'That Was A Batting Masterclass': Zimbabwe Captain Nkomo On India's Chase
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Zimbabwe captain Josephine Nkomo hailed India's batting performance in the second T20I of the three-match series at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium here on Sunday. India captain Smriti Mandhana (47* from 25 balls) and vice-captain Shafali Verma (55 from 25 balls) put up a 96-run partnership for the opening wicket off just 47 balls to kill the meagre chase of 103 to win the second match by nine wickets and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Nkomo was in awe of the Indian batters and stated that it was a good learning experience for the team. I thought that was a batting masterclass by the Indian team. We just stood there and had to watch and learn, and there's no better way to learn than actually experiencing the carnage that happened out there, Nkomo said in the post-match presentation. During their 96-run association, Shafali and Mandhana also became the first pair to aggregate 1000-plus runs as a pair for any wicket in a single year in the format. During her 55, Shafali also became the first women's cricketer to aggregate more than 900 runs in a single year in T20Is as she now has 922 runs in 2026, well clear of South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, who has hit 824 runs this year. While India were on a roll with the bat after a strong performance with the ball, Zimbabwe's batters found time pretty hard in the middle. They made 20/1 in the powerplay and played 29 dot balls in the first six overs, which is now the second most by a team in Women T20Is in India. The Women in Blue had played 30 dot balls in the first six overs against Pakistan women in Delhi in 2016 and then against South Africa women in Surat in 2019. Zimbabwe captain reflected on her batting, underlining that they need to do well in the powerplay. Yeah, I think the main difference today was we didn't have a good start in the powerplay, and let's just hope in the next game, hopefully we'll have a good start, set a good foundation for everyone else to finish off the game well and not expose our bowlers, she said. The Women in Blue had played 30 dot balls in the first six overs against Pakistan women in Delhi in 2016 and then against South Africa women in Surat in 2019. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
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Boland Strikes Twice On Return Before Rain Brings Early End To Day One Of Second Test
Proteas Men: Scott Boland struck twice on his return to the Australian team before persistent rain brought an early end to the opening day of the second Test against South Africa here at St George's Park on Sunday. South Africa were 20/2 in 12.2 overs when the showers returned in the afternoon, and with no let-up, day ones play was abandoned at 4:15 pm. The lost overs can be made up over the coming days, though more bad weather is forecast. Brought in place of veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon as Australia opted for an all-pace attack, Boland removed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham off consecutive deliveries in his second over. Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bowl first, but drizzle pushed back the start by 90 minutes. Only 5.3 overs were bowled before another interruption forced an early lunch. Mitchell Starc found the going tough as Markram drove him handsomely twice, and Boland was introduced as soon as play resumed. He started with a maiden, including beating the edge of debutant Marques Ackerman. In his next over, Boland got one to nip back and take Markram's inside edge to crash into middle stump. On the next ball, Bedingham pushed away from his body at one in the channel outside off stump and thick edge was pouched safely. South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma survived the hat-trick ball - an inside edge on to his pad drawing only muted appeals. Ackerman, who had never opened in first-class cricket before, endured a testing start, remaining scoreless for 14 balls before a thick edge squeezed past gully. Lyon's omission marked the first time since 2013 that he had been left out of a red-ball Test when available. He was also dropped from day-night Tests in Jamaica and Brisbane last year, much to his displeasure. Australia's spin duties will be shared by part-timers Matt Renshaw, Travis Head, Beau Webster and Marnus Labuschagne. South Africa brought back Kagiso Rabada in place of Keshav Maharaj but retained specialist spinner Simon Harmer. Matthew Breetzke also came in, with Ryan Rickelton being the wicketkeeper. Australia have a 1-0 lead after winning the first Test in Durban by 214 runs. Lyon's omission marked the first time since 2013 that he had been left out of a red-ball Test when available. He was also dropped from day-night Tests in Jamaica and Brisbane last year, much to his displeasure. Australia's spin duties will be shared by part-timers Matt Renshaw, Travis Head, Beau Webster and Marnus Labuschagne. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Tried to use the angles to be successful: Gurjapneet Singh
Ton-Up Agha Helps Pakistan Down Sri Lanka In ODI Tri-Series Opener
India defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the second T20I, chasing 103 in just 8.5 overs. Shafali Verma smashed 55 off 25 balls to set a new calendar-yearSalman Agha marked his return to international cricket with a century as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the one-day tri-series opener in Rawalpindi on Sunday. The 32-year-old scored a 90-ball 107 with a six and 10 fours to anchor Pakistan's 305 in 49.5 overs, before skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi grabbed 3-55 to keep Sri Lanka down to 268 in 48.1 overs. The hosts now play England in the second match on Tuesday -- also in Rawalpindi -- in the series seen as a build-up for next year's 50-over World Cup in southern Africa. Pavan Rathnayake (79) and Janith Liyanage's 60 kept the visitors in the chase during a fighting 119-run fifth wicket stand. Opener Kamindu Mendis also contributed with a fluent 44. Rathnayake cracked two sixes and six boundaries while Liyanage's knock had five boundaries, but once both fell only Dasun Shanaka (28) really troubled the scorers as Sri Lanka lost their last five wickets for just 15 runs. Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf chipped in with two wickets apiece for Pakistan. Earlier, Agha, coming out of a miserable last three months, propelled Pakistan to victory. He was sent home ahead of the third Test in England in August after captaining the team in the first match. These times come on you and I thought that I will go back in domestic cricket and make things right with my performances, said Agha, who was also sacked as Pakistan's T20I captain. I was looking to hit the ball in the pockets to rotate the strike so that we can take our team beyond 300 so we batted aggressively in the end. Agha hit two consecutive boundaries off pacer Asitha Fernando to complete his fourth one-day international hundred, finally falling to the same bowler in the 47th over. He added 97 runs for the fifth wicket with Hasan Nawaz (37) and another 64 for the sixth with Arafat Minhas, who made 18. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka had jolted Pakistan with the wickets of openers Saim Ayub (seven) and Fakhar Zaman (16). Debutant Saad Baig scored a brisk 40-ball 39 with two sixes and three fours. Along with Babar Azam (45), the pair lifted the score during their 74-run stand. Fast bowler Eshan Malinga dismissed both in successive overs to halt Pakistan's progress before Agha came into his own. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Malinga was the pick of the Sri Lanka bowlers with a career-best 4-46, while Fernando took 3-59.
'Bowling Unit Really Came Together': Mandhana Credits Bowlers After 2nd T20I Win
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: India's new captain Smriti Mandhana credited her bowlers for having come together during the second T20I against Zimbabwe at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium here on Sunday. The Indian bowlers hunted in a pack as they kept the visitors to 102/8, with Niki Prasad picking up 2-7 in her two overs. Pacers Kranti Gaud and Nandni Sharma and spinners Deepti Sharma and Sree Charani also picked up a wicket each as the Indian bowlers put up an improved performance from the previous match, where the visitors had made 114/5 in their 20 overs. Speaking after the nine-wicket win in the series-sealing second ODI, Mandhana credited the bowlers for their performance. Well, it was a good one today. I felt the bowlers were really on the mark today, much better than the first match. They were executing their yorkers, slower ones, bouncers really well. Then spinners, of course, Deepti, Shree, Niki coming in and bowling those two overs. So overall I feel like, yeah, the bowling unit really came together today. Of course, we could have gotten better with the catching today. That's something which we can be critical about, Mandhana said in the post-match presentation. India also made a tactical adjustment with the ball as they went fuller in the second game, and it reaped rewards as India kept a lid on the visitors. Yeah, as we discussed in the last match, that unknown - of course, we had seen a few batters from the Zimbabwe team, but again today we had much better plans in a way because we knew how they batted in the first game (bowling fuller balls). So yeah, we had a lot of good plans, but you know you can plan as much as you can, but bowlers have to come and execute, and today I felt they were really on the mark, she added. The skipper, who began her full-time captaincy era with a series win, also reflected on the stellar opening partnership of 96 with vice-captain Shafali Verma that killed the chase. Zimbabwe captain Josephine Nkomo had called the Indian chase a masterclass. Mandhana praised Shafali for her 55 from 25 balls while adding that she also made the most of the chances she got during her unbeaten 47 from 25 balls. The skipper, who began her full-time captaincy era with a series win, also reflected on the stellar opening partnership of 96 with vice-captain Shafali Verma that killed the chase. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India women dominate Zimbabwe to clinch T20I series, register stellar nine-wicket win in Raipur
The ongoing T20I series between India women and Zimbabwe women continued with the two sides taking on each other at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur, on October 18th. It is interesting to...
Ranji Trophy Elite Group: After picking a four-wicket haul in Tamil Nadu's dominant day one against Uttarakhand in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh said there would be no satisfaction within him until he gets to play for India. Playing in just his 10th first-class game, Gurjapneet picked 4-34, including three wickets in a probing first spell, as Tamil Nadu bowled out Uttarakhand, last season's semi-finalists, for 134. Gurjapneet had missed the sides match against Rajasthan in Jaipur because of India A 50-over series against Australia in Puducherry. There is no satisfaction unless I play for India. That's the main job, and that box is still empty. I have to tick that. I was just trying to keep it normal, using the angles according to the wicket and batsmen, understanding the batsmen, how they are reacting, Gurjapneet said to reporters at the end of day ones play. Taking the new ball on a red-soil surface that had soaked up heavy overnight rain in Chennai, Gurjapneet took out Aarav Mahajan, before trapping Dega Nischal lbw and dismissing Kunal Chandela, apart from troubling India Under-19 batter Lakshya Raichandani. He completed his four-for by dismissing top-scorer Avneesh Sudha for 54. It (the way of dismissing batters) is just instinct. I watch his feet movement and how he (the batter) is reacting...One ball I bowl from over the stumps and I will (later) come around the stumps. Maybe his conscious mind is ready to play from that angle and the results were positive, he added. Gurjapneet, who has battled injuries in the past, said he had worked hard to manage the switch from white-ball cricket with India A to the rigorous demands of the Ranji Trophy. I was practising a lot with both balls. Coming into the Ranji Trophy, the workload is high and you have to keep maintaining that. It (my body) should not be under-prepared or like overcooked or something. I'm just trying to keep that energy the same because I know (in) red-ball cricket, it's difficult to bowl long spells. I'm trying to keep my body ready for all spells and deliver that. Gurjapneet, who plays for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL and is a part of the BCCI's targeted pool of fast bowlers, also had stints as a net bowler with the Indian team, an experience he stated has given him a lot of belief. You will get the confidence to bowl good batsmen like Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and all other players. So, when you bowl to them and when you come to the Ranji Trophy, you will get a different kind of confidence in your body. Gurjapneet, who plays for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL and is a part of the BCCI's targeted pool of fast bowlers, also had stints as a net bowler with the Indian team, an experience he stated has given him a lot of belief. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Bowlers, Shafali, Mandhana power India to series win
India eased to victory after limiting Zimbabwe to 102 for 8
2nd T20I: History-creator Prasad 'felt Really Good' After Successive Wickets Against ZIM
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Niki Prasad etched her name into the history books when she took two wickets on back-to-back balls during the second T20I against Zimbabwe at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium here on Sunday. Prasad has become the first Indian cricketer to take wickets on the first two balls in international cricket, setting a new benchmark in the cricket-loving nation. She reflected on her feelings after ending the day with 2-7 in two overs. I feel really good that I was able to get bowling today and use that opportunity to help the team, she said during the mid-innings. Prasad missed a match in the previous match but made a strong amendment in the second game with a brilliant low diving catch of Michelle Mavunga off Sree Charani in the 19th over. I think the last game I missed one catch so I knew if I get another one today, I'll take it, she said on her grab. Meanwhile, Prasad came close to a hat-trick when India appealed for an LBW against Modester Mupachikwa, but they did not review as the ball seemingly missed the leg stump. I felt it was going down leg, so I didn't think we should use the review. I just try staying very calm and apply my basics, and that's why I'm able to apply myself better, she added. Niki came to bowl in the 15th over and struck immediately. She first nicked behind Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano on a delivery that was on a good length and wide, before she plumbed Nyasha Gwanzura on the next delivery. The 20-year-old came close to taking a hat-trick when Mupachikwa missed her flick and was hit on the pads. The Indians appealed but decided against the review. Niki came to bowl in the 15th over and struck immediately. She first nicked behind Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano on a delivery that was on a good length and wide, before she plumbed Nyasha Gwanzura on the next delivery. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India's World Cup Winner Questions BCCI Over Yashasvi Jaiswal's ODI Omission
On Friday, the BCCI omitted Yashasvi Jaiswal from the ODI squad while announcing the team for the tour of New Zealand.
2nd T20I: Niki Prasad Picks Two As India Women Keep Zimbabwe To 102/8
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Niki Prasad hogged the limelight once again as India women restricted Zimbabwe women to 102/8 in the first innings of the second T20I at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium here on Sunday. Prasad, who made a stellar debut with a match-winning unbeaten 39 in the first match, picked 2-7 in her two overs during the second match against Zimbabwe. She picked up a wicket off her first ball in international cricket and then another on the next ball. Prasad came close to picking up a hat-trick but was denied when her off-spin missed the leg-stump on an LBW appeal. Prasad also become the first Indian women cricketer to take a wicket off her first career ball in T20I cricket. Pacers Kranti Gaud, Nandni Sharma and spinners Deepti Sharma and Sree Charani also scalped a wicket each as the visitors could not even get past the 114/5 they had made in the first T20I despite the hosts making a few errors in the field. India began well with the ball as Kranti and Nandni kept the lid on the Zimbabwe batters after the Women in Blue were asked to bowl. Kranti conceded just one run from the opening over through a wide, and the visitors were crawling at 5/0 after three overs as openers Beloved Biza and Kelis Ndhlovu failed to provide a strong start. Nandni then struck in the fourth over when she cleaned Ndhlovu for an 11-ball duck. Zimbabwe wasted a lot of deliveries in the powerplay and managed to move only to 20/1 in six overs, which saw as many as 29 balls being dot balls. The 29 dots Zimbabwe faced are also the second-most dots in the powerplay of an innings in a Women's T20I in India. The Women in Blue had played 30 dots in the first six overs against Pakistan women in Delhi in 2016 and then against South Africa women in Surat in 2019. Kranti got the second wicket as Sharne Mayers was caught for nine in the ninth over. Captain Josephine Nkomo and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano looked to put up a fight, but India made errors on the field too. Shafali Verma put down Mugeri at mid-off in the 12th over off Sree Charani before Kranti put down the same batter in the next over at long-on. However, last game's debutant Prasad came just before the death overs and took back-to-back wickets. She first nicked behind Mugeri on a delivery that was on a good length and wide, before she plumbed Nyasha Gwanzura on the next delivery. The 20-year-old came close to taking a hat-trick when Modester Mupachikwa missed her flick and was hit on the pads. The Indians appealed but decided against the review. Modester Mupachikwa was run out when she tried to find a non-existent run in the 18th over. Charani came back and got Michelle Mavunga caught at long-on, while Francisca Chipare was run out on the final ball when the visitors tried to take two runs but managed only one. They ended on 102/8 as Charani continued her strong wicket-taking streak. She now has wickets in each of her last 15 T20Is. Modester Mupachikwa was run out when she tried to find a non-existent run in the 18th over. Charani came back and got Michelle Mavunga caught at long-on, while Francisca Chipare was run out on the final ball when the visitors tried to take two runs but managed only one. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Muhammad Rizwan Gets First Major Relief From Pakistan Cricket Board Amid Betting, Leak Probe
Muhammad Rizwan and his Pakistan teammate Imam-ul-Haq were barred from playing domestic cricket after being called back from England following the second Test in August.
Arya's 199, Badoni's Unbeaten Ton Torment Gujarat in Ranji Trophy
Priyansh Arya's 199 and captain Ayush Badoni's unbeaten 115 propelled Delhi to a commanding 381 for 4 against Gujarat on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match. The duo forged a crucial 234-run partnership. Elsewhere in Group C, Bengal faced a tough challenge against Services, while other matches also saw early action.
Ranji Trophy: Gurjapneet Singh, Sai Kishore star as Tamil Nadu enjoys near-perfect day
Scott Boland Strikes Twice For Australia In Rain-Hit South Africa Test
Australia's Scott Boland took two wickets in two balls on a severely rain-shortened first day of the second Test against South Africa at St George's Park on Sunday. South Africa, sent in to bat, were 20 for two when play was called off after two short periods of play during which only 12.2 overs were bowled. But it was enough for Boland to strike two crucial blows. He dismissed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham South Africa's most successful batsmen in their defeat in the first Test in Durban. Coming on as first change, Boland bowled Markram for 11 with his tenth delivery, a ball which nipped in off the pitch to crash into Markram's middle stump off an inside edge. Then he produced a ball which seamed away to have Bedingham caught behind first ball. Boland was making only his 20th appearance in Australia's 50th Test since making a sensational debut when he took six for seven against England in Melbourne in December 2021. He has had to wait his turn behind Australia's world-class pace trio of skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. He got his chance on Sunday, replacing off-spinner Nathan Lyon when Australia decided to field an all-seam attack on a green-tinged pitch in heavily overcast conditions. Scotty Boland has been incredible whenever he's played Test cricket, Cummins said after winning the toss. When there's anything in the wicket, he gets a lot of seam movement, super accurate, and then even if it does flatten out, he brings control, experience. He's the whole package. Rain started falling ten minutes after the toss and delayed the start by two hours. Markram hit two boundaries off Starc before play was halted with South Africa on 11 for no wicket after 5.3 overs. Boland was brought into the attack after the players returned in the afternoon and immediately struck a challenging length. New cap Marques Ackerman was unbeaten on five and captain Temba Bavuma was on four when rain brought what proved to be the final stoppage of the day. Boland for Lyon was the only change from the Australian team that won the first Test by 214 runs. South Africa made three changes, with fast bowler Kagiso Rabada returning after recovering from a hamstring injury. He replaced left-arm spin bowler Keshav Maharaj. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Ackerman and fellow batsman Matthew Breetzke replaced Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne with Ryan Rickelton taking over from Verreynne as wicketkeeper.
Nahida Akter named Bangladesh women's T20I captain
She has been given an initial one-year term, with the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy next month set to be her first assignment
Ranji Trophy: Manvanths gutsy knock lifts Karnataka on day one
The southpaw smashes an unbeaten 86 and puts on 87 for the unbroken ninth wicket with Abhilash to take his side to 281 for eight; Unadkat and Bhut claim three apiece for Saurashtra
Ranji Trophy: Happy with my century, but disappointed with the way I got out, says Sachin
Shubman Gill Falls For 1 On Return As Punjab Captain Uday Saharan Rescues Side
Skipper Uday Saharan struck an unbeaten century to rescue Punjab after Shubman Gill's return to the Ranji Trophy lasted just five balls.
'I Was Dreaming For This Day': Niki Prasad On Journey From U19 Title To Strong India Debut
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: India youngster Niki Prasad called that she was dreaming of making her debut for India as she put up a stellar performance with the bat against Zimbabwe during the first T20I against Zimbabwe at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium here. Prasad spoke to the broadcasters ahead of the second T20I in Raipur on Sunday as she was asked about her journey from leading the India U19 side winning the T20 World Cup 2025 to making a strong debut for the senior side a couple of days ago. Prasad, who made an unbeaten 39 from 35 balls on her debut, was pleased with her performance in the opening match of the series. Definitely that innings has given me a lot of confidence, and going forward, whatever opportunity I am put under, I think I'm just going to stick to my basics and play to the merit of the ball, Prasad told broadcasters ahead of the second match. She was asked about her journey and how she is preparing herself mentally for the next stage of her career. You know, I was just dreaming for this day, and the preparation for this journey was quite hard, and I think that hard work has paid off, and I just want to grow from here, the 20-year-old added. Prasad has been part of the Delhi Capitals squad for two seasons and has shown glimpses of her talent. She credited the WPL and India A games helping her in dealing with tough match situations. I think these franchise games and also the India A games, whatever BCCI organised for us, I think that has given me more confidence because I was already put under pressure in those games. So I think it feels quite similar here. With India 1-0 up, the hosts have a chance to wrap the series up with one match to go. India were tested hard in the first match as they lost their top four batters for single-digit scores. Prasad stated that the team's batting group looks to keep things as simple as possible in the second game. I think it's pretty simple to just stick to our strengths and just execute our plans even better when we are batting, she stated. With India 1-0 up, the hosts have a chance to wrap the series up with one match to go. India were tested hard in the first match as they lost their top four batters for single-digit scores. Prasad stated that the team's batting group looks to keep things as simple as possible in the second game. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Ranji Trophy: Sachin, Azharuddeen rescue Kerala on opening day
The former hits his 16th First Class hundred while the latter remains unbeaten on 72 as the two add 141 for the sixth wicket; Odisha medium-pacers exploit the seamer-friendly conditions early on
Consistency Is Overrated In T20s: Cheteshwar Pujara Backs Sanju Samson
Former India cricketer and JioStar expert Cheteshwar Pujara has backed Sanju Samson amid concerns over his inconsistency in T20 cricket, saying that a single good innings can help the wicketkeeper-batter regain his form.
'It Has Been A Massive Confidence Booster': Gwanzura After Strong Performance Against India
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Zimbabwe all-rounder Nyasha Gwanzura called her recent performance against India in the first T20I of the three-match series a massive confidence booster after troubling the Women in Blue at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium here. Gwanzura took three early wickets to put the hosts in choppy waters during the meagre chase of 115 on Friday. She removed newly-appointed India skipper Smriti Mandhana (nine) and rising youngster Anushka Sharma (four) in her first over, which was the second of the innings. She later got rid of India's new vice-captain Shafali Verma with a caught and bowled in the fourth over as the hosts were 19/4. Although India went on to win the match on the back of a strong stand of 82 from debutant Niki Prasad and Deepti Sharma, Gwanzura hogged considerable limelight for her performance. It really felt good, being able to take those wickets for the team and helping my team, backing me all the way, so it really meant a lot, Gwanzura said on her 3-18 in the first T20I ahead of the second match on Sunday. She added that her plan was to keep things simple, highlighting that the performance has been a massive booster for her. I just told myself to keep it simple and just work with the plan. It has been a massive confidence booster, I won't lie. But then the backing from my team has been really helpful and, yeah, just keeping it simple, she added. She revealed that the team would look to do better with strike rotation in the second match as they aim to spring a surprise against the heavyweights India. Our main focus now is to rotate strike and keep the scoreboard ticking, and then we'll start from there. (What are you most looking forward to?) Of course, two more T20s, ODIs, but also off the field. We're looking to enjoy India and learn as much as we can, knowing that India is one of the big teams. We're really looking forward to learning a lot, she added. She revealed that the team would look to do better with strike rotation in the second match as they aim to spring a surprise against the heavyweights India. Our main focus now is to rotate strike and keep the scoreboard ticking, and then we'll start from there. (What are you most looking forward to?) Of course, two more T20s, ODIs, but also off the field. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Must Wait Despite Selection Debate? Ex-India Coach Explains
Abhishek Nayar spoke on the chances of teen prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi featuring in the T20Is against New Zealand, saying that the chances would be that he still has to wait for his chances.
Ranji Trophy: Priyansh and Badoni hit tons as Delhi dominates opening day
The former piles on a massive 199 while the latter is unbeaten on 115 as the two deflate Gujarats morale with a 234-run stand for the fourth wicket
Perrys Fifty Helps Australia Edge Spirited New Zealand By Two Wickets In T20I Series Opener
North Sydney Oval: Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry's half-century helped Australia survive a late collapse and edge past a spirited New Zealand to win by two wickets and seven balls to spare in the first women's T20I at the North Sydney Oval on Sunday. Chasing 163, Australia, playing their first T20 match since lifting the T20 World Cup in July, were cruising before losing wickets in a heap to slip to 145/7 in the 16th over. Captain Sophie Molineux took them to the brink of reaching home, but was bowled by Rosemary Mair while attempting a lap sweep with four runs still required. Kim Garth then square-drove for four to seal the win and help Australia take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Ellyse smashed 52 off 30 balls, and reached her fifty off 27 deliveries with a straight drive. She added 86 for the second wicket with Beth Mooney (38) after Georgia Voll was trapped lbw by left-arm pacer Bree Illing on the second ball of the chase. Beth, who had to remove her contact lenses early on, was run out in a bizarre fashion after setting off for a non-existent single amidst a loud lbw appeal. Ellyse marched forward, but holed out to deep backward square off a Jess Kerr long hop. Jess (3-25) had Ashleigh Gardner trapped lbw on review, and Nicola Carey was run out in a mix-up as the hosts stumbled. It didnt help New Zealand that skipper Amelia Kerr went for 50 runs in her four overs, the most expensive figures of her T20I career. Earlier, put in to batting first, New Zealand posted 162/2, with Georgia Plimmer hitting a career-best unbeaten 85 off 68 balls and Maddy Green making 56 not out off 37 deliveries. The pair shared an unbroken 129-run stand. Georgia was reprieved on 15 and 39 by Beth, who missed a stumping and dropped a catch while keeping up to the stumps. Australia were without Phoebe Litchfield, ruled out with a hip injury, and brought in Tahlia McGrath. Returning left-arm pacer Lucy Hamilton went wicketless for 23 in two overs, but took a superb diving catch to dismiss Amelia. Earlier, put in to batting first, New Zealand posted 162/2, with Georgia Plimmer hitting a career-best unbeaten 85 off 68 balls and Maddy Green making 56 not out off 37 deliveries. The pair shared an unbroken 129-run stand. Georgia was reprieved on 15 and 39 by Beth, who missed a stumping and dropped a catch while keeping up to the stumps. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Babar Azam Achieves Major Milestone, But Virat Kohli's World Record Remains Untouched
took just 399 innings to complete 16000 runs across the three formats, being third fastest for Pakistan behind Mohammad Yousuf (388 innings) and Javed Miandad (398 innings).
Abhishek Sharma's 30-Ball T20I Ton Record Under Threat? Ex-India Coach Backs New Zealand Star
Abhishek Nayar said that it is possible that explosive New Zealand opener Finn Allen could match Abhishek Sharma's record-breaking 30-ball century during the five-match T20I series at home
Ranji Trophy: Saharans unbeaten ton drives Punjabs innings
2nd T20I: Unchanged India Women Asked To Bowl First By Zimbabwe In Raipur
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: India women were asked to bowl first in the second T20I of the three-match series against Zimbabwe at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium here on Sunday. India and Zimbabwe went unchanged for the second match of this series, two days after the first match took place at the same venue. Zimbabwe captain Josephine Nkomo won the toss and asked the Women in Blue to bowl first. She took confidence from the first T20I, where they pushed India in the meagre chase of 115, but wants more from her middle-order batters. We're looking to have a bat. Last time we had a good start, and we're hoping to carry it forward. (Need more runs through that middle order?) Yeah, definitely. So today the plan is just to try to rotate the strike more and just turn those ones into twos, and I'm sure we'll be good to go. (Can you replicate that performance?) Hopefully, if we go through our process well, we should be able to replicate it. Of course it was a good feeling, and I think it gives our bowlers a bit of confidence. (Are you ready to bowl?) Definitely. No changes, Nkomo said at the toss. Meanwhile, India's newly-appointed skipper Smriti Mandhana stated that she wanted to bowl first anyway. Well, looking to field first today as well. Of course, as a team, we'd like to have a convincing chase last time, so I'll try and get better in this game, Mandhana said at the toss. She reflected on the match being played on a different pitch today with the same conditions on offer. Looks like a similar wicket we played on in the first match, similar conditions. Bowlers did a good job, but we'll look to be more disciplined with the ball, she added. Mandhana also said that the team would need to correct themselves from the trouble they faced in the previous game. (19 for 4, you'd want to correct that today?) Yeah, for sure. I mean, as a batting unit, we pride ourselves on having a really strong batting unit, which we definitely have. So we'll definitely look to get better in that department. (Any changes?) No, we'll be the same XI, she added. Mandhana has a chance to wrap the series and start her full-time captaincy role on a strong note. Well, I'm really looking forward to playing some good cricket. I think we don't do anything in terms of thinking about what's going to happen after the match. We want to come here out there, play the best cricket. So I'm just looking forward to that one, Mandhana said on the possibility of winning the series today. India were tested pretty well in their first international meeting with Zimbabwe in the first T20I two days ago. They were in trouble at 19/4 in their chase of 115 after the top four produced single-digit scores. However, debutant Niki Prasad and veteran all-rounder Deepti Sharma sailed the Indian ship through the tough phase with a composed 82-run stand as they went on to register a four-wicket win. Niki remained unbeaten with her 39 from 45 balls, while Deepti was dismissed on 49, but India crossed the line comfortably in the end with 26 balls to spare. Playing XIs: India Women: Smriti Mandhana(c), Shafali Verma, Anushka Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Niki Prasad, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh(w), Arundhati Reddy, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Ga Playing XIs: Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Zimbabwe opt to bat; both teams unchanged
Raipur is expected to serve a similarly slow and grippy pitch as the first T20I
Ranji Trophy: Saharan Ton Overshadows Gill's Return, Rinku, Arya, Badoni Hit Centuries
Skipper Uday Saharan: Skipper Uday Saharan struck an unbeaten century to rescue Punjab after Shubman Gill's return to the Ranji Trophy lasted just five balls, while Rinku Singh, Priyansh Arya and Ayush Badoni also notched up hundreds on day one of the second round of the prestigious competition on Sunday. In the Elite Group B clash at the new PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, Saharan's unbeaten 106, laced with 13 fours, lifted Punjab to 269/4 against Chhattisgarh. Rinku's 118 not out, coming off 186 balls and laced with 11 fours and two sixes, pulled Uttar Pradesh out of trouble to 202 Goa, before the latter reached 43/0 in 12 overs. Arya, playing his first game of the season, fell one run short of a maiden double hundred in first-class cricket, while captain Badoni hit 115 not out to put Delhi in command by taking them to 381/4 against Gujarat. Saharan, who captained India to runners-up finish in the 2024 Mens U19 World Cup, used the sweep and the slog sweep to good effect against Chhattisgarh's left-arm spin pair of Dharmendrasinh Jadeja and Ajay Mandal. Openers Vihaan Malhotra (40 off 77 balls) and Harnoor Pannu put on another half-century stand to see off the new ball, before the duo were trapped lbw by Jadeja and Mandal respectively. Gill, playing his first Ranji game of the season before departing for India's tour of New Zealand, came in at number four but fell for one. Mandal drew him forward and beat him through the gate to knock back the stumps. Saharan and Prabhsimran Singh (62 off 133 balls) then rebuilt the innings with a 130-run stand for the fourth wicket. Though Prabhsimran was trapped lbw by Jadeja before tea break arrived, Saharan marched forward to bring up his third first-class hundred off 168 balls. Wicketkeeper-batter Salil Arora (38 not out off 75 balls) ensured Punjab added 71 runs in the final session without further loss. In Elite Group A game at Green Park in Kanpur, Rinku hit his 11th first-class century, his second in successive games this season, to single-handedly drag Uttar Pradesh from 137/9 to 202 against Goa. At Reliance Stadium in Vadodara, Raj Limbani's four-wicket haul helped Baroda bowl out Bihar for 166, before they reached 77/3. At Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar, debutant Kawalpreet Singh fell four runs short of a century but rescued defending champions Jammu and Kashmir, who were all out for 260 in 82.5 overs against Vidarbha. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh's pacers bowled out Puducherry for 177, with the former finishing on 23/ 2 at stumps. In Elite Group B, a maiden fifty from Manvanth Kumar led a lower-order fightback for Karnataka, who reached 281/8 after birthday boy Jaydev Unadkat and Chetan Sakariya had made early inroads for Saurashtra in Alur. Sibsankar Roy's half-century steered Assam to 228/6 against Tripura, while Andhra spinners Saurabh Kumar and T Vijay bowled out Hyderabad for 275. Andhra were 9 for no loss at stumps and trail by 266 runs. In Elite Group C, without veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, Bengal were bowled out for 184 by Services, but the visitors came back to leave the hosts at 83/5. Sachin Baby's unbeaten 112 rescued Kerala, who reached 245/6 against Odisha. Left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Vicky Ostwal's four-wicket haul helped Maharashtra dismiss Jharkhand for 169, with the hosts reaching 85/3 at stumps at Pune. In Elite Group D, Mumbai bowled out Himachal Pradesh for 140 at Bilaspur and were 107/2 at stumps, and trail by just 33 runs. At the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh (4-34) and left-arm spinner and captain R Sai Kishore (4-40) shared eight wickets as Tamil Nadu bowled out Uttarakhand for 134 in 56.2 overs. Avneesh Sudha top-scored for Uttarakhand with 54 off 103 balls, hitting seven fours, while Mayank Mishra chipped in with a patient 33 off 114 deliveries, including hitting a four and two sixes. In reply, Tamil Nadu reached 85/2 in 27 overs at stumps and trail by 49 runs. N Jagadeesan made 37 off 53 balls, while Pradosh Ranjan Paul was unbeaten on 37 off 73 deliveries. Overnight rain in Chennai and a wet outfield delayed the start until 10.30 am, and bad light brought an early end to the day's play at 5.28 pm. Avneesh Sudha top-scored for Uttarakhand with 54 off 103 balls, hitting seven fours, while Mayank Mishra chipped in with a patient 33 off 114 deliveries, including hitting a four and two sixes. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Ranji Trophy: Rinku Singh's Ton Lifts UP; Goa Make Steady Start
Rinku Singh's unbeaten 118 helped Uttar Pradesh recover from a collapse to post 202 against Goa in their Ranji Trophy match. Goa ended day one at 43 for no loss, trailing by 159 runs. Other Group A matches saw Baroda struggling against Bihar, MP losing wickets against Puducherry, and J and K posting 260 against Vidarbha.
Shubman Gill Lasts Just Five Balls on Ranji Return
Punjab captain Uday Saharan scored an unbeaten 106 to guide his team to 269 for four against Chhattisgarh on Day 1 of their Ranji Trophy match. This came after India skipper Shubman Gill was dismissed for just one run. In another match, Manvanth Kumar's 86 not out helped Karnataka recover against Saurashtra.
Salman Agha Hits Hundred As Pakistan Make 305 In Tri-Series Opener
Salman Agha returned to international cricket with a century to lift Pakistan to 305 in the one-day tri-series opener against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Sunday. The 32-year-old scored a 90-ball 107 with a six and ten fours to anchor Pakistan, who were bowled out in 49.5 overs after they were sent in to bat on a good-paced pitch. Agha had a miserable last three months. He was sent home ahead of the third Test in England in August after leading the team in the first match. Agha hit two consecutive boundaries off pacer Asitha Fernando to complete his fourth one-day international hundred, finally falling to the same bowler in the 47th over. He added 97 runs for the fifth wicket with Hasan Nawaz (37) and another 64 for the sixth with Arafat Minhas, who made 18. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka had jolted Pakistan with the wickets of openers Saim Ayub (seven) and Fakhar Zaman (16). Debutant Saad Baig scored a brisk 40-ball 39 with two sixes and three fours. Along with Babar Azam (45) they lifted the score during their 74-run stand. Fast bowler Eshan Malinga dismissed both in successive overs to halt Pakistan's progress before Agha came into his own. Malinga was the pick of the Sri Lanka bowlers with a career-best 4-46 while Fernando took 3-59. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories England are the third team in the tri-series.
Ranji Trophy: Hyderabad shades the early part; Andhra takes control at the end
Cricket: The home side claws its way back into the contest after lunch after the visitor seemed to be in control with a first-wicket century stand between Tanmay and Abhirath who absorbed the pressure while keeping the scoreboard moving with well-timed fours
Salman Agha ton, Eshan Malinga four-for as Pakistan notch 305
Agha involved in stands of 97 and 64 to lift home side from trouble at 118 for 4
'I Was Little Bit Anxious': Smith Speaks Up On Concussion Scare In Durban
ODI World Cup: Australia veteran batter spoke about his recent concussion scare when he was hit on the helmet during the first Test against South Africa in Durban. Smith, who has been troubled with concussion-related vertigo symptoms in the past, revealed that he felt anxious after his recent head knock but was thankful to be facing no further trouble. He was hit by a bouncer from Anrich Nortje during Day 4 of the Durban Test and continued batting after the physio checked on him. He did not take the field on Day 4 when the Aussies bowled but was back in the slips on Day 5 as Australia registered a strong win. Speaking ahead of the delayed start of the second Test against South Africa at the St George's Park here, he opened up on his recent head knock. I was a little bit anxious to be honest after the hit, he told broadcasters ahead of the start of the Day 1 action in the second Test. I've had a few in the past and had a few concussions. And I really don't like the way that makes me feel. And I think just the anxiety around it after I got hit. He hoped not to feel the way that he has felt in the past, but passed the tests and was later allowed to field on Day 5 of the opening Test. It was a decent knock. And yeah, the rest of that day I wasn't travelling too well. And I think it was more to do with anxiety of hoping not to feel the way that I've felt in the past waking up the next morning and things like that. So yeah, fortunately I woke up well. I passed all the tests, and yeah, things recovered pretty quickly, he added. Smith has had trouble with concussion and vertigo issues in the past. He experienced vertigo symptoms after landing heavily on his head during a T20I between Australia and Sri Lanka at the SCG in February 2022. So yeah, fortunately I woke up well. I passed all the tests, and yeah, things recovered pretty quickly, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Ranji Trophy: Deshpande scalps four as Mumbai shoots out Himachal for 140
Only four home batters manage to make it to double digits on a bouncy track;Musheerand skipper Lad take the visiting side to 107 for two at close on day one
Betting Case: Pak Batter Rizwan Allowed to Play Domestic Cricket
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan has been allowed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to resume playing domestic cricket, despite an ongoing inquiry into allegations of online betting and leaking dressing-room information. Rizwan, along with Imam-ul-Haq, was previously barred from playing and has appeared before the National Cyber Crime Cell (NCCA) for questioning, with his phone seized for forensic examination. A reliable source indicates the inquiry is cooling down and could conclude soon.
Pakistan To Don Pink Jersey For Breast Cancer Awareness In England ODI At Gaddafi Stadium
The Pakistan Cricket Board: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will use the fourth ODI between Pakistan and England on October 25 to promote breast cancer awareness, with players, match officials and broadcasters set to participate in a campaign aimed at encouraging early detection and timely treatment of the disease. The fixture, part of the tri-series also featuring Sri Lanka, will see Lahores Gaddafi Stadium adopt a pink theme as the PCB marks Breast Cancer Awareness Day under its corporate social responsibility initiatives. The campaign coincides with Pinktober, observed internationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pakistans mens team will take the field in specially designed pink kits, while members of the England team, match officials and commentators will be invited to wear pink ribbons to show their support for patients and survivors. The awareness drive will extend across the stadium, with pink-branded stumps used during the match and campaign messages displayed on the venues big screens and LED perimeter boards. Commentators will also highlight the importance of breast cancer awareness during the live broadcast, taking the message to viewers in Pakistan and overseas. The PCB is planning a digital campaign alongside the match-day activities, with Pakistan players appearing in specially recorded videos encouraging people to learn more about the disease and the importance of early diagnosis. The boards official social media channels will also carry dedicated content to broaden the campaigns reach ahead of the fixture. Spectators attending the match will be able to participate in Pink Ribbon activities at Gaddafi Stadium, which are scheduled to begin two hours before the start of play. The initiatives will focus on spreading awareness, promoting timely medical attention and highlighting support for those affected by breast cancer. The board is also introducing limited-edition pink-themed merchandise, including travel polo shirts and fan shirts, through its official retail store and online platforms. The collection will give supporters another way to participate in the campaign and demonstrate solidarity with the cause. Spectators attending the match will be able to participate in Pink Ribbon activities at Gaddafi Stadium, which are scheduled to begin two hours before the start of play. The initiatives will focus on spreading awareness, promoting timely medical attention and highlighting support for those affected by breast cancer. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Bihar U19 Star Scores 184 Off 86 Balls, Fans Calls For Attention Like Virender Sehwag's Son
Fans criticised the BCCI for not giving the same attention to Anmol Kumar, who hails from Patna, Bihar, as Aaryavir, the elder son of legendary India batter Virender Sehwag.
Steve Smith 'taken Aback' By Gqeberha Pitch For 2nd Test Against SA
Steve Smith: Australia veteran batter Steve Smith said he was aken aback after seeing the pitch at St George's Park for the second Test against South Africa, starting Sunday. Speaking to Mark Howard on Kayo Sports after the toss, the former Aussie skipper stated that the Gqeberha pitch looked green with a little bit of damp and was aken aback after learning that the groundsman did not use the hessian cover to protect and manage the pitch. It looks to be a bit of grass on it, to be fair. Bit of grass, a little bit damp, actually, Smith said before the start of the play. So I just actually spoke to the groundsman. He, I said, do you not use a hessian? And he's like, nah, do for morning games in one-day cricket. But I actually like to see a little bit of moisture in the morning. So I was, yeah, taken aback by that. I don't think I've seen that before. But no, it looks like it's got some grass. Could be interesting, particularly with the overheads as well, he added. Australia won the toss and brought in Scott Boland for Nathan Lyon, opting for an all-four-pace attack, although the visitors have several part-time spin options. Speaking on the conditions at the venue, Smith opined that the surface would seemingly help the pacers more than the spinners. Yeah, could be a handful. I've never played this time of year. When we've played in February, March, it's end of the season. The square's usually a lot drier. Wicket's a bit drier and does take some spin. You know, with a bit of rain forecast for the next couple of days, you know, it might not get as much foot traffic as well. So spin may not play as big a part as it traditionally does here. But we'll wait and see, he added. Lyon missed out on playing a red-ball game for Australia for the first time since 2013, whenever he has been available. You know, with a bit of rain forecast for the next couple of days, you know, it might not get as much foot traffic as well. So spin may not play as big a part as it traditionally does here. But we'll wait and see, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Smith 'anxious' after latest concussion scare
Australian batsman Steve Smith admitted to feeling anxious after being hit on the head during the first Test against South Africa, fearing another concussion, despite passing all protocols.
Rain Mars 2nd Test as South Africa Crawl to 11-0 Vs Australia
Rain restricted South Africa to 11 without loss after 5.3 overs against Australia in the second Test, with Rabada returning as Australia sought to consolidate their series lead and WTC standing.
Babar Becomes Fifth Pakistan Batter To Complete 16000 International Runs
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium: Veteran batter Babar Azam achieved a significant milestone as he became Pakistan's fifth cricketer to complete 16000 runs in international cricket during the ongoing ODI tri-series on Sunday here. Babar became Pakistan's third fastest player to reach the milestone during the first ODI of the tri-series against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with England being the other side. He took just 399 innings to complete 16000 runs across the three formats, being third fastest for the Men in Green behind Mohammad Yousuf (388 innings) and Javed Miandad (398 innings). He is just the fifth Pakistan player to get to the mark. Apart from him, Miandad and Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Younis Khan have also made more than 16000 runs across the three formats. The former white-ball skipper Babar got to the milestone against Sri Lanka. Coming into the match, he needed only seven runs to reach the mark, and he got there pretty quickly in his innings. After Pakistan were sent in by Sri Lanka, Babar was out to bat at No.3 when Saim Ayub was caught at mid-off in the third over of the innings, bowled by Dilshan Madushanka. Babar opened his account with a beautiful drive off Asitha Fernando before another drive through the off-side brought him three runs. It was enough for him to reach 16000 runs in international cricket, but he wasn't done, though. The recently turned 32-year-old unleashed a few more good-looking strokes as he made 45 from 57 balls before he was dismissed by Eshan Malinga. His stroke-filled knock included six fours. Babar opened his account with a beautiful drive off Asitha Fernando before another drive through the off-side brought him three runs. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Pujara: T20 Consistency Overrated, Backs Samson
Former India player Cheteshwar Pujara believes that consistency is 'overrated' for top-order batters in T20 cricket, expressing confidence in Sanju Samson's ability to regain form with a single impactful innings.
Shreyas Iyer Wins India's Impact Player Of The Series Medal After West Indies T20Is
India captain Shreyas Iyer was handed the team's Impact Player of the Series medal after the five-match T20I series against the West Indies ended in a 2-2 draw following Saturday's washout at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Former India cricketer weighs in on Abhishek Sharma's performances after WI T20I series
The five-game T20I series between India and the West Indies came to an end, the two sides locked horns across five brilliant matches, and the series eventually ended on a score of 2-2 after the fifth and final T20I of the series was abandoned due to rain, playing spoilsport .
Sammy: West Indies Cricket Needs Financial 'Arm Around' It
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has made an emotional appeal for financial support for Caribbean cricket, hoping that a competitive series against India will attract sponsors and alleviate the financial struggles faced by the team under the current ICC revenue-sharing model.
Nahida Named Bangladeshs New Women's T20I Captain, Mostary Appointed Vice-captain
Bangladesh Cricket Board: Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter on Sunday has been named as Bangladeshs new women's T20I captain. Nahida will take over from wicketkeeper-batter Nigar Sultana, who stepped down from the role after the Asian Games. Sobhana Mostary has been named vice-captain of the T20I side. We sat with members of the selection panel along with others and decided to hand over the T20I captaincy to Nahida. Sobhana Mostary will be her deputy, BCB women's wing chairman Rafiqul Islam was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. Nahida had been widely tipped to succeed Nigar, after having served as her deputy ever since the wicketkeeper-batter was handed the T20I captaincy in 2022. Rafiqul added the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) felt it was the right moment to promote her after spending four years as Nigar's understudy. Nahida has been the vice-captain for a pretty long time and now we feel the time is right to give her the responsibility of our T20I squad, he said. After the Asian Games was over in Japan, Nigar had decided to give up the T20I captaincy to concentrate more on her own game, a move that caught the board off guard. The report also mentioned that Nigar, 29, was unhappy with the way she had been treated by the BCB in recent times. Nigar, however, will continue to lead Bangladesh in the 50-over format, having captained the side in the recent three-match ODI tour of Australia. With this, Bangladesh will have separate captains in the two white-ball formats for the foreseeable future. Bangladesh's next T20I assignment is the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy in Thailand, where they open their campaign against Pakistan on November 12. The report also mentioned that Nigar, 29, was unhappy with the way she had been treated by the BCB in recent times. Nigar, however, will continue to lead Bangladesh in the 50-over format, having captained the side in the recent three-match ODI tour of Australia. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
South Africa openers survive before rain returns
The toss took place on time but rain then caused a 90-minute delay until the first ball
Nahida Akter named Bangladesh women's new T20I captain, set to succeed Nigar Sultana in the role
In a major development, the BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) came forward and revealed that Nahida Akter will be the new T20I captain of Bangladesh women, taking over in the role from Nigar Sultana, who stepped down as the T20I captain to focus more on her game.
After Drawn T20I Series Against The West Indies, Iyer Bags Impact Player Of The Series Medal
West Indies: India captain Shreyas Iyer was handed the team's Impact Player of the Series medal after the five-match T20I series against the West Indies ended in a 2-2 draw following Saturday's washout at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The presentation was captured in a dressing-room video released by the BCCI on Sunday, in which India's training assistant Nuwan Seneviratne handed the medal to Iyer. Tonight the impact medal goes to someone who scored his first T20I hundred and only a few players in India have scored hundreds in all three formats and he's leading in the front and even in the field and the award goes to Shreyas Iyer, Seneviratne said in the video posted on bcci.tv on Sunday. On its social media accounts, the BCCI captioned the clip as, Rain, runs, and some dressing room BTS. Summing up the series decider, ft. the Impact Player of the Series medal presentation. Iyer enjoyed a productive series with the bat, finishing as the third-highest run-getter with 181 runs from five innings at an average of 45.25 and a strike rate of 205.68. His maiden T20I century during the series opener in Lucknow made him only the seventh Indian men's cricketer to score hundreds in all three international formats. India won the first and third games, but the West Indies hit back in the second and fourth games to draw the series, before rain forced the decider to be called off, leading to the two sides sharing the trophy. Iyer enjoyed a productive series with the bat, finishing as the third-highest run-getter with 181 runs from five innings at an average of 45.25 and a strike rate of 205.68. His maiden T20I century during the series opener in Lucknow made him only the seventh Indian men's cricketer to score hundreds in all three international formats. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Taskin: 'We sometimes collapse quickly under pressure'
Taskin has bemoaned Bangladesh's
Hardik Pandya is irreplaceable, says Sunil Gavaskar
Gavaskar believes India must strengthen their bowling attack, recommending four specialist bowlers and all-rounders such as Naman Dhir and Axar Patel.
Sri Lanka bowl, Pakistan hand debut to Baig
Shaheen, Naseem and Rauf reunited in hosts' pace attack; SL pick Colombage
India's Asian Para Games Jersey Has a 5,000-Year-Old Story
The fifth edition Asian Para Games commenced in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Sunday, with para-athletes from across the continent set to compete in a week-long event. India has sent a 281-member contingent, including 168 athletes, for the October 18 to 24 event.
Gill Falls For One Run Against Chhattisgarh On Ranji Trohpy Return
New PCA Stadium: Indias Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill's much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy ended in disappointment as he was castled for one by left-arm spinner Ajay Mandal in Punjab's ongoing second-round Elite Group B match against Chhattisgarh at the New PCA Stadium here on Sunday. Coming in at number four, after Vihaan Malhotra was trapped lbw by Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Gill lasted just five balls and made one run before Mandal beat him on the third ball of the 27th over with a delivery that held its line and slipped through the gate to hit the middle stump. Gill, 27, had skipped Punjab's opening game of the season against Assam but made himself available for the clash against Chhattisgarh to get some red-ball practice ahead of India's tour of New Zealand. Though Gill is not in the T20I squad, he will be a part of India, playing five ODIs and two Tests on the tour, which forms a crucial part of their build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup and also aim to keep their hopes alive in the race for a World Test Championship (WTC) final berth. Gill, though, will play only three ODIs before missing the last two games to prepare well for the Test series to be played in Christchurch and Wellington. Elsewhere, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has missed Bengals ongoing match against Services at the Air Force Complex ground in Palam. Shami had trained with the Bengal squad on Saturday, but there was no official word for his absence from Bengals second round clash. His younger brother Mohammed Kaif came into the playing eleven in his absence. Shami had made an impressive start to the season by claiming five wickets, including a four-wicket haul, in Bengal's opening game against Delhi in Kalyani. Gill, though, will play only three ODIs before missing the last two games to prepare well for the Test series to be played in Christchurch and Wellington. Elsewhere, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has missed Bengals ongoing match against Services at the Air Force Complex ground in Palam. Shami had trained with the Bengal squad on Saturday, but there was no official word for his absence from Bengals second round clash. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'Sooryavanshi Will Have To Wait': Nayar Backs Samson, Explains Indias Selection Dilemma
New Delhi: Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar believes Sanju Samsons ability to produce decisive innings after a lean run could keep young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waiting for his opportunity in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Nayar also explained why Indias team combination, particularly the need for a left-right batting pair, could influence the selection call, while backing Finn Allen to potentially challenge Abhishek Sharmas record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian. Samsons inconsistent returns have often triggered debate over his place in Indias T20I setup, with Sooryavanshi emerging as a possible alternative. However, Nayar believes the wicketkeeper-batters capacity to turn the conversation around with one substantial innings makes his selection a more complicated decision. Sanju plays with everyones emotions because he wont score runs for two matches, and everyone starts raising questions, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play, Sanju Samson isnt capitalising on his chances, how long will we wait? And at that very moment, he will score an 80 in no time. Sanju is that kind of player who will repeatedly give you opportunities to raise questions about him and then will play a big knock, making the most of his chances. So, there will be moments when there will be talks about his place, but Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait, Nayar told JioStar. Nayar said the decision would extend beyond individual performances, with team balance and the precedent set by the management also important considerations. He pointed to the potential consequences of frequent changes in selection, arguing that India must protect its team culture while ensuring younger players receive opportunities at the right time. Often, for a teams culture, if you are a coach or a captain, it is crucial to make the right decisions. If you make haphazard decisions, the impact on Vaibhav Sooryavanshis career is one thing, but the impact on team culture will be far greater. So, according to me, the decision will be, Vaibhav, wait for your time; you will also get opportunities. Maybe in a series where Sanju isnt there or is rested, he will play. But as long as there is a left-hander at number three and at the top, you will always think that a right-hander in between is necessary. So, its not so much about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson; its about having that left-right combination so that a bowler like Bracewell doesnt come and bowl out his overs in the powerplay, Nayar added. Meanwhile, Nayar identified New Zealand opener Finn Allen as a potential threat in the upcoming series, citing the conditions that favour his aggressive style of batting. Allens power-hitting could prove particularly effective on smaller grounds, where clearing the boundary can be easier. Maybe in a series where Sanju isnt there or is rested, he will play. But as long as there is a left-hander at number three and at the top, you will always think that a right-hander in between is necessary. So, its not so much about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson; its about having that left-right combination so that a bowler like Bracewell doesnt come and bowl out his overs in the powerplay, Nayar added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Rizwan to captain SNGPL in final round of President's Trophy
Cricinfo understands he will also play for Peshawar in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy next month
Australia made one change to their playing XI in the second Test against South Africa at St George's Park in Gqeberha. Nathan Lyon has been benched, with ace pacer Scott Boland returning to the playing XI. Australia captain Pat Cummins explained that the overcast conditions played a significant role in the decision and added that he brings in a lot of things, especiallyseam movement.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Will Have To Wait: Ex-India Star's Bold New Zealand Prediction
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi didn't get to play a single game in India's recently-concluded five-match T20I series against West Indies.
Australia bowl, McGrath replaces injured Litchfield
New Zealand begin a new era after the retirements of Devine, Bates and Tahuhu
Lyon left out as Australia go all-pace and bowl first on damp day
Kagiso Rabada returns for South Africa with Keshav Maharaj squeezed out as they look to level the series
Abhishek Was A Bit Below Par By His Standards: Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra: Former India opener Aakash Chopra has played down concerns over Abhishek Sharmas returns in the recently concluded T20I series against the West Indies, saying inconsistent performances are an inevitable part of an aggressive batting approach. Reflecting on the left-handers campaign after India and the West Indies shared the five-match series 2-2, Chopra pointed out that a batter operating at a strike rate of around 200 cannot be expected to deliver substantial scores in every outing. Abhishek, known for his attacking approach at the top of the order, did not enjoy the kind of consistency that has characterised some of his recent performances. Chopra acknowledged that the opener was below his usual standards but cautioned against drawing conclusions from a limited run of matches. In the last game, when he didnt get many strikes, he looked a bit scratchy. He didnt get any rhythm at all, and lets discount whatever happened in this game. So, he was a bit below par by his standards in the series, but that is also going to happen, Chopra told JioStar. Drawing a contrast between Abhisheks recent returns, Chopra highlighted how dramatically a batters fortunes can change from one series to another. The youngster had produced prolific scores against Afghanistan, including a century and a 70, but those performances should not become the benchmark for every subsequent assignment. That is another reality of the brand of cricket you play. You will always find that there might be a series, like the one against Afghanistan recently, where he scored a hundred in one game and a 70 in another, but then there will be another series where he would have a soft dismissal in one game, then another soft dismissal, play one good innings, and then get dismissed by a good delivery in another. Drawing a contrast between Abhisheks recent returns, Chopra highlighted how dramatically a batters fortunes can change from one series to another. The youngster had produced prolific scores against Afghanistan, including a century and a 70, but those performances should not become the benchmark for every subsequent assignment. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test Day 1 LIVE Score Updates
South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test Day 1 LIVE Score: Australia are 1-0 up in the three-match series after winning the first Test by 214 runs.
Can Zimbabwe escape Afghanistan's ODI chokehold?
Afghanistan have a 20-10 record in ODIs against Zimbabwe, and haven't lost to them in the last eight years
South Africa vs Australia Live Streaming, 2nd Test Live Telecast: When And Where To Watch
Here are the live streaming and live telecast details for the South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test:
India Sometimes Get Carried Away With Trying To Find Hardik's Replacement: Gavaskar
The West Indies: India legend Sunil Gavaskar, while discussing key takeaways from the T20I series against the West Indies, stated that Team India sometimes get a little bit carried away with trying to find a replacement for Hardik Pandya. The West Indies' wait for a first bilateral series win in India since 2002 continues, as the final T20I between India and the tourists was called off after 46 balls of the India innings due to rain. Gavaskar suggested that India need to play with at least four full-time bowlers, with the fifth and sixth being the all-rounders. The T20I series against the West Indies was an opportunity for India to test their bench strength. Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav made their case with the ball, but Naman Dhir emerged as the tour's most interesting find. In Bengaluru, a six-ball cameo offered a glimpse of his batting potential. Until then, it had been Dhir's off-spin that had made the stronger impression. We didn't get to see the bowling. It would have been interesting to see how the Indians bowled in this nine-over game. The takeaway from the series is that, in their bowling, they have to play with at least four regular bowlers. A fifth bowler and a sixth can be your all-rounders, somebody who can bat as well, Gavaskar said on JioStar. Somebody like Naman Dhir, who's more of a batter but who can come in and bowl two or three overs. Axar Patel, who can bowl his four overs. We sometimes get a little bit carried away with trying to find a replacement for Hardik Pandya. Hardik Pandya is irreplaceable. If you can't find somebody of his calibre, then go with somebody who will do a slightly different job, he added. In a rain-marred 9-over-a-side game in Bengaluru, Naman Dhir hit three sixes in his six balls, helping India to 118/5 at the 7.4-over mark, before rain stopped play. Somebody like Naman Dhir, who's more of a batter but who can come in and bowl two or three overs. Axar Patel, who can bowl his four overs. We sometimes get a little bit carried away with trying to find a replacement for Hardik Pandya. Hardik Pandya is irreplaceable. If you can't find somebody of his calibre, then go with somebody who will do a slightly different job, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'Needs A Lot Of Preparation': Pujara Lauds Dhir's Explosive Cameo, Urges Clarity On Spin Options
New Delhi: Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has praised Naman Dhir for his blistering unbeaten 24 off just six deliveries in Indias rain-hit T20I decider against the West Indies in Bengaluru, highlighting the preparation required to deliver such an impact in a high-pressure situation. He also stressed the need for the team management to identify and consistently back its spin options for the coming years, naming Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi among the candidates to be considered alongside Varun Chakravarthy. Dhirs late assault showcased his ability to make an immediate difference with minimal time at the crease. In a match reduced by rain, the Mumbai Indians batters six-ball effort offered a glimpse of the value of having a designated finisher capable of clearing the boundary from the outset. Pujara believes the ease with which Dhir found the ropes should not be mistaken for a lack of effort behind the performance. Its the ease hes batting with. You face only six deliveries, and there were just two singles. All the other deliveries went for fours and sixes. Hes batting at a strike rate of 400 in a game that is limited to nine overs. So, to walk in and start hitting each and every ball for a four or a six, that needs a lot of preparation. When you look at him batting, you might think, 'Oh, he's making batting look so easy, but its not that easy. When youre batting in that position, you have no time to think. So, to have faced just five or six deliveries and to have reached a score of 24, I think that is phenomenal, Pujara told JioStar. Beyond the batting display, Pujara also addressed a longer-term selection question for Indian cricket: how to maintain a settled group of spinners despite the changing demands of T20 conditions. He pointed to factors such as ground dimensions and the pressure of conceding runs in a format where one expensive spell can quickly affect a bowlers confidence. You will have to identify players and continue backing them. If the boundary size is small, Kuldeep may not play every game. So, you also need to give the players clarity that they will continue to be part of the Indian team. They may or may not be part of the playing XI regularly, but they are there in the larger setup. That is the message that needs to be communicated to the spinners especially because they can lose confidence pretty quickly in a shorter format. Beyond the batting display, Pujara also addressed a longer-term selection question for Indian cricket: how to maintain a settled group of spinners despite the changing demands of T20 conditions. He pointed to factors such as ground dimensions and the pressure of conceding runs in a format where one expensive spell can quickly affect a bowlers confidence. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
'Our Team Under Pressure To Deliver ICC Trophy': Pakistan Star's Big Confession
Experienced top-order batter on Saturday said Pakistan's long wait for an ICC trophy could end next year in the 50-overs World Cup to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Tilak Varma: 'Mentally prepared' for new T20I batting role
Tilak Varma discusses India's changing batting order, his preparation for the finisher's role and the positives from the West Indies T20I series ahead of New Zealand.
'Both Teams Played Best Cricket, 2-2 Result Fitting': Nayar
The West Indies: Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar said that a shared trophy between India and the West Indies was a fitting conclusion to a fiercely contested series, arguing that reducing the contest to a shortened, nine-over shootout would have been an unfair way to determine the winner. The two sides finished their five-match T20I series level at 2-2 after persistent rain brought the Bengaluru decider to an early end on Saturday, with only 7.4 overs of play possible. Just looking at how this series has panned out, I feel it deserves to be 2-2 in a lot of ways because both teams played really good cricket. It would have been really unfortunate for the series to come down to a nine-over game to decide which team actually takes that cup away, Nayar told JioStar. With both sides having registered two victories apiece before the final match, the series had reached a stage where the last encounter was set to decide the destination of the trophy. However, the weather in Bengaluru denied either team the opportunity to settle the contest on the field, leaving Nayar to reflect on the performances across the preceding matches rather than the abandoned finale. It is fair to say that both teams have played the best cricket they could, and to end this series 2-2 is a statement of how well both teams have played and how tough a series it has been for Team India at home. The West Indies should be proud because when they came in, it felt like India would easily beat them. While India would have fancied their chances with seven overs, I think it was a perfect end to a good series, he added. However, the weather in Bengaluru denied either team the opportunity to settle the contest on the field, leaving Nayar to reflect on the performances across the preceding matches rather than the abandoned finale. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka LIVE Score Updates, ODI Tri-Series
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka LIVE Score, ODI Tri-Series 2026: Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in the opening game of the competition.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has made his return to the India squad after a gap of more than three years.
Springer Earns Maiden WI Test Call-up As Paul Withdraws With Personal Reasons
The West Indies: The West Indies have called up Shamar Springer into their Test squad for the upcoming series in Bangladesh, handing the seam-bowling allrounder his maiden Test call-up after Keemo Paul returned home for familial reasons. Springers inclusion of the squad for the two-match series added another option to the West Indies pace-bowling attack and lower-order batting. Shamar Springer has earned a maiden call-up to the West Indies Test team for the tour of Bangladesh. Springer replaces Keemo Paul, who will return home for personal & family reasons, Cricket West Indies said in a statement. CWI also said, Ojay Shields & Nial Smith were also among those considered but were ruled out of contention due to injuries. The 28-year-old all-rounder has represented the Windies side in three ODIs and 12 T20Is but has yet to feature in Test cricket. His first-class record, however, offers a glimpse of his all-round capabilities. Across 23 matches, Springer has accumulated 1,043 runs at an average of 32.59 and claimed 58 wickets at 27.87. He also produced impressive returns with the bat during the 2026 West Indies Championship, scoring 251 runs in four matches for Barbados at an average of 50.20. His bowling returns were comparatively modest, with seven wickets coming across eight innings at 42.00. Both Paul and Springer were part of the West Indies recent white-ball tour of India. The visitors lost the three-match ODI series 2-1 before drawing the five-match T20I contest 2-2, with the final T20I in Bengaluru abandoned due to rain on Saturday. The West Indies will begin their Test series against Bangladesh with a three-day warm-up fixture in Dhaka from October 22 to 24. The opening Test is scheduled at Mirpur from October 28 to November 1, followed by the second match in Sylhet from November 5 to 9. Both Paul and Springer were part of the West Indies recent white-ball tour of India. The visitors lost the three-match ODI series 2-1 before drawing the five-match T20I contest 2-2, with the final T20I in Bengaluru abandoned due to rain on Saturday. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Shreyas Iyer Urges Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to Stay Patient
Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer has assured young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi that opportunities will come if he remains consistent, while also reflecting on India's high-scoring T20I series against West Indies, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Told To Wait But Sourav Ganguly Did The Exact Opposite With MS Dhoni
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi didn't feature in any of the 5 T20Is against West Indies, with coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shreyas Iyer suggesting that the teenage prodigy has to wait. Sourav Ganguly, however, has a different approach to handling MS Dhoni.
Springer replaces Paul on West Indies' Test tour of Bangladesh
Springer earns his maiden Test call-up with Paul withdrawn for
Kagiso Rabada Returns As S.Africa Seek To Bounce Back Against Australia
Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will return to the South African team for the second Test against Australia starting at St George's Park on Sunday, captain Temba Bavuma said. Rabada did not play in the first Test in Durban, where South Africa were beaten by 214 runs, but trained with the team as he completed his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury. With the possibility of rain on the first two days of the match, both Bavuma and Australian captain Pat Cummins said they would delay finalising their teams until Sunday. But Bavuma said Rabada was raring to go and pointed to the fast bowler's outstanding record against Australia. Rabada has taken 58 wickets at an average of 21.39 in 11 Tests against Australia, including nine wickets when South Africa won the World Test Championship final at Lord's in 2025 and 11 in the corresponding match in 2017/18 when South Africa bounced back after losing the first Test in Durban. The bowlers feed massively off him, said Bavuma. There's an aura and a lot of belief in KG (Rabada) and that rubs off on the other players. Bavuma indicated that batsmen Matthew Breetzke and the uncapped Marques Ackerman would both play in a re-jigged batting line-up as South Africa seek to bat for longer periods after a poor batting performance in Durban. The first innings was where we fell short, he said. To concede a lead like that on a wicket like that was rather criminal. Cummins said Matt Renshaw was set to continue batting at number five after his man-of-the-match returns of 190 and 82 in Durban. Normally an opening batsman in Test cricket, Cummins said Renshaw deserved credit for his willingness to play a new role. He just said, 'yep, no worries, whatever the team needs'. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Cummins said Cameron Green was still not ready to play after suffering an abdominal injury in the one-day series against South Africa last month, although Josh Inglis was close to being ready to play after recovering from a broken finger.
5 Matches, 1 Day Of Practice: Sanju Samson's Blunt Message To BCCI On India's Cramped Schedule
Veteran India batter Sanju Samson explained how difficult it was for him and the others to adjust to conditions as the team only had one practice session scheduled throughout the 5-match T20I series against West Indies.
'The swagger is back' - Sammy thrilled with West Indies' T20I surge
The 2-2 result in India follows a semi-finals finish at the T20 World Cup and a T20I series win against Sri Lanka at home
R Ashwin Reveals Hardik Pandya's Likely Destination Amid CSK Speculation. Not KKR
Social media has been flooded with speculation that CSK icon MS Dhoni could personally convince Hardik Pandya to join the five-time champions, a move that could bolster their squad ahead of the next IPL season.
Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Did Not Play vs West Indies? Shreyas Iyer Makes Huge Admission
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has had to wait for his chance with India's opening slots locked down.
What 107 innings reveal about the Smriti-Shafali opening pair | Data
In their last 15 innings, Shafalis strike rate exceeded 170 and Mandhanas 150, career highs over any 15-innings stretch
NZ vs IND: Bhuvneshwar will have a big impact, says Tim Southee
The former Kiwi pacer feels the experienced India swing bowler will fire on all cylinders in his comeback series, predicts New Zealand to edge the visiting side in the Test assignment
Raghuvanshi looks to build on recent good form
