Sri Lanka Stun England With Huge Chase After Harry Brook's 202
Janith Liyanage smashed a six off the penultimate ball as Sri Lanka completed the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history, scoring 430-8 to beat England in Rawalpindi on Thursday. Needing eight to win off the last over, Sri Lanka lost two wickets to paceman Josh Tongue, but Liyanage kept his cool to achieve an astonishing victory and overshadow Harry Brook's record-setting knock. The England captain hit the fastest-ever ODI double hundred, making 202 off 116 balls to propel his team to a mammoth 429-4 after they were put in to bat. South Africa hold the record for the highest ODI chase, knocking off a target of 435 against Australia at Johannesburg in 2006. Batters thoroughly dominated in Rawalpindi as Brook also hit the first ODI double century by an England player. However, Sri Lanka proved up to the challenge as Pavan Rathnayake scored 130, with Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka both making 97. Liyanage then led them over the line with a blistering 61 not out off 27 balls. Sri Lanka slid to 24-2 before Rathnayake and Avishka set about transforming the innings, putting on 166 for the third wicket. Rathnayake then combined with Shanaka to lift the tempo with a rapid 133-run stand off just 79 balls, to give Sri Lanka genuine hope. Rathnayake hit 15 fours and three sixes while Shanaka's blazing knock featured eight sixes and six fours, as Sri Lanka delivered a powerful response to Brook's earlier masterclass. Sri Lankan skipper Kusal Mendis was delighted at victory. I'm very happy as a captain, said Mendis. Everyone believed we can do it. Every day we talk about showing the character in team meetings, and it's about showing we can get any score. Brook was full of praise for Sri Lanka. Incredible game of cricket, both teams were exceptional. They played exceptional cricket to knock off 400, said Brook, downplaying his double hundred. It was a nice innings but being on the losing side it has no value whatsoever in my eyes. Brook clobbered 10 sixes and 21 fours as England posted a first 400-plus ODI total in Pakistan. He reached 200 in 114 balls, beating the previous fastest double century in ODIs, by Shubman Gill (117 balls) for India against West Indies last month. Brook was joined in the fireworks by Joe Root, who scored a 66-ball 69 and became the first England batter to complete 8,000 runs, in his 197th one-day international. Brook was dismissed off the final delivery, caught off paceman Liyanage, but not before helping England add 156 runs in the last 10 overs. Opener Tom Banton set the tone with a 51-ball 50 and Will Jacks was 66 not out with three sixes and eight fours. The day looked as if it would surely belong to history-maker Brook, but Sri Lanka had other ideas as the previous highest ODI total at a Pakistan venue of 375-3 was easily surpassed. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Pakistan, who beat Sri Lanka and England in their two games, will face England in Lahore on Sunday in the next match in the tri-series.
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Sri Lanka Make a Mockery of 430 in Epic ODI Thriller Vs England
Sri Lanka chased down England's 430-run target to script ODI history, with Pavan Rathnayake's 130, Avishka Fernando's 97 and Dasun Shanaka's explosive 97 overshadowing Harry Brook's record double century.
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'If we bat first, we will score at least 300'
India vice-captain Deepti Sharma expressed her readiness to support skipper Smriti Mandhana in her new role, ahead of the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe starting Friday. Sharma also discussed the team's strategy to aim for high scores on a batting-friendly pitch and cautioned against underestimating the Zimbabwean side.
Joe Root Scripts History, Becomes First England Batter To Reach 8,000 ODI Runs
England star batter Joe Root etched his name in the history books on Thursday, becoming the first England batter to breach the 8,000-run mark in One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
RSFI President Tulsi Ram Aggarwal Hails India's Stellar Show At World Skate Games 2026
Tulsi Ram Aggarwal: Roller Skating Federation of India (RSFI) president Tulsi Ram Aggarwal on Thursday hailed India's stellar performance at the World Skate Games 2026, where the contingent bagged seven medals in Paraguay's capital, Asuncion. Speaking at the celebration ceremony after welcoming the athletes, Tulsi Ram heaped praise on the skaters' performance, with the likes of Anandkumar Velkumar and Anirudhan Vinod, among others, winning medals. This time, we have won seven medals at the World Skate Games in Paraguay. Two gold medals, three silver and two bronze medals. Paraguay is a far and hard place to be at. It is hard to take the skaters there, but we never hesitated and took the team to the tournament, Tusli Ram said. This tournament began on October 2. Nearly 10,000 athletes from 90 countries participated in it. Italy, Colombia, Chinese Taipei, Spain, France, United States, Iran, Chile, Germany, Venezuela, Portugal, Czechoslovakia, South Korea, Guatemala, Paraguay, and so on were the teams that participated in the event. Our children have gained a lot of experience and exposure from there by meeting different people, he added. The RSFI president also stated that Colombia are a pretty strong team in skating and that the sport is just like a religion there, just like cricket is in India. Just as cricket is considered almost like a religion in our country, skating holds that same status in Colombia, which is why Colombia is unbeatable in speed skating. However, it is a matter of great pride that one of our skaters, Anirudhan Vinod from Kerala, won a gold medal in the Junior Men's Road 1-Lap. At the same time, from a small union territory or region called Puducherry, a skater named Lohnath Arun Prasath won a silver medal. In the very same competition, two of our competitors achieved podium finishes with gold and silver. The RSFI president also stated that Colombia are a pretty strong team in skating and that the sport is just like a religion there, just like cricket is in India. Just as cricket is considered almost like a religion in our country, skating holds that same status in Colombia, which is why Colombia is unbeatable in speed skating. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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Bavuma and Jansen lead South Africa to innings win over Australia
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2nd Test: South Africa Blow Australia Away to Level Series
South Africa crushed Australia by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha to level the series 1-1, with Bavuma's 179 and Rabada's four wickets proving decisive.
South Africa Crush Australia By An Innings And 31 Runs To Level Test Series
South Africa wrapped up a brilliant innings-and-31-run win over Australia in the second Test at St George's Park on Thursday, levelling the three-match series. Despite another session being washed out on the fifth day of a rain-hit game, the Proteas took the remaining six second-innings wickets needed to complete victory. South Africa, who suffered a heavy defeat in the opening game in Durban last week, recovered from 110-6 in the first innings to post 425-9 declared, thanks largely to captain Temba Bavuma's career-best 179. Marco Jansen took five wickets as the Aussies were then skittled for 99 and forced to follow on for the first time since 2019. Travis Head's 121 and a 166-ball 40 from nightwatchman Scott Boland held up the South African charge on the final day, as did persistent morning rain, but Wiaan Mulder removed both and the tourists were bowled out for 295. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Jansen took the final wicket by dismissing Josh Hazlewood, as reigning world Test champions South Africa set up a series decider next week in Cape Town.
Shreyas Iyer Praises Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma Show After India's Record Chase
India captain Shreyas Iyer hailed his opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson for setting up the record chase of 226 against New Zealand in the T20I series opener and lauded Naman Dhir's composure in applying finishing touches.
1st T20I: Got To Give Credit Where It's Due, Says Glenn Phillips After India's Record Chase
On New Zealand: New Zealand batting all-rounder Glenn Phillips said credit has to be given where it was due, after India chased down 226 to record their highest successful T20I chase and win the series opener by four wickets here at the Hagley Oval. Phillips hit an unbeaten 40-ball 82 and lifted New Zealand to 225/4, but India got home with two balls to spare, and he was gracious in his assessment of the visitors' herculean batting effort. You've also got to give credit to the chasing side for chasing 226. It's always a good chase and for them as well, on slightly bigger boundaries, it's something slightly different to what they're used to. You've got to give credit where credit's due sometimes, Phillips said in the post-match press conference. He further said bowling to India's batters left little margin for error and demanded every plan in the book. Obviously they're fantastic. You've got to have a plan C, D, E, F, G, H. You've got to have every plan under the sun. With guys like that, you've got such small room for error. The pitches are fantastic as well. Also, credit to them, the bounce is probably a little more than they're used to, and they adjusted really well today. I guess we've got all our plans on the drawing board, but at the end of the day you've got to execute them. Phillips did not believe the toss gave the chasing side a decisive edge at the venue, and felt New Zealand could have made it tougher for India with a tighter effort with the ball in the middle overs. I think here with big boundaries, the ball does sometimes tend to nibble under light second innings as well. I think it does even out. Obviously, a wet ball becomes tough to bowl with and becomes a little bit more advantageous with the bat at the end of the innings. I think it's a little bit of a toss-up here and there. I wouldn't say compared to some grounds around the world where there's a specific huge advantage for batting second, I'd say. Obviously, chasing down 220 makes it look like you want to bat second every time, but I think we maybe take a couple more wickets in the middle or string a few more dots together and we put them under pressure, and they don't chase it, then it obviously looks slightly different as well. With heavy dew settling on the Hagley Oval outfield during the late-evening game, Phillips said it was something New Zealand had to deal with at this time of the year. It's just going to be part and parcel of it this time of year. It gets quite cold quite fast. It's fabulous, obviously, to be able to have such a big crowd here for that late game, which is fantastic. But it is just part and parcel of what we have in New Zealand this time of the year. I'm pretty sure the grounds try to spray repellent of some sort on there, but there's only so much I suppose you can do. I guess for the guys to go out there, we've just got to try and find a way. Whether it's with the bat or the ball, it's just trying to adapt as much as we can, especially to that dew factor. On New Zealand's batting, Phillips lauded openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, whom he called the 'Bash brothers', and the partnerships that followed, while admitting the side would want to hold on to more catches. Obviously the way the Bash brothers go up at the top of the order is fantastic. They always get us off to a flyer. I think the way that we strung partnerships together throughout the innings is really good. Obviously, you can halt the momentum of the innings quite a lot if we lose a lot of quick wickets. That's probably something we want to take forward. A little bit of a tough start, and probably we would like to take a few more catches. The way that the boys still fought, still held on in the middle, still took wickets. That's the fight that we're after, especially when dew comes into play. It does get tough. There's obviously no excuses in professional sport. We just have to go out there and give it our best. Obviously, India did better than us today. Phillips ended New Zealand's innings with a switch-hit four off Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and revealed the shot was the result of hours of practice batting left-handed. I've definitely been practicing a lot, especially the last year or so. I guess since probably the Super Smash last year where there were three left-hand bowlers and one-handed, and I thought, You know what, this is probably something worth experimenting with. So I have been training, even facing sidearm sticks in the nets. The guys at the IPL last year probably got sick of me spending an hour batting and then 45 minutes batting left-handed as well. So I suppose at some stage an opportunity like that comes about and Bhuvi wasn't missing as well, which is the way Bhuvi does things anyway. So the last ball, why not give it a go? The hope was more to actually just get him to miss his line in length and hope that I was going to be good enough to hit it, and today I guess I was. Phillips also backed young Bevon Jacobs, who hit his first ball for six on his way to a 16-ball 31 during their 73-run stand for the fourth wicket. He has the confidence to go out there and play the ball as he sees it. Obviously, he's an incredibly strong fellow, and he hits it a huge, huge long way. But I think that's a testament to the kind of character that we've built on this side, the culture where a guy who's young, who hasn't played too many games, can come in and feel like he can play his natural game. Phillips also backed young Bevon Jacobs, who hit his first ball for six on his way to a 16-ball 31 during their 73-run stand for the fourth wicket. He has the confidence to go out there and play the ball as he sees it. Obviously, he's an incredibly strong fellow, and he hits it a huge, huge long way. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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Glenn Phillips Admits What Went Wrong As India Pull Off 226-Run Chase
New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips credited India for their successful chase of 226 in the first T20I but said his side needed to take more wickets in the middle overs and improve its fielding after suffering a four-wicket defeat on Thursday.
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We Weren't At Our Best: Mitchell Santner's Brutal Assessment After India's Run Chase
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner admitted that his bowlers' wayward start with the new ball, including conceding plenty of extras, proved costly as India chased down 226 to win the first T20I by four wickets at Hagley Oval on Thursday.
1st T20I: Samson, Dhir Help India Pull Off Record Chase Of 226, Beat New Zealand By Four Wickets
New Zealand: Sanju Samson hammered a 33-ball 67 before Naman Dhir finished the job with an unbeaten 42 off just 15 balls India pulled off their highest successful run chase in T20Is by hunting down 226 and beat New Zealand by four wickets in front of a sell-out crowd at the Hagley Oval on Thursday. Earlier, Glenn Phillips' 40-ball 82 not out lifted New Zealand to 225/4. But the superlative efforts of Samson and Dhir, along with dew coming into the picture, ensured India completed the chase in 19.4 overs to go 1-0 up in the five-match series. The second game of the series will be played in Christchurch on Saturday. Matt Henry beat Samson first ball, but Abhishek Sharma launched the last delivery of the over for six, his record seventh first-ball six in the format. Samson struck back-to-back fours off Adam Milne before Lockie Ferguson's erratic first over, littered with wides, fetched India 22 runs. Milne fared worse next, as Abhishek collected two edged fours and two sixes in a 26-run over. Samson's six off Henry sailing over mid-on - was India's 350th maximum in T20Is this year, the most by any team in a calendar year. More boundaries came for India and Samson reached his fifty off 23 balls with a six and a four off Michael Bracewell, who removed Abhishek (29 off 12 balls) by getting him to slice to short third man in the same over as India ended the powerplay on 94/1. Santner then turned the game by castling Samson off an under-edge in the ninth over, as the wicketkeeper hit eight fours and four sixes in his top-class knock. Tilak Varma, promoted to number three, laboured to 6 off 11 balls before holing out off Bracewell, and Ishan Kishan (1) fell to Santner as India slipped to 122/4. Axar Patel ended a 22-ball boundary drought by hitting Santner in the gap between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg. Along with captain Iyer, Axar took 20 runs off Henry's third over. But Ferguson had Axar (24 off 14 balls) caught at short mid-wicket, while Finn Allen dropped Iyer in the same over. With 48 needed off 24 balls, Santner returned after a nasty fall and was taken for 19 runs, as Dhir hit a six and four. Ferguson then put down Dhir at short third man as the batter looted two more fours off Smith. Milne had Iyer caught by Santner for a 28-ball 42 at the start of the 19th over, but Dhir kept India on course. Needing eight from the last over, with New Zealand also penalised for a slow over-rate, Dhir drove a full toss from Henry for four and sealed the win by top-edging a short ball over the keeper for six. While India rejoiced over acing a record chase, New Zealand, despite their moments in the field, will rue their inability to stitch tight overs. Being wayward in the powerplay and conceding lots of extras early on left them playing catch-up for the rest of the innings. Needing eight from the last over, with New Zealand also penalised for a slow over-rate, Dhir drove a full toss from Henry for four and sealed the win by top-edging a short ball over the keeper for six. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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Harry Brook Smashes Fastest-ever ODI Double Century, Breaks Shubman Gill's Record
Pakistan ODI Tri: Harry Brook's love affair with Pakistan grounds reached a historic moment when the England white-ball skipper smashed the fastest-ever ODI double century during the Tri-series match against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Thursday. Brook hit a 114-ball double hundred during England's second match of the tri-series as he broke the record for the fastest ODI double century, which previously belonged to India captain Shubman Gill, who had smoked a 117-ball double hundred against the West Indies in Guwahati earlier this year. Brook, who has enjoyed time in Pakistan, ripped apart the Sri Lankan bowling attack with his attacking stroke-play. He completed his double ton in the last over of the innings and was dismissed on the final ball but not before scoring a breathtaking knock. The English skipper made 202 from 116 balls, laced with 10 sixes and 21 fours as he put the Sri Lankan bowlers to the sword. Although Brook was brutal to almost everyone, he meted out special treatment to Eshan Malinga, Dasun Shanaka and Janith Liyanage, all of whom he went at at a strike rate of over 200. Brook's has now become the first England player to hit a double hundred as Ben Stokes held the previous highest ODI score by an English cricketer, having scored 182 against New Zealand in 2023 at The Oval. Meanwhile, he is also the second non-opener to hit an ODI double hundred after Glenn Maxwell had smashed that magical double century against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup. His knock powered England to 429/4, their eighth 400-plus total and to their fourth-highest ODI score. England's world record of 498/4 against the Netherlands is their highest, while England have made 481/6 against Australia and 444/3 against Pakistan. Fastest ODI double centuries (by balls): 114 - Harry Brook vs SL, Rawalpindi, 2026 117 - Shubman Gill vs WI, Guwahati, 2026 126 - Ishan Kishan vs BAN, Chattogram, 2022 128 - Glenn Maxwell vs AFG, Mumbai WS, 2023 126 - Ishan Kishan vs BAN, Chattogram, 2022 Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Abhishek Sharma breaks Rohit Sharma's world record in first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch
India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the first of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. They were asked to chase 226 runs in the middle, which needed a strong start from openers...
Phillips Rues Middle-Over Lapses as India Hunt Down 226
New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips acknowledged India's successful chase of 226 in the first T20I, attributing their win to strong execution and adaptation. Phillips highlighted areas for improvement for his team, specifically the need to take more wickets in the middle overs and enhance fielding performance, despite defending their overall effort.
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1st T20I: Conceding Extras At The Start Hurt Us, Says Santner After NZs Four-wicket Loss
Mitchell Santner: New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner admitted that his bowlers' wayward start with the new ball, including conceding extras aplenty, proved costly as India chased down 226 to win the first T20I by four wickets here at the Hagley Oval on Thursday. India raced to 94/1 in the powerplay, and helped along by a string of wides from the New Zealand pacers. Although the hosts fought back through the middle overs, Naman Dhir's unbeaten 42 off 15 balls sealed the chase with two balls to spare, as New Zealand conceded 17 extras in all. They put us under pressure. We knew they were going to do that, and another big powerplay from them. We weren't probably at our best. We can sharpen up a few things, but I think we know what the ball does, so you can slow them down. I think in the middle we did well to kind of squeeze them and then again it was a tight game. So I think both teams could probably look at a few things here and there; I think it could have gone either way, said Santner in the post-match presentation ceremony. Asked where New Zealand could improve, Santner pointed to the extras and a few missed chances in the field. I think the extras at the start maybe, and obviously I think in the field we were pretty good. It's not an easy ground to catch here. A couple more chances, closing overs at times, but I think the powerplay is always going to be a challenge. I guess we have to find a way of trying to slow them down, but that might be an 80-run powerplay, not a 100. The two teams will meet again at the same venue in the second T20I on Saturday. Santner, who landed awkwardly on his head while attempting a catch in the 13th over and briefly left the field, said he was fine. A bit of a whiplash there, but yeah, it's okay. At the same time, Santner was pleased with how his batters had gone about their job after being sent in and praised the efforts of Glenn Phillips, who made an unbeaten 40-ball 82, along with Bevon Jacobs, who struck a 16-ball 31. The two teams will meet again at the same venue in the second T20I on Saturday. Santner, who landed awkwardly on his head while attempting a catch in the 13th over and briefly left the field, said he was fine. A bit of a whiplash there, but yeah, it's okay. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'We Kill the Game...': Samson Explains India's Powerplay Aggression
India opener Sanju Samson discussed the team's strategy of killing games in the powerplay after his explosive 67-run knock led India to a record-breaking T20I chase against New Zealand. He highlighted the team's consistent aggressive approach, especially after their 2024 T20 World Cup victory.
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Why Iyer believes Dhir gives India 'a lot of options'
Skipper Shreyas Iyer lauded all-rounder Naman Dhir for his crucial role in India's record-breaking 226-run chase against New Zealand in the first T20I. Iyer highlighted Dhir's versatility and calm demeanour under pressure. Sanju Samson's explosive start and the team's adaptation to changing pitch conditions were also key factors in India's highest-ever T20 chase.
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1st T20I: Openers Set It Up, Dhir's Calm Finish Magnificent, Says Iyer After India's Record Chase
Naman Dhir: India captain Shreyas Iyer hailed his opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson for setting up the record chase of 226 against New Zealand in the T20I series opener and lauded Naman Dhir's composure in applying finishing touches. In front of a sell-out crowd at the Hagley Oval, India pulled off their highest successful T20I chase to beat New Zealand by four wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the series. India were given a rollicking start by a 93-run opening stand between Samson (67 off 33 balls) and Abhishek (29 off 12 balls). After a mid-innings wobble, Dhir finished unbeaten on 42 off 15 balls and sealed the win with a six off the penultimate ball of the chase. They (Abhishek and Sanju) are absolutely experienced enough. You don't have to tell them how to go about their business. They know exactly what they're doing, and once they get going, it's just about the momentum they carry forward, and today was just an example of that. So obviously it doesn't happen every time, but once they click, you see that they set a game for us, and the rest of us, we just come and steady the ship and see to it that we finish off the game, Iyer said at the post-match presentation ceremony. He was also full of praise for Dhir, whose stocks are rising fast in international cricket, and said his ability to chip in with some off-spin bowling added to his value at number seven. Absolutely. He gives us a lot of options, especially for lefty batsmen, or even the right-handers batting, especially on this ground, coming in and bowling those two-three crucial overs actually can change the momentum. And I personally feel that the calm and composed nature that he showed today was simply magnificent to see him bat. The win came barely days after India wrapped up their home series against the West Indies, and Iyer felt the team could now move on from the long journey. Fantastic. Probably we've got to forget about the jet lag now, he said. The Indian bowlers had a tough outing as New Zealand piled up 225/4, with none of them conceding less than 10 runs an over. Iyer admitted they had pitched it up too often early on before the dew made life harder for bowlers. So when we started bowling, I thought it was playing a bit slow. The ball was holding a bit, and we bowled a little ahead compared to the hard lengths we should have been hitting. But as soon as the game progressed, we saw the dew coming in, and the wicket was skidding flatter as the ball was getting through and coming onto the bat pretty well. The Indian bowlers had a tough outing as New Zealand piled up 225/4, with none of them conceding less than 10 runs an over. Iyer admitted they had pitched it up too often early on before the dew made life harder for bowlers. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Sanju Samson Reveals Secret Behind India's Historic Chase vs New Zealand In 1st T20I
Sanju Samson's 33-ball 67, studded with eight fours and four sixes, set up India's four-wicket win in the five-match T20I series opener.
1st T20I: We Just Watch The Ball And Hit Hard, Says Samson After India's Record Chase
Sanju Samson: Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson said there was no grand plan behind his blistering opening stands with Abhishek Sharma, adding that the opening pair simply watch the ball and hit hard, after the side chased down 226 against New Zealand to record their highest successful run chase in T20Is. Samson's 33-ball 67, studded with eight fours and four sixes, set up India's four-wicket win in the five-match T20I series opener. He and Abhishek (29 off 12) raced to 93 runs as an opening pair. After the duo fell, captain Shreyas Iyers 42 and Naman Dhirs unbeaten 42 helped India reach home with two balls to spare. We do have a lot of conversations happening in the middle, but nothing makes sense actually. We just watch the ball and hit hard. It has been working very well for us and I like batting with him at the top, Samson said at the post-match presentation ceremony, where he got the Player of the Match award. He also revealed that once India got off to a flier in the chase, he and Abhishek felt they could put the game away early. The ball was swinging around a lot, I think in the second half, a bit too much actually. But off the surface it was coming on very nicely. So I think me and Abhi just felt like keeping the shape and having a very positive intent in the powerplay. Once we got off to a flying start, we felt the match could be finished in the first half as well. Six overs, 90-odd runs - that was a great start today. So I think we just wanted to go all out. Samson's dismissal in the ninth over sparked a slide and he felt the win in front of a sell-out crowd at the Hagley Oval was a collective effort. It feels really good. I think, yes, we are just in the moment where the match has been won. Whatever contribution you make, I think it feels good to end up on the winning side. So it's a really great contribution from all of us in the team. So it was completely a team game today. So really happy that we started off nicely for the series, he added. Samson said that while keeping wickets gave him an early read of the surface, conditions changed significantly by the time India came out to bat. Absolutely, you definitely think about your batting while you are keeping wickets. But I think today I summed up my way to play the game while keeping. Whatever contribution you make, I think it feels good to end up on the winning side. So it's a really great contribution from all of us in the team. So it was completely a team game today. So really happy that we started off nicely for the series, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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How India pulled off a record chase against New Zealand
India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the first T20 of a five-match series, successfully chasing a target of 226 runs. Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma provided a strong start, while Shreyas Iyer and Naman Dhir ensured India completed their highest-ever successful T20 run chase despite a mid-innings wobble. Glenn Phillips' unbeaten 82 had propelled New Zealand to a formidable total.
Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan: Indias Tokyo 2020 Paralympics gold medallist Krishna Nagar has called for greater recognition and corporate investment in para-badminton, arguing that increased visibility and sponsorship could significantly expand opportunities for athletes in the sport. Speaking after winning silver in mens doubles SH6 with Sivarajan Solaimalai and bronze in mixed doubles SH6 with Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, Nagar acknowledged the support extended by the government and sporting authorities but stressed that para-sport needs greater commercial attention to match its competitive achievements. The 2024 world champion also reflected on the tactical errors that cost him crucial points, the transition to a 15-point format and his determination to return to the top of the podium at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics. Nagar believes the next phase of growth for Indian para-badminton will depend not only on performances at international competitions but also on the willingness of sponsors and major companies to invest in the sport. While acknowledging the support provided by the central government, the Sports Authority of India and existing sporting programmes, he said greater commercial backing could help more para-athletes access opportunities to develop their careers. The central government supports us a lot. The Prime Minister always supports us. All the able-bodied players support us, too. They are coming up with good schemes for us, such as TOPS and Podium. The central government is always backing us to achieve more and is doing a lot for the players. So, we have the full support of the central government, Nagar told IANS in an exclusive interaction. However, Nagar believes that government assistance must be accompanied by stronger public engagement and greater interest from corporate sponsors. Drawing a comparison with cricket, he said para-sport could expand its reach considerably if it received similar levels of attention and investment. Everything is very positive for both para and able-bodied sports, from the central government to the sports authority and the funders. There is a positive response from everyone. Literally. But we have this one thing: if para sports start getting the same amount of recognition and attention as cricket, the scope for para sports will be very high. They have already grown a lot since 2021 and 2024. They should grow even more after the Asian Games. But I think the competition will be very tough by 2028. If you look at it, the biggest thing for any para athlete is money. If para athletes grow even more, it will be much better. Sponsors will be good. There are many big companies in India. If para sports are endorsed, itll be great for our sport, because there are many players in para sports, he added. For Nagar, the argument for greater investment is rooted in the results Indian para-athletes have already produced on the international stage. He believes commercial support could help strengthen the sports ecosystem and create better opportunities for athletes beyond the established names. For example, I am in the para-athletes' category. Whatever training I do, I do it with an able-bodied player. I train and compete with them, so it is better for me. I want all the endorsers to be in para sports, because para sports are getting good results. If you look at both badminton and para badminton, Pramod bhaiya (Bhagat) and I are the only people to win gold at the Olympic level. But there is no recognition for para badminton yet. You will see javelin has done very well. But para badminton has not done as well as it should have. Para badminton results come in 7-10 days. In 7-10 days, everything has to be done on the same page. I hope I can repeat everything in 2028. I know I will and get on top of the podium, he stated. Nagars call for greater recognition comes as he begins looking towards the next Paralympic cycle. Having won gold at the Tokyo Paralympics and the world title in 2024, the Indian shuttler is aiming to maintain his fitness and sharpen his game ahead of the qualification period for Los Angeles 2028, which is scheduled to begin in 2027. I am a Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist, a 2024 world champion and an Asian Games silver medallist. But it all depends on how much I have to train to maintain my fitness. I have to try as much as I can to keep my fitness at its best, Nagar said. His campaign at the Asian Para Games brought two medals in doubles, but Nagar admitted that the results also exposed areas that require attention. In the mens doubles SH6 final, he and Sivarajan struggled to sustain their intended strategy against China, with coordination issues allowing their opponents to take control of crucial exchanges. As you can see, in doubles, there were some patches where we couldnt coordinate well with each other, and the Chinese took advantage of this. We were trying to tire them out in the rally and play long rallies, but they didnt let it continue. We kept trying, thinking that the longer the rally, the better it would be for us. We waited for a long timein the sense that we tried to play with a lot of patiencebut it wasnt happening, he said. Nagar said the partnership would need more time together on court to improve its consistency, with the upcoming qualification cycle and the 2028 World Championships forming important milestones in their preparations. But its okay. The qualification year for LA will start in 2027, so we will try to do our best. We will train together as much as we can because before that, we have a world championship in 2028. Our main focus will be to do our best, Nagar expressed. Another significant adjustment on Nagars agenda is the transition to 15-point games. The Indian shuttler believes the shorter format could suit his aggressive playing style, although it will require him to be more decisive from the opening points. As of now, regarding the 15-point game, in the beginning, we would keep the first three or four points a little loose and play according to the rally. But we wont have to do that now. Now, we have to focus on the first points of the game. We will have to play as quickly as we can, because it is a 15-point game. There is no room for mercy. If you dont leave a single point, things can get out of your hands at any time. And in my category, maam, anyone can beat anyone. I mean, any player among the top eight or ten can defeat anyone, the 27-year-old said. Nagar pointed to the changing distribution of major titles in the SH6 category as evidence of the competitive depth at the top level. With different players emerging as champions across major tournaments, he believes sustained improvement will be essential to remaining among the leading contenders. In my category, I was the champion in 2021. In 2024, it was France, and I was the world champion in 2024. In 2023, at the Asian Championships, I won silver in singles and bronze in doubles. In 2024, in Paris, the French player became the champion. After that, at the World Championships, a player from the USA became world champion in February 2026. And this time, I think the Asian teams medalist will change as well. In my category, there is still no consistency. This will go on. But I think I am the only one who can win all the tournaments. However, I have to work harder and harder now. I have to prepare myself as much as I can for the 15-point format, and that is better, he mentioned. Nagar also identified his performance in the closing stages of matches as an area requiring improvement. Recalling his singles match against China, he said a substantial lead in the deciding game slipped away because of errors at crucial moments. My main event is singles, and Im good at it. I train for it, but Im a little disappointed that I didnt compete in singles. I was fully fit. Everyone was good. My endurance, agility, game and power were all good. But towards the end, I had a few technical issues. You must have seen my singles match against China. I was leading 1611 in the third set. After that, I started having some glitches. I was then leading 1917, but after that, I started making mistakes. Now I think Ill have to work a little more on all these things in the last four or five points. But as youll see, from the next tournament, all the games will be 15 points. So I think that will be beneficial for me because I play fast, powerful games. It will be very beneficial for me to play to 15 points, so Ill try to give my best. But Ill try not to repeat these mistakes. I lost my quarter-finals and semi-finals by making these mistakes, so Ill try not to repeat them. Correct. I was very confident about the Asian Gamesthat I would win them and wouldnt make a single mistake, he said. His mixed doubles campaign with Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan offered a similar lesson. The Indian pair lost their semifinal against Indonesias Rina Marlina and Subhan after failing to convert opportunities to finish rallies, allowing their opponents to build momentum. When we had a chance to finish the shuttle, two or three times, the shuttle didnt finish. I defended the shuttle. That was our point. But they defended. From there, their mindset levelled up very confidently. After that, they changed the game a little bit. Then I tried to cover a little bit, but I made a small mistake. So they took advantage of that. For Nagar, improving his technical execution and maintaining a positive approach under pressure will be essential as he prepares for the next phase of international competition. The technical improvement is simply this: the more positively you play the game and the more positively you keep the subtlety within your court, the better. You must play your best and give your all for every point. For Nagar, improving his technical execution and maintaining a positive approach under pressure will be essential as he prepares for the next phase of international competition. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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Watch: Arshdeep Singh Uses Football Skills To Make Genius Run-Out vs New Zealand. Moment Is Viral
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1st T20I: Samson, Dhir Star As India Ace Record Chase Of 226, Beat New Zealand By Four Wickets (ld)
Nitish Kumar Reddy: India carried their rich run-scoring vein from the West Indies series into New Zealand, as Sanju Samson's 33-ball 67 and Naman Dhir's late assault of an unbeaten 42 off just 15 balls powered them to hunt down 226, their highest-ever chase in T20Is, and beat New Zealand by four wickets in front of a sell-out crowd at the Hagley Oval on Thursday. Earlier, on a fresh pitch, Glenn Phillips smashed a 40-ball 82 not out and lifted New Zealand to an imposing 225/4. But the superlative efforts of Samson and Dhir, along with dew coming into the picture, ensured India completed the chase with two balls to spare in a run-fest that produced 455 runs in front of a sell-out crowd. While India rejoiced over acing a record chase, New Zealand, despite their moments in the field, will rue their inability to stitch tight overs and being erratic in fielding. Being wayward in the powerplay, and conceding 17 extras left them playing catch-up for the rest of the innings. The second game of the series will be played at the same venue on Saturday. Indias chase began with Matt Henry beating Samson on the first ball, but Abhishek Sharma launched the last delivery of the over for six, his record-seventh first-ball six in the format. Samson struck back-to-back fours off Adam Milne before Lockie Ferguson's erratic first over, littered with wides, fetched India 22 runs. Milne fared worse next, as Abhishek collected two edged fours and two sixes in a 26-run over. Samson's six off Henry sailing over mid-on was India's 350th maximum in T20Is this year, the most by any team in a calendar year. More boundaries came for India, and Samson reached his fifty off 23 balls with a six and a four off Michael Bracewell, who removed Abhishek (29 off 12 balls) by getting him to slice to short third man in the same over as India ended the powerplay on 94/1. Santner then turned the game by castling Samson off an under-edge in the ninth over, as the wicketkeeper hit eight fours and four sixes in his top-class knock. Tilak Varma, promoted to number three, laboured to 6 off 11 balls before holing out off Bracewell, and Ishan Kishan (1) fell to Santner as India slipped to 122/4. Axar Patel ended a 22-ball boundary drought by hitting Santner in the gap between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg. Along with captain Iyer, Axar took 20 runs off Henry's third over. But Ferguson had Axar (24 off 14 balls) caught at short mid-wicket, while Finn Allen dropped Iyer in the same over. With 48 runs needed off 24 balls, Santner returned after a nasty fall and was taken for 19 runs, as Dhir hit a six and four. Ferguson then put down Dhir at short third man as the batter looted two more fours off Smith. Milne had Iyer caught by Santner for a 28-ball 42 at the start of the 19th over, but Dhir kept India on course. Needing eight from the last over, with New Zealand also penalised for a slow over-rate, Dhir drove a full toss from Henry for four and sealed the win by top-edging a short ball over the keeper for six and leave the Indian dressing room thoroughly delighted. Previously, after Finn Allen made 45, Daryl Mitchell and Bevon Jacobs played handy cameos of 28 and 31, respectively. But Phillips was the standout batter for the Black Caps as he ensured fours and sixes were hit all around the Hagley Oval. Apart from the pristine timing and placement of shots, Phillips astute running between the wickets stood out as well. New Zealand made 65 runs in the powerplay before amassing 93 runs in the middle overs and 67 runs in the last five overs. None of the Indian bowlers went for less than 10 runs an over. Axar Patel (1-51) was the most expensive, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar (0-49), Arshdeep Singh (1-45), Mayank Yadav (1-40) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (0-40) were also punished. The fielding was sloppy too, with a dropped catch and fumbles in the deep. After India elected to bowl first, a returning Bhuvneshwar swung early and beat Tim Seifert with his very first delivery in a tidy opening over. But the openers soon broke free. Bhuvneshwar overstepped in the third over, and Seifert cashed in on the free hit before launching a six onto the roof, as 17 runs came off it. Arshdeep, playing his 100th T20I, fared no better next, with Allen hitting three fours in a row and Seifert adding another as 17 more were taken. Mayank struck in his first over when Seifert (24 off 17 balls) edged one behind to Samson. Allen and Mitchell then launched Axar for two sixes in the final over of the powerplay, with the latter lofting over long-on. But Axar had the last word against Allen, who mistimed a loft to long-off and fell for 45 off 24 balls. Mitchell, dropped by Abhishek at long-on off Mayank when on 16, punished the lapse with successive boundaries before Arshdeep had him caught at short third man for 28 and end his 42-run stand with Phillips. Jacobs announced himself with a six off his first ball, while Phillips took three fours off Axar in the 14th over, one of them after a misfield by substitute fielder Prince Yadav. The 16th over brought more drama as Bhuvneshwar was struck on the wrist and Jacobs holed out off a free-hit, which did not count. A marauding Phillips then raced to his 13th T20I fifty with a six off Mayank in an 18-run over. Arshdeep, though, kicked the ball onto the stumps to run out Jacobs for a 16-ball 31 that included three sixes. Michael Bracewell survived an lbw decision on review as New Zealand crossed 200 in the 19th over. India were penalised for a slow over-rate in the final over, which led to an extra fielder coming into the 30-yard circle and Phillips signed off with a switch-hit four off Bhuvneshwar. It was a total that would have been enough on most nights, but not against an Indian side in a record-chasing mood. A marauding Phillips then raced to his 13th T20I fifty with a six off Mayank in an 18-run over. Arshdeep, though, kicked the ball onto the stumps to run out Jacobs for a 16-ball 31 that included three sixes. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
The Indian men's cricket team scripted history at the Hagley Oval on Thursday, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the opening T20I of the series.
Abhishek Sharma broke Shafiqullah Shinwaris world record as India register their highest successful chase in T20I cricket history. The feat was achieved in the first over of the chase itself when Abhishek launched a cracking...
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'He Looks Better Today': Hazlewood Confirms Smith Will Bat After Neck Discomfort
Josh Hazlewood: Australia fast-bowler Josh Hazlewood has confirmed that veteran Steve Smith will be batting on Day 5 despite the neck discomfort that troubled him on Day 4 of the second Test against South Africa at the St George's Park here. Smith experienced neck issues while batting in the first innings, when he was dismissed on 28 in a shock Australia collapse of 99 all out before the visitors were asked to follow-on as they were still trailing by 326 runs in reply to South Africa's 425 in the first innings. Smith did not come out to bat in the second innings, as Matt Renshaw was promoted to Smith's No. 4 spot. He was seen in the viewing area with a neck cushion as Beau Webster was promoted to No. 5 before Scott Boland came in as a nightwatchman at the dying stages of the day. With Australia at 156/4, they are fighting to save the Test match, and Hazlewood issued a positive update on the veteran batter, confirming that he will be out in the crease. Yeah, I think it was just a sore neck, really. It wasn't like from an incident or anything? I don't think so. I think it's probably just from time in the middle and fielding in the slips, batting, training, all that sort of thing. Different beds and different pillows every second night on tour doesn't help. And, yeah, I'm accustomed to a sore neck from time to time as well. So it's very, very annoying. I think particularly when you're batting, it can be quite frustrating or quite debilitating. So he looks better today, I think. He'll obviously bat at some stage. And, yeah, he's the best in the world, Hazlewood said before the rain-forced delayed start to Day 5. Yeah, I think it was just a sore neck, really. It wasn't like from an incident or anything? I don't think so. I think it's probably just from time in the middle and fielding in the slips, batting, training, all that sort of thing. Different beds and different pillows every second night on tour doesn't help. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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1st T20I: It's Pretty Cool To Get Started Like That, Says Jacobs
Openers Finn Allen: New Zealand's Bevon Jacobs said it was a thrill to open his account with a towering 96-metre six off the first ball he faced, as the hosts piled up 225/4 in 20 overs against India in the first T20I here at the Hagley Oval on Thursday. Walking in after Daryl Mitchell's dismissal in the 13th over, Jacobs wasted no time in settling in, lofting Arshdeep Singh high over the ropes to set the tone for a breezy 16-ball 31 that included three sixes at a strike-rate of 193.75. I mean absolutely. It was pretty cool to get out there and get started like that and continue on what the boys at the top left on the table, so that was pretty cool, Jacobs said to broadcasters at the innings break. The right-hander put on 73 runs off 32 balls for the fourth wicket with Glenn Phillips, who remained unbeaten on a 40-ball 82, before being run out when Arshdeep kicked the ball onto the stumps at the non-striker's end. Jacobs said having the experienced Phillips at the other end helped him stay calm while going after the bowling. Look, I think I was obviously surrounded by a lot of experience there with GP going off as well and keeping my head on straight, and I think just the way I tried to make sure I could keep counter-attacking and build off what the boys had started on with that platform, he said. Openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert had laid that platform with 65 runs in the powerplay, after Bhuvneshwar Kumar extracted some early swing. Jacobs felt the pitch offered the bowlers a little help with the new ball before easing out. Look, obviously I think with the new ball it's always going to offer something a little bit more. There was a bit of swing and a little bit off the surface, but obviously as the ball got older I think it became quite a true surface, and the boys really made that count and obviously we got a good total on the board, he said. Openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert had laid that platform with 65 runs in the powerplay, after Bhuvneshwar Kumar extracted some early swing. Jacobs felt the pitch offered the bowlers a little help with the new ball before easing out. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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Allen, Phillips Power NZ to Huge Total As India's Bowlers Struggle
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1st T20I: Phillips' Blitzkrieg Powers NZ To 225/4 Against India
Nitish Kumar Reddy: Glenn Phillips smashed a blazing unbeaten 40-ball 82 as New Zealand piled up 225/4 in their 20 overs against an uninspiring Indian bowling attack in the first T20I here at the Hagley Oval on Thursday. The total is also New Zealand's highest in T20Is at the Hagley Oval, as well as their joint best ever score against India in the shortest format. It also equalled the highest total conceded by India in the format. New Zealand made 65 runs in the powerplay before amassing 93 runs in the middle overs and 67 runs in the last five overs. None of the Indian bowlers went for less than 10 runs an over. Axar Patel (1-51) was the most expensive, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar (0-49), Arshdeep Singh (1-45), Mayank Yadav (1-40) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (0-40) were also punished. The fielding was sloppy too, with a dropped catch and fumbles in the deep, leaving India with a stiff target. For New Zealand, after Finn Allen made 45, Daryl Mitchell and Bevon Jacobs played handy cameos of 28 and 31 respectively. But Phillips was the standout batter for the Black Caps as he ensured fours and sixes were hit all around the Hagley Oval. Apart from the pristine timing and placement of shots, Phillips' astute running between the wickets stood out as well. After India elected to bowl first, a returning Bhuvneshwar Kumar early swing beat Tim Seifert with his very first delivery in a tidy opening over. But the openers soon broke free. Bhuvneshwar overstepped in the third over and Seifert cashed in on the free-hit before launching a six onto the roof, as 17 runs came off it. Arshdeep Singh, playing his 100th T20I, fared no better next, with Allen hitting three fours in a row and Seifert adding another as 17 more were taken. Mayank Yadav struck in his first over when Seifert (24 off 17 balls) edged one behind to wicketkeeper Sanju Samson. Allen and Daryl Mitchell then launched Axar for two sixes in the final over of the powerplay, with the latter lofting over long-on, as New Zealand reached 65/1. But Axar had the last word against Allen, who mistimed a loft to long-off and fell for 45 off 24 balls. Mitchell, dropped by Abhishek Sharma at long-on when on 16, punished the lapse with successive boundaries before Arshdeep had him caught at short third man for 28 and ended his 42-run stand with Phillips. Jacobs announced himself with a six off his first ball, while Phillips took three fours off Axar in the 14th over, one of them after a misfield by substitute fielder Prince Yadav. The 16th over brought more drama as Bhuvneshwar was struck on the wrist and Jacobs holed out off a free hit, which did not count. A marauding Phillips then raced to his 13th T20I fifty with a six off Mayank in an 18-run over. Arshdeep, though, kicked the ball onto the stumps to run out Jacobs for a 16-ball 31 that included three sixes. Michael Bracewell survived an lbw decision on review as New Zealand crossed 200 in the 19th over. India were penalised for a slow over-rate in the final over, which led to an extra fielder coming into the 30-yard circle and Phillips signed off with a switch-hit four off Bhuvneshwar. A marauding Phillips then raced to his 13th T20I fifty with a six off Mayank in an 18-run over. Arshdeep, though, kicked the ball onto the stumps to run out Jacobs for a 16-ball 31 that included three sixes. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Jharkhand's Shikhar Mohan To Join India A Team From Second Game Of New Zealand Tour
MA Chidambaram Stadium: Jharkhands left-handed batter Shikhar Mohan will link up with the India A side from the second four-day game of their tour of New Zealand. India A will open their three-match four-day series against New Zealand A in Lincoln on October 24. The second game will be played at the Hagley Oval before the tour wraps up in Lincoln on November 7. He will be there with the India A team from the second game onwards. Some changes are expected to be made to the India A team due to a few players being a part of the ODI series against New Zealand. So, for now Shikhar will be there with the India A side from the second game onwards, a source familiar with the development said to IANS on Thursday. KL Rahul and Anshul Kamboj, both part of the India A set-up, have been named for the first three ODIs. Meanwhile, Auqib Nabi and Kumar Kushagra have been picked for the last two games of the five-match series. Shikhars call-up to India A team caps a rapid rise for him since he made his senior debut barely a year ago. Mohan has been in prolific form for Jharkhand in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, hammering 143 against Kerala before following it up with scores of 27 and 127 against Maharashtra in Pune in the second round of the competition. He had also made a strong impression on his Duleep Trophy debut, scoring twin fifties for East Zone in the final against South Zone and playing a vital role in his side's title triumph at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Earlier this month, Shikhar struck 60 in the first innings for Rest of India in their Irani Cup win over Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar. Born in Ranchi in May 2005, Mohan honed his skills at the Ranchi Cricket Academy and went on to represent Jharkhand at the Under-16, Under-19 and Under-23 levels before making his senior debut at 20, in a Ranji Trophy game against Tamil Nadu in Coimbatore in October last year. He had also made a strong impression on his Duleep Trophy debut, scoring twin fifties for East Zone in the final against South Zone and playing a vital role in his side's title triumph at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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Team India took on New Zealand in the first of five T20I of the ongoing series. The two sides met at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch for the game, and the game saw India win...
RCB Will Target Indian Batters, All-rounders In WPL Auction: Reema Malhotra
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former India cricketer Reema Malhotra believes defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be on the lookout for Indian batters and all-rounders at the WPL 2027 auction happening in Kochi on October 28, adding that the franchise needs to plug gaps in its middle order and find a reliable number seven. RCB go into the mini auction with just five slots to fill, after having retained the bulk of the side that won them the title last season, as they chase a second successive crown and third overall. The fifth season of the WPL will take place from January 14 to February 7. RCB will be very busy at the mini auction for Indian players, especially for batters and all-rounders, and they have a decent auction purse too. They need an Indian batter because Smriti Mandhana as the opener and Richa Ghosh in the middle order are the only proper batters in the playing XI for now, and they need someone to fill the number four spot. I feel that they should make Richa bat at number four, which solves their middle order problem. Now if Richa bats at four, then the number five spot opens up and that can be filled by Radha Yadav. She played there last season and did well too, so that would be a great option to repeat for RCB. Nadine de Klerk will play the role of the finisher at six, but they need another batter at seven. They can try out Pooja Vastrakar there, but if she's not going to bowl, then I don't see the point in playing her just for her batting. So, RCB will need an Indian all-rounder and a backup wicketkeeper for Richa, a role that can be filled by Sushma Verma or Uma Chetry, said Reema on JioStar. Among overseas players, Reema named Australian duo Grace Harris and Sophie Molineux, who previously turned out for the franchise, as RCB's likely targets in the auction. RCB can definitely look to buy back Grace Harris, and that should be on top of their to-do list because she scored 237 runs with the bat and those runs were crucial in the team's success. Yes, she was playing in place of Ellyse Perry, and now that Perry is back, Grace will be pushed down the batting order if RCB get her. But the kind of knocks she played last season will make RCB bid for her again. If they don't get her, then they can target Sophie Molineux, a player who was crucial in helping them lift their first-ever title back in 2024. Both these players will be in high demand at the auction, and RCB don't have a big purse, so they will have a tough time getting either of them. They need luck to be on their side, and if they get lucky, then I would like to see RCB secure the services of Sophie Molineux over Grace Harris. Reema further said that mini auctions demand careful homework from franchises and felt the pressure would weigh more heavily on two-time champions Mumbai Indians, who finished fourth last season, than on RCB. Teams feel the pressure in a mini auction because you have to do your homework there. And when your purse isn't that huge, you go after a limited number of players, but the ones you feel will solve your problems, because a franchise knows who to bet on and who to save money for. Now MI were struggling a lot last season because they didn't have a fixed opening batting pair, and that was the biggest reason for them not winning the title, along with the lack of a star wicketkeeper batter. I feel the pressure will be more on MI than RCB because they are MI. You expect them to win the trophy every season. They finished at number four, and they would want to bounce back strongly. Teams feel the pressure in a mini auction because you have to do your homework there. And when your purse isn't that huge, you go after a limited number of players, but the ones you feel will solve your problems, because a franchise knows who to bet on and who to save money for. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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1st T20I: It's Exciting Any Time India Comes Over, Says Daryl Mitchell Ahead Of Series Opener
T20 World Cup: New Zealand batting all-rounder Daryl Mitchell said a visit by India always brings a special buzz in the country, as the hosts prepare to open their home summer against the current T20 World Cup champions in the first of five games at a packed Hagley Oval. Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, who will join the England Test team as their head coach at the conclusion of the T20I series, rang the Hagley Oval bell to mark the start of proceedings in front of a sell-out crowd. Oh look, it's exciting any time I guess India comes over. Excited to see a full Hagley Park. It's going to be pretty cool. It's nice to wake up at home and do the school pick-up at 3:30 this afternoon, and then here we are playing some cricket, so it should be good fun, Mitchell said in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters. The two sides are meeting for the first time since India beat New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, but Mitchell said the excitement had little to do with settling old scores. No, any time you play for New Zealand, it's very special, and to take on India on our home turf is something that we're really excited about. So looking forward to this five-match series and ODIs and Tests after that as well. Returning to the shortest format after a break, Mitchell said the side was also keeping one eye on the next T20 World Cup, which New Zealand will co-host with Australia in 2028. You always try to evolve. We know there's another World Cup now in two years' time in our own conditions, so I guess it's trying to learn as much as we can at this time of year and at the same time keep trying to win games and create momentum, he said. Returning to the shortest format after a break, Mitchell said the side was also keeping one eye on the next T20 World Cup, which New Zealand will co-host with Australia in 2028. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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Nice Balance Between Pace And Spin: Shaun Tait Pleased With Pakistan's Bowling In ODI Tri-series
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium: Pakistan bowling coach Shaun Tait on Thursday expressed satisfaction with his attack's showing in the ongoing ODI tri-series, saying the pace and spin departments had complemented each other well in back-to-back wins over Sri Lanka and England. Pakistan made a strong start to the tri-series first by beating Sri Lanka by 37 runs before thrashing England by 87 runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The side arrived in Lahore from Rawalpindi on Wednesday evening and was given a day off on Thursday. The players will resume training on Friday ahead of their second meeting with England on Sunday. The bowling has been really encouraging so far. It is a great way to start the series against two quality teams with some very good players. England have a formidable batting line-up, so to bowl the way we did against them was really pleasing. We have a nice balance between pace and spin and both departments are complementing each other really well, Tait told PCB Digital on Thursday. The former Australia fast bowler, who is in his second stint with the Pakistan side, said it was a pleasure to reunite with a familiar pace group. It is also pleasing for me personally because the fast-bowling group is very similar to the one I worked with when I was Pakistan's bowling coach four years ago. Haris, Shaheen, Naseem and Faheem were all part of that group, so it is nice to link up with them again. Tait credited the domestic first-class games played before the series for getting the fast bowlers ready for international duty. I definitely think playing one or two domestic matches before an international series has been a big help. It allows the bowlers to get some overs under their belts, build up their bowling workload and then freshen up before the international matches begin. Getting that balance right is not always easy, but ideally you want the bowlers to have enough bowling behind them while also being fresh going into a major series. You do not always get that opportunity, so you have to be smart about how you manage their preparation. I think the first-class matches have helped the bowlers and now it is about managing their workloads throughout the series, which I believe we are doing really well. He also praised head coach Mike Hesson's handling of the squad and stressed that rest days had become vital in a crowded calendar. Head coach Mike Hesson has managed the team really well, making sure the players have enough time away from the game and come into matches feeling fresh. There is so much cricket being played nowadays, along with the demands of training, that rest days have become extremely important. A day off today is not necessarily about tomorrow; it is about how a player feels in two weeks or even two months. That is how you have to look at recovery. It is not just about the immediate benefit but also about keeping the players physically and mentally fresh over a longer period. Looking ahead to Sunday's return clash, Tait said England remained a formidable white-ball outfit, but Pakistan had shown in Rawalpindi that they could keep strong sides in check at home. Everyone understands what England are capable of as a white-ball team. They are among the best sides in the world and have a very strong batting line-up. The scores they are capable of putting up make it a great challenge for our bowlers. We showed in Rawalpindi that we can make things difficult for strong opposition in our own conditions and that is what we want to continue doing against both England and Sri Lanka. I do not think our overall approach will change too much. We have our plans and a clear understanding of how we want to bowl. There will always be small adjustments depending on the conditions. The pitch here in Lahore will be different from Rawalpindi, although I have not had a chance to look at it yet. We do not want to put too much emphasis on the conditions. It is more about what we do as a bowling group and I believe we are experienced and smart enough to make the necessary adjustments, he explained. Tait further said he wanted his fast bowlers to bring back the thrill that Pakistan's pace attacks have traditionally been known for, and hoped it would draw fans to the grounds. We had a decent crowd in Rawalpindi and hopefully we will see similar support here in Lahore. The best way to attract crowds is for Pakistan to play good, exciting cricket. I have spoken to the fast bowlers about bringing that excitement back to the bowling attack. We have the players who are capable of doing that and it is something I really want to see from this group. Tait signed off by reserving special praise for young all-rounder Arafat Minhas, who made key contributions with both bat and ball against England. Arafat Minhas is also a product of the HBL PSL, where he has already shown what he is capable of. He has carried that confidence into international cricket and performed well against Australia, from what I have seen and heard and he is continuing that form in this series. He is showing his worth and repaying the faith the selectors have placed in him, which is all you can ask for from a young player. There will be different challenges for him as his career progresses, but he is a very confident young cricketer who contributes with the bat, the ball and in the field. Tait signed off by reserving special praise for young all-rounder Arafat Minhas, who made key contributions with both bat and ball against England. Arafat Minhas is also a product of the HBL PSL, where he has already shown what he is capable of. He has carried that confidence into international cricket and performed well against Australia, from what I have seen and heard and he is continuing that form in this series. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
