Shreyas Iyer Explains India's Shock Loss to WI in Ranchi
India captain Shreyas Iyer attributed his side's stunning six-wicket defeat against the West Indies in the second T20 International to the dew factor and the almost non-existent margin for error on the pitch, despite India posting a formidable 249 for five.
2nd T20I: Hope credits partnerships, Rutherford's fireworks after WI script record chase in Ranchi
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Oct 9 (IANS) West Indies captain Shai Hope said building partnerships and Sherfane Rutherford's explosive batting were key to his team's six-wicket victory over India in the second T20I, as the visitors chased down a daunting target of 250 at the JSCA International Stadium Complex here on Friday. Hope smashed a blistering 45-ball century, while Rutherford hammered 84 off 37 deliveries to help the West Indies complete the second-highest successful run chase in men's T20I cricket, reaching 252/4 with two overs to spare. Reflecting on the early setbacks that saw the visitors reduced to 5/2, Hope admitted the chase had become challenging but said playing in India always gave a team belief that a target could be achieved. That it's going to be a tough chase. But when you chase here in India, you always give yourself a chance. You always think you're in the game, regardless of what score is on the board. But five for two was always going to be challenging, Hope said after being named Player of the Match. Hope said the partnership with Rovman Powell helped the West Indies regain momentum before Rutherford's counter-attacking knock provided the decisive impetus to the chase. When we got that partnership there, myself and Rovman, we just got some more impetus in the innings, and then obviously Sherfane came and did what he did, played really well with the bat, and just gave us that spark that we needed to get over the line today, he said. The West Indies skipper also explained why he was content to let Rutherford take the attacking role during their match-winning 120-run fourth-wicket partnership. Hope reached his century off 45 balls, while Rutherford's 84 included seven fours and seven sixes. Yes, the thing about cricket, I really believe that we need to bat a lot better in partnerships. It's something that we tend to lack every now and again, but sometimes you just got to sit back, as you say, and watch (your partner) play shots, he said. In that situation there, as long as we kept going at the rate to keep up with the game, then I didn't need to take any unnecessary risk. I thought we were going really nicely, so just about calculating that chase as best we can, Hope added. Hope also praised off-spinner Roston Chase, whose three-wicket haul helped the West Indies recover after India's explosive start with the bat. Chase returned figures of 3/24, providing crucial breakthroughs as the hosts were restricted to 249/5. Amazing. On a surface and a field like this, to go at six runs an over is unbelievable. So he really kept us in the game. I know it was very difficult conditions to bowl on, so the way how he bowled and kept us in the game made it a lot easier for us to do that throughout the chase, that score, Hope said. Asked about his ability to clear the boundaries consistently, Hope credited his bats and the conditions while acknowledging that luck had also played a role in his outstanding innings. I just must say, all those SS bats that I have are pretty good. But yeah, the ball seemed to be travelling quite a bit here. Yes, the boundaries were a little bit bigger on the bigger side, but you just got to back myself. Just once the ball's in my zone, look at the best option to get the boundary, and it just came off well today. As I said before, I got to get some luck going my way, and today was one of those days for me, he said. The West Indies captain said his recent run of form was a result of preparation and maintaining mental freshness rather than any special comfort playing in India. It's a tough one. You know, when you're scoring runs, you're just happy. Maybe I could say it's a good streak I have with my form right now, but I just think the way I'm preparing, the way I'm trying to stay mentally fresh and ready is giving me the best chance of performing. I just hope it continues as long as possible, he said. Despite his remarkable century, Hope insisted he was not allowing the success to affect his mindset. No, definitely not. I never try to get too high. I try to keep myself as neutral as I can, he added. The victory gave the West Indies a 1-0 lead in the series, with the visitors producing a remarkable recovery after Mayank Yadav's three-wicket burst had put India in control early in the chase.
Centurion Shai Hope Leads West Indies' Highest Successful T20I Chase vs India
Skipper Shai Hope's unbeaten 102 helped the West Indies gatecrash India's party with a stunning six-wicket win in the second T20I in Ranchi on Friday.
Raza leads Zimbabwe in Ngarava's absence at UAE tri-series
The team will stay in the country to play Afghanistan in three T20Is and two Tests
JSCA International Stadium Complex: India captain Shreyas Iyer said it was difficult to determine a par score with the dew factor playing a significant role after the hosts' imposing total of 249/5 was chased down by the West Indies in the second T20I at the JSCA International Stadium Complex here on Friday. The West Indies rode on skipper Shai Hope's blistering 45-ball century and Sherfane Rutherford's explosive 84 off 37 deliveries to pull off a six-wicket victory, completing the second-highest successful run chase in men's T20I cricket with two overs to spare. Honestly speaking, you cannot put a number to it, because when the dew factor comes in, it plays a massive role. And even 249 was chased in, like, with two overs to spare. So you cannot give a number, or probably anticipate that, okay, this is the number we would be trying to score, Iyer said after the match. Reflecting on the West Indies' remarkable batting display, Iyer acknowledged that the margin for error was minimal on a batting-friendly surface, where even slight lapses in execution proved costly. The margin of error on this wicket is very minor, and any delivery, if you miss it, if you miss to execute it, it was going onto the stands, and you could see how exceptional they were batting. So, a few missed chances here and there, but that's part and parcel of the game. But credit where it's due, they batted amazingly, and yeah, kudos to them, he said. India had appeared to seize control after Mayank Yadav struck three times in the powerplay, dismissing Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell to leave the visitors under pressure. However, Hope and Rutherford counterattacked with a 120-run fourth-wicket partnership that shifted the momentum decisively towards the West Indies. Iyer praised Mayank's impact with the ball and the contributions of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, highlighting the importance of their performances in setting the tone for the team. Both were phenomenal in their departments, and this is what we look for now and then from Sanju and Abhishek. The way they've been performing consistently throughout, taking that responsibility and setting the pace for us exceptional performances by them, and also Mayank, he said. Those three crucial wickets, it was something that stabilized the rhythm for us up ahead, but then after that the partnership came in, and the momentum shifted towards them, the India captain added. Earlier, Samson had helped guide India to 249/5 with a brutal 82 off 41, while Iyer hit 40 off 18 balls and Tilak Varma was unbeaten on 44 off 18 balls. Those three crucial wickets, it was something that stabilized the rhythm for us up ahead, but then after that the partnership came in, and the momentum shifted towards them, the India captain added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
From 5/2 To 250! How Hope, Rutherford Pulled Off WI's Epic Chase
Shai Hope's unbeaten century propelled West Indies to their highest successful chase in T20 internationals, overhauling a target of 250 to beat India by six wickets and level the five-match series at 1-1.
Steve Smith surpasses Steve Waugh to become Australia's third-leading run-scorer in Test cricket
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IND vs WI 2nd T20I: Hope, Rutherford Power West Indies To Record Chase Against India In Ranchi
JSCA International Stadium Complex: Skipper Shai Hope smashed a blistering 45-ball century before Sherfane Rutherford hammered 84 off 37 deliveries as the West Indies pulled off a sensational six-wicket victory over India in the second T20I at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday, getting past a daunting target of 250 to register the second-highest successful run-chase in men's T20I cricket. Hope and Rutherford shared a record 120-run stand for the fourth wicket after India pacer Mayank Yadav's hat-trick in the Power-play period had brought them back in the game with the visitors struggling at 44/3. Their counterattacking partnership was the biggest for the West Indies in T20Is for the fourth wicket as well as the third biggest for the fourth wicket against India in the shortest format. After a half-century off 24 balls, Hope had another brilliant follow-up to his tour, hitting 104 from 45 balls, the fastest T20I century by a West Indian against India and the second-quickest West Indian in the format (after Johnson Charles's 39-ball effort against South Africa in 2023). Rutherford provided equally destructive support, bringing up his half-century off 24 balls and finishing with 84 off 37 deliveries, including seven fours and seven sixes. The left-hander's eighth T20I fifty also extended his sequence of consecutive 50-plus scores to three, putting him alongside Evin Lewis and Nicholas Pooran among West Indies batters to achieve the feat. Both Hope and Rutherford recorded the joint-second-fastest half-centuries by a West Indies batter against India in T20Is, behind Johnson Charles' 20-ball effort in 2016. Reverting to the visitors' pursuit of 249 for 5, they overtook Australia's 245 for 5 against New Zealand at Auckland in 2018 for the second-highest successful run chase in T20Is, behind South Africa's 259 for 4 in the 19th over against West Indies at Centurion in 2023. India also suffered a loss despite such a strong batting performance that led to 249 for 5 in 20 overs. India had earlier put up a strong total of 249/5, thanks largely to Sanju Samson's blazing knock of 82 off 41 balls, skipper Shreyas Iyer's quickfire 40 off 18 balls and Tilak Varma's unbeaten 44 off 18. The highly aggressive batting from the three helped the hosts arrest a middle-order collapse and end up with a huge total. Samson was aggressive from the word go, punishing the West Indies pace attack with aggressive hitting during the powerplay. The right-hander scored a half-century off just 21 balls, tying the record for the fastest 50 by an Indian in T20Is versus West Indies, held by Virat Kohli. It was achieved at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai against West Indies in 2019. India were 79/1 at the end of the Power-play and raced to 127/1 at the halfway mark, with Samson and Ishan Kishan going at a good rate. Ishan Kishan played some flamboyant shots before he was bowled by Roston Chase for 43 off 22 balls in the 12th over. Chase then bowled Dube for seven off 10 balls, dragging the left-hander on to his stumps, before Shamar Springer took the catch in the deep off a Kesture Paul delivery in the 15th over to dismiss 'missed chance' Samson. It was the right-hander's second consecutive half-century as he scored 82 (94, 46) before Kamil Pooran caught him. Chase quickly clawed his way back, ending with 3/24, before India's momentum was finally checked in the final overs. Tilak and Iyer then bludgeoned the hosts' attack for an 83-run stand in 32 balls, taking the score to within almost 250 runs. Tilak was particularly brutal in the final stretch, clattering three sixes in a row while Dhir also brought out the big shots with a four off the sole ball he faced. In reply, West Indies lost an early wicket when Mayank Yadav removed two in the first over. After mistiming a pull and falling for four off two, Kamil Pooran was snaffled at midwicket by a well-judged catch from substitute Ravi Bishnoi. Hetmyer was out for a golden duck to a delivery that was hurtling down at 144.5 kph before forcing him into a rushed cross-batted shot across the line. Mayank returned to remove Rovman Powell for 24 off 13 balls in the sixth over, clocking 149.5 kph as he beat the batter's attempted heave and sent the off stump cartwheeling. His three-wicket burst left the West Indies in trouble, but Hope responded with an attacking half-century to keep the chase alive. Hopes half-century was raised in 24 balls, with Rutherford at the other end matching the rate. They milked India's errors Mayank a sitter of a catch from Kuldeep Yadav at short fine leg offered Hope a life just before drinks. The southpaw capitalised on the respite and raced to his half-century off just 24 balls, flaying the Indian bowlers to all parts. The 15th over finally saw Kuldeep winning the battle against Rutherford, as the left-arm wrist spinner trapped the batsman for 84 off 37 balls in his own bowling. However, Rutherford got a touch of luck when an outside-off length ball was played by him for a drive back of square and was caught by wicketkeeper Samson. The stand was worth 120 runs. Yet the damage was done. Hope's magnificent knock had got the visitors close enough, and the West Indies crossed the line at 252/4 to clinch a historic six-wicket win with the highest successful T20I run chase in their history and second-highest in the format overall. Brief scores: Yet the damage was done. Hope's magnificent knock had got the visitors close enough, and the West Indies crossed the line at 252/4 to clinch a historic six-wicket win with the highest successful T20I run chase in their history and second-highest in the format overall. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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Hope 102*, Rutherford 84 help West Indies pull off their highest T20I chase
India put up 249 for 5 but without Jasprit Bumrah the bowlers couldn't defend it
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Zimbabwe Cricket Reveals Limited-overs Squads For UAE Tour, Tri-series
ZIMBABWE T20I SQUAD: Zimbabwe Cricket has named its limited-overs squads for a multi-format tour of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the team will face hosts Afghanistan and Bangladesh in an ODI tri-series before taking on Afghanistan in three T20Is and two Test matches. The extensive assignment runs from October 17 to November 17, with the selectors retaining faith in the core of the groups that featured in recent white-ball series. Sikandar Raza will once again captain the ODI side in the absence of Richard Ngarava, who is still recovering from a back injury, while also leading Zimbabwe in the T20I series. The ODI squad largely comprises players who faced Australia in Harare last month, with Tafadzwa Tsiga and Vincent Masekesa coming in for Innocent Kaia and Graeme Cremer. Kaia is working his way back to full fitness after suffering a thigh strain but is expected to be ready for the T20I series, Zimbabwe Cricket informed in a release on Friday. Tsiga and Masekesa are both in contention for their ODI debuts, adding options to a squad that blends established internationals with an emerging generation of players. Raza, Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor provide experience in the batting group alongside Ben Curran, Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani. Blessing Muzarabani heads the pace attack, which also includes Brad Evans, Ernest Masuku and Newman Nyamhuri, while Masekesa joins Wellington Masakadza and the all-rounders among the spin options. Masekesa has also been named in the T20I squad and, alongside Tsiga, is in contention for a debut in the shortest international format. Kundai Matigimu will replace Evans for the third and final T20I. Zimbabwe will open the ODI tri-series against Bangladesh on October 17 before meeting Afghanistan on October 19. The hosts will face Bangladesh in the final round-robin fixture on October 21, with the top two teams advancing to the final on October 23. Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will then contest three T20Is on October 27, 29 and November 1. The tour concludes with two Tests, scheduled for November 5 to 9 and Nov 13 to 17. Zimbabwes Test squad will be announced in the days leading up to the series. ZIMBABWE ODI SQUAD: Sikandar Raza (Captain), Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Ernest Masuku, Newman Nyamhuri, Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Wessly Madhevere ZIMBABWE T20I SQUAD: Sikandar Raza (Captain), Ben Curran, Blessing Muzarabani, Brad Evans, Brendan Taylor, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Ernest Masuku, Newman Nyamhuri, Ryan Burl, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Vincent Masekesa, Wellington Masakadza, Wessly Madhevere Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Hope's consistency, Rutherford's savagery help West Indies record second-highest chase in T20Is
West Indies stunned India in the second T20I of the five-match series at the JSKA International Stadium in Ranchi. The evening started with Sanju Samsons onslaught, which was followed by Tilak Varma and Shreyas Iyers...
Landmark ODI Win Over WI Makes Zimbabwe Pick Unchanged Squad For White-ball Tour Of India
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) on Friday retained the 15-player squad that secured the countrys landmark first-ever ICC Womens Championship victory over the West Indies for their upcoming six-match white-ball tour of India, scheduled to begin on October 16. Captain Josephine Nkomo will lead the unchanged side after the national selectors opted to back the group that created history by defeating West Indies Women by four wickets at the Harare Sports Club a fortnight ago. The historic win over the Caribbean side, despite losing T20I and ODI series to them, gives Zimbabwe significant momentum ahead of a challenging tour featuring three T20Is followed by three ODIs, which form part of the ICC Womens Championship. The tour kicks off with the three-match T20I series to be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh, on October 16, 18, and 20, respectively. The two teams will then travel to Gujarat for the three-match ODI leg, to be played at the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium in Vadodara on October 23, 25, and 28, respectively. India will be captained by left-handed opener Smriti Mandhana, who will begin her full-time captaincy stint after replacing the long-serving Harmanpreet Kaur earlier this week. Medium-pacer Nyasha Gwanzura, who registered career-best figures of 4-33 to trigger the win over the West Indies, anchors the bowling setup alongside Michelle Mavunga and Francisca Chipare. The batting effort relies heavily on Modester Mupachikwa, Sharne Mayers, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Kelis Ndhlovu, and Beloved Biza, with skipper Nkomo and Nomvelo Sibanda providing vital top-tier international experience. Although they lost all three matches, they showed encouraging signs and will now test their progress against one of the leading sides in the womens game, said Zimbabwe Cricket in its statement on Friday. The batting effort relies heavily on Modester Mupachikwa, Sharne Mayers, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Kelis Ndhlovu, and Beloved Biza, with skipper Nkomo and Nomvelo Sibanda providing vital top-tier international experience. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Big Bash League Tickets Go On Sale As History-Making Chennai Opener Nears
The ticket sales for the Big Bash League (BBL) opener between the Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers, to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, will begin on Saturday.
Sanju Samson roared back to form with a blistering 82 before Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma's rapid knocks powered India to 249/5 in the second T20I against the West Indies on Friday
Essex confirms release of batter Robin Das following court appearance on rape charges
Digital Desk | London, Oct 9 (IANS) English county club Essex on Friday confirmed the release of batter Robin Das after he appeared in court charged with raping a woman twice. Das appeared in the dock at the Inner London Crown Court on Friday and was granted conditional bail ahead of a five-day trial scheduled for January 2028. The cricketer was charged with two counts of rape in July. According to the Metropolitan Police, Das was arrested in August 2025 following reports of a woman being raped in Brixton in March 2024. Following Fridays legal proceedings, Essex issued an official statement confirming that Dass playing contract had been terminated before the conclusion of the 2026 season following his suspension and subsequent inability to fulfill his playing commitments. The club also said the contractual decision was separate from the ongoing legal proceedings. Essex County Cricket Club is aware of today's court proceedings involving Robin Das. The club recognises the seriousness of the matter and will not comment further on the circumstances of the case. Das's playing contract with Essex ended before the conclusion of the 2026 season following his suspension and his resulting unavailability to fulfil his playing obligations. This decision was separate from the ongoing legal proceedings, the club said in its statement. The county side further stated that it maintains strict safeguarding and disciplinary protocols. Essex County Cricket Club has robust safeguarding and disciplinary procedures in place and regularly reviews these to ensure they remain appropriate. We will continue to work closely with the ECB, PCA and The Cricket Regulator as part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards across the club, it stated. Das, based in Leytonstone, east London, made a solitary first-team appearance for Essex during the 2026 season, scoring 29 runs in a One-Day Cup match against Middlesex on July 21, shortly before he was charged by the police. In all, he made 60 appearances for Essex.
2nd T20I: There Is Only One Way To Go, Says Samson After Aggressive 82-run Blitz
JSCA International Stadium Complex: Sanju Samson said his responsibility as an India opener was to provide the team with a strong start and insisted there was no room to change his approach despite a string of low scores, after his blistering 82 off 41 balls powered India to 249/5 against the West Indies in the second T20I at the JSCA International Stadium Complex here on Friday. Samson, who struck nine fours and four sixes, said he continued to trust his preparation and training while accepting that results in the shortest format were not always within a player's control. Being a professional cricketer playing for India, you definitely take care of the professional side of it. You do your preparation, you do your practice, you do your training, you do everything possible in your hands. But, to be very honest, we all know in this format the result is not in your hands, but there is only one way to go, Samson said after the innings. You can't say I've had three bad innings, so let's take some time, let's build my innings, and then we will see. No, there is only one way to go. I think the team comes first. My job is to just give a great start for my country, and I try to do that. I take responsibility when I get out also, so that's totally fine, and I'm taking the blame on me. I don't blame anyone else for not scoring runs. That's my job, and I try to do it every time I step out to the ground. Samson's knock set the platform for India's imposing total, with Ishan Kishan contributing 43 off 22 balls before being bowled by Roston Chase. The off-spinner also dismissed Shivam Dube for seven, while Shamar Springer ended Samson's innings when Kamil Pooran took a catch in the deep. Shreyas Iyer then provided the late impetus with a quickfire 40 off 18 deliveries, while Tilak Varma remained unbeaten on 44 off just 18 balls. The pair's aggressive stand helped India recover from a brief middle-order wobble and finish with a daunting total. Reflecting on the conditions, Samson said batting was not straightforward at the start, with the ball skidding through and occasionally staying low. That's the thing about playing at different venues. I got to bat yesterday in the centre, so we could understand a bit that the ball might skid a bit and stay a bit low. It was staying a bit low and skidding through, but we just had one wicket to go. I think we just had to go for it, and things came off nicely today, he said. Asked whether he picked specific targets after getting set, Samson said he preferred to react to the ball rather than plan shots. I just try to look at the ball and have a very positive frame of mind. If the ball is in my area, I definitely go for it. It doesn't matter if it's over cover or over long-on. It depends on where the bowler is bowling. I don't like to get a bit premeditated. I just like to be blunt, watch the ball and back my instincts, he said. Despite India's commanding score, Samson cautioned that the West Indies' powerful batting line-up could make the chase challenging. I just try to look at the ball and have a very positive frame of mind. If the ball is in my area, I definitely go for it. It doesn't matter if it's over cover or over long-on. It depends on where the bowler is bowling. I don't like to get a bit premeditated. I just like to be blunt, watch the ball and back my instincts, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Samson, Varma fire India to record 249 in 2nd T20I VS WI
Sanju Samson's explosive 82, followed by rapid knocks from Shreyas Iyer (40) and Tilak Varma (44 not out), propelled India to their highest-ever T20I total against the West Indies, posting 249/5 in the second T20I in Ranchi.
2nd T20I: Samson, Tilak Power India To 249/5 Against West Indies In Ranchi
JSCA International Stadium Complex: An explosive 82 off 41 balls by Sanju Samson and Tilak Varmas unbeaten 44 off 18 deliveries, complemented by Shreyas Iyers quickfire 40 off 18 balls, powered India to a formidable 249/5 in 20 overs against the West Indies in the second T20I at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday. Samson and Tilak set the stage for Indias imposing total with contrasting yet equally destructive knocks, while Iyers late assault, which included 44 runs off 18 deliveries in the partnership with Tilak, ensured the hosts finished on a high after the visitors briefly fought back through Roston Chases three-wicket burst. Samson blazed his way to a quickfire fifty as India comfortably reached 79/1 in the Power-play against the West Indies in the first T20I, racking up huge pressure on the visitors' bowling unit. Samson scored his ninth T20I fifty off just 21 balls, equaling the fastest half-century by an Indian in T20Is against the West Indies, a feat previously achieved by Virat Kohli. Kohli's fastest T20I half-century in India against West Indies also came off 21 balls at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, in 2019. Impression by the right-hander continued from the very first over, unleashing the attack on Windies bowlers and maximizing fielding restrictions. There was a lot of strain on Akeal Hosein and Romario Shepherd as India cruised ahead in the run rate. Abhishek Sharma (20 off 12) too got off to a flier but was dismissed by Roston Chase off the off-spinner's first ball. Ishan Kishan opened his account in front of his home crowd before Samson. As Samson found the fence at will and Kishan took guard patiently, India emerged to stride at six for the loss of no wicket after the first six overs, a position that will certainly give West Indies plenty to ponder. India kept pushing on the runs, reaching 127/1 at the halfway stage as Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan began to target the West Indies bowlers. Sanju was 72 off just 33 balls when he got out, and local hero Kishan hit 33 from 17 balls, maintaining a brisk scoring rate that kept the visitors on the back foot. Samson punished the West Indies for the chances they had missed, Kamil Pooran and Motie failing to hold on to the catches after which the right-hander continued his onslaught. Both batters were scoring boundaries regularly, and India looked set to amass a hefty score before the West Indies started thinking about a breakthrough. Indias innings suffered a few setbacks after a blistering start, with the West Indies fighting back through off-spinner Roston Chase. Ishan Kishan entertained the home crowd with a fluent 43 off 22 balls, including six fours and two sixes, before Chase bowled him in the 12th over to end a promising knock. The off-spinner then struck again to dismiss Shivam Dube for seven off 10 balls, dragging the left-hander onto his stumps as India lost their third wicket. Sanju Samson, meanwhile, continued his sensational innings before falling for a magnificent 82 off 41 balls, studded with nine fours and four sixes. Shamar Springer broke the standstill in the 15th over, with Kamil Pooran taking a catch in the deep to make amends for an earlier dropped chance. Samson received a standing ovation from the Ranchi crowd as he walked back, having registered the highest individual T20I score at the venue. Chase finished his four overs with impressive figures of 3/24, helping the West Indies claw their way back after Indias explosive start. Skipper Shreyas Iyer and Tilak Varma joined forces to give India a late-innings flourish, powering the hosts to a formidable 249/5 in 20 overs after the West Indies had briefly fought back with a flurry of wickets. Iyer smashed 40 off just 18 balls, while Tilak remained unbeaten on 44 off 18 deliveries, as the pair added a crucial partnership of 83 runs in 32 deliveries in the death overs to put India firmly in control. Tilak was particularly destructive, striking boundaries at will and taking the attack to the West Indies bowlers when India needed a strong finish. Tilak in particular was aggressive in the partnership, smashing a hat-trick of maximums, helping India add a substantial total in the final overs. Naman Dhir chipped in with a four off his only ball, as India finished with 249/5, setting the West Indies a daunting target. Tilak was particularly destructive, striking boundaries at will and taking the attack to the West Indies bowlers when India needed a strong finish. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Abhishek Sharma sets new six-hitting record in second T20I against West Indies in Ranchi
Star opener Abhishek Sharma failed to live up to his potential in the second T20I against West Indies in Ranchi, but his 20-run knock off 12 balls was enough for him to add another record...
Essex confirm Das release as batter appears in court over rape charge
Batter was charged with two counts of rape in July
Ireland men's team to play five ODIs in Namibia in October-November; A team to tour Zimbabwe
Digital Desk | Dublin, Oct 9 (IANS) The Ireland mens cricket team will play five ODIs against Namibia in Windhoek from October 22 to November 1, said Cricket Ireland while announcing its extensive winter schedule on Friday. Following the senior team's assignment in Namibia, the Ireland 'A' side, called as Ireland Wolves, will head to Zimbabwe for a tour featuring two four-day matches and five one-day fixtures against Zimbabwe A from November 6 to 28. Paul Stirling will lead a 16-member ODI squad in Namibia, with Lorcan Tucker serving as vice-captain. Left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys will captain the Ireland Wolves across both formats in Zimbabwe. Nine players selected for the senior series will also feature on the Wolves tour, while six squad members will later head to the UAE for the International League T20 (ILT20). Senior pacer Mark Adair has been included in the Wolves red-ball squad to provide leadership to the young seam attack. Cricket Irelands Director of High Performance, Graeme West, said the long-term importance of these winter tours is huge given that Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa will co-host the 2027 ICC Mens Cricket World Cup and the qualifying tournament. West noted that playing on turf wickets in warmer conditions offers crucial exposure The squads selected for the senior mens and Wolves tours feature the best of Irish mens current and emerging talent, and the chance for such a large cohort of players getting away during the winter months to play outdoors on grass in warmer conditions is a welcome one. With Namibia and Zimbabwe hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup and Qualification events in 2027 alongside South Africa, the tours provide great opportunities for our players to familiarise themselves with the conditions and some of their potential opponents. Regarding the Wolves tour, Zimbabwe are always keen to engage in the longer format and the two back-to-back first-class matches will test our physical capacity as much as our technical skills, he said in a statement. Additionally, Ireland's developmental pathway will see the Under-19 mens squad play four 50-over games in South Africa starting from October 12, while the Under-19 womens team will feature in four T20s against Namibias Capricorn Eagles from October 25. Squads: Ireland Senior Men (Namibia ODI trip): Paul Stirling (c), Lorcan Tucker (vc), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Jordan Neill, Harry Tector. Ireland Wolves Red-Ball (Zimbabwe tour): Matthew Humphreys (c), Mark Adair, Ben Calitz, Cade Carmichael, Chris Defreitas, Stephen Doheny, Jake Egan, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Hollard, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Jordan Neill, Tim Tector, Reuben Wilson. Ireland Wolves White-Ball (Zimbabwe tour): Matthew Humphreys (c), Ben Calitz, Cade Carmichael, Chris Defreitas, David Delany, Gareth Delany, Stephen Doheny, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Hollard, Josh Little, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Jordan Neill, Tim Tector.
Adams leaves Hampshire after 25 years for Tasmania role
Hampshire's young batters have struggled to kick on under club legend's stewardship
Fast bowlers share honours on Day One as South Africa restrict Australia to 187/6
Digital Desk | Durban, Oct 9 (IANS) A fast bowling attack minus spearhead Kagiso Rabada helped South Africa restrict Australia to 187/6 before bad light and rain brought an early end to the first day of the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday. Despite missing Rabada, the likes of Anrich Nortje, Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen utilised early movement and bounce effectively after Australia elected to bat on a pitch carrying a tinge of grass. Mulder drew first blood by removing Travis Head (9), before Jansen ended Nic Maddinsons scoreless 33-ball stay on his Test return to leave the visitors reeling at 24/2. Marnus Labuschagne (37) and Steve Smith (25) mounted a recovery with a 60-run third-wicket alliance coming off 94 balls. Smith, who went past Steve Waugh to become Australias third-highest run-scorer in mens Tests, hit spinner Keshav Maharaj for two sixes before falling to Jansen after lunch. On the other hand, Labuschagnes 11th consecutive innings without a fifty ended when Mulder trapped him LBW with a sharp nip-backer. Nortje, making his comeback to red-ball cricket after three years, then dealt a double blow in a single over -- removing Alex Carey (14) and Beau Webster (4) to reduce Australia to 124/6. But Matt Renshaw (46 not out) and skipper Pat Cummins (33 not out) displayed immense patience under heavy overcast skies and floodlights by stitching together an unbeaten 63-run stand off 140 balls for the seventh wicket to steady the innings. Bad light and light rain eventually cut the final session short by an hour, with 65.2 overs bowled on the day. Jansen, Mulder and Nortje shared two wickets apiece for the Proteas, while off-spinner Simon Harmer bowled an economical spell of 0-34 in 14 overs. Play will resume early on Saturday with Australia seeking to build on their late recovery. Brief scores: Australia 187/6 in 65.2 overs (Matt Renshaw 46 not out, Marnus Labuschagne 37; Wiaan Mulder 2-31, Marco Jansen 2-35) against South Africa
AB de Villiers smacks 37-ball century; South Africa beat Australia by eight wickets
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers stole the show in the World Championship of Legends clash against Australia. Chasing 210 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Ground, the Proteas lost the wicket of Faf du...
Bengal head coach provides major update on Rishabh Pant's fitness ahead of New Zealand series
The stage is set for the upcoming multi-format series between India and New Zealand. The two sides will meet across five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Test matches. Ahead of the series, there have been...
BCCI calls key meeting for IPL 2027 season
The Indian cricket board (BCCI) has scheduled a joint stakeholder meeting in Mumbai on October 15 to review past seasons and plan for the Indian Premier League's landmark 20th season in 2027, inviting franchise owners, CEOs, state associations, and broadcasters.
Steve Smith Overtakes Steve Waugh, Enters Australian Cricket's Elite Club
Steve Smith becomes Australia's third highest run scorer in Test cricket.
Pageant or pillar: what exactly is the Laver Cup?
Where does the tournament, modelled on golfs Ryder Cup, stand in tennis? What does it bring to the sport? And for how long will its carefully engineered success endure?
'Breakdown In Communication': Fresh Report Exposes BCCI And Centre Of Excellence Concerns
Of late, the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) has grabbed the limelight for all the wrong reasons
BBL Opener in Chennai: Cheapest Tickets Priced at Rs 1,500
Ticket sales for the historic Big Bash League (BBL) opener between Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers, set to be played in Chennai on December 12, will commence on Saturday, with prices ranging from Rs 1500 to Rs 6000.
Vinay Kumar on a mission to restore Karnatakas golden era
The new coachs stint starts with the Ranji Trophy opener against Andhra; the former champion will not be at full strength due to injuries and national call-ups
2nd T20I: Motie Replaces Forde As WI Elect To Bowl In Ranchi
JSCA International Stadium Complex: The West Indies won the toss and elected to bowl first against India in the second T20I of the series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Friday. West Indies captain Shai Hope said his side opted to bowl first, taking into account the wet conditions and the possibility of them worsening as the evening progresses. He acknowledged the quick turnaround between matches and said the team was keen to learn from its mistakes and come back stronger. Hope also confirmed one change to the West Indies playing XI with Gudakesh Motie coming in for Matthew Forde. We are going to bowl first, this time around. We gotta look at the conditions; it's wet and will get worse in the evening. Quick turnaround, trying to learn from the mistakes. Just come back stronger. It's already a bit wet, so it's going to get even worse as the evening goes on. We're just going to try to put them under pressure with the ball and then chase them down. It's about trying to learn from the mistakes we made in the first game. Especially against a quality side like India, you can't really give them too many chances. We've got to make sure we put that game behind us quickly and come back stronger today. One change. Matthew Forde is out, and Gudakesh Motie is in. Everyone's probably going to get a go on this tour, said Hope after the toss. India captain Shreyas Iyer said his team would have preferred to bowl first as well, but stressed the need to adapt quickly to the conditions. He said the focus was on maintaining high standards throughout the 40 overs and challenging themselves to improve, adding that India would field an unchanged playing XI. We were looking to bowl first as well; we will have to adapt quickly. We have talked about maintaining standards for 40 overs. We want to challenge ourselves to get better. We are going with the same team, said Iyer. Playing XIs: India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank Yadav Playing XIs: Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Josh Philippe and Sam Konstas hit aggressive half-centuries and pacer Spencer Johnson struck crucial blows as Australia A beat India A by 69 runs in the second one-day match on Friday.
West Indies bring in Motie and bowl; India unchanged
India are on a ten-match winning streak in T20Is
Why is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi not playing in India's 2nd T20I vs West Indies in Ranchi?
India have once again benched Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the second T20I against West Indies at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. The 15-year-old proved his mettle in the series against Zimbabwe earlier in the...
Former New Zealand Test opener Jeet Raval has announced his retirement from all professional cricket, Northern Districts Cricket said on Friday
Razaullah, Mohammad Imran make T20I debuts as Sri Lanka bat in Rawalpindi
Pakistan's new T20I captain Sahibzada Farhan said they would have bowled anyway
Pakistan have pulled out of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026 after their request to host their matches at a neutral venue was denied, with Bangladesh set to replace them in the competition. The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) had approached the
'X factor' Nortje is back, and Australia are in trouble
South Africa's Anrich Nortje, returning to first-class cricket after nearly four years, took two quick wickets to leave Australia struggling at 149-6 at tea on the opening day of the first Test. Nortje's fiery spell after lunch justified his recall, as he dismissed Alex Carey and Beau Webster in quick succession.
India defeated West Indies by eight wickets in the opening of the five-match T20I series in Lucknow. Captain Shreyas Iyer led by example, scoring an unbeaten century, while Ishan Kishan played the perfect role of a second fiddle. They will now look to strengthen their hold on the T20I series in the second match at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on October 9.
Patidar's fifty in vain as Australia A beat India A again
Australia A defeated India A by 69 runs in the second one-day match in Puducherry, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Aggressive half-centuries from Josh Philippe and Sam Konstas, along with crucial wickets from pacer Spencer Johnson, led Australia A to victory, while India A's top order struggled.
Patidars lone hand not enough as Australia-A clinches series
India vs West Indies Live Streaming, 2nd T20I Live Telecast: When And Where To Watch
Here are the live streaming and live telecast details for India vs West Indies second T20I -
Konstas, Johnson Power Australia A To Series-clinching 69-run Win Over India A
Cricket Association Pondicherry Siechem Ground: Sam Konstas top-scored with 67 while left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson led a relentless bowling display with a three-wicket haul as the duo powered Australia A to a series-clinching 69-run victory over India A in the second 50-over game at the Cricket Association Pondicherry Siechem Ground on Friday. Australia A once again delivered a complete performance on a sluggish pitch. Their top order set the game up early, with Konstas and number three Josh Philippe (58) striking fluent half-centuries. The duo were also supported by handy contributions from skipper Nathan McSweeney (32), Mitch Owen (25), and Lachlan Shaw (25). Even when India A's bowlers triggered a late collapse, Australia A's top-heavy blitz ensured they reached 275 in 49.5 overs, a target that proved far beyond the reach of India A. For India A, seam-bowling all-rounder Arshad Khan took 3-56, while Yash Thakur grabbed 2-46. When it came to defending the total, Australia As pacers outclassed India As batters with pace and bounce. With Mahli Beardman rested, Johnson, Riley Meredith, and Ben Dwarshuis extracted sharp bounce and movement to reduce India As chase to a mere procession by taking out Devdutt Padikkal, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and B Sai Sudharsan in the power-play. With Kumar Kushagra and Nishant Sindhu falling without doing much, India A never recovered from the early damage in the chase of 276. For India A, Rajat Patidar offered the sole resistance through hitting 67 off 82 balls - his second consecutive half-century of the series. However, with wickets tumbling around him, Patidar lacked support as the chase unravelled, before he fell to Johnson. Eventually, India A were bowled out for 206 in 45.2 overs, giving Australia A an unpassable 2-0 lead in the three-game series, with the final game to happen on Sunday. With Kumar Kushagra and Nishant Sindhu falling without doing much, India A never recovered from the early damage in the chase of 276. For India A, Rajat Patidar offered the sole resistance through hitting 67 off 82 balls - his second consecutive half-century of the series. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Kapil Dev has a blunt message for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Cricket legend Kapil Dev has cautioned against creating 'excessive hype' around 15-year-old Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, drawing parallels with Vinod Kambli's career, and urged the media to give the young talent time to develop.
If getting into the Indian cricket team is difficult, keeping your place in it is twice as challenging. Just ask Sanju Samson
Parthiv Reveals How He Nearly Replaced Kohli As RCB Captain
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has revealed that Royal Challengers Bengaluru considered him for the captaincy ahead of the 2019 IPL season, a plan that was derailed by a change in coaching staff.
Ravindra Jadeja named as Saurashtra announce squad for Ranji Trophy opener against Chhattisgarh
Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is set to feature for Saurashtra in their opening fixture of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy against Chhattisgarh at Rajkots Niranjan Shah Stadium. Ahead of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand,...
Cricket West Indies: Cricket West Indies chief executive Chris Dehring stated that the board is hopeful of staging the one-off Test between the West Indies and England and that help from the England and Wales Cricket Board would certainly help keep the match alive. Recently, ECB chair Richard Thompson had stated that the English board can step in and help fund the hosts for the Test match after CWI revealed financial struggles the board is facing. We would welcome any assistance from our much wealthier member boards, Dehring said, as quoted by BBC Sport, over possible help from the ECB for the Test. It is very expensive to host cricket in the Caribbean. The Test, if played, will help provide crucial practice for England ahead of the Women's Ashes next summer and will be the first Test for the Windies since 2004. England are due to play three ODIs and three T20Is too on the same trip to the Caribbean in April and May. However, hosting the Test match would be a challenge for CWI logistically too, Dehring highlighted. We have to fly all of the equipment and crew into any venue to be able to broadcast a match, Dehring said. That is a significant figure. Sky doesn't have to fly from London to Manchester for one match, he added. He emphasised that there is interest in hosting Test cricket and that they are hopeful of staging the match on their own, but assistance from the ECB would make it a different ball game altogether. Once we develop a schedule, we will know how much it will cost, he added. It is far cheaper to host everything in one location, but one of the allures of the Caribbean being able to travel to more than one location for matches. We are hoping still we will be able to cover from our own resources, but it (the Test) would be a certainty if the ECB were to assist us, he said. Thompson had earlier suggested that the ECB can fund the match. We will definitely look at it, Thompson said. Look what we did with Zimbabwe two years ago. Look, it will be awful for the West Indies. We want that Test match to play out. It's very important for us because our first women's match in the Ashes is the Headingley Test match. So we need a good red-ball warm-up. We've got to be playing somewhere, and I think we'd much prefer to be playing in the West Indies, he added. Thompson had earlier suggested that the ECB can fund the match. We will definitely look at it, Thompson said. Look what we did with Zimbabwe two years ago. Look, it will be awful for the West Indies. We want that Test match to play out. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India vs West Indies Free Live Telecast, 2nd T20I Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch
Here is how the fans could watch the India vs West Indies 2nd T20I for free -
India vs West Indies 2nd T20I LIVE Score Updates: India lead 1-0 in the five-match series after winning the first game by 8 wickets.
Virender Sehwag And Rahul Dravid's Sons Likely To Play In Major India vs Pakistan Clash In November
The Indian Under-19 team has received considerable attention of late due to the presence of the sons of two of India's greatest cricketers - Aaryavir Sehwag, son of Virender Sehwag, and Anvay Dravid, son of Rahul Dravid.
Peirson posts ton, Bartlett bags three as Queensland boss Western Australia
Peirson made 101 not out as Queensland posted 307 before Bartlett took three wickets and Gannon two as WA slumped to 158 for 8 in reply
Defending Champions Pakistan Announce Abbas Afridi-led Squad For Hong Kong Sixes
Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground: Defending champions Pakistan have announced a seven-member squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, with the six-time champions set to face India on October 30 in one of the tournaments marquee clashes. Their title-winning ambitions will lead Pakistan as they look to retain the crown they secured last year by defeating Kuwait by 43 runs in the final. Muhammad Abbas Afridi, who starred in the 2025 final with a blistering 52 off just 11 balls, has been named captain. The Pakistan squad comprises Muhammad Abbas Afridi, Ahmad Daniyal Latif, Khawaja Muhammad Nafay, Syed Muhammad Abdul Samad, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Chaudhry Saad Masood and Muhammad Shahzad. Pakistans sixth title in 2025 made them the most successful team in the tournaments history. They will now look to continue their dominance in the fast-paced competition, which is scheduled to be held from October 30 to November 1 at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. The announcement also sets the stage for a high-profile encounter against India on October 30, with the match scheduled to begin at 2:15 pm IST. India had announced a strong squad earlier, featuring Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, Shashank Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi and T. Natarajan. However, Bhuvneshwar could miss the tournament after being selected for Indias T20I squad for the New Zealand series. The six-a-side format places a premium on explosive batting, all-round contributions and quick momentum shifts, with matches offering a condensed version of the traditional game. Anuraag Bhatnagar, Director of Marketing and Commercial at Cricket Hong Kong, China, said the organisers were delighted to welcome back the defending champions. Pakistans record sixth title in 2025 underlined their outstanding pedigree in the Hong Kong Sixes, and we are delighted to welcome the defending champions back for the 2026 edition. They bring a winning mentality, exciting talent and a style of cricket that perfectly complements the fast-paced nature of the format, he said. Pakistan squad: Pakistans record sixth title in 2025 underlined their outstanding pedigree in the Hong Kong Sixes, and we are delighted to welcome the defending champions back for the 2026 edition. They bring a winning mentality, exciting talent and a style of cricket that perfectly complements the fast-paced nature of the format, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Jadeja to feature for Saurashtra in Ranji Trophy opener
India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is set to play for Saurashtra in their opening Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh, with Jaydev Unadkat retaining captaincy, as the team aims for a strong start to the 2026-27 season.
How Nic Maddinson beat cancer to return to Test cricket
Cancer survivor Nic Maddinson returned to Test cricket after battling testicular cancer, but Marco Jansen dismissed the Australian opener for a duck against South Africa.
Anjum Chopra Gives Massive Verdict On Harmanpreet Kaur's Captaincy Legacy
Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes Harmanpreet Kaur's biggest legacy as the side's skipper will be the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup triumph on home soil, adding that she has left the team as a far stronger, more experienced and more confident side than the one she inherited.
Take It To The Next Level: Smriti Mandhana Warned About Her Biggest Challenge As India Captain
Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes Smriti Mandhana does not have to measure herself in stepping up to succeed Harmanpreet Kaur as the side's new captain and should instead carve out her own leadership path after being handed the charge across formats.
Nic Maddinson sets unwanted Australian record on return to international cricket after 10 years
Nic Maddison made his Test debut in November 2016 against South Africa . He played his last Test in December 2016 and after a decade-long wait, Maddinson returned to the scheme of things and was named in the playing XI for Australias first Test against South Africa in Durban. However, his return wasnt pleasant as the opener set an unwanted record following a 33-ball duck.
Sutherland and Litchfield lead Australia to quick and convincing win in ODI series opener
Bangladesh were bowled out for 166 with only Ritu Moni showing any intent with the bat, and it took Australia just 25.4 overs to finish off the chase
33 Balls, 0 Runs: Nic Maddinson's Decade-Long Test Comeback Sets Unwanted Record
It was a nightmare return to Test cricket for Australia's Nic Maddinson as the southpaw was dismissed for a 33-ball duck on Day 1 of the 1st Test against South Africa in Durban.
Mulder strikes at the strike of lunch to make it South Africa's morning
Nic Maddinson, included in the Australia XI as an opener, batted for 33 balls on his Test comeback but failed to score a run
Jeet Raval announces retirement from professional cricket ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season
New Zealands Jeet Raval recently came forward and announced his retirement from professional cricket. It is interesting to note that Raval played a total of 24 Test matches for the Black Caps between 2016 and...
South Africa vs Australia 1st Test LIVE Score Updates: It is a rematch of the latest World Test Championship (WTC) final, as a highly-awaited three-match Test series kicks off in Durban.
Durban Test Day 1: Mulder dismisses Labuschage; Australia 84/3 at lunch
Pacer Wiaan Mulder claimed two wickets to leave Australia in trouble on 84/3 at lunch on Day 1 of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday.
Nic Maddinson's 33-ball duck sets new Australian record after fairytale return
Digital Desk | Durban, Oct 9 (IANS) Nic Maddinson's return to Test cricket did not pan out the way he would have wanted to, as the opener was dismissed for a 33-ball duck in the first innings of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead here on Friday. Maddinson made a return to Test cricket after almost 10 years since last featuring in December 2016 against Pakistan and defeated testicular cancer on a fairytale comeback into the international fold. However, the Southpaw was dismissed for a duck by Marco Jansen in the 11th over early on Day 1 of the Test match, setting the record for the longest duck by an Australian opener in Test cricket. The record previously belonged to David Warner, who was dismissed for a 22-ball duck during the 2022 Ashes away series. The all-time record for the longest duck by an opener belongs to former New Zealand cricketer Darrin Murray, who had bagged a 39-ball duck against Sri Lanka in 1995. Former Zimbabwe opener Trevor Gripper was dismissed for a 36-ball duck against the West Indies in 2000. Maddinson showed patience in his stay as he left several balls. He was lucky to survive an LBW appeal in the fourth over when Wiaan Mulder had trapped him in front, but the Proteas were not sure whether the batter had got some bat on his missed flick, as they did not opt for a review. But he was dismissed a few overs later. Meanwhile, Maddinson's comeback is a fairy-tale story. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in April 2025, as it spread to his lung and lymph nodes. He underwent chemotherapy and completed the course in July 2025. The cricketer resumed training in September after recovering and getting the clearances two months after the last round of his treatment. Maddinson scored 126 in the One-Day Cup for New South Wales against Victoria after returning and, combined with injury issues to Australia, he made it to the national side. He has missed 88 Tests between the two appearances, which is now the Australian record too.
Bevon Jacobs to miss Auckland commitments for BBL stint with Brisbane Heat
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Bevon Jacobs would be missing his commitments with Auckland as he gears up to feature in the Big Bash League for a short stint with Brisbane Heat. Jacobs will join his compatriot Tim Robinson in the Heat squad for the BBL season after he was named as a short-term replacement for England's Tom Curran, who will not start due to family commitments. He will be available for the Heat's opener against Sydney Sixers on December 15, while he will also be available for the next two matches on December 17 and 21. Curran is set to return before time for the Boxing Day fixture against Sixers in Sydney. The BBL is overlapping with the Plunket Shield, which is New Zealand's premier domestic red-ball event. His stint with Heat will see Jacobs, 24, miss Auckland's game against Central Districts, which begins on December 15. Meanwhile, Jacobs has had experience of playing in Australia. He recently toured Australia for the Top End T20 Series with New Zealand A and made a 30-ball 58 to help his team win a match against Hobart Hurricanes Academy. The right-handed batter had a trip Down Under in 2024 for the T20 Max competition, where he hit a 40-ball hundred, following which he was also signed by Mumbai Indians in the 2025 IPL auction for Rs 30 lakh. Bevon has been on our recruiting lists since he showed his power and skill in the T20 Max a few seasons ago, and its been exciting to see him earn his first international caps since then, Queensland Crickets General Manager - High Performance, Bennett King, said. He has been successful at the top of the order and as a finisher in his career so far, and were looking forward to seeing him in action for the Heat, King added.
Ranji Trophy: Jadeja Included In Jaydev Unadkat-led Saurashtra Squad
Niranjan Shah Stadium: Veteran left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been included in Saurashtras 16-member squad for their Ranji Trophy 2026/27 opener against Chhattisgarh, with veteran fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat continuing to lead the side. Jadeja is coming off playing in Indias 2-1 ODI series win over the West Indies, though he took only two wickets in two games and didnt get a chance to bat. Playing in the Ranji Trophy will help Jadeja build red-ball rhythm ahead of Indias two-match Test tour of New Zealand, to be played in Wellington (November 19-23) and Christchurch (November 27 to December 1). The 92nd edition of the prestigious red-ball tournament begins on October 11, with former champions Saurashtra placed in Elite Group B alongside Andhra, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Punjab, and Tripura. Unadkat-led Saurashtra will kick off their campaign against Chhattisgarh at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Saurashtra, who won the premier domestic title twice under Unadkats leadership in 2019/20 and 2022/23, have retained as many as 14 players from last season's squad. Left-arm pacer Unadkat is coming off enjoying a prolific outing for Sussex, picking up 28 wickets across seven matches at an average of 22.21, including picking a stellar 5-32 against Hampshire, alongside two four-wicket hauls. Saurashtra suffered an early exit in the group stage during the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy and will be keen to have a stronger campaign this year. The selection committee has handed call-ups to two new faces pacer Neel Pandya and all-rounder Arth Yadav. Harvik Desai will continue to fulfill wicket-keeping duties, while the batting unit will feature experienced hands Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani and Jay Gohil. Unadkat will spearhead the pace department alongside left-arm pacer Chetan Sakariya, though experienced left-arm spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja has moved out of the team and will now represent Chhattisgarh. This means a lot of spin bowling responsibilities rest on Parth Bhut in the season. The selection committee has handed call-ups to two new faces pacer Neel Pandya and all-rounder Arth Yadav. Harvik Desai will continue to fulfill wicket-keeping duties, while the batting unit will feature experienced hands Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani and Jay Gohil. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Tanzid's blazing 83 leads Bangladesh's century opening stand
Tanzid dominated the opening stand of 124 with Shadman Islam but fell just before lunch
Megan Schutt Becomes Third Australian To Complete 150 ODI Wickets
Allan Border Field: Australia fast bowler Megan Schutt achieved a significant milestone as she completed 150 wickets in ODI cricket during the first ODI against Bangladesh women at the Allan Border Field here on Friday. Schutt has become just the third Australian to reach the elusive mark, joining legendary all-rounder Ellyse Perry (166 wickets) and former tearaway pacer Cathryn Fitzpatrick (180) on the list. Coming into the first ODI of the three-match series against Bangladesh, the 33-year-old Australian needed two wickets to reach the mark and she got there when she took the wicket of Sarmin Sultana in the third over after taking out Fargana Hoque on the first ball of the series. Schutt produced a jaffa on the first ball of the series as she nicked out Hoque on the first ball after the Aussies opted to bowl first. She got the Bangladeshi opener on a ball that jagged in after pitching from a back-of-a-length to take the edge and Phoebe Litchfield took an easy catch at the first slip. Schutt achieved the milestone in the third over when she pitched one fuller to Sarmim as the ball swung in to beat the batter's flick and thud into the pads for the umpire to call it out. Schutt is overall the 12th player to get to 150 wickets in the format. The list is currently led by India legend and former pacer Jhulan Goswami, who has 255 wickets to her name. For Australia, Fitzpatrick leads the pack with 180 scalps, with Perry on second with 16 wickets. Schutt achieved the milestone in the third over when she pitched one fuller to Sarmim as the ball swung in to beat the batter's flick and thud into the pads for the umpire to call it out. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India vs West Indies, 2nd T20I Pitch Report, how will surface in Ranchi play?
The stage is set for the 2nd T20I of the ongoing series between India and the West Indies. The two sides are slated to take on each other at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi...
Ollie Davies flays 253, Edwards hits century as NSW take control
Davies raced along at more than a run-a-ball as the home side put in a dominant batting display
Maddinson Gets Nod For Durban Test In Remarkable Comeback From Battling Cancer
New South Wales: Nic Maddinson's fairytale call-up to the Test side earned a special nod when he was picked for the Playing XI for the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead here on Friday. 18 months after undergoing chemotherapy for testicular cancer, the left-handed batter is now set to open the innings along with Travis Head after being named in the Playing XI. This will be his first Test in 10 years after he last played in Melbourne against Pakistan in 2016. Australia captain Pat Cummins praised Maddinson for his form after Australia won the toss and opted to bat first. I think he's really settled where his game is at. He's shown good form. No Australians have had a lot of cricket in the last six months, but I feel like he's really well-placed, Cummins said at toss. Maddinson scored 126 in the One-Day Cup for New South Wales against Victoria on his return and, combined with an injury to Cameron Green, he was called into the national side. Coming to the Playing XIs, Australia have retained Marnus Labuschagne at No.3 after his century in the warm-up fixture, while Steve Smith remains the mainstay. Matt Renshaw is slated to come in at No.5, leaving his opening position for Maddinson as Alex Carey stays the No.1 wicketkeeper. Beau Webster will look to fill in for Green. The Aussies have fielded their famous pace trio of Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland missed out, with Nathan Lyon coming in as the lone spinner. South Africa had named their Playing XI a day before the match as Anrich Nortje returned after more than three years, while Kagiso Rabada missed out due to his hamstring injury. Dane Paterson and Gerald Coetzee are also out as the Proteas went with two spinners in Keshav Maharaj and off-spinner Simon Harmer. Playing XIs: Australia: Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey(w), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood Playing XIs: Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Injury crisis hits New Zealand, two star players ruled out of upcoming India T20Is; Check details
The stage is set for the upcoming multi-format series between India and New Zealand. After the conclusion of Indias ongoing T20I series against the West Indies, the Men in Blue will be taking on New Zealand across five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Test matches.
Australia bat, bring in Maddinson after a decade
Maddinson is slotted to open while South Africa had named their XI a day before the Test
2025 ODI WC Win Is Harmanpreet's Biggest Legacy As Indias Captain: Anjum Chopra
ODI World Cup: Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes Harmanpreet Kaur's biggest legacy as the sides skipper will be the 2025 Womens ODI World Cup triumph on home soil, adding that she has left the team as a far stronger, more experienced and more confident side than the one she inherited. Harmanpreet stepped down as India captain across formats this week after nearly a decade in charge, and Smriti Mandhana has been named her successor. Harmanpreet captained India in five Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20Is and signed off from her tenure by leading India to their second consecutive Asian Games gold medal in Nisshin, Japan last month. The biggest legacy Harmanpreet will always have to her credit as a leader is winning the ODI World Cup in 2025. Look at how her batting shaped up in that tournament - in the league games, the semifinal, and the final, and how the team evolved to get there through everyone's contribution. It wasn't just Harman. With every player contributing, Harman was able to lift that crown and India was able to win. Harman has grown in stature alongside this team, especially over the last three and a half years since taking over the ODI captaincy. Earlier, we played T20s far and few between with more one-day games on the schedule. In recent years, that shifted to where almost every bilateral tour includes T20s, sometimes even more than ODIs. I've seen her grow into that leadership role, and her legacy will always be measured by where she took the reins to where she leaves them. In the one-day format, the Indian team are world champions. They are a far stronger, more energised, skillful, and experienced unit than when she took over. That will be her legacy, alongside the aggression and confidence she brought into that dressing room over the years. If those qualities are carried forward, this Indian team is on the right path and the process is well set, Anjum told IANS in an exclusive conversation on Friday. Anjum, who has known Harmanpreet since meeting in a training camp in 2008, felt the persona behind the former captain has stayed the same through years of drastic changes in the women's game. I've thought through this question so many times in the last 48 hours. What is that one memory? It will not be just one memory. Yes, I've seen her from the closest proximity of being a part of the Indian team, even before she became a member in the 2008 training camp, from there to playing her first World Cup match against Pakistan in 2009 till date. I've seen Harmanpreet grow as a player, and I've seen Harmanpreet grow as a captain. You only get wiser with every passing day, so she has also grown in stature and age. It has been a very balanced approach from what I've seen. I say this without bias: having seen Harmanpreet from close quarters to what I see today, whether in the last T20 World Cup or whenever our last conversation happened, I don't think the person Harmanpreet Kaur has changed, even though things around her have changed dramatically for the women's game. I have never seen an impulsive side in her. From those days, I've always seen a calm demeanour in Harmanpreet Kaur. As a captain, if somebody makes an ordinary effort in the field - like failing to stop a ball, not throwing it back quickly, or conceding an extra run - she will give that person a go right on the ground, whether the cameras catch it or not. But the moment that same person makes a good stop, takes a wicket, or takes a catch, she will be the first person to run across and compliment them. Ive seen both sides of skipper Harman over the years. Harmanpreet as an individual hasn't changed, and that's the beauty of it. That reflects in the team, in her persona, and in every aspect of a leader. Probably that's also the biggest highlight of Harmanpreets tenure at the helm as captain of the Indian team, she elaborated. Asked on when the side became unmistakably hers, as India evolved from being underdogs to serious contenders for winning global events, Anjum said, Its changed because weve started seeing results in a positive way. Im not saying that earlier captains didnt give results, but when Harman took over, even in the 2018 World Cup in Guyana, I remember very clearly the first match against New Zealand where she scored a hundred - it was the first hundred for an Indian in a T20I. You could see it in the approach, body language, and its not just with Harman - that goes for any leader in this mould. Weve had leaders in the past and we will have leaders in the future. Its also about an individuals persona and character. How they are and how they play the sport got reflected in the Indian team as well. When she took over, the team had a few senior players playing alongside, but they were constantly changing. But this team has grown and Harman has grown with this team. That's why those near misses always hurt - she was always in the thick of things as a leader and captain. If you read and observe it, I'll say from the time she took over all-format captain - that was in 2022 (after Mithali Raj retired). It was very evident that this is Harmanpreet Kaur's team and she is the one who is holding the fort. I won't say calling the shots. I'll say holding the fort. To me, it was very much visible that it was Harmanpreet Kaur's team. India's journey to winning the 2025 ODI World Cup title came after a string of near misses at global events, and Anjum felt a captain can only take a team at a pace it is able to follow. It's about making sure the team believes in that as well - it's not just one person. I saw how India let go of the World Cup in 2017 at Lord's. In 2020, they were still getting their act together in T20 cricket. 2023 was a near miss against Australia in that semifinal game, and in 2024, they were underprepared when they played in the UAE. After all these journeys, Smriti has been around for such a long time and played so many World Cups. Deepti has been around for a long time, and Jemimah has been part of World Cups since 2018. That experience has been there, but as the simple saying goes: the speed of the leader is the speed of the team. The leader has to be right in front, and only at that speed will the team follow. You can't be a quick leader if the team isn't following. The moment you take up a role, you have to understand what you want, but before that, you have to understand what pace you can run at and what pace the team can run at. It has to be that balancing act. She also rejected the argument that India's early exits from the last two T20 World Cups, in 2024 and 2026, led to Harmanpreet stepping down as captain. I'll be brutally honest here. Captaincy can change things because it's leadership, but in Indian cricket, and largely in Indian sports, a captain's tenure is never clearly defined. It can be long, or it can be short. We've even seen someone captain on debut. If I have to answer this question about the exits in the two T20 World Cups, I don't think the team was equipped to handle the opposition. Whether it was in the UAE or in England, we have the same set of players playing both 50-over and T20 cricket, using the same template. Look at the matches closely in the UAE and in England - I'm not saying only Harman, Smriti, or Deepti were scoring, but look at the template and style of cricket. A captain does not decide that style of cricket; individual players decide that style by how they go out and play. Nobody tells you to settle for 150, 160, or 170. For the last two to two-and-a-half years, 200 in a T20 game has become a standard par score, even in women's cricket. When you get to a World Cup, you expect a minimum score of 180 or 190, sometimes even more. If these same Indian players are scoring 200 or chasing down 220 in franchise cricket, why does that template not get replicated at a T20 World Cup? It has to be replicated. If it's not, that means either the preparation is incomplete, the confidence isn't there, or you're unable to execute it for some reason. You can't be chasing 200-plus in a WPL match and then struggle to reach 150 or 160 convincingly on the international stage. So it isn't a captaincy issue. I could understand blaming captaincy if tactical decisions were incorrect or if there was favouritism. I've constantly said, even before the start of the 2025 World Cup, that India is short of bowling reserves. Shafali had to be brought in to take those two wickets to secure a victory. I'm very happy we won that World Cup, but we were still short on bowling depth. Even today, we play with one fast bowler like Kranti Gaud, and Nandini Sharma has just walked in. If changing captaincy guarantees ICC trophies, then change it every tournament - no harm in that. Nobody would complain - not me, not my seniors, nor the current Indian team. If it meant winning an ICC trophy, we could have a new captain every tournament. But the template has to be set by the players, not the captain. It is set individually by the batters, bowlers, and wicketkeepers and that is where the Indian team faltered, both in 2024 and in 2026. On why Harmanpreet has spoken often of sacrifice in her Instagram post while announcing her resignation, Anjum offered a deep explanation into it. The biggest sacrifice you make is setting aside your own desire and will to play a certain way. Sometimes you want to bat at number three, but the team requires you to bat at four or open, so you take up that difficult role. You have to put the team's interest ahead of your own. You might want to bowl or not want to bowl, or the team might need you stationed on the boundary line - those are small things. But largely, sacrifice comes from understanding that the team's interest comes first. The common interest is that the team has to win, but how? Either the team walks through the door first, or you as an individual walk through first. That is how small and large decisions are made - decisions made very frequently in squad selection, playing eleven selection, and determining who bats where and when. How much time do you feel a player needs versus what the management feels? You might want a certain setup that isn't agreeable to everyone else. How do you understand a younger player's role when team dynamics make it hard to balance? All those areas are sacrifices because you wake up first and go to sleep last. Even in your dreams, you're thinking about how everyone else is doing. What more can I do as a player and leader so everyone walks onto the park with a smile? These things aren't easy and they take a lot out of you. That's why you see a captain age quicker in their first couple of years. Even if you're winning, captaincy is time-consuming and energy-draining. It's a responsibility, and until you are in that decision-making role, you don't fully understand it. You can never truly prepare for it - you can only wish to be there, but once you are, you are surrounded by so many things. You might want a certain setup that isn't agreeable to everyone else. How do you understand a younger player's role when team dynamics make it hard to balance? All those areas are sacrifices because you wake up first and go to sleep last. Even in your dreams, you're thinking about how everyone else is doing. What more can I do as a player and leader so everyone walks onto the park with a smile? These things aren't easy and they take a lot out of you. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Anjum Calls India's White-ball Vice-captaincy Split baffling, Questions Silence On Omissions
The T20Is: Former India captain Anjum Chopra on Friday termed the decision to split the T20I and ODI vice-captaincy between Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma as 'baffling,' adding that the silence on the players left out of the squad in shortest format is also a real issue. Smriti Mandhana will begin her tenure as full-time India captain from the series against Zimbabwe, with three T20Is and three ODIs to be played between October 16 and 28. The T20Is will be held in Raipur, while the ODIs will be played in Vadodara. It will also be the first bilateral women's series between India and Zimbabwe. It's baffling, simply because are you trying to give an indication to Deepti Sharma that she can be replaced or doesn't fit in the T20I team? She is one of the top all-rounders in world cricket. Is that the message you are giving? The Indian team had to be very careful in choosing a vice-captain, especially when transitioning to a new captain across all formats. Giving it to Shafali - it's not that you can't give it to her, you can give it to anybody. But if you're making Deepti Sharma the vice-captain in the one-day format, not giving her T20I vice-captaincy is surprising. Forget seniority based purely on how well she has performed for you across all formats, and not giving her that role suggests that Deepti Sharma might not even feature in the T20I playing eleven in the near future. That was a little surprising to me. Then again, since it's a series against Zimbabwe, if the thought process is to give Shafali a run in that role, fair enough, Anjum told IANS in an exclusive conversation. Asked whether Jemimah Rodrigues's absence, as she recovers from a hamstring tear sustained in The Hundred, changed the picture in terms of vice-captaincy in the white-ball formats, Anjum had a different take. It doesn't matter who is there or who isn't there - it's about honouring your players. It was very baffling to me that nobody even discussed about Deepti Sharma as a senior player, let alone as a potential captain. Every time the Indian team is in a tough spot, everyone looks to Deepti to deliver with bat or ball, which is great. When you discuss players you can turn to, or someone who has performed so consistently well, leaving her out of those conversations is puzzling. Players want that recognition, and vice-captaincy is one of those areas where I am pretty certain Deepti Sharma would have felt honoured had that role gone to her across both formats. The T20I squad has several changes. Niki Prasad and Jintimani Kalita have earned maiden senior T20I call-ups, while Minnu Mani and Anushka Sharma have staged a comeback to the team. Bharti Fulmali, Shreyanka Patil, Renuka Singh Thakur and Radha Yadav, all part of the Asian Games gold medal-winning squad, have been left out. Anjum welcomed the addition of Niki, Jintimani, Minnu and Anushka, who are coming off playing in India A multi-format series against Australia A, but questioned the silence over the omission of someone like Shreyanka. I'm happy that these four players are there. With Jintimani, I'm not entirely sure how her performances stacked up; I'm sure they were good because India did well and she performed, but I don't have a top-of-mind recall on how she bowled. From what I read and saw, her pace has improved, and she's a very good bowler and fielder. If she's performed well as per what selectors think, she deserves to be rewarded, much like Niki Prasad, who has done well. Anushka had a decent outing as well - in fact, Anushka was taken all the way to South Africa earlier this year, so I'm not surprised the batters have come in. What surprises me is why Shreyanka isn't in the squad. Unless she's carrying an injury, it's puzzling, especially since she was in the Asian Games squad and played in that final and was around the group. If she's injured, that's one thing, but if not, why isn't she included? The lack of official communication on why these players were left out is the real issue. Regarding Radha Yadav, it feels like the selectors aren't keen on continuing with her because she hasn't gotten many games. The last time she featured regularly was around the T20 World Cup, and since then she has mostly traveled with the squad. They clearly see Sree Charani as the way forward, which also explains why Vaishnavi Sharma is in the ODI squad. While I'm glad these four players are getting their chance, the key question remains: will they actually play? If Niki plays, she'll likely be looked at for the number four or five spot. If Anushka plays, where does she slot in? It's an interesting mix, but a good opportunity too for them. Whoever performed well in the Australia A series should be given a run, so I'm glad to see them brought into the main team, she elaborated. In the ODI squad, Vaishnavi Sharma, Tejal Hasabnis, Sayali Satghare and Yastika Bhatia return, while Nandni Sharma gets her first ODI call-up. Nandni Sharma has been bowling really well alongside Kranti Gaud in T20Is, but India is short on pace options. Renuka Singh Thakur isn't in the T20I squad, which raises questions: is the team moving on, or is it a matter of match fitness? Since she hasn't had opportunities recently, you can't simply label her unfit. It's good to have these newer players in the mix. Smriti will be well aware of the challenges ahead, considering a similar group toured Australia, including Pratika Rawal for the Test match. The question now is how the Indian team navigates this transition and elevates their game. While the three ODIs against Zimbabwe carry weight for the ICC Women's Championship, the main focus is identifying and settling the core group for the ICC Women's Champions Trophy in India in February 2027. We'll start getting those answers once the series kicks off. Zimbabwe are coming into the series after hosting the West Indies in a white-ball series, where they lost the T20I series 3-0 and the ODI series by 2-1. Though Zimbabwe managed to win an ODI game against the West Indies, Anjum stated that she does not expect them to pose a major threat to India. I don't think there'll be much of a challenge because, at the end of the day, India is a higher-ranked team than Zimbabwe. Yes, Zimbabwe has played a lot of cricket over the last eight to nine months - facing New Zealand, South Africa, and the West Indies before coming to play India in India, which is good for them. It's all part of a learning curve to get better in the near future. That lone success in the ODI where the West Indies crumbled for under 150 (139) and Zimbabwe's batters held their nerve to chase it down and was nice to see. So I don't think it will be a massive challenge for India. I don't think there'll be much of a challenge because, at the end of the day, India is a higher-ranked team than Zimbabwe. Yes, Zimbabwe has played a lot of cricket over the last eight to nine months - facing New Zealand, South Africa, and the West Indies before coming to play India in India, which is good for them. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Never Spoke Ill Of Any Faith: Irfan Pathan Hurt By 'Fake News' In His Name
Irfan Pathan denied making any such comments and urged fans not to share anything related to him or any quotes attributed to him without verifying them.
'People of Pakistan loved Nana Patekar so much'
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali expressed profound sadness over the passing of Bollywood icon Nana Patekar, with whom he shared a close friendship for over three decades, describing him as a 'dear friend, a brother' and a 'living legend'.
Rashid Khan's Lavish Afghan Feast for Irfan and Yusuf Pathan in Dubai
Afghanistan's spin bowler Rashid Khan hosted Indian cricketers Irfan and Yusuf Pathan for a traditional Afghan feast at his Dubai residence, with Irfan Pathan praising the food and hospitality.
Smriti need not fill Harmanpreet's shoes, she can chart her own territory: Anjum Chopra
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes Smriti Mandhana does not have to measure herself in stepping up to succeed Harmanpreet Kaur as the sides new captain and should instead carve out her own leadership path after being handed the charge across formats. Smriti was named as India's all-format captain on the same day Harmanpreet stepped down after nearly a decade at the helm. Her first full-time assignment as Indias captain is the home series against Zimbabwe, which opens with three T20Is in Raipur from October 16. Her appointment came after a review meeting was in Guwahati on Monday, featuring her, Harmanpreet, head coach Amol Muzumdar and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia. Smriti, the left-handed opener, was also part of the selection meeting alongside the Amita Sharma-led selection panel to pick two squads for the Zimbabwe series. Smriti does not need to step into Harman's shoes at all. She has experience leading India - Guwahati games against England in 2019 was the first time she captained the team and fortunately, she has had more time in a leadership role prior to becoming full-time captain than Harman or anyone else had. Smriti can chart her own territory. The challenges the Indian team currently faces are well known, and I am sure Smriti is aware of them. Her biggest challenge will be addressing those gaps, whether in T20s or ODIs, and building on where the team has reached. All these players - Deepti, Smriti, Jemimah - reached this pedestal together. Now it's about taking it to the next level. It's like passing a baton in a relay: Smriti collected it cleanly while already on the run, so she has a head start. How that head start gets converted is how she will be measured in the present and future. How she uses her captaincy experience and her familiarity with this group, as well as the players coming in, to be the leader everyone looks up to for answers is what she will be judged on, Anjum told IANS in an exclusive conversation on Friday. She also said that she doesnt expect Smriti to replicate all of her predecessor's approach. If you weren't looking for a change, why did the change happen? I don't expect Smriti to be a clone of Harman, and nobody should be a clone. You take the best parts of every leader, bring them forward, and make them your own. Smriti has been around the Indian team for a long time now. She doesn't need to clone Harman; she needs to build on everything she has learned playing for India over the last 12 to 13 years. She has captaincy experience, high skill levels, and world travel under her belt - she knows the conditions and the oppositions across the globe. The next step for her is deciding what takeaways to imbibe into her own decision-making and how to push the team forward. If every captain is identical and uses the same template, there is no need for change. No captain should be the same. They need to elevate the team beyond where it was when they received the baton, ensuring that by the time the next person takes over, the team has reached greater heights. That is how the sport progresses, and that is how players grow individually, she elaborated. On how the squad will cope with the transition at the helm, Anjum felt it will be a gentle start considering Zimbabwe are going to play a bilateral series against India for the first time. It's not going to be simple for any player to adapt to that change. The good thing is the Indian team will have a little time to settle in, and I assume there will be a camp before the series starts. This series isn't against a world-number-one side where high tension is running around, so the players will have space and time to adjust. People in that change room will quickly realize they have to look in a different direction for instructions and guidance. Nobody needs to play the elder sister; everyone knows each other well enough, and the players will adapt as they always do. While you have different setups across formats, the captain remains the same for the T20 and ODI sides. How everyone shapes up moving toward the ICC Champions Trophy in India will be closely measured. Everyone has to start defining their own pathway. While the captain makes the ultimate decisions, every player in this team must understand their individual role before they step onto that path collectively. Smriti, India's most prolific all-format batter, previously led India in four ODIs and 18 T20Is, besides captaining Maharashtra in domestic cricket. She guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to the Women's Premier League (WPL) title earlier this year, after leading the franchise to its maiden crown in 2024. In September, she went past Mithali Raj to become the highest run-getter in women's international cricket across formats. Her 18 international hundreds are the most by any womens batter, and she also is the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three formats. When you become a full-time leader and start captaining the Indian team, it's the experiences you dwell upon. Smriti has built up a good amount of experience over the years. The WPL is a prime example - when you lead a franchise team in your own country and win titles, you learn a lot about yourself. She has had a very good grooming to become a leader. That's why those statements came out saying she's ready for the captaincy - someone without that background wouldn't say that; they'd simply say, 'I'm looking forward to the challenge.' The language and preparation change when you're ready. How she comes out as the leader of the Indian team is something we will all see. Whatever happened in the past is done. Now the job is clearly defined: you are the captain of the Indian team. What you make of it - the decisions, the preparation, the process - will be what we start analyzing and measuring from here, concluded Anjum.
Bangladesh opt to bat and pick Nayeem Hasan
Bangladesh opted for Ebadot Hossain in place of Shoriful Islam while Afghanistan went for a batting-heavy line-up
'If Hardik Wants To Play In 2027 World Cup Then He Must...'
India trainer Ramji Srinivasan has issued a clear mandate to Hardik Pandya, stating that the all-rounder must regain full fitness and significantly increase his bowling workload to be considered for the 2027 ODI World Cup, following a prolonged absence due to multiple injuries.
Sahibzada Farhan Hopes Pakistan's New Combination Takes Off In Sri Lanka T20Is
Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan hopes a new combination without star players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi will come good against Sri Lanka in their Twenty20 International series starting in Rawalpindi on Friday. The three-match series will see Farhan take on the skipper's role after leading a second-string side to silver at the Asian Games in Japan, losing to India in the final last week. Also missing from the squad are former T20I skipper Salman Agha and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, part of an exodus aimed at building the side for the 2028 T20I World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. I am confident that this new combination is the best and will settle in this series, said Farhan on Thursday. I know how to lead the side and I will not take pressure. Azam's form had dipped in T20Is, and he was also dropped from Pakistan's final match against Sri Lanka at the Twenty20 World Cup in February. Shaheen is also out of favour for T20Is but will skipper Pakistan's one-day international side in a tri-series with Sri Lanka and England starting in Rawalpindi from October 18. Sri Lanka are also in a transition phase with star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and former skipper Charith Asalanka dropped for the tour. Hasaranga is joint-fifth in the all-time T20I wicket-taking list with 163 in 101 games. Unfortunately, Wanindu is still injured, and we will miss him but we have a few other exciting players who I am sure will stand up and perform, said Sri Lankan skipper Kusal Mendis. I think everyone knows how to play in Pakistan, said Mendis, who played in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) earlier this year. Pakistan also have some new faces but their players are good and we know some of them from the PSL, so I hope our players will do well. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The remaining two matches are on October 11 and 13, also in Rawalpindi.
Ex-NZ Test Opener Jeet Raval Retires From Professional Cricket
Former New Zealand Test: Former New Zealand Test opener Jeet Raval has announced his retirement from all professional cricket, Northern Districts Cricket said on Friday. After a distinguished career that produced more than 10,000 first-class runs for Auckland, Central Districts and finally Northern Districts; national titles in every format; and 24 Test caps for New Zealand, Raval said the time is right to step away for the game he loves. Raval's retirement leaves big shoes to fill as captain of the Northern Districts Plunket Shield team. Only three players in history have scored more Plunket Shield runs than Raval. He has amassed 8216 runs in the competition since his debut for Auckland in the 2008/09 season. The Ahmedabad-born batter began his career with Auckland after emerging out of Avondale College - where hed been in the school First XI alongside another handy cricketer, his lifelong friend Ajaz Patel. He played 24 Test matches for the New Zealand, scoring over 1000 runs at an average of 30 including fifties and a century. He also has one Test wicket; Australian captain Pat Cummins probably still has nightmares about being clean bowled by a Jeet Raval leg spinner. After 12 seaons of first-class cricket with Auckland and Central Districts, Jeet Raval saw the light in 2020 and made the move to Northern Districts. He played over 130 games for ND across the three formats, many of them as captain. Under his leadership Northern Districts won their first Plunket Shield championship win in twelve seasons. In first-class cricket alone Raval played 164 matches, including 73 for Auckland, 10 for the Stags, and 46 for Northern Districts after settling in Mount Maunganui. When he reached his 10,000th first-class run, in December 2025 whilst captaining ND against Auckland in his adopted home town, he became only the 30th New Zealander to join that distinguished club. This includes international matches (Tests and other first class matches for the likes of New Zealand A; overseas stints). In first-class cricket alone Raval played 164 matches, including 73 for Auckland, 10 for the Stags, and 46 for Northern Districts after settling in Mount Maunganui. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Factionalism leaves Arunachal in danger of forfeiting Ranji season opener
A case is pending before the Itanagar bench of the Gauhati High Court;
Chapman, Foulkes Ruled Out Of India T20Is; Clarkson, Tickner Named Replacements
India T20Is: New Zealand have suffered a massive blow ahead of T20Is against India as injuries have forced Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes to be ruled out of the upcoming five-match series, NZC said on Friday. Chapman suffered a left hamstring tear during the European T20 league last month and is on track to be available for the ODIs against India. Foulkes, meanwhile, injured his right hip flexor during a recent Canterbury Mens training and his return to play timeline is still to be determined. Chapman and Foulkes have paved the way for all-rounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner to be included in New Zealand's 16-member squad for the series that commences on October 22. Allrounder Josh Clarkson and fast bowler Blair Tickner have been called in to the T20I squad to replace Chapman and Foulkes, NZC said in a statement. Head coach Rob Walter said he was grateful to be able to bring Clarkson and Tickner into the squad. I'm gutted for Mark and Zak and I wish them both a smooth recovery, said Walter. We're fortunate to be able to lean on the expertise of Josh and Blair. I know theyre both very excited to be involved in whats shaping up to be an epic T20 series. The five-match T20I home series against India commence in Christchurch on October 22, with the second match also scheduled at the same venue on October 24. Both the teams will then move to Wellington for the third T20I on October 27, followed by matches in Auckland on October 30 and Hamilton on November 1. The two teams met in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup earlier this year, when India registered a comprehensive 96-run triumph. Both the teams will then move to Wellington for the third T20I on October 27, followed by matches in Auckland on October 30 and Hamilton on November 1. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
