Cricket

Dawson delivers as Surrey are outgunned by Hampshire

Visitors lose at Utilita Bowl for first time since 2015 after topsy-turvy performance

Grace Scrivens fifty sets up Essex in Headingley thriller

Eva Gray takes three wickets, Grace Scrivens and Sophia Smale two apiece to seal victory by just three runs

Leicestershire sneak home after Budinger injured in horror collision

Opener taken off on a stretcher after running into team-mate Liam Trevaskis on boundary

Donald demolition job seals local bragging rights for Derbyshire

Moores fights for Notts but weight of runs carries the day

Kiran Carlson ton hands Glamorgan victory

Tom Banton fifty goes in vain for Somerset as Glamorgan seal first win

Sales sails past Gloucestershire with career-best haul

Charlesworth makes 49 but Lynn, McSweeney demolish run-chase

Michael Pepper, Paul Walter see Essex to nine-wicket win at Kent

Visitors hold Kent to 129 for 9 thanks to three wickets each for Charlie Bennett and Wiaan Mulder

Usama Mir helps Worcestershire claim midlands bragging rights

Only Rob Yates and Jordan Thompson reach 20 as Warwickshire suffer third straight loss

'I'm going to try some grip tech now' - Sai Sudharsan is hit wicket again

For the second successive match, the bat slipped out of his hands and fell onto his wicket

Ekansh Singh 95 props up Lions after Tiaan van Vuuren five-for

Kent allrounder rescues hosts after they plummet to 36 for 5 in face of searching spell

IPL 2026: Gills Hundred Leads GT Into Final Against RCB With Seven-wicket Win Over RR (ld)

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Shubman Gills majestic 104 off 53 balls and a record 167run opening partnership with B Sai Sudharsan powered Gujarat Titans to their highest successful chase in the IPL, as they overhauled Rajasthan Royals 214 in Qualifier 2 to book a spot in the title clash, where they will take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. On a tricky twopaced pitch with variable bounce, RR rode on Vaibhav Sooryavanshis sparkling yet mature 96, Ravindra Jadejas attacking 45, and Donovan Ferreiras whirlwind 38 not out to post 214/6 in their 20 overs at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. But Gill stepped up when it mattered the most to score his fifth IPL century, laced with 15 fours and three sixes coming at a strike-rate of 196.23. Though the rest of the GT batters finished off the chase, the game will be remembered for Gills brilliant hundred, where he didnt mistime much and was at his classy best - finding the gaps with ease and being elegant in his pulls and lofts to bring RRs season to an end. Sudharsan, meanwhile, hit 58 off 32 balls, before he extraordinarily fell hit wicket for a second consecutive time - losing control of the bat and hitting the stumps. GTs chase of 215, completed with eight balls to spare, is their highest successful runchase as their usual template of Gill and Sudharsan scoring plenty of runs clicked yet again. The win now sends them into their third IPL final, where they will face RCB at their home ground, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The clash is a repeat of Qualifier 1, with the leagues top two sides contesting for their second IPL title. Electing to bat first, RR were jolted early by losses of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel before Jadeja provided impetus before retiring hurt with an elbow injury and returned later to make 45 off 35 balls. Ferreira then tore into Rashid Khan in the final over, bringing 27 runs, including smashing four sixes, to hit 38 off just 11 deliveries, while Sooryavanshis knock, different in nature from his Eliminator knock of 97, was just as impactful as his 96 off 47 balls was studded with eight fours and seven sixes. It also made Sooryavanshi the quickest batter to reach 1000 IPL runs and become the new holder of the record of most boundaries hit by a batter in a single edition of the IPL. The teenager reached his fifty in 31 balls his slowest half-century in the IPL, but added 46 runs in the next 17 deliveries. The hallmark of his knock was playing as per the situation with remarkable maturity and range of strokes, though he fell one hit short of a century once again. At 9/2, Jadeja, promoted up the order, joined Sooryavanshi to steady the ship. The lefthander counterattacked, pulling Siraj for boundaries and a six, while Sooryavanshi, troubled by bouncers and not finding his usual timing, launched Rabada over the sightscreen for a 91metre maximum. The pair rebuilt briskly and hit boundaries well before Jadeja retired hurt due to an elbow issue. Rashids introduction backfired as Riyan Parag and Sooryavanshi hammered him for 18 runs in the ninth over. Jason Holder, however, pulled things back with wickets of Parag and Dasun Shanaka in quick succession, while Jofra Archers cameo was brought to a stiff end by Prasidh Krishna to leave RR at 120/5. Sooryavanshi dropped once on 46 by Sudharsan, capitalised with clean hitting. After bringing up his fifty, he accelerated with audacious strokes - with a forehand slap off Holder and a towering pull off Siraj being the standout shots. Jadeja returned after treatment and added crucial runs, even as Sooryavanshi cleared Washington Sundar twice for sixes in the 17th over. He looked set for his second IPL hundred of this season, but mistimed the upper cut and was caught at third man off Rabada. Ferreira then took centre stage. After taking two fours off Prasidh, he unleashed a stunning assault on Rashid in the final over - smashing four consecutive sixes, including an insideout loft over extra cover and a slog sweep over midwicket, as his late surge lifted RR past the 210-run mark. GTs chase began with Sudharsan and Gill taking down Jofra Archer, as 19 runs came off it. Gill then hit back-to-back boundaries against Archer in the latters next over to set the tone of a masterful run chase. Nandre Burger leaked more runs, including Sudharsan being dropped on 14 by Donovan Ferreira. Gills timing was impeccable, driving and pulling with authority, while Sudharsan matched him stroke for stroke. By the end of the Power-play, the pair had taken GT to 69 for no loss. Gill continued to dominate, cutting and lofting Brijesh Sharma and Yash Raj Punja with elegance, as he brought up his fifty in 30 balls. Sudharsan too reached his fifty in 26 deliveries with a lofted six off Punja. The partnership continued to flourish with breathtaking and well-timed boundaries, which meant the asking rate never went out of control, before Sudharsans innings ended bizarrely, hit wicket for the second time in successive matches this time off Brijesh Sharma. Gill, meanwhile, brought up his hundred with a lofted extra cover drive off Ravindra Jadeja and celebrated with his trademark bow. Though Gill was trapped lbw by Archer, Jos Buttler and Washington Sundar kept the chase on track, adding quick runs in the middle overs. Sundar struck Archer for a six and four, but perished to Burger for 16. Rahul Tewatia struck Brijesh for successive boundaries before sealing victory with a straight six and booking GTs spot in the final. The partnership continued to flourish with breathtaking and well-timed boundaries, which meant the asking rate never went out of control, before Sudharsans innings ended bizarrely, hit wicket for the second time in successive matches this time off Brijesh Sharma. Gill, meanwhile, brought up his hundred with a lofted extra cover drive off Ravindra Jadeja and celebrated with his trademark bow. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals 214/6 in 20 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 96, Ravindra Jadeja 45 not out; Jason Holder 2-27, Kagiso Rabada 2-45) lost to Gujarat Titans 219/3 in 18.4 overs (Shubman Gill 104, B Sai Sudharsan 58; Nandre Burger 1-35, Brijesh Sharma 1-44) by seven wickets Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Gill Smashes 104 As GT Set Up Title Clash Against RCB With Win Over RR

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Shubman Gills majestic 104 off 53 balls and a record 167-run opening partnership with B. Sai Sudharsan powered Gujarat Titans to acing their highest successful chase in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, as they overhauled Rajasthan Royals 214 in Qualifier 2 to book a spot in the title clash, where they will take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). At the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Gill scored his fifth IPL century, laced with 15 fours and three sixes coming at a strike-rate of 196.23. Though the rest of the GT batters finished off the chase, the game will be remembered for Gills brilliant hundred, where he didnt mistime much and was at his classy best - finding the gaps with ease and being elegant in his pulls and lofts to bring RRs season to an end. Sudharsan, meanwhile, hit 58 off 32 balls before he was extraordinarily out, hit wicket for the second consecutive time. GTs chase of 215, with eight balls to spare, is their highest successful runchase as their usual template of Gill and Sudharsan scoring plenty of runs clicked yet again. The win now sends them into their third IPL final, where they will face RCB in Ahmedabad -- a repeat of Qualifier 1, with the leagues top two sides contesting for the title. GTs chase began with Sudharsan and Gill taking down Jofra Archer, as 19 runs came off it. Gill then hit back-to-back boundaries against Archer in the latters next over to set the tone of a masterful run chase. Nandre Burger leaked more runs, including Sudharsan being dropped on 14 by Donovan Ferreira. Gills timing was impeccable, driving and pulling with authority, while Sudharsan matched him stroke for stroke. By the end of the Power-play, the pair had taken GT to 69 for no loss. Gill continued to dominate, cutting and lofting Brijesh Sharma and Yash Raj Punja with elegance, as he brought up his fifty in 30 balls. Sudharsan too reached his fifty in 26 deliveries with a lofted six off Punja. The partnership continued to flourish with breathtaking and well-timed boundaries, which meant the asking rate never went out of control, before Sudharsans innings ended bizarrely, hitwicket for the second time in successive matches this time off Brijesh Sharma. Gill, meanwhile, brought up his hundred with a lofted extracover drive off Ravindra Jadeja and celebrated with his trademark bow. Though Gill was trapped lbw by Archer, Jos Buttler and Washington Sundar kept the chase on track, adding quick runs in the middle overs. Sundar struck Archer for a six and four, but perished to Burger for 16. Rahul Tewatia struck Brijesh for successive boundaries before sealing victory with a straight six and booking GTs spot in the final. The partnership continued to flourish with breathtaking and well-timed boundaries, which meant the asking rate never went out of control, before Sudharsans innings ended bizarrely, hitwicket for the second time in successive matches this time off Brijesh Sharma. Gill, meanwhile, brought up his hundred with a lofted extracover drive off Ravindra Jadeja and celebrated with his trademark bow. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals 214/6 in 20 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 96, Ravindra Jadeja 45 not out; Jason Holder 2-27, Kagiso Rabada 2-45) lost to Gujarat Titans 219/3 in 18.4 overs (Shubman Gill 104, B. Sai Sudharsan 58; Nandre Burger 1-35, Brijesh Sharma 1-44) by seven wickets Article Source: IANS

Gill 104 trumps Sooryavanshi 96 as GT enter IPL final

While Sooryavanshi played an almost lone hand for RR, GT had Gill and Sai Sudharsan firing at both ends

McCullum refreshed and 'keen to finish job we started' with England

Head coach wants efinement of Test approach after being backed by ECB following Ashes debacle

New Zealand Sports Bodies Assess Ahmedabads Sports Infra Ahead Of Future Global Events

Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited: Senior representatives from leading New Zealand sports organisations visited Ahmedabad on Friday to assess the citys sports infrastructure and review facilities under development for future international multi-sport events, including preparations for the proposed Commonwealth Games in 2030. The delegation toured the Adani Sports Centre at the Sabarmati Riverfront and the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura as part of a broader visit to sports infrastructure projects in India. The visit was organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) in coordination with Gujarat Sports Infrastructure Development (GSID). Officials said the delegation sought detailed information on the planning and development of AMCs sports infrastructure, including the time taken to build the facilities, budget allocations, operational use, and future expansion plans. The delegation included representatives from Athletics New Zealand, Hockey New Zealand, Swimming New Zealand, Bowls New Zealand, and New Zealand Cricket. According to AMC officials, the delegation visited the Adani Sports Centre at the Ahmedabad Riverfront at 9 a.m. on May 29. Coordination for the visit was handled by Amrutesh Aurangabadkar, IAS, Deputy Municipal Commissioner of Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL), along with Deepak Patel, General Manager (Administration-SRFDCL), and Sushant Bhatt, Deputy General Manager (Marketing-SRFDCL). The delegation later visited the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura at 10:30 a.m. Coordination at the venue was overseen by Nileshkumar Patel, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Fire), and Rushi Pandya, In-charge City Engineer and Additional City Engineer for the West Zone. AMC officials said the purpose of the visit was to provide the delegation with an overview of the citys sports infrastructure and preparations for hosting large-scale sporting events in the future. Officials also briefed the delegation on the utilisation of the facilities and the planning framework adopted for sports infrastructure development in Ahmedabad. AMC officials said the purpose of the visit was to provide the delegation with an overview of the citys sports infrastructure and preparations for hosting large-scale sporting events in the future. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Akash Sathwara, Assistant Manager, was appointed nodal officer on behalf of AMC for the programme, while Aniruddh Desai, District Sports Development Officer, Ahmedabad City, coordinated the visit on behalf of GSID. Article Source: IANS

Harman helps Hampshire rescue tie after Wellington ties down Surrey

Ryana MacDonald-Gay to the fore once more as Surrey scrap hard in defence of 121

IPL 2026: Line And Length Key On tennis-ball Bounce Wicket In New Chandigarh, Says Rabada

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Gujarat Titans pacer Kagiso Rabada, holder of the Purple Cap with 28 scalps, said bowling against Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium was about sticking to line and length and adjusting to the tennis ball bounce on offer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. RR, powered by Vaibhav Sooryavanshis 96, Ravindra Jadejas attacking 45, and Donovan Ferreiras late blitz of 38 not out, have set GT a daunting target of 215 if they are to enter the IPL 2026 final, where they will face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Both GT and RR are aiming to enter their third IPL final. I think there was a little bit (of help) in that wicket. Its got some tennis ball bounce. So, trying to hang as much as possible in and around that area, and then adjust accordingly. Thats always key, bowling is about line and length. The more you miss your line and length, the more you decrease your chances of getting a wicket. RR, powered by Vaibhav Sooryavanshis 96, Ravindra Jadejas attacking 45, and Donovan Ferreiras late blitz of 38 not out, have set GT a daunting target of 215 if they are to enter the IPL 2026 final, where they will face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Both GT and RR are aiming to enter their third IPL final. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Asked whether the pitch was slightly doublepaced, Rabada replied, Not too much. I think the ball is coming onto the bat quite decently. They scored 214 runs, so that tells you that the ball is coming on pretty decently. But you still have to bat well. You still have to form some good partnerships, and then thats the way to chase this total. Article Source: IANS

Lanning caning sees off Somerset for Lancashire's first win

Australian guides chase with unbeaten 75 after Hannah Jones three-for limits visitors to 137-6

Pakistan's National T20 Cup final to be played on June 6 or 7

The final had to be rescheduled because of persistent rain around the original date of March 18

IPL 2026: Sooryavanshis 96, Jadeja And Ferreira's Knocks Carry RR To 214/6 Against GT

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Rajasthan Royals rode on Vaibhav Sooryavanshis sparkling yet mature 96, Ravindra Jadejas attacking 45, and Donovan Ferreiras whirlwind 38 not out to post 214/6 in their 20 overs against Gujarat Titans in their Qualifier 2 clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Friday. On a tricky two-paced pitch with variable bounce, RR were jolted early by Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada. Jadeja provided impetus before retiring hurt with an elbow injury and returned later to make 45 off 35 balls. Ferreira then tore into Rashid Khan in the final over, bringing 27 runs, including smashing four sixes, to hit 38 off just 11 deliveries, while Sooryavanshis knock, different in nature from his Eliminator knock of 97, was just as impactful as his 96 off 47 balls was studded with eight fours and seven sixes. It also made Sooryavanshi the quickest batter to reach 1000 IPL runs and become the new holder of the record of most boundaries hit by a batter in a single edition of the IPL. The teenager reached his fifty in 31 balls his slowest half-century in the IPL, but added 46 runs in the next 17 deliveries. The hallmark of his knock was playing as per the situation with remarkable maturity and a range of strokes. Though he fell one hit short of a century once again, Sooryavanshi nevertheless sparkled under the lights in New Chandigarh and gave RR the edge at the halfway mark in their bid to play their third IPL final. After electing to bat first, RR lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early to Siraj in the opening over, before Dhruv Jurel too fell cheaply to Rabada. At 9/2, Jadeja, promoted up the order, joined Sooryavanshi to steady the ship. The lefthander counterattacked, pulling Siraj for boundaries and a six, while Sooryavanshi, troubled by bouncers and not finding his usual timing, launched Rabada over the sightscreen for a 91metre maximum. The pair rebuilt briskly and hit boundaries well before Jadeja retired hurt due to an elbow issue. Rashids introduction backfired as Riyan Parag and Sooryavanshi hammered him for 18 runs in the ninth over. Jason Holder, however, pulled things back with wickets of Parag and Dasun Shanaka in quick succession, while Jofra Archers cameo was brought to a stiff end by Prasidh Krishna to leave RR at 120/5. Sooryavanshi dropped once on 46 by B Sai Sudharsan, capitalised with clean hitting. After bringing up his fifty, he accelerated with audacious strokes -- with a forehand slap off Holder and a towering pull off Siraj being the standout shots. Jadeja returned after treatment and added crucial runs, even as Sooryavanshi cleared Washington Sundar twice for sixes in the 17th over. He looked set for his second IPL hundred of this season, but mistimed the upper cut and was caught at third man off Rabada. Ferreira then took centre stage. After taking two fours off Prasidh, he unleashed a stunning assault on Rashid in the final over - smashing four consecutive sixes, including an insideout loft over extra cover and a slog sweep over midwicket, as his late surge lifted RR past the 210-run mark. Jadeja returned after treatment and added crucial runs, even as Sooryavanshi cleared Washington Sundar twice for sixes in the 17th over. He looked set for his second IPL hundred of this season, but mistimed the upper cut and was caught at third man off Rabada. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals 214/6 in 20 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 96, Ravindra Jadeja 45 not out; Jason Holder 2-27, Kagiso Rabada 2-45) against Gujarat Titans Article Source: IANS

Heath's T20 best proves too much for struggling Warwickshire

Keeper-batter makes 61 to set up comfortable 27-run win at Chester-le-Street

Shaheen Afridi on Pakistan quicks losing speed: 'Machines deteriorate with time'

Afridi said Rizwan's omission from the ODIs against Australia was to give youngsters chance ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup

Tickner five-for wraps up innings win for New Zealand

Fifties from Doheny and Tucker couldn't prevent Ireland from slumping to defeat inside three days

Sri Lanka Recall Gunarathne, Gimhani, Kavindi For Womens T20 WC, Ranaweera Excluded

T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka has recalled Vishmi Gunarathne, Shashini Gimhani, and Kawya Kavindi to their squad for the ICC Womens T20 World Cup, while experienced left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera has been left out in a notable change from the group that toured Bangladesh in April-May. Inoka, who has played 91 T20Is, did not get a game in the T20Is against Bangladesh, which Sri Lanka won 3-0. But she bowled tidy spells in the series against the West Indies in March. Apart from her, Rashmika Sewwandi and Dewmi Vihanga have also been left out of the squad for the 12-team mega event to be played in England from June 12 to July 5. Vishmi has played 54 T20Is but has struggled for form since the 2024 Womens T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka will hope that she, along with wrist spinner Shashini and seamer Kawya, hit top form in the World Cup. Imesha Dulani, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Malki Madara, and Mithali Ayodhya are also set to make their first appearance at the Women's T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka, led by veteran batting all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu, will open their campaign against hosts and 2009 winners England at Edgbaston on June 12. Chamari has featured in all the previous nine editions of the tournament. Imesha Dulani, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Malki Madara, and Mithali Ayodhya are also set to make their first appearance at the Women's T20 World Cup. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Shashini Gimhani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, and Mithali Ayodhya Article Source: IANS

Ambidextrous spinner Shashini Gimhani in Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup squad

Chamari Athapaththu named captain of 15-member squad; set to play her tenth T20 World Cup

IPL 2026: Its About Being In Autopilot Now And Just Getting What Needs To Be Done, Says Ferreira

Indian Premier League: Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Donovan Ferreira said the side has switched into autopilot mode as they prepare to take on Gujarat Titans in the Qualifier 2 of IPL 2026. RR arrive in Qualifier 2 after beating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in the Eliminator, thanks to Vaibhav Sooryavanshis astonishing 97. Like you said, we've had three mustwin games, but every game is different. You cant carry one over to the next; today is a big game for us. I cant really speak for them (other players), but the rest of us have been playing a lot of cricket over the last few days. Its about being in autopilot now and just getting what needs to be done, Ferreira said in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters. He emphasised his readiness to play any role required by the team. I'll do whatever the coach and the team need; thats been our motto. Management has all the insights and data to make those calls, so we just have to be ready whenever we're called upon. Like you said, we've had three mustwin games, but every game is different. You cant carry one over to the next; today is a big game for us. I cant really speak for them (other players), but the rest of us have been playing a lot of cricket over the last few days. Its about being in autopilot now and just getting what needs to be done, Ferreira said in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters. Also Read: Live Cricket Score On conditions at the venue, Ferreira said, Im not sure what the captain and coach have decided, but this is a really good batting wicket. Looking at the previous game, the opposition didn't even bat that well. We bowled quite well, and they still reached (almost) 200. That shows how good the wicket is. Whatever the decision, well need to put up a good score or chase well. If there is dew, batting second is beneficial. Article Source: IANS

Toss drama in IPL Qualifier 2 as referee fails to hear Riyan Parag

IPL 2026: Hopefully, We Cross The Same Line And Go To The Finals, Says GTs Sai Sudharsan

Narendra Modi Stadium: Gujarat Titans left-handed opener B Sai Sudharsan said the team is treating their IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 clash against Rajasthan Royals as just another game and expressed confidence in the side crossing the line and enter the title clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. GT are coming off a 92-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 in Dharamshala. No, I think we're not looking at it like a big day. It's just another day. We're doing the same thing what we've been doing the whole season. So we are looking at it as another game. Hopefully, we cross the same line and go to the finals, Sudharsan said in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters. On batting approach which has made him the leading run-getter in IPL 2026 via making 652 runs in 15 games, Sudharsan explained, I think it's all about being versatile enough to work out what you can do at your best to chase a 240250. I don't think we'll have to change the way we are playing. GT are coming off a 92-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 in Dharamshala. No, I think we're not looking at it like a big day. It's just another day. We're doing the same thing what we've been doing the whole season. So we are looking at it as another game. Hopefully, we cross the same line and go to the finals, Sudharsan said in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Reflecting on recovery after a tough defeat, Sudharsan said, So I think as a team, we are definitely looking forward for this game. Yes, it was a difficult loss for us, but I feel it's just, what can I say, it just ignited us inside and we have the fire for the game today. So I think we're looking at that way. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Unchanged RR Elect To Bat First Against GT, Sai Kishore Returns For Qualifier 2

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: An unchanged Rajasthan Royals won the toss and elected to bat first against the Gujarat Titans in the Qualifier 2 clash at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Friday. There was a re-spin of the toss by match referee Prakash Bhatt as the call wasnt loud enough from RR captain Riyan Parag. The winner of this clash will meet Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final, to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. RR arrive in Qualifier 2 after beating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in the Eliminator, while GT come in after suffering a 92-run loss to RCB in Qualifier 1 in Dharamshala. After winning the toss, RR skipper Riyan Parag said, Pretty much the same wicket, but I think it slows down at the backend, and we have the bowlers for it. We just need to play better cricket for 40 overs, and the best team will win. The support staff have been incredible about recoveries and injuries. GT skipper Shubman Gill said left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore is back in the playing eleven in place of Kulwant Khejroliya. We would have batted first as well. Forty overs of cricket already on this wicket, and it won't behave differently. We have everything to play for; it's a now or never situation. Playing XIs: Gujarat Titans: B Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Jos Buttler (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj Impact substitutes: Rahul Tewatia, Glenn Phillips, Anuj Rawat, Kumar Kushagra, and Arshad Khan Gujarat Titans: B Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Jos Buttler (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact substitutes: Shubham Dubey, Sushant Mishra, Aman Rao Perala, Ravi Bishnoi, and Tushar Deshpande Article Source: IANS

RR bat, GT bring in Sai Kishore for Qualifier 2

The toss had to be conducted twice with the match referee failing to hear the call on the first occasion

MI London signs Sokin as principal partner ahead of The Hundred 2026 season

MI London, The Hundred team based at the Kia Oval, today named Sokin, the global business payments and finance platform, as its Principal Partner. Sokin will appear on the front of the team's new men's and women's shirts for the 2026 season of The Hundred and will feature the team's players in campaigns. As part of the deal, MI London will also use Sokin's platform to manage funds. The deal extends Sokin's presence across world sport, which already includes Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and the recently announced Professional Triathletes Organisation. MI London is owned by Surrey County Cricket Club and the Mumbai Indians franchise group which runs cricket teams across four continents, among them the seven-time champions Mumbai Indians and MI New York in Major League Cricket. The partnership has the potential to extend across MIs wider network, giving Sokin activation rights in markets including the UK and US. Through Sokins platform, the team will gain access to Sokin's multi-currency accounts, FX, and treasury capabilities. As a team part-owned by a global franchise group, MI London required a partner with strong domestic and international payment capabilities. Vroon Modgill, CEO and Founder of Sokin, said: MI London is the most successful team in The Hundred, and it's part of a group that runs cricket teams from Mumbai to New York. Cricket is a global game and a growing global business, with money moving across borders for players, staff and partners in every market it touches. That's the work our platform is built for, which is why we want to grow this beyond the shirt and across more of the MI network over time. Oli Slipper, Chair of MI London, said: This is a really important deal for the team, and we're pleased that Sokin will sit on the front of our brand-new shirt. Sokin's global outlook and ambition make them a natural fit for MI London as we grow our presence in the UK and internationally. Just like our teams, Sokin are experts in their field, and we look forward to the new season with their support. Cricket is among the fastest-growing global sports. The game counts more than 2.5 billion fans worldwide, second only to association football, and its showcase events now set digital records: the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup final drew 72.5 million concurrent streamers in India alone, while Indias 2025 Premier T20 tournament season passed 1 billion viewers and 840 billion minutes of watch time. The sport returns to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028, its first appearance since 1900, in a market central to Sokin's growth. Also Read: Live Cricket Score MI London, formerly the Oval Invincibles, is the most successful team in The Hundred. The women's team won the first two titles in 2021 and 2022, and the men's team won three in a row from 2023 to 2025. The team plays its home matches at The Oval in London. The Hundred is a 100-ball format that has brought cricket to new audiences and drawn some of the game's biggest names to UK crowds each summer.

Rishabh Pant steps down as LSG captain

Decision taken after Lucknow Super Giants finished last in IPL 2026; they had finished seventh under his leadership in 2025

IPL 2026: LSG Accepts Rishabh Pants Resignation As Side's Captain After Tenth-place Finish

Lucknow Super Giants: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Friday confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has stepped down from captaincy duties with immediate effect, and the same has been accepted by the franchise after the side had a tenthplace finish in IPL 2026. After leaving Delhi Capitals, a side he led before in the IPL, Pant took over as LSGs skipper after the franchise roped him in for a record-breaking Rs 27 crore in the mega auction held in 2024. But under him, LSG endured backtoback disappointing campaigns - the side finished seventh last season and slipped further this year by ending at the bottom spot of the points table with just four wins from 14 games. Rishabh approached the franchise with this request and we have respectfully accepted it. These decisions are never easy. We are grateful for everything Rishabh has brought to this dressing room as captain. Our focus now is on the collective - rebuilding and restructuring to reach the best standards, said Tom Moody, the sides global director of cricket, in a statement on Friday. Under his captaincy, LSG managed ten wins but suffered 18 defeats across two seasons. With the bat, Pant, once amongst the most explosive performers in the league, struggled to replicate that form for LSG. Across two years, he scored 581 runs at a strike rate of 135.74, numbers way below his career benchmarks. A franchise official told IANS on Friday that Pants decision to relinquish captaincy just six days after the sides campaign got over isnt a huge surprise, considering that he expressed this desire to leave the top role after the season got over for LSG on a disappointing note. Rishabh was very clear about leaving as LSGs captain right after the tournament ended. From his perspective, the vision he had for the team as the captain, it just wasnt translating into reality. Also, it was becoming too much for him to balance things as captain while his primary skillsets, especially his batting form, wasnt at its best. Its also understood that Rishabh told the LSG coaching staff and management that it would be selfish of him to continue as captain after yet another disappointing season. Plus, he wants to prioritise his batting in the longer run, considering he is not an automatic pick in the Indian side in white-ball formats, said the official. Pant himself admitted during the season that too many minds in the leadership group had complicated matters for him as a leader. Pants future as the LSG skipper was under doubts when Moody had said after losing their final league game to Punjab Kings that the franchise will consider a leadership reset Its also understood that Rishabh told the LSG coaching staff and management that it would be selfish of him to continue as captain after yet another disappointing season. Plus, he wants to prioritise his batting in the longer run, considering he is not an automatic pick in the Indian side in white-ball formats, said the official. Also Read: Live Cricket Score There was also this feeling within Rishabh that he let down LSG fans too as a leader, and that weighed heavily on him as well. So, ultimately, it was a mixed bag of factors behind him leaving the captaincy and subsequently, the franchise also accepted his desire to let go of the leadership armband and allow Rishabh to concentrate on his batting, added the official. Article Source: IANS

Sutherland's 360-degree game backed to shine at T20 World Cup

Australia will begin their final preparations for the tournament with three matches against South Africa

'I Was Broken Inside': Jemimah Reveals Mental Battle Behind India's WC Triumph

T20 World Cup: India batter Jemimah Rodrigues has revealed the emotional turmoil she went through during the ICC Womens World Cup 2025, admitting that the pressure of performing at a home tournament and being dropped from the playing XI for a crucial match left her broken inside. Speaking on JioStars Unstoppable ahead of the ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2026, Jemimah reflected on the difficult phase she endured even before the tournament began, as expectations and pressure started taking a toll on her mentally. For some reason, even before the World Cup started, I was not doing well mentally. Maybe it was because it was a home World Cup, and with the expectations that come with it. And it being a World Cup, the pressure doubles, Jemimah said. In the very first match, I got out for a duck off the first ball itself. That really broke me; it crushed me. The worst part was that it started affecting my fielding as well. I am someone who enjoys fielding, but I was putting so much pressure on myself that I wasnt able to move the way I normally do. I made a few misfields, which I usually wouldnt, she added. Indias World Cup campaign had reached a critical stage after consecutive defeats left their semifinal hopes hanging by a thread. Jemimah revealed that a quickfire knock against Australia in the league stage helped her regain some confidence before the all-important clash against England. Then came the league game against Australia, where I scored an impactful 33-odd at a good strike rate. That gave me some confidence, and I told myself, Okay, fine. The England game is very important. Lets do whatever it takes to win against England, she said. I really wanted to do it for the team because the World Cup was at stake, and we had already lost two games in a row. That game was crucial, she added. However, on the morning of the England match, Jemimah received news that left her devastated. Amol sir messaged me saying, I need to talk to you. Then, at the ground, I was told that I had been dropped from the team for that game. I was broken inside, she revealed. India eventually bounced back strongly from their poor start, defeating New Zealand to qualify for the semifinals before stunning Australia in the last four and beating South Africa in the final to lift the Womens World Cup 2025 title. Amol sir messaged me saying, I need to talk to you. Then, at the ground, I was told that I had been dropped from the team for that game. I was broken inside, she revealed. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Despite being dropped from the England match, Jemimah scored 292 runs in seven innings at an impressive average of 58.40 in the World Cup. Article Source: IANS

'Go And Buy A Mirror': Harmanpreet Reveals Coach Muzumdar's Blunt Message Behind India's ODI WC Turnaround

T20 World Cup: Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur has revealed the blunt dressing-room message from head coach Amol Muzumdar after the teams third consecutive defeat at the Womens World Cup 2025, admitting that the reality check played a key role in Indias remarkable turnaround en route to lifting the title. Harmanpreet recalled how the atmosphere in the dressing room changed following Indias defeat to England, which came after successive losses and left the team staring at an early exit from the tournament. After the England match, I think Amol sir was the only one who spoke, and he was very straightforward. Everybody took it in the right spirit because we all knew there was nothing wrong in what he was saying. That was the first time I saw his volume go a little high because he is usually a very soft-spoken person. I remember him saying, Go and buy a mirror and see what youre doing and what you need to do at that stage' Harmanpreet said on JioStar. After starting off with two wins, India had endured a difficult phase in the middle of their Womens World Cup 2025 campaign with three losses on the trot, including the defeat against England that pushed them to the brink. However, the team responded strongly under pressure, registering a crucial win over New Zealand to stay alive in the competition. The momentum shift continued in the knockout stages as India stunned Australia in the semifinal before defeating South Africa in the final to clinch the Womens World Cup title in memorable fashion. Harmanpreet also spoke about consciously staying away from social media during major tournaments, saying that avoiding outside noise helps her remain mentally fresh and focused on the game. I dont use social media much because I think it can drain you mentally. So, I dont read stuff, especially during tournaments, whether Im doing well or not, she said. Harmanpreet also spoke about consciously staying away from social media during major tournaments, saying that avoiding outside noise helps her remain mentally fresh and focused on the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, Harmanpreet and Co. are currently taking part in the three match T20I series against England, which is crucial for T20 World Cup 2026 preparation. Article Source: IANS

ENG-W vs IND-W 2nd T20I Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI

ENG-W vs IND-W 2nd T20I , Cricket Tips :India Women produced a thumping performance in the first T20I and beat England Women by 38 runs to take a 1-0 lead. Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia scored half-centuries, and debutant Nandni Sharma took three wickets. Lauren Bell and Amy Jones did well for England, but there was not a contribution from other players. England Women will be under pressure of the series defeat. The second T20I will commence at 11 PM IST on Saturday at County Ground in Bristol. Harmanpreet Kaur will be back for this game and will lead the side. The Women in Blue have a chance to record a consecutive T20I series win in England. ENG-W vs IND-W: Match Details Date : May 30, 2026 (Saturday) Time : 11:00 PM IST Venue : County Ground, Bristol ENG-W vs IND-W: Live Streaming Details The live action of the second T20I will be available on the Sony Sports Network and channels. Fans can also watch the game through the Sony LIV app or website. ENG-W vs IND-W: Head-to-Head in T20I Total Matches : 36 England Women : 24 India Women : 12 Drawn: 00 ENG-W vs IND-W: Ground Pitch Report County Ground in Bristol offers a good batting track. The surface here is flat and a high-scoring one in the shorter format. The average score here is around 165-175 in T20Is. Pacers will extract early movement with the new ball, and batting conditions will improve with time. ENG-W vs IND-W: Possible XIs England Women : Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Heather Knight, Amy Jones (wk), Freya Kemp, Danielle Gibson, Charlotte Dean (c), Sophie Ecclestone, Issy Wong, Lauren Bell, Tilly Corteen-Coleman India Women : Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Yastika Bhatia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Nandni Sharma, Shree Charani ENG-W vs IND-W: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Jemimah Rodrigues showed great form in the first game and will be the one to watch out for. For England, Amy Jones has been striking well with the bat. Probable Best Bowler Nandni Sharma bowled a brilliant spell on her debut and stuck to the tight length to trouble the batters. Lauren Bell will be the biggest threat for India because she will get a good amount of swing early on. Today Match Prediction : India Women earned the momentum and did better than England Women. Hence, we predict India Women to win the second T20I. ENG-W vs IND-W Match 2nd T20I, Today Match ENG-W vs IND-W, ENG-W vs IND-W Prediction, SA-W vs IND-W Predicted XIs, Injury Update for ENG-W vs IND-W Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

BCCI Bans Smart Glasses Within 'PMOA' In IPL, Warns Of Strict Penalties

Match Officials Area: The Board of Control for Cricket in India's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) has strictly prohibited the possession and use of 'Smart Goggles' or sunglasses within the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA). The directive comes after it was brought to the attention of the anti-corruption watchdog that certain companies have been marketing and selling high-tech smart eyewear to players and team support staff, which are quipped with advanced communication features. According to an internal BCCI ACSU communication, these advanced wearable devices possess capabilities that pose a direct threat to the tournament's strict anti-corruption protocols. Kindly note that these devices are equipped with advanced communication features, including live streaming, sending and receiving text messages, as well as audio and video calling capabilities through mobile data or Wi-Fi networks. Accordingly, under the PMOA Minimum Standards, such goggles/glasses are classified both as an Audio/Video Recording Device and a Communication Device. It is hereby notified that the possession and/or use of Smart Goggles is strictly prohibited within the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA), ASCU said in its directives issued to all IPL franchises. All players and support staff are directed to deposit such devices with the Security Liaison Officer (SLO), along with their mobile phones and smartwatches, upon entering the PMOA on match days, the directive added. The ACSU has mandated strict surrender protocols for players and support staff entering PMOA and warned that any complacency or failure to hand over the smart eyewear will result in penalties. Failure to deposit such devices shall be deemed a breach of the PMOA protocols and may result in penalties under the PMOA Minimum Standards for IPL 2026, it concluded. The PMOA is treated as a separate area from the rest of a stadium in terms of accreditation and security. Each entrance into the area will be manned by security staff at all times and access will only be permitted to players, player support staff, match officials, match official support personnel and a limited number of individuals who have been allocated specific accreditation for the area. As per IPL anti-corruption rules, mobile phones and other electronic communications equipment are not allowed to be used in the PMOA other than for a few members of the team. The team manager may use a phone in the dressing room area but not in the dugout. The PMOA is treated as a separate area from the rest of a stadium in terms of accreditation and security. Each entrance into the area will be manned by security staff at all times and access will only be permitted to players, player support staff, match officials, match official support personnel and a limited number of individuals who have been allocated specific accreditation for the area. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Accredited staff i.e. dressing room attendant, IPL Match Manager, catering staff etc may not take communication devices into the PMOA. Secure boxes will be available at every entrance to securely store device. Article Source: IANS

PAK vs AUS 1st ODI Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI

PAK vs AUS 1st ODI , Cricket Tips :Australia will be on a tour of Pakistan for three ODIs. The Men in Yellow have rested their senior players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Travis Head, and Josh Hazlewood to manage the workload. Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out after sustaining an injury. That has left Josh Inglis to lead the side. The first ODI will kick off on Saturday at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium at 5 PM IST. Australia have an inexperienced side, and they will look to challenge the hosts. Shaheen Afridi will have the responsbility to lead the side, which will see Babar Azam and Naseem Shah making their comebacks. Pakistan won the last ODI series against Australia and will look to start this series with a win. PAK vs AUS: Match Details Date : May 30, 2026 (Saturday) Time : 5:00 PM IST Venue : Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi PAK vs AUS: Live Streaming Details In India, fans can watch the action through the FanCode streaming platform, which is available for the paid users. PAK vs AUS: Head-to-Head in ODI Total Matches : 112 Pakistan : 36 Australia : 71 No-result : 04 Tied : 01 PAK vs AUS: Ground Pitch Report The wicket in Rawalpindi is flat and good for batting. This surface is expected to be dry, and spinners will come in handy with the old ball. The bounce and carry from the wicket are good, and batters can use them to good effect. The team that bats second gets more out of the wicket. PAK vs AUS: Possible XIs Pakistan : Shamyl Hussain, Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Ghazi Ghori (wk), Shaheen Afridi (c), Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed Australia : Josh Inglis (C), Matthew Short, Marnus Labuschangne, Cameron Green, Cooper Connolly, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake PAK vs AUS: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Babar Azam has been in good form, and he will be looking to produce a match-winning knock. For Australia, captain Josh Inglis is coming off a good IPL 2026 and is in good form. Probable Best Bowler Abrar Ahmed has been a tough bowler, and he will be difficult to face for the visitors. For Australia, Adam Zampa will be the key, as he can get good purchase from the wicket. Today Match Prediction : Australia have an inexperienced side, and it will be tough for them. We predict Pakistan to win the first ODI. PAK vs AUS Match 1st ODI, Today Match PAK vs AUS, PAK vs AUS Prediction, PAK vs AUS Predicted XIs, Injury Update for Pakistan vs Australia Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

'An 80 In A Winning Cause Means More Than A Hundred': Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

U19 World Cup: Rajasthan Royals (RR) and India's young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi credited his father for shaping his team-first mentality, saying personal milestones hold little value if they do not contribute to victories for the side. Speaking about prioritizing team success over individual achievements, Vaibhav said he values impactful contributions in winning causes more than personal records. Since childhood, my father has always told me that if you score a hundred, a double hundred, or even a triple hundred, but the team does not win because of it, then those runs hold no value. They may only be for your personal record, but they do not benefit the team, he told Jio Hotstar. The 15-year-old, who missed his well-deserved hundred by just three runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the eliminator, added that an 80-run innings in a winning cause is much bigger than a century. Cricket, in the end, is a team game. So, if I score 80 instead of a hundred and my team wins, and if we still do not win despite me scoring a century, then that 80 means more to me than the hundred, he added. The youngster further said that deeper progress in tournaments naturally creates more opportunities for personal success as well. The longer my team stays in the tournament and the deeper we go into the playoffs and finals, the more chances I will get to score hundreds and achieve whatever records I want to break. So, it benefits both me personally and the team as well, he said. Vaibhav also opened up on returning to practice just a day after Indias triumph at the ICC Mens U19 World Cup 2026, revealing the strong discipline instilled in him by his father from an early age. All this is because of my father. Since childhood, he has made me practise so much that if I do not practise even for a day, it feels like my life has slowed down a bit. So, I do not need to take a very long break; one day is enough, he said. The youngster explained that the quick return to training was also necessary because of the transition from one-day cricket to the IPL format. I felt I should practise because the IPL was approaching, and I was also coming back after playing one-day cricket. There was a change in format too, so I needed to work on certain aspects of my game, he added. Vaibhav further praised the Rajasthan Royals support staff for their role in helping players perform at their best and said any future title triumph would be dedicated to them and the franchises supporters. As far as the support staff is concerned, if we lift the trophy, and hopefully we do, I will dedicate it to them. The way every coach puts in effort behind each player, the way they plan the practice sessions, and how our physios and trainers take care of our recovery, all of it plays a huge role. Vaibhav further praised the Rajasthan Royals support staff for their role in helping players perform at their best and said any future title triumph would be dedicated to them and the franchises supporters. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Vaibhav has scored 680 runs in 15 innings for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 2026 IPL season. Boasting an explosive strike rate of 242.86, he is the current Orange Cap holder, the first player in IPL history to surpass 600 runs in a single season at a 200+ strike rate, and has smashed 65 sixes. Article Source: IANS

Dutch Skipper Babette De Leede Targets Top-eight Finish At Womens T20 WC

T20 World Cup: Netherlands captain Babette de Leede has set a strong goal for her team ahead of their first appearance at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. The Dutch team aims to secure a top-eight finish to ensure automatic qualification for the next edition. The Netherlands women's team will compete in the T20 World Cup for the first time when the event starts on June 12 in England and Wales. They are grouped with top teams like Australia, India, South Africa, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The Dutch enter this tournament as the lowest-ranked team. Despite the tough competition, de Leede believes her team can surprise others. Our goal is to win at least two games and finish in the top eight to automatically qualify for the next T20 World Cup. It is exciting to play against some of the best teams in the world for the first time. Being the newcomers and underdogs, as the lowest-ranked team, might work in our favor to surprise some opponents and create some upsets. In any case, it will be valuable for us to meet some of our idols and learn from them, de Leede told ICC. The Netherlands are currently preparing for the tournament through a tri-series with hosts Scotland and Bangladesh before starting their World Cup campaign on June 14. The skipper noted the teams unity and depth as key strengths going into the tournament. Our biggest strength is that we really play as a team. We know each other well, we are friends off the field, and we want each other to succeed. The team is also very talented. In the Qualifier, different players stood out in every game, which was great to see. I expect the same in the World Cup, she said. De Leede also highlighted fast bowler Isabel van der Woning and top-order batter Sterre Kalis as players to watch. Seamer Isabel van der Woning and top-order batter Sterre Kalis have been in great form since the Qualifier, so I am excited to see them shine at the World Cup, de Leede added. With the tournament taking place close to home, de Leede expects strong support from travelling Dutch fans. Seamer Isabel van der Woning and top-order batter Sterre Kalis have been in great form since the Qualifier, so I am excited to see them shine at the World Cup, de Leede added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We expect a large crowd of orange at all our games, including friends, family, and other fans of Dutch cricket. It will be a unique experience that we are looking forward to, she said. Article Source: IANS

Zimbabwe to host South Africa Women for five-match T20I series in September

This will be South Africa's first visit to the country and the first-ever T20I series between the two teams

'Partnership With Yastika Was Crucial, She Took A Load Off Me,' Says Jemimah After Win Over England

Match Jemimah Rodrigues: Player of the Match Jemimah Rodrigues credited Yastika Bhatia for sharing the pressure during their match-winning partnership after her brilliant knock of 69 runs helped India defeat England by 38 runs in the opening T20I of the three-match series at the County Ground. Coming in to bat after India were reduced to 7/2 in the opening over, Rodrigues anchored the innings superbly with a fluent 69 off 40 balls while Yastika struck 54 off 40 deliveries as the duo added 126 runs for the third wicket. Their partnership helped India recover from the early blows inflicted by Lauren Bell and eventually post 188/7 in 19.5 overs. Rodrigues said the stand with Yastika proved decisive in shaping Indias innings. Lot of credit to Yastika. She took a load off me. That partnership was crucial, Rodrigues said after receiving the Player of the Match award. The India batter added that understanding the conditions and adapting quickly played a key role after the difficult start. We assessed the conditions well. I think it was about playing the situation. T20 is all about momentum. It was important to be positive and patient, she said. Rodrigues noted that Bell generated movement early in the innings and said India had to adjust accordingly on a surface that offered some grip. Initially, Bell got some movement. For an English pitch, there was some hold. Playing square off the wicket helped. My game is more about picking gaps. I trust my instincts and play my game, she added. Apart from her batting, Rodrigues was also lively in the field during Englands chase and said she thoroughly enjoys contributing on the field. I enjoy fielding. Today felt like a yo-yo session. I love fielding in the hot spots, she added. Rodrigues noted that Bell generated movement early in the innings and said India had to adjust accordingly on a surface that offered some grip. Initially, Bell got some movement. For an English pitch, there was some hold. Playing square off the wicket helped. My game is more about picking gaps. I trust my instincts and play my game, she added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and marked their second-biggest win over England in Womens T20Is. Article Source: IANS

Jemimah And Yastika's Partnership Made The Difference,' Says Dean After ENG Loss

Charlotte Dean: England stand-in captain Charlotte Dean admitted the huge partnership between Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia proved decisive as England suffered a 38-run defeat to India in the opening match of the three-game Womens T20I series at the County Ground. England made the perfect start after Lauren Bell struck twice in the opening over to dismiss Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, reducing India to 7/2. However, Yastika and Rodrigues counterattacked brilliantly with a 126-run stand for the third wicket, helping India recover strongly and post 188/7 in 19.5 overs. Reflecting on the game, Dean said England started well but failed to stop Indias momentum through the middle overs. Two early wickets. But they kept scoring runs despite those early wickets. They had wickets in hand. Played really well, Dean said after the match. Dean praised her sides effort in challenging weather conditions and credited Bell for her performance with the ball. Bell finished with figures of 3/34 and bowled effectively both with the new ball and at the death. Proud of the effort in hot conditions. Bell bowled well at the start and the death, she said. Chasing 189, England were kept in the contest by Amy Jones, who played a fighting knock of 67. Heather Knight also contributed 21 during a 64-run stand for the third wicket, but England eventually finished on 150/8. Dean admitted her side could not recover after losing wickets at crucial moments. Disappointing not to get over the line. Reminiscent of the game we had against New Zealand in Canterbury, she said. The England skipper singled out Jones for special praise after the wicketkeeper-batters impressive innings under pressure. Jones was brilliant. Today, the difference was that massive partnership, Dean added. Dean also pointed out that England are continuing to develop a young middle-order unit as the team builds towards future assignments. Jones was brilliant. Today, the difference was that massive partnership, Dean added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India lead the three-match series 1-0 after registering their second-biggest victory over England in Womens T20Is. Article Source: IANS

'Loosing 2 Wicket In Powerplay Was Not Ideal, But Yastika Took The Game Away': Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana: Indias stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana praised Yastika Bhatia for making a strong comeback and scoring crucial runs for the team after India defeated England by 38 runs in the opening match of the three-game T20I series at the County Ground. After being put into bat, India recovered from a poor start to post 188/7 before restricting England to 150/8 to take a 1-0 lead in the series. India had slipped to 7/2 in the very first over after Lauren Bell dismissed Mandhana for a golden duck and removed Shafali Verma soon after. However, Yastika and Rodrigues steadied the innings with a superb 126-run partnership for the third wicket. Playing her first T20I in two years, Yastika scored 54 off 40 balls while Rodrigues struck a brilliant 69 off 40 deliveries to put India in command. Mandhana admitted India did not begin well but praised the way Yastika and Rodrigues changed the course of the match. Losing two wickets in the powerplay was not ideal. Credit to Yastika, who came back after eight months. She took the game away. Jemi doing Jemi things. We should have scored 10 more runs though. Fielding second is an advantage, Mandhana said after the match. Englands chase was led by Amy Jones 67, while Heather Knight chipped in with 21 during a 64-run partnership for the third wicket. But Indias bowlers held their nerve in the second half of the innings. Debutant pacer Nandni Sharma impressed with figures of 3-34 and played a crucial role in turning the game Indias way by dismissing Jones and Dani Gibson in successive deliveries. Mandhana praised the bowlers for staying composed under pressure and reserved special praise for Nandni. Debutant pacer Nandni Sharma impressed with figures of 3-34 and played a crucial role in turning the game Indias way by dismissing Jones and Dani Gibson in successive deliveries. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The win marked India womens second-biggest victory margin over England in Womens T20Is after their 97-run triumph at Trent Bridge in 2025. Article Source: IANS

Hockey U18 Asia Cup: Captain Ketan's Hat-trick Leads India Men To Dominating 13-0 Win Over Kazakhstan

Hockey U18 Asia Cup: Captain Ketan Kushwaha scored a hat-trick as the Indian men's hockey team opened its campaign at the U-18 Asia Cup 2026 with a dominant 13-0 victory over Kazakhstan in Pool A here on Friday. Ketan led from the front with three goals, while Prahalad Rajbhar, Ashish Tani Purti, Ansh Bahutra and Shahrukh Ali registered a brace each. India controlled proceedings from the outset and were rewarded for their persistence after Kazakhstan weathered the early pressure. Shahrukh Ali (12') broke the deadlock with a thunderous strike from inside the circle before Prahalad Rajbhar (14') doubled the advantage just two minutes later, giving India a firm grip on the contest by the end of the first quarter. Goals continued to flow in the second quarter. Captain Kushwaha (18') was well placed to finish from close range after India won possession high up the pitch, while Gazee Khan (20') added a fourth shortly after to extend the lead. India showed no signs of easing off before the break. Shahrukh (29') completed his brace with a clinical finish, and Purti (30') converted a penalty corner a minute later, as India surged to a commanding 6-0 lead at half-time. The third quarter proved to be the most productive, with four of Indias five goals coming through penalty corners. Bahutra (31, 44) converted twice while Purti also went on to complete a brace. In the final minute of the quarter, Kushwaha scored twice in quick succession, including a penalty corner, to complete his hat-trick. India finished the third quarter with an 11-0 lead. The third quarter proved to be the most productive, with four of Indias five goals coming through penalty corners. Bahutra (31, 44) converted twice while Purti also went on to complete a brace. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India will next face hosts Japan on May 31 as they look to continue their winning start to the tournament. Article Source: IANS

Pakistan's famous cheerleader 'Chacha Cricket' to retire this year

The third ODI against Australia in Lahore will be his last at home, though he is hoping to cheer Pakistan on in England later in the year

'If Vaibhav Bats Through Powerplay, RR Will Have The Advantage: Kumble

PCA New International Cricket Stadium: Former India captain Anil Kumble believes Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could once again hold the key for his side when they face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2026 at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium on Friday, noting that if the youngster survives the powerplay, it will give a massive advantage to RR. Despite RR's strong performances in the tournament, Kumble feels the side still enters the contest as underdogs but backed them to edge past Gujarat if Vaibhav delivers another impactful start. Its a hard one to predict. Its really hard because Rajasthan have done well, yet they still seem to be the underdogs. I think Ill go with the underdogs. Im still expecting Vaibhav to do what he did against SRH because if Vaibhav does that, Rajasthan will have the advantage, Kumble told JioHotstar. The young RR opener has been one of the standout performers of the season and currently holds the Orange Cap. The 15-year-old played a brilliant knock of 97 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), which proved crucial to their big win in the eliminator. Vaibhav Suryavanshi is the Orange Cap holder, and that doesnt come from doing it just once or against a couple of teams. Hes done it consistently over the last two months, and that says a lot about the youngster. Its not just about going out there and bashing a few sixes, even though he is the highest six-hitter now. If he bats through the Powerplay, RR will have the advantage, Kumble added. Kumble, however, pointed out that the Gujarat Titans possess a potent new-ball attack capable of putting Rajasthan under pressure early in the innings. GT have a very set plan. They have Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada bowling three overs each, and thats where the game could change, he said. The former India leg-spinner also noted that the conditions in Ahmedabad have suited Gujarats seamers this season, though he expects them to regroup after their previous outing. GT have a very set plan. They have Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada bowling three overs each, and thats where the game could change, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The winner of Fridays Qualifier 2 will progress to the IPL 2026 final, where they will face the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday. Article Source: IANS

1st WT20I: Nandni Shines On Debut As India Beat England By 38 Runs

Nandni Sharma: Nandni Sharma's three wickets on international debut followed by half-centuries from Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia, guided India to a 38-run win in the opening game of their three-match T20I series against England here at the County Ground. The 38-run victory is the India women's second-biggest win margin against England in T20ls, after 97 runs at Trent Bridge in 2025. Moreover, Nandni became the second Indian pacer to pick a 3-fer on Women's T20l debut, after Soniya Dabir 3/23 vs ENG-W in Mumbai in 2010. After putting in to bat first, India had a troubled start as Lauren Bell took two wickets in the first over, dismissing opener Smriti Mandhana on a golden duck and Shafali Verma on the last ball of the over, to leave the tourists 7/2. Then Yastika and Rodrigues came to the rescue and shared a century stand (126 off 76) for the third wicket. Playing her first T20I in two years, Yastika struck 54 off 40 balls, her maiden T20I fifty, and Rodrigues slammed a poised 69 off 40. England then bounced to contain the target as Charlie Dean got rid of Yastika before closing out the over with a sharp return catch to remove Rodrigues and give England hope of containing the target. Corteen-Coleman claimed her maiden T20I wicket when Issy Wong grabbed a superb catch running from backward point to collect a reverse-sweep from Richa Ghosh. She then took the ball in the next over and bowled Bharti Fulmali for 6 with a slower ball as the visitors were 148 for 6 in the 17th over. Then a spirited 39-run stand between Deepti Sharma and Arundhati Reddy raised the target before Bell returned to remove Deepti, pulling a short ball straight to midwicket as India posted 188/7 in 19.5 overs. Chasing 189, England had a shaky start as Kranti Goud struck early to dismiss openers Sophia Dunkley (16) and Alice Capsey (6). Heather Knight and Amy Jones then steadied the ship with a 64-run stand for the third wicket stand, which Shree Charani broke in the 14th over, dismissing Knight for 21. An over later, Nandni bagged her maiden international when she removed Jones for 67, which sparked a mini collapse from which England would never recover. On the next ball, Nandni claimed her second when Dani Gibson holed out the next ball and Shafali again did the work in the outfield. The next over saw Deepti getting Freya Camp before Nandni claimed her third as she castled Wong in 18th over. Sophie Ecclestone was run in the penultimate over as England were restricted to 150/8 and fell short of the target as India sealed a win in the opener. Brief scores: India 188/7 (Rodrigues 69, Yastika 54, Bell 3-34) beat England 150/8 (Jones 67, Nandani 3-34) by 38 runs --IANS bc/ Chelmsford, May 29 (IANS) Nandni Sharma's three wickets on international debut followed by half-centuries from Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia, guided India to a 38-run win in the opening game of their three-match T20I series against England here at the County Ground. The 38-run victory is the India women's second-biggest win margin against England in T20ls, after 97 runs at Trent Bridge in 2025. Moreover, Nandni became the second Indian pacer to pick a 3-fer on Women's T20l debut, after Soniya Dabir 3/23 vs ENG-W in Mumbai in 2010. After putting in to bat first, India had a troubled start as Lauren Bell took two wickets in the first over, dismissing opener Smriti Mandhana on a golden duck and Shafali Verma on the last ball of the over, to leave the tourists 7/2. Then Yastika and Rodrigues came to the rescue and shared a century stand (126 off 76) for the third wicket. Playing her first T20I in two years, Yastika struck 54 off 40 balls, her maiden T20I fifty, and Rodrigues slammed a poised 69 off 40. England then bounced to contain the target as Charlie Dean got rid of Yastika before closing out the over with a sharp return catch to remove Rodrigues and give England hope of containing the target. Corteen-Coleman claimed her maiden T20I wicket when Issy Wong grabbed a superb catch running from backward point to collect a reverse-sweep from Richa Ghosh. She then took the ball in the next over and bowled Bharti Fulmali for 6 with a slower ball as the visitors were 148 for 6 in the 17th over. Then a spirited 39-run stand between Deepti Sharma and Arundhati Reddy raised the target before Bell returned to remove Deepti, pulling a short ball straight to midwicket as India posted 188/7 in 19.5 overs. Chasing 189, England had a shaky start as Kranti Goud struck early to dismiss openers Sophia Dunkley (16) and Alice Capsey (6). Heather Knight and Amy Jones then steadied the ship with a 64-run stand for the third wicket stand, which Shree Charani broke in the 14th over, dismissing Knight for 21. An over later, Nandni bagged her maiden international when she removed Jones for 67, which sparked a mini collapse from which England would never recover. On the next ball, Nandni claimed her second when Dani Gibson holed out the next ball and Shafali again did the work in the outfield. The next over saw Deepti getting Freya Camp before Nandni claimed her third as she castled Wong in 18th over. An over later, Nandni bagged her maiden international when she removed Jones for 67, which sparked a mini collapse from which England would never recover. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief scores: India 188/7 (Rodrigues 69, Yastika 54, Bell 3-34) beat England 150/8 (Jones 67, Nandani 3-34) by 38 runs Article Source: IANS

David Hussey steps down as Victoria's head of men's cricket

Set to take on a role with a new global venture Cricket Victoria is due to launch

IRE vs NZ Only Test: New Zealand Tighten Grip After Smiths Career-Best 6-40

Nathan Smith took career-best international figures of 6-40 as New Zealand made Ireland follow-on in a one-off Test in Belfast on Thursday. Ireland were dismissed for 179 in reply to New Zealand's first-innings 490-8 declared, with paceman Smith doing the bulk of the damage as only Andy McBrine (73 not out) and fast bowler Mark Adair (40) offered much resistance after their side collapsed to 38-6. The hosts, made to follow-on by New Zealand captain Tom Latham, were 65-2 at stumps on the second day -- still a mammoth 246 runs behind. Earlier, New Zealand wicketkeeper Tom Blundell extended his first-day 142 not out to 186, his highest score at this level, and there was agony for Dean Foxcroft who just missed out on a century on his Test debut when falling to McBrine for 98. New Zealand resumed on their overnight 361-5 after being sent into bat on Wednesday's first day of four -- rather than the standard five-day Test -- at Stormont. Blundell surpassed 150, while Foxcroft brought up his maiden Test half-century as they took their partnership beyond the 100-run mark. Ireland eventually took three quick wickets, with Blundell falling in sight of a double century and Foxcroft a hundred, to prompt the declaration. The Irish endured a woeful start to their reply, with Smith striking twice in the first over to have Stephen Doheny lbw for a second-ball duck and number three Cade Carmichael caught behind, also for nought, four balls later. Smith continued to take wickets after lunch, removing Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher and Lorcan Tucker before McBrine and Adair kept New Zealand at bay with a century stand. Adair's useful innings ended when he became Smith's sixth wicket of the innings before Ireland were bowled out. They at least made a better start to their second innings but still have a mountain to climb, with New Zealand well-placed for a morale-boosting win with more than a day to spare ahead of the first of a three-Test series against England at Lord's starting a week on Thursday. You'd take 98, it's obviously better than a duck, I was so close to the century, but at the end of the day the team is in a great position to win this game, Foxcroft told the BBC. In terms of the match, I'm delighted where we are at the moment. We've got eight more wickets to go and looking ahead to tomorrow (Friday) morning, we are hoping we can put Ireland under pressure. For us enforcing the follow-on was all about momentum. We will want to try and finish the game off and then we can think about England next week. Brief scores: At Stormont, Belfast (day two of four): New Zealand 490-8 dec (T Latham 186, R Ravindra 121, D Foxcroft 98; M Adair 3-66) v Ireland 179 (A McBrine 73; N Smith 6-40) and 65-2 Also Read: Live Cricket Score Match position: Ireland, following-on, are 246 runs behind with eight second-innings wickets standing

'Really special' - Yastika flourishes after her long road back

Debutant Nandani Sharma also impressed in what was an encouraging display for India ahead of the T20 World Cup

Blundell, Foxcroft and Smith give New Zealand vice-grip on Ireland Test

Blundell and Foxcroft helped New Zealand make 490 before Smith's six for helped them enforce the follow-on

French Open 2026: Sabalenka survives first set wobble to beat Jacquemot

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England bowl and hand debut to Corteen-Coleman; Harmanpreet rested

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IPL 2026: When And Where To Watch GT Vs RR Qualifier 2, Know All Details

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals will meet in the all-important Qualifier 2 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, on Friday, with the winner taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final. Both sides know they have to do their best to secure a place in the final by winning the winner-takes-all clash. Gujarat Titans lost to defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) while Rajasthan Royals made it by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 1. GT will be looking for ways to stop Rajasthan's opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who had shamed a 28-ball 97 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and will be a big threat to the 2022 winners. RR had dramatically made the playoffs after beating the Mumbai Indians in their final league phase match at the Wankhede. Both franchises are in pursuit of their second IPL silverware. While the RR, winner of the inaugural edition in 2008, are aiming to make it to the final, GT are determined to reclaim the championship glory they first achieved during their debut season in 2022. When: Friday, May 29, 7:30 PM IST Where: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh Where to watch: The GT vs RR match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Squads: Where to watch: The GT vs RR match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals: Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Donovan Ferreira, Brijesh Sharma, Jofra Archer, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Dasun Shanaka, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi, Sandeep Sharma, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Ravi Singh, Aman Rao Perala, Adam Milne, Kuldeep Sen, and Kwena Maphaka. Article Source: IANS

Munisar replaces Brathwaite as West Indies name T20 World Cup squad

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Fraser and Carter fifties, Gordon three-for help Scotland ease past Netherlands

Scotland restricted Netherlands to 141, before chasing the target down with nine wickets to spare

IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans Seek Final Berth Against Red-hot Rajasthan Royals In Do-or-die Clash (preview)

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Gujarat Titans know they must be at their absolute best to stop a Rajasthan Royals side playing some of the most explosive cricket of the season, when the two sides meet in a do-or-die Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Friday. The stakes could not be higher. A win will help the Gujarat Titans book their place in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where they will again take on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday. But a loss would mean that a campaign that promised much would come to an abrupt end. GT arrive in New Chandigarh with something to prove -- their Qualifier 1 game against RCB in Dharamshala ended in a heavy 92-run defeat, their worst performance of the season at the worst possible time. Rahul Tewatia's gutsy fifty offered a rare positive in an otherwise lopsided contest, where their menacing new-ball pair of Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj could not contain a rampant RCB batting lineup. GT will need their opening pair of captain Shubman Gill and B. Sai Sudharsan, and number three Jos Buttler to fire on Friday, and hope for their bowling line-up to stop a rampaging Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from making big runs. RR, meanwhile, have won three on the trot and arrive in Qualifier 2 brimming with confidence after saying goodbye to Sunrisers Hyderabad. The catalyst has been 15-year-old Sooryavanshi, who is fast becoming the tournament's defining story. His 97 off just 29 balls against SRH in the Eliminator was breathtaking and astonishing in equal measure. He now wears the Orange Cap with 680 runs at a staggering strike rate of 243 and also broke Chris Gayle's record for the most sixes in a single IPL season by taking his tally to 65 maximums. The pairing of Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal has combined for 747 runs at a strike rate of 206 making them the most productive partnership of IPL 2026, ahead of Gill-Sudharsan. Dhruv Jurel has enjoyed a career-best season with 508 runs at a strike rate of 155, while skipper Riyan Parag has provided calm leadership throughout. With the ball, Jofra Archer has been RR's most potent weapon - 24 wickets at a strike rate of 14, including 14 in the powerplay. The England pacer's battle against the GT top order will also be one of the most anticipated duels of the evening. Ravindra Jadeja adds match-winning balance with both bat and ball and brings invaluable playoffs experience to the RR dressing room. GT hold a commanding 7-3 head-to-head record over RR and famously beat them in both the 2022 Qualifier 1 and the final. But this season, the scores are level - GT won by 77 runs in Jaipur, while RR had a six-run victory in Ahmedabad. The venue, however, leans firmly in RR's favour they have won all four matches in New Chandigarh this season, while GT have managed just one win from three outings here. Come Friday, and both sides will be chasing their third IPL final appearance. For GT, it is about rediscovering their best in the biggest moment, while for RR, it is about sustaining a momentum that feels, right now, unstoppable. Squads The venue, however, leans firmly in RR's favour they have won all four matches in New Chandigarh this season, while GT have managed just one win from three outings here. Come Friday, and both sides will be chasing their third IPL final appearance. For GT, it is about rediscovering their best in the biggest moment, while for RR, it is about sustaining a momentum that feels, right now, unstoppable. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals: Riyan Parag (captain), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Donovan Ferreira, Emanjot Chahal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubham Dubey, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Shimron Hetmyer, Aman Rao, Ravindra Jadeja, Dasun Shanaka, Yudhvir Singh, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger, Sushant Mishra, Kuldeep Sen, Adam Milne, Brijesh Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Vignesh Puthur, and Yash Raj Punja Article Source: IANS

RR ride on teen steam against steady GT with final in sight

GT are coming off a big defeat in Qualifier 1 but will fancy their chances against RR in hopes of making it to a home final

Frances Kouame, 17, youngest man into Grand Slam third round since Nadal

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GT vs RR Match Qualifier 2, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction

GT vs RR Qualifier 2, Cricket Tips :After humiliating Sunrisers Hyderabad in Eliminator, Riyan Parag and his men will move to a bigger challenge. They will face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 on Friday. This contest will be held at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, at 7:30 PM IST. This game will determine the second finalist of the IPL 2026. Vaibhav Suryavanshi produced a logic-defying knock under pressure and slammed 97 off 29 balls, with 12 maximums. He took the game away from SRH in the first few overs. Can he produce another great knock to take RR to the final? GT had a tough game against RCB, and they will be looking to address the issues and plan against the 15-year-old. This is a must-win game, where the losing team will be knocked out. GT vs RR: Match Details Date : May 29, 2026 (Friday) Time : 7:30 PM IST Venue : Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh GT vs RR: Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch the live action of the GT vs RR clash on the Star Sports Networks. Fans can switch to the Jio Hotstar app or website to watch the live stream of the game. GT vs RR Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 10 GT : 07 RR : 03 No - Result : 00 GT vs RR: Ground Pitch Report The wicket in New Chandigarh is excellent for the batters. This is a high-scoring venue, where 220 or more has been scored in the last four matches. Two of those have been chased as well. For the team that bats first, it is important to score big, because defending a total with small boundaries can be tough. GT vs RR Possible XIs GT : Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Nishant Sindhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Kulwant Khejroliya, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna RR : Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Dasun Shanaka, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Shubham Dubey, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Brijesh Sharma GT vs RR Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi has produced a one-man show and will be the one to watch out for. For GT, captain Shubman Gill is someone who can play at a higher rate and play a long knock. Probable Best Bowler Jofra Archer is breathing fire and bowling thunderbolts with seven wickets in the very first over. For GT, Kagiso Rabada has the joint-most wickets, and he will be the key for his team. Today Match Prediction : It is important for GT to bowl well, because RR can post a big total with in-form Suryavanshi. RR have the momentum, and we predict them to win Qualifier 2. GT vs RR Qualifier 2, IPL 2026, Today 2026 Match, GT vs RR 2026 Prediction, GT vs RR Predicted XIs, Injury Update for GT vs RR Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The predictions 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.

IPL 2026: GT Confident Of Bowling Plans Against Sooryavanshi, Says Parthiv Patel

Indian Premier League: Gujarat Titans assistant coach Parthiv Patel said the team is confident of its bowling attack and its plans are in place to counter teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals, to be played at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on Friday. Young Sooryavanshis match-up against GTs new ball pair of Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada will be one of the biggest subplots in deciding who will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the title clash, to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. I am not a broadcaster right now, and I am not there on the pre-show of Star Sports. So I can't tell you what plans I have made. But it feels really good about the way he is batting. Hopefully, we will try to get him out early in the game. As all the teams are planning, we have seen the videos. Hopefully, we will be able to execute our plans. But what it is, we will be able to tell you when we are on the ground. In the beginning, I had said that the way he has been batting is very good. Even last time, I said that we should not be talking about his age. I think that is something that we need to put an end to. He has been a phenomenal talent, just the way he has been playing, and it's great to see. From the opposition's point of view, we hope that he doesn't get big runs tomorrow, Patel said at the prematch press conference. Asked about GTs bowling line-ups ability to bounce back after being hit all over the park by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru batters in Qualifier 1, Patel said, We are quite confident about our bowling lineup. You have named all of them. All of them are renowned bowlers in international cricket. That has been our strength also, picking up wickets early in the powerplay, and that is something which we will try to do tomorrow as well. He also said GT, the IPL 2022 winners, have moved on from its crushing Qualifier 1 defeat in Dharamshala. There is nothing to bring from the last match, and that is better. That was not a good match for us. The only thing I can say is the way Tewatia spent time in the middle. Obviously, there were a lot of questions about middle order before the big game, but (Rahul) Tewatia spent a lot of time in the middle. So, that is something very positive. Otherwise, in the playoff games, whether it is Rajasthan or us, you have to leave that game behind and try to look forward. On leading run-getter B Sai Sudarshans strike rate, Patel said, No, I don't think there is any kind of temptation to tell Sai Sudarshan to go with a higher strike rate. He has been very effective. He has been scoring at a fair strike rate, also. It is not that he is scoring under 100. If someone is scoring at 300, it doesn't mean that everyone has to strike at 300. But he has been very effective. He has given us results. So there is no talk about telling Sai Sudarshan that you need to go higher than 170 strike rate or 200. Patel also dismissed criticism of GTs style of play from IPL critics. We were sitting pretty at number 2 in the points table. I know other teams can think whatever they want to think. Six teams have not qualified. I know the references which we heard about - I know Tom Moody had said about GT as a set pattern team. It is not that he is scoring under 100. If someone is scoring at 300, it doesn't mean that everyone has to strike at 300. But he has been very effective. He has given us results. So there is no talk about telling Sai Sudarshan that you need to go higher than 170 strike rate or 200. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We were just doing okay, but we still stuck to our process. We trust in our ability, and we know what we can do, and that is something which we will try to do tomorrow as well. We feel that we are a very good unit, and if we go out there and execute our plans, I think we can win that game, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Defending Champions MSC Maratha Royals Unveil New Jersey Ahead Of T20 Mumbai League 2026

Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals: Will the T20 Mumbai League 2026 unearth someone like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi? Does MSC Maratha Royals have someone like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi? Will your young players play aggressively like Sooryavanshi? These were some of the questions put to Siddhesh Lad and Amit Dani, captain and coach respectively of the Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals, the defending champions of the T20 Mumbai League 2026, as they unveiled the jersey in Mumbai on Thursday, along with the owners of the franchise. With Rajasthan Royals storming into the playoffs of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi is the flavour of the season for his sensational power-hitting that has left everyone mesmerised. On Wednesday, Sooryavanshi hammered 94 off 28 balls, scoring 600-plus runs at a strike rate of 230, hitting as many sixes as Chris Gayle. Everyone wants more of his ilk playing in every franchise league in the country. Lad said the T20 game has evolved over the last couple of years, with aggressive play at the top becoming the norm, leading to teams regularly posting scores of 250-plus. He said that if the weather does not intervene, the T20 Mumbai League may also see teams posting scores of 200-250. Last season, we had monsoon setting early, and the wickets were a bit damp. Still, teams managed to score around 190. I expect in the first half of the MPL 2026, we may have teams going past 200, said Lad. Coach Amit Dani said Mumbai has produced many great batters and, in recent times, has seen players like Ayush Mhatre, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Prithvi Shaw, all very aggressive players. Their biggest asset this season would be pacer Tushar Deshpande, who is expected to be their top attraction. Tushar Deshpande will be available for the entire season. Besides being the main bowler for the team, he will be an inspiration for the young bowlers in the team as they can learn from him, said Amit Dani, the player who has played for the Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. Both Lad and Dani said the Maratha Royals have retained 10 players from the title-winning side and added some new faces to the squad, assembling a strong side. Maratha Royals have been in camp since May 4, prepared well for the upcoming season, and played some practice matches. The jersey unveiling was held at a special launch event in Mumbai, attended by Team owners Kapil Baheti and Alisha Baheti, along with Mayank Khandwala and Raj Khandwala, MSC Maratha Royals CEO Parag More, besides captain Lad, and coach Dani. MSC Maratha Royals new jersey is themed around The Royal Roar and blends traditional regional ferocity with contemporary sports aesthetics. The jersey includes metallic gold claw marks reflecting aggression and attacking gameplay; subtle tiger-stripe textures integrated into the fabric to reinforce the predatory theme; a phantom tiger graphic subtly embedded to add depth and edge as an intense hidden detail; a striking heritage orange upper body representing energy, passion, and Maharashtras valor; midnight navy sleeves and lower body indicating composure, resilience and strength and liquid gold accent detailing injects a sense of royalty and championship ambitions. As defending champions, Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals campaign this season draws from Mumbais raw street energy, hip-hop, and familiarity with Bollywood. Anchored by the tagline Bhag Bhag Bhag, Aya Sher, it celebrates the citys confidence and fearless self-expression, while signalling the powerful return of the champions to the league stage. The tiger remains a symbol of the teams ferocity and dominance, mirroring the relentless spirit of Mumbai itself. Speaking at the unveiling, Kapil Baheti & Alisha Baheti, Owners, MSC Maratha Royals, said: As defending champions, we wanted this jersey and campaign to stand for more than just cricket. It reflects the fearless attitude of our team and the spirit of Mumbai. This is not just a design refresh, but a clear statement of intent to play bold, fearless cricket this season. The Royal Roar is designed to connect strongly with our fans and capture the energy we bring to the field. Mayank Khandwala & Raj Khandwala, Owners, MSC Maratha Royals, added: Defending a title brings a different level of challenge, and thats what drives us. What weve built at MSC Maratha Royals goes beyond winning; it's a strong culture and identity rooted in Mumbai. With The Royal Roar, were promising our fans a team that returns more focused, more determined, and ready to prove that last season was just the beginning. Speaking at the unveiling, Kapil Baheti & Alisha Baheti, Owners, MSC Maratha Royals, said: As defending champions, we wanted this jersey and campaign to stand for more than just cricket. It reflects the fearless attitude of our team and the spirit of Mumbai. This is not just a design refresh, but a clear statement of intent to play bold, fearless cricket this season. The Royal Roar is designed to connect strongly with our fans and capture the energy we bring to the field. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With the league's return, MSC Maratha Royals continue to position themselves not only as one of Mumbais strongest cricketing franchises but also as a modern sports brand deeply rooted in the citys energy, ambition, and voice. Article Source: IANS

'Six Machine' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, 15, Stakes India Claim With New Stunning Knock

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's latest extraordinary innings was hailed by cricket greats on Thursday, as calls grow for the 15-year-old phenomenon to be propelled straight into the senior India team. The teenage opener hit 12 sixes, including three in a row off Australia captain Pat Cummins, before he was out for 97 off 29 balls for Rajasthan Royals in Wednesday's playoff win over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Yeah, he played pretty well, said a shell-shocked Cummins, who was launched into the stands four times in all by the left-hander. The margins are so small. You miss your yorker by a little bit and he doesn't tend to miss them. So, yeah, fair play. Sooryavanshi hit seven boundaries in a row to reach 97 off 28 balls. But he was caught in the deep attempting another that would have broken Chris Gayle's record of 30 balls for the fastest IPL century. On the way he smashed the West Indian's 12-year-old record of 59 sixes in a single edition of the IPL. He has cleared the ropes 65 times and is in possession of the Orange Cap for the most runs in the IPL season, with 680 at an average of 45.33. Past master Gayle called Sooryavanshi the IPL's new six machine. What a phenomenal player Vaibhav is. Great entertainment young man! he posted on social media. Sooryavanshi was crestfallen when he was out. But he has a chance for more fireworks against Gujarat Titans in the final playoff match on Friday. The holders Royal Challengers Bengaluru await the winners in Sunday's final. Calls for Sooryavanshi to be fast-tracked into India's team have accelerated since he slammed a 17-ball 52 to start his IPL season. He is the best T20 opener in the World... India have to pick him, former England captain Michael Vaughan said on X on Wednesday. India batting legend Sachin Tendulkar lauded Sooryavanshi's technique calling the innings simply spectacular. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's bat swing has been exceptional, he posted. What stands out even more is the way he effortlessly clears his front foot to make room for deliveries targeting his pads. This gives him the freedom to play his natural game. Comparison with Tendulkar, who made his full international debut aged 16, have been inevitable. But former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik warned against heaping expectation on young shoulders. What Vaibhav is doing is very special, but what I don't want the people to do is tag him as the next Sachin because he is just 15 years old, Karthik said on the Quest Talk podcats. I think what Sachin did was extraordinary. Vaibhav's challenges will be completely different. Rajasthan captain Riyan Parag said he didn't need to offer much advice to the fearless youngster. That's the thing we don't have any conversations, Parag said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He likes batting. Just leave him alone, let him go and have fun.

French Open 2026: Venus Williams and Hailey Baptiste withdraw from women's doubles

Williams, who turns 46 next month, was a singles wild-card entry at the Australian Open. She lost in the first round and became the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open singles main draw.

Maiden India Call-up another Opportunity To Fulfill My Dream, Says Harsh Dubey

Maiden India: Young left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey said his selection for the upcoming one-off Test and three ODIs against Afghanistan felt like a dream come true and described his maiden call-up to the national team as another opportunity to move closer to fulfilling his dream of playing for India. I only see it as an opportunity like another opportunity has been created for me to go one step further in fulfilling my dream. It's a dream of every Indian cricketer to represent his country and do well for his country. Actually, I didn't understand for the first five minutes that my name had been selected because I felt like I was still dreaming. So it took some time for it to sink in, Dubey told IANS after arriving in Nagpur, a day after his IPL side Sunrisers Hyderabad campaign ended with a 47-run loss to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator in New Chandigarh. Dubey, who shot into the limelight by being the leading wicket-taker in Vidarbha winning the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy, describes himself as a genuine allrounder and says he wont change much in preparations for the series against Afghanistan. I always say that I love my batting the most. So I will say I am an allrounder, a hundred percent, and there is no question in that. I will not do anything different in terms of preparation. I will do what I have been doing and not do anything different. It's important to have faith in yourself. On learning from overseas cricketers in the IPL, Dubey said, Yes, definitely. A lot of international players, Australian players, English players you learn a lot of things by playing with them. Like how you can be as a person off the field and on the field. So I definitely learned this thing. I don't think there is a difference between a senior and junior player (in the IPL). I think it's important to do your best on the day, as thats what matters the most whether you are a senior or a junior player. Dubey credited his parents, Surendra and Jyoti, for their sacrifices, including leaving their jobs in the CSIF and a private school, respectively. All coaches have helped me to where I am now. If I take the name of one coach, I think it will be unfair to the other coaches. But I will give the most importance to my parents. I don't think there is a difference between a senior and junior player (in the IPL). I think it's important to do your best on the day, as thats what matters the most whether you are a senior or a junior player. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Offering advice to youngsters, Dubey signed off by saying, I would like to say that you should work hard. If you are playing cricket or doing something else in life, don't cheat and give your 100 percent in everything. I would also like to say that IPL is not the only thing. I would like them to focus on the red ball format and not just become an IPL player. Article Source: IANS

Shukla Retained As Bengal Mens Head Coach; Tiwary, Saha, Majumdar Named Age-group Coaches

Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy: The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has retained former India all-rounder Laxmi Ratan Shukla as head coach of the Bengal senior mens team for the 202627 domestic cricket season, while appointing former Maharashtra batter Surendra Bhave as his deputy. The CAB had invited applications for a broader set of coaching roles on April 24, sparking speculation that Shuklas tenure might end after Bengal were beaten in the Ranji Trophy semi-finals by eventual champions Jammu and Kashmir in Kalyani. But the CAB confirmed his continuation on Thursday after an independent screening process was over, comprising a panel of Arun Lal, Devang Gandhi, and Kalyan Choudhury. The evaluation was conducted strictly independently through comprehensive interviews, ensuring a fair, meritbased and unbiased selection process, it said in a statement. Shukla, who has been in charge of the Bengal senior mens team since 2022, guided Bengal to playing the Ranji Trophy final in 2022/23 and two semifinals. Bhave, who made 7,971 runs from 97 first-class matches at an average of 58.18, brings vast coaching experience and was also a member of the selection committee who picked the 2011 Mens ODI World Cup winning team. Bhave, who will additionally serve as the teams batting consultant, has previously coached Maharashtra, Punjab, and Odisha in domestic cricket. For the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy, Bengal is placed alongside Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Services, Gujarat, Kerala, Delhi, and Odisha. For the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy, Bengal are in Group A alongside reigning champions Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Baroda, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Karnataka, and Mizoram. For the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Bengal are in Group D with Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Tripura, Odisha, Assam, and Pondicherry. Bhave, who will additionally serve as the teams batting consultant, has previously coached Maharashtra, Punjab, and Odisha in domestic cricket. For the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy, Bengal is placed alongside Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Services, Gujarat, Kerala, Delhi, and Odisha. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Anustup Majumdar, who played 103 first-class matches and scored 5,962 runs at an average of 41.40 for Bengal, has retired after a 22year career to take charge as the mens under-16 head coach and will be assisted by Gautam Shome (Jr). Article Source: IANS

Osaka moves into French Open third round

Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka will next take on American teenager Iva Jovic as both players attempt to reach the last 16 at Roland Garros for the first time.

Excited To Test Ourselves Against Worlds Best, Says Pakistan Skipper Sana Ahead Of T20 WC

T20 World Cup: Pakistan captain Fatima Sana said her team is looking forward to testing itself against the worlds best players in the upcoming ICC Womens T20 World Cup in England, set to take place from June 12 to July 5. Pakistan is in Group 1 of the tournament alongside India, South Africa, Bangladesh, Australia, and the Netherlands. The Fatima Sana-led side will also take part in two warm-up fixtures against Sri Lanka and Scotland. It is an exciting time for the Pakistan womens cricket team, and the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England is another chance for us to showcase our skills on the global stage. The best thing about major tournaments is being able to test yourself against the best players and teams in the world while carrying your countrys badge on your chest. World Cups bring pressure, emotion, and memories together. Those are the moments that every cricketer dreams of being part of, and Im looking forward to taking to the field with my teammates. It was an honour to lead the team at the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, and Im thrilled to once again be able to captain the side at this tournament, Sana wrote in her column for the ICC on Thursday. Highlighting the balance in the squad, with Pakistan having both talented youngsters and experienced players, Sana said, What is great about this team is the balance between young girls and experienced players. We have matchwinners in different departments and players who can step up in pressure situations. We have players like Muneeba Ali, Sadia (Iqbal), and Nashra (Sandhu) who have consistently performed and have valuable experience of playing in major tournaments, she added. On preparations for the mega event, with Pakistan beating Zimbabwe at home and then set to take part in a tri-series featuring Ireland and West Indies in Dublin, Sana, who hit the fastest half-century in women's T20I cricket in just 15 balls. said, Preparation has been very productive so far. The players understand the responsibility of representing Pakistan at a major tournament, so the focus and intensity in training have been really good. As well as skills, we have also worked a lot on mindset, which is very important in big games. We have grown a lot in terms of confidence, clarity, and game awareness. The team now understands better how to manage key moments in matches and how to respond under pressure. Experiences from major tournaments always help shape a group, and I believe this team is becoming more mature with every series and tournament we play. Sana also said global tournaments provide opportunities for cultural and personal growth for cricketers worldwide. Seeing different cultures and seeing different approaches to the game are two of the nicest things about playing in global tournaments. Learning from experienced players and conversations with them helps you grow as a player, a leader, and a person. As well as skills, we have also worked a lot on mindset, which is very important in big games. We have grown a lot in terms of confidence, clarity, and game awareness. The team now understands better how to manage key moments in matches and how to respond under pressure. Experiences from major tournaments always help shape a group, and I believe this team is becoming more mature with every series and tournament we play. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This tournament is a strong statement for womens cricket. The investment in the womens game has been great. It gives players more belief, more opportunities, and shows young girls that womens cricket is being valued at the highest level. This will help push the game forward in the right direction, she concluded. Article Source: IANS

Bhopal Leopards Reveal Squad Ahead Of MPL T20 Scindia Cup 2026

MPL T20 Scindia Cup: Defending champions Bhopal Leopards have announced their squad for the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup. The side features exciting talents like Aniket Verma and Arshad Khan. Leopards will start the campaign against Indore Pink Panthers on June 4 in the evening match at Holkar Stadium. The new season of the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup is all set to begin on June 3, with Gwalior Cheetahs taking on Ujjain Falcons in the opening match of the mens tournament. The match will be played at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. MPL 2026 will be the biggest edition of the tournament so far, featuring an expanded format with 10 mens teams and five womens franchises. The mens tournament has expanded further with the addition of three new franchises Malwa Stallions, Ujjain Falcons, and Royal Nimar Eagles. They will join defending champions Bhopal Leopards along with Bundelkhand Bulls, Chambal Ghariyals, Gwalior Cheetahs, Indore Pink Panthers, Jabalpur Royal Lions, and Rewa Jaguars. The womens competition has also grown with the inclusion of Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles. They will compete alongside Bhopal Wolves, Bundelkhand Bulls, and Chambal Ghariyals in the five-team tournament. Abhishek Mohan Gupta from the Bhopal Leopards, which is owned by HMG Sports, expressed confidence in the side ahead of the tournament and said, The squad has been built with a strong balance of experienced and talented young players. We are very excited about the upcoming season and are confident that the team will play an aggressive and positive brand of cricket. MPL has become a fantastic platform for players to showcase their abilities, and we are looking forward to a successful campaign this year. The womens competition has also grown with the inclusion of Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles. They will compete alongside Bhopal Wolves, Bundelkhand Bulls, and Chambal Ghariyals in the five-team tournament. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Priyanshu Shukla is approved as a Match to Match replacement for Mohd. Arshad Khan. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: SRHs Style Of Play Is A Brand To Admire But Comes At A Cost, Says Moody

Indian Premier League: Former Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Tom Moody said the teams battingheavy approach and their overall style of playing is a brand to admire. Still, it comes at a cost, adding that the franchise must invest more in its bowling unit to achieve balance. Moodys comments come after SRH suffered a 47-run loss to Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Eliminator clash. The side entered the playoffs as the third-best side on the points table. SRH relied heavily on their batters Heinrich Klaasen (624 runs), Ishan Kishan (602 runs), Abhishek Sharma (563 runs), and Travis Head (410 runs) to get big runs. With the ball, Eshan Malinga (20 wickets) and Sakib Hussain (15 wickets) were the standout performers, while Praful Hinge and Shivang Kumar showed lots of promise. But Moody pointed to the lack of marquee names in the bowling line-up, aside from Pat Cummins, who was bought for INR 20.50 crore in 2024. It is a brand to admire, but it comes at a cost. They're yet to lift the trophy with this brand. Yes, they're giving themselves a window of opportunity. But the cost is also the fact that you need to invest in that brand. And that investment is lost when it comes to the bowling side. So you're pouring a lot of money into the way you play as a batting unit. You're left short of the finances to be able to build a strong bowling unit to be able to support that. It is a brand to admire, but it comes at a cost. They're yet to lift the trophy with this brand. Yes, they're giving themselves a window of opportunity. But the cost is also the fact that you need to invest in that brand. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Former India batter Ambati Rayudu also echoed Moodys concerns. They can be brilliant like this. They're very, very good on the eye. They're very exciting (prospects). But still, to win an IPL, you need to be smart as well as be powerful. I think that can only improve if you get that kind of personnel, and also get the balance and be able to play in different conditions. That's one area where they need to improve. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: The Biggest Positive For Archer This Season Is His Fitness, Says Irfan Pathan

After Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Former India left-arm fast bowler Irfan Pathan said the biggest positive for Jofra Archer this season has been his fitness, noting the Rajasthan Royals pacers ability to play consistently and deliver hostile spells without breaking down has been instrumental in the sides run to Qualifier 2 in IPL 2026. After Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hit a stunning 97, Archer then delivered a fiery newball spell by claiming three wickets to derail Sunrisers Hyderabads chase. Archers hostile lengths and accuracy ensured SRH were bowled out for 196, sealing RRs passage to Qualifier 2, where they will meet Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh on Friday. So far Archer has 24 wickets from 15 games in IPL 2026 and is the third leading wicket-taker in the competition. The biggest positive for Jofra Archer this season is his fitness. He has played almost every match without breaking down, which has been his main issue in the past. This year, his pace is back up, and his line has been excellent. His over to Ishan Kishan went for a few runs, but he kept bowling hard lengths close to the stumps. Eventually, he got his wicket. He also hit the stumps consistently, especially against Travis Head. Archer targeted Head and delivered a magical ball to dismiss him, perfect line. On the New Chandigarh pitch, most of his deliveries were back of a length. He didn't try to bowl too full - he was in good rhythm, and that is why he picked up three crucial wickets. If those early wickets hadn't fallen, Sunrisers Hyderabad would have gotten much closer. Without Jofra Archer's early breakthroughs, the match could have been very different, said Pathan on Star Sports. Though GT suffered a 92-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1, former India opener Aakash Chopra said the Shubman Gill-led sides bowling approach could unsettle RR. Gujarat Titans should have a clear plan heading into the second qualifier: bat first and put 200plus runs on the board. They may not have the most glamorous or starstudded lineup, but they are a very disciplined unit. He didn't try to bowl too full - he was in good rhythm, and that is why he picked up three crucial wickets. If those early wickets hadn't fallen, Sunrisers Hyderabad would have gotten much closer. Without Jofra Archer's early breakthroughs, the match could have been very different, said Pathan on Star Sports. Also Read: Live Cricket Score That kind of discipline can be very hard to break. So, there is a real possibility that this Rajasthan Royals juggernaut can be stopped by GT. If any team can do it, it's one that doesn't get overwhelmed by big names and sticks to the basics, he added. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi Is Special, But His India Debut Can Wait, Says Chopra

New Delhi: Former India batter Aakash Chopra hailed Rajasthan Royals teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a special talent after his blistering knock in the Eliminator helped the side beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs. But at the same time Chopra added that his India debut can wait given he is only 15. Sooryavanshi smashed a breathtaking 97 off just 29 balls, laced with 12 sixes, as he tore into SRH bowling line-up and helped RR post a massive 243/8. Sooryavanshi, who now holds the Orange Cap with 680 runs in this season, narrowly missed out on the record of fastest hundred in the IPL, but left the opposition bowlers shell shocked with his fearless strokeplay. We are still two years away from the next World Cup. There is plenty of time. Yes, picking Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for India based on his IPL form is an exciting thought. You can't ignore it because the IPL is India's top T20 tournament. He is breaking records left and right. You have to take him seriously. He is special, no doubt. But you don't make changes just for the sake of it. It's simple. For someone to be dropped, they need to fail. If someone is already a topper in the team, why would you replace them just because someone else scored big runs? Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are those toppers right now. You don't replace them. If you do, then in two or three years when Vaibhav has a lean patch, the same thing will happen. The next young batter will be pushed in. So, the selectors, Ajit Agarkar, RP Singh, Pragyan Ojha, will face pressure. But they must do what is best for Indian cricket. They will make the right call. His India debut doesn't have to happen tomorrow. It can wait. He is only 15. There is no rush, said Chopra on Star Sports. Sooryavanshis stunning blitz also saw him surpass Chris Gayles 12yearold record of 59 sixes in a single IPL season. With 65 sixes already, Sooryavanshis face-off against the Gujarat Titans bowlers will be a mouth-watering contest when the Qualifier 2 clash takes place in New Chandigarh on Friday. Bowlers usually have a plan against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Pat Cummins started with yorkers, which Vaibhav couldn't score off initially. But once he got his eye in, nothing worked. The SRH bowlers looked helpless. It felt like they were hit by a tsunami. And when a batter like Vaibhav is in that kind of form, there is very little you can do except watch. SRH have an experienced bowling attack. Pat Cummins and Eshan Malinga are world-class bowlers. One of them is a World Cup winner. Cummins tried his best but was left with no answers. Forget Sooryavanshis age for a moment, just look at the quality. This was one of the best counter-attacking innings by an opener in a long time. Against a good bowling attack, he played with complete control. The bowlers had plans, but those plans failed completely. That is the mark of a special player, added Chopra. He also explained what makes Sooryavanshi such a destructive opener. It all starts with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's backlift. That generates immense power. He has a very solid base at the crease. He mostly likes to hit down the ground or on the leg side, where he can use his bottom hand effectively. But a couple of shots showed his growing maturity, like when he went over covers off a slower ball from Sakib - he held his pose for a moment, paused, and then unleashed. He is reminding us that if you grow up on a T20only diet, this is the kind of batter you can become. Fearlessness is in his DNA. We are astonished by what he has achieved. He also explained what makes Sooryavanshi such a destructive opener. It all starts with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's backlift. That generates immense power. He has a very solid base at the crease. He mostly likes to hit down the ground or on the leg side, where he can use his bottom hand effectively. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sooryavanshi has focused only on T20s. This is what he always wanted to be. He has hit 65 sixes this season. He might reach 70 in the next game. Next season, or the one after, who knows? He could even hit 100 sixes in a single IPL season, concluded Chopra. Article Source: IANS

French Open 2026: Djokovic pushed in 4-set win amid heat wave; second seed Rybakina beaten in second round

Djokovic improved to 14-0 in his career against Frenchmen at Roland Garros and reached the third round in Paris for a 21st straight year

Maiden India Callup A dream Come True, Says Nandni Sharma Ahead Of England T20Is

England T20Is: Young fast bowler Nandni Sharma described her maiden callup to the Indian womens cricket team for the upcoming T20Is against England and the ICC Womens T20 World Cup as a dream come true, adding that the feeling of making it to the national team finally hit her when she played in the tour game against the ECB Development Womens XI. The Chandigarh-based pacer was the joint-highest wicket-taker in her maiden season of the Women's Premier League (WPL) by picking 17 wickets earlier this year for Delhi Capitals, including picking a hat-trick, coming in via a five-wicket haul. I called my family first. I spoke to them at home. They asked me why I was crying. Then I told them I had been named in the World Cup squad. It has been like a dream come true. I played a match, and it hit me that I have made it to Team India, said Nandni in a video posted by BCCIs social media on Thursday. She also said wearing the India jersey for the first time was an unforgettable experience. When I wore this jersey for the first time, I was standing in front of the mirror. I had worked so hard for this. It was a dream come true. I was standing in front of the mirror for 2-3 minutes and tried seeing how I looked like. I was even trying to look back to see how I was looking. It was a very good feeling. I can't explain it, but it was very good. Nandni admitted to being caught off guard when her name was announced in the squad for the trip to England and the T20 World Cup. They were announcing something. I was not even looking. I didn't even think it would come. Then I got a call from my friend about it and I couldn't believe it. I rechecked it again to see if I was really named in the World Cup squad. Then I video called my family. I was very excited. I even started crying on seeing that I was named in the World Cup squad. My father couldn't express his feelings. He said, you have worked hard, you have achieved the fruit of it and you have to keep doing a good job. My mother was very happy. Reflecting on how her life has changed in the last few months, Nandni said, A lot has changed in the last 6-7 months. My life has taught me a lot. Earlier, I used to learn. Now, I have learned to come down a little after achieving something, especially after I had an injury. I have learned a lot. These 6-7 months have been good and difficult. A lot has changed in a positive way. People have started to know me. I am thankful to those who have seen me and considered me. I want to learn something good and something good for my team and country. If I get an opportunity, I want to grab it. I want to learn something from here, whether it is good or bad, I think it will help me a lot in life. Reflecting on how her life has changed in the last few months, Nandni said, A lot has changed in the last 6-7 months. My life has taught me a lot. Earlier, I used to learn. Now, I have learned to come down a little after achieving something, especially after I had an injury. I have learned a lot. These 6-7 months have been good and difficult. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I have learned from few of my mistakes. Overall, WPL has helped me a lot. I have more responsibilities now. I have to take it to the end. I have to take it to the end as long as I can bowl well. It is a very good feeling. Article Source: IANS

Four Indians Named In Womens T20 WC Match Officials

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta: Janani N, Vrinda Rathi and Gayathri Venugopalan have been named in the umpires panel for the 2026 ICC Womens T20 World Cup, while GS Lakshmi has been included as one of the four match referees for the mega event starting on June 12 in Birmingham. The upcoming tournament marks the third consecutive edition of the Womens T20 World Cup featuring an allfemale panel of match officials 14 umpires and four match referees overseeing 33 games in the 12-team competition. Apart from Gayathri, Candace La Borde, Kerrin Klaaste and Shathira Jakir Jesy will make their ICC Womens T20 World Cup umpiring debut. The increasing depth of high-performing female match officials in international cricket is a powerful marker of the sports progress, with the consistently high standards demonstrated in bilateral series and previous ICC womens events underpinning these well-earned selections for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, the ICC said in a statement on Friday. Nine members from the 2024 edition return for the 2026 edition, with Australias Claire Polosak set to stand in her sixth T20 World Cup, having officiated in 22 matches - the most by any umpire. Jacquline Williams and Kim Cotton, with 19 matches each, will reach the milestone of five T20 World Cups. Apart from Lakshmi, Shandr Fritz and Michell Pereira return, with Trudy Anderson of New Zealand joining in. This panel of match officials for the ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2026 reflects the ICCs commitment to expanding the scope of representation to all facets of the sport. The ICC takes into consideration a comprehensive, holistic, and evidence-based account while assessing its sports officials and their decision-making performance. We are delighted to see the progress made by these officials and the elevated standards of officiating they demonstrated during ICC CWC 2025. As we prepare to deliver what will be the biggest womens sporting event in the world, this selection will serve to elevate the meaning associated with the athletic spectacle, said ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta. ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2026 Panel of Match Officials:- We are delighted to see the progress made by these officials and the elevated standards of officiating they demonstrated during ICC CWC 2025. As we prepare to deliver what will be the biggest womens sporting event in the world, this selection will serve to elevate the meaning associated with the athletic spectacle, said ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Match Referees:Trudy Anderson,Shandr Fritz, GS Lakshmi, and Michell Pereira Article Source: IANS

Just Have To Be Adaptable: Harris Ready To Embrace Flexible Role For Australia At T20 WC

T20 World Cup: Australian all-rounder Grace Harris says adaptability could be the key to her World Cup campaign as she prepares for another shot at global success with her national side in the upcoming ICC Womens T20 World Cup in England and Wales. Named in Australias 15-player squad for the tournament, Harris enters the competition with strong recent form behind her but without a guaranteed place in the starting XI. The experienced batter believes the balance of Australias lineup may require her to take on a different responsibility than the one she has often filled throughout her international career. Australias top order appears largely settled, with Beth Mooney and rising star Georgia Voll expected to open the batting, while Phoebe Litchfield is likely to round off the top order. That could leave Harris competing for a middle-order spot where finishing ability and flexibility become increasingly valuable. I think it'll be down the order. Volley (Voll) is a very good opener and she's also the future so you've got to invest there and pull the trigger at some stage. Our group is also ageing, so it's probably the smart move. And also, you're kind of splitting hairs between the top four as openers, Harris told ICC. The 32-year-old acknowledged the challenge of breaking into one of the strongest squads in womens cricket but said she remains focused on contributing in whatever role the team management requires. Personally, I just kind of see myself, it feels good to get selected, but clearly just I'm not quite good enough to maintain a spot yet within the XI. But I reckon it's probably down the order or in the middle to lower-order and then just have to be adaptable, she added. One factor working in Harris favour is her familiarity with English conditions. Across previous international appearances in England, the right-hander has maintained an impressive strike rate above 145 in T20Is, while her recent domestic stint in the country further strengthened her credentials ahead of the World Cup. Last season, Harris enjoyed a productive run with Surrey in the T20 Blast, hammering 338 runs at a strike rate of 156. She then carried that momentum into London Spirits campaign in The Hundred, where she scored 214 runs at a strike rate of 174. The Australian believes those experiences helped simplify her game and improve her understanding of English conditions, away from the intensity surrounding major international tournaments. Yeah, I don't mind England. The conditions (in England) are just probably a little bit lower and there's probably a bit more swing early for new ball bowlers. But outside of that, (I am) not too uncomfortable with the wickets over there. Sometimes when you get into an Australian set up or an Ashes or a World Cup there and there's kind of a lot going on that you can probably just overthink at times or try and analyse well too many scenarios, she mentioned The Australian believes those experiences helped simplify her game and improve her understanding of English conditions, away from the intensity surrounding major international tournaments. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Six-time champions Australia head into the tournament once again among the favourites, armed with a blend of established stars and emerging talent. For Harris, the challenge now is less about securing a fixed position and more about proving she can deliver impact in whichever role the team needs most on the road to another World Cup campaign. Article Source: IANS

ENG-W vs IND-W 1st T20I Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI

ENG-W vs IND-W 1st T20I , Cricket Tips :India Women are gearing up for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 next month. The mega event will be held in England from June 12 onward. But before that, the Women in Blue will face England Women in three T20Is and one Test. The action starts with the first T20I on Thursday. This contest will begin at 11 PM IST at County Ground. England are without captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and star batter Danny Wyatt Hodge. Charlie Dean has been given the captaincy role for the team. For India, they have a pretty squad, and they will be keen to get used to these conditions and start well. ENG-W vs IND-W: Match Details Date : May 28, 2026 (Thursday) Time : 11:00 PM IST Venue : County Ground, Chelmsford ENG-W vs IND-W: Live Streaming Details In India, the live action will be televised on the Sony Sports Networks. Fans can also watch the game through the Sony LIV and FanCode app or website. ENG-W vs IND-W: Head-to-Head in T20I Total Matches : 35 England Women : 24 India Women : 11 Drawn: 00 ENG-W vs IND-W: Ground Pitch Report County Ground offers bowling-friendly conditions. It has grass covering, which will produce seam and swing for the fast bowlers. The batting conditions are expected to get better with the time. As a result, teams are expected to bat second in this game. ENG-W vs IND-W: Possible XIs England Women : Amy Jones (wk), Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley, Heather Knight, Maia Bouchier, Freya Kemp, Danielle Gibson, Lauren Bell, Charlie Dean (C), Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith India Women : Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Shree Charani, Kranti Gaud ENG-W vs IND-W: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Shafali Verma has been brilliant in this format in the last year or so. She is a destructive batter who can take the game away. Amy Jones has been consistent with the bat, and she is in good form. Probable Best Bowler Renuka Thakur will get good help from the wicket, and she will be the one to watch out for. Lauren Bell has been exceptional with the new ball and will be a big threat. Today Match Prediction : India Women have an inexperienced bowling unit for these conditions. England Women have a home conditions on their side and we predict them to win the first game. ENG-W vs IND-W Match 1st T20I, Today Match ENG-W vs IND-W, ENG-W vs IND-W Prediction, SA-W vs IND-W Predicted XIs, Injury Update for ENG-W vs IND-W Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

Lalit Modi Hails Sooryavanshi As RR's 'best Buy' In IPL History

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi heaped praise on teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling him the best buy of tournament history by Rajasthan Royals. RR signed the teenage prodigy for Rs 1.1 crores during the IPL 2025 mega auction as he became the youngest IPL player at just 13. In his debut IPL season, Sooryavanshi became the youngest centurion in men's T20 cricket, smashing 101 off 38 deliveries against Gujarat Titans. After his historic debut, RR retained him ahead of the 2026 mini auction. Best buy of any player in history @Vaibhavsooryava by @rajasthanroyals, Modi posted on X. On Wednesday, Sooryavanshi unleashed carnage during his breathtaking 29-ball 97 that helped Rajasthan Royals beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in the IPL 2026 Eliminator on Wednesday. His Player of the Match performance at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh saw him climb to the top of the IPL 2026 Orange Cap race, having amassed 680 runs in 15 matches for the Royals this season. During his sensational batting show against SRH, Sooryavanshi broke the record for most runs by an uncapped player in an IPL season, surpassing the previous record held by fellow RR batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had scored 626 runs in IPL 2023. He has now made 680 runs this season. In the process, the 15-year-old batting prodigy has now hit the most sixes in an IPL season, having cleared the ropes 65 times this season, breaking West Indies great Chris Gayles record at the start of his knock and taking just 15 balls to go past the record. His 65 maximums are also the most sixes ever hit by a player in a T20 tournament or series. Moreover, he is now level with Gayles record of four IPL innings with 10+ sixes. The first instance when Sooryavanshi smashed more than 10 sixes in a knock came during his maiden IPL ton against GT last when he hit 11 maximums. In the process, the 15-year-old batting prodigy has now hit the most sixes in an IPL season, having cleared the ropes 65 times this season, breaking West Indies great Chris Gayles record at the start of his knock and taking just 15 balls to go past the record. His 65 maximums are also the most sixes ever hit by a player in a T20 tournament or series. Also Read: Live Cricket Score After his 97-run knock on Wednesday, the youngster climbed to the top of the orange cap list with 680 runs, 28 clear of second-placed B Sai Sudharsan of Gujarat Titans (GT). Article Source: IANS

Sooryavanshi Has Shown Throughout IPL 2026 That Pressure Simply Doesnt Affect Him: Kumble

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former India captain Anil Kumble praised teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, opining that the most striking aspect of his season has been his complete freedom from pressure, even in the biggest moments, after the Rajasthan Royals opener delivered a stunning match-winning performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 Eliminator. The 15-year-old blasted 97 off just 29 balls as RR posted a massive total before sealing a 47-run victory at New Chandigarh to advance to Fridays Qualifier 2, where theyll face Gujarat Titans in what will be a repeat of the IPL 2022 final. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has shown throughout the season that pressure simply doesnt seem to affect him, and this innings was another example of that. In just 29 balls, he completely changed the direction of the game and put Sunrisers Hyderabad under immense pressure right from the start, Kumble told JioStar. Sooryavanshis innings dismantled Hyderabads bowling plans almost immediately. Despite captain Pat Cummins and his attack attempting different lengths and field adjustments, Rajasthan stormed through the Power-play and never allowed SRH to regain control. Kumble pointed out how quickly the young batter forced Hyderabad to abandon their original plans. Pat Cummins and the bowlers came in with plans, but within the first couple of overs those plans were already disrupted because they simply didnt know where to bowl to him. To play an innings of this magnitude in a knockout game at the age of 15 is extraordinary, he said. The former India spinner also credited Sooryavanshis consistency across the season as a major reason behind RRs run to Qualifier 2. One of the biggest reasons Rajasthan Royals are now in Qualifier 2 is because of the impact he has had throughout the tournament, and holding the Orange Cap at this stage only highlights how remarkable his season has been, the former spinner stated. Sooryavanshis knock once again underlined his extraordinary campaign, with the teenager already being regarded as one of the breakout stars of IPL 2026. His innings against Hyderabad included a 16-ball fifty that equalled Suresh Rainas record for the fastest half-century in an IPL playoff match. Looking ahead to Qualifier 2 against GT, Kumble believes Rajasthans current momentum and confidence make them a dangerous side. Gujarat Titans had actually controlled large phases of Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru before things slipped away in the latter half of the game. A few dropped catches, extras, and the sudden collapse after Sai Sudharsans dismissal put them under immense pressure, he stated. Kumble added that Gujarats approach against Sooryavanshi could ultimately decide the contest as he said, But heading into Qualifier 2, a lot could depend on how they handle Vaibhav Sooryavanshi because Rajasthan Royals confidence is extremely high at the moment. They are coming into this game after three consecutive wins against quality sides like Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians at Wankhede, and now Sunrisers Hyderabad. Gujarat Titans had actually controlled large phases of Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru before things slipped away in the latter half of the game. A few dropped catches, extras, and the sudden collapse after Sai Sudharsans dismissal put them under immense pressure, he stated. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With a 15-year-old currently holding the Orange Cap, Rajasthan Royals will firmly believe they belong here, while Gujarat Titans will need to produce their very best performance to stop their momentum, the 55-year-old said. Article Source: IANS

Venkatesh Iyer Headlines Indore Pink Panthers Squad For MPL T20 2026

The Madhya Pradesh League: Indore Pink Panthers have announced their squad for the next edition of the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Cup. The team also includes all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, whose exceptional batting form in the IPL 2026 season will boost the Panthers batting strength and power. Director Sandeep Jain of Indore Pink Panthers, owned by Moira Group, expressed his support for the squad and stated, We have assembled a squad that strikes the right balance between experienced players and exciting young talent. There is a lot of energy and confidence in the group, and we are looking forward to playing a positive brand of cricket this season. The MPL has emerged as a major platform for players to showcase their abilities. The tournament has also played an important role in discovering new talent from across Madhya Pradesh. Indore Pink Panthers will face Bhopal Leopards in the evening match at Holkar Stadium on June 4 to kick off the tournament. The Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Cup's new season starts on June 3, with the Gwalior Cheetahs competing against the Ujjain Falcons in the first mens match. This game will also be held at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. MPL 2026 will be the largest edition to date, featuring 10 mens teams and five womens franchises. The men's tournament has expanded with three new teams: Malwa Stallions, Ujjain Falcons, and Royal Nimar Eagles, joining defending champions Bhopal Leopards. The lineup also includes Bundelkhand Bulls, Chambal Ghariyals, Gwalior Cheetahs, Indore Pink Panthers, Jabalpur Royal Lions, and Rewa Jaguars. MPL 2026 will be the largest edition to date, featuring 10 mens teams and five womens franchises. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Indore Pink Panthers Squad: Venkatesh Iyer, Aayaam Verma, Akash Rajawat, Anvesh Chawla, Atharv Joshi, Karan Tahliyani, Lucky Mishra, Mehfooz Patel, Roshan Kewat, Saransh Bhargava, Saransh Surana, Shivam Shukla, Shubham Rathore, Siddharth Patidar, Sidhant Agravwal, Vishnu Bhardwaj Article Source: IANS

Defending A Title Changes Your Mindset: Jitesh Opens Up On NECO Master Blasters Approach Ahead Of VPL T20

The NECO Master Blaster: Ahead of the new Vidarbha Premier League (VPL) season, NECO Master Blaster captain Jitesh Sharma, the reigning T20 champions, expressed his views on the challenges of defending a title, the mindset needed for ongoing success, and his hopes for the players this season. Having led the franchise to victory last season, Jitesh believes that defending a championship presents a entirely different mental challenge than pursuing one. Defending the title gives extra unnecessary load and unnecessary attention towards winning the cup. I think chasing something always gives you a thought of what next move we should plan. It changes your mindset, said Jitesh. When you go for a win or chase a trophy, you always plan to win the game. But defending a title, gives you a thought that I dont want to lose. I dont want to lose this trophy. If you think about how to win, it makes a huge difference in your mindset, he added. The wicketkeeper-batter emphasized that maintaining consistency and discipline is crucial for the team to replicate last seasons success. I think doing the same boring thing again and again, Jitesh remarked while explaining the process behind sustained success. As captain, Jitesh delivered a powerful message to his teammates before Season 2, emphasising the significance of freedom, fearlessness, and trust in the team dynamic. Be natural, be fearless. Irrespective of performance, I will back you and I trust that whatever decision you will take on the ground, it will be on behalf of the team, and I will respect it. And if you fail, still you will have my back. If you get success, still you will have my slap, he said. The NECO Master Blaster captain also stated that his priority isn't just about winning. Instead, he emphasizes helping players grow both as cricketers and as individuals throughout the tournament. I will give a very simple answer. I just want players to improve by 2%, 3% in this league. Thats it. I am not expecting too much from them. I just want that in the last league, in the last matches, as a person, as a cricketer, they are getting 10% improved now, he said. Rather than thinking about performance, they should be more skillful, more mentally strong, more physically strong. And you can say they are more courageous to take more risk in this league. Thats what I am expecting, Jitesh added. I will give a very simple answer. I just want players to improve by 2%, 3% in this league. Thats it. I am not expecting too much from them. I just want that in the last league, in the last matches, as a person, as a cricketer, they are getting 10% improved now, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Squad: Jitesh Sharma, Adhyayan Daga, Aryan Meshram, Shanmesh Deshmukh, Ananmay Jayaswal, Vedant Dighade, Vaibhav Chandekar, Abhishek Gupta, Shantanu Rajput, Dipesh Parwani, Harsh Dubey, Avinash Jadhav, Arya Durugkar, Gaurav Dhoble, Gaurav Farde, Kush Khandelwal. Article Source: IANS

Jurel: 'I am meant to keep the ship steady and take it forward'

It looks like second fiddle to what Sooryavanshi did, but this knock in itself, I would rate it as high as a match-winning knock, Rayudu says of Jurel's 21-ball 50

He Doesn't Want Give A Damn About Any Bowler: Jurel Reveals Sorryavanshi's Mantra Behind Explosive Batting

New Chandigarh: Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel expanded on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's mindset, saying the teenage batting sensation's mantra is he doesn't give a damn about the bowler. Powered by Sooryavanshis explosive knock of 97 off 29 balls, including five fours and 12 sixes at a staggering strike rate of 334.48 and backed by early strikes from Jofra Archer, RR clinched a huge 47-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 Eliminator in New Chandigarh on Wednesday. Sooryavanshi tore into the SRH bowling attack, sending the ball to all corners of the ground to give the Royals a blistering start. He needed just three deliveries to clear the ropes for the first time, taking on SRh skipper Pat Cummins in the opening over and never easing off from there. The 15-year-old looked unstoppable, dispatching the likes of Cummins, Eshan Malinga and Sakib Hussain for sixes with remarkable ease. The best thing about Vaibhav that I have noticed is that he doesn't plan anything. Because he practises a lot and he always backs himself. That's what he does every time he goes out and plays. The best thing about him is that he backs himself. He doesn't even have a shadow of doubt that 'I am not able to do it' Jurel said in post match presser. Sooryavanshi's seventh maximum in the fourth over took him past Chris Gayles record of 59 sixes - the most by any batter in a single IPL season - while his eighth maximum helped him race to a 16-ball half-century, which is the joint-fastest fifty in IPL playoffs. He hammered five more sixes after reaching his fifty and looked set to threaten another Chris Gayle landmark - the fastest IPL century, off just 30 balls. The best thing about Vaibhav that I have noticed is that he doesn't plan anything. Because he practises a lot and he always backs himself. That's what he does every time he goes out and plays. The best thing about him is that he backs himself. He doesn't even have a shadow of doubt that 'I am not able to do it' Jurel said in post match presser. Also Read: Live Cricket Score When we go to an academy, we're told, 'Don't watch the bowler, watch the ball'. As 17-year-olds, we always watch the bowler, (and think) he's a big name. But really, he just watches the ball. That's all. His mantra is 'I don't want give a damn about any bowler' he added. Article Source: IANS

24/7 digital 'superfans' rewriting sports marketing rules; 96% cricket viewers on YouTube: Google

This year, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerged as the top-searched IPL team across India this season, closely followed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI)

Sooryavanshi's Level Of Game Awareness Is Remarkable At 15: AB De Villiers

Former South Africa: Former South Africa batter and IPL great AB de Villiers heaped praise on teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, stating that the openers game awareness at the age of just 15 is 'remarkable' after the Rajasthan Royals batter produced a breathtaking innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 Eliminator. The 15-year-old smashed a stunning 97 off just 29 balls to power Rajasthan Royals to a commanding total before they sealed a 47-run victory to enter Qualifier 2. Reacting to the knock, de Villiers said what impressed him most was not just the shot-making but the maturity and calmness Sooryavanshi displayed in a high-pressure knockout game. What stood out most about Vaibhav Sooryavanshis innings was his composure and clarity under pressure at just 15 years of age. Pat Cummins and Sunrisers Hyderabad kept trying different plans, constantly changing the field and mixing their lengths to disrupt his rhythm, but he stayed completely locked into his own bubble throughout the innings. That level of game awareness in a knockout match is remarkable for someone so young, de Villiers told JioStar. Sooryavanshis innings completely disrupted SRH's bowling plans. Despite skipper Cummins opening with defensive fields and yorker-heavy tactics, the teenager countered every move with fearless strokeplay as RR raced to 125 in just eight overs. De Villiers highlighted how the youngster appeared ready for every tactical adjustment SRH attempted during the innings. Whether they bowled short or tried to surprise him with fuller deliveries, he seemed prepared for every plan and was in control against all of them. Scoring 97 off just 29 balls in an Eliminator, while dominating all parts of the ground, was an extraordinary display of fearless batting and showed why he is already being spoken about alongside some of the most explosive players the IPL has seen, he added. De Villiers was also impressed by the youngsters understanding of preparation and mental routines before matches, saying that aspect of his game reflects unusual maturity for a player of his age. Whats most impressive about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the clarity he already has around his preparation and routines at just 15 years of age. Hearing him talk about visualising match-ups, studying bowlers, and mentally preparing before games shows a level of maturity that is very rare at that age, the RCB Hall of Famer said. The former Royal Challengers Bengaluru star even compared Sooryavanshis approach to legendary Australian opener Matthew Hayden, known for his strong visualisation routines during his playing days. It actually reminded me a little of Matthew Hayden, who used to spend time visualising on the pitch before batting. Over the course of his career, many of those routines will evolve, but the important thing is that Vaibhav is already building his own habits and processes instead of trying to copy others, the Proteas great stated. According to de Villiers, individuality could prove crucial in shaping Sooryavanshis long-term success at the highest level. It actually reminded me a little of Matthew Hayden, who used to spend time visualising on the pitch before batting. Over the course of his career, many of those routines will evolve, but the important thing is that Vaibhav is already building his own habits and processes instead of trying to copy others, the Proteas great stated. Also Read: Live Cricket Score RR will now face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 on Friday at the same venue in New Chandigarh. Article Source: IANS

IRE Vs NZ Only Test: Ravindra And Blundell Turn Tide For New Zealand Against Ireland

Hundreds from Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell helped New Zealand recover from a collapse against Ireland to reach 361-5 on the opening day of a one-off Test. New Zealand, sent in to bat in Belfast on Wednesday, were in trouble at 86-4, with Ireland paceman Mark Adair taking three wickets and Test debutant Liam McCarthy dismissing key batsman Kane Williamson. But a mammoth fifth-wicket stand of 217 between Ravindra (121) and Blundell (142 not out) revived New Zealand's innings in a match that also serves as a warm-up fixture for their opening Test against England at Lord's next week. Adair struck with just his second delivery, removing Tom Latham when the captain played no shot to an inswinger. Devon Conway was then caught by a diving McCarthy at midwicket, with Adair also having Daryl Mitchell caught behind. McCarthy had a maiden Test wicket to remember when Williamson, struggling for timing during a 70-ball 36, was lbw. But an Ireland side featuring three debutant fast bowlers could not press home their advantage and there was a self-inflicted wound when captain Andrew Balbirnie dropped Ravindra in the slips. Left-hander Ravindra completed his fifth Test century in 175 balls faced. Blundell was slightly quicker, his hundred coming in 173 balls, including 15 fours and a six. Ravindra holed out to off-spinner Harry Tector but Blundell, in the first Test between the two countries, was unbeaten at stumps. Batting with Tom, one of my best mates, it was cool to get it done out there, said Ravindra. To have us four down for 80-odd made our lives quite difficult so me and Tommy's focus was on building a partnership. McCarthy, meanwhile, was proud of the start to his Test career. There's not many better wickets to get than Kane Williamson for your first one, he said. New Zealand suffered a setback before play began at Stormont after fast bowler Matt Henry was ruled out with a minor strain in his left hamstring. He has now headed to London alongside fellow pacemen Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke. The trio will look to prove their fitness ahead of the first of a three-Test series against England at Lord's starting a week on Thursday. Brief score At Stormont, Belfast (first day of four): New Zealand 361-5 (T Blundell 142 no, R Ravindra 121; M Adair 3-66) v Ireland Also Read: Live Cricket Score Toss: Ireland

West Indies To Host SL, NZ And Pakistan As CWI Unveil Home Season Schedule

ICC World Test Championship: Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled the full schedule for the 2026 mens home season, featuring international series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan. The highlight of the home season consists of a pair of two-match Test series with Sri Lanka and Pakistan that form part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. The season officially bowls off in Jamaica with a white-ball series against Sri Lanka from June 314, featuring three ODIs and as many T20Is. The teams will then travel to Antigua for a two-match Test series scheduled for June 2529 and July 37. Attention will then shift to a five-match ODI series against New Zealand, with Guyana hosting the opening three matches on July 11, 13 and 16, before the series concludes in Barbados with the final two encounters on July 19 and 21. As part of the finalised schedule, Barbados has been added as a host venue for the One-Day International series against New Zealand, with the final two matches now set to be played there, CWI said in a release. The final leg of the home season will take place in Trinidad & Tobago, where the Men in Maroon will face Pakistan in a two-match Test series from July 2529 and August 26. The series will also mark a historic milestone for the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, which is set to host its first-ever international Test match. The West Indies currently sit in ninth place on the World Test Championship standings, having played eight matches so far this cycle. Sri Lanka series schedule: First ODI June 3, Sabina Park, Jamaica Second ODI June 6, Sabina Park, Jamaica Third ODI June 8, Sabina Park, Jamaica First T20I June 11, Sabina Park, Jamaica Second T20I June 13, Sabina Park, Jamaica Third T20I June 14, Sabina Park, Jamaica First Test June 25-29, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua & Barbuda Second Test July 3-7, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua & Barbuda New Zealand series schedule: First ODI July 11, Guyana National Stadium, Guyana Second ODI July 13, Guyana National Stadium, Guyana Third ODI July 16, Guyana National Stadium, Guyana Fourth ODI July 19, Kensington Oval, Barbados Fifth ODI July 21, Kensington Oval, Barbados Pakistan series schedule: Fifth ODI July 21, Kensington Oval, Barbados Also Read: Live Cricket Score Second Test August 2-6, Queens Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago Article Source: IANS

'A brand to admire but it comes at a cost' - Moody wants SRH to invest in bowlers

You're pouring a lot of money into the way you play as a batting unit, [but] you're left short with the finances to be able to build a strong bowling unit, Tom Moody says about SRH