'I'm Man United Fan Because Of Nitish Rana, He Introduced Me To Football': Rinku Singh
And Rana Bhai: India cricketer Rinku Singh revealed that he is a core Manchester United fan, and his support for the Premier League club began after fellow cricketer Nitish Rana introduced him to football and helped him understand how to watch and follow the game. Rinku recently attended his first-ever live football match at Old Trafford, witnessing the Manchester derby against Manchester City in the Premier League. The experience gave the Indian cricketer an opportunity to watch the rivalry from inside the iconic stadium after previously following football only on television. Earlier, I was a United fan, and I still am to some extent because of Nitish Rana bhai. He introduced me to football and showed me how to watch the game. From there, my interest in football grew a bit. And Rana Bhai is a United fan, so I used to spend time with him, and watching him, I became a fan of United, Rinku told JioStar. The derby, however, did not produce the result Rinkus adopted club would have wanted. Manchester City secured a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal in the second half. Despite arriving as a United supporter, Rinku admitted that he found himself backing City at certain stages of the match as United struggled to create an impact. Yes, I found myself supporting City a little bit as the match went on. United werent playing that well, while City were looking better at the time, he said. For Rinku, though, the result was secondary to the experience of watching a football match live for the first time. He said the atmosphere inside Old Trafford helped him understand why the sport has such a strong following around the world. I consider myself lucky because I got to watch a match between City and United. I was very lucky to be there and watch the match at such a time. It was the first live football match of my life, and it was a completely different feeling altogether, he said. I realised what it feels like to watch a football match live in a stadium. I had only watched matches on TV before, so it felt really good to be there. I loved the vibe. The way the entire crowd supports the team when a goal is scored or a player does something special, the crowd screams out. That is something you really feel and experience when you are there at the stadium, he added. I consider myself lucky because I got to watch a match between City and United. I was very lucky to be there and watch the match at such a time. It was the first live football match of my life, and it was a completely different feeling altogether, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories I really like Marcus Rashford. Ive followed him a lot, so hes my favourite. And when it comes to composure, I think Bruno Fernandes. He stays very calm, plays very calmly, keeps strolling on the pitch, and when the ball arrives, he instantly scores a goal or does whatever is needed on the pitch, he said. Article Source: IANS
We Havent Faced Any Accommodation Problems Here: India Batter Richa Ghosh
Korogi Sports Park: India wicketkeeper batter Richa Ghosh said that the women's cricket team hasn't faced any accommodation-related problems in Japan, as several members of the Indian contingent at the 2026 Asian Games have faced severe accommodation, logistical, and transport shortages upon arriving in Nagoya city. The Indian women's team have thrashed the hosts Japan in their quarterfinal match here on Friday. Shafali Verma smashed an unbeaten 40 from 15 balls, while Sree Charani picked up a four-wicket haul as the Women in Blue chased down a meagre total of 58 in just five overs to win by eight wickets here at the Korogi Sports Park. After the match, Richa shared while sharing her experience about competing in the Asian Games and said the team has not faced any issues related to the accommodation yet. We didn't face any problem yet, Richa told IANS. She added, It's a new experience because you can meet other sports as well. There are matches as well. We like Asian Games because all the matches are held together. So we can meet the participants of other events and share their experience. So I think it's a nice thing. The defending champions will next take on Bangladesh in the semifinal. Reflecting on the team's preparation for the crucial fixture, Richa said, We played before in the Asia Cup as well. So for us, we will go simple. We know our strength. So we will back on that only. We are not thinking about who we are facing next. We are just preparing ourselves for what we can do best on the match day. We didn't face any problem yet, Richa told IANS. She added, It's a new experience because you can meet other sports as well. There are matches as well. We like Asian Games because all the matches are held together. So we can meet the participants of other events and share their experience. So I think it's a nice thing. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Sharing her experience of visiting Japan for the first time, she said, So it really feels good. Enjoying the weather as well. A few days before it was raining. I am gld it was not raining during the match. I will enjoy this visit and will explore more in Japan. Article Source: IANS
Gambhir reveals why Samson was dropped for England tour
India head coach Gautam Gambhir revealed that dropping Sanju Samson from the England tour was his toughest decision, despite Samson being the Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup. Gambhir explained that while Samson was temporarily replaced by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the team prioritised returning to their established World Cup-winning combination. He also addressed the issue of player injuries and the challenge of Shubman Gill not having a full-strength team, emphasising the importance of long-term performance and providing opportunities for new talent.
Gautam Gambhir Makes Big Nitish Reddy Declaration Amid Hardik Pandya's Continued Absence
Gautam Gambhir cautioned against rushing Pandya back to international cricket. The injury-prone all-rounder will have to prove his match fitness in the A series against Australia next month at Puducherry.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir stated that it is ot fair on Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill to have to repeatedly play without several of his key players.
Manu Bhaker, Tajinderpal Toor Named Flag Bearers For Asian Games Opening Ceremony
Tajinderpal Singh Toor: Double Olympic medallist pistol shooter Manu Bhaker and shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor have been named as India's flag-bearers for the Asian Games opening ceremony, scheduled for Saturday. The opening ceremony will take place at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium between 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm IST. Over 500 Indian athletes are set to compete in 37 sports at the 20th edition of the Asian Games, which will conclude on October 4. Manu created history by becoming the first Indian athlete in the post-independence era to win two medals at a single edition of the Olympic Games in Paris when she bagged bronze medals in 10m air Pistl and 10m air pistol mixed team event. She was a part of the gold-medal-winning 25m pistol women's team in the Hangzhou edition of the continental games. Meanwhile, Toor is a two-time defending champion in shot put in the Asian Games. The Asian Games are the biggest sports competition in Asia, held once every four years. They are organised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The upcoming Games will feature 45 countries and regions competing across 43 sports. This will be the 20th edition of the Games and the third time that the continental showpiece is being hosted by Japan after Tokyo 1958 and Hiroshima 1994. India headed to the continental showpiece looking to surpass the record-breaking campaign at Hangzhou 2023, where they won 107 medals, including 28 gold. India are the defending champions in both men's and women's cricket and kabaddi, while the men's hockey team coming as the reigning champions. PV Sindhu will spearhead India's badminton campaign, while Mirabai Chanu will lead the weightlifting contingent. Manu Bhaker will be among the country's leading names in shooting, with Aman Sehrawat taking the mat in wrestling. Lovlina Borgohain, meanwhile, will look to pack a punch in boxing India are the defending champions in both men's and women's cricket and kabaddi, while the men's hockey team coming as the reigning champions. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Olympic quotas are also available in archery, sailing, squash, surfing and tennis. Article Source: IANS
Strong possibility: Gautam Gambhir on Hardik Pandya, Nitish Reddy in playing XI
Pandya, who has not played any cricket since May due to a quadriceps injury, was not picked for the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies as he is not in a position to bowl 10 overs.
Asian Games: India Women Begin Gold Medal Defence With 8-wicket Win Over Hosts Japan
Korogi Sports Park: India women's cricket team began its gold medal defence at the Asian Games in style, registering a cakewalk win over hosts Japan by eight wickets in the fourth quarterfinal at the Korogi Sports Park here on Friday. Shafali Verma smashed an unbeaten 40 from 15 balls, while Sree Charani picked up a four-wicket haul as the Women in Blue chased down a meagre total of 58 in just five overs to win by eight wickets. Shafali set the tone for the paltry chase, opening with a promoted G Kamalini. While the young Kamalini was dismissed for a two-ball duck, Shafali unleashed her carnage with four boundaries in a 17-run first over. Following Kamalini's removal in the second over by Nonoha Yasumoto, India also lost Bharti Fulmali for six runs in the third over. But Shafali remained unfazed by the two dismissals as she hit three more fours in the fifth over before a six to seal the game for the Women in Blue. Richa also had a brief enjoyment in the middle and made 12 from six deliveries with a couple of fours. Earlier, No.1 T20I bowler Charani starred with another four-wicket haul. Charani, who picked 4-20 in the Asia Cup victorious final against Sri Lanka, scalped 4-10 in her four overs against Japan as her spell played a pivotal role in keeping a lid on the minnow side. While Charani did the majority of the damage, Shafali also picked up a couple of wickets; while returning from a long injury layoff, Shreyanka Patil and Deepti Sharma scalped one wicket each to plot the downfall of the hosts. Earlier, No.1 T20I bowler Charani starred with another four-wicket haul. Charani, who picked 4-20 in the Asia Cup victorious final against Sri Lanka, scalped 4-10 in her four overs against Japan as her spell played a pivotal role in keeping a lid on the minnow side. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Pakistan and Sri Lanka will meet each other in the first semifinal, which will take place earlier in the day on Saturday. Article Source: IANS
Scorchers Coach Voges Leans On Hussey's IPL Knowledge For Unexpected Chennai Surface In BBL Opener
The MA Chidambaram Stadium: Perth Scorchers head coach Adam Voges looks to pick the brain of Chennai Super Kings' batting coach Michael Hussey to learn about the unexpected Chepauk surface, which will be hosting the first match of the Big Bash League 2026-27. The MA Chidambaram Stadium will host the BBL opener on December 12 between Sorchers and Melbourne Renegades, which marks the first instance of the BBL taking place outside Australia. The teams will have to encounter the unknown conditions of Chennai before they head to Australia for the remainder of the tournament. The Chepauk has behaved differently than expected in the last few years, with CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad having conceded that he was confounded by the surface, while the East Zone skipper Ishan Kishan and South Zone captain Tilak Varma also expected turn from the surface in the Duleep Trophy final; however, there was none. I live just down the road from Mike Hussey, Voges said as quoted by Cricinfo. So I'll be leaning on all the contacts in order to understand the conditions and Chennai itself as best we can, and hopefully make the experience and the trip a really successful one, on and off the field. Scorchers have a few players in their squad who have experience of playing the IPL, with the likes of Mitchell Marsh and Cooper Connolly having experienced success too. Meanwhile, several of their players have no experience of Indian conditions. Yeah, I think it's going to be new for everyone, and that's the exciting part, Voges said. That's the great challenge for all of us. And certainly, for us from a Scorchers perspective, we have a number of players who will be coming who have experience in the conditions over here. We've got a number of hopefully IPL stars in Mitchell Marsh and Cooper Connolly that will certainly hopefully be part of our squad that comes over. Ashton Turner and Jhye Richardson are another couple of guys who have played in the conditions as well, he said. Yeah, I think it's going to be new for everyone, and that's the exciting part, Voges said. That's the great challenge for all of us. And certainly, for us from a Scorchers perspective, we have a number of players who will be coming who have experience in the conditions over here. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories So, I'm certainly going to be leaning on those experiences as well, and to be able to try and communicate those experiences, particularly to a few of our younger guys, because there'll be a few of our guys that this will be their first experience in India and in these conditions. And so just trying to upskill them as quickly as we possibly can to give them the best chance to go out and succeed and put on a good show. Article Source: IANS
Asian Games: Shafali's 15-ball blitz powers India into semis
Shafali Verma produced a stunning 15-ball blitz as India crushed Japan by eight wickets with 15 overs to spare and stormed into the Asian Games semi-finals.
Sri Lanka women make light work of Malaysia to move into Asian Games SF
Digital Desk | Nisshin, Sep 18 (IANS) Asia Cup 2026 runners-up Sri Lanka made light work of minnows Malaysia in the third quarterfinal of the Women's Asian Games 2026 cricket competition to march into the semifinals of the event on Friday. The Sri Lankan side put up a strong 160/4 batting first before restricting the Malaysian side to a labouring 74/7 in 20 overs to register an impressive 86-run win at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. Captain Chamari Athapaththu starred with both bat and ball. She made a strong 37-ball 63 before taking two wickets to round off an impressive all-round performance. Kavisha Dilhari also put up a strong hand of 44 from 27 deliveries, while Harshitha Samarawickrama made 25 from 18 balls to power the finish. Although off-spinner Nurin Imanina picked 3-29 in her four overs and Nur Dania Syuhada was a bit mingy in her 0-27 in four overs, the other Malaysian bowlers could not stop the much superior Sri Lankan side. In reply, the Mas Elysa Yasmin-led Malaysian side had no reply to Sri Lanka's bowling too. While there were glimpses with the ball, the batters cut a sorry figure with not much fight from them. Winifred Duraisingam was the top scorer for them with 28 runs, but she took 47 balls to make them, hitting only a couple of fours. Mahirah Izzati Ismail also scored 24 runs but needed 42 deliveries for her score. All over, the Malaysian side hit just six fours and no sixes in a laborious batting display. Medium pacer Mithali Ayodhya, off-spin all-rounder Dilhari and Athapaththu took two wickets each and were quite mingy in their spells. Chamari gave just three runs in her two overs, while Dilhari conceded four in three overs and also sent down a maiden over too. Mithali was the most expensive bowler of the seven used by the 2024 Asia Cup winners, but she also conceded five runs an over to give 15 from her three. This was the first one-sided game in the Asian Games cricket event after Bangladesh's quarterfinal against China was washed out and Pakistan managed to survive a big scare from Thailand in the second quarterfinal. The Bangla side qualified for the semifinals due to their higher rankings and will meet Pakistan in the semifinal. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will face the winner of the fourth quarterfinal between India and Japan.
Ben Sawyer Leaves New Zealand Women's Head Coach Job After Four-year Tenure
Chief High Performance Cricket Officer: Ben Sawyer has left his role as the New Zealand women's head coach after being at the helm for four years following a review meeting. Sawyer was appointed the head coach of the White Ferns in June 2022, and his contract was set to end in December 2026; however, he did not receive a renewal after a review process of the high-performance structure. During his time with the New Zealand women's side, the Australian-born led the White Ferns to a bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, before guiding them to the T20 World Cup 2024 crown. Being the White Ferns coach has been a huge honour, and I'm really grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this group, Sawyer said, as quoted by NZC. This team means a lot to me, and I'm really proud of what we've been able to achieve in the past four years. Although Im disappointed to be leaving, I want to wish the team and NZC all the best, he added. Meanwhile, Daryl Gibson, NZCs Chief High Performance Cricket Officer, reflected on Sawyer's tenure and highlighted how difficult a leadership change was. Bens overseen a period of considerable change and progression for the White Ferns, and were deeply appreciative of the commitment, professionalism and time he invested in the womens game. It was a difficult decision which was not made lightly, but it reflects our view that the next stage of the White Ferns journey requires a different leadership approach to support the future direction of the programme, Gibson said. Under Sawyer, star all-rounder Melie Kerr was appointed as the women's team's captain, and Kerr also thanked the coach for his services. Were hugely grateful for Ben and everything hes put into this team, said Kerr. His preparation was second to none; he poured his heart and soul into the role and left no stone unturned trying to make the team better. Ben played a huge part in a defining moment for womens cricket in New Zealand. He showed a belief in us that helped propel the team to World Cup victory after a difficult few months, and thats a testament to his character and leadership, she said. His preparation was second to none; he poured his heart and soul into the role and left no stone unturned trying to make the team better. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories New Zealand will have an interim coach and a team manager for their away T20I series against Australia next month. The squad for the series will be named in early October, while the process to get Sawyer's replacement will start soon, NZC stated. Article Source: IANS
IND-W vs JPN-W, Asian Games 2026 Women's Cricket Quarter-Final Live Updates: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has won the toss and opted to bowl in their historic match against Japan at Asian Games 2026.
Gautam Gambhir Ends Silence On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Snub As Sanju Samson Roars Back To Form
India head coach Gautam Gambhir said 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must wait for senior team opportunities, prioritizing consistent performers over newcomers.
India's Schedule At Asian Games, 18th September 2026: Women's Cricket Team In Spotlight
India's schedule at Asian Games, September 18, 2026: Harmanpreet Kaur-led women's cricket team begins Asian Games adventure against Japan.
Asian Games 2026: Gymnast Pranati Nayak, Male Coach Given Same Room In Midnight Chaos In Japan
Indian gymnast Pranati Nayak and coach Ashok Mishra were assigned the same room at Asian Games accommodation, causing a late-night dispute.
Athapaththu and Dilhari muscle Sri Lanka past Malaysia in mismatch
For Malaysia, there was an impressive spell of 3 for 29 from Nurin Imanina, but they lacked the firepower to push the higher-rated Sri Lankans too much
40 Years Since The Chennai Tied Test!
The only previous tie had occurred at Brisbane back in December 1960 between Australia and the West Indies. In the 40 years since the Madras Test, there have been 1,583 Test matches. But there has never again been a tie.
James Vince Makes ETPL History As Dublin Guardians Knock Rotterdam Dockers Out
The result also brought the qualification race to its conclusion, with Rotterdam eliminated and Belfast Wolves securing the final playoff place.
'We've Been Benchmarked, Tested, Theres Nowhere To Hide,' Admits Afghan Coach Pybus
Arun Jaitley Stadium: Afghanistan head coach Richard Pybus said his side had been benchmarked and tested by India in their 3-0 T20I series loss to the heavyweights and admitted there was nowhere to hide for them after being bowled out for 94 in the third T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Afghanistan had a long gap since playing their last T20 World Cup group stage game in February, and the defeat to India has exposed exactly where they currently stand right now in terms of the shortest format. We've got a lot to work on. I think I said the other day this is our first T20 series since the World Cup. That's a really long break. Some of these guys have just come back into the squad for the first time since then. We've been benchmarked, tested and we can see where our deficits are. Now we need to go to work. We were poor. We were pleased to start off with winning the toss and getting an opportunity to chase. Our first 10 overs with the ball - our control wasn't good enough and Abhishek and Sanju batted beautifully up front. I was really pleased with the way we came back from 10 to 20 overs. I thought our fight back was phenomenal, skills and intent in the field was much better, Pybus said in the post-match press conference. Though Afghanistan gave away 79 runs from the last 60 balls in Indias innings, after Abhishek Sharma blew them to hit 108 and rack up 100 runs in power-play, Pybus was still left ruing the inconsistency with the ball. I thought we were brilliant in the field in those back 10 overs. Rashid led that. He was superb. With the batting, you're chasing 220. The intent is to go and chase it down. You have got scoreboard pressure and go at 11 runs and over. There's nowhere to hide. If you come up short, it's no good scoring 150 and being behind the rate. We've got to execute our game plan. We didn't deliver. I thought that up front with Ibrahim and Gurbaz, we were much better in terms of our intent. We brought our game to the Indian opening bowlers, but we couldn't hold that consistency. Afghanistan's batting hadnt stepped up to the enormous talent they have in the first two T20Is. In the third T20I, after making 31 runs in the first three overs, it did not qualify as a performance at all. That slide, coupled with scoreboard pressure, led to Afghanistan finishing six short of the three-figure mark, and 14 fewer than Abhisheks 108. Pybus stated the problem was execution under pressure, not the batting order. I don't think it's much of the batting order, it's the execution. Ibrahim and Gurbaz at the top of the order are an established pair. Again I thought our intent was much better. I thought we were too passive in the last game. I thought we let India bowl to us. So I was happier with the way that we took on the Indian attack. Again it comes back to execution under pressure and you're chasing 220, you've just got to keep on going. So there are areas for all of our players to improve and a little bit like with the bowling, against an attack as good as India's, you're facing Jasprit and Axar - these are absolutely world-class operators and you've got to be very clear in your game plans. So we've got work to do and really to come here and play in India against the best T20 side in the world and understand what it's like to play under pressure - this isn't league cricket, it isn't international cricket against lower-ranked sides. This is the ultimate examination. So we can see very clearly what we've got to work on. His bowlers, as per Pybus, had discovered how small the margins are against India's openers on flat pitches. We're bowling to some really fine opening batters on fantastic surfaces. The reality is with players like this on these surfaces, you can get hit off your length. You can get hit off the top of your bounce. They're superb at it. The other side of that is that we need to be much, much better. Our control, our disciplines. On wickets like this, your length is about 12 inches. On one side of the length, you're getting pulled. The other side of the length, you're getting driven. It's an opportunity for our cricketers, particularly for our bowlers, to understand the skill levels you need to have to be able to control the game. Until you have an experience like this, you don't know what it is, really. When you've got the guys who are hitting you as a spin bowler, as we saw in the last game with Rash and Nabi, where literally you miss your length by six inches, it's gone back over your head off the back foot for six. It's a proper challenge. But again, until you actually have this experience, you don't know what it is. With the 2028 T20 World Cup in view, Pybus felt any mental hold big teams like India have over Afghanistan would have to be broken one step at a time. If there is an issue with a side where the opposition have got the wood over you, when you work through that, you do it stage by stage. You're conditioning and got to get your skills right. Off the back of improving your skills, then your strategy improves. Until you get your skills to world-class level, you really don't have a strategy and then once we get our strategy right, then we've got to execute under pressure. It's fine when you're playing lower-ranked sides and maybe you can beat them on skill. But to come to India, historically it's been one of the great challenges in world cricket. I don't think it's any different for Afghanistan. You're playing against players who are grounded in their game here with a volume of games in the IPL, and they're unbelievable playing on these surfaces. But again, if you want to go in the T20 format, if we want to be able to go to the World Cup in 2028 and to be looking to have a game which is going to take us to get into the last rounds and then be there to fight through those stages, we've got to deal with it. But it really is - when you have those psychological issues, you've got to do it step by step. Again, when you come here, it's the ultimate challenge. You've got to be up for it. But you've also got to have the skills and the strategy to be able to deliver. When sides are evolving, when you are putting your calendar together, you need a mixture of opponents, and this is the best opponent we can have for us to work out exactly where we're at. I think the boys are bitterly disappointed, obviously here in particular and I think there will be some serious reflection, really and then it's up to myself and the coaching staff to get busy with them, he explained. Pybus also gave an update on pacer Naveen-ul-Haq, who sat out of all three games due to a shoulder niggle. Naveen irritated his shoulder in training. We've had him here to be able to gauge where he's at in his comeback. He got some decent bowling early on. When we were here before we started coming into these three matches, the good news is the irritation has got nothing to do with his old injury. I think the boys are bitterly disappointed, obviously here in particular and I think there will be some serious reflection, really and then it's up to myself and the coaching staff to get busy with them, he explained. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories He's got some really fantastic support staff around him who are hugely experienced. Our goal is to get him back to his best and we don't want to rush that. I know he's absolutely desperate to play and I know he's disappointed he couldn't play, but we want to get him 100 percent ready so he can play at his best. Article Source: IANS
Friendship Cup a celebration of cricket, reflects strong India-Afghanistan bond: DDCA chief Jaitley
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) President Rohan Jaitley hailed the successful conduct of 'The Friendship Cup' between India and Afghanistan in the national capital by lauding the massive turnout of fans and describing the series as a testament to cricket's role in strengthening ties between the two nations. India clinched a 3-0 series win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, which was Afghanistan's home venue for a week. India got twin seven-wicket victories, before sealing a thumping 127-run win on Thursday night. Congratulations to Team India on a memorable 3-0 series victory against Afghanistan. 'The Friendship Cup' has been a wonderful celebration of cricket. It was heartening to see fans come out in such huge numbers (85000-plus) across all three matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, with thousands also travelling from Afghanistan to be part of the occasion. The incredible atmosphere throughout the series reflected the passion for cricket in Delhi, Jaitley said in a statement at the conclusion of the series. The opening match on Sunday drew 25,165 spectators, while 24,259 fans attended the second game on Tuesday. The third and final match saw a crowd of 26,230. Jaitley added that Afghanistan's decision to stage its home series against India in New Delhi underlined the close relationship between the two neighbours and credited the cricket bodies involved for making it happen. With Afghanistan playing its home series against India in Delhi, the occasion was also a great reflection of the strong bond between the two countries and the power of sport to bring people closer, in line with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of stronger ties with our neighbours. We are grateful to the Afghanistan Cricket Board, the BCCI and ICC Chairman Jay Shah for their support and efforts in making this series possible and enabling Delhi to be part of this memorable chapter of international cricket. We are proud that the DDCA and Delhi could play a part in hosting three exciting encounters between India and Afghanistan, giving fans the opportunity to witness some really quality cricket from both teams, he added.
Hardik Yet To Be Ready To Bowl 10 Overs In ODIs, Wont Be Rushed Back: Gambhir
Nitish Kumar Reddy: Ace seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya is not yet fit enough to bowl his full quota of 10 overs in ODIs and will not be hurried back into international cricket, said India head coach Gautam Gambhir. Pandya hasnt played competitive cricket since IPL 2026 due to rehabbing from a back injury picked while leading Mumbai Indians. A quadriceps injury and a leg niggle meant Pandya wasnt picked for the white-ball games against Afghanistan, Ireland, England, Zimbabwe. Though Pandya was a notable absence in 3-0 T20I series win over Afghanistan and in the upcoming white-ball series against the West Indies, he has been named in the India A squad for the 50-over series against Australia A, although his final inclusion is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. With Hardik still unavailable, India chose to withdraw seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy from the Asian Games in Japan and slotted him into the white-ball games against the West Indies, starting with the three-match ODI series in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27. First of all, from Nitish's point of view, it's actually a great thing that he's been withdrawn from a T20 format and he'll get game time against the West Indies as well. We know how important seam bowling all-rounders will be probably in a year's time when we go to South Africa and Namibia. Once Hardik comes back, obviously it's going to be good. Sometimes we could even go on to play both of them in the playing 11. But again, Hardik at the moment, yes, he cannot bowl 10 overs and he hasn't played a lot of cricket since the IPL. So we don't want to push him into international cricket because international cricket can be extremely tough on your body as well. So if he plays those, that India A series, obviously he'll get some game time as well and that was the clear message to him that if he can play that A series and then if everything goes well, he can come back and be part of the T20s and the one-day squad as well. In the meantime, Nitish will get more game time as well because he hasn't played enough cricket since the IPL either,. Gambhir said in the post-match press conference after India wrapped up the 3-0 series win over Afghanistan with a thumping 127-run win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Reddy, who himself missed trips to Ireland, United Kingdom and Zimbabwe due to a quadriceps strain, took consecutive three-fors against Afghanistan after a shaky start to the series, where he gave away 30 runs and missed his lengths. Gambhir added that his bowling returns had been one of the biggest gains from the series. It's been a huge plus for us because we want to expose him to most of the international games because we know how important he is - whether it's in 50-over format or going forward in T20s as well because there are not many going around guys who can bowl and who can bat at the middle order. So it's a massive positive that the way he's bowled in this series. Obviously, he didn't start off that well in the first game, but then we always know that the more you bowl in international cricket, the more he's going to get better and that's what he should. So I think it's good that we got Nitish now from the Asian Games so that now he can, and you could see, the more he bowls, the better he becomes and we have, when you can develop a couple of seam bowling all-rounders, it will always be handy in a year's time, he added. Gambhir also admitted that majority of players missing ODIs against the West Indies to play in the Asian Games wasnt an ideal scenario to prepare for the 2027 World Cup, though he also saw it as a chance for newbies Naman Dhir and Auqib Nabi to showcase their mettle in 50-over cricket. Look, it's not ideal. Obviously, we know that it's not ideal when we are preparing for a World Cup, which is in a years time. But again, the Asian Games squad was selected long back. Sometimes it's difficult for the selectors when they have to put the best squad in place. So, we always knew that if the best team goes to the best, the front-line players go to the Asian Games. Obviously, we will probably have to compromise a bit in this one-day series against the West Indies. But again, it gives other people the opportunity as well. Obviously, in a series like this, we've got young guys like Naman Dhir and Auqib Nabi getting those opportunities in this squad. So, they can also show what they bring in white ball format. Obviously, the bigger the pool, the better it is for us when we have this opportunity in the next three one-day games. Normally, when you have all the players available, sometimes players might not get that opportunity. But now, with people like Vipraj (Nigam, going to the Asian Games), Naman and Auqib, these guys will get their opportunity. So, from one end, it's good. But on the other side, obviously, you want the best players. The head coach signed off by admitting that players not being able to play an entire series due to varied injuries hasnt been ideal for him and ODI skipper Shubman Gill. Obviously, the bigger the pool, the better it is for us when we have this opportunity in the next three one-day games. Normally, when you have all the players available, sometimes players might not get that opportunity. But now, with people like Vipraj (Nigam, going to the Asian Games), Naman and Auqib, these guys will get their opportunity. So, from one end, it's good. But on the other side, obviously, you want the best players. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories More importantly, it's not fair on a young captain as well if he doesn't get the best team, playing consistently and regularly and not being on the path consistently. That's why I have to be dead honest. Yes, as a coach, I can take all the criticisms, but for me, I think it is important for Shubman to get the best team and eleven as many times as he can in red ball and in white ball formats as well, he said. Article Source: IANS
Ben Sawyer leaves job as New Zealand women's head coach after review
Sawyer's contract was till December 2026, but was not renewed following a review process of the women's high performance structure
Sooryavanshi must wait, leaving out Samson in England toughest call in my tenure: Gambhir
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) India head coach Gautam Gambhir called the decision to leave Sanju Samson out of the England series probably the toughest of his coaching tenure while making it absolutely clear that teenaged batting star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi would have to wait his turn to play. Over the last one week, fans thronging the Arun Jaitley Stadium strongly hoped to see Sooryavanshi play and bring out his fireworks in India colours on Indian soil for the first time. But his ardent fans will have to be patient as Sooryavanshi did not get a game in the 3-0 series win over Afghanistan, which ended with a thumping 127-run win for India. I think his talent itself is enough for him to be impressive. I think he showed what he is capable of. Someone doesn't become a Player of the Tournament in a World Cup without having any talent, so he has done enough. Obviously, it was tough, probably the toughest decision I've taken in my coaching tenure, leaving him (Samson) out in that England series because obviously the way he performed before that, Gambhir said in the post-match press conference. Sooryavanshi became India's youngest debutant a couple of months ago in England, where he made 42 runs in three matches. He followed that by finishing as the leading run-getter against Zimbabwe, with 151 runs at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 196.10 and took Player of the Series award. With Samson short of runs, Sooryavanshi looked the likely man to open against Afghanistan. Gambhir instead turned back to Abhishek Sharma and Samson, the pair that opened for India in their 2026 T20 World Cup triumph. It turned out to be the right decision as the duo two made 346 runs between them across the series, including a 142-run opening stand on Thursday night. But again, sometimes you go with a player's form as well, and in this series, I was always very clear, from my point of view, that we want to go back with the combination that we had during the World Cup because those guys, after three or four failures, don't become bad players. The kind of cricket we play, if a team that has gone unbeaten from one World Cup to the other World Cup and has won the World Cup, I'm sure it's a gun team. So, that means it doesn't become a bad team after one or two series and these guys cannot become bad players after two or three failures, added Gambhir. He also revealed Sooryavanshi had been told in plain terms where he stood, and that age counted for nothing in the queue to play for India. So, that is what these guys have shown here as well. It was again a very clear conversation that he has to wait for his opportunity. We know what kind of talent he has. We know what he can do. But again, someone who's done extremely well over a period of two years. Obviously, that's how cricket goes, whether you're 15-year-old or 30-year-old. Then you have to wait for your opportunity. You have to wait for an opportunity, he concluded.
Home Team, Foreign Land: The Strange Cricket Series That Made History
What happens when a team is officially the home side but plays its home series in the opponents country? It sounds like a contradiction, but international cricket has produced such an unusual arrangement before and it is relevant again in 2026, with Afghanistan officially hosting India in India. The first major example came in 2009, when Pakistan hosted New Zealand for a three-Test series, not in Pakistan, but in New Zealand. The story began with security concerns that had made Pakistan increasingly difficult for visiting teams. The situation reached a critical point in March 2009, when the Sri Lankan team was attacked in Lahore. New Zealand subsequently cancelled its planned tour of Pakistan, which was supposed to include three Tests, four ODIs and two T20Is. Pakistan, however, needed to keep its international programme alive. The PCB considered moving the series to the UAE, but New Zealand offered another possibility: play the Tests in New Zealand itself. For Pakistan, there was an important economic calculation. PCB chief Ijaz Butt said playing in New Zealand could be cheaper than staging the series in the UAE, particularly because Pakistan would avoid the heavy security costs associated with hosting international teams at home. Hotels were also considered cheaper than in the UAE. The eventual arrangement was unusual. New Zealand provided the venues and staged the Tests, but Pakistan remained the home team. Pakistan retained the television rights and was responsible for the costs associated with New Zealand hosting the series. New Zealand Cricket was clear that it was not looking to make a profit from the arrangement. Justin Vaughan, its chief executive, said hosting a Test series they lost money and that New Zealand did not own the broadcasting rights. The three Tests were played at Dunedin, Wellington and Napier between November 24 and December 15, 2009. New Zealand won the first Test by 32 runs, Pakistan the second by 141 runs, while the third was drawn. The series therefore ended 1-1. There was plenty of cricket drama as well. Umar Akmal, making his Test debut at just 19, scored 129 and 75 in Dunedin and finished as the series' leading run-scorer with 379 runs. New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond, returning to Test cricket after a two-year absence, took eight wickets in the first Test, which unexpectedly became his final Test appearance. Pakistan's Mohammad Asif led the bowling with 19 wickets, while Daniel Vettori scored 287 runs. But the most intriguing part of the story was happening away from the scorecard, the economics of being a home team thousands of kilometres from home. The PCB was reported to have paid around US$500,000 to Cricket New Zealand towards the cost of staging the three Tests. Pakistan's income came mainly from its share of gate receipts and the sale of advertising and stadium hoardings. The financial picture was not particularly attractive. The PCB failed to find a title sponsor for the Test series, with the unusual timing of the matches making the Pakistani market less appealing. Television rights were held by Dubai-based Ten Sports, while the normal New Zealand broadcaster, Sky Sport, did not have the rights. So Pakistan had the commercial rights associated with a home series, but also had to carry significant costs. The arrangement ensured that the matches took place and that Pakistan remained involved in international cricket, but it did not automatically translate into a profit. That was an important lesson. Being designated the home team and playing at home are two different things. Hosting status can be separated from the physical venue, broadcasting rights and even some of the traditional home advantages. There was also a cricketing disadvantage. Although Pakistan officially remained the home side, it had little control over the conditions. The pitches were prepared by New Zealand's local curators, rather than Pakistani curators who had been used for Pakistan's matches in the UAE. Pakistan therefore lost much of the advantage normally associated with playing at home. Yet the arrangement served its most important purpose: Pakistan did not lose an entire home series because it could not safely host the opposition. Seventeen years later, the same broad principle has resurfaced in a different form. Afghanistan are officially hosting India in India, with the matches being staged in Delhi. The circumstances are not identical to Pakistan's in 2009, but the underlying idea is similar, a country can retain home-team status while using another country's infrastructure to stage its international cricket. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The Afghanistan-India series therefore offers a reminder of an arrangement that once seemed extraordinary. And the experiment showed that in international cricket, home can sometimes be a status rather than a place.
James Vince Makes ETPL History With First Century as Belfast Wolves Secure Playoff Spot
James Vince made history on the final day of the ETPL league stage, becoming the first batter to score a century in the competition as Dublin Guardians chased down Rotterdam Dockers 188 for five to win by five wickets with six balls remaining. The result also brought the qualification race to its conclusion, with Rotterdam eliminated and Belfast Wolves securing the final playoff place. Rotterdam were asked to bat first and made a strong start through Colin Munro, who smashed 20 from just eight balls, including two sixes and a four. Faf du Plessis then steadied the innings with 42 from 37 deliveries, while Michael Levitt and Shubham Ranjane fell on low scores. The Dockers innings was transformed by Heinrich Klaasen. The South African wicketkeeper-batter produced a spectacular unbeaten 85 from just 41 balls, striking nine fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 207.31. David Wiese added 23 from 16 balls, and Klaasens late acceleration helped Rotterdam reach 188 for five from their 20 overs. Dublins chase suffered an early setback when David Willey was dismissed for a duck, but Vince quickly took control. The England batter combined with Harry Tector to rebuild the innings, with Tector contributing 29 from 20 balls. Their partnership carried Dublin past 100 before Tector was dismissed in the ninth over. Vince continued to attack, however, finding boundaries consistently as the required rate remained within reach. Sanjay Krishnamurthi added 24 from 17 balls, while George Dockrell finished unbeaten on seven from four. Noah Croes contributed six, but the chase ultimately belonged to Vince. Vince reached his century from 56 balls, finishing unbeaten on 106 with 10 fours and five sixes. His strike rate of 173.77 ensured Dublin stayed ahead of the required rate throughout the closing stages, and the Guardians reached 192 for five after 19 overs. David Wiese took two wickets for 32 runs, while Shubham Ranjane also claimed two wickets for Rotterdam. Roelof van der Merwe took one, but Rotterdam could not find the breakthrough that would have brought Dublins chase back under pressure. The defeat was particularly significant for Rotterdam because qualification was on the line. The Dockers needed a victory to keep their campaign alive, but their loss confirmed that they would miss the knockout stages. With Rotterdam eliminated, Belfast Wolves secured the remaining qualification spot. Amsterdam Flames had already qualified, while Edinburgh Castle Rockers had secured direct passage to the final. All four teams finishing in the top four ended the league stage on 13 points, meaning net run rate determined their positions. Faf du Plessis acknowledged James Vinces match-winning effort, describing it as a world-class knock and saying, Sometimes you just got to tip your hat to a guy. He added that Vince had single-handedly won them the game, while praising Heinrich Klaasens contribution for Rotterdam, saying he played a great knock as well. Reflecting on the Dockers campaign, du Plessis said he was very proud of the way the guys went about their business, but admitted that net run rate had proved decisive. We played very good cricket and we still didnt make it because of net run rate, he said, identifying an earlier 40-run defeat as the result that came back to bite us. The playoff picture is now set. Edinburgh advance directly to the final, while Amsterdam and Belfast will meet for the remaining place in the qualifier match on Saturday, 19th September. For Dublin, the final league fixture produced a historic individual achievement. Vinces unbeaten 106 became the first century in ETPL history and powered the Guardians to their highest score of the season, completing a successful chase of 189. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories For Rotterdam, Klaasens brilliant 85 had given them a platform, but Vinces landmark innings ultimately decided both the match and the qualification race.
'Sooryavanshi will have to wait for his opportunity': Gambhir
Head coach Gautam Gambhir has clarified that young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will need to wait for his T20I debut, prioritising consistent performers like Sanju Samson. Gambhir also addressed the impact of the Asian Games on the ODI squad selection for the upcoming West Indies series, highlighting opportunities for new talent.
India vs Japan, Asian Games Women's Quarterfinal Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch
India vs Japan Women's T20 Live Streaming, Asian Games 2026: Harmanpreet Kaur's India are set to take on the Japan women's team for the first time in their history.
Glenn Maxwells 82 Keeps Belfast Wolves ETPL Qualification Hopes Alive
Belfast Wolves kept their qualification hopes alive with a nine-run DLS victory over Edinburgh Castle Rockers in Match 29 of the ETPL at Malahide. Glenn Maxwells unbeaten 82 powered Belfast to 190 for four, before the Wolves restricted Edinburgh to 137 for six in their revised 15-over chase. With Amsterdam Flames and now Edinburgh Castle Rockers already qualified, Belfast must now wait on Rotterdam Dockers result: a Rotterdam win would send the Dockers through, while a defeat would see Belfast claim the remaining place. Belfasts innings was built around a commanding display from their captain. Maxwell struck an unbeaten 82 from just 40 deliveries, hitting eight fours and five sixes to provide the innings defining contribution. His aggressive approach helped the Wolves maintain a strong scoring rate and finish with 190 on the board. Harry Manenti contributed 34 from 33 balls, while Ben Tucker added 17 from 15. David Miller provided the much needed late acceleration with 38 from 19 deliveries, striking seven fours as Belfast pushed towards the 200 mark. Mark Chapman had retired hurt after making 12 from 11 balls. Edinburghs bowlers shared the wickets, with Tom Curran taking two. Trent Boult and Jack Jarvis claimed one apiece, but Belfasts late scoring ensured the Rockers faced a challenging chase. The revised target for Edinburgh after the 11th over was 147 from 15 overs. Their innings began with early setbacks, as Ross Adair and JJ Smuts fell on low scores. Andries Gous made 34 from 29 balls, while Brandon McMullen and Laurie Evans contributed 13 and 15 respectively, but Edinburgh struggled to keep pace with the required rate. Mitchell Santner added 23 from 13 deliveries to keep the chase moving, and Tom Curran provided a late burst of power. Curran smashed an unbeaten 30 from just seven balls, including four sixes and a four, while Gareth Delany finished unbeaten on five from two deliveries. Their late hitting lifted Edinburgh to 137 for six, nine runs short of the DLS target. But the score was more than enough for Edinburgh to clear the minimum runs required to qualify in the top 3 via NRR. Edinburgh and Amsterdam have claimed their spots and now we wait for the third team. Matthew Humphreys played a key role in Belfasts defence, taking two wickets for just nine runs from three overs, including a maiden. Chris Jordan also claimed two wickets, while Mark Adair and Maxwell took one each. The victory keeps Belfast in contention, but their fate is no longer in their own hands. Amsterdam Flames have already qualified, leaving the final spot to be decided by Rotterdams remaining result. If Rotterdam win, they qualify and reach the final directly and Belfast are eliminated. If Rotterdam lose, Belfast advance and Rotterdam miss out. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories For Belfast, Maxwells unbeaten 82 and a disciplined bowling effort secured a vital win. Now, the Wolves must wait for Rotterdams result to discover whether their campaign continues.
Shadabs Hat-Trick Powers Falcons Into CPL 2026 Final
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons became the first team to book their place in the 2026 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final with a stunning nine wicket victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Kensington Oval. The Falcons recorded the second fastest win in CPL history as Shadab Khan and Sufyan Moqim took four wickets each, including a hat-trick from Khan to bowl the Warriors out for 76. Rahkeem Cornwalls 49 in 16 balls ensured there would be no Guyana miracle with the Falcons producing the performance of the tournament so far. The Falcons backed their bowlers and put the Warriors into bat who made a steady start inside the PowerPlay. It looked a sensible strategy as the wicket has seemingly got easier to bat on as the game has gone on in recent weeks, particularly in Barbados. It has often been about how many wickets you can keep in hand rather than how many runs you score, and the Warriors appeared to have got that memo, finishing the PowerPlay 34 for 1. However, the Falcons quality bowling attack has been largely what has got them to this point and that came to the fore quickly after the PowerPlay. First it was Sufyan Moqim, drawing mistakes from Glenn Phillips and Mohammad Haris. Phillips didnt get enough on it and was caught at deep mid-wicket. Haris walked straight away after feathering behind to Amir Jangoo. Moqim handed the reins to his partner in crime, Shadab Khan who produced a stunning hat-trick of googlies in his second over to completely destroy the Warriors middle order. First it was Shimron Hetmyer who clothed one to long on. Next, Mehidy Hasan Miraz who was trapped LBW in front by another dazzling googly. Upon review, the umpires decision was upheld. He rounded it off with the best ball of the bunch, a perfectly flighted googly that crashed through the gate of Quentin Sampson and sparked joyous celebrations amongst the Falcons fielders. The Warriors were left reeling at 45 for 6. The next over, it was back to Moqim who picked up two more, as Khary Pierre and Shai Hope were bowled and LBW respectively. Two balls later Shadab picked up his fourth and the two were trading wickets as Imran Tahir went for 1. There was a mini revival by Romario Shepherd, who found two boundaries before Shamar Springer finished the Warriors off and left them all out for 76. Imran Tahirs method of fighting fire with fire was crushed early on as Rahkeem Cornwall came out in no mood to wait around. The Warriors captain took the ball himself and was carted around the ground by Cornwalls power hitting. Cornwall took Tahir, Miraz and Khary Pierre to task with some exquisite shots in the restricted period and ensured there would be no doubt as to who would reach the final on the night. He raced towards his half century, nearly levelling Andre Russells record for the fastest 50 after just 14 balls. He was frustratingly left stranded on 49 as he was caught by Hetmyer off the bowling of Tahir, but he had left Evin Lewis and Amir Jangoo just 27 more to get. Lewis, having surrendered the strike to Cornwall earlier on, picked up the mantle and began to punish the bowling change to Shamar Joseph. He took Joseph for 21 in six deliveries, whilst suffering with cramp. Jangoo only had time to face four deliveries, ensuring he left with a boundary to his name, before Lewis fittingly hit the winning runs with just 32 balls bowled. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The Falcons advance to their first CPL final on Sunday in frightening form. The Warriors will need to pick themselves up off the canvas and go again, against the Kingsmen in the final eliminator tomorrow night. The winner will face the Falcons for the CPL crown.
The stage is set for the Asian Games 2026 cricket quarter-final. India women will be taking on Japan women in the clash as the two sides meet at the Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, on September...
Accused Of Gambling, Mohammad Rizwan Submits Strong Response Against Pakistan's Cyber Crime Agency
Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan has submitted his response to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency's (NCCIA) questionnaire
Voges turns to Hussey and IPL experience for Scorchers' Chennai challenge
Scorchers coach is embracing the unknown for the BBL opener at Chepauk, where the conditions have confounded many in recent times
Jos Buttler scripts history, achieves massive feat with 2nd T20I victory against Sri Lanka
England and Sri Lanka continued their ongoing T20I series by taking on each other in the 2nd T20I. The two sides met at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on September 17, and the game saw England...
Westview Cricket Ltd and Poonawalla Sports and Fitness Pvt Ltd will be buying Rajasthan Royals (India), Paarl Royals (South Africa) and Barbados Royals (Barbados).
Suryakumar Yadav worships at Mumbai's iconic Lalbaugcha Raja.
PIX: Buttler breaks T20 runs record as England secure SL series
England secured a dominant six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Cardiff, clinching the T20 series 2-0. Jos Buttler made history by becoming the first player to reach 15,000 career T20 runs, while Liam Dawson's three-wicket haul and Tom Banton's unbeaten fifty guided England to an easy win.
Abhishek blazes fastest century in full-member T20s
The 26-year-old hammered 108 off 34 balls, striking nine fours and 11 sixes before falling to Rashid Khan. His hundred eclipsed the previous India record of a 35-ball century set by stalwart Rohit Sharma against Sri Lanka in 2017
Banton steers England into unassailable 2-0 series lead
Dawson takes three as Sri Lanka crawl to underpowered 145 at Sophia Gardens
How Abhishek's Record-Shattering Blitz Blew Afghanistan Away
Opening batter Abhishek Sharma blasted a record-shattering 30-ball century, powering India to a massive 221-7 and sparking a total bowling collapse that sealed a 127-run series sweep against Afghanistan.
Wuhan Open: Rybakina, Sabalenka, Gauff And Swiatek Lead Star-studded Field
The Wuhan Open: The Wuhan Open is set for a blockbuster return next month, with the tournament attracting every player currently ranked inside the WTA Rankings Top 10. US Open champion Elena Rybakina, who has also taken over the No. 1 ranking, will headline the WTA 1000 event. The Kazakh will be joined by Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Mirra Andreeva, Linda Noskova, Elina Svitolina, Karolina Muchova, Iga Swiatek and Marta Kostyuk. The strength of the field extends beyond the leading names, with all but one player from the current Top 25 set to compete in Wuhan. Victoria Mboko is the notable absentee as she continues her recovery from a left knee injury sustained earlier this summer. The tournament, the second WTA 1000 event in a back-to-back stretch on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz calendar, will feature a 56-player singles draw. The main draw comprises 43 direct entrants, eight qualifiers, four wild cards and one special exemption. Daria Snigur, Yuliia Starodubtseva, Cristina Bucsa and former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova complete the list of direct entrants. Lilli Tagger, Anhelina Kalinina, Mayar Sherif and Tamara Korpatsch are the first four players on the alternate list. Gauff will arrive as the defending champion after producing a flawless run last year without dropping a set. The American overcame Jasmine Paolini in the semifinals before defeating Pegula in the final. Gauff had reached the semifinals in Wuhan the previous year, where she lost to Sabalenka, and owns an 8-1 career record at the tournament. Sabalenka, meanwhile, has established herself as one of Wuhan's most successful players. The Belarusian won consecutive titles in 2018 and 2019 before the tournament went on a four-year hiatus. She returned to the event in 2024 and immediately reclaimed the trophy. Gauff will arrive as the defending champion after producing a flawless run last year without dropping a set. The American overcame Jasmine Paolini in the semifinals before defeating Pegula in the final. Gauff had reached the semifinals in Wuhan the previous year, where she lost to Sabalenka, and owns an 8-1 career record at the tournament. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The main draw action is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 12, with the tournament concluding on Sunday, October 18. The draw ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 10. Article Source: IANS
Why Gambhir Refuses to Rush Hardik Back to the Fold
India head coach Gautam Gambhir stated that all-rounder Hardik Pandya is not yet fit to bowl a full 10-over quota in ODIs and will not be rushed back. Gambhir also hinted at the possibility of playing both Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy once Pandya achieves full bowling fitness, emphasizing his return depends on his all-round contribution.
3rd T20I: Pitch Wasnt Easy, But Abhisheks Knock Was Flawless, Says Shreyas Iyer
Arun Jaitley Stadium: India captain Shreyas Iyer lauded young opener Abhishek Sharmas sensational 108, helping the side get a 127-run win over Afghanistan and complete a 3-0 series sweep, calling it a flawless effort on a challenging pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Abhisheks masterclass knock was worth 34 deliveries, laced with nine fours and 11 sixes, and got a standing ovation from a standout crowd at the stadium after being caught behind by Rahmanullah Gurbaz off Rashid Khan in the tenth over. Abhisheks explosive knock eclipsed former India captain Rohit Sharmas 35-ball effort against Sri Lanka, coming at Holkar Stadium, Indore, in 2017 and grabbed the record for the fastest T20I hundred by an Indian mens batter, as well as the quickest ever hundred by a batter from a Test-playing country in the shortest format. Overall, it stands as the third-fastest century in mens T20I history, trailing only Estonias Sahil Chauhan (27 balls) and Turkeys Muhammad Fahad (29 balls), as India got their second straight 3-0 series win in the shortest format under Iyers leadership. I mean, I wouldn't say bullying, but you would definitely be respectful of the fact that you have come to India and then they were hosting the series. So commendable performance by them as well. It wasn't an easy wicket, but the way Abhishek played today was flawless, and it was just pleasing to the eye, Iyer said at the post-match presentation ceremony. He further revealed that he had already anticipated batting first after a brief conversation with his counterpart, Ibrahim Zadran, prior to the toss. Honestly speaking, I knew that I was going to bat today because we had a brief conversation with Ibrahim. He wanted to bowl in the first two games as well. So I had this vision, envisioned that we were going to bat. But yeah, phenomenal start we got, and then obviously just to cream those runs in between to get 220 on the board was commendable, added Iyer. He further revealed that he had already anticipated batting first after a brief conversation with his counterpart, Ibrahim Zadran, prior to the toss. Honestly speaking, I knew that I was going to bat today because we had a brief conversation with Ibrahim. He wanted to bowl in the first two games as well. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories So he's been doing it over the years, and I personally feel that he's someone who has got his head on his shoulders and thinks a lot about his game, and he's been performing consistently throughout. So kudos to him. Article Source: IANS
One or two bad series won't define us: Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma smashed a record-breaking 30-ball century, the fastest by a full member in T20Is, leading India to a massive 127-run victory over Afghanistan. Sharma's explosive innings and his comments on India's batting philosophy highlight the team's focus on dominance ahead of the T20 World Cup, despite recent setbacks. Captains Shreyas Iyer and Ibrahim Zadran also shared their perspectives on the match and team development.
Learoyd, Webb set up 3-0 win for Australia A
India A started positively in the 169 chase but lost a bunch of wickets to lose by seven runs
3rd T20I: It All Depends On The Process I've Been Doing Before Every Series, Says Abhishek
Arun Jaitley Stadium: Dynamic opener Abhishek Sharma, who lit up the third T20I against Afghanistan by hitting a breath-taking 108 off just 34 balls at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, believes his explosive form at the top of the order is a direct result of meticulous, bowler-specific preparation, while adding that one or two bad series will not alter the team's aggressive batting template. Abhishek, who now holds the record for the fastest mens T20I fifty by an Indian batter and the quickest ton by a batter from a Full Member nation, was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series in Indias 3-0 T20I series win over Afghanistan, coming via a thumping 127-run triumph. I feel it all depends on the process I've been doing before every series. It's just, it's very particular for me against whom I'm gonna play and who are gonna be the bowlers. So for personally me as a batter, it's always been about the process: how I'm gonna utilise the power play, who is gonna bowl me the power play, and then the seventh, eighth over. It's very specific for me, Abhishek said in the post-match presentation ceremony. Dismissing concerns over occasional failures, Abhishek stated that the squad remains united in its long-term goal of dominating opponents across all conditions. I mean, I've told in the first interview as well, because we have been doing this for the last two years, and I told this before as well, one or two bad series won't define us as a batting department, because we wanted to dominate throughout the whole year before the World Cup, and no matter who, against whom we are playing. But I feel as a batter, as a cricketer, sometimes it's gonna go up and down. But it's the team dressing room momentum and the way we all think about it. I feel that's very important, because that's the time we have to be in one unit and just focus on the next game and just keep on dominating, he added. Crediting the Indian team management for providing clarity and freedom, Abhishek further spoke about the importance of clear communication from the team leadership in consistently executing a high-risk playing style. I feel once you want to play in this certain way, it's very important that the captain and the coach has to be on your side, because, I mean, you have to get that surety from the management and from the coaches and from the captain as well. So I feel it's because of them as well we've been doing this from, like, quite a few years now, and hopefully we're gonna continue this as well, he noted. On his ability to score all around the park, something which has been on display in the series, Abhishek reiterated his seeing and hitting strategy. I feel it's, for me, I feel I don't want to restrict any area. It's just watch the ball and play according to it. For me it's very simple, from day one. I just want to go and express myself, and I don't want to force the ball. It's just I just want to see and hit it, and it's gonna be very simple for me for the upcoming every matches as well. On his ability to score all around the park, something which has been on display in the series, Abhishek reiterated his seeing and hitting strategy. I feel it's, for me, I feel I don't want to restrict any area. It's just watch the ball and play according to it. For me it's very simple, from day one. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Abhishek also shared a light moment during the presentation, acknowledging a fan in the stands: Happy birthday to whoever is there (in the crowd). Article Source: IANS
Potts, Andersson leave Northants with stiff chase in promotion bid
Hosts need a further 312 runs on final day if they hope to keep pace with Kent in bid for second spot
Prithvi Shaw-Akriti Agarwal Call Off Engagement
Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw and his fiance Akriti Agarwal have announced their separation just months after their engagement, citing 'different goals and circumstances' for their future.
Arun Jaitley Stadium: Left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma lit up the Arun Jaitley Stadium, packed with 26,230 fans, by hitting the fastest T20I century by a player from a Test-playing nation and the quickest ton by an India men's batter, off just 30 balls, as India thrashed Afghanistan by 127 runs to seal a 3-0 series win on Thursday. If Sunday hinted at Abhishek finding form again by hitting a swashbuckling fifty, Thursday left no doubt. The left-handed opener knocked over a stack of records on the way to his hundred, bettering the 35-ball effort of Rohit Sharma against Sri Lanka in 2017 for the fastest by an Indian, and going third on the overall list behind only Estonia's Sahil Chauhan (27 balls) and Turkey's Muhammad Fahad (29). Though Afghanistan mounted a late fightback in the back end of the innings and kept India to 221/7, including taking four wickets in the final four overs, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravi Bishnoi then took 3-25 and 3-26 respectively to bowl Afghanistan out for 94 in 14.1 overs. With Afghanistan losing four wickets in the power play, India were on course to clinch a clinical 3-0 series win after defeating Zimbabwe by the same margin in July. On a pitch with no demons, Abhishek showcased supreme power and timing to hit a brilliant 108 off 34 balls, laced with nine fours and eleven sixes at a strike-rate of 317.65, with 102 of those runs coming from boundaries alone. His carnage meant India were 100/0 at the end of the power play, and despite a late stumble, the designated visitors managed to cross the 220-mark. He found an able partner in Sanju Samson, who made a 35-ball 50, his second fifty in a row in this series, as the duo shared a 142-run opening stand. For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai picked up 2-27, while Rashid Khan, who was electrifying in effecting a run-out and taking two astounding catches, and Abdullah Ahmadzai took a scalp each. Electing to bowl first, Afghanistan had a slip in for Abhishek when he came on strike in the first over. But once he drove Fazalhaq Farooqi through cover for four, the slip was moved out. After that, whatever Afghanistan tried, it didn't work, as Abhishek's brilliance just threw them out of gear. Omarzai bowled short at the stumps in the second over, and Abhishek pulled it 86 metres behind square for six. With his attacking instincts unlocked, Abhishek hit Omarzai over his head for four with mid-off and mid-on up, then danced down the track to loft over cover for six, as 17 runs came off it. Farooqi's next over went for 23 runs, as Abhishek hammered him for two sixes and as many fours. Mohammad Nabi's only over cost 29 runs. Samson first hit him for consecutive sixes, before being dropped on 22 by captain Ibrahim Zadran at mid-off. But Abhishek reached his fifty off just 16 balls with a six down the track - the sixth time he has reached a fifty inside 20 deliveries - before hitting a four through the gap between cover and point, and finished the fifth over with a six over the straight boundary. Abhishek treated Rashid Khan with disdain hitting him for four over extra cover, and followed by an inside-out boundary and six over wide mid-off to bring up India's century in the power play. After that, it was all going Abhishek's way as Ahmadzai and Mujeeb were clobbered for boundaries. The next 14 balls he faced brought him 51 runs, and his third T20I hundred came in the ninth over when Abhishek drove Ahmadzai for a single. He did not seem to realise straight away that he had broken a slew of records, and he took off his helmet and bandana and sat down in a meditation pose to celebrate the feat, with his father, Rajkumar Sharma, clapping and smiling with sheer joy at the hospitality stand. But Rashid got him out in the tenth over with a googly bowled from behind the stumps, edged through to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, as the entire ground stood up to give Abhishek a standing ovation. Rashid then caused the run-out of Tilak Varma with a direct hit, and caught Samson at long-off, leaping with his hands above his head, off Omarzai. Two overs later, he ran to his left at long-on and took a diving catch over his head to dismiss Shivam Dube. Ishan Kishan was run out by Gurbaz, who threw his right glove away before hitting the stumps. Ahmadzai, playing his first game of the series, kept going at the yorker and had Reddy caught at deep midwicket. By the time skipper Shreyas Iyer was run out for 29, India had managed to cross the 220-run mark, despite scoring just 79 runs in the last 60 balls. But the night was already brightened by Abhishek's unforgettable, breathtaking blitzkrieg. In the pursuit of 222, Gurbaz, who had not scored a run in the series so far, got off the mark by backing away and steering a short-of-length ball from Reddy behind point for four, and hit the next ball between cover and point for another boundary. Ibrahim Zadran, on strike for the fifth ball, picked up a short one over square leg for six, as 15 runs came off the opening over. After Gurbaz and Zadran hit three more boundaries collectively, Afghanistan's slide began. Axar Patel struck with his first ball as Gurbaz backed away to sweep but missed the delivery, leaving stumps in a mess. Three balls later, Sediqullah Atal top-edged a slog sweep, and Abhishek ran in from deep midwicket to take it. Bumrah then yorked Darwish Rasooli with a 140 kmph delivery while Yash Thakur had Zadran caught at deep square leg. With Afghanistan four down in the power play, the game's result became a foregone conclusion, and the pattern repeated yet again. Debutant Noor ul Rahman, dropped by Varma at long-off, made 11 off 15 balls before Bishnoi had him miscuing in the deep. Reddy then returned to get his second three-wicket haul on the trot - Nabi swung across the line at a length ball that stayed low, skidded under the inside edge and knocked the stumps over. Three balls later, Sediqullah Atal top-edged a slog sweep, and Abhishek ran in from deep midwicket to take it. Bumrah then yorked Darwish Rasooli with a 140 kmph delivery while Yash Thakur had Zadran caught at deep square leg. With Afghanistan four down in the power play, the game's result became a foregone conclusion, and the pattern repeated yet again. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Brief Scores: India 221/7 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 108, Sanju Samson 50; Azmatullah Omarzai 2-27, Abdullah Ahmadzai 1-38) beat Afghanistan 94 all out in 14.1 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 25, Azmatullah Omarzai 17; Nitish Kumar Reddy 3-25, Ravi Bishnoi 3-26) by 127 runs Article Source: IANS
Abhishek's record century delivers India's clean sweep of Afghanistan
He hit a 30-ball century in India's 221 before Afghanistan collapsed to 94 all out
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3rd T20I: Reddy, Bishnoi Pick Three Each As India Beat Afghanistan By 127-runs, Seal Series 3-0
Nitish Kumar Reddy: Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravi Bishnoi took three-fors each as India thrashed Afghanistan by 127 runs and sealed a 3-0 series win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday. India previously reached 221/7, thanks to a blistering 108 off just 34 balls by Abhishek Sharma. By reaching his hundred off 30 balls, Abhishek became the new record holder for the fastest T20I century by a batter from a Test-playing nation, and the quickest mens centurion in the shortest format for India bettering Rohit Sharma's 35-ball effort in 2017. Though Afghanistan pulled things back with regular wickets in the second half to keep India in check, them going four down inside the powerplay meant they were never in the hunt to chase it. With Reddy and Bishnoi picking up 3-25 and 3-26, respectively, Afghanistan were bowled out for 94 in 14.1 overs as India swiftly completed the demolition job. In the pursuit of 222, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who had not scored a run in the series so far, got off the mark by backing away and steering a short-of-length ball from Reddy behind point for four, and hit the next ball between cover and point for another boundary. Ibrahim Zadran, on strike for the fifth ball, picked up a short one over square leg for six, as 15 runs came off the opening over. After Gurbaz and Zadran hit three more boundaries collectively, Afghanistans slide began. Axar Patel struck with his first ball as Gurbaz backed away to sweep but missed the delivery, leaving the stumps in a mess. Three balls later, Sediqullah Atal top-edged a slog sweep, and Abhishek ran in from deep midwicket to take it. Bumrah then yorked Darwish Rasooli with a 140 kmph delivery while Yash Thakur had Zadran caught at deep square leg for 25. With Afghanistan four down in the power play, the games result became a foregone conclusion, and the pattern repeated yet again. Debutant Noor ul Rahman, dropped by Tilak Varma at long-off, made 11 off 15 balls before Bishnoi had him miscuing in the deep. Reddy then returned to get his second three-wicket haul on the trot - Mohammad Nabi swung across the line at a length ball that stayed low, skidded under the inside edge and knocked the stumps over. Three balls later, Sediqullah Atal top-edged a slog sweep, and Abhishek ran in from deep midwicket to take it. Bumrah then yorked Darwish Rasooli with a 140 kmph delivery while Yash Thakur had Zadran caught at deep square leg for 25. With Afghanistan four down in the power play, the games result became a foregone conclusion, and the pattern repeated yet again. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Brief Scores: India 221/7 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 108, Sanju Samson 50; Azmatullah Omarzai 2-27, Abdullah Ahmadzai 1-38) beat Afghanistan 94 all out in 14.1 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 25, Azmatullah Omarzai 17; Nitish Kumar Reddy 3-25, Ravi Bishnoi 3-26) by 127 runs Article Source: IANS
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Delhi Capitals take cricket to Japan, partner with The British School in Tokyo
Digital Desk | Tokyo, Sep 17 (IANS) With cricket set for a return to the Asian Games and the sport preparing for its Olympic comeback at Los Angeles 2028, Delhi Capitals have taken their grassroots outreach to Japan by partnering with The British School in Tokyo (BST). The IPL franchise has partnered with the school to introduce more young students in Japan to cricket, with support from the Japan Cricket Association (JCA). The partnership comes just days before a historic week for India-Japan cricket. The Indian womens team will face hosts Japan in the Asian Games quarter-finals on Friday, September 18, while the Indian mens team will meet Japan in the Suzuki Cup T20 International on September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture. As the first initiative under the partnership, former India captain and Delhi Capitals Womens Assistant Coach Anju Jain visited BST in September to conduct cricket workshops for primary and secondary students. Jain, a former India international wicketkeeper-batter who captained the country at the 2000 Womens World Cup and received the Arjuna Award, introduced students to the fundamentals of the sport while drawing on her experience as an international player and coach. The partnership is expected to expand beyond introductory workshops, with plans for further coaching sessions and player interactions, technical guidance for school coaches and support for student-led cricket programmes at BST. Ian Clayton, Principal of The British School in Tokyo, said the initiative could help connect students with the wider possibilities offered by the sport. Cricket has a wonderful ability to bring people together across cultures and generations. We are proud of our connection to the game and excited by the opportunity to work with Anju and Delhi Capitals to help inspire its future in Japan. Most importantly, we want our students to see where passion, dedication and ambition can take them. Delhi Capitals CEO Sunil Gupta said the franchise sees scope to contribute to the development of cricket at the grassroots level in Japan. Japan is an exciting market for cricket, and we see a great opportunity to contribute to its growth at the grassroots level. Through our partnership with The British School in Tokyo, we want to bring our experience and expertise closer to young players and give them the opportunity to learn from people who have played and coached the game at the highest level. We believe this can help spark greater interest in cricket and encourage more young people in Japan to take up the sport, he said. Delhi Capitals already have a connection with Japanese cricket through pacer Ahilya Chandel, who joined the franchise as a net bowler during WPL 2025. Chandel is among the few bowlers to have claimed a double hat-trick in WT20Is. The latest initiative comes as cricket builds momentum in Japan. Its presence at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games marks another step in that growth, while the sport is also set to return to the Olympic programme at Los Angeles 2028. For Delhi Capitals, the partnership with BST provides another avenue to take the game beyond its traditional markets and introduce cricket to a new generation of potential players in Japan.
Abhishek Sharmas blistering knock against Afghanistan was less a T20 innings and more an unrelenting storm. Leading up to the match, there were general expectations that the southpaw might be benched for the dead rubber...
Virat Kohli Wishes PM Narendra Modi on 76th Birthday
Former India captain Virat Kohli extended warm birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday, joining numerous celebrities in honouring the Indian PM.
Batting Stalwart Virat Kohli Extends Wishes For PM Modi On His 76th Birthday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Former India captain and batting stalwart Virat Kohli joined several prominent personalities in extending birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, as the iconic leader turned 76. Kohli took to social media to convey his wishes, keeping his message short while wishing PM Modi good health, happiness and a fulfilling life. Warm birthday wishes to Honourable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji. Wishing you good health, happiness, and a long fulfilling life, Kohli wrote on X. Kohlis message came as birthday greetings poured in for PM Modi from political leaders, sporting personalities and other public figures across the country. The 37-year-old is all set to return to the Indian setup as India take on the West Indies in a three-match ODI series starting September 27. The 50-over series will be played across Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, and New Chandigarh. PM Modi is celebrating his 76th birthday on Thursday, and the occasion has prompted messages from leaders and personalities across different fields. The sporting fraternity has also joined the celebrations, with several prominent names conveying their wishes to PM Modi on social media. PM Modis birthday has also drawn greetings from across the political spectrum. President Droupadi Murmu, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, among several others, have conveyed their birthday wishes to PM Modi. Messages have also come from international leaders. Russian President Vladimir Putin was among those who extended birthday greetings to PM Modi, while leaders from other countries also marked the occasion. PM Modis birthday has also drawn greetings from across the political spectrum. President Droupadi Murmu, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, among several others, have conveyed their birthday wishes to PM Modi. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories October will mark 25 years of PM Modis public service. He began his political journey with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and has led the Bharatiya Janata Party to victory in three consecutive general elections. Article Source: IANS
Virat Kohli extends wishes for PM Modi on his 76th birthday
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) Former India captain and batting stalwart Virat Kohli joined several prominent personalities in extending birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, as the iconic leader turned 76. Kohli took to social media to convey his wishes, keeping his message short while wishing PM Modi good health, happiness and a fulfilling life. Warm birthday wishes to Honourable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji. Wishing you good health, happiness, and a long fulfilling life, Kohli wrote on X. Kohlis message came as birthday greetings poured in for PM Modi from political leaders, sporting personalities and other public figures across the country. The 37-year-old is all set to return to the Indian setup as India take on the West Indies in a three-match ODI series starting September 27. The 50-over series will be played across Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, and New Chandigarh. PM Modi is celebrating his 76th birthday on Thursday, and the occasion has prompted messages from leaders and personalities across different fields. The sporting fraternity has also joined the celebrations, with several prominent names conveying their wishes to PM Modi on social media. PM Modis birthday has also drawn greetings from across the political spectrum. President Droupadi Murmu, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, among several others, have conveyed their birthday wishes to PM Modi. Messages have also come from international leaders. Russian President Vladimir Putin was among those who extended birthday greetings to PM Modi, while leaders from other countries also marked the occasion. PM Modi was born in Vadnagar, Gujarat, in 1950, three years after India gained independence, making him the first prime minister of the country to have been born in independent India. He is also the longest-serving prime minister from a non-Congress party. October will mark 25 years of PM Modis public service. He began his political journey with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and has led the Bharatiya Janata Party to victory in three consecutive general elections.
Arun Jaitley Stadium: Left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma lit up the Arun Jaitley Stadium by hitting the fastest T20I century by a player from a Test-playing nation and the quickest ton by an Indian mens batter, off just 30 balls, as he propelled India to a massive 221.7 against Afghanistan in the third and final T20I on Thursday. On a pitch with no demons, Abhishek showcased supreme power and timing to hit a brilliant 108 off 34 balls, laced with nine fours and eleven sixes at a strike-rate of 317.65. His carnage meant India were 100/0 at the end of the power play, and despite a late stumble as Afghanistan mounted a spirited fightback to pick up four wickets in the last five overs, the designated visitors managed to cross the 220-mark. He found an able partner in Sanju Samson, who made a 35-ball 50, his second fifty in a row in this series, as the duo shared a 142-run opening stand. For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai picked up 2-27, while Rashid Khan, who was electrifying in effecting a run-out and taking two astounding catches, and Abdullah Omarzai took a scalp each. Electing to bowl first, Afghanistan had a slip in for Abhishek when he came on strike in the first over. But once he drove Fazalhaq Farooqi through cover for four, the slip was moved out. After that, whatever Afghanistan tried, it didnt work, as Abhisheks brilliance just threw them off their game. Omarzai bowled short at the stumps in the second over, and Abhishek pulled it 86 metres behind square. Abhishek then hit Omarzai over his head for four with mid-off and mid-on up, and then danced down the pitch to loft over cover for six, as 17 runs came off it. Farooqi's next over went for 23 runs, as Abhishek hammered him for two sixes and as many fours. Mohammad Nabi's only over cost 29 runs. Samson first hit him for consecutive sixes, before being dropped on 22 by captain Ibrahim Zadran at mid-off. But Abhishek reached his fifty off just 16 balls with a six down the ground, before hitting a four through the gap between cover and point, and finished the fifth over with a six over the straight boundary. Abhishek treated Rashid Khan with disdain hitting him for four over extra cover, and followed by an inside-out boundary and six over wide mid-off to bring up Indias century in the power play. After that, it was all going in Abhisheks way as Ahmadzai and Mujeeb were clobbered for boundaries. The hundred came in the ninth over when Abhishek drove Ahmadzai for a single. He did not seem to realise straight away that he had broken a slew of records, and he took off his helmet and bandana and sat down in a meditation pose to celebrate the feat, with his father, Rajkumar Sharma, clapping and smiling with sheer joy. But Rashid got him in the tenth over with a googly bowled from behind the stumps, as the entire ground stood up to give Abhishek a standing ovation. Rashid then caused the run-out of Tilak Varma with a direct hit, and caught Samson at long-off, leaping with his hands above his head, off Omarzai. Two overs later, he ran to his left at long-on and took a diving catch over his head to dismiss Shivam Dube. Ishan Kishan was run out by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who threw his right glove away before hitting the stumps. After that, it was all going in Abhisheks way as Ahmadzai and Mujeeb were clobbered for boundaries. The hundred came in the ninth over when Abhishek drove Ahmadzai for a single. He did not seem to realise straight away that he had broken a slew of records, and he took off his helmet and bandana and sat down in a meditation pose to celebrate the feat, with his father, Rajkumar Sharma, clapping and smiling with sheer joy. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Brief Scores: India 221/7 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 108, Sanju Samson 50; Azmatullah Omarzai 2-27, Abdullah Ahmadzai 1-38) against Afghanistan Article Source: IANS
Labuschagne confident in No. 3 spot despite form dip
Marnus Labuschagne remains confident he is Australia's best No. 3 Test option, despite facing criticism for a prolonged century drought and a recent average of 25.43 since the 2023 Ashes.
List Of Records Broken And Milestones Achieved By Abhishek Sharma During Blistering 108 Runs
Arun Jaitley Stadium: India's star batter Abhishek Sharma ripped up the record books with a jaw-dropping knock in the third and final T20I of the series against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Thursday. Abhishek put on a magical show with the bat, enthralled the Delhi fans with his fierce might, and put the Afghan bowlers to the sword. The southpaw smashed a 30-ball hundred and broke the long-standing record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian, a record previously held by former captain Rohit Sharma, who had smoked a 35-ball hundred for the Men in Blue during a T20I against Sri Lanka in Indore in 2017. The recently turned 26-year-old now also holds the record for the fastest century by any batter from a full-member nation, as well as the fastest century by anyone against a full-member nation. Zimbabwean veteran Sikandar Raza and New Zealand's Finn Allen jointly held the record for the fastest T20I ton by a full-member nation player, having both hit a ton off 33 balls. Meanwhile, the record for the fastest ton against a full-member side was held by Allen, who hit a 33-ball hundred against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final. Meanwhile, Abhishek broke several other records before being dismissed on 108 off 34 deliveries. He now holds the record for the most runs by an individual in the first six overs of a Men's T20I. Abhishek slammed 76 off 22 balls in the powerplay, breaking the previous record held by Portugal's Kuldeep Gholiya, who scored 74 off 25 deliveries against Malta in 2023. Meanwhile, he extended his record for the most T20I fifties off 20 balls or fewer, making it his sixth such occasion. This time, he brought up his fifty off 16 balls. Abhishek slammed 76 off 22 balls in the powerplay, breaking the previous record held by Portugal's Kuldeep Gholiya, who scored 74 off 25 deliveries against Malta in 2023. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The 26-year-old slammed 11 sixes in the innings, taking his series sixes tally to 22. He has equalled his own record for most sixes in a T20I series for India, matching the 22 he smashed against England in 2025. Article Source: IANS
Abhishek Sharma breaks Rohit's T20I century record
Abhishek Sharma overtakes Sikander Raza, Rohit Sharma for fastest T20I ton by batter from Test-playing nation
Miane Smit's maiden T20I century puts South Africa 4-0 up
South Africa posted 205 for 4, their third-highest T20I total, which proved 80 too many for Zimbabwe
Marnus Labuschagne named captain of Queensland in the One-Day Cup after ODI axe
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) Australia's senior batter Marnus Labuschagne has been named captain of the Queensland side in the One-Day Cup following his removal from the ODI squad for the African tour. Labuschagne was dropped from the ODI squad for the Zimbabwe and South Africa ODI series but kept his place for the Test series against the Proteas later, despite the slump in his form. He will be leading the team for their clash against Victoria on Saturday and for the New South Wales game next Monday before the Test-bound players leave for the South Africa Tests. The Aussie batter has been struggling for runs across formats, with his last international century dating back more than three years. His spot in Test cricket has been under scrutiny for quite some time now, as former captain Ricky Ponting questioned his place. Labuschagne, whose Test career took off after the concussion-substitute innings of 59 in 2019, has not hit a Test century since the 2023 Ashes and has averaged 25.43 since then. Speaking on his criticism, Labuschagne highlighted that he is doing everything possible to get back among runs. Criticism, you bring (that) on yourself as a player because that's performance-based, Labuschagne told 7News. I'm not getting criticised because of me as a person; they are criticising my performance, which in the last two years I have let happen. People that know me know that every single part of me is doing everything I can to get back to what my best looks like. In a separate interaction with Code Sports, he emphasised that he is still the best to do the job at No.3 for the Aussies. I still think I am the best person to bat at No. 3 for Australia. But if someone else offers a different opinion, that's up to them. That's their point of view, he said.
Abhishek Sharma smashes fastest T20I hundred by a Full Member batter
The India opener rushed to his century in just 30 balls, bettering Rohit Sharma's longstanding India record by five balls
UPL 2026: Players' Draft Completes Squads, Rishikesh River Kings Secure Akash Madhwal
Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium: The Uttarakhand Premier League (UPL) franchises completed their player drafts to complete their squads ahead of the upcoming season. All the seven men's teams finalised their squads ahead of the tournament, scheduled to be played from September 21 to October 1 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Raipur, Dehradun as Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2026 replacement fast bowler Akash Madhwal was roped in by Rishikesh River Kings. Other prominent Uttarakhand players - Suchith J, Avneesh Sudha, Yuvraj Choudhary, Tejasvi Jaiswal, Kunal Chandela and Mayank Mishra also headline the respective squads as icon players. USN Indians have retained Suchith J, while Nainital Tigers will be led by Avneesh. Choudhary has joined Haridwar Elmas, and Jaiswal has gone to Tehri Titans. Dehradun Warriors will be represented by Chandela, while Mayank Mishra will be the icon player for Pithoragarh Hurricanes. Each franchise assembled a mix of senior players, Under-23 and Under-19 cricketers, uncapped players and established icon players. Meanwhile, Kiran Verma, Secretary, Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU), reflected on the draft. The Players' Draft has brought together a strong pool of talent from across Uttarakhand and gives our players an important platform to compete at a high level. The UPL has grown with every edition, and with both senior and emerging players coming together, we are looking forward to an exciting third season, Kiran said. Former BCCI Vice-President and Former Secretary of CAU Mahim Verma also highlighted the platform the league provides for local cricketers. The completion of the draft marks another important step towards UPL 2026. The league provides players from Uttarakhand an opportunity to perform in a competitive environment and gain visibility. With the IPL auction cycle approaching, this tournament can be an important platform for players to showcase their abilities through their performances, Mahim said. Chairperson of the Uttarakhand Premier League Sunil Joshi also highlighted that the draft has given another layer to the league. The Players Draft has added another layer of excitement to UPL 2026. Each team has put together its squad with a combination of experienced players and young talent, which reflects the depth available in Uttarakhand cricket. We are now looking forward to seeing these players come together on the field and make the most of the opportunity, Joshi said. Chairperson of the Uttarakhand Premier League Sunil Joshi also highlighted that the draft has given another layer to the league. The Players Draft has added another layer of excitement to UPL 2026. Each team has put together its squad with a combination of experienced players and young talent, which reflects the depth available in Uttarakhand cricket. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The women's Players' Draft also saw all four teams complete their squads for the third edition of the Uttarakhand Premier League. Raghvi will lead Pithoragarh Hurricanes as their icon player, while Sweta will captain Dehradun Warriors. Mussoorie Queens have secured Nandini Kashyap as their icon player, while Bageshwar Aerial have added Prema Rawat as their icon player. Article Source: IANS
3rd T20I: 170 No Longer A Winning Total In T20s, It Has Become An Average Score, Says Bishnoi
Arun Jaitley Stadium: Highlighting the rapid evolution of T20 cricket in recent years, India leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi said a score of 170, once considered a winning total, has now become a mere average or below-par in the modern game. Bishnoi came into the second game held on Tuesday in place of wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who was ruled out of the ongoing series against Afghanistan due to a side strain. In that game, which India won by seven wickets, Bishnoi picked up 1-32 in his four overs and dismissed top-order batter Sediqullah Atal. Reflecting on his performance in the opening match and the changing dynamics of the shortest format, the 25-year-old spinner emphasised that executing practice drills and sticking to core processes remain vital when bowling on flat tracks and small grounds. It was a really good match. One important thing was that I was able to put into practice the things I had been working on during training. Being able to contribute to the team's win made it even better. T20 cricket has changed a lot. From 2022 to 2026, things have changed massively. Back then, 170 was considered a minimum score. Today, 170 is barely a competitive total. What was once a winning score has now become an average or below-par score, said Bishnoi in a chat with the broadcasters, ahead of the third T20I starting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday. It was a really good match. One important thing was that I was able to put into practice the things I had been working on during training. Being able to contribute to the team's win made it even better. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories My philosophy is to do what you know best and keep improving at it. You have to stick to your process and your plans. Playing on good pitches and small grounds is certainly a factor, but you also have to focus on your bowling, how much control you have, and whether you can execute the things you've been working on in practice, he added. Article Source: IANS
Abhishek Sharma breaks Rohit Sharma's record with swashbuckling century vs Afghanistan
Star India batter Abhishek Sharma wreaked havoc in the third T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The 26-year-old got going from the very beginning and changed the complexion of the contest alongside opening partner Sanju Samson. Both India openers launched a scathing attack against Afghanistan in the powerplay and completed 100 runs in the first six overs.
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Ibrahim Zadran made two changes bringing in Abdollah Ahmadzai and handing a debut to Noor ul Rahman
Mohammad Rizwan Submits Response To NCCIA Questionnaire Over Gambling Allegations
National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency: Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Rizwan has submitted his response to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agencys (NCCIA) questionnaire, while questioning the basis of the agency's inquiry against him. In his response, the wicketkeeper-batter also requested details of the allegations against him and questioned why the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit was not tasked with probing the matter. As a cricketer, I have served the Pakistan team to the best of my ability, Rizwan stated in his response as quoted by Samaa TV. The cricketer also stated that he had not been informed of which online gambling incident he was linked to and sought details of the allegations against him. The wicketkeeper-batter questioned on what basis the NCCIA was probing the matter, as he stated that the ICC ACU should have been conducting the investigation. Despite being an active cricketer, the allegations against me were not reported to the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit, he stated. It is incomprehensible why the NCCIA is conducting an inquiry into such a case, the cricketer said in his response. Rizwan also demanded details of the allegations against him. I should be provided with full details of the allegations against me so that I can participate in the inquiry, he said. Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court has also dismissed Rizwan's petition, in which he argued that the NCCIA had not explained why it questioned him and that it lacked jurisdiction over the matter. The petition was dismissed shortly after the hearing on Thursday. A few days ago, Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq appeared before the NCCIA in Lahore regarding alleged leaks of information from the team's dressing room. Imam completed his response to the questionnaire, while Rizwan chose to take the matter to court. The fallout continues after Pakistan's poor performance in England, where they suffered their first-ever 0-3 defeat on English soil. The PCB sent Rizwan, Imam and five other cricketers home after the second Test defeat. The PCB reportedly handed the two players' mobile phones to the relevant authorities following their removal, along with those of five other players from Pakistan's squad for the England Test series. According to a report in Pakistan-based The News International, the NCCIA examined financial matters and suspected transactions involving the two players. Investigators probed the two players' financial dealings before and during the ongoing Test series, and their bank account details are also under scrutiny. The PCB reportedly handed the two players' mobile phones to the relevant authorities following their removal, along with those of five other players from Pakistan's squad for the England Test series. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Rizwan and Imam were among the seven players released from the squad after the disastrous first two Test matches of the three-game series against England. Those seven players were sent home, and the Pakistan Cricket Board brought in seven other players to the squad and later began an internal disciplinary inquiry. Article Source: IANS
3rd T20I: Noor, Naib Out As Afghanistan Elect To Bowl Against India, Thakur Replaces Arshdeep
Arun Jaitley Stadium: Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran has won the toss and elected to bowl first against India in the third and final T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday. India have already taken a 2-0 unassailable lead in the series and a win on Thursday will hand them a 3-0 triumph. Afghanistan, in order to avoid a clean sweep, have left out wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad and seam-bowling all-rounder Gulbadin Naib. In their place, Afghanistan have brought in right-arm medium pacer Abdullah Ahmadzai and wicketkeeper-batter Noor Rahman, who's making his T20I debut. We wanted to bowl first in the last two games as well, but unfortunately, we lost the toss. If you look at the wicket, it's quite supportive for the bowlers, and I'm sure we will execute our plans well in the bowling department. We will try to put pressure on them and not allow them to put a big score on the board, Zadran said after winning the toss. Asked about the teams mindset after the series defeat, Zadran said, We have lost the series, but we thought about the areas we need to work on and what we haven't done well in the last two games. We will try to play better cricket and win a game against them to finish well. Yes, India are one of the best teams. They have, I would say, all the departments covered in T20 cricket, but we always try to make things easy for ourselves and not complicate them. We just try to give 100 percent and play better cricket against them. India have brought in right-arm pacer Yash Thakur to replace left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh. It also means no game time for teenage left-arm opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and off-spin bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar. We would have definitely batted first as well. I interacted with him. I knew what he would do. Yes, absolutely, and it also gives us a fun challenge to bat here to the best of our abilities. Also, we spoke about this at the end of the last match, that they ease nicely into this role. See, there is no room for complacency. It's important that we stick to the moment and see to it that we are basically backing our instincts and not complicating things. Obviously, we are batting first. That doesn't mean that we are going to go completely berserk. We need to adapt. We need to see to it that we are getting acclimatised to the situation as well. So, good challenge, looking forward to it, India skipper Shreyas Iyer said. Playing XIs See, there is no room for complacency. It's important that we stick to the moment and see to it that we are basically backing our instincts and not complicating things. Obviously, we are batting first. That doesn't mean that we are going to go completely berserk. We need to adapt. We need to see to it that we are getting acclimatised to the situation as well. So, good challenge, looking forward to it, India skipper Shreyas Iyer said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories India: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Thakur, and Jasprit Bumrah Article Source: IANS
India have already sealed the series against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. That ignited hope of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi returning to the playing XI for the dead rubber. However, the team management...
Muneeba Ali To Miss Rest Of Asiad, Flies Back Home Due To Mother's Illness
T20 World Cup: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali will miss the remainder of the Asian Games after flying home due to her mother's illness. Muneeba was not part of the Playing XI for their close quarterfinal win over Thailand in the continental showpiece on Thursday, as Gull Feroza donned the gloves and also opened the batting. Pakistan will not name a replacement for Muneeba due to logistical challenges and time constraints, as Feroza will continue to keep wicket in the senior wicketkeeper's absence. The six-day cricket tournament at the Asiad won't give enough time for a replacement. Feroza was back opening the innings for Pakistan after playing at No.3 in the recently concluded Asia Cup, where they lost in the semifinals. Before that, she opened the innings for the Women in Green in the T20 World Cup and made a strong, unbeaten 63 in their last group-stage match. Muneeba is a senior member of the Pakistani side and has played in 101 T20I and 65 ODI matches with over 3000 runs combined across the two formats. She has even captained Pakistan during their bilateral series against Sri Lanka in July, while Fatima Sana was playing in the Women's Hundred. Earlier, Pakistan survived a scare from Thailand to book their place in the semifinals at the Asian Games 2026. Captain Fatima Sana made a crucial all-round contribution with two wickets and a 13-ball 21-run knock in a three-wicket win at Korogi Sports Park. The rain-affected quarterfinal was reduced to 11 overs per side, with Thailand posting 91/4 after being asked to bat first. Nannapat Koncharoenkai anchored the innings with a 38-ball 49, while Fatima led Pakistan's bowling attack with two wickets. Pakistan's chase began positively as Gull Feroza and Shawaal Zulfiqar added 36 runs for the opening wicket. However, Thailand fought back after the partnership was broken, with regular wickets putting Pakistan under pressure. Fatima then walked in and played an important innings when her team needed stability. The Pakistan captain scored 21 off 13 balls before being dismissed on the first ball of the ninth over, leaving her side needing 19 runs from 17 deliveries. Pakistan's chase began positively as Gull Feroza and Shawaal Zulfiqar added 36 runs for the opening wicket. However, Thailand fought back after the partnership was broken, with regular wickets putting Pakistan under pressure. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Pakistan entered the final over needing four runs with three wickets still in hand. Umm-e-Hani held her nerve and struck the winning runs off the fourth ball of the 11th over to complete the chase. Article Source: IANS
ZIM vs AUS 2nd ODI Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI
ZIM vs AUS 2nd ODI, Cricket Tips: Australia humiliated Zimbabwe in the first ODI and won it by 59 runs. Matt Renshaw won the Player of the Match award for his maiden ODI century. He scored 109 off 94 balls at a strike rate of 115.96. With the ball, Nathan Ellis recorded his maiden fifer, taking 5/31. Zimbabwe were nowhere near Australia at any point. That will put them under pressure, going forward into the second game. The second ODI will start at 1 PM IST on Friday at Harare Sports Club. Australia will be looking to replicate their performance and win the series. ZIM vs AUS: Match Details Date : September 18, 2026 (Friday) Time : 1:00 PM IST Venue : Harare Sports Club, Harare ZIM vs AUS: Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch the live action of the second ODI on the FanCode mobile app or website. ZIM vs AUS: Head-to-Head in ODIs Total Matches: 34 Zimbabwe : 3 Australia : 30 No-result: 1 ZIM vs AUS: Ground Pitch Report Harare Sports Club is good for the team batting first. Early on the wicket will be hard, and batters can play the shots. But as the game goes forward, the wicket will get slower, making it tough for the batters. ZIM vs AUS: Possible XIs Zimbabwe : Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Innocent Kaia, Brendan Taylor (wk), Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (c), Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani Australia : Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson ZIM vs AUS: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Matt Renshaw and Craig Ervine are two batters that scored the most runs for their teams in the first game. They looked good and tackled the bowlers well. Probable Best Bowler Nathan Ellis and Newman Nyamhuri will be the ones to watch out for. Today Match Prediction : Australia have all the bases covered, and we predict them to win the second ODI. ZIM vs AUS Match 2nd ODI, Today Match ZIM vs AUS, ZIM vs AUS Prediction, ZIM vs AUS Predicted XIs, Injury Update for Zimbabwe vs Australia Match Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
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JPN-W vs IND-W 4th Quarter Final, Womens Asian Games 2026 Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI
JPN-W vs IND-W 4th Quarter Final, Cricket Tips: India Women recently won the Women's Asia Cup 2026, beating Sri Lanka in the final. Now, they will be in action in the Asian Games 2026, competing for the gold medal. India will face Japan Women in the fourth quarter-final. It will start on Friday at 10:30 AM IST at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin. Team India are likely to field the same XI that competed a few days back in the Asia Cup 2026. They would want the middle order to perform well. Japan have a history waiting for them. Though they might not be able to match the skillset to this Indian side, but if they can turn things around, it will be history for them. JPN-W vs IND-W: Match Details Date : September 18, 2026 (Friday) Time : 10:30 AM IST Venue : Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin JPN-W vs IND-W: Live Streaming Details The live action of the upcoming game will be available on the Sony Sports Networks, whereas fans can access the live stream on the Sony LIV app or website. JPN-W vs IND-W: Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches: 0 India Women : 0 Bangladesh Women: 0 No-result : 0 JPN-W vs IND-W: Ground Pitch Report Korogi Sports Park is a newly built stadium, which is temporarily for this tournament. So far, the wicket has performed in favor of the bowlers. The bounce here is good, and it has certainly troubled the batters in recent matches. JPN-W vs IND-W: Possible XIs India Women : Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Pratika Rawal, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Renuka Thakur, Shree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Nandani Sharma Japan Women: Haruna Iwasaki, Mai Yanagida (c), Akari Nishimura (wk), Erika Oda, Shimako Kato, Seika Sumi, Ahilya Chandel, Ayumi Fujikawa, Mamta Kaswan, Meg Ogawa, Nonoha Yasumoto JPN-W vs IND-W: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Shefali Verma and Erika Oda are key batters for their respective teams going forward into this game. Probable Best Bowler Shree Charani and Mai Yanagida are strike bowlers, and they will be the ones to watch out for. Today Match Prediction : India Women are more experienced than Japan Women. Hence, we predict them to win this game. JPN-W vs IND-W 4th quarter-final, Today Match JPN-W vs IND-W, JPN-W vs IND-W Prediction, JPN-W vs IND-W Predicted XIs, Injury Update for Japan Women vs India Women Match Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.
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Zimbabwe's Mukuhlani Appointed ICC Deputy Chairperson
Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, has been appointed as the new Deputy Chairperson of the International Cricket Council (ICC) until November 2027, succeeding Singapore's Imran Khwaja. This significant appointment is expected to bolster African cricket, especially as Zimbabwe prepares to co-host the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
Having already sealed the three-match series with two comprehensive victories, Team India takes on Afghanistan in the third and final T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, the...
Haris Rauf eyes Test return for Sri Lanka series
Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has expressed his strong desire to play Test cricket, aiming for a spot in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, as the team grapples with significant struggles in its pace department.
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Asian Games a 'teaser' for Olympics, says coach Muzumdar
India women's head coach Amol Muzumdar and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur view the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games as crucial preparation and a 'teaser' for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where women's cricket will make its debut, aiming to carry their winning mindset into both global events.
