole country in profound grief at this great loss and extends its heartfelt condolences. We pray for the eternal peace of her soul, the post read further. In another post, the board mentioned, In respect of the nations mourning and in honour of Begum Khaleda Zias legacy, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announces that todays scheduled Bangladesh Premier League T20 202526 matches, Sylhet Titans vs Chattogram Royals and Dhaka Capitals vs Rangpur Riders have been cancelled and will be rescheduled. The Bangladesh Cricket Board joins the whole country in profound grief at this great loss and extends its heartfelt condolences. We pray for the eternal peace of her soul, the post read further. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Due to multiple breaks between matchdays, the postponement is not expected to affect the overall schedule significantly. Article Source: IANS

BPL: Tuesday games postponed following former PM Khaleda Zia's death

Further details on the revised fixtures will be communicated in due course, the BCB says

SA20: Sunrisers Clinch Bonus Point Win Over Pretoria Capitals

The Kiwi Express Milne: Quinton de Kock's batting masterclass powered Sunrisers Eastern Cape to 48-run bonus point win over Pretoria Capitals at St Georges Park The victory propelled the Sunrisers to top of the SA20 table with 10 points, while the Capitals remain winless after two matches. The Gqeberha locals came out in their thousands to deck South Africas oldest Test venue in a sea of orange for the first home game of Season 4 with the iconic brass band getting everyone in the festive spirit to deliver yet another memorable SA20 night. De Kock certainly gave them plenty to cheer for with the left-hander blazing 77 off just 47 balls (5x4, 6x6). The left-hander struck the ball sweetly from the outset with a couple of rasping lofted cover drives interspersed with powerful pull shots. Matthew Breetzke (52 off 33 balls) was the perfect partner for De Kock after the early demise of Jonny Bairstow with the pair putting together an electrifying 116-run partnership off just 70 balls. This laid the platform for the in-form Jordan Hermann (37 off 20 balls) to unleash a series of conventional and reverse sweeps that pushed Sunrisers to an impressive 188/6. The four Player of the Match candidates were Matthew Breetzke, Quinton de Kock, Shai Hope and Adam Milne with the 'QDK' winning 69.3 per cent of the fan vote. The total proved way beyond the reach of the Capitals with the Sunrisers unleashing their three-pronged pace arsenal of Marco Jansen, Adam Milne and Anrich Nortje. Jansen required just six balls to strike the first blow when he removed Capitals opener Bryce Parsons with a rasping delivery that the left-hander could only fend off to De Kock behind the stumps. The Kiwi Express Milne (4-25) was next in the act when he dismissed West Indian Shai Hope (36 off 19 balls) just as he threatened to build an innings of substance. The four Player of the Match candidates were Matthew Breetzke, Quinton de Kock, Shai Hope and Adam Milne with the 'QDK' winning 69.3 per cent of the fan vote. The total proved way beyond the reach of the Capitals with the Sunrisers unleashing their three-pronged pace arsenal of Marco Jansen, Adam Milne and Anrich Nortje. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Capitals innings disintegrated from thereon with Milne running through the visitors tail, while left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy delivered arguably the ball of the night to clean bowl a well-set Will Smeed (35 off 27 balls). Article Source: IANS

De Kock, Breetzke and Milne lead SEC to bonus-point victory

A middle-order collapse led to PC's downfall in a chase of 189

Blind Womens T20 WC Winning Team A symbol Of Empowerment: MP Guv

Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel: Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel on Monday praised the Indian Blind Womens T20 World Cup 2025 winning team, describing it as a symbol of womens empowerment. Governor Patel made this remark during an interaction with three players from Madhya Pradesh in the national blind womens T20 teamSushma Patel, Sunita Sarathe and Durga Yewale at Lok Bhavan, Bhopal. Their victory is an excellent example of the courage and inner strength of persons with disabilities. The daughters achievement is a matter of inspiration and pride for every citizen of the country, and the visually impaired women players have brought glory to Madhya Pradesh and India on the global stage through their outstanding performance, the Governor stated. He felicitated all three players with shawls and mementoes and encouraged them and their coach, extending congratulations and best wishes for their bright future. The Indian womens blind cricket team created history on 23 November 2025 by defeating Nepal in the final of the T20 World Cup held in Colombo and winning the inaugural title. The national side included three talented players from Madhya PradeshSunita Sarathe from Narmadapuram district, Sushma Patel from Damoh district, and Durga Yewale from Betul district. Two weeks ago, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had welcomed three players at his residence and had announced a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh to each of the three. The national side included three talented players from Madhya PradeshSunita Sarathe from Narmadapuram district, Sushma Patel from Damoh district, and Durga Yewale from Betul district. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Indian Women's Blind Cricket Team clinched the title in the inaugural Blind Women's T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. In the final held in Colombo, India defeated Nepal by seven wickets after overcoming Australia in the semi-finals. Article Source: IANS

Legends 90 League Unveil Season Four In Dubai

Former South Africa: Building on the success of its first three seasons, the Legends 90 League (L90) officially unveiled season four at a grand launch ceremony held on Monday at Shangri-La Dubai. The launch event was graced by renowned international cricketing stars Harbhajan Singh, JP Duminy, and James Vince, along with league officials, team representatives, partners, and members of the media. A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the official team jerseys and the Legends 90 League season 4 trophy, symbolising the leagues growing stature and its continued commitment to delivering world-class cricketing entertainment to fans across the globe. Sharing his thoughts at the launch, former Indian spinner and World Cup winner Harbhajan Singh said, The Legends 90 League has carved out a unique space in world cricket by bringing together iconic players in an exciting and innovative format. Its encouraging to see how the league has grown over the years, and Season 4 promises to be even bigger and better for fans. Former South Africa all-rounder JP Duminy highlighted the competitive appeal of the format, saying, What makes Legends 90 League special is the intensity packed into a short format. The 90-ball concept keeps the game fast, aggressive and entertaining, while still allowing experienced players to showcase their skills at the highest level. Echoing similar sentiments, England batter James Vince added, This league strikes a great balance between nostalgia and modern cricket. Fans get to see legendary names alongside current stars, and the energy around Legends 90 League is something truly exciting. Over the past three seasons, the Legends 90 League has featured some of the biggest names in world cricket, including Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, and Chris Gayle, captivating audiences with high-quality performances and competitive matches. Echoing similar sentiments, England batter James Vince added, This league strikes a great balance between nostalgia and modern cricket. Fans get to see legendary names alongside current stars, and the energy around Legends 90 League is something truly exciting. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The fourth season of the Legends 90 League is scheduled to be played in March 2026 and will once again bring together legendary international cricketers and modern stars in its fast-paced 90-ball format, promising high-intensity action and a memorable experience for cricket fans worldwide. Article Source: IANS

Aman Khan concedes 123 runs, the most in a men's List A game

The previous record was held by Arunachal's Mibom Mosu, who had given away 116 earlier this month

Sreejith V. Nair Elected New President Of Kerala Cricket Association

Kerala Sports Infrastructure Development Scheme: Sreejith V. Nair has been elected as the new President of the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) during the organisations 75th Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) held on Monday. Nair, a former treasurer and secretary of the Association, will take over from Jayesh George, whos currently serving as Chairman of the Womens Premier League (WPL). Satheesan K, a former member of the Apex Council, has been elected as the Vice President. Incumbent Secretary Vinod S. Kumar and Joint Secretary Bineesh Kodiyeri will continue in their respective positions. T. Ajith Kumar, Secretary of the Palakkad District Cricket Association, has been elected as the new Treasurer, while Muhammed Naufal T., Secretary of the Kasaragod District Cricket Association, has been appointed as the General Body Representative to the Apex Council. The new office bearers also approved a one-year comprehensive development plan aimed at upgrading cricket infrastructure in all 14 districts and raising player development systems across the state to international standards. KCA will implement major projects under the Kerala Sports Infrastructure Development Scheme announced by the State Government, utilising the special concessions granted under the Land Act. As part of the plan, cricket grounds and related facilities will be developed in all 14 districts of the state. Infrastructure for other sports will also be developed alongside cricket facilities, with the objective of ensuring uniform training standards and modern amenities across districts, said the KCA. Nair also said the KCA aims to construct an international cricket stadium in Kochi in collaboration with the state government. Further discussions will be held with the government to secure a long-term lease of the Sports Hub International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram and to establish a High Altitude Sports Centre at Munnar for cricket, football and other sports, he said. As part of the plan, cricket grounds and related facilities will be developed in all 14 districts of the state. Infrastructure for other sports will also be developed alongside cricket facilities, with the objective of ensuring uniform training standards and modern amenities across districts, said the KCA. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In addition, the General Body resolved to further strengthen the existing High Performance Centre, ensuring advanced training facilities, sports science laboratories, fitness and rehabilitation centres, and access to expert coaches, concluded KCA. Article Source: IANS

Ashes: Bethell Credits IPL 2025 Experience For Handling Pressure Of Playing At MCG

Indian Premier League: Englands batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell said his stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year helped him cope with the pressure of making his Ashes debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where England won by four wickets in a two-day game. Bethell, 22, came in for Ollie Pope and struck a composed 40 in England chasing down 175 to win the traditional Boxing Day match and end Englands 18-match winless streak in Tests in Australia. He was a member of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team winning IPL 2025 in Ahmedabad in June. I was pretty nervous. Not so much with the people, just the occasion, I guess. But I've played over in India where it feels like there's 160,000 people watching. This atmosphere was incredible and it was nice to get a win and contribute. The IPL, I only played two games but every game and every occasion. Definitely, just knowing what I'm able to get out of myself when the situation is like that and when the atmosphere is like that. I definitely had a lot more confidence coming into this game after playing in front of, I don't know, 50,000 - which felt like 100,000 - at the Chinnaswamy, Bethell was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo on Monday. I was pretty nervous. Not so much with the people, just the occasion, I guess. But I've played over in India where it feels like there's 160,000 people watching. This atmosphere was incredible and it was nice to get a win and contribute. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But in other scenarios it presents opportunities to score when bowlers are trying to take wickets and the field is attacking there's loads of gaps. So it's a double-edged sword but I'm enjoying it. I would like to (nail down the role). I would like to just nail down any role in the team to be honest. If you're in the XI and contributing to winning I'm pretty happy with that, added Bethell. Article Source: IANS

VHT: Shrijith, Shreyas Gopal Help Karnataka Beat TN By Four Wickets, MP Defeat Kerala

Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group: Wicketkeeper K.L. Shrijith and leg-spin bowling all-rounder Shreyas Gopal shared a match-winning 116-run partnership for the fifth wicket as defending champions Karnataka chased down 289 to beat Tamil Nadu by six wickets with 17 balls remaining in their Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group A encounter at the Gujarat College Stadium on Monday. Karnataka appeared in trouble at 136/4, especially with captain Mayank Agarwal making 58, before Shrijith, who made 77, and Gopal, who scored 55, combined to rescue their side with smart running between the wickets and clinical punishment of loose deliveries. After both fell in quick succession, Abhinav Manohar remained unbeaten on 20 while Vidyadhar Patil contributed 17 not out to guide Karnataka home with a flurry of boundaries. The victory extended Karnataka's winning streak to three matches in the tournament. Previously, Tamil Nadu captain N. Jagadeesan played a fluent 65 while Pradosh Ranjan Paul's 57 and R. Sai Kishore's 38 provided some late impetus, but Abhilash Shetty's incisive bowling led the way for Karnataka to bowl out Tamil Nadu for 288. In another Group C match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Madhya Pradesh secured their second consecutive victory by dismissing Kerala for 167 and win by 45 runs. Himanshu Mantri top-scored with 93 off 105 balls, sharing a crucial 66-run ninth-wicket stand with Tripuresh Singh, who made 37. On a turning wicket, Kerala's batting collapsed against Madhya Pradesh's spin attack. Shubham Sharma claimed 3-16, while Shivag Kumar and Saransh Jain took two wickets each. N.M. Sharafuddeen's aggressive 42 coming at the back end of the innings reduced the margin of defeat for Kerala. Brief Scores: Tamil Nadu 288 in 49.5 overs (N. Jagadeesan 65, Pradosh Ranjan Paul 57; Abhilash Shetty 4-57) lost to Karnataka 293/6 in 47.1 overs (K.L. Shrijith 77, Mayank Agarwal 58; Sunny Sandhu 1-25, Gurjapneet Singh 1-35) by four wickets Madhya Pradesh 214 in 46.1 overs (Himanshu Mantri 93, Tripuresh Singh 37; Ankit Sharma 4-38, B Aparajith 3-36) beat Kerala 167 in 40.1 overs (N.M. Sharafuddeen 42, Salman Nizar 30; Shubham Sharma 3-16, Saransh Jain 2-17) by 47 runs Brief Scores: Tamil Nadu 288 in 49.5 overs (N. Jagadeesan 65, Pradosh Ranjan Paul 57; Abhilash Shetty 4-57) lost to Karnataka 293/6 in 47.1 overs (K.L. Shrijith 77, Mayank Agarwal 58; Sunny Sandhu 1-25, Gurjapneet Singh 1-35) by four wickets Also Read: Live Cricket Score Tripura 286 all out in 49.5 overs (Tejasvi Jaiswal 61, Sridam Paul 50; Aniket Choudhary 3-64, Khaleel Ahmed 2-51) beat Rajasthan 220 in 44.2 overs (Karan Lamba 61, Vijay Shankar 4-30) by 66 runs Article Source: IANS

VHT: Jurels Unbeaten Century Helps UP Defeat Baroda, Assam Register Win Over Hyderabad

Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group: Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel smashed a blazing unbeaten 160 off 101 balls to power Uttar Pradesh to a commanding 54-run victory over Baroda in their Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group B encounter at the Sanosara Cricket Ground 'A' on Monday. Jurel struck 15 boundaries and eight sixes as UP posted a mammoth 369/7 before dismissing Baroda for 315, despite fifties from Krunal Pandya and Shashwat Rawat, on the final ball of the match. The win earned UP four points, taking their tally to 12 after three rounds. Jurel, batting at number three after the departure of opener Aryan Juyal for 26, reached his maiden List A century in just 78 deliveries and tore into the Baroda bowling attack. He was particularly severe on pacer Rasikh Salam, plundering him for 55 runs off 14 deliveries. Jurel shared a crucial 131-run fourth-wicket partnership with big-hitter Rinku Singh, who contributed 63 off 67 balls. The wicketkeeper-batter has been in excellent form throughout the tournament, having scored half-centuries against Hyderabad and Chandigarh. Meanwhile, Sibsankar Roy struck a majestic century as Assam pulled off an improbable four-wicket victory over Hyderabad at the Niranjan Shah Stadium Ground 'C'. Roy scored 112 off 109 balls, hitting 11 fours and a six, and shared a crucial 142-run third-wicket partnership with young opener Saurav Dihingia, who made 91 off 112 deliveries. Denish Das provided late impetus with a brisk 54 off 46 balls to lay the foundation for Assam chasing 312 in a thrilling fashion. Hyderabad openers Tanmay Agarwal and Rahul Singh Gahlaut gave their side a solid start after choosing to bat. Gahlaut top-scored with 79 off 71 balls, hitting 14 fours. Abhirath Reddy contributed 54 off 66 balls at number three, while Varun Goud's 42 and a late cameo from K. Nitesh Reddy, who smashed 53 off just 25 balls with four fours and three sixes, helped Hyderabad post 309, which wasnt adequate to stop Assam from registering an improbable win. On the other hand, Mukesh Kumar's maiden five-wicket haul in List A, along with Abishek Porel's brilliant 106 & Shahbaz Ahmed's superb all-round show powered Bengal to a six-wicket victory over Chandigarh. Brief Scores: Uttar Pradesh 369/7 in 50 overs (Dhruv Jurel 160 not out, Rinku Singh 63; Raj Limbani 4-74) beat Baroda 315 all out in 50 overs (Krunal Pandya 82, Shashwat Rawat 60; Zeeshan Ansari 3-53, Sameer Rizvi 2-61) by 54 runs Hyderabad 310/8 in 50 overs (Rahul Singh Gahlaut 79, Abhirath Reddy 54; Abdul Ajij Kuraishi 3-71, Sibsankar Roy 2-26) lost to Assam 314/6 in 49.3 overs (Sibsankar Roy 112, Saurav Dihingia 91; CV Milind 3-68, Varun 1-52) by four wickets Brief Scores: Uttar Pradesh 369/7 in 50 overs (Dhruv Jurel 160 not out, Rinku Singh 63; Raj Limbani 4-74) beat Baroda 315 all out in 50 overs (Krunal Pandya 82, Shashwat Rawat 60; Zeeshan Ansari 3-53, Sameer Rizvi 2-61) by 54 runs Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jammu & Kashmir 311/9 in 50 overs (Yawer Hassan 79, Qamran Iqbal 54; Yash Thakur 3-73, Yash Kadam 2-10) lost to Vidarbha 315/5 in 48.3 overs (Aman Mokhade 139, R Samarth 114; Yudhvir Singh 3-69, Auqib Nabi 2-65) by five wickets 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

Two Overs Locked At pauk In Death For The Summer Of 26: Ashwin On Ellis BBL Heroics Ahead Of IPL

Big Bash League: Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin was full of praise for Hobart Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis, who registered figures of 3/30 in his four-over spell against the Melbourne Renegades on Monday, leading his side to a four-wicket win at the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL). Ashwin opined that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management would be happy with how Ellis has been shaping up ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026, where the Australian is set to represent the five-time champions. The Indian veteran mentioned the Aussie quicks bowling in the death in his most recent BBL game, where he picked up two crucial wickets in two overs. Writing on X, Ashwin penned, The men in yellove will be happy with how hes been shaping up. 4-0-30-3 for Hobart Hurricanes today. Most importantly, 2-0-15-2 at the death, bowling 17 and 20, nailing his yorkers and change of pace. Safe to say two overs of Ellis are locked at the Pauk in the death for the summer of 26? Ashwin, who was set to become the first Indian male cricketer to play the Australian tournament after being signed by the Sydney Thunder, was ruled out ahead of the tournament owing to a knee injury he sustained in Chennai. Speaking of the BBL game, defending champions Hurricanes claimed their second win over the Renegades in eight days with a composed chase built around a calm finishing effort from Matthew Wade and key wickets from Ellis. Defending 162, the Renegades looked in control after their bowlers restricted Hobarts top order, with Adam Zampa removing Tim Ward and Ben McDermott in the same over. No Hurricanes batter passed 30, but Wade anchored the innings, finishing unbeaten on 43 from 30 balls. His late burst, which included three sixes and a four in the final overs, sealed the chase with six balls to spare, supported by a crucial 38-run stand with Rehan Ahmed (23). Defending 162, the Renegades looked in control after their bowlers restricted Hobarts top order, with Adam Zampa removing Tim Ward and Ben McDermott in the same over. No Hurricanes batter passed 30, but Wade anchored the innings, finishing unbeaten on 43 from 30 balls. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The win lifted Hobart to second place on the points table, with four wins and one loss from five games, while the Renegades remain at the bottom of the table with two losses and a sole win from their three outings so far. Article Source: IANS

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

Wade for the win as Hurricanes do the double on Renegades

Ellis and Rishad restricted the visitors to 162 in Hobart to set up the victory

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

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

If You Keep Thinking About WC, The Next One Won't Come: Mandhana

The One Day World Cup: India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana believes that thinking about the World Cup after a successful campaign will not help them win the next one and said that the Indian team has a lot of scope to improve as they prepare for the global T20 event scheduled for next year. Mandhana played a prolific knock with the bat in the recently concluded fourth T20I against Sri Lanka in Trivandrum on Sunday after registering poor scores in the first three games. She scripted history by completing 10000 international runs on her way to a 48-ball 80, becoming the fastest female cricketer to reach the landmark and only the fourth overall after Charlotte Edwards, Mithali Raj, and Suzie Bates. In cricket, you have to start from zero. The scoreboard is always zero for zero. It's never what you've done in the last match or previous series as well. Internal expectations for me in all three formats are very different. Of course, T20 is slightly in a way where you can't be extremely hard on yourself after getting out because you're playing at a pace where there are days when it'll come off. There are days when it won't. I'm really tough on myself with one-day cricket and test cricket because, of course, you have a lot of time. If you get out there, it feels like a sin for me. But there are days when you win the match for the country, but there are days when you won't be able to get runs. But you have to take both things at your stride because you can't overthink. It's just quick turnover, Mandhana said in a video shared by the BCCI. She also stated that the current team, which is preparing for next year's T20 World Cup, is a work in progress, and that continuing to think about the recent ODI World Cup win will in no way help the team succeed in the upcoming mega spectacle and would only hamper their preparations. Like, if I had thought a lot about the first three matches, we only had one day before this one. So it's about just prepping your mind around how you want to go about your cricket. The One Day World Cup was the biggest thing for women's cricket. And we did take off that one. So it's a big, big win. But again, you know, you can't be thinking about only successes. We've had times when we could have won matches, but we couldn't this year. And again, this team being this young, we are always a work in progress. There's going to be a World Cup, but it's a work in progress. If you keep thinking about the World Cup, the next one won't come. If I had to review it more critically, I would give it 7 out of 10. We have many areas to improve as a team, she stated. Mandhana thanked the fans for showering love and support throughout their 50-over World Cup campaign and hopes to make them proud and receive similar backing throughout. We've had times when we could have won matches, but we couldn't this year. And again, this team being this young, we are always a work in progress. There's going to be a World Cup, but it's a work in progress. If you keep thinking about the World Cup, the next one won't come. If I had to review it more critically, I would give it 7 out of 10. We have many areas to improve as a team, she stated. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But I feel as an Indian team, all the fans who've supported us throughout the year, especially the One Day World Cup and post that kind of support we've got, I feel, I mean, it's just been a fantastic year for women's cricket. And I hope we just keep making them proud, and I hope they keep turning up and support us, she concluded. 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

'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

The Stadium Bar That Houses a Gun: Adelaide Ovals Unusual Piece of Cricket History

Australia defeated England in the Adelaide Test and ensured possession of the Ashes. For England the survival at the Adelaide Oval always remains an issue as the atmosphere at the stadium acts as a ghost reminder of the past and every Ashes Test here opens old wounds. Its a modern stadium but never allows forgetting the old and retains its sense of history. You will be surprised to note that there is a Bar, inside the stadium, named the Bodyline Bar. This Bar at Adelaide Oval was opened in December 2017, in memory of the infamous 1932-33 Bodyline cricket series and provides panoramic views, historic memorabilia and of course drinks. No other Bar in any of the stadiums in the world connects to the cricket's past, in the same way. This Bar was opened on the first day of the Adelaide Ashes Test, in 2017. There is another popular Phil Ridings Bar in the stadium, at the opposite end, almost a mirror image but the history and the atmosphere are quite different. The Bodyline Bar creates the ambience of a Long Room at the MCG or Lords and has a room that recognises the history of Adelaide Oval. The corridor leading to the Bodyline Bar is a gateway into the past. See how its unique: *On walls, there are giant portraits of all the players who took part in the Bodyline series including the main antagonists, the Australian captain and opener Bill Woodfull who was struck over the heart by a ball while batting and uttered one of cricket's most famous lines: There are two teams out there. One is trying to play cricket and the other is not. *Incidentally the portraits of Douglas Jardine, Don Bradman and Harold Larwood are hanging together. The English captain Jardine had planned this Bodyline and Larwood was the chief executor of the instructions to aim short-pitched deliveries at the Australia's batsmen. This tactic was called Bodyline. The plan was to force the batsmen to play defensive shots resulting in caught on the leg-side. * The strategy was designed particularly to stop Don Bradman, 24 at that time, from repeating his 1930 series performance. Bradman was such a run machine that the England captain devised this special plan to put brakes on his scoring. * The conflict peaked during the Adelaide Oval Test, resulting in near-riots inside the ground as well as a diplomatic row. Australia highlighted England's tactics as unsportsmanlike. Woodfulls injury started the tension and when wicketkeeper Bert Oldfields skull was fractured by a Larwood lifter, the onlookers lost patience. Police were on duty to prevent the normally peace loving Adelaide crowd who were on the verge of revolt. One or two of the England cricketers were looking at the stumps, which they were going to use as defence weapons. Madness was close to breaking out, David Frith summarised *That match is remembered through this Bar as it is a part of history and happened at the Adelaide Oval. *The South Australia Cricket Association (SACA) searched for the memorabilia for display at the Bar and from their storage unearthed various items such as bats, baggy green caps, cricket whites, a blazer (belonging to leg-spinner Clarrie Grimmett with the Australian emblem), as well as tour books, old turnstiles, archival footage, and one rather unusual item ie a shotgun. *This shotgun was of the curator, who had procured it to protect the pitch overnight from vandalism. The gun was with the curators family and in 1996 when firearms reforms were introduced in Australia, the curators son handed over the weapon. The Police, instead of destroying it, just disarmed it and donated it to SACA for its museum. *English batsman Eddie Paynter's cricket bat in a cabinet is also there. *The original materials salvaged from the 1880s Bradman Stand were used in the making of Bar, to pay homage to the Bodyline Series. The same 200-year-old recycled timber was used to create the connection with the past. So Adelaide Ovals Bodyline Bar has immortalised one of Crickets most infamous Test series while fully exhibiting the mood of the Ovals history. The Adelaide Oval has kept its old scoreboard and the hill and the Bar also has a history. Wisden reported that the Test will go down to history as probably the most unpleasant ever played. England made a dreadful start but then managed to score 341. Australia in reply finished 119 behind. On the fourth day, England wound up with six men out for 296 and were thus 415 runs ahead. England in the end put together a total of 412 so that Australia were left to get 532 to win. Although Australia lost by 338 runs the greatest effort was made by Woodfull who for the second time, in his Test career, carried his bat through the innings. Match Details: Adelaide Oval, January 13 - 19, 1933, England won by 338 runs England: 341(Maurice Leyland 83, Bob Wyatt 78, Tim Wall 5/72) and 412 (Wally Hammond 85, Les Ames 69, Bill O'Reilly 4/79, Bert Ironmonger 3/87) Also Read: Live Cricket Score Australia: 222/9 (Bill Ponsford 85, Bert Oldfield 41*, Gubby Allen 4/71, Harold Larwood 3/55) and 193/9(Bill Woodfull 73*, Donald Bradman 66, Gubby Allen 4/50, Harold Larwood 4/71)

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

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.

Doug Bracewell retires from all forms of cricket

The seam-bowling allrounder took nine wickets in New Zealand's famous Hobart Test win in 2011

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

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

4th T20I: Jemimah Unavailable For Selection Due To Weakness From Mild Fever, Says BCCI

The BCCI Medical Team: India batter Jemimah Rodrigues was ruled out of selection for the fourth womens T20I against Sri Lanka at the Greenfield International Stadium due to weakness from a mild fever, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Sunday. Ms Jemimah Rodrigues was unavailable for selection in the 4th T20I in Thiruvananthapuram due to weakness arising from mild fever. The BCCI Medical Team is closely monitoring her progress and recovery, said the BCCI in a statement. In place of Jemimah, batting all-rounder Harleen Deol has come into the playing eleven for the match, where India will bat first against Sri Lanka for the first time in the ongoing series, with the hosts having an unassailable 3-0 lead. Jemimah made scores of 69 not out, 26, and nine, and sits as the second leading run-getter in the series after opener Shafali Verma. The unbeaten 69 also led to Jemimah jumping five places to be at number nine in the womens T20I batting rankings. Despite missing out on Sundays clash, Jemimah has enjoyed a standout 2025, ranking third among Indias run-scorers 771 runs in ODIs and 212 runs in T20Is. She played a pivotal role in Indias maiden ODI World Cup triumph, striking an unbeaten 127 against Australia in the semi-final before the team overcame South Africa in the final to lift the title at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Earlier this month, Jemimah was appointed as captain of Delhi Capitals ahead of the fourth season of the Womens Premier League (WPL), replacing Meg Lanning in the role. Meg had led DC to the final in each of the first three editions of the tournament, where Jemimah was the vice-captain, but was not retained by the franchise for the upcoming season. Despite missing out on Sundays clash, Jemimah has enjoyed a standout 2025, ranking third among Indias run-scorers 771 runs in ODIs and 212 runs in T20Is. She played a pivotal role in Indias maiden ODI World Cup triumph, striking an unbeaten 127 against Australia in the semi-final before the team overcame South Africa in the final to lift the title at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Also Read: Live Cricket Score 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. 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