Cricket

Hardik set to miss Australia A one-dayers after fresh injury

The allrounder has picked up a fresh injury in the shin and has been asked to rest for 15 days

Asian Games 2026: India To Face Afghanistan In Cricket Quarter-Finals After Nepal-Japan Washout

Asian Games: India will face Afghanistan in the mens cricket quarter-finals at the Asian Games 2026 after Nepal topped Pool A following a rain-affected washout between Nepal and Japan in Nisshin on Saturday. The quarter-final between India and Afghanistan is scheduled for September 28 in Nisshin, with Nepals first-place finish in the group determining the knockout-stage line-up. Japans abandoned match ended their campaign, while Afghanistan advanced alongside Nepal from Pool A. The equation was settled after Japans chase against Nepal was completely washed out. Nepal had posted 149 for four in 15 overs after being put into bat, but persistent rain prevented Japan from beginning its pursuit. Nepals innings was built around an explosive finish from Sundeep Jora and Lokesh Bam. The pair remained unbeaten and accelerated sharply after Nepal found itself at 84 for four at the end of 10 overs. Jora, who came in at No. 3, finished with an unbeaten 57 from 32 deliveries, striking five fours and three sixes. Bam provided the late surge, smashing 52 not out off only 22 balls, including six sixes and a four. Earlier, Aasif Sheikh provided Nepal with a brisk start to the middle phase, making 21 from 15 balls and sharing a 55-run partnership with Jora for the second wicket. Nepal had otherwise struggled to build momentum, with Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla and Gulsan Jha departing for single-digit scores. Japan were therefore left facing a demanding target in a severely shortened contest, requiring 150 from 15 overs. However, before their response could get underway, another spell of rain brought the match to a premature conclusion. The washout proved decisive for the group standings, sending Nepal through as Pool A winners and Afghanistan into the quarter-finals as the other qualifying side. Japan were therefore left facing a demanding target in a severely shortened contest, requiring 150 from 15 overs. However, before their response could get underway, another spell of rain brought the match to a premature conclusion. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories For India, the focus now shifts firmly to the knockout stage, with Afghanistan standing between the side and a place in the semi-finals. Article Source: IANS

Asian Games: India to face Afghanistan in cricket QF after Nepal-Japan washout

Digital Desk | Nisshin, Sep 26 (IANS) India will face Afghanistan in the mens cricket quarter-finals at the Asian Games 2026 after Nepal topped Pool A following a rain-affected washout between Nepal and Japan in Nisshin on Saturday. The quarter-final between India and Afghanistan is scheduled for September 28 in Nisshin, with Nepals first-place finish in the group determining the knockout-stage line-up. Japans abandoned match ended their campaign, while Afghanistan advanced alongside Nepal from Pool A. The equation was settled after Japans chase against Nepal was completely washed out. Nepal had posted 149 for four in 15 overs after being put into bat, but persistent rain prevented Japan from beginning its pursuit. Nepals innings was built around an explosive finish from Sundeep Jora and Lokesh Bam. The pair remained unbeaten and accelerated sharply after Nepal found itself at 84 for four at the end of 10 overs. Jora, who came in at No. 3, finished with an unbeaten 57 from 32 deliveries, striking five fours and three sixes. Bam provided the late surge, smashing 52 not out off only 22 balls, including six sixes and a four. Earlier, Aasif Sheikh provided Nepal with a brisk start to the middle phase, making 21 from 15 balls and sharing a 55-run partnership with Jora for the second wicket. Nepal had otherwise struggled to build momentum, with Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla and Gulsan Jha departing for single-digit scores. Japan were therefore left facing a demanding target in a severely shortened contest, requiring 150 from 15 overs. However, before their response could get underway, another spell of rain brought the match to a premature conclusion. The washout proved decisive for the group standings, sending Nepal through as Pool A winners and Afghanistan into the quarter-finals as the other qualifying side. Japan bow out after showing glimpses of promise during the tournament. They had impressed with the ball against Afghanistan in their opening match and had also competed well against India in the one-off T20I preceding the Games, but their batting ultimately proved a limiting factor. For India, the focus now shifts firmly to the knockout stage, with Afghanistan standing between the side and a place in the semi-finals.

Hardik Pandya suffers fresh shin injury, out of New Zealand series

Hardik's latest scan reports have revealed an injury to his right shin. He has been advised complete rest for a period of two week, a BCCI source said

Puri Titans Focus On Developing Odishas Young Cricket Talent, Says Co-owner Nitesh Choudhary

Bharat Masala Odisha T20 League: For Puri Titans, the Bharat Masala Odisha T20 League CM Trophy is about more than results on the field. The franchise has placed the development of Odishas young cricketers at the centre of its long-term vision, with co-owner Nitesh Choudhary aiming to create a pathway from grassroots cricket to the highest levels of the game. The players are definitely the reason we are here. We are here for their development, Choudhary said, outlining the motivation behind the franchises participation in the Odisha T20 League. Choudhary believes the state has the infrastructure and talent base to produce players capable of progressing to bigger domestic and national platforms, provided they receive the right opportunities. Odisha has given a large number of sports facilities to players across different sports. When it comes to joining this franchise, in Odisha, if something happens, it starts with a good name Jai Jagannath, he said. He sees the state league as an important stepping stone for emerging cricketers, particularly those looking to attract attention from scouts and move into higher levels of the sport. These leagues give a platform to youngsters to take the next step. Scouts come and watch them, identify talented players and help them move faster towards the next stage, whether it is the IPL or the national team, he said. The Titans also intend to strengthen their grassroots scouting network by working with academies and local programmes to identify players beyond the established circuit. Moving forward, we are here to develop grassroots players. The more we focus on young players, the better platform we can give them, Choudhary said. If a player from our franchise gets an opportunity to play in the IPL, that will definitely help us grow as a franchise based in Puri and Odisha, he added. Choudhary said the current squad was assembled through discussions between the franchise management and coaching staff, with the team assessing its requirements across batting, spin, pace and all-round options. It is not an individual thing. We have a collective team of staff and management. We all decided together and stayed in touch with the coaches, he said. Accordingly, we chose what we felt were the best players from Odisha, Choudhary added. The franchises approach also extends to nutrition and wellness. Choudhary, a former footballer, said his own sporting experience has shaped his emphasis on the off-field needs of young athletes. My background is that I have been a sportsperson myself, so I know how important nutrition and wellness are for players, he said. Through its partnership with Livya Wellness, the franchise aims to provide players with access to nutrition and wellness support. I want to give the players a platform where they can connect with the right nutrition and wellness support and continue to grow, he added. Through its partnership with Livya Wellness, the franchise aims to provide players with access to nutrition and wellness support. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories We promise that in the coming years, we will give at least one player who can reach the highest level in Indian cricket, he said. Article Source: IANS

Asian Games: Japan knocked out after rain washes out steep chase against Nepal

Japan had been set 150 in 15 overs after Sundeep Jora and Lokesh Bam slammed quick, unbeaten half-centuries

Hain makes the grind count as Warwickshire put their champagne on ice

Second century of the season drives hosts to impregnable position, with ninth County Championship a formality

UPL 2026: Negi's Blazoning Ton Powers Rishikesh Past Dehradun; Pithoragarh To Victory

Uttarakhand Premier League: A blazing century from Dikshanshu Negi coupled with a four-wicket haul by bowler Ashish Chaudhary propelled Rishikesh Rivers Kings to a dominant 56-run victory over Dehradun Warriors in the Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) 2026 here on Friday. Electing to bowl after winning the toss, Dehradun Warriors made initial inroads, reducing Rishikesh Rivers Kings to early trouble with the dismissals of openers Abhyuday Bhatnagar and Vishal Kashyap in the third over. However, Negi turned the game completely on its head with a spectacular counter-attacking knock. The middle-order batter smashed 108 runs off just 57 deliveries, peppered with 12 boundaries and six towering sixes, and lifted his side out of trouble to post a competitive 185/5 in their 20 overs. Despite losing four wickets within the opening 10 overs, Rishikesh rebuilt solidly as Akhil Rawat played a fine supporting act with a 26-ball 31. For Dehradun Warriors, Devender Bora was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3-28. In reply, Dehradun Warriors stumbled early in their pursuit of 186, losing two wickets in the powerplay. The run chase never gained momentum as Rishikesh bowlers maintained relentless pressure, reducing the Warriors to 86/7 by the 15th over. Left-arm pacer Ashish Chaudhary tore through the middle and lower order, taking four wickets to bundle out Dehradun Warriors for 129 in 19.1 overs and seal a comprehensive victory for the Rivers Kings. In reply, Dehradun Warriors stumbled early in their pursuit of 186, losing two wickets in the powerplay. The run chase never gained momentum as Rishikesh bowlers maintained relentless pressure, reducing the Warriors to 86/7 by the 15th over. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Chasing 138, Pithoragarh found themselves in deep trouble at 80 for 6 in 14.4 overs before skipper Mayank Mishra and Yash Shukla executed a rescue act. Mishra blitzed an unbeaten 33 off 16 balls while Shukla chipped in with a crucial 29 off 18 balls to guide Pithoragarh home with two balls to spare. Article Source: IANS

UPL Emerging As A Crucial Springboard For Uttarakhand Talent To Reach IPL And National Level: Sunil Joshi

Uttarakhand Premier League: Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) Chairperson Sunil Joshi on Friday said the franchise league is rapidly evolving into a vital feeder system for the state's aspiring talent, as it opens up pathways for players to feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Womens Premier League (WPL), and the national teams. UPL is a platform for players. It gives them a pathway to move towards the India level and potentially the IPL. There are several state-level competitions, including Ranji Trophy and Under-19 cricket, but UPL gives opportunities to players who may not have been selected for those teams. They get a chance to play for one of the teams and showcase their talent, Joshi said in a statement by the tournament on Friday. Our aim is to give these young players as many opportunities as possible so that they can improve themselves, make Uttarakhand proud and eventually reach the India level. We want their talent to be recognised and for them to go on to represent India, he added. Citing the rise of players like Mumbai Indians pacer Akash Madhwal, along with women's cricketers Raghvi Bisht, Prema Rawat, Nandini Kashyap and Neelam Bhardwaj, Joshi pointed out that the tournament provides a crucial bridge between grassroots cricket and high-performance environments. We have seen players like Raghvi Bisht, Prema Rawat, Neelam Bhardwaj and several other young cricketers coming through the system. There are also players from UPL who have gone on to play in the IPL. We have seen the example of Akash Madhwal as well, and many other youngsters are moving forward, he said. Highlighting the scale of player engagement in the current edition, Joshi noted that having seven franchises has led to more playing opportunities across the state. That is exactly what we want from UPL. There are seven teams and around 77 players getting an opportunity through those teams. If you compare that with the limited number of places available in a Ranji team, UPL gives a much larger pool of players the opportunity to showcase their talent. Joshi also praised the states talent identification process, which actively scouts prospects from remote and mountainous regions before integrating them into the district and state framework. The system works from the village level to the district level and then from the district to the state. Children who play cricket in villages are identified and brought into the district system. Even if the facilities at that level are limited, the children continue to work hard and develop their skills. After that, they get the opportunity to come to bigger grounds and showcase their talent. Ultimately, their hard work is what takes them forward. Prema Rawat is one such example of a player who has come through a challenging background and reached this level, he said, while acknowledging the administrative efforts of former secretary Mahim Verma and PC Verma in building Uttarakhand's cricket ecosystem. Joshi signed off by expressing confidence that the league will continue to produce future stars for Indian cricket. Most of the boys playing are around 19 or 20 years old, and they simply need opportunities to play at this level. UPL is providing them with that chance. There are one or two quality players in every team, which is why the matches are so competitive, and we are seeing close contests. After that, they get the opportunity to come to bigger grounds and showcase their talent. Ultimately, their hard work is what takes them forward. Prema Rawat is one such example of a player who has come through a challenging background and reached this level, he said, while acknowledging the administrative efforts of former secretary Mahim Verma and PC Verma in building Uttarakhand's cricket ecosystem. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories I have closely followed the tournament. I have seen a lot of talent among the people and young players here. They needed a stage to showcase that talent, and UPL is providing them with that platform. Article Source: IANS

Golden Eagles, Xen Stars through to inaugural WAPL final

Fresh Shin Injury Derails Hardik's Comeback Plans

Hardik Pandya's comeback has suffered another setback after a fresh right-shin injury, ruling him out of New Zealand tour and forcing the all-rounder into another rehabilitation phase.

Ben Compton hundred keeps Kent promotion train on track

Second-placed side take 124-run lead over Gloucestershire in pursuit of victory that would guarantee return to Division One

Delhi's Initial Ranji Games May Happen In Palam Due To Major Drainage Revamp At Arun Jaitley Stadium

Palam Air Force Ground: Delhis initial home matches in the 2026/27 Ranji Trophy season could be shifted to the Air Force Ground in Palam as the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) prepares to undertake a major overhaul of the drainage system at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The venue, which recently hosted three T20Is between India and Afghanistan earlier this month, will require an extended period of downtime once the civic work commences. A proposal has been sent out to improve the drainage system at the venue. Right now, people concerned are waiting for the final approval. Lets be clear - this process needs time; in winter, it takes time for the grass to grow, and for this, proper sunshine is needed, and you can have an idea of it by seeing the weather in December and January, a source familiar with the matter told IANS on Friday. Delhi, which kicks off their Elite Group C campaign against Bengal in Kalyani from October 11, have two scheduled home fixtures in the first phase - against Gujarat (October 1821) and Services (November 25). Both matches are now expected to take place at the Palam Air Force Ground. The upgradation in the drainage system will also lead to the soil-based outfield being converted into a sand-based one. The process will involve a lot of watering, and the invitation for tenders is expected to begin soon. People who have worked in upgrading drainage systems at other Test venues and are known to the BCCI are expected to be preferred for this work. A final confirmation is likely to come by the first week of October, added the source. The timeline for the outfield work, initially understood to be of four months, could also cast doubt over New Delhi hosting the mens ODI between India and Sri Lanka, to be played on December 13. Should the upgradation work and grass cultivation face delays, the BCCI may have to look at an alternative venue for the match. Delhi will have a second-phase Ranji Trophy home game against Maharashtra, slated to be held from February 1 to 4. Previously, former India wicketkeeper-batter Vijay Dahiya was appointed head coach of the Delhi men's domestic team for the 2026/27 season and will take over from Sarandeep Singh, who was on the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) and notably recommended his name for the role. Should the upgradation work and grass cultivation face delays, the BCCI may have to look at an alternative venue for the match. Delhi will have a second-phase Ranji Trophy home game against Maharashtra, slated to be held from February 1 to 4. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories This marks Dahiya's fourth stint in charge of Delhi, after having previously guided them to their last Ranji Trophy title in 2007/08, besides coaching Uttar Pradesh to the semi-finals in 2021/22. A seasoned coach, Dahiyas extensive resume includes IPL assistant coaching roles with Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, and Kolkata Knight Riders, and he coaches Purani Dilli 6 in the Delhi Premier League (DPL). Article Source: IANS

Injured Buttler Ruled Out Of Englands Decisive Third ODI Against SL; Lawrence Called Up

Injured Jos Buttler: England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the deciding third ODI against Sri Lanka, to be played at The Oval on Sunday, after suffering a left hamstring injury during the second match at Headingley. Right-handed batter Dan Lawrence, who was midway through a County Championship match for Surrey against Somerset, has been pulled out of domestic duty and drafted into the squad as cover for the series finale. Lawrence is set to link up with the national squad for training at The Oval on Saturday morning. Surrey batter Dan Lawrence has been called into the England Men's squad for Sunday's third Metro Bank ODI against Sri Lanka. Jos Buttler has been ruled out due to the hamstring injury he suffered in the second Metro Bank ODI at Headingley last night and will undergo further assessment, an ECB spokesperson said in an official statement on Friday. The injury to Buttler occurred in the 38th over of England's run chase on Thursday when he pulled up while running between the wickets. Despite receiving immediate attention on the field, the 36-year-old was forced to retire hurt on 67. He hobbled back to the crease in the 48th over in a desperate bid to haul England across the line and added two more runs to finish on 69, his highest ODI score in three years, before holing out. Buttler's late effort was in vain as Sri Lanka held their nerve to secure a 16-run victory and level the three-match series 1-1. The injury to Buttler occurred in the 38th over of England's run chase on Thursday when he pulled up while running between the wickets. Despite receiving immediate attention on the field, the 36-year-old was forced to retire hurt on 67. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Lawrence struck a century for Surrey on Thursday and recently hit three fifties in England's Test series win over Pakistan, and is uncapped in ODIs. He previously earned an ODI call-up against Pakistan in 2021 during a Covid-19 outbreak in the English camp, but is yet to make his white-ball debut. Lawrence has played only 28 List A matches, the last of which came in May 2019. Article Source: IANS

Abject Essex collapse under Glamorgan's weight of runs

Visitors limp to close on 100 for 7, still trailing by 405 runs after Tribe, Carlson centuries

Zaib, Vasconcelos push back to keep Northants' faint promotion hopes alive

Middlesex chip away through Helm and Gohar but result at Lord's may end up being academic

Stone rocks Yorkshire but Notts helpless as title slips away

Bonus points put Warwickshire out of sight but 2025 champions in position to end season strongly

Shubman Gill hit on elbow in nets; is Indian captain doubtful for first ODI vs West Indies?

India captain Shubman Gill was struck on his right elbow during a net session in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. The opener was playing Mohammed Siraj in the nets when a rising delivery from the India pacer hit him on the elbow. Gill immediately stepped away from the nets in discomfort as the physiotherapist attended to him. Siraj checked on the batter, while Virat Kohli, training in the neighbouring net, also came over.

Waite tips scales back towards Worcestershire

Derbyshire facing stiff chase in fourth innings despite unstinting efforts of Mohammad Abbas

Unadkat, Haines power Sussex as Hampshire face another drubbing

Already-relegated hosts face tough ask to salvage contest

India A Women Pull Off Sensational Chase Of 363 Against Australia A, Clinch 50-over Series 2-1

IS Bindra PCA Stadium: In a staggering display of superb batting and tremendous composure, India A women pulled off a mammoth chase of 363 runs to defeat Australia A women by four wickets in the third and final 50-over game of the multi-format series, and clinched a memorable 2-1 series victory at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium in Mohali on Friday. Driven by an explosive, unbeaten 88 off 56 balls from Minnu Mani, laced with 12 fours and three sixes, and all-round heroics from Niki Prasad, who hit a 71-ball 76 and picked a four-wicket haul, India A, playing minus Yastika Bhatia, Priya Punia and Sayali Satghare, overhauled Australia A's formidable total of 362/9 with 10 balls to spare. Despite no live streaming of the game, India A women's remarkable 363-run pursuit currently stands as the second-highest successful run chase in women's 50-over cricket history. The record remains with Bengal, who scripted history during the Senior Women's One-Day Trophy in 2024 by hunting down a monumental 390-run target against Haryana at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Internationally, New Zealand hold the record after successfully chasing down 347 against South Africa Women at the Basin Reserve in Wellington in April this year. Chasing a mammoth target, India A laid a solid foundation through top-order half-centuries before their middle order launched a relentless counter-attack. Opener Tanisha Singh hit a calculated 60 off 58 deliveries, laced with 11 boundaries, while sharing a 67-run opening stand with Vrinda Dinesh (34). Though Uma Chetry and Tejal Hasabnis fell for two each, it was the partnership between Niki and Anushka Sharma that turned the match decisively in India A's favour. Nikis crisp 76 off 71 balls was decorated with ten boundaries and a six during the middle overs, while Anushkas aggressive 58 off 42 balls was studded with four boundaries and three sixes. When Anushka departed, off-spin bowling all-rounder Minnu Mani produced a masterclass in operational finishing. Batting with a staggering strike rate of 157.14, Minnu smashed an unbeaten 88 off just 56 balls, anchored by clean hitting and aggressive running between the wickets, to seal the historic chase in style. She also shared a decisive 106-run stand with Niki, before stitching a stand of 47 runs with Jintimani Kalita (19 not out) to take India A home in an epic run chase. Earlier in the day, Australia A Women posted a towering 362/9 in their allotted 50 overs by capitalising on good batting conditions. They were driven to the massive total by a blistering century from Charli Knott and a fluent half-century from Courtney Webb. The visitors laid a steady foundation with openers, captain Tahlia Wilson (38) and Rachel Trenaman (29) putting on 75 runs for the first wicket inside the opening 13 overs. However, left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma triggered a quick double-strike in the 13th over to dismiss both openers and briefly check Australia A's momentum. Charli and Courtney then took control of the innings with a colossal 166-run partnership for the third wicket. Knott dominated the Indian bowling attack, smashing a 70-ball 109 featuring 12 boundaries and five towering sixes at a strike rate of 155.71. Webb anchored the other end effortlessly, falling just five runs short of a century with a 92-ball 95, including hitting seven boundaries, before Niki broke the stand. A late flurry from Hayley Silver-Holmes (19 off 8 balls) pushed the visitors past the 360-mark, but India A dragged themselves back as Niki (4-82) and Vaishnavi (4-68) ensured Australia A were kept below 380 after they looked set to post an even bigger total. The series will now conclude with a four-day red-ball game starting on September 29 in Mohali. Charli and Courtney then took control of the innings with a colossal 166-run partnership for the third wicket. Knott dominated the Indian bowling attack, smashing a 70-ball 109 featuring 12 boundaries and five towering sixes at a strike rate of 155.71. Webb anchored the other end effortlessly, falling just five runs short of a century with a 92-ball 95, including hitting seven boundaries, before Niki broke the stand. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Australia A 362/9 in 50 overs (Charli Knott 109, Courtney Webb 95; Vaishnavi Sharma 4-68, Niki Prasad 4-82) lost to India A 364/6 in 48.2 overs (Minnu Mani 88 not out, Niki Prasad 76, Tanisha Singh 60, Anushka Sharma 58; Charli Knott 2-57, Lily Mills 2-81) by four wickets. Article Source: IANS

Kamaljeet-Suruchi win gold, Baranica claims historic bronze; India's medal tally rises to 23

The duo credited coach Samaresh Jung for helping them move past the disappointment and focus on the next opportunity. Kamaljeet also dedicated the medal to his family, while Suruchi credited her parents for their support

Mani, Prasad, Anushka star in India A's 363 chase to seal series 2-1

Australia A posted 362 for 9 after Knott's 109 and Webb's 95

Morne Morkel Reveals Plan For India's Pace Attack For 2027 World Cup, Sends Message To Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel wants the team management to give second-line bowlers such as Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar sufficient opportunities in the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies.

Buttler out of Oval decider as Lawrence earns ODI call-up

Surrey batter drafted as stand-by as Cox prepares to keep wicket in third ODI

Noman Ali six-for highlights battling Lancashire effort

Durham amass 493 with fifties from Robinson and Carse before weather closes in

India Coach Reminds Team About Standards, Sets Clear Demand Over 2027 World Cup Preparations

India bowling coach Morne Morkel on Friday asserted that preparation for the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup begins immediately through the upcoming series against the West Indies, and urged players to embrace high-pressure situations.

Compete For All-Rounder Spot: India Coach's Big Message To Nitish Reddy As 2027 World Cup Build-Up Begins

India bowling coach Morne Morkel on Friday highlighted the need to manage young seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy with care, saying he possesses all the requisite attributes to excel across departments if given a clear role and consistent opportunities.

Asian Games 2026: President Murmu Congratulates Indian Shooters After Gold, Silver Medal Wins

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday congratulated Indian shooters for winning gold and silver medals at the ongoing Asian Games in Japan. A golden finish for Kamaljeet and Suruchi Inder Singh! The duo clinched the Gold Medal for India in

Gill takes a hit to the elbow in the nets ahead of West Indies ODIs

Three-match series starts on Sunday in Thiruvananthapuram

Historic clash against India was a massive learning curve, says Japan skipper Kadowaki-Fleming

Digital Desk | Tokyo, Sep 25 (IANS) Reflecting on their historic T20I encounter against current T20 World Cup holders India, Japan captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming said his side displayed commendable confidence against a top-tier opponent, adding that it was a massive learning curve for his team. At the same time, Kadowaki-Fleming felt theres an urgent need to expand grassroots programs across Japan to bridge the gap with elite cricketing nations. Japan played host to India for the very first time in international cricket through a commemorative match organized by the Japan Cricket Association (JCA) at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and India. The landmark match, which saw tickets sell out within hours, drew a record-breaking crowd of 2,149 spectators - the highest-ever attendance for a cricket match in Japan. It also recorded over two million views across official online streaming in English and Japanese. Despite the ranking gap between India and Japan, we were able to play with confidence throughout the match and challenge them. Although we unfortunately lost this time, we want to use today's experience to eventually beat top-ranked teams and aim higher, Kadowaki-Fleming said in a statement by JCA on Friday. In a rain-hit match, with the game reduced to five overs per innings, Japan lost by just two runs in the chase despite restricting India to 32/4. A major difference lies in the educational programs; India has an environment where cricket is played everywhere. For us in Japanese cricket, the challenge is to expand awareness of the sport not just in Sano, but across the country. I believe we need to create programs that allow children to improve their skills, added Kadowaki-Fleming. Echoing similar sentiments, Japan head coach Dhugal Bedingfield praised his side's adaptability against India, adding that the exposure would accelerate the group's growth. It was an honour to play against a top-tier team featuring the world's best batters and bowlers. I believe we put up a good fight against them, and the players - including the younger ones - adapted well to the match situation. The players gained valuable experience from this game, so I am excited about the future. We will work hard to reach the next level, he said.

Former Namibia captain Yasmeen Khan included in South Africa's red-ball training camp

Preparation for Tests against India and Australia later this season gets underway

Pacers and spinners do it for India-A

Australia-A gets bowled out for 200 in the second session on the final day

Lakshyaswait was worth it

South African Women To Attend Four-day Red-ball Camp Ahead Of Tests Against India, Australia

Cricket South Africa: Gearing up for a packed home summer featuring two Test matches against India and Australia, Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Friday announced an extended 28-player squad for a four-day red-ball training camp scheduled to be held in Centurion from September 27 to 30. The training camp, to be held at Irene Cricket Club, is the first of two specialised sessions designed to prepare the Proteas Women for their four-day Test against India, to be played at St George's Park in Gqeberha from December 9 to 12. It is followed by a marquee Test match against Australia, to be played at Potchefstroom in March next year. The extended roster features nationally contracted players, Emerging Academy recruits, and top performers from domestic cricket alongside Test-capped regulars like captain Laura Wolvaardt, Sun Luus, Nadine de Klerk, and Anneke Bosch, though Marizanne Kapp is a notable omission. This is another great chapter for the Proteas Women as a group. Preparing for and playing red-ball cricket is something that excites us as players and coaches. We are a team that is always eager to learn and grow as cricketers, and the longer format of the game goes a long way towards helping us achieve that continuous development, head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said in a statement released by CSA. Weve purposefully cast the net wide with the players we have invited to the camp, with the aim of building a solid base of cricketers we can look to when it comes to the skills and mentality required to be successful in red-ball cricket and beyond, he added. Mashimbyi also noted that the camp would also help strengthen team culture and elevate the side's technical foundation across white-ball formats. Another important goal for us is simply spending more time together as a squad and continuing to grow the culture within the group. It also gives us an opportunity to enhance our technical and tactical blueprint, which is not only applicable to the longer format but will also help us prepare for the challenges ahead in One-Day International and T20 International cricket. In terms of the work well be doing, the first camp will largely focus on the various skills required for Test cricket before we look to put those into practice with a training match during the second camp, he added. It also gives us an opportunity to enhance our technical and tactical blueprint, which is not only applicable to the longer format but will also help us prepare for the challenges ahead in One-Day International and T20 International cricket. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Laura Wolvaardt, Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Alexandra Candler, Izel Cilliers, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Nicolien Janse van Rensburg, Leah Jones, Yasmeen Khan, Masabata Klaas, Simon Lourens, Sun Luus, Tebogo Macheke, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Nthabiseng Nini, Luyanda Nzuza, Kayla Reyneke, Nondumiso Shangase, Tumi Sekhukhune, Mian Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, and Caitlin Wyngaard. Article Source: IANS

Gill in Trouble? India Suffer Injury Scare Ahead of Windies ODIs

Indian skipper Shubman Gill sustained an elbow injury during a net session after being hit by a Mohammad Siraj delivery, though he later returned to practice. Meanwhile, veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma also batted together. Separately, the West Indies cricket board announced a 25% reduction in retainer fees for players as part of a financial restructuring.

Dahiya replaces Sarandeep as Delhi coach

Injury Scare For India: Shubman Gill Hit By Mohammed Siraj's Rising Delivery, Appears In Pain Ahead of 1st ODI vs WI

Indian skipper Shubman Gill on Friday suffered an injury scare when pacer Mohammad Siraj's rising delivery struck him on the elbow

ODI WC prep starts now; players must put themselves under pressure, says Morne Morkel

Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 25 (IANS) India bowling coach Morne Morkel on Friday asserted that preparation for the 2027 Mens ODI World Cup begins immediately through the upcoming series against the West Indies, and urged players to embrace high-pressure situations rather than waiting for the marquee tournament to step up their game. India will begin their home season via a three-match ODI series against the West Indies at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday, followed by matches in Guwahati and New Chandigarh. Look, for me, the main focus I reckon would be: we can talk, and you can look at different options on how you want to go about playing eleven. But for me, the end of the day is that the guys who ever walk onto the field now, up until the World Cup, starting on Sunday, need to know that there's a certain standard we want to achieve. I want these players to put themselves under pressure, as much pressure. I think coming to the World Cup is the biggest stage. You can't decide a month or a week before the tournament now that we're going to step things up. I think it starts now with this series against West Indies, how with bowling, with back ball and in the field, how can we put ourselves under pressure? Morkel told reporters in a press conference on Friday. He also revealed that the team management held a detailed meeting to set high benchmarks and lay down the building blocks in the 50-over format for the upcoming home season. Very excited for this series and for us, building towards something special. It's almost a year away. We had a good team meeting and conversation today about how we would like to play this series and the standards we want to set. So, the words were spoken in the room, and hopefully now over the next week or so we can go out and start getting those foundations and the building blocks in place for this series, he added. To build mental toughness, Morkel said he has challenged the bowling unit to proactively seek responsibility during tough passages of play under captain Shubman Gill. We've challenged the bowlers today when conditions are tough, or there are certain partnerships that are developing badly. I want to see guys going to Shubman and asking for the ball and wanting to create opportunities and not be sort of protecting their own space. I think that will be a great goal for us if we can develop that now for guys wanting the tough situations. If we are maybe 30/4, who's going to go and get that partnership and get us at 100? So if we can throw ourselves in certain situations and guys can figure out ways to play those situations and learn and take learnings about that, there will be growth, and that will help us down the line, he added. The bowling coach also highlighted that players will continue to be rotated across different roles in the upcoming matches against the West Indies and New Zealand to test the squad depth, especially with the Asian Games around right now and later, when Test series preparation demands players to miss a few games later in November. I think if you look at the last year, we've been trying to give guys some game time and see in different roles how they react, and that will be the same now leading into the series and looking at New Zealand, to give guys opportunity with the ball in hand. I think it's very important for those guys to get the game time, to get a feel for the standard that we're looking to play. Addressing the role of senior figures like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Morkel praised Gill's leadership while stressing how crucial experience for the veteran duo is in mentoring younger ODI squad members. It's always great to have that experience back in the team. Just to guide Shubman as well. I must say Shubman has done an exceptional job so far leading the team. But I'm always a big believer in your senior players and how they shape the team. I think different players in the team will feel more comfortable speaking to a certain senior individual, and we're quite fortunate that we've got a lot of experience in that. So if Virat or Rohit, whoever is leading the conversation, there's a lot of game time and a lot of experience in those conversations, that can only be great for the team. We always throw out as many questions as possible in team meetings for the senior guys to speak and to share their experience. But the challenge is to sometimes ask a younger guy while they're batting in the nets, pick Virat's brain, speak to Rohit about what is important with a new ball up front. So, the more opportunities we can create for conversation with these guys, the better it is for us, concluded Morkel.

Why India Should Look Beyond Their First-Choice Bowlers Vs Windies

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel emphasises giving opportunities to second-line bowlers like Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar in the upcoming ODI series against West Indies. He believes this match time is crucial for building a strong bowling group for next year's World Cup. Morkel also highlighted the importance of exposing bowlers to tough match situations to develop their temperament.

Need To Manage Nitish Well To Groom Him As An All-rounder, Says India Bowling Coach Morkel

Nitish Kumar Reddy: India bowling coach Morne Morkel on Friday highlighted the need to manage young seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy with care, saying he possesses all the requisite attributes to excel across departments if given a clear role and consistent opportunities. Reddy bounced back strongly from a recent quadriceps injury layoff by picking up six wickets in second and third T20Is against Afghanistan in New Delhi earlier this month. After looking slightly rusty in his comeback game on September 13, Reddy quickly found his bowling rhythm in the subsequent matches, though he is yet to make an impact with the bat. Reddy was then pulled out of the Asian Games mens T20 squad with an aim to give him crucial game time in the ODI series against the West Indies starting on Sunday. I think with Nitish, if we just rewind to the T20s, the way he bowled in different situations has been very impressive. The message to him all the time is just to keep things simple and do the basics as well as possible. I think he's a very talented guy when it comes to bat, ball, and in the field. He always wants to be the guy who wants to create opportunities, and having that mindset is fantastic. But I think the role that we want him to play in certain situations is: how can we ask him to be as consistent, and how well can he fulfil just doing the basics as best as possible. I think that is another thing where we need to give him those opportunities to learn and grow. Luckily, we do have a bit of time now, and it will be great for Indian cricket if we can keep on developing him and for him to compete for that all-rounder spot. He's got all the talent and all the ability to do that, but for us it's just important to manage him quite well, to give him quite a simple role in terms of what he needs to go and do for the team, Morkel told reporters in a press conference on Friday. Addressing concerns over player fitness, which has been a recurring theme of late, Morkel assured that the team's management, in coordination with the medical staff, is constantly monitoring workloads to ensure key all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Harshit Rana return to peak fitness. While Rana suffered a quadriceps strain during match simulations while trying to achieve fitness clearance, Pandya has been out of action after IPL 2026 due to leg and quadriceps injuries. We're constantly keeping an eye on workload management, how to give the guys the best opportunity to be fit and put their name in the hat for selection. We've got Hardik, Harshit Rana, all those guys still on the sidelines, and we're excited to get them back and get them playing and get them fit again. So that's part of our job to sit with the medical side and map that out. But there's definitely a plan for each and every individual, and we'll keep on monitoring that and coming up with the best way forward to give the selectors and to give everybody the best sort of group to pick from, he added. While acknowledging that injuries are an unfortunate reality of international cricket, Morkel expressed confidence in India's bench strength. Obviously, you want to have your strongest and condition-wise the best playing on the field. Sadly, it's part of the game that the guys get injured at times, and we didn't ideally want them to fall injured. But luckily, like I said, we've got fantastic backup in the wings, and it's a great opportunity for the guys to go and play a game for India, to make a name for themselves and to compete. But ideally, hopefully we can get all the injuries out of the way and later down the year we'll be fine, and we can take it from there, he added. Assessing the playing surface at Greenfield International Stadium, Morkel predicted a high-scoring contest based on his assessment during the team's training session. For me, it's my second time also at the venue here. My last outing was the T20 against New Zealand, and it was quite a high-scoring game. But luckily, like I said, we've got fantastic backup in the wings, and it's a great opportunity for the guys to go and play a game for India, to make a name for themselves and to compete. But ideally, hopefully we can get all the injuries out of the way and later down the year we'll be fine, and we can take it from there, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories I expect a high-scoring game, and both teams play a very attacking brand of cricket. So, I think it's just going to be the team that can sum up the conditions best in that first 15 to 20 overs, whether or not the ball is still new, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Bangladeshi-Origin County Cricketer Charged With Rape

Bangladeshi-origin cricketer Robin Das has been suspended by Essex County Cricket Club after being charged with two counts of rape in London. The Metropolitan Police confirmed his arrest in August last year and subsequent charging in July 2026, following reports of an incident in March 2024. Essex CCC has stated an immediate and ongoing suspension, adhering to all appropriate legal processes.

West Indies Gear Up to End 24-Year ODI Series Drought in India

West Indies head coach Darren Sammy expresses confidence in his team's ability to secure an ODI series victory in India, a feat not achieved in 24 years. Despite their 10th ODI ranking, Sammy believes the team has made significant progress and highlights key players like Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Sherfane Rutherford, Alzarri Joseph, and young wrist-spinner Vitel Lawes as potential game-changers against Shubman Gill's side.

A Privilege To Take Up CSK Head Coach Role, Big Shoes To Fill, Says Zaheer Khan

Chennai Super Kings: Newly appointed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Zaheer Khan said on Friday that being at the helm of the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions is a privilege which comes with immense responsibility, adding that filling the shoes of outgoing coach Stephen Fleming will be an exciting yet challenging task for him. Zaheer, the former Indian left-arm fast bowler, was named as the new CSK head coach on Monday for IPL 2027. His immediate task will be to chalk out a strategy for the mini auction, to be held in Goa in December this year. The feeling is still sinking in, I would say. So much love and affection being shown towards me by the fans, by the well-wishers looking ahead to this special chapter in my cricketing career. It always feels very satisfying and a lot of pressure as well at the same time of responsibilities which I'll be carrying since you're talking about CSK, isn't it? Zaheer said on the franchise's official YouTube channel on Friday. It's a franchise which has the legacy, rich history of cricket and big shoes to fill in. So that's something which is going to be very challenging at the same time, exciting as well because it's just about taking the team to the level which everyone expects them to be and that's something which I'm looking forward to, the former India speedster added. Describing the appointment process, Zaheer, a member of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team, praised the franchise's clarity in the process of appointing him to the role and showing trust in his coaching abilities. The procedure was pretty simple, straightforward, I would say, in a typical CSK fashion. Obviously, MS has been a great force with CSK. It's been very critical in terms of understanding the direction the team should be going. The owners and the CEO, Rupa and Mr. Kasi, did have a word with me, and the conversation was very simple. We want you -- if you're available or not; the availability was checked. I said, yeah, I would love to be part of it. It would be a privilege and an honour. From then on, it was just about taking things forward and moving on with the formalities. It was as simple as that, and that gives me a lot of confidence stepping into this responsibility. It's the faith which has been shown in me and in my abilities. Obviously, the responsibilities are going to be greater. It's going to be a different challenge. But this faith is definitely something which I value a lot, and I'm looking forward to just taking things in my stride and doing my best, he added. Zaheer paid rich tributes to Fleming, under whom CSK won five titles, and his legendary partnership with MS Dhoni, which established the franchise as one of the most successful T20 franchises globally. When you talk about Fleming, it's about the consistency and the camaraderie which he's had with MS. It's something which has been very special. CSK has always been a very tough opponent whenever I've been facing them, and that's the legacy which I'm talking about -- the brand of cricket was established through years of hard work. It's about protecting that brand and taking things forward from here. So, as I mentioned, big shoes to fill. A lot of expectations that do bring a lot of pressure as well. It's going to be an exciting challenge which I'm looking forward to, he added. For Zaheer, returning to CSK feels like a homecoming, as he revealed about having spent a significant part of his formative cricket years in the city at the famous MRF Pace Foundation under Australian fast bowling legend Dennis Lillee. Well, we go a long way back; that pace foundation is something which is very dear to me. Played a huge role in my career and shaped me as a fast bowler. Spending time with Dennis Lillee there, I pretty much spent about 3 years. So, that time was something very special. The guest house was very nice. You had 10-12 fast bowlers slogging it out over the off-season for five-six months. On weekends, go for movies, make new friends -- that has been the connection. So, Chennai has always been very dear to me. Anna Nagar is where we used to stay. So, obviously, that area I'm very familiar with. Spent a lot of time there. Then, I went to the Pace Academy, which was in Egmore. The cricket ground was in a school facility. So, a lot of buzz in that area, and I did play a lot of league cricket there in Chennai. So, over the years, around that time, I was part of the MRF team. The Globe Trotters in the local league -- so, good and fond memories, lots of connections and friends there, he recalled. The guest house was very nice. You had 10-12 fast bowlers slogging it out over the off-season for five-six months. On weekends, go for movies, make new friends -- that has been the connection. So, Chennai has always been very dear to me. Anna Nagar is where we used to stay. So, obviously, that area I'm very familiar with. Spent a lot of time there. Then, I went to the Pace Academy, which was in Egmore. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The team and the fans look like a big family, and the togetherness is very special, and that's what everyone experiences when they come to Chepauk and enjoy the game of cricket. So, looking forward to all the love and adulation which this team will get as we move along. Article Source: IANS

Truth Behind Yashasvi Jaiswal's Fiery On-Field Clash With Sri Lanka Finally Revealed By India Star

Talented opener Yashasvi Jaiswal last month got involved in a tense altercation with Asitha Fernando on Day 1 of the second India vs Sri Lanka Test in Colombo

Vinod Kambli shares video from Thane's Nidan Centre for Elderly Care, fans concerned about health

Former India batter Vinod Kambli has sparked concern among fans after sharing a video message expressing gratitude for his stay at the Nidan Centre for Elderly Care in Thane. The short video clip surfaced online, reassuring well-wishers while shedding light on his ongoing recovery.

Open To Mentoring Test Side Ahead Of Ashes, But Full-time Role Unlikely: Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen: Former captain Kevin Pietersen has revealed that he is in talks with England Test coach Stephen Fleming regarding a potential mentoring role with the red-ball setup ahead of next year's Ashes, though a full-time commitment remains out of the question due to his mad schedule'. Pietersen, who recently returned to the England fold as a short-term white-ball mentor under head coach Brendon McCullum till next year's 50-over World Cup in South Africa, said he has already held initial discussions with Fleming about working with the Test batters. I have had a conversation with Stephen Fleming, but I don't think that necessarily means that I need to be in a dressing-room. There's a lot of time in the lead-up to an Ashes series; there's a lot of time in the lead-up to the tour of South Africa now, where I'm going to be with the Test batters in Australia, and there's conversations that can be had there. Inside a tournament, I can't do anything. There's nothing I can do. But I've certainly had a conversation with Flem - who I absolutely love - about language that he would like me to use with the Test batters going into, say, South Africa, and then certainly into the summer next year. But I don't think I can commit to a lot more time, Pietersen was quoted as saying by Cricinfo on Friday, after Sri Lanka levelled the ODI series. One of the key figures Pietersen aims to guide is white-ball captain Harry Brook, whose vast potential the former batter described as frightening. Where I can help him is situations, playing situations, because there was a lot of method in my madness when I played. There was a lot of strategy in the way that I approached batting. Yes, occasionally I got out to reckless shots and crazy shots in the 80s and 90s and stuff, but actually, there was a lot of structure to the way that I batted. I've still got notes on my phone on how I played in T20 cricket, one-day cricket, Test match cricket, about hitting straight back at the stumps, techniques That all-round structure is something I could potentially help him with, because he's so flipping good. He's a joke, how good he is. It's actually frightening how good he is, and how good he can be, he added. Pietersen's return to the England setup came as a surprise given the controversial end to his international career in 2014 and his past criticism of the team's style of play. He admitted to being taken aback when McCullum first reached out to him last month. I thought I was in trouble. It took a couple of weeks of conversations with him to be able to convince me that it was something that I wanted to do, because the perception (that I had) wasn't actually the reality that I now know of what's downstairs in that dressing-room. I'm very, very happy that I did take up the role because it gives me a way, way, way happier perspective on where English cricket actually is. You've got a young bunch of guys here that are absolutely driven to be successful, and you've got Baz who is hellbent on making sure that we're the fittest, strongest, most adaptable team, and he is on an absolute path to make sure that we are competitive next year, he added. Dismissing any lingering baggage from his playing days, Pietersen said, I'm 46, man. That stuff's so long gone. I'm a completely different person, too I'm just here to help Brendon, first and foremost. I'm here to help the players try to become the best versions of themselves. Looking ahead to next year's 50-over World Cup in South Africa, with England are currently ranked seventh in the ICC standings, Pietersen struck a realistic tone regarding the team's prospects. Dismissing any lingering baggage from his playing days, Pietersen said, I'm 46, man. That stuff's so long gone. I'm a completely different person, too I'm just here to help Brendon, first and foremost. I'm here to help the players try to become the best versions of themselves. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories We've got a very successful T20 team. We know we're not as successful in the one-day format, so over the next 12 months, we have to work our absolute backsides off, day and night, in every single country that we're in to get better every single day, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Vijay Dahiya replaces Sarandeep Singh as Delhi men's head coach

Parvinder Awana and Sanjeev Sharma named bowling coaches; Kshitiz Sharma and Kuldeep Rawat appointed assistant coaches

Phoebe Brett, Maria Andrews Named In England Squad For U-19 T20 WC And India Series

T20 World Cup: Warwickshire spinner Phoebe Brett and The Blaze all-rounder Maria Andrews have been named in a 15-player England squad for their upcoming tour of India and the subsequent ICC U-19 Womens T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Nepal and Bangladesh. The ECB announced a busy winter itinerary for the side, which begins with a five-match T20 series against India in November-December this year, and serves as key preparation for the marquee global event in January-February 2027. Following the conclusion of the series against India, the squad will stay back in the country for an additional week of outdoor training camps before flying out for the World Cup. Phoebe remains the sole player from England's 2025 World Cup campaign in Malaysia, where the side lost to eventual champions India in the semi-finals. Maria, who served as a non-travelling reserve during the previous edition, has earned a call-up to the main squad this time around. This is an exciting opportunity for this group of players who will be the best prepared squad we will have sent to the U19 Womens World Cup, England U-19 head coach Chris Guest said in a statement. The aspiration as always is to win the U19 World Cup. Taking on board learnings from previous campaigns, we have gone about things slightly differently this time, ensuring that our players are getting some game time outdoors much closer to the tournament, he added. Detailing the focus of the upcoming winter assignment, the head coach stressed that player development remains as vital as winning silverware. The goals for the winter are dual focused. We want to win the World Cup, and we are also developing players and helping them prepare for what their career might look like in a professional environment. The ECB stated that the team captain will be named at a later date. Additionally, five non-travelling reserves - Ava Clive, Ivreen Dhaliwal, Libby Fellows, Lucy Randle-Bissell, and Isobel Thorndike - will participate in all preparation camps, including the training period in India at the conclusion of the T20 series. The five-match T20 series against India will kick off in Baroda on November 26, with the venue hosting the first two games before the action shifts to Surat for the remaining three fixtures. The ECB stated that the team captain will be named at a later date. Additionally, five non-travelling reserves - Ava Clive, Ivreen Dhaliwal, Libby Fellows, Lucy Randle-Bissell, and Isobel Thorndike - will participate in all preparation camps, including the training period in India at the conclusion of the T20 series. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Non-travelling reserves: Ava Clive, Ivreen Dhaliwal, Libby Fellows, Lucy Randle-Bissell, and Isobel Thorndike. Article Source: IANS

Shams Mulani Shines as India A Trounces Australia A by 162 Runs

Left-arm spinner Shams Mulani's impressive match-haul of 7/124, including three wickets in the second innings, propelled India A to a commanding 162-run victory over Australia A in the first unofficial Test at the CAP-Siechem Stadium in Puducherry.

Adaptability And Partnerships Key To Success In Tests, Says Prasidh Krishna

Cricket World Cup: Stressing that red-ball cricket is as much about effort put in tandem as compared to individual brilliance, India pacer Prasidh Krishna said the ability to adapt to varying conditions and bowl in partnerships has been central to establishing himself in the Test setup. In nine Tests since 2023, Prasidh has picked 32 wickets, while completing a half-century of scalps in 28 ODIs. I think its the ability to adapt and deliver, no matter what the conditions are. You need to be able to run in and bowl your heart out wherever you play. Understanding your bowling partners is also important. Like batting, bowling is about partnerships, being able to complement each other and deliver whatever the team needs, Prasidh told JioStar on Friday. India are scheduled to kick off a busy home season featuring three ODIs against the West Indies from September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram. It also serves as an early building block towards the 2027 ICC Mens Cricket World Cup alongside a high-stakes home Test series against Australia. Looking forward to the marquee Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at home, Prasidh stated that managing workload and rhythm over a grueling five-match series remains crucial in the context of entering the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Ive experienced five-match Test series twice now, once in Australia and once in England, and Ive grown a lot from those experiences. Its a completely different challenge to stay in rhythm and carry momentum across five games and 25 days of cricket. The team is already building towards that challenge. Everyone is in great shape and has the right mindset to take it on. We also know how important the series is in the WTC cycle, so Im really looking forward to it, he added. Having spent considerable time on the sidelines recovering from injuries, including a lower back stress fracture needing surgery, the tall fast bowler reflected on the mental fortitude required during long rehabilitation periods. Being injured and unable to take part in the cricket thats going on is difficult for anyone. The rehab journey is gruelling because you have to do the same things again and again. Thats where the team and sports science staff become really important. Having spent considerable time on the sidelines recovering from injuries, including a lower back stress fracture needing surgery, the tall fast bowler reflected on the mental fortitude required during long rehabilitation periods. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Its easy to sit back and say, I was injured, I couldnt do much, and it will take time to come back. But you also need that mental resilience to get up and get going. I always tell myself that if I was at a certain level when I got injured, I need to be ten times better when I come back. That mindset is really important, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Pietersen open to Ashes mentor role after approach from Fleming

Former England batter tempted by chance to work with Test squad in interim capacity

England announce 2027 Women's Under-19 World Cup squad

The same 15-player squad will tour India in November/December for five-match T20 series

UPL: We Dont Give Much Pressure To Anyone, Says Haridwar Elmas Captain Yuvraj After Third Consecutive Win

Uttarakhand Premier League: Haridwar Elmas produced a confident run chase to defeat Tehri Titans by four wickets in the Uttarakhand Premier League 2026, with captain Yuvraj Chaudhary leading from the front with a match-winning 79 off 46 balls. After winning the toss, Haridwar Elmas opted to bowl first. Tehri Titans posted 168/8 in their allotted 20 overs, with Vijay Sharma providing the major contribution with a quickfire 60 off 31 balls. For Haridwar Elmas, Abhay Chhetri was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets. Chasing 169, Haridwar Elmas reached the target in 18.4 overs, finishing on 174/6. Captain Yuvraj Chaudhary anchored the chase with an assured 79 off 46 balls, while crucial contributions from the middle order helped Haridwar maintain control of the chase and cross the finish line with eight balls to spare. Reflecting on the teams approach and the confidence within the camp, Yuvraj said the environment created by the team management has helped the players perform without unnecessary pressure. First of all, our team and staff keep everything simple. We dont give much pressure to anyone. We just tell them to back their game and play for the team. Do whatever is needed for the team. This is how our teams environment is very good, said Yuvraj. The Haridwar captain also revealed that he remained confident throughout the chase despite losing two early wickets. He said his focus was simply on staying at the crease and taking the team across the line. There was nothing in my mind. I knew that if I kept standing for 15-16 overs, I would finish the match. So I had a belief in myself that I just have to bat. I can cover the runs anytime, he said. Yuvraj credited his teammates for keeping the chase on track, highlighting the partnership with Shashwat and Siddharths contribution towards the end. I fell two wickets early. It didnt matter that much. There was a good partnership with Shashwat in the middle. And in the end, Siddharth did a good finish. So there is a very good combination in the team, he added. The captain also drew confidence from previous experiences of finishing matches for his side. I knew that I would finish the match a couple of times earlier, said Yuvraj. With Haridwar Elmas continuing their campaign, Yuvraj said the team would remain focused on executing their skills rather than worrying about the eventual result. Its the same. We will do our batting and bowling well. We dont think much about the results. We do our job well. So we will get the results, he said. With Haridwar Elmas continuing their campaign, Yuvraj said the team would remain focused on executing their skills rather than worrying about the eventual result. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories No, I think we will go with the same combination. We will try to give everyone a chance, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

'Already building': Prasidh Krishna weighs in on India's preparation for BGT 2027, opens up on upcoming ODI WC

The year 2027 is completely stacked for the Indian cricket team. The side has several huge assignments right from the start of the year, and the preparations for the same are underway as well. With...

India A Beat Australia A By 162 Runs, Shams Mulani Claims Seven Wickets

India A registered a thumping 162-run win over Australia A in the first four-day fixture at the CAP-Siechem Stadium on Friday.

Mulani, Deshpande Help India A Thump Australia A By 162 Runs

Opener Sai Sudharsan: Left-arm spinner Shams Mulani took three wickets in the second innings to return a match-haul of seven for 124 as India A recorded a thumping 162-run win over Australia A about half an hour after lunch on the concluding day of the first four-day fixture at the CAP-Siechem Stadium here on Friday. Resuming their second innings at 55/2, and requiring another 308 for victory, Australia A were bowled out for 200, with Mulani scalping three at the end, including top-scorer Fergus ONeill (47, 52b, 6x4, 1x6) caught at deep mid wicket. Medium pacer Anshul Kamboj took out the overnight pair of Nathan McSweeney (35, 75b, 5x4) and skipper Peter Handscomb (16) in the opening hour to push the visitors on to the back-foot immediately. Replacing Kamboj from the pavilion end, pacer Tushar Deshpande cleaned up Josh Philippe and Liam Scott off successive deliveries before off-spinner Tanush Kotian clean bowled Jason Sangha to leave the visitors struggling at 185/7 at lunch. Earlier, on Thursday, skipper Devdutt Padikkal struck a fifty and first-innings centurion Kumar Kushagra remained unbeaten on 46 as India A set Australia A an improbable target of 363. Opener Sai Sudharsan (39, 85b, 3x4), who scored a fifty in the first innings, and fellow-southpaw Padikkal (59, 88b, 7x4) put on 68 for the second wicket as India A built on a solid first-innings lead of 163. Sudharsan fell lbw attempting to sweep Todd Murphy just before lunch, the first of four victims for the impressive bespectacled off-spinner, who took three wickets in the first innings. In-form Padikkal, who recorded his fourth 50-plus score in as many first-class matches, reached his fifty with successive fours off pacer Liam Scott. The skipper was the fifth wicket to fall, lbw to Scott, as the hosts collapsed, losing their last six wickets for 48 runs. In-form Padikkal, who recorded his fourth 50-plus score in as many first-class matches, reached his fifty with successive fours off pacer Liam Scott. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Brief scores: India A 334 & 199 beat Australia A 171 & 200 all out in 55.1 overs (Fergus ONeill 47; Tushar Deshpande 3-14, Shams Mulani 3-57, Tanush Kotian 2-57) by 162 runs. Article Source: IANS

Dahiya Returns As Delhi Senior Men's Head Coach; Bhaskar Named Chief Selector

Raj Kumar Sharma: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Vijay Dahiya has been re-appointed as the head coach of the Delhi senior mens cricket team for the 2026/27 domestic season. Raj Kumar Sharma, the childhood coach of India batting stalwart Virat Kohli and a Dronacharya Awardee, has been named the 'State Mentor', while Sunita Sharma has been appointed in the same role for the women's teams. The decisions for men's and women's teams selection committee and coaches were taken after all recommendations were submitted by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), according to an official statement issued by the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) on Friday. Dahiya, the assistant coach with IPL 2022 winners Gujarat Titans, had coached Delhi to 2007/08 Ranji Trophy triumph and served in the same role in 2012/13, 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons. Dahiya, who played two Tests and ten ODIs for India, now takes over from former India off-spinner and selector Sarandeep Singh, who had been at the helm for the last two seasons and is now in the CAC. Dahiya will be joined by assistant coaches Kshitiz Sharma and Kuldeep Rawat, with Sanjeev Sharma and former India pacer Parvinder Awana serving as bowling coaches. Delhi will begin their Ranji Trophy campaign on October 11 against Bengal in Kalyani. Former Delhi stalwarts KP Bhaskar and ex-India player Reema Malhotra have been appointed as head of the senior mens and senior womens selection panels, respectively. Bhaskar will chair a three-member committee featuring Manu Nayar and Praveen Gupta, while Reema is joined by Swarn Chadha and Rani Ojha. In the age-group divisions, former Delhi batter Robin Bisht takes charge as chief coach of the Mens Under-23 team and will be assisted by Mohan Chaturvedi and Rajinder Singh Chawla. Rajiv Nayyar will lead the Mens U-19 coaching staff, while Raju Sharma and Abhishek Mankotia have been named chief coaches for the Mens U-16 and U-14 setups, respectively. In the age-group divisions, former Delhi batter Robin Bisht takes charge as chief coach of the Mens Under-23 team and will be assisted by Mohan Chaturvedi and Rajinder Singh Chawla. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The DDCA also announced a High Performance Group, where former India batter Gursharan Singh and Bantoo Singh have been appointed as chief batting coaches for the mens and womens programs, respectively. Tilak Raj Sharma and V. Arvind will oversee the bowling department in the High Performance division. Article Source: IANS

Will Yashasvi Jaiswal get a chance in India's XI ahead of WI series? Former cricketer opines

The stage is set for the upcoming multi-format white ball series between India and the West Indies. The two sides are slated to take on each other for the first ODI on September 27, and...

Always Exciting When Australia Arrive: Shukri Conrad Relishes South Africas Home Test Series Against Australia

World Test Championship: South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad is relishing the opportunity to host Australia for a three-match World Test Championship series, with the reigning champions set to face the top-ranked Test side from October 9. The series features the two sides that met in the 2025 WTC Final at Lord's, where Aiden Markram's 136 and nine wickets from Kagiso Rabada powered South Africa to a five-wicket win over Australia. Conrad is particularly excited about facing Australia on home soil with South Africa hosting them in a Test series for the first time since 2018 as the sides meet again in the current WTC cycle. Any series against Australia is worth looking forward to, and more particularly because it's at home, Conrad told ICC. We haven't had international [Test] cricket in South Africa for almost two years. Certainly looking forward to playing in front of our home crowds against arguably the number one side in the world. I think there's always spice between South Africa and Australia. Maybe not as spicy as in years gone by, but I think the fact that we put one over them in the (World Test Championship) final last year might add a little bit of spice to what should be a really exciting and spicy series. Its always exciting when Australia arrive on our shores and I am sure this one's going to be no different. Conrad believes South Africa can draw valuable lessons from their triumph at Lords, while acknowledging the quality of Australias bowling attack. We respect them for the champion side that they are. I think we exposed one or two vulnerabilities in their lineup last year that I think we can build on. We also know that they've got a world-class bowling attack and we certainly have the belief that when we play to our true potential we could find ways of nullifying that. So loads of learnings. A three-match series is a lot different to a one-off test. It's our first three-match series in I don't know how long. We are accustomed to playing two-match series. So this is going to make it a real test for us. I think from all the learnings that we have taken from the final and the victory over them, it certainly gives us a belief that when we play to our potential, then we can certainly put one over them. The last time the two teams faced each other in Test was in late 2022 and early 2023, when Australia won the three-Test series 2-0 at home. The series coming up will represent a significant task within the 2025-27 WTC cycle, the two teams being currently among the top sides in the standings and both aiming to secure a spot in next year's Ultimate Test at The Oval. The last time the two teams faced each other in Test was in late 2022 and early 2023, when Australia won the three-Test series 2-0 at home. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The first Test match takes place in Durban from 9 to 13 October, followed by the second in Gqeberha from 18 to 22 October and the third in Cape Town from 27 to 31 October. Article Source: IANS

Lalit Rajbanshi, Kushal Bhurtel set up Nepal's opening win

This was Afghanistan's first defeat in the competition after they had also started with a win

Nepal Stun Afghanistan To Blow Asian Games Cricket Quarterfinals Qualification Wide Open

Afghanistan have one win and one loss in their two matches in the league stage. They don't have a game in hand but are still on top of the three-team Group A table on NRR.

Asian Games 2026: Nepal Stun Afghanistan In Men's Cricket Event As Rohit, Bhurtel Lead Show

Korogi Sports Park: Nepal produced a stellar all-round performance to stun Afghanistan in their Group A opening match at the Korogi Sports Park here on Friday. Rohit Paudel (33* from 32 balls), Sundeep Jora (34 from 35 balls) and captain Dipendra Singh Airee (15 from 18) led the show with the bat to chase down a modest 103 against a second-string Afghanistan side in a five-wicket win. Earlier, leg-spinner Kushal Bhurtel and left-arm finger spinner Lalit Rajbanshi shared the seven Afghanistan wickets and kept a lid on them in a strong bowling display. It was a strong chase from Nepal despite having lost both of their openers, Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh, early. Afghanistan left-arm seamer Faridoon Dawoodzai dismissed Bhurtel for a duck, while right-arm speedster Abdullah Ahmadzai got Aasif caught for two. Nepal were in more trouble when they lost Kushal Malla, run out in the seventh over, and they were 31/3 in 6.3 overs. But Sundeep and Rohit put up a strong fight. They kept the scoreboard ticking and found odd boundaries as Afghanistan were under the pump. Sundeep smashed a four and a six in the ninth and the 10th over but was run out in the 10th over as Afghanistan eyed a comeback. However, Dipendra joined Rohit and the two went treaded with caution to avoid any mishaps. They kept finding singles and doubles to inch closer before Rohit hit three fours in the 16th and 17th over when the finishing line was very near. Dipendra departed in the 18th over when Nepal were level on scores, but with the work almost done, Gulsan Jha took the team over the victory line with a single. Bhurtel and Rajbanshi had earlier spun Afghanistan into their spin web, with the latter giving just 13 runs from his four overs and taking three wickets too. Bhurtel scaled four as Afghanistan were never let to score freely. However, Dipendra joined Rohit and the two went treaded with caution to avoid any mishaps. They kept finding singles and doubles to inch closer before Rohit hit three fours in the 16th and 17th over when the finishing line was very near. Dipendra departed in the 18th over when Nepal were level on scores, but with the work almost done, Gulsan Jha took the team over the victory line with a single. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Afghanistan have one win and one loss in their two matches in the league stage. They don't have a game in hand but are still on top of the three-team Group A table on NRR. Nepal have won their first match and will play the winless Japan in their last league game. Each team plays only two matches in the league stage and the top two from each group will make it to the quarterfinals. Article Source: IANS

Daren Sammy opens up on West Indies' chances ahead of India series, reflects on his side's preparations

The stage is set for the upcoming ODI series between India and the West Indies. The two sides are slated to take on each other in three ODIs and five T20I matches. With the ODIs...

South Africa's Marco Jansen Takes One Of The Best Catches Ever vs Australia, Then Emulates Sachin Tendulkar. Watch

South Africa had a perfect start to the three-ODI series against Australia on Thursday

Rohit-Kohli Reunion: India Begin ODI Prep

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were back together in the India nets on Thursday, giving fans an early glimpse of the veterans ahead of the ODI series against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram.

'Ten times better': Prasidh Krishna's big comeback promise

India pacer Prasidh Krishna discusses his renewed determination after an injury lay-off, focusing on the upcoming five-Test series against Australia and its significance in the World Test Championship cycle. He also shares insights into the mental and physical demands of rehabilitation and the challenges of playing in New Zealand.

'World Cup In South Africa Will Be Exciting': Prasidh Looks Ahead At Global Showpiece

ODI World Cup: India fast bowler Prasidh Krishna is excited for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia as the conditions are set to assist the fast bowlers in the African conditions. The global showpiece returns to South Africa after 24 years and the Indian bowlers would be looking to make the most of the conditions and give the team the best shot at glory. As India enter a crucial preparatory phase for the World Cup with an upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies, Prasidh looks ahead to the global tournament and outlines what challenges a bowler faces in the 50-over format. The ODI format is very interesting, and I think its the toughest format because you have to adapt between different phases of the game. For a bowler who has to operate in all three phases, the powerplay has made it even more challenging. But thats the challenge. The harder things get, the fewer people there are who can do it well. Thats what Im looking forward to, Prasidh told JioStar. One-day cricket is exciting, and a World Cup in South Africa will be particularly exciting for fast bowlers. High-scoring games have become the norm, with 300 and 350 now becoming regular scores. But for us as bowlers, the challenge is to restrict the opposition as much as possible and come up with different tactics to get the job done, he added. After hosting the Windies for three ODIs and five T20Is, India will travel to New Zealand for a full-fledged all-format series featuring five T20Is, as many ODIs and two Tests. The tally speedster is now an India regular in the Tests and ODIs and spoke on the New Zealand series, which will be crucial for the Men in Blue. New Zealand is going to be a completely different challenge. Its a beautiful place to play, but as a bowler, it tests you in every way: your skill, your endurance and your ability to keep coming back session after session. After hosting the Windies for three ODIs and five T20Is, India will travel to New Zealand for a full-fledged all-format series featuring five T20Is, as many ODIs and two Tests. The tally speedster is now an India regular in the Tests and ODIs and spoke on the New Zealand series, which will be crucial for the Men in Blue. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories As fast bowlers, were definitely going to be tested. Youre expected to do a lot more in New Zealand than in the subcontinent, and thats the challenge Im looking forward to, he said. Article Source: IANS

People Compare Arjun Tendulkar With Sachin: Virender Sehwag To NDTV On Father-Sons Comparisons In Cricket

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag's son, Aaryavir, recently played for India U19, and the legendary opener gave his opinion on father-son comparisons in the sport.

Nepal vs Afghanistan Asian Games 2026 Group A Live Score And Live Updates

Nepal vs Afghanistan Asian Games 2026 Live Updates: Afghanistan are struggling against Nepal in a Group A match

'Pistol Shooters Redeemed Well With Gold...': NRAI Chief Kalikesh Singh

National Rifle Association: National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) president Kalikesh Singh Deo hailed 10m pistol mixed team gold, stating that the Indian pistol shooters redeemed themselves well after a little after a bit of a disappointment in men's and women's teams and individual events. Indias Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet won the gold medal in the mixed 10m air pistol final with an Asian-record score of 484.6 points, securing Indias second gold medal at the Asian Games after the womens cricket team. Great day for Indian shooting; we finally got the elusive gold after a bit of a disappointment. However, our shooter redeemed themselves well with an Asian record and a gold. Amazing performance from Suruchi and Kamaljeet. We have a lot of shooting left here, and I am hopeful India will do well in the remaining events, Kalikesh told IANS on Friday. Earlier, India drew a blank in the men's and women's 10m pistol team, and in the individual event, Kamaljeet, Kedarling Balakrishna and Aakash Bhardwaj missed out on a medal in the men's 10m air pistol team and also failed to qualify for the individual finals. Moreover, there was an agonising end for the Indian trio Esha Singh, Manu Bhaker and Suruchi Inder Singh in the team final as they lost the medal as the two inner-10s stand between them and bronze medallists Vietnam. Later, Manu finished fifth in the individual final. But the mixed team of Suruchi and Kamajeet broke the draw and got India the elusive gold on Friday. Reflecting on India's disappointing show in the pistol team and individual event, the NRAI chief added, In the first two days we got five medals, then skeet contributed three, and today we got two medals. This is a fairly big number of medals, but what we were missing out on was gold. When you go zero in the finals, it depends on the the performance at that time of that athlete. We have to figure out how we have to work with an athlete, coaching and performance team so that we can get more golds. Moreover, there was an agonising end for the Indian trio Esha Singh, Manu Bhaker and Suruchi Inder Singh in the team final as they lost the medal as the two inner-10s stand between them and bronze medallists Vietnam. Later, Manu finished fifth in the individual final. But the mixed team of Suruchi and Kamajeet broke the draw and got India the elusive gold on Friday. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories We have a great team of Esha, Manu and Rahi, an experienced team. They will do well, Kalikesh concluded. Article Source: IANS

Asian Games: Hong Kong Beat Oman To Bag Much-needed Win For QF Push

Karogi Sports Park: Hong Kong on Friday registered a much-needed win over Oman at the Karogi Sports Park to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive in the men's cricket event. After a big loss to Malaysia in their Group B opener, Hong Kong beat Oman by 41 runs in their second group outing to end the league stage with one win and one loss. Hong Kong, China put up a fightable total of 121/8 in their 20 overs, with Hafeez Khan top-scoring with his 33. Babar Hayat also made 23 off 25 deliveries, while captain Yasim Wasif and Eshan Khan provided the final touches, scoring 18 off 14 and 16 off 10, respectively. Oman's right-arm off-spinner Mohammed Al Balushi was the pick of the bowlers as he took 3-17 in his four overs to keep the lid on the Murtaza-led side. Captain Sufyan Mehmood, Shuaib Al Balushi, Naveed Al Balushi and Sameer Othman also picked up one wicket each. Coming out to chase, Oman lost Mohammed Al Balushi in the first over to Ayush Shukla, while Zubair Al Balushi was dismissed for a duck in the second over and Waheed Al Balushi followed for just one in the third over as Oman were reeling at 5/3 in 2.1 overs.Shuaib Al Balushi, captain Mehmood and Abdul Jalil tried putting up a fight, but Oman kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were hardly there in the chase. Medium pacer Ayush picked up three wickets, while leg-spinner Mohammad Ghazanfar took two wickets to keep Hong Kong well and truly on the path of a big win. Oman's right-arm off-spinner Mohammed Al Balushi was the pick of the bowlers as he took 3-17 in his four overs to keep the lid on the Murtaza-led side. Captain Sufyan Mehmood, Shuaib Al Balushi, Naveed Al Balushi and Sameer Othman also picked up one wicket each. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Brief Scores: Hong Kong made 121/8 in 20 overs (Hafeez Khan 33 from 37 balls, Babar Hayat 23 from 25 balls; Mohammed Al Balushi 3-17, Sameer Othman 1-23) beat Oman 80/6 (Sufyan Mehmood 26 from 35 balls, Shuaib Al Balushi 20 from 26 balls; Ayush Shukla 3-23, Mohammad Ghazanfar 2-10) by 41 runs. Article Source: IANS

West Indies players set for 25% pay cut as CWI announces financial restructuring

The upcoming editions of the Super50 and the Women's T20 Blaze have been suspended

Shukla leads Oman demolition as Hong Kong get their first points

In yet another low-scoring game at the Asian Games men's competition, Hong Kong put up just 121 but still beat Oman by 41 runs

Marco Jansen scripts history, achieves unique feat with exceptional show against Australia in first ODI

South Africa got off to a brilliant start to the ongoing ODI series against Australia. The two sides met at Kingsmead in Durban on September 24th, and South Africa managed to register a dominant 67-run victory in the clash. It is interesting to note that the Proteas came in to bat first and posted a total of 297 runs in the first innings.

Dunith Wellalage And Kusal Mendis Star As Sri Lanka Level England Series In Thriller

Dunith Wellalage took three wickets after captain Kusal Mendis hit a fine century as Sri Lanka beat England by 16 runs at Headingley on Thursday in a last-over thriller to level a three-match one-day international series. I'm so happy winning and getting the hundred, said player-of-the-match Kusal. The overall performance was very good. England were cruising to a target of 322 while Tom Banton (73) and Ben Duckett (67) shared a first-wicket stand of 143. Sri Lanka had been hammered 3-0 in a preceding T20 campaign but Wellalage dragged them back into this match. He removed both openers and home captain Harry Brook to reduce England to 157-3. The left-arm spinner finished with figures of 3-49. Wellalage bowled really well, the whole team, after the powerplay, said Mendis Jos Buttler then threatened to win the game with a barrage of boundaries. But on 64 he pulled up with what a team spokesman said was a left hamstring twinge and retired hurt, with England still requiring 68 off 75 balls for victory. Rehan Ahmed immediately fell for a duck, caught down the legside by wicketkeeper Mendis off Dilshan Madushanka. The runs dried up as Sri Lanka's previously wayward quicks gained reverse swing with the old ball and a target of 19 off the last over proved beyond England. When Jamie Overton fell, a hobbling Buttler resumed his innings with England 295-7. Will Jacks drove Asitha Fernando for six to complete a fifty following his unbeaten 46 during England's 89-run win in Tuesday's series opener at Chester-le-Street. But Jacks then skyed Eshan Malinga to long-on. Buttler, on strike at the start of the last over, connected well off Madushanka but the ball flew straight to deep midwicket and the 36-year-old, one of the outstanding white-ball batsmen of his generation, was gone for good on 69. Kamindu Mendis saved what seemed a certain six by Jofra Archer to leave England needing an improbable 17 off three balls. The teams now head to London for a series-decider at the Oval on Sunday. - 'Outsanding game' - An upbeat Brook said: It was an outstanding game...To restrict them to 320 (321) and have the chance to chase that down was a hell of an effort. The lads got the chase off to a flyer. You couldn't really ask for much more. Brook insisted a series decider was just what England needed ahead of next year's 50-over World Cup in southern Africa. We've got a great opportunity now to try and win this series, and a great opportunity for 12 months' time, he said. In pressure situations, like the one that awaits us at the Oval, it will be great to see where we are as a team. Thursday's game would not have gone the distance without Wellalage. He bowled Duckett with a sharply turning delivery and had Banton stumped by Mendis. Wellalage then pinned the in-form Brook lbw for just one. Mendis's decision to persist with the expensive Sachindu Colombage, appearing in just his second ODI, was rewarded when the leg-spinner had Joe Root caught at short cover for just 15. Buttler completed a 36-ball fifty with a flicked six off Colombage, whose six overs cost 55 runs, and struck the next delivery high over long-off for another six. Earlier, Mendis led from the front with a superb 121 in Sri Lanka's 321-6. With Kamindu Mendis (54), he shared a second-wicket partnership of 137 after winning the toss. Kusal had a reprieve on 17 when Gus Atkinson dropped a two-handed catch in a swirling breeze at fine leg. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Kusal reached his seventh ODI century in style when he cover-drove Overton to the boundary for an 82-ball hundred, including 12 fours and three sixes, before he holed out to leg-spinner Ahmed.

BCCI Strikes Massive Two-Season Sponsorship Deal Days Before West Indies Series

India host the Windies for three ODIs and five T20Is, starting September 27.

Agarkarsroller-coaster ride

When the former pacer was named the chairman of selectors in July 2023, there was a sense of great optimism and feel-good; his tenure, however, was a chequered one with highs in the white-ball format and lows in the Tests

Nations League PIX: Dutch hold Germans; Norway, Portugal win

Cody Gakpo scored a stoppage-time equaliser for the Netherlands, securing a 1-1 draw against Germany in their Nations League opener, spoiling Juergen Klopp's debut as Germany's coach. Other Nations League matches saw Erling Haaland lead Norway to victory over Denmark, Portugal defeat Wales, and Greece snatch a late win against Serbia.

PIX: Mendis ton powers SL to win over England in 2nd ODI

Sri Lanka defeated England by 16 runs in the second One-Day International at Headingley, levelling the three-match series 1-1. Captain Kusal Mendis's century and a dramatic return by an injured Jos Buttler highlighted the high-scoring encounter, with Sri Lanka ultimately prevailing despite England's strong start.

Matt Milnes keeps Gloucestershire in check

James Bracey top-scores with 86, Ollie Price makes 52

Sammy: India series a chance for West Indies to assess ODI progress

West Indies head coach views the three-match series as an important part of the team's preparation for the ODI World Cup qualifiers

Ryan Higgins shines with bat and ball as Middlesex take control

Allrounder comes to the rescue after Northamptonshire seamer Ben Sanderson reduces his side to 32 for 4

Woakes, Bamber tighten title grip as Warwickshire take control

Leicestershire technically relegated, pending appeal, after 15-wicket opening day

Ben Allison takes five as Derbyshire are bowled out for 88

Five-for to Mohammed Abbas looked to have put visitors on top but Worcestershire claim ascendancy on 20-wicket day

Emilio Gay hundred sets tone as Durham show champion spirit

Lancashire left to rue dropped catches as Division Two winners pile up runs at Old Trafford

Ben Cliff four-for keeps lid on Notts

Fourth-wicket stand between Haseeb Hameed and Jack Haynes sees hosts fight back from 64 for 3 before Yorkshire seamers impose themselves again

1st ODI: Breetzke, Bowlers Give South Africa A Winning Start Against Australia In Durban

Cricket World Cup: South Africa began their home season with a 67-run win over the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup champions Australia in the first of the three ODI matches at Kingsmead in Durban on Thursday. The Temba Bavuma-led Proteas, the reigning World Test Champions, were right on the mark as they overcame Australia by 67 runs in the first meeting between the two sides in the format since the latter had defeated them in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. Asked to bat first after Mitchell Marsh won the toss, South Africa lost an early wicket as Josh Hazlewood struck to give the tourists the advantage. Things became further difficult for the hosts as Nathan Ellis' first-ball special accounted for Quinton de Kock (18) in the eighth over. Matthew Breetzke walked out to bat at 29/2, and over the next three hours displayed positive intent mixed with an ability to find gaps, securing his second ODI hundred along the way. Despite starts for Temba Bavuma (30) and Ryan Rickelton (27), Australia kept themselves in the contest with regular breakthroughs. Things changed when Breetzke found an able partner in Marco Jansen, who smashed 75 off merely 59 to lift South Africa closer to 300. That they fell three runs short was due to the wily efforts of Ellis, who finished at 3-57. Adam Zampa was the second-best bowler with his 2-50. Australia's reply began in stark contrast to South Africa, with Mitchell Marsh unleashing havoc with the willow, racing to a 36-ball 60 before falling when the team score was 90 in the 10th over. He was dismissed by Keshav Maharaj, and soon enough Bavuma understood the pattern of the wicket and unleashed his tweakers to trouble the batters. Maharaj (4-20) and Bjorn Fortuin (2-34) shared six wickets between them, as despite efforts from Travis Head (36), Cooper Connolly (38) and Matt Renshaw (44), Australia's later batters failed to match up to the fireworks of Marsh. Australia's reply began in stark contrast to South Africa, with Mitchell Marsh unleashing havoc with the willow, racing to a 36-ball 60 before falling when the team score was 90 in the 10th over. He was dismissed by Keshav Maharaj, and soon enough Bavuma understood the pattern of the wicket and unleashed his tweakers to trouble the batters. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories South Africa 297/8 in 50 overs (Matthew Breetzke 112, Marco Jansen 75, Temba Bavuma 30; Nathan Ellis 3-57, Adam Zampa 2-50) beat Australia 230 all out in 31.2 overs (Mitchell Marsh 60, Matt Renshaw 44, Cooper Connolly 38, Travis Head 36; Keshav Maharaj 4-20, Corbin Bosch 2-67. Bjorn Fortuin 2-34) by 67 runs Article Source: IANS

Jack Leaning fifty tips momentum Sussex's way

His 78 lifts visitors from 124 for 7 to 244 before Jaydev Unadkat's two wickets spark Hampshire collapse

Matthew Breetzke's ton and Marco Jansen's historic day help South Africa pick 67-run win over Australia

South Africa defeated Australia by 67 runs in the opening ODI of the three-match series in Durban. It was their first meeting in the format since the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final at the iconic...