Cricket

DDCA Director Vikas Katyal Appointed Team India Manager For West Indies Series

District Cricket Association: Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) Director Vikas Katyal has been appointed as the manager of the Indian cricket team for the upcoming home series against the West Indies, the state association announced on Wednesday. India and West Indies will face each other in three ODIs and five T20Is, with the series beginning on September 27. The ODI series will open in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27 before moving to Guwahati and New Chandigarh. The five-match T20I series will then be played in Lucknow, Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Shubman Gill will lead India in the ODI series, with senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also part of the squad. Shreyas Iyer will captain the T20I side, which includes a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent. Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma are among the players named in the squad. The DDCA congratulated Katyal on his appointment and described it as a moment of pride for the association and the wider Delhi cricket fraternity. This is a proud occasion for the entire DDCA fraternity, as one of its directors has been entrusted with the responsibility of managing the Indian cricket team. DDCA congratulates Katyal on this prestigious appointment and wishes him and Team India every success for the West Indies series to be played in India, the DDCA said in a statement. The appointment comes ahead of a series in which India will look to maintain its strong record against the West Indies. In ODIs, India have won 67 of the 142 matches between the two teams, while West Indies have 63 victories. Two matches have ended in ties, and four produced no result. This is a proud occasion for the entire DDCA fraternity, as one of its directors has been entrusted with the responsibility of managing the Indian cricket team. DDCA congratulates Katyal on this prestigious appointment and wishes him and Team India every success for the West Indies series to be played in India, the DDCA said in a statement. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The two teams last met in the T20 World Cup earlier this year, with India defeating the West Indies by five wickets at Eden Gardens on March 1. Article Source: IANS

Raichandani Ton Seals India U-19's Clean Sweep Over Australia U-19

India U-19 secured a commanding six-wicket victory over Australia U-19 in the third and final Youth ODI, completing a 3-0 series sweep. Skipper Lakshya Raichandani led the chase with an unbeaten 110, while Mohit Ulva and Manal Chauhan starred with the ball. The teams will now prepare for a two-match Youth Test series.

IND-A vs AUS-A Test | Kushagra gets his ton before Mulani runs through Australia-A

Kushagra Ton, Mulani 4-Fer Put India A in Command Vs Australia A

Kumar Kushagra's composed century and Shams Mulani's four-wicket haul propelled India A to a commanding 163-run lead over Australia A on day two of their four-day match in Puducherry. Kushagra scored 113, helping India A reach 334, while Mulani's spell dismantled Australia A's batting, bowling them out for 171.

Raichandani's Unbeaten Ton Powers India U-19 To 3-0 Series Win Over Australia U-19

Niranjan Shah Stadium: Captain Lakshya Raichandani hit a splendid, unbeaten 110 as India Under-19 registered a comfortable six-wicket victory over Australia Under-19 to clinch a 3-0 series win in the third and final Youth ODI series held here at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Wednesday. Chasing a target of 255, the Indian skipper anchored the innings masterfully, scoring an unbeaten 110 off 106 balls, laced with nine fours and three sixes as the hosts crossed the finish line with more than eight overs to spare. Raichandani, who had failed to convert his starts in the opening two games, showcased composure and control to steer the chase. He forged a 58-run opening partnership with Aaryavir Sehwag, who provided a brisk launch before falling for a well-struck 33 (including hitting five boundaries) off the bowling of Jacob Pietz. Though V.K. Vineeth was dismissed cheaply, Raichandani joined hands with Kushagra Ojha to build an 85-run partnership for the third wicket to put India firmly in command of the game. Following Ojha's departure, Rajat Baghel, who replaced Anvay Dravid in the playing eleven, scored a quickfire 44 off 34 balls, laced with five fours and two sixes, to accelerate the run-chase. Earlier, opting to bat first on a favourable surface, Australia got off to a promising start with Zed Hollick top-scoring with a stroke-filled 87 off 88 balls, including hitting 12 boundaries. Hollick added 62 runs for the second wicket alongside Neel Patel, who made a 71-ball 51. The partnership was broken when local debutant Aryan Savsani dismissed Hollick, triggering a collapse in the Australian middle order. Pacers Mohit Ulva and Manal Chauhan capitalised on the opening, picking up three wickets apiece as Australia lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 254. Having already secured the series title in the previous fixture, India U-19 made tactical rotations to their side, with the revamped bowling attack restricting the visitors before Raichandani completed the emphatic victory. It will now be followed by India U-19 taking on Australia U-19 in the first red-ball game to be played in Rajkot from September 27. The partnership was broken when local debutant Aryan Savsani dismissed Hollick, triggering a collapse in the Australian middle order. Pacers Mohit Ulva and Manal Chauhan capitalised on the opening, picking up three wickets apiece as Australia lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 254. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Australia U-19 254 all out in 48.4 overs (Zed Hollick 87, Neel Patel 51; Mohit Ulva 3-42, Manal Chauhan 3-48) lost to India U-19 258/4 in 41.5 overs (Lakshya Raichandani 110 not out, Rajat Baghel 44 not out; Jacob Pietz 1-41) by six wickets Article Source: IANS

Wilson, Learoyd, Knott fifties power Australia A's successful 339-chase

Yastika Bhatia hit 112 while Minnu Mani picked up three wickets but it wasn't enough as Australia A levelled the series 1-1

Raichandani's 110* helps India U-19 whitewash Australia U-19 3-0

Earlier, Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva bagged three wickets each to bowl out Australia for 254

Hesson: India the benchmark and Pakistan's challenge is to catch up to that

Pakistan's head coach stressed that the team is consistently improving in T20s, and insisted that performances in each format be looked at separately

Why South Africa's Weather Has Starc Guessing Ahead of Tests

Mitchell Starc expects rain, humidity and unusual early-season conditions in South Africa to create unpredictable Test surfaces, potentially challenging Australia's traditional expectations of dry pitches and reverse swing.

Party in South Africa as World Cup holders Australia come calling

With four fast bowlers already lost to injury, the hosts will have to balance playing their strongest team and keeping players fit

Not 5 Sixes, Rinku Singh Reveals What He Really Wants To Be Remembered For

Rinku Singh has also expressed hope that veteran stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup and help India lift the coveted trophy.

ENG vs SL 2nd ODI Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI

ENG vs SL 2nd ODI, Cricket Tips: Another game and another humiliation for Sri Lanka in the ongoing England tour. They lost the T20I series 0-3 and failed to even compete. And now, they have started the ODI series with another poor outing with the bat. They suffered an 89-run defeat in the first ODI. Will Jacks made the difference with his all-round display. He scored an unbeaten 46 off 47 balls and took 5/22 with the ball. England were once again too good for the visitors, recording another easy win. The second ODI is scheduled to start at 5 PM IST on Thursday at Headingley in Leeds. Can Sri Lanka bounce back after four consecutive defeats on this tour? ENG vs SL: Match Details Date : September 24, 2026 (Thursday) Time : 5:00 PM IST Venue : Headingley, Leeds ENG vs SL: Live Streaming Details The second ODI between England and Sri Lanka will be live on Sony Sports Networks in India. The live stream will be available on the Sony LIV app or website. ENG vs SL: Head-to-Head in ODIs Total Matches : 83 England : 41 Sri Lanka : 38 No-result: 4 ENG vs SL: Ground Pitch Report Headingley is an excellent venue, which has assistance for all aspects. There is enough zip for the fast bowlers early on, which will allow them to trouble the batters. But the conditions will ease out in the lateral stages. Spinners will be more effective with the old ball. ENG vs SL: Possible XIs England : Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, View match performance View profile Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (c) (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachindu Colombage, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka ENG vs SL: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Harry Brook and Kusal Mendis are two in-form batters who also scored runs in the first game. Probable Best Bowler Asitha Fernando and Jamie Overton are two bowlers who like bowling hard lengths, and they can be effective in Leeds. Today Match Prediction: Sri Lanka have not been able to bat in these conditions and are struggling. As a result, we predict England to win the Leeds ODI. ENG vs SL Match 2nd ODI, Today Match ENG vs SL, ENG vs SL Prediction, ENG vs SL Predicted XIs, Injury Update for England vs Sri Lanka Match Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

Kwena Maphaka Ruled Out Of South Africa's ODIs Against Australia, Lizaad Williams Given Call-Up

South Africa's fast-bowling injury troubles worsened on the eve of the start of their three-match ODI series against Australia, with young pacer Kwena Maphaka ruled out due to a right hamstring strain.

Dhururu, Chare Recalled To Zimbabwes Squad For White-ball Series Against West Indies

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Wicketkeeper-batter Chiedza Dhururu and 19-year-old leg-spinner Olinder Chare have been recalled to the Zimbabwe squad for the upcoming womens home ODI and T20I series against West Indies, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) announced on Wednesday. The 16-member squad will be led by all-rounder Josephine Nkomo, who took over as full-time skipper following the retirement of veteran Mary-Anne Musonda. Chiedza last featured for the national side during their tour of New Zealand earlier this year, while young leg-spinner Olinder made her T20I debut against Pakistan in May. The selectors made three changes from the squad that recently faced South Africa at home in Bulawayo, with Lorraine Pemhiwa and Lindokuhle Mabhera dropped, and Loreen Tshuma missing out due to injury. In format-specific inclusions, 20-year-old right-arm fast bowler Kudzai Chigora has been named solely in the ODI squad, while seam bowler Francisca Chipare will feature exclusively in the T20I setup. The three-match ODI series, which forms part of the ICC Womens Championship, will be played at the Harare Sports Club on September 24, 27, and 30, respectively. The action will then shift to the Takashinga Cricket Club for three T20Is on October 3, 5, and 7, respectively. The series against West Indies forms part of a packed international calendar for Zimbabwe, who are competing in the ICC Womens Championship for the first time and comes on the heels of their away series against New Zealand and Pakistan. Following this assignment, the team is set to embark on their maiden tour of India next month. The three-match ODI series, which forms part of the ICC Womens Championship, will be played at the Harare Sports Club on September 24, 27, and 30, respectively. The action will then shift to the Takashinga Cricket Club for three T20Is on October 3, 5, and 7, respectively. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Zimbabwe women's squad: Josephine Nkomo (captain), Beloved Biza, Chiedza Dhururu, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Christina Mutasa, Kelis Ndhlovu, Loryn Phiri, Michelle Mavunga, Modester Mupachikwa, Nomvelo Sibanda, Nyasha Gwanzura, Olinder Chare, Sharne Mayers, Tendai Makusha, Kudzai Chigora (ODIs only), and Francisca Chipare (T20Is only) Article Source: IANS

Brook Reaches Career-best Fourth Spot In T20I Rankings; Ahmed Becomes Top-ranked Bowler

T20I Batting Rankings: England skipper Harry Brook has achieved a career-best fourth position in the ICC Mens T20I Batting Rankings following a stellar home series against Sri Lanka, while Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed surged to the top of the T20I bowling charts in the latest update to the rankings announced on Wednesday. Brook, who holds the top spot in Test batting rankings, climbed five places in the T20I rankings led by India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan after accumulating 170 runs in Englands 3-0 series sweep, including an unbeaten 114 in Southampton that earned him the Player of the Series award. Brook, 27, also moved up three places to 12th spot in the ODI rankings, which puts him on the verge of entering the top 10 across all three international formats. Meanwhile, Ahmed attained the number one ranking among T20I bowlers for the first time in his career. The change happened after Afghanistans premier leg-spinner Rashid Khan dropped one rating point to be behind Abrar's tally of 736 points following an ordinary outing in Afghanistan's last match against India in New Delhi, which ended his six-month stint at the summit. Abrar becomes the fifth Pakistan bowler to claim the top T20I bowling spot after Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Imad Wasim, and Shahid Afridi. In other notable T20I batting movements, Brook's teammate, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler rose two places to fifth position after scoring 172 runs in the Sri Lanka series. India captain Shreyas Iyer gained seven slots to reach joint-22nd, while England's Tom Banton jumped 30 places to 60th. Among T20I bowlers, England's Jamie Overton made a significant leap of 47 places to reach a career-best sixth position after taking five wickets against Sri Lanka. Fellow countryman Liam Dawson climbed 12 places to 11th, while India spinners Axar Patel (up 12 places to 15th) and Ravi Bishnoi (up five places to 35th) also made notable progress. Afghanistans seam-bowling all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai moved up three spots to 49th, while England's off-spin bowling all-rounder Will Jacks advanced to 58th in the bowling list while claiming the third position among all-rounders rankings in the shortest format. Among T20I bowlers, England's Jamie Overton made a significant leap of 47 places to reach a career-best sixth position after taking five wickets against Sri Lanka. Fellow countryman Liam Dawson climbed 12 places to 11th, while India spinners Axar Patel (up 12 places to 15th) and Ravi Bishnoi (up five places to 35th) also made notable progress. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Australia pacer Nathan Ellis climbed three places to a career-best 17th spot after taking nine wickets in the Zimbabwe series, while Sri Lankan fast bowler Asitha Fernando progressed from 39th to 30th following his three-wicket haul against England in Chester-le-Street. Article Source: IANS

Bangladesh Recall Towhid Hridoy, Rest Taskin Ahmed For Afghanistan Test

Bangladesh recalled on Wednesday Towhid Hridoy and rested fast bowler Taskin Ahmed for next month's one-off Test against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Mental Toughness Key To Facing Australia's Experienced Bowling Attack, Says Gambhir

Star Sports Network: India head coach Gautam Gambhir believes mental toughness and the ability to absorb pressure will hold the key for India's young batting lineup when they go up against Australia's formidable bowling attack in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, to be played from January 21 to March 3, 2027. Australia's marquee bowling group comprising Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon will take a stern examination of the Indian batters when the games take place in Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad. India last won the series at home in 2023 by 2-1. Looking forward to it. That is probably one thing which I'm absolutely looking forward to, because playing against Australia at home, and obviously it wasn't the best when we went to Australia. And for me, I think it is going to be India versus Australia, but before that, it is New Zealand. But the other challenge against Australia will be their experienced bowling attack. They've got the likes of obviously Starc, Nathan Lyon, Cummins, and Hazlewood. Obviously they've got so much experience of playing Test cricket against our young batting lineup. So it's going to be a great experience for these guys. More importantly, in Test cricket, it's about the skill, but it's about how mentally strong and how much pressure you can absorb. The more pressure you absorb, and the more pressure you embrace, it's going to give yourself the best chance, said Gambhir to JioStar ahead of the start of India's home season via three ODIs and five T20Is against the West Indies. Reflecting on India's preparation for the tough test at home, Gambhir pointed to their recent tour of Sri Lanka as proof that adequate lead time and targeted preparation for facing spinners will produce clear results on the field. But you could see that in Sri Lanka, we played two Test matches, and we got more than 400 runs in both the innings. And the reason was that we prepared extremely well. We went 10 days before the Test match, we could prepare playing spin, and then you could see the results as well. The thing is, I'm not going to give any excuses, but that's the reality. When we played the Test series against South Africa, we were coming after playing a T20 series from Australia. And we had two days before the first Test match. I remember coming from Brisbane, and then we reached Calcutta. We had two practice sessions, and we were straightaway into the Test match against South Africa. Against the West Indies, obviously we did manage to win that series, but we came after winning the Asia Cup, and we had two days of practice sessions in Ahmedabad, and we were right straight into the Test match and now you could see the difference. When we went to Sri Lanka early, you could see the way guys played spin, because Sri Lanka isn't easy conditions. In their own backyard, the weather, their spinners, their experienced spinners against our batting lineup. If you can get 400-plus in both the innings in both the Test matches, that just shows that there is a lot of improvement happening. So we will have to prepare well before New Zealand and before Australia, and obviously the focus is on spin, yes, that how well can we manage and how well can we negate spin, he explained. Gambhir also stated that young cricketers making their mark in the national setup must prioritize red-ball cricket above short-format monetary gains, citing Devdutt Padikkal and Manav Suthar as example. Extremely important, because both of them are young, both of them are hungry, both of them value Test cricket. It is so important for the next generation who's coming in to value Test cricket, because in today's day and age, with so much of focus and so much of limelight and so much of monetary gains that are associated with T20 cricket, how we can keep Test cricket divine, and above the other two formats is going to be key. Also, how much value a young generation or the new guys coming in gives that red-ball cricket is going to be key. That's why I said, a strong Test-cricketing nation is going to be a strong cricketing nation. When it comes to Manav and Dev, I think they value Test cricket, they're disciplined, hungry, and prepare really well. It is so important for the next generation who's coming in to value Test cricket, because in today's day and age, with so much of focus and so much of limelight and so much of monetary gains that are associated with T20 cricket, how we can keep Test cricket divine, and above the other two formats is going to be key. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Watch the three-match ODI Series of the West Indies tour of India, from September 27 to October 3, 2 PM onwards, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network Article Source: IANS

3 Days, 2 Formats: Gambhir Hints at ODI Rest for Test Stars

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir indicated that top batters might be rested from white-ball cricket to prepare for Tests during the upcoming New Zealand tour. He emphasised the importance of Test cricket, the challenge of multi-format players, and discussed preparations for the 2027 World Cup, highlighting the crucial roles of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, and praising Shubman Gill's captaincy.

Early Summer Conditions In New Zealand Will Challenge Young Indian Test Side: Gambhir

World Test Championship: India head coach Gautam Gambhir said he expects early summer conditions in New Zealand to present a stern examination for his developing Test side, but insists the Shubman Gill-led team has the quality to take 20 wickets in any part of the world and qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, to be held in 2027. India are scheduled to play a two-match Test series in New Zealand from November 19 to December 1 in Wellington and Christchurch. India are placed fifth in the WTC standing and will also face current table-toppers Australia, but at home, for five Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests in January-February 2027. India needs to win their remaining WTC fixtures if they are to enter the final. Before this, India A will play three four-day matches against New Zealand A from October 24 to November 10 in Lincoln, Christchurch and Lincoln. That's not true that we need to win six games, because we can manage with five as well. But again, because Australia is playing South Africa, then South Africa is playing England, and New Zealand is playing Australia. But more importantly, it's about every Test match that you want to go out there and win - as simple as it can get. It's about winning both the series. If we can go on to win both the series which are going to be in front of us, we will give ourselves the best chance to qualify for the World Test Championship. Till the time we've got that opportunity and chance of reaching the World Test Championship final, we will always be optimistic. That's the kind of person I am, that even if you've got the slimmest of chance, we've got to go out there and give our everything possible, said Gambhir to JioStar ahead of the start of India's home season via three ODIs and five T20Is against the West Indies. Detailing the historical significance of the tour, Gambhir noted that a series win in New Zealand would mark a monumental achievement for the young team. India last won a Test series in New Zealand in 2008/09, where Gambhir himself played a match-saving 137 in a 643-minute marathon knock in Napier. More importantly, I think we've got two massive series coming up. If we can go on to win both the series, it's going to be a massive feather in the cap. If a young side like this can go and do that, it's going to be a huge, huge achievement and then Australia at home for five Test matches is never easy. So I know we've got our task cut out, but I'm sure we're going to go out there and probably prepare to the best of our ability and try and give everything possible. What better achievement than that? he added. Addressing the unique challenge posed by the scheduling of the New Zealand multi-format tour, Gambhir pointed how weather and pitch behaviour will test India's top order. Before that against Australia, it's New Zealand, because the conditions are going to challenge us. And this probably is the first time when we are going to New Zealand in October, November. Normally we go December, January, or January, February, which probably is late summer. This is going to be early summer, so the conditions are going to be completely different to what normally we've experienced in New Zealand. So that's going to be a massive challenge, he added. On the composition of the Test side, Gambhir stated that India are nearing a settled batting lineup and possess a potent bowling group capable of dismantling opposition batting line-up. I think we are getting there, that now we are getting into that settled batting lineup. Whether it is at home, whether it is away, we've got two openers who are pretty much settled. We've got obviously Dev (Devdutt Padikkal) who has done phenomenally well in Sri Lanka, then we've got a settled number four and five, and then we've got Dhruv (Jurel) getting 100. So more or less we are getting there, because sometimes, I know people will talk about it, but the reality is that when you go through a transition, sometimes in T20 and one-day formats, it's far easier to have a settled batting lineup. But in Test cricket, to identify the right players for different conditions and giving them a longer rope, first and foremost, they need to have the technique to adapt to different conditions. Because you don't want to keep chopping and changing, looking at New Zealand or Indian conditions. You might make one change here and there, but the more settled your batting lineup in Test cricket is, the better chance you've got to succeed. Then obviously we've got pretty much settled bowling line-up. If all our seamers are fit, we've got an attack who can take 20 wickets, which again is a massive, massive positive for any side because most of the time what you're thinking is, what kind of attack can you have that will take 20 wickets for you? We are very fortunate that when we go to New Zealand, if all those guys are fit and firing, we can take those 20 wickets. So the responsibility and probably the accountability will be on the batting lineup to put runs on the board. Then obviously we've got pretty much settled bowling line-up. If all our seamers are fit, we've got an attack who can take 20 wickets, which again is a massive, massive positive for any side because most of the time what you're thinking is, what kind of attack can you have that will take 20 wickets for you? Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Watch the three-match ODI Series of the West Indies tour of India, from September 27 to October 3, 2 PM onwards, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network Article Source: IANS

Weatherald fires as SA win epic over Tasmania

Weatherald made 92, Gilkes 97* and Fraser-McGurk blasted 88 from 47 as SA posted 383 to hold off Tasmania who fell seven runs short after Silk's career-best 142

Gautam Gambhir's 'Sleepless Night' Involved One India Selection Call. It Involved Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

From the outside, Gautam Gambhir looks like a person who is assured of his decisions. But even he can have sleepless nights over selection matters

'I'm very keen to come back and play' - Tahir eyes CPL 2027 at 48

Tahir wants to finish his career

SA vs AUS 1st ODI Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XIs

SA vs AUS 1st ODI, Cricket Tips: Since the sandpaper gate incident in 2017-18, Australia will tour South Africa for the first time for a test series. These two teams will play three tests and three ODIs. The tour will begin on Thursday, September 24, with the first ODI. It will kick off at 1:30 PM IST at Kingsmead in Durban. Australia have all their key players back for the series. However, captain Pat Cummins will rest from the first game, and Mitchell Marsh will lead the side. Meanwhile, South Africa will miss the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman, and Kwena Maphaka due to injuries. Aiden Markram will miss the first game due to personal reasons. So, the hosts will be without some of their key faces. SA vs AUS: Match Details Date : September 24, 2026 (Thursday) Time : 1:30 PM IST Venue : Kingsmead, Durban SA vs AUS: Live Streaming Details In India, the available option to watch the SA vs AUS ODI series is through the FanCode mobile app or website. SA vs AUS: Head-to-Head in ODIs Total Matches: 113 South Africa : 57 Australia : 50 No-result : 4 SA vs AUS: Ground Pitch Report Kingsmead is known for offering a bouncy surface, which is an excellent deck for the fast bowlers. There will be enough assistance early on with the new ball, whereas the batting conditions will improve as the match goes forward. SA vs AUS: Possible XIs South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Ryan Rickelton, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Duan Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj. Australia : Travis Head, Mitch Marsh (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Nathan Ellis, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa SA vs AUS: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Quinton de Kock and Mitchell Marsh are among the best openers going around in this format. They are big match players. Probable Best Bowler Marco Jansen and Josh Hazlewood are tall pacers, who will get extra bounce from this wicket. They can be difficult to face at times. Today Match Prediction: South Africa have dealt with several injuries and are missing half of their side. Hence, we predict Australia to win the first ODI. SA vs AUS Match 1st ODI, Today Match SA vs AUS, SA vs AUS Prediction, SA vs AUS Predicted XIs, Injury Update for South Africa vs Australia Match Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

Billy Root retires from professional cricket, aged 34

Younger brother of Test captain Joe says he 'wouldn't change a thing' after 14-year career

Dropping Samson In England Gave Me A Sleepless Night, Reveals Head Coach Gambhir

T20 World Cup: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has revealed that leaving out Sanju Samson for teenaged batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi during the T20I series in England left him awake all night, adding that it was the toughest decision he had to make in his coaching tenure in the shortest format. India had to drop Samson, the Player of the Tournament in this years T20 World Cup triumph, after the first T20I of the five-match series in England in July, which the visitors lost. He was replaced by Sooryavanshi, who made his T20I debut in Manchester. Samson returned to the playing eleven at the expense of Sooryavanshi in the 3-0 series win over Afghanistan, including hitting consecutive fifties. In two years of my journey, that was the only night I could not sleep and I told this to Sanju because I knew that it was probably the toughest decision in my coaching tenure in a T20 format because someone who was player of the tournament, and then you have to leave him out after three or four games. And the reason was probably Vaibhav was in that kind of form as well, and we had to win the series. Because ultimately you are there and when you are playing for India, or when you are coaching India, you want to win each and every series possible. I had a very, very honest conversation with him and I told him that that is one of the reasons why, because Vaibhav was in that kind of form, and we needed someone to score runs at the top, we needed that little bit of a platform at the top as well. And he was fine with it. And that's a conversation which me and Sanju had, and he took it in good spirits, said Gambhir to JioStar ahead of the start of India's home season via three ODIs and five T20Is against the West Indies. At the same time, Gambhir clarified that young players like Sooryavanshi must bide their time to get into playing eleven. I know, it is (tough). But then, I made him understand that I know you're in good form, but sometimes with the players who have done well for a long time, you will have to wait for your opportunity. There's one more thing - social media or outside noise doesn't decide the playing eleven. Playing eleven who, in that dressing room, or who the coach and captain feel can win us the match, or what is the best playing eleven, and who have done well for such a long time because if Vaibhav plays today, then it's going to be a tough conversation between me and whoever we leave out, whether it's Abhishek or Sanju. So we can't suddenly ignore that a combination that has created such an impact over the last one and a half or two years, that after three or four failures we drop them and play a young player who is very talented, who is also in very good form. So sometimes you will have to wait for your opportunity and we still want to create that security in that dressing room. Because it is very easy for me to take popular decisions, but it is probably the toughest thing for me to take the right decisions and we've taken the right decision of continuing with Sanju and Abhishek, he explained. Gambhir further praised T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer for his selflessness as a leader. The duo worked closely as captain-mentor in the successful IPL 2024 campaign for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Look, my first experience with Shreyas was when I actually went to KKR in 2024. Obviously, he was captaining there and the best thing I liked about Shreyas was that he was actually, at times, willing to leave his position as well at number four. He was so flexible that he was okay if someone goes ahead of him and it happens very rarely that a captain, who is probably your main batter as well, sacrifices his position for the team's cause, whether for someone else for impact or from a left-hand, right-hand combination point of view, he is willing to sacrifice his position. That is when I realized that the first and foremost quality of a good leader - I'm not going to talk about captaincy - is how selfless you are and Shreyas has that quality. That probably was the massive tick that Shreyas can carry for the rest of his journey as a captain. Because you can be hardworking, you can be disciplined, you can be fit, you can be the number one batter. But if you are not selfless, then all those other things stand for nothing. But Shreyas, I think he's got all the other things, and on top of that, he's got that selflessness as well, he added. That is when I realized that the first and foremost quality of a good leader - I'm not going to talk about captaincy - is how selfless you are and Shreyas has that quality. That probably was the massive tick that Shreyas can carry for the rest of his journey as a captain. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories It didn't take these guys 17 years to win the second World Cup. It took these guys only 17 months to win the third World Cup. Suddenly one bad series or three bad games here and there does not make them a bad player or does not make us a bad side. So it was very important for us to have that continuity. Article Source: IANS

South Africa announce updated squad for Australia ODIs after Kwena Maphaka ruled out

South Africa have suffered another blow to their fast-bowling resources with Kwena Maphaka ruled out of the three-match ODI series against Australia. The ace pacer sustained a right hamstring strain and that left the Proteas...

Chiedza Dhururu and Olinder Chare back in Zimbabwe squad for WI series

Pemhiwa and Mabhera make way from the squad that played South Africa, while Tsuma misses out because of injury

Asian Games: PM Modi Congratulates Jay Meena On Historic Bronze In Soft Tennis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Jay Meena on Wednesday after the Indian soft tennis player created history by becoming the countrys first-ever Asian Games medallist in the sport. A historic achievement for Indian Soft Tennis! Congratulations to Jay Meena on winning Bronze in the Mens Individual event and becoming Indias first-ever Asian Games medallist in Soft Tennis. His achievement marks a memorable new chapter for the sport in India. May this medal inspire many more youngsters to take up Soft Tennis and excel. Best wishes to him for the journey ahead, PM Modi said in a post on X. Meena secured the historic bronze after his campaign ended with a 2-4 defeat to Japans Takuya Kurosaka in the mens singles semifinal in Nagoya on Wednesday. The Indian produced one of the tournaments memorable comebacks in the quarterfinals, recovering from a 3-5 deficit in the deciding game against Sherwin Nuguit. Meena won the next four points to complete a 4-3 victory and seal his place in the last four, while also guaranteeing India its maiden Asian Games medal in soft tennis. The bronze adds another landmark to Meenas steadily rising career in the sport. His journey began almost by accident. Initially aspiring to become a cricketer, Meena was introduced to soft tennis after joining Pioneer Public School in Dewas. He first watched players on the court and later helped as a ball boy before taking up the sport himself. He progressed through school and district-level competitions before moving on to state and national events. By the age of 14, Meena was already competing internationally in Japan, the birthplace of soft tennis. The Madhya Pradesh player won the mens singles gold at the 36th National Games in Gujarat in 2022 and has since established himself as one of Indias leading soft tennis players. His international record has also continued to grow. He reached the mens singles quarterfinals at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou and represented India in the team event. In 2024, partnering Aadhya Tiwari, he won a bronze in mixed doubles at the World Soft Tennis Championships, giving India its first-ever medal at the tournament. The Madhya Pradesh player won the mens singles gold at the 36th National Games in Gujarat in 2022 and has since established himself as one of Indias leading soft tennis players. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Now competing at his third Asian Games after appearances at Jakarta 2018 and Hangzhou 2022, Meena has added the biggest milestone of his career so far: Indias maiden Asian Games medal in soft tennis. Article Source: IANS

Maphaka Ruled Out Of South Africas ODIs Against Australia, Williams Given Call-up

Cricket South Africa: South Africa's fast-bowling injury troubles worsened on the eve of the start of their three-match ODI series against Australia, with young pacer Kwena Maphaka ruled out due to a right hamstring strain. Experienced pacer Lizaad Williams has been drafted into the Proteas mens squad as Maphaka's replacement. The seamer sustained the injury during training in preparation for the series and will undergo assessments to determine the extent of the injury. Boland paceman Lizaad Williams has been named as his replacement and will join the squad today, said Cricket South Africa (CSA) in a statement on Wednesday. Maphaka joins a growing casualty list of frontline fast bowlers sidelined by hamstring injuries, including premier speedster Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman, and Lungi Ngidi. While Rabada was ruled out before the squad selection, both Baartman and Ngidi suffered breakdowns after the initial 16-member squad was named. Left-arm pacer Duan Jansen and uncapped bowler Nqobani Mokoena were subsequently named as their replacements. The string of injuries leaves South Africa with an inexperienced pace attack for the clash against Australia, the current ODI World Cup holders. The seam bowling department now features all-rounders Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, who last featured in an ODI in November 2023, alongside Duan Jansen and Mokoena, who share just four ODI caps between themselves. Williams, with eight ODIs to his name since his debut in 2021, brings added international experience to the depleted setup. The injuries have also raised concerns for the South African team management ahead of the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia, starting on October 9, as both Rabada and Ngidi race against time to prove their fitness. The three ODIs will take place in Durban, Johannesburg, and Potchefstroom on September 24, 27, and 30, respectively. The seam bowling department now features all-rounders Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, who last featured in an ODI in November 2023, alongside Duan Jansen and Mokoena, who share just four ODI caps between themselves. Williams, with eight ODIs to his name since his debut in 2021, brings added international experience to the depleted setup. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories South Africa updated squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Duan Jansen, Marco Jansen, Nqobani Mokoena, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tristan Stubbs, and Lizaad Williams. Article Source: IANS

'I Leave Content And Happy,' Says Ingram On Retiring From All Forms Of Professional Cricket

Indian Premier League: After calling time on his two-decade playing career, former South Africa batter Colin Ingram said that he leaves the game content and happy and without any major regrets despite never getting to realize his dream of playing Test cricket for the Proteas. Ingram represented South Africa in 31 ODIs and nine T20Is between 2010 and 2013, but it was his 11-year stint with Glamorgan across all formats that made him a legendary name in the English county cricket circuit. My story has been about making the most of what opportunities I've had, and being grateful for what's come along. I've just taken the path that I could most of the time, and kept trying to reinvent myself, and in a way that's been really fulfilling, Ingram said to Cricinfo on Wednesday. While he enjoyed a prolific white-ball career, including stints in various franchise T20 leagues, Ingram admitted that missing out on a Test cap remained his only unfulfilled ambition, though he harbours no bitterness. I would've loved to have played Test cricket. I'm a lover of the game, and just to be part of that history and wear your national colours in the most traditional format, I would've loved that. But I certainly don't look back with regrets. I tried to make the most of myself and my talent and enjoy the challenge and the journey along the way. I leave the game content and happy. I'm not one of those grumpy senior players; I've loved everything it's brought. I've loved the fitness and the training I mean, the odd warm-up, maybe not so much, but it's been a great journey and I don't have a lot of regrets. I think that's quite satisfying, he added. Apart from his international appearances, Ingram played 15 matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) across two seasons for Delhi Capitals, alongside prominent stints in the Big Bash League (BBL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), and the SA20. I leave the game content and happy. I'm not one of those grumpy senior players; I've loved everything it's brought. I've loved the fitness and the training I mean, the odd warm-up, maybe not so much, but it's been a great journey and I don't have a lot of regrets. I think that's quite satisfying, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Ingram, who has secured franchise coaching assignments for the upcoming winter alongside his role at Glamorgan, expressed a clear vision for his next chapter. I've bowled legspin, I've kept wicket, and I'm fascinated by the game. I don't want to limit myself by any means, but I'm still aware that I need to do my time and get into the trenches, and get some hard work done, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

No Animosity There': Starc Plays Down Australia-South Africa Rivalry

Australia's fast bowling spearhead Mitchell Starc believes the intense off-field friction that once defined contests against South Africa has largely dissolved, adding that there is certainly 'no animosity left' between the two teams ahead of the first Test starting at Kingsmead on October 9.

Pat Cummins Likely To Miss 1st ODI VS South Africa, Australia To Manage Pace Trio

Australia's ODI captain Pat Cummins is likely to sit out the series opener against South Africa on Thursday

No Rachin Ravindra! New Zealand Announce T20 Squad for India Series

New Zealand recalled Adam Milne and Michael Bracewell for their upcoming T20 series against India, while Rachin Ravindra remains sidelined due to a shoulder injury sustained during a promotional shoot.

India A-Australia A Women's Multi-day Game Shifted From Dharamshala To Mohali

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: The upcoming four-day red-ball game between India A and Australia A women has been shifted from Dharamshala to Mohali owing to adverse weather and poor outfield conditions caused by incessant rainfall in the picturesque hill station in Himachal Pradesh, said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The match, scheduled to be played from September 29 to October 2, 2026 at the HPCA Stadium, will now take place at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on the same dates. The venue change has been necessitated due to the impact of prolonged rainfall in Dharamshala on the outfield and the prevailing ground conditions, said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia in a statement on Wednesday. The red-ball game serves as the culmination of Australia A womens tour of India, which began on September 12 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Australia A won the three-match T20 series 3-0 via wins over India A by six wickets, 30 runs and seven runs respectively. In the 50-over leg of the multi-format series which began on September 20 at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, India A bounced back through a four-wicket win. While the second game is still underway, with India A posting 338/6, thanks to captain Yastika Bhatia hitting 112 along with knocks of 60 each from Tejal Hasabnis and Anushka Sharma, the third 50-over game between the two teams will take place on September 25, before attention shifts to the one-off red-ball match. The red-ball game serves as the culmination of Australia A womens tour of India, which began on September 12 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Australia A won the three-match T20 series 3-0 via wins over India A by six wickets, 30 runs and seven runs respectively. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Australia A squad: Darcie Brown, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Sianna Ginger, Milly Illingworth, Charli Knott, Anika Learoyd, Katie Mack, Lilly Mills, Frankie Nicklin, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Rachel Trenaman (captain), Courtney Webb, Tahlia Wilson, and Tayla Vlaeminck Article Source: IANS

Williams replaces Maphaka as SA's hamstring crisis intensifies

Rabada, Baartman and Ngidi are already out of the ODI series against Australia with hamstring issues

Australia pacers to not play all three ODIs vs South Africa to manage workload for Test series

Australia ODI captain Pat Cummins is likely to sit out of the first of the three-match ODI series against South Africa. The idea is to rotate their leading fast bowlers to manage their workload and...

Ashley Noffke to leave Pakistan after Asian Games; named Netherlands men's head coach

His original contract was to run until June 2027 with Pakistan and he will join Netherlands for two years

Indian Women Cricketers Revel In Back-To-Back Asian Games Gold Medal Triumph

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised India's clinical run in winning the gold medal in Asian Games for the second successive time, while vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, opener Shafali Verma and all-rounder Deepti Sharma spoke of immense pride in watching the national anthem play on foreign soil once more.

Ex-Australia Pacer Ashley Noffke Appointed As Netherlands Men's Team Head Coach

KNCB Chief Executive Officer Huib: Former Australia fast bowler Ashley Noffke has been appointed as head coach of the Netherlands men's cricket team on an initial two-year deal running till 2028, said the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB). Noffke, 49, replaces Ryan Cook after the latter decided to step down from his role to spend more time with his family. Noffke, who till recently was assistant and bowling coach with the Pakistan mens team, including in the third Test at Edgbaston, takes charge with an immediate focus on steering the Dutch side through the qualification pathways for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2028 T20 World Cup. I'm looking forward to working with the Dutch men's team, which has become a fixture at the T20 World Cups. This is a talented, motivated group, and my goal is to help continue that development and move the programme forward. My approach starts with connection, before the tactic or the plan. I can't wait to get started, Noffke said in a statement on Wednesday. Noffke played one ODI and two T20Is for Australia and represented Queensland, Western Australia, four English county sides - Durham, Middlesex, Gloucestershire, and Worcestershire in first-class cricket. He also turned out for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the landmark opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. Over a distinguished playing career, the former right-arm quick bagged 386 first-class wickets and scored 3,766 runs and became one of only three Australians to achieve the 500-run and 50-wicket double in a single domestic season. Following his transition to coaching, Noffke built a formidable reputation across major franchise and international setups. He led Brisbane Heat to a WBBL title, secured a WNCL trophy with Queensland Fire, and coached London Spirit to their inaugural title in The Hundred. He also worked as assistant coach and bowling coach of the UP Warriorz in the Women's Premier League (WPL) in India. After heading Otagos mens programme in New Zealand, Noffke served as assistant coach and bowling lead for the Pakistan men's team alongside Mike Hesson, where he guided the side to the 2026 T20 World Cup Super 8s and the 2025 Asia Cup final. Following his transition to coaching, Noffke built a formidable reputation across major franchise and international setups. He led Brisbane Heat to a WBBL title, secured a WNCL trophy with Queensland Fire, and coached London Spirit to their inaugural title in The Hundred. He also worked as assistant coach and bowling coach of the UP Warriorz in the Women's Premier League (WPL) in India. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories We thank Ryan Cook for the huge strides he made with the men's programme, technically, tactically and in terms of fitness. Noffke doesn't inherit talent and hope for the best. He builds the environment that talent needs to last, and we couldn't be more pleased to have him leading that work, he said. Article Source: IANS

Cummins Likely To Sit Out Of First ODI Against South Africa Due To Careful Workload Management: Report

World Test Championship: Australias ODI captain Pat Cummins is likely to sit out the series opener against South Africa here on Thursday, with the visitors opting to carefully manage their core pace attack ahead of the upcoming high-stakes Test series. According to a report in Cricinfo on Wednesday, Cummins arrived in South Africa later than fellow frontline fast bowler Mitchell Starc, and is set to have his workload managed alongside Starc and Josh Hazlewood across the three-match ODI series to be played in Durban, Johannesburg, and Potchefstroom. Both Cummins and Starc had previously missed the ODI tour of Zimbabwe, which Australia won 3-0, as part of their preparation for the Test series against South Africa, which carries crucial points in the race for the 2027 World Test Championship (WTC) final. As per the report, with three ODIs scheduled over seven days accompanied by inter-city travel, Australia are unlikely to push their trio of Test quicks through all three matches. Cummins had flagged last month that he might feature in as few as one ODI before the Test matches. Hazlewood, who played just one game during the Zimbabwe series as part of his workload management, could feature alongside Starc in the first and third ODIs, while Cummins may play only the second match as his sole outing. Starc acknowledged that fast bowler Nathan Ellis, who was Australias standout bowler in Zimbabwe, has made a strong case for consistent selection in the ODI setup. I think he's grown into himself as a confident ODI bowler over the last few years, and it's great to see him get that reward in the series. He probably led the attack in the absence of Josh playing one game, Pat and I not over there, so really pushing his case as a lock as a pick in the one-day team, and no doubt he'll look to perform in these three as well, Starc was quoted as saying in the report after a training session. Ellis's inclusion presents a tactical conundrum for the Australian team management when all frontline fast bowlers are fit, as his role as a middle-overs and death-overs specialist closely mirrors that of skipper Cummins, while Starc and Hazlewood remain Australias primary new-ball options. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who took over as ODI deputy following Steven Smith's retirement in 2025, is expected to lead whenever Cummins is rested, including in Thursdays game. Cummins is slated to undergo similar management during Australias upcoming ODI assignments against England in November and New Zealand next August to prioritise his Test commitments. Ellis's inclusion presents a tactical conundrum for the Australian team management when all frontline fast bowlers are fit, as his role as a middle-overs and death-overs specialist closely mirrors that of skipper Cummins, while Starc and Hazlewood remain Australias primary new-ball options. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories All-rounder Jack Edwards has been drafted into the squad as cover, particularly with Cameron Green nursing a shoulder issue that kept him out of the Zimbabwe series. If Green is cleared to play in Durban, it could force a middle-order reshuffle, with wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey under pressure to retain his spot in the playing eleven. Article Source: IANS

It's Just The Measure Of The Man, Really': NZ Coach Walter On Santner Turning Down BBL Deal For Tests

Big Bash League: New Zealand head coach Rob Walter praised white-ball skipper Mitchell Santner for placing national duty ahead of a lucrative Big Bash League (BBL) contract to remain available for the Black Caps' crucial Test assignments, adding that it perfectly reflects the veteran left-arm spin bowling all-rounders character. Obviously I was in touch with Mitch the whole way along the way. For me it's just a measure of the man, and that's not to judge any other person. That is Mitch it sums Mitch up. He's always been in a position to put the team first. I know what it means to him to captain his country and everything that goes along with that. But then also his desire to be part of the Test team, especially with what's in front of us. Whilst it may be surprising to some, certainly not to me. It's just the measure of the man, really, Walter told reporters on Wednesday. Addressing the broader trend of players like explosive opener Finn Allen opting for global T20 franchise contracts like the BBL, Walter expressed genuine satisfaction when his players maximise their earning potential, provided their passion for playing for New Zealand remains strong. At the end of the day, I'm chuffed when our players do well. I'm chuffed when our players are recognised. I think he's a man who's shown himself to be devastating when he gets going. He's won lots of games for New Zealand. So I wish the very best for all of our players and that they get what they deserve from an earning potential point of view. That's exactly the same for Finn. I think it's the reality of the world of cricket. There's more and more information that shows us that that's the way the game's moving and has been moving for a period of time. I think what excites me is the hunger and the want for all those guys to still play for New Zealand. Given the opportunity and without clashes, they still want to come back. They're still hungry to play and represent and they always do it well. As long as we can maintain that and keep our environment strong enough to pull our players back and that they always feel like it's home for them, that'll be the key for us, he explained. Turning his attention to the upcoming home series against India, which features 10 white-ball matches (five T20Is and five ODIs) packed into just 20 days starting on October 22, Walter singled out pace bowler workload management as his primary logistical challenge. I mean, obviously, workload is sort of front of mind given the summer that's in front of us. There is a lot of excitement because of the stable that we do have and quite different in many regards. So, it's exciting. I think the number one priority is to make sure that they're sort of all available, fit and firing. I mean, that is a bit romantic in this day and age with fast bowlers and cricket. But the guys are recovering well. They sort of had their ankle operations and had injuries along the way. So, when it comes to it and we find ourselves under pressure, we're just hopeful that we can lean on that battery of fast bowlers because I do believe sort of any four of them could turn out and provide a sort of competitive advantage. Outlining the squad strategy required to navigate the dense fixture list, Walter felt a rotation policy across the bowling unit will be vital. I suppose it's a balancing act, looking at putting a very competitive team out on the field for each game that we play, which I believe we'll do every time. I think we've proven that over the last 18 months, that whoever turns out can win a game against any opposition. But then also understanding the rigours of what's in front of us. We have to be realistic about 10 games of short-format cricket in 20 days, followed by six consecutive Tests - that's a good workload. Understanding that one of our competitive advantages is our fast bowlers and managing that group of players and also for everyone to understand that it's a collective effort. It's not going to come down to three guys who are going to win everything. The only way we'll get it done is as a strong collective unit. Despite the initial focus on white-ball cricket, Walter backed New Zealands 50-over core to excel against India in the upcoming three-match ODI leg. It's obviously in the back of my mind and part of our planning and playing against India is a nice opportunity for that squad to go out and play against. Again, as always, there's no bad side or downside to experience. But 50-over cricket I believe, is a real strong format of ours. I think we understand how to play that game pretty well, he added. Looking ahead to a challenging Test tour of Australia set to happen later, Walter pointed out that building momentum against India at home will set the right baseline for the tasks ahead. I think the planning forms part of a bigger picture really and trying to understand how those four Tests fit in with the Test summer that we have and obviously in the World Test Championship from a greater point of view. But it's obviously exciting to play India here first and then move on to Australia, where many cricketers are dreaming of that opportunity. So as a team, we don't want to overlook that and just really be excited by that opportunity as well. But we've certainly got plenty more work to do before we even get there. So I firmly believe if we do our first home summer well and start well against India, that'll prepare us well enough for Australia, he noted. On managing pace combinations and travel stress across multiple venues, Walter concluded by saying, Without delving too much into specifics, it's really understanding the load of the bowlers across the series with the summer that we've got in mind. Trying to minimise a little bit of travel where we can. But we've certainly got plenty more work to do before we even get there. So I firmly believe if we do our first home summer well and start well against India, that'll prepare us well enough for Australia, he noted. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories As I said before, we've got a cool mix there of bowlers and a nice opportunity to use them in a different way. It's going to be exciting. Hopefully none are affected and our planning can just roll out as expected. Article Source: IANS

'Certainly No Animosity Left' - Starc Ready For Durban Test Against South Africa

Major League Cricket: Australias fast bowling spearhead Mitchell Starc believes the intense off-field friction that once defined contests against South Africa has largely dissolved, adding that there is certainly no animosity left between the two teams ahead of the first Test starting at Kingsmead on October 9. Australia will return to the venue eight years after the volatile 2018 series, remembered more for the altercations between players from both sides and the Sandpaper gate. Before the Tests, Starc is set to headline the bowling attack in the first ODI to be played at Kingsmead on Thursday. I think there's certainly no animosity there. I think there's two teams quite well known to one another across the franchise (T20) world. Not just myself, but a scattering of the other guys have played with and against each other for a few years. So it's certainly two teams that know each other on and off the field a bit. But I don't think that's going to detract from either team wanting to win 3-0 or really assert themselves, Starc was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au on Wednesday. Starc also said that he anticipates lots of vocal voices from the stands, especially from the famous Castle Corner. I might have big ears, but I know how to switch them off. I do remember down at 'RSA' Corner down there there's no responsible service (of alcohol) down there they can get rowdy, which you expect from away tours. No doubt there'll be some of that through this whole series. Whether we see it on Thursday or not, I'm not sure, but we certainly will for the Test match, he added. The crossover between the sides has been pronounced in recent seasons, with key players like stand-in skipper Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, and Starc frequently sharing dressing rooms with South African stars like Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi in the IPL, The Hundred, and Major League Cricket. Aside from the evolving relations between players from both teams, coming via sharing dressing rooms in the IPL, The Hundred and Major League Cricket (MLC), Starc noted that pitch conditions in Durban will also contrast sharply with his last Test appearance at the ground, where he took a match-winning 9-109 on a dry pitch offering reverse swing. The crossover between the sides has been pronounced in recent seasons, with key players like stand-in skipper Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, and Starc frequently sharing dressing rooms with South African stars like Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi in the IPL, The Hundred, and Major League Cricket. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories It was a bit warmer and drier in Zimbabwe. They've had a bit of rain (in Durban) prior to us getting here, and then I think there's a bit of (rain) forecast through the next couple of weeks. So there's an element of the unknown it's part of Test cricket and you just adapt to what's in front of you, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Jay Meena wins Indias first-ever soft tennis bronze medal at Asian Games

Playing in his third Asian Games, the 26-year-old Meena produced a spirited fightback after falling three games behind but could not sustain the momentum, losing 2-4 to Kurosaka in the 45-minute clash

'Secretly As A Coach, You Want To See Him Under Pressure' - Walter Excited For Sooryavanshi Challenge

U19 World Cup: New Zealand head coach Rob Walter admitted that he is eager to see the Indian teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi tested on pace and bouncy tracks in the upcoming T20I series, adding that he secretly wishes to see how he fares in pressure situations. Sooryavanshi headlines with his destructive batting displays in IPL 2025 and 2026 and this years U19 World Cup, which led to the youngster making his T20I debut against England in July. Though he didnt play in Indias 3-0 series win over Afghanistan and the tight two-run win over Japan in Sano, Sooryavanshi could face his first big test on seam-friendly New Zealand surfaces during the upcoming five-match T20I starting on October 22. Yes, I'd love to see him on some pace in bouncy wickets and see how different that looks. But he's an exciting player. You've seen him dominate against the world's best bowlers in the IPL. I think the challenge is always to see how that translates to different conditions and also how do we bowl to him in our conditions. Again, secretly as a coach, you always want to see your players under a little bit of pressure and how we respond to that. So looking forward to it, if that is the case. If he's not here, they do have a lot of very good players other than him, Walter told reporters on Wednesday. Asked about the recent India-Japan clash and the controversy around a wide call that triggered widespread debate, Walter quipped that he kept his distance from the drama. A very short segment (I watched). I saw there was some controversy around the wide ruling. But no, I didn't watch a hell of a lot of it, to be fair. The lesser the better, I think. Addressing whether the heavy defeat to India in this years T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad remains on the minds of his players, Walter conceded that while scars exist, the primary focus is representing the Black Caps with pride on home turf rather than seeking revenge. I suppose it is there. No one likes to lose a final. I've done it twice, so I know all about it. But I think what comes first is representing the Black Caps and New Zealand well. So you've got a group of players who are always trying to do that first. Of course, if you manage to get a couple of victories at home, that would be great. But taking care of the little steps in between now and then is the most important part. Being excited about representing again - it's been a while for some of the guys. Obviously it's the first time as a collective since the World Cup, with the majority of the squad that was in the World Cup to run out together. So there's always something in it. It's not our major focal point, certainly not the things we speak about the most. Most importantly, we want to play good cricket and represent well, he explained. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, Walter stated that New Zealand already possess a stable template and clear blueprint, which will only require minor adjustments over the next 18 months. Our performances in world events will tell you that that is the case. So I think we've got a strong understanding of our blueprint. We've got a strong understanding of the squad and the players that fit into that. So, we'll be just tweaking that along the way over the next year and a bit. Walter expressed immense enthusiasm about hosting T20 World Cup champions India for a marathon time in New Zealand, though he jokingly lamented the absence of a third Test match in the schedule. I mean, there's always so much great energy that comes with playing India, right? Then for them to be coming to our shores, I would have loved a third Test just to cap it all off, you know? But you can't get everything. To have a series like that, to play five of each short format, amazing opportunity for our players. India are one of the best sides in the world. They've proved themselves in the world events now time and time again. I think they've lost one short format event in two or three World Cups. So, there's no mistaking their quality and so who better to put ourselves against at home? As I said, there's always a great amount of energy, a great amount of fanfare and excitement that comes with playing India. I think our players are just really excited to get on the field, he added. Asked if the passionate Indian diaspora might outnumber local supporters in the stands, Walter pointed out the distinct charm of watching cricket in New Zealand. Maybe. I'm not sure. We'll wait and see. I think what is great is that whoever comes gets to experience cricket in New Zealand, which is quite unique. For the most part, not massive stadiums, different settings, nice big grass banks at some of the grounds. That's not experienced a lot by the Indian supporters who experience their game in a different way to us. So that's exciting. We'll have a lot of support either way. The more noise, the better, he said. Highlighting the physical challenge of playing late-evening matches during October in New Zealand, Walter noted that chilly weather could work in his team's favour, provided they manage recovery and sleep schedules effectively. Hopefully there's a couple of cold evenings. It's a competitive advantage for us, I reckon. I think late starts, most of the guys who have played in the IPL understand what it's like to start a game at 8 pm. I think the challenging part is the games finish late. Highlighting the physical challenge of playing late-evening matches during October in New Zealand, Walter noted that chilly weather could work in his team's favour, provided they manage recovery and sleep schedules effectively. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories It's probably the unseen stuff that makes it challenging. It's not just the performance on the field, that's what leads up to performance. Trying, again, as best as we possibly can, manage that within the travel and then obviously who we put out onto the field, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

From 8 First-Class Games to Test Cricket: Razaullahs Incredible Leap

Pakistans disastrous England tour may have ended in a 3-0 Test series defeat, but it produced one discovery that could prove far more valuable than a consolation victory. His name is Razaullah. Until a few days before the Edgbaston Test, the 21-year-old fast bowler from Mardan was virtually unknown outside Pakistans domestic cricket circles. Then, in one extraordinary Test, he became a record-maker with both bat and ball. He claimed four wickets for 148 runs in Englands first innings, with his first Test wicket being Joe Root, dismissed with only the fourth ball of his international career. Then came an even more remarkable batting performance. Promoted to No. 9 with Pakistan facing the prospect of an innings defeat, Razaullah smashed 81 from just 63 balls, including nine sixes. His fifty came in 43 balls, the fastest by a Pakistani debutant. His nine sixes equalled Tim Southees record for most sixes in a Test debut innings and established a Pakistan record for a No. 9. What made the assault even more remarkable was that eight of those sixes came against Englands fast bowlers, including three in one over from Gus Atkinson. He was taking on an attack featuring Jofra Archer, Atkinson and Josh Tongue without showing any sign of intimidation. Pakistan were 312 for seven when Razaullah walked in, still eight runs short of making England bat again. Instead of simply trying to survive, he attacked. With Mohammad Abbas, he added 121 for the ninth wicket as Pakistan reached 449, their highest total of the series, leaving England 130 to win. His nine sixes were the most by a Pakistan batter in a Test innings since Inzamam-ul-Haq also hit nine against New Zealand in 2002, while his total also set a record for a Pakistan No. 9. He became only the fourth player since 2000 to score a fifty and take four wickets on Test debut, joining Southee, Wanindu Hasaranga and Corbin Bosch. Yet there had been clues that Razaullah was more than an ordinary fast-bowling prospect. He made his first-class debut only in the 2025-26 season and had played just eight matches before being summoned to Pakistans Test squad. In those games he had taken 30 wickets at 20.86, including three five-wicket hauls. He had also already demonstrated his batting ability. He scored a first-class hundred from just 95 balls, with 10 fours and five sixes. In the same match, he made an unbeaten 57 in the first innings before being promoted to open when Peshawar followed on. He responded with another century, showing that his extraordinary hitting at Edgbaston was not entirely out of character. His route to Test cricket began with his Pakistan Super League debut for Rawalpindi earlier this year. His raw pace attracted attention and he played two matches, taking three wickets. He was subsequently called into a fast-bowling camp for the national side. But even then, few could have predicted how quickly his career would move. His Test selection was so sudden that he reportedly did not even have a passport when the call came. There were also reports that officials initially struggled to contact him because his phone was switched off, with a coach eventually going to locate him. A player with only eight first-class appearances was suddenly being rushed through the formalities to join Pakistans Test squad in England. Perhaps the most important discovery for Pakistan, however, is his genuine pace. His first Test over contained deliveries around 89 mph, and he subsequently touched 91 and 92 mph. His first six balls averaged 89.7 mph, making him significantly quicker than anything Pakistan had produced earlier in the series. At 21, Razaullah remains an unfinished product, with limited red-ball and international experience and plenty to learn. But Pakistan now have something they badly needed: a young fast bowler capable of genuinely threatening batters with speed. Behind the statistics is an equally interesting personal story. Razaullah comes from Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His elder brother Samiullah played an important role in encouraging him towards cricket rather than following a more traditional working life. He came through the domestic system with Peshawar and Sahir Associates before making his first-class, List A and T20 appearances. Only months later, he was at Edgbaston bowling to Joe Rootand not merely bowling to him but dismissing him. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Pakistan lost all three Tests. But from that disappointment emerged a player who had barely registered on the international radar. Razaullahs Test career could hardly have begun more dramatically.

Asian Games: Jay Meena Bags Historic Bronze In Men's Soft Tennis

World Soft Tennis Championships: Jay Meena on Wednesday bagged India's first-ever medal in soft tennis at the Asian Games after losing to Takuya Kurosaka of Japan 2-4 in the semifinal here on Wednesday. Meena had secured India's first-ever medal in the soft tennis at the Asian Games after a sensational comeback win over Sherwin Nuguit in the quarter-final, where he was trailing 3-5 in the final game before clawing back to win the next four points and eventually taking the quarter-final 4-3 to make it to the last four, where he lost to Kurosaka, ending his campaign with a historic bronze. Meena's journey in soft tennis began almost by chance. He was more interested in cricket and initially aspired to become a cricketer. After joining Pioneer Public School in Dewas, he came across a soft tennis court, where his curiosity first led him to watch the players and eventually start as a ball boy. Gradually, he began playing the sport and progressed from school and district competitions to the state and national levels. By the age of 14, he was already competing internationally in Japan, the home of soft tennis. Meena established himself among Indias leading soft tennis players with a gold medal in men's singles at the 36th National Games in Gujarat in 2022. He also contributed to Madhya Pradeshs medal-winning performances in the Mens Team and Doubles events. By 2025, he had further strengthened his credentials by becoming the National Champion in Mens Singles. His international breakthrough continued at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where he reached the quarter-finals of the Mens Singles event and also represented India in the Mens Team event. In 2024, partnering Aadhya Tiwari, he created history by winning Indias first-ever medal at the World Soft Tennis Championships, securing bronze in mixed doubles. By 2025, he had further strengthened his credentials by becoming the National Champion in Mens Singles. His international breakthrough continued at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where he reached the quarter-finals of the Mens Singles event and also represented India in the Mens Team event. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories He went on to win four medals at the continental event. The TAGG (Target Asian Games Group) athlete is making his third Asian Games appearance, having previously represented India at Jakarta 2018 and Hangzhou 2022. Article Source: IANS

'He Finds Unconventional Ways To Injure Himself' - Walter On Ravindra's Freakish Shoulder Injury

The Black Caps: New Zealand head coach Rob Walter on Wednesday played down the bizarre shoulder injury sustained by Rachin Ravindra during a commercial shoot that ruled him out of the upcoming T20I series against India, adding that the batting all-rounder finds unconventional ways to injure himself and remained optimistic about his availability for the subsequent ODIs. Ravindra dislocated his shoulder during a promotional event last week and is expected to be sidelined for around six weeks. The recovery timeline effectively rules him out of the five-match T20I series against India starting on October 22 in Christchurch, with the team management targeting his return for the ODI series beginning on November 4. Look, he's obviously injured his shoulder. It's an unfortunate accident, but it popped back in pretty quickly, and so he's feeling pretty good. So, we've got the ODIs in the back of our minds. Certainly, with the games we've got ahead, we won't be pushing anything, but we're hopeful that that's the entry point. He tends to find unconventional ways to injure himself, Rachin. I mean, these things happen, so I don't read too deeply into it, to be honest. Sort of fulfilling his commercial obligations and freakish things, Walter told reporters on Wednesday. Asked whether the team management would re-evaluate commercial engagements ahead of major assignments, Walter firmly defended the scheduling of the promotional shoot. We wouldn't have promo work like that the eve before a Test or a major game. I think the placement was fine. These are bizarre things that happen. If he tripped over a sidewalk and did his ankle, would I tell him not to walk? It's just something that happens. Again, I try not to read too deeply into it. I think all the measures were taken to protect the players and we probably learned something out of it, but just to leave it where it is really. The Black Caps squad sees the return of experienced speedster Adam Milne, who is set to play his first T20I in over a year. Milne features in a formidable pace attack comprising Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Nathan Smith. I think the thing that impresses me most about Milne is every time you see him, he's developed a new skill or become better at the skills that he already had. Always looking to improve and grow his game. For a guy who's now extremely experienced in the T20 space in particular. So, just a wonderful guy to have in the squad. Great athlete, works extremely hard. Nice joker to have a guy with a smile on his face in the pressure times. So, no, always good to have him around, said Walter. The Black Caps have opted to leave out experienced campaigners seam-bowling all-rounder Jimmy Neesham and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi for the T20I series. Walter cited the need to test young all-round talent against a top-tier opposition like India, while citing local early-season conditions as the reason for not picking an extra wrist-spinner in Sodhi. Look, from a Neesh point of view, kind of we understand what we get with Neesh. He's a tried and tested performer for us. I just felt it was an opportunity for us to give some of our younger all-rounders some more experience against quality international opponents in Nathan Smith and Zak Folkes. So, looking forward to see how they go. Then just, conditions-wise in New Zealand at this time of year against India, we didn't feel we needed an extra spin option with the spin all-rounders that we do have in the squad. So, Neesh is very much still there, but the overall need of a wrist spin option, that sort of mystery spin bowler in our environment - that hasn't changed, he added. Look, from a Neesh point of view, kind of we understand what we get with Neesh. He's a tried and tested performer for us. I just felt it was an opportunity for us to give some of our younger all-rounders some more experience against quality international opponents in Nathan Smith and Zak Folkes. So, looking forward to see how they go. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories He's still a middle-order option for us. Bevan's always there. So, we want to keep exploring his power game and what he might bring to the team. He's still in the middle order - that number may vary by one. But very much want him to utilise his power and strength game, concluded Walter. Article Source: IANS

Cummins likely to miss first ODI with quicks prioritising Test preparations

Cummins arrived late to South Africa and is set to be managed alongside Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood across the three ODIs with the Test series a priority

New Zealand announce T20I squad for India series, Rachin Ravindra ruled out with injury during promo shoot

New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against India . He suffered a shoulder injury during a promotional shoot last week and now needs at least six weeks to recover. Thus, the 26-year-old is now eyeing a return for the ODI series against the Shubman Gill-led side, which is slated to begin on November 4. On the other hand, the T20I series will get underway in Christchurch on October 22.

From Cricket Dreams To Asian Games History: Meet Jay Meena, Who Secures Historic Medal In Soft Tennis

World Soft Tennis Championships: Jay Meena created history after he confirmed Indias first-ever Asian Games medal in soft tennis after reaching the men's singles semifinals here on Wednesday. With his quarterfinal win, Meena is assured of at least a bronze. He will play his semifinal match later in the day. Meena's journey in soft tennis began almost by chance. He was more interested in cricket and initially aspired to become a cricketer. After joining Pioneer Public School in Dewas, he came across a soft tennis court, where his curiosity first led him to watch the players and eventually help as a ball boy. Gradually, he began playing the sport himself and progressed from school and district competitions to the state and national levels. By the age of 14, he was already competing internationally in Japan, the home of soft tennis. Meena established himself among Indias leading soft tennis players with a gold medal in men's singles at the 36th National Games in Gujarat in 2022. He also contributed to Madhya Pradeshs medal-winning performances in the Mens Team and Doubles events. By 2025, he had further strengthened his credentials by becoming the National Champion in Mens Singles. His international breakthrough continued at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where he reached the quarter-finals of the Mens Singles event and also represented India in the Mens Team event. In 2024, partnering Aadhya Tiwari, he created history by winning Indias first-ever medal at the World Soft Tennis Championships, securing bronze in mixed doubles. By 2025, he had further strengthened his credentials by becoming the National Champion in Mens Singles. His international breakthrough continued at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where he reached the quarter-finals of the Mens Singles event and also represented India in the Mens Team event. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories He went on to win a total of four medals at the continental event. TAGG (Target Asian Games Group) athlete is making his third Asian Games appearance, having previously represented India at Jakarta 2018 and Hangzhou 2022. He supported under National Coaching Camps in Ahmedabad and Jammu towards preparation for the Asian Championship and Asian Games, respectively. Article Source: IANS

All-Rounder Will Jacks Stars As England Beat Sri Lanka In 1st ODI

Will Jacks starred with both bat and ball as England overwhelmed Sri Lanka by 89 runs in the first one-day international at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday.His quickfire 46 not out helped guide England to a competitive 265 all out after they lost momentum following the exit of captain Harry Brook for 67. Off-spinner Jacks then took a fine 5-22 in seven overs, including three dismissals in what became the final over. The tourists were bowled out for 176 with 13 overs to spare as England went 1-0 up in this three-match series following a 3-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka in the preceding T20 campaign. Jacks's figures, his maiden five-wicket haul at this level, were the second-best by an England spinner in ODI cricket, surpassed only by Vic Marks's 5-20 against New Zealand in Wellington back in 1984. I think I am getting used to this role now. It is more about playing the situation and playing what is out there, said player-of-the-match Jacks after a win which followed seventh-placed England's 2-1 series success at home to top-ranked India in July. Brook, meanwhile was heartened by another encouraging performance ahead of next year's 50-over World Cup in southern Africa. It wasn't the easiest of surfaces, but we want to be a team that can adapt to conditions as well as possible and manufacture wins where the conditions aren't quite in our favour, said Brook. I think we did that well today. - 'Awesome' Jacks - Turning to the outstanding Jacks, he said: The way he's come in in this middle order and played this role in the middle order, taking a heavy part of the bowling on; he has been an awesome player to have in the side. After Josh Tongue had Pathum Nissanka caught behind for 27 to leave Sri Lanka 48-2, the innings stalled, with Pavan Rathnayake taking 23 balls for his 13. And 84-3 then became 85-4 when Jacks had Charith Asalanka lbw missing a sweep. Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis fell in similar fashion when he too was lbw attempting to sweep Jacks for 42 off 60 balls, with his side faltering at 105-6. Jacks's treble strike then ended the match. Dunith Wellalage tried to revive the innings with 45 until he skyed Jacks to mid-on. Two balls later, Jacks dismissed Asitha Fernando for nought before clean bowling No 11 Dilshan Madushanka for a golden duck with a classic off-break. I think our middle order is struggling with their batting, said Kusal Mendis. Their batters started really well, and that is how they got their score... We needed more boundaries and earlier. One consolation for the tourists came with leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage taking an impressive 3-44 on his Sri Lanka debut, including the prize wickets of Joe Root and Jos Buttler. England, despite a tricky pitch on which the ball was not coming onto the bat, were on course for a large total at 182-3 in the 32nd over after Brook won the toss. Sri Lanka, however, then took three quick wickets to reduce them to 199-6. But Jacks's 47-ball innings, featuring four consecutive fours off Dushmantha Chameera, bolstered the total. Test skipper Root had previously been dismissed for the first time in five ODI innings -- a sequence spanning 404 runs -- when he was bowled playing back for 44 to Colombage to end a stand of 68 with Brook. Brook continued his fine form from the T20 series with a 49-ball fifty including six fours before he carved seamer Chameera straight to deep cover. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The second game of the series takes place at Headingley in Leeds on Thursday.

Ravindra Ruled Out, Milne Returns As NZ Name Pace-heavy Squad For India T20Is

India T20Is: Batting all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been ruled out of the T20I series against India due to the shoulder injury, as New Zealand named a 16-man squad for the five-match series, with Adam Milne making a return after a year. Mitchell Santner will lead the squad, headlined by seven-strong pace attack, for series that spread across 11 days in four cities, starting on October 22 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Ravindra dislocated his right shoulder during a promotional shoot last week and his Ravindras rehabilitation is expected to take around six weeks, with an aim to be available for the ODI series against India starting at Eden Park in Auckland on November 4. Head coach Rob Walter is hoping that Ravindra would be fit for the ODI series. Were gutted for Rachin. Hes going to play a big role for us this summer, so its important that he doesnt rush his rehab, but were optimistic hell be back for the ODIs, he said. The 34-year-old Milne, who has accumulated 243 T20 caps (56 of those international), last played for the BlackCaps against Zimbabwe over a year ago. He bolsters a line-up of seasoned T20I pace bowlers, including Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Jacob Duffy, as well as young guns Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith. Thirteen players from the squad that finished runner-up to India in this years ICC Mens T20 World Cup have been named for the home series, including spin all-rounder Michael Bracewell and paceman Adam Milne, who were sidelined from the tournament with respective injuries. Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen will be reunited at the top of the order for the first time since their impressive T20 World Cup campaign, which showcased one of the greatest T20I chases in New Zealand history. Ben Sears was not considered for selection as he continues to rehabilitate his ankle injury. Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen will be reunited at the top of the order for the first time since their impressive T20 World Cup campaign, which showcased one of the greatest T20I chases in New Zealand history. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (capt), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith Article Source: IANS

Steve Smith returns to South Africa: Between the deed and the redemption falls the shadow

Smith, who is a modern great, but this focus on what his action did to him rather than to his team or the game throws light on the gap between self-obsession and self-awareness

Abhishek Sharma Creates Unwanted Record After Golden Duck Against Japan In One-Off T20I

Days after scoring a record-breaking century, India opener Abhishek Sharma endured a nightmare outing against Japan in the one-off T20I on Tuesday in Sano.

Salzmann, Scott ice huge chase as New South Wales' Haddin era starts with win

The visitors hunted down 359 with an over to spare at Allan Border Field after Hugh Weibgen struck a brilliant century for Queensland

Maxwell and Boland set to play in One-Day Cup for Victoria

Just five days after being part of the ETPL final, Maxwell will feature in the first floodlit match at Junction Oval

ODI PIX: Jacks shines with bat and ball as England crush SL

Will Jacks delivered a career-best bowling performance with 5-22 and an unbeaten 46 runs, leading England to an 89-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first One Day International. England posted 265, with Harry Brook scoring 67, before bowling out Sri Lanka for 176. This win extends England's recent strong form in the ODI format.

ODI World Cup: 'Having Rohit and Kohli Gives Us 90 Percent Chance'

Suresh Raina backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's experience and trophy-winning pedigree, saying their presence gives India a 90 per cent chance of winning the World Cup.

Despite Match-Winning 79 In Asian Games Final, Smriti Mandhana No Longer Highest-Ranked Indian Batter

Swashbuckling Indian opener Shafali Verma has climbed two places to fourth in the ICC Women's T20I Batting Rankings after her maiden century in the shortest format at the women's cricket competition at the ongoing Asian Games.

Bageshwar Aerial, Mussoorie Queens Notch Wins In UPL 2026

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium: Bageshwar Aerial and Mussoorie Queens registered contrasting victories in the womens competition at the Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) 2026, with both sides successfully chasing targets at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun on Tuesday. Bageshwar Aerial began the day with a three-wicket win over Pithoragarh Hurricanes after chasing down 136 with five balls to spare. After opting to field, Bageshwar Aerial restricted Pithoragarh Hurricanes to 135/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Gayatri Arya top-scored with 41 off 35 balls as the Hurricanes struggled to build enough momentum for a challenging total. The chase proved to be a closely fought affair, but Bageshwar Aerial held their nerve to finish on 136/7 in 19.1 overs. Nandini Kaushik played a key role in the successful pursuit, contributing 41 off 35 balls. Mussoorie Queens, meanwhile, produced a more commanding performance in the second game, defeating Dehradun Warriors by eight wickets. Dehradun Warriors chose to bat first but were bowled out for 123 in 19 overs. Preeti Bhandari offered the strongest resistance with a 38-ball 59, but Mussoorie Queens' bowlers kept the scoring in check throughout the innings. Nisha Mishra was the chief architect of the bowling effort, claiming four wickets to earn the Player of the Match award. The Queens then completed the chase with 10 balls to spare, reaching 125/2 in 18.3 overs. Captain Nandini Kashyap anchored the innings with an unbeaten 62 off 64 balls to steer her side comfortably over the line. Kashyap said the team's preparation and planning against individual opponents had played an important role in their performances. We are doing a lot of preparation. As I said earlier, we are planning against every team. We are studying the batters and bowlers and making our plans accordingly, and so far, those plans have worked really well. We will take the same approach into our next two matches, including the final. All the girls are following the plans and executing them really well, which is helping us as a team. The Mussoorie captain also felt the surface offered better batting conditions than in their previous outing, although it became slightly slower by the time her side began its chase. We are doing a lot of preparation. As I said earlier, we are planning against every team. We are studying the batters and bowlers and making our plans accordingly, and so far, those plans have worked really well. We will take the same approach into our next two matches, including the final. All the girls are following the plans and executing them really well, which is helping us as a team. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The two results added further momentum to the women's competition as the teams continue their push towards the next stage of the third UPL season. Article Source: IANS

'If Rohit-Virat Stay, There Is A 90% Chance Of Winning World Cup': Raina

If Rohit Sharma: Suresh Raina believes India will have a 90 percent chance of winning the 2027 ODI World Cup if veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain part of the team for the marquee tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Rainas comments came after former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh called for consistency in Indias ODI setup and urged the team management to avoid making too many changes ahead of next years World Cup. Speaking about Yuvrajs advice, Raina backed the experience of Rohit and Kohli and highlighted their record of winning major trophies for India and in the IPL. Absolutely, I think we have the gun player; we have a gun machine at home. We have the best captains who won a lot of trophies in IPL as well as for the country, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Virat, we dont need any introduction because they are different player. I think I have played a lot of matches with them, Raina told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Delhi. Virat wants it. I think this time we are playing the World Cup in South Africa and Zimbabwe. I think if both of them stay, there is a 90% chance of winning the World Cup, he added. Raina also referred to Indias defeat to Australia in the 2003 World Cup final, saying the team would have added motivation when it returns to South Africa for the 2027 edition. Especially when we lost in South Africa in 2003, we have to take revenge for that as well, Raina said. Yuvraj had earlier stressed the importance of giving a settled group enough game time before the World Cup, with India having limited ODI fixtures between now and the tournament. They need to focus on building the same team to play in a years time, because you dont want to make big changes at the last moment, Yuvraj told Cricinfo. Whoever your players are, whether they are 16 or 20, its important that everybody gets game time because obviously now there are more T20s and fewer 50-over cricket matches. Whatever matches there are, its important that players get enough game time to prepare for the World Cup, he added. They need to focus on building the same team to play in a years time, because you dont want to make big changes at the last moment, Yuvraj told Cricinfo. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The series will begin in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, followed by the second ODI in Guwahati on September 30 and the third in Chandigarh on October 3. Shreyas Iyer, meanwhile, will be part of Indias Asian Games campaign. Article Source: IANS

TNPL was a new experience as the crowd was different, says Vineeth

Team India Scripts Huge World Record, Leave Pakistan Behind To Achieve Historic Feat

World champions India narrowly survived being on the end of a huge upset as they edged a spirited Japan by two runs in a rain-shortened first-ever T20I between the two teams on Tuesday.

Adil Rashid Ruled Out Of England's ODIs vs Sri Lanka Due To Hand Injury; Rehan Ahmed Named Replacement

Veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid has been ruled out of England's one-day international series against Sri Lanka.

Sachindu Colombage shines on debut as Sri Lanka limit England

Harry Brook top-scores with 67 but home side fall away from 182 for 3 to finish 265 all out

Sri Lanka Announces Sahan Arachchige-led 15-member Squad For Asian Games

Sri Lanka Cricket: Sri Lanka Cricket on Tuesday named a 15-member mens squad for the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Japan, with Sahan Arachchige appointed captain and Niroshan Dickwella retained as the wicketkeeper. The Sri Lankan squad is scheduled to leave for Japan on September 24, with the 10-team T20I competition set to be held from September 24 to October 3 at Krogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture. The squad features a mix of experienced campaigners and fringe players, with Chamika Karunaratne and Nuwan Thushara among the senior names. Ashen Bandara, Sohan de Livera and Lasith Croospulle provide batting options, while Vijayakanth Viyaskanth adds a specialist leg-spin option to the bowling attack. The squad is significantly different from the one that recently featured in Sri Lankas three-match T20I series in England, which the hosts won 3-0 following an eight-wicket victory at Old Trafford on September 19. Only Nuwan Thushara and Tharindu Ratnayake have been included in both squads. Charith Asalanka captained Sri Lanka in England after originally selected skipper Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando were ruled out with injuries. Fernando has since recovered and has been included in the Asian Games squad. Cricket has featured at the Asian Games on three occasions since making its debut at the 2010 edition in Guangzhou. Sri Lanka won bronze in Guangzhou before claiming the gold medal in Incheon in 2014, where they defeated Afghanistan in the final. However, Sri Lanka returned empty-handed from the 2023 Hangzhou Games, with India winning gold, Afghanistan taking silver and Bangladesh securing the bronze medal. Sri Lanka will now look to return to the Asian Games podium for the first time since their 2014 gold-medal triumph. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, besides Sri Lanka, are contenders for the medal in the Aichi-Nagoya Games. However, Sri Lanka returned empty-handed from the 2023 Hangzhou Games, with India winning gold, Afghanistan taking silver and Bangladesh securing the bronze medal. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Sahan Arachchige (c), Lasith Croospulle, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Sineth Jayawardena, Nuwanidu Fernando, Sohan de Livera, Ashen Bandara, Chamika Karunaratne, Tharindu Ratnayake, Wanuja Sahan, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Dushan Hemantha, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Garuka Sanketh Article Source: IANS

IPL Match-Fixing Controversy Engulfs Indian Cricket, Ex-CSK Player Makes Massive Revelation

Amid claims regarding potential spot-fixing and bribery in the IPL, former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) cricketer Vansh Bedi has made a big revelation about a corrupt approach.

Root Joins Tendulkar, Kohli in Elite 23,000-Run Club

Joe Root became only the eighth batter to cross 23,000 international runs, joining Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and other cricket greats in an elite batting club.

Shafali Verma Scripts History With Massive T20I Achievement At Asian Games 2026

India women opener Shafali Verma scripted a huge milestone during the Asian Games 2026 cricket event final on Tuesday.

Delhi Premier League Under Scanner After Fixing Approach

Young Delhi cricketer Vansh Bedi reported an alleged corrupt approach during the Delhi Premier League (DPL) to the league's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has informed the BCCI and initiated an inquiry into the unverified allegations, reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

My Dream Does Not End Here: Odishas Deaf Cricketer Sibun Nanda Eyes Ranji Trophy Debut

Radha Krishna Billa Street: Odishas 19-year-old cricketer Sibun Nanda has already realised one of his biggest dreams by representing India in Deaf Cricket, but the all-rounder from Berhampur is now aiming for a bigger stage, with his sights set on the Ranji Trophy and eventually the senior India team. Nanda, who is unable to hear or speak, has represented India in two Deaf Cricket matches and has also been part of the Odisha U19 team in the Cooch Behar Trophy and Vinoo Mankad Trophy over the last three seasons. A right-handed batter and right-arm fast bowler, Nanda is currently part of the Kataka Panthers in the Odisha T20 League-CM Trophy. His journey from the Khalikote College Ground in Berhampur to the India Deaf Cricket setup has strengthened his belief that he can progress further in the game. My vision is to progress further in cricket and regularly represent India. I have already played two matches for India in Deaf Cricket, which is a very big achievement and a matter of pride for me. But my dream does not end there. I want to play in the Ranji Trophy, and if I get the opportunity, I also want to represent Indias senior cricket team, Nanda said. For that, I am completely focused on regular practice, fitness and performance. My dream is to make Odisha, my family and my supporters proud through my performances, he added. Nandas story has drawn comparisons with the character Iqbal from the 2005 Bollywood film of the same name, which portrayed a young deaf and mute cricketer determined to make it to the highest level. But Nandas journey is his own, and communication has never stopped him from making an impact on the cricket field. He relies on hand signals, gestures and eye contact to communicate with his teammates during matches. I dont face any major difficulty while playing. During matches, we communicate with each other through hand signals, gestures and eye contact. For me, communication is not just about speaking; it is also about understanding each other, he said. Born and brought up in Berhampurs Radha Krishna Billa Street near Gate Bazar, Nanda comes from a family where his father works as a priest and astrologer. His cricket journey began at the Khalikote College Ground, where he developed his skills as an all-rounder before progressing through Odishas age-group setup and eventually making his India Deaf Cricket debut. Nanda draws inspiration from former India captain M.S. Dhoni and all-rounder Hardik Pandya. His cricket journey began at the Khalikote College Ground, where he developed his skills as an all-rounder before progressing through Odishas age-group setup and eventually making his India Deaf Cricket debut. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Having already donned the India jersey in Deaf Cricket, Nanda now wants to take the next step by breaking into the Ranji Trophy setup and continuing his pursuit of a place in the senior national team. Article Source: IANS

Wide Reversal Takes Centre Stage In India-Japan T20I. Here's What ICC Rules Say

While Axar Patel held his nerve in the final over to seal a two-run win for India, the victory was overshadowed by a controversial on-field call from umpire Chris Thurgate.

Asian Games: Dickwella in Sri Lanka's T20I squad for the first time since 2021

Arachchige named captain of 15-member squad that sees most first-choice T20I players rested

Deepti Sharma Exclusive: \I Hope We Win The Gold Medal In The Olympics Too\ After India's Asian Games Gold

Indian women cricketer Deepti Sharma played an crucial role to women's team dominance in Asian Games by beating Sri Lanka by 147-runs. She took three wickets to bowl out Sri Lanka for just 69 runs while chasing 217 runs target. {image-deeptisharmaonasiangamesgold1-89051790086734.jpg

Don't Buy Gold, Win It: Deepti Sharma To NDTV After India's Asian Games 2026 Glory In Cricket

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women's cricket team stamped their authority yet again at the continental level by defending their Asian Games title in style on Tuesday.

Asian Games: We will have this gold medal with us forever, says Harmanpreet

Smriti, whose 45-ball 79 laid the foundation for Indias success in the final against Sri Lanka, was more measured in her reaction, her ambitions clearly much bigger than continental domination

Sachin: 'Seeing India Play Japan Is Wonderful'

'Credit to the Japan team for taking on the challenge and putting up a fight.'

ICC Chief Jay Shah Congratulates Team India, Makes Huge Remark On Women's Cricket After Asian Games Final

ICC chairman Jay Shah and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia congratulated the Indian women's cricket team after it successfully defended its Asian Games gold medal with a commanding 147-run victory over Sri Lanka in the final in Nisshin on Tuesday.

T20I Batting Rankings: In-form Shafali Verma Moves Up

Indian opener Shafali Verma has risen to fourth in the ICC Women's T20I Batting Rankings following her maiden T20I century at the Asian Games. Other Indian players like Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma maintain top bowling positions, while Kranti Gaud and Nandani Sharma also achieved career-best rankings. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur hold positions in the top 10 batting rankings.

Joe Root Makes History, Surpasses Sachin Tendulkar In Yet Another Record Book

Joe Root became the first English cricketer to score 23,000 international runs, and also went past Sachin Tendulkar in an elite list.

Alexa Stonehouse agrees permanent switch to Warwickshire

Left-armer seamer released by Surrey after successful loan spell at Edgbaston

'Every Player Wants To Win The World Cup': Miller Eyes Glory With Proteas In 2027

The Cricket World Cup: South African batter David Miller has set his sights on World Cup glory but believes the Proteas must keep their focus firmly on the process as they build towards next years ICC Mens Cricket World Cup. Miller, who is set to return to ODI cricket after more than 18 months, said winning the World Cup remains a major ambition for every player and team, with South Africa aiming to end their long wait for the coveted trophy in the 2027 edition. The 2027 World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, allowing Miller to potentially feature in a World Cup on home soil. [The Cricket World Cup] is obviously a quest and a dream come true. Every player, every team going to the World Cup, wants to win the World Cup, Miller said ahead of South Africas three-match ODI series against Australia. South Africa have come close in recent editions but have been unable to go all the way. They lost in the semifinals in 2015 and 2023, while Miller was part of the side that suffered a narrow defeat to Australia in the 2015 semifinal. The 37-year-old, who has 178 ODIs to his name, said South Africa need to ensure their preparation and playing approach are aligned rather than allowing the pressure of winning the World Cup to affect their decision-making. Things got to work out; you got to align things with your team, where you want to go and how you want to play. So all those things come into play, and weve played really good cricket in the last couple of years. In World Cups, we havent won a World Cup, but weve certainly been knocking on the door, he said. Miller believes the Proteas can give themselves the best chance of success by concentrating on their preparation and skills rather than becoming consumed by the eventual target. Sometimes, when youre striving too much for something, errors come into play, and you kind of get frantic, and you dont think clearly, he said. So thats something that were focusing on; just allow the process to be, making sure we prepare really well and doing the best that we can, and our skills will outplay anything if we play to those skills. Its just keeping it really simple; its a clich, but it really is the way forward, he added. For Miller, the prospect of playing in a World Cup in front of a home crowd adds another layer to the ambition. Being at a World Cup in itself is amazing. But being at home is something even more special. It would be a dream come true, he said. However, Miller knows he must first secure his place in the South African squad and deliver consistently over the next year. Theres still a bit of hard work to do until then, a couple of series; its just over a year away. A lot of hard work for myself to put myself in a position to make it that team, he added. For Miller, the prospect of playing in a World Cup in front of a home crowd adds another layer to the ambition. Being at a World Cup in itself is amazing. But being at home is something even more special. It would be a dream come true, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories I do enjoy playing against Australia. Theyve always been a really competitive team, with really high-skilled players individually. You always want to play against the best. So its about that and raising your standards. Being tested against the best is really nice, Miller said. Article Source: IANS

What's the wide controversy in India vs Japan T20I match? Was the umpire right to reverse decision?

India escaped a late scare against Japan in the rain-shortened one-off T20I in Sano after an umpiring correction in the final over helped preserve a two-run victory and secured a record for the lowest total...

Sai Sudharsan Leads India A's Fightback Against Australia A

India A recovered from a precarious position of 97 for five to reach 257 for five against Australia A on the opening day of their four-day match, thanks to resilient fifties from Sai Sudharsan, Kumar Kushagra, and Tanush Kotian. Kotian and Kushagra forged a crucial 138-run partnership for the sixth wicket, stabilising the innings after early setbacks.

Kushagra, Kotian Help India A Recover To Finish Day 1 On 257/5 Against Australia A

Aman Mokhade LBW: Day 1 of the India A-Australia A Test was a tale of two halves as the hosts, after choosing to bat, endured a difficult start before Kumar Kushagra and Tanush Kotian produced a remarkable recovery to take them to 257/5 at stumps after 89 overs. India A fell to 20/2 in the morning session, were reeled in for 78/3 at lunch, and then were in all sorts of trouble at 97/5 in the afternoon. However, the partnership of Kushagra and Kotian completely changed the complexion of the innings with a superb stand of 138. Day one started as usual with Australia A's tight new-ball attack first to give India A a test. The first ball of the day by Fergus O'Neill was a true nip-backer which pulled in, taking Aman Mokhade LBW for 6. Todd Murphy then came into the attack to remove Devdutt Padikkal (3) for 20 runs on the board. Despite the early loss of wickets, Sai Sudharsan looked untroubled, punched the ball into gaps and ran them hard without taking undue risks. Sai Sudharsan and Shaik Rasheed added 58 runs for the second wicket to calm nerves. Rasheed fought hard for his 57-ball 16 before Australia A struck just before the Lunch break, Corey Rocchiccioli taking a stunning return catch. India A reached the break at 78/3, with Sudharsan unbeaten on 45. Australia A had been largely in control in the first session, with three wickets for 78 runs and the run rate still pretty subdued. The pressure continued post-lunch, with Rocchiccioli as the dominant factor. He first dismissed Yash Rathod for 1 before bagging the game-changing wicket of Sudharsan. Just before the rain, Sudharsan was looking to guide one over the line, but though he succeeded in deflecting the ball, he held onto the bat's face for too long and spooned it up, resulting in a leading edge. Rocchiccioli slid across to take the catch himself, leaving India A at 97/5. As the innings faltered, Kushagra and Kotian collected the pieces. The two pressed forward, defending the turning ball, looking for runs, and putting away the poor deliveries. At Tea, India A's resistance had taken the score to 151/5, Australia's lead still intact, but we were now running out of time to find the one spell which would target the tail. Rocchiccioli had three wickets to that point, while O'Neill and Murphy had one each. But it was the last session that was largely played by India A, as Kushagra and Kotian consolidated on their partnership and turned it into a match-winning one. The pair built India from 97/5 to 200 and even beyond with sensible batting and a few calculated shots. Later, Kushagra scored an outstanding 82 off 160 balls with 10 fours, while Kotian scored 68 off 134 balls with four fours and a six. Kushagra (82) departed with the score on 235/5. His departure did not halt the hosts' progress. Shams Mulani came in after Kotian and the duo ensured that India A saw through to stumps without any further casualties. India A score (89 overs): 257/5 Mulani and Kotian remain unbeaten at 10 and 68 respectively. A day of patience so far for the hosts. Shams Mulani came in after Kotian and the duo ensured that India A saw through to stumps without any further casualties. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Brief scores: India A 257/5 in 89 overs (Sai Sudharsan 57, Kumar Kushagra 82 retd hurt, Tanush Kotian 68*, Corey Rocchiccioli 3-72) against Australia A. Article Source: IANS

Swapnil Asnodkar named as Kerala coach

Devika Palshikar will continue as the coach of the senior womens cricket team

Delhis Ranji Trophy home ties to be held at Palam

The Arun Jaitley Stadium, which hosted three T20Is between India and Afghanistan last week, is set to undergo a renovation, with the DDCA looking to install a state-of-the-art drainage system

ICC's agenda for 2027-31: more T20Is, fewer bilateral ODIs

ICC's cricket operations workshop in Dubai to finalise the FTP for 2027-31, which has Big 3 commitments all but set

'Asian Games Gold Will Motivate Team For Olympics': Deepti Sharma After Second Straight Top Prize

Korogi Sports Park: India star all-rounder Deepti Sharma was elated to win the second straight gold medal with the Indian women's team at the Asian Games 2026 on Tuesday. After winning a gold at the Hangzhou Games in 2023, the Women in Blue defended the yellow metal with a stellar 147-run win over Sri Lanka at the Korogi Sports Park, a second straight win over the Sri Lankan side in a continental event after having defeated them in the final of the 2023 edition and also in the title clash of the recent Asia Cup 2026. Speaking after Tuesday's win in Nisshin, Deepti emphasised that the gold medal has given them twice the happiness after the trophies that they have won recently. Absolutely, we are very happy. And winning the gold medal has made us twice as happy because we have always played for trophies. Last time we won the gold medal in the Asian Games, and this year as well. The biggest thing is that this is the first gold medal for the country in the 2026 edition. What can be better than this? So we are enjoying this, Deepti told reporters after the gold win. India beat Sri Lanka twice in the last few days, with this gold coming within 10 days of the Asia Cup victory. Sri Lanka is a very good team. We know that they have a very good batting line-up and bowling. But we know that as a team, when the Indian team does well, we always dominate and play all the matches we have played, she said. Whether it is the Asia Cup or Asian Games, the difference is only between the trophy and the medal. It feels very good to win the medal, she said. Meanwhile, Deepti said the Asian Games gold will act as a confidence-booster for the Women in Blue ahead of the 2028 Olympics, as cricket will make its return to the Games after 128 years, with women's cricket slated to be played for the first time at the Los Angeles Games. And this (gold medal) will motivate us a lot for the future because the Olympics are coming up and cricket has also become a part of it. So, I think this will motivate us to play better cricket, Deepti added. Meanwhile, Deepti said the Asian Games gold will act as a confidence-booster for the Women in Blue ahead of the 2028 Olympics, as cricket will make its return to the Games after 128 years, with women's cricket slated to be played for the first time at the Los Angeles Games. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The Indian women's cricket team starred in both departments to defend their gold medal. Smriti Mandhana's 79 led them to a record total of 216/3 in the final, while Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma, Shreyanka Patil and Sree Charani shared nine wickets between them to power India to a huge 147-run victory. Article Source: IANS

Fiery England Pacer Mark Wood Announces International Retirement

Injuries have forced England's 36-year-old express fast bowler Mark Wood to retire from international cricket after an 11-year career yielding 253 wickets across all formats.