Cricket

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RR bat, GT bring in Sai Kishore for Qualifier 2

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

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

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

Rishabh Pant steps down as LSG captain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A four-time Grand Slam champion, Sabalenka is still looking to land her first French Open title

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

Mandhana was leading India while England brought Bell back into the XI

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

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

Munisar replaces Brathwaite as West Indies name T20 World Cup squad

The same squad will face Ireland and Pakistan in a tri-nation T20I series, which got underway on June 28

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kouame is the youngest man to reach the last 32 of a major since Nadal at Wimbledon in 2003

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Osaka moves into French Open third round

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

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

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

Bhopal Leopards Reveal Squad Ahead Of MPL T20 Scindia Cup 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Four Indians Named In Womens T20 WC Match Officials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Venkatesh Iyer Headlines Indore Pink Panthers Squad For MPL T20 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

West Indies to host Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan in 2026 home season

West Indies will play Test matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the home season

'She's Going To Push Me To Do Even Better': New Mum Danni Wyatt-Hodge Aims For Glory Ahead Of India Challenge

Ask Danni Wyatt: Ask Danni Wyatt-Hodge on how she's doing and she'll tell you about being on cloud nine after her life changed overnight. Her daughter Daisy, born on May 20, is just over a week old, and Danni along with her partner Georgie, have been on baby feeding duties after every three hours. At times, Daisy likes being held in the lap, something which Danni loves doing. Amidst the joy of welcoming Daisy, Danni has found time to do some practice ahead of rejoining England for the final two T20Is against India, which serves as the final dress rehearsal before the ICC Women's T20 World Cup takes centrestage. On paper, the timing looks punishing, but Danni has no complaints. It's just been really nice being at home with her and Georgie, my wife and all our family around as well helping, which is a game changer. We're really lucky that we've got the help and I've still been managing to get out and do some training as well. But I've had a lot of cricket over the last four months or so. We've been very busy; I've been trying to get in everything I can so that I'm ready for what's coming up now. It's been nice to have this little period at home with the family and just on cloud nine still, it's pretty incredible, a beaming Danni said in an exclusive conversation with IANS, facilitated by Sony Sports Network. For Danni, jumping into a life of juggling between being an elite sportsperson and a new working mother, theres inspiration in the form of England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt. Watching Nat juggle between playing the Womens Big Bash League in Australia and looking after her son Theo with her partner, ex-England pacer Katherine Sciver-Brunt, Danni had a ringside view of how seamlessly a balance could be struck. Oh, it's massive. I've spent a lot of time around Nat, Katherine and Theo and basically lived with them for those two months and I've seen how amazing they are with Theo. They are incredible mothers to Theo and he's very lucky to have them. Me and Georgie said at that time, this will be us soon and it'll be so special to travel around the world with our daughter and just create memories together. That's what life's all about, isn't it? She's going to push me to do even better out there in the middle and we have exciting times ahead, she added. Cricket may be fickle, but Danni insists the mind is steady - sustained by routines and subtle mindset shifts, like not overthinking, that keep her form intact. The proof is already in her rich vein of form before going on parental leave Danni amassed 432 runs at an average of 48, which propelled Hobart Hurricanes to clinching the WBBL title, the first of her playing career. That momentum from Australia continued - two match-winning knocks for Team Heyhoe-Flint during an intra-squad training camp in South Africa in March was followed by 378 runs in five games of the One-Day Cup for Surrey - a blistering 124 against Warwickshire was followed by 119 against Hampshire and 96 against Durham. It's helped with what's going on outside of cricket with my wife being pregnant for the last nine months and now Daisy is finally here and all your energy goes into that. Then the cricket's just a bit on the side that you don't really think too much about, which is that's when people play their best cricket - when you're not overthinking everything and just stay calm and trust everything - trust your ability, instincts and just relax, stay calm and back yourself. It sounds quite simple, but a lot of people struggle to get in that mindset. But if you can get into that mindset, then you're going to give yourself the best chance to go out there to succeed and play some good cricket. So, for me, it's just having that balance of life and cricket, making sure that I'm enjoying life outside of cricket and that's what it's all about - creating memories, isn't it? With your friends, family and then the cricket looks after itself - as soon as you cross that line, you're on it and giving it your all, added Danni. Before the World Cup takes centrestage, England have to overcome the Indian challenge after drawing the ODI series against New Zealand, while winning the T20I series. When India toured in England in 2025, they won both T20I and ODI series and Danni, who shared the dressing room with a lot of Indian players during the WPL, harbours no illusions about the scale of the contest awaiting the hosts at home. It's really important because it's always a massive challenge playing against India and something that we always really look forward to. We know how quality a side India are. They've got some quality seam bowlers, some of the best spinners and batters in the world, and their batting line-up is quite deep and has big depth - Richa Ghosh comes in at number six or seven, and we know what she can do. So, it's going to be a real big test for us. But the girls are really looking in great nick at the minute. We've played some quality cricket over the last few months. We've been to South Africa, played against each other and we feel very prepared ahead of what's going to come. This series will be a massive challenge ahead of the World Cup and it's going to be really important that we win these games and take the momentum into the World Cup. But, it's T20 cricket - it just takes one or two players to have a good game and they are won or either lost. So, we've just got to live in the moment, prepare as well as we can do for each game, stay calm, try and play our best cricket and enjoy it ultimately, she elaborated. The returns of Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson, both sidelined from last years series against India, along with Heather Knight back in the batting line-up, have given England a significant boost. There are a few changes, but there's been so much cricket between then and now. We had a few players out with injury last summer unfortunately. Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson are really big players for us and it's really good to see them back out on the park. They offer us quality batting and bowling and both are quality fielders. So, both of those players are great additions to our squad. I've played a lot of cricket with Freya Kemp. I don't know if she's going to be, but I'm still saying it now, she's going to be the best player that England have ever produced. She's incredible and hits the ball so hard, like its the hardest I've ever seen a female hit the ball. So it's great to have those girls back and I feel like we've got all bases covered, which is really nice to have that, isn't it? Especially for me, opening the batting, knowing that I've got players like Heather Knight, Freya Kemp, Amy Jones coming in at the end, giving it a whack and it gives us license to go out and play our natural T20 game, added Danni. England's preparation has been methodical after WBBL stints, they featured in an intra-squad series in South Africa, where Danni's Heyhoe-Flint side lost the series to Team Brittin 3-2. Since then, all have been playing domestic cricket, with preparation camps running steadily, though Nat is still recovering from a calf injury. Danni insists that Englands preparation for a big few months of cricket at home has been exceptional. Our preparation has been outstanding and the girls are looking red hot and they all can't wait to get out there. The girls are just coming off playing against New Zealand, but we want to keep that momentum going and keep getting better and better each game so that when we go out there, and play our first (World Cup) game against Sri Lanka, we all know our roles well, and are confident in going to be able to perform as well as we can. Ultimately just enjoy it, inspire and entertain the crowd that are out there watching us. Hopefully we get some big crowds in - that'd be really good and I can't wait to get out there with everyone again, she added. The girls are just coming off playing against New Zealand, but we want to keep that momentum going and keep getting better and better each game so that when we go out there, and play our first (World Cup) game against Sri Lanka, we all know our roles well, and are confident in going to be able to perform as well as we can. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Watch India Women's Tour of England 2026 starting from May 28th 2026, from 11:00 PM IST live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD and Sony LIV. Article Source: IANS

Sooryavanshi smashes his way to the top of IPL 2026 Orange Cap table

Jofra Archer, meanwhile, picked up three wickets for the second game running, and is only two behind Purple Cap leaders Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Kagiso Rabada

Ryana MacDonald-Gay six-for seals Surrey win in low-scoring thriller

Quick returns best figures in women's domestic T20 cricket in third game back from injury, against Durham

Andersson hits fifty, takes six wickets as Derbyshire romp home

Leicestershire blown away after opting to chase as Donald, Andersson and Jewell hit their straps

Sooryavanshi's 97 off 29 knocks SRH out

Jofra Archer's three early wickets seal Rajasthan Royals' progress into Qualifier 2 to face Gujarat Titans

IPL 2026: Sooryavnshi, Archer Power RR To Qualifier 2 With 47-run Victory Over SRH

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Teenage star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered one of the best innings in Indian Premier League (IPL) knockout history before Jofra Archer tore through the top order as Rajasthan Royals beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in the Eliminator of IPL 2026 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. With this win, the Rajasthan Royals advanced to Qualifier 2, where they will meet the Gujarat Titans. Sooryavanshi scored an incredible 97 off just 28 balls, leading RR to a total of 243 for 8. This score proved much too high for SRH, even though they launched a brave counterattack in their chase. The 15-year-old hit a 16-ball fifty, tying Suresh Rainas record for the fastest half-century in an IPL playoff. He also surpassed Chris Gayle for the most sixes in a T20 tournament. He missed out on Gayles record for the fastest IPL century by three runs when he top-edged Praful Hinge to deep third while on 97, but he had thoroughly disrupted SRHs bowling strategy. Pat Cummins started with defensive field placements and heavy yorkers, but Sooryavanshi's assault turned the Power-play into total chaos. RR raced to 63 without losing a wicket in four overs and reached 125 for 1 in just eight. Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal struggled to 29 off 29 balls in what became one of the oddest supporting roles in T20 cricket. The momentum hardly slowed after Sooryavanshi's dismissal. Dhruv Jurel slammed a 20-ball fifty, dismantling Cummins with scoops, pulls, and straight hits as RR surged to 192 for 3 in 13.5 overs. Riyan Parag contributed 26, while late efforts from Donovan Ferreira and Ravindra Jadeja pushed RR past 240, despite a disciplined finish from Nitish Kumar Reddy. In pursuit of 244, SRH started in disarray. Archer struck on the second ball of the innings with a brutal short delivery, forcing Abhishek Sharma (0) to glove the ball to the keeper. However, SRH did not give up easily. Ishan Kishan unleashed 33 off 11 while Travis Head joined the early assault, helping SRH reach 51 for 1 in 2.4 overs in a thrilling exchange. Archer, however, changed the game entirely. Kishan (33) edged a catch to cover while attempting another aggressive shot, and soon after, Nandre Burger dismissed Ravichandran Smaran (1) with a hard-length delivery. Archer then bowled Head (17) with a 150kph delivery that hit the top of off stump. SRH fell to 57 for 4 in 4.4 overs, with Archer once again making a significant impact at a crucial stage of the tournament. Heinrich Klaasen (18) briefly raised hopes with an impressive six off legspinner Yash Raj Punja, but RR successfully reviewed his lbw after he missed a reverse sweep. SRH kept attacking with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Impact Player Salil Arora, whose 50-run partnership came off just 19 balls, but RR continued to take wickets. Jadeja dismissed Reddy for 38 off 20 by restricting his movement, while Pat Cummins (1) fell while trying to clear long-on, with Archer making a fine catch at the boundary. Arora continued his fightback and added 24 runs with Shivang Kumar, who then added 24 further with Eshan Malinga, but the fall of wickets continued for SRH as RR cruised to victory by 47 runs. Jofra Archer finished with the surreal figures of 4-0-58-3, expensive on paper, especially after even Shivang Kumar took him on in a 16-run 17th over - but the numbers barely captured his impact on the Eliminator. Archer struck with the second ball of the chase to remove Abhishek Sharma, then returned to dismiss the dangerous Ishan Kishan and blasted through Travis Head with a 150kph thunderbolt. Those three wickets at the top of the order ultimately tilted the match decisively in the Rajasthan Royals favour. Jadeja, Burger, and Sushant took two wickets each. Arora continued his fightback and added 24 runs with Shivang Kumar, who then added 24 further with Eshan Malinga, but the fall of wickets continued for SRH as RR cruised to victory by 47 runs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals 243/8 in 20 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 97, Dhruv Jurel 50; Praful Hinge 3-54, Shivang Kumar 1-19) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 196 all out in 19.2 overs (Ishan Kishan 38, Nitish Kumar Reddy 35; Jofra Archer 3-58, Ravindra Jadeja 3-21) by 47 runs. Article Source: IANS

Winning ODI World Cup Will Give Us A Lot Of Confidence, Says Harmanpreet Kaur Ahead Of T20 WC

Winning ODI World Cup: The reigning ICC Womens Cricket World Cup winners, India, have set themselves a new target -- to add another global crown to their kitty by winning their maiden ICC Womens T20 World Cup title in the event, which will be held in England and Wales from June 12. Having claimed their maiden T20 World Cup title at home last year, India will be making their final preparations for the mega event by locking horns with England in a three-match T20I series to familiarise themselves with the conditions on offer. The Indian players will be taking the field in England on a high following their success over the hosts in the previous white-ball series. For skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, however, England is an all-too familiar landscape. It was here that she made her India debut at the ICC Womens T20 World Cup in 2009. With India riding on a wave of confidence, Harman conceded that a fairytale ending to the upcoming tournament will be a dream come true for her. It will be a dream come true for any cricketer who made their debut in England and then winning the World Cup in England, I think I can't ask anything else for myself and from God, she said in the pre-match press conference in Chelmsford on Wednesday. And now it's only about just keeping myself in the positive frame and just keep doing the right things again and again, because consistency is something that always gives you results. And it's only about going there and expressing ourselves and enjoying each and every moment on the field. Kaur is the only member of the Indian squad who has featured in all the Womens T20 World Cup editions to date. Ahead of her 10th outing, however, she has added another feather to her cap, becoming the first Indian captain to lift a Womens Cricket World Cup trophy. It is from that euphoric win that Kaur and her team are deriving inspiration ahead of whats expected to be one of the most competitive editions of the tournament. I think winning the World Cup gave us a lot of confidence, and I think that confidence will carry over to this T20 World Cup. When you win, you know what things you have done really well to win that World Cup. We know how to perform under pressure. So I think those things will give us confidence playing this T20 World Cup, she said. Slotted in Group 1 alongside Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands, Indias march to the tournament begins with their bilateral series against England on May 28. I think winning the World Cup gave us a lot of confidence, and I think that confidence will carry over to this T20 World Cup. When you win, you know what things you have done really well to win that World Cup. We know how to perform under pressure. So I think those things will give us confidence playing this T20 World Cup, she said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Their opening match of the T20 World Cup will see India go up against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 14 at Edgbaston. Article Source: IANS

Kelly blazes trail for Blaze after Ballinger snares Bears

Warwickshire tripped up after fast start as visitors make it three wins from three

Harmanpreet: India looking for 'clarity' on best XI ahead of T20 World Cup

Hole left by absent allrounders could mean opportunities for Radha Yadav and Bharti Fulmani

Sophie Luff fifty stretches Somerset's unbeaten start

Captain's second consecutive half-century leads 39-run win over Yorkshire

IPL 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshis Opening Blitz Guides RR To 243/8 Vs SRH In Eliminator

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered one of the most incredible innings in the history of the knockout stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he scored 97 runs off 28 balls, leaving Sunrisers Hyderabad stunned and leading Rajasthan Royals to 243/8 in 20 overs in the Eliminator of the IPL 2026 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh. The 15-year-old set records with a remarkable display of hitting. He reached his fifty in just 16 balls, matching the fastest in an IPL playoff, alongside Suresh Rainas effort in 2014. Sooryavanshi also broke Chris Gayle's record for the most sixes in a T20 tournament. Just three runs shy of the fastest IPL hundred, he fell for 97 off 28 balls after completely dismantling SRHs bowling strategy and turning the powerplay into chaos. Pat Cummins used an unusual defensive strategy, placing deep square leg and deep midwicket for Sooryavanshi. He bowled almost exclusively full and straight to limit Sooryavanshis scoring opportunities. The plan almost worked for three balls until one well-placed delivery sailed over mid-off for six. Rajasthan Royals were nine without loss after the first over, and things quickly worsened from there. Eshan Malinga, chosen over Praful Hinge as the new bowler, faced a similar outcome. Sooryavanshi hooked a surprise short ball over backward square leg, and Rajasthan raced to 20 for 0 in two overs. Cummins stuck to his yorker-heavy tactic, but the margin for error was slim. Two full deliveries were hit for four and six before Sooryavanshi uppercut a short ball and flat-batted a slower delivery straight down the ground. By the fourth over, he had scored 36 off 10 balls, with RR at an astonishing 63 without loss. The onslaught continued against Sakib Hussain, who was hit over extra cover, long-off, and behind square in an over that saw Sooryavanshi surpass Gayles six-hitting record. At the other end, Yashasvi Jaiswal had one of the strangest supporting roles in T20 history. He crawled to 19 off 16 while watching his teenage partner dominate every possible delivery. Sooryavanshi seemed on track to break Gayles 30-ball IPL century record when he targeted Hinge, but after reaching 97 off 28, he top-edged an attempted uppercut to deep third. The innings ended with RR at 125 for 1 in eight overs, leaving the crowd in disbelief at what they had just seen. Play steadied briefly as Shivang Kumar allowed only four runs in the next over. Jaiswal eventually fell for a run-a-ball 29 while trying to clear long-off. However, RR kept their momentum going. Dhruv Jurel seamlessly carried on with a fierce attack of his own. He first slog-swept Shivang for six, then took on Cummins in the 12th over with a scoop over short fine leg, a pulled six, and a drilled boundary past long-off from a half-volley. RR surged to 168 for 2 in 12 overs, with Jurel reaching 32 off 13. Jurel quickly reached his sixth fifty of the season in just 20 balls, uppercutting Hinge over deep third for a remarkable boundary before falling on the next ball while trying another pull. By then, RR had raced to 192 for 3 in 13.5 overs. The innings began to stall slightly as wickets fell in clusters. Riyan Parag (26) was dismissed, and five balls later, Dasun Shanaka (5) misjudged a shot off Malinga to long-on. But even at 220 for 5 after 17 overs, RR still had Ravindra Jadeja and Jofra Archer ready, along with Shubham Dubey available as the Impact Player. Donovan Ferreira and Ravindra Jadeja scored 20 runs in just 12 balls towards the end. Their partnership was often risky, with chaotic running between the wickets. It ended in the 19th over when Ferreira was run out trying to take a second run that wasnt there. Five balls later, Jofra Archer was out after Abhishek Sharma made a great catch at the long-on boundary. Nitish Kumar Reddy finished strongly for Sunrisers Hyderabad, giving away just five runs in the 19th over with a series of precise wide yorkers and lines. Another tight final over limited Rajasthan Royals to 243 for 8, despite the earlier onslaught in the innings. Donovan Ferreira and Ravindra Jadeja scored 20 runs in just 12 balls towards the end. Their partnership was often risky, with chaotic running between the wickets. It ended in the 19th over when Ferreira was run out trying to take a second run that wasnt there. Five balls later, Jofra Archer was out after Abhishek Sharma made a great catch at the long-on boundary. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals 243/8 in 20 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 97, Dhruv Jurel 50; Praful Hinge 3-54, Shivang Kumar 1-19) against Sunrisers Hyderabad Article Source: IANS

1st Women's T20I: Focus On Bowling Unit As India Begin Key World Cup Rehearsal Against England (Preview)

T20 World Cup: : India will begin their final preparation phase for next months Womens T20 World Cup when Harmanpreet Kaurs side takes on England in the opening match of a three-game T20I series at the County Ground in Chelmsford on Thursday. With the World Cup set to begin on June 12, the series carries massive importance for India, which is still searching for the right balance in its lower middle-order and bowling attack despite showing promising signs over the last few months. Indias road to the World Cup has produced mixed results so far. The team started strongly with a dominant 5-0 T20I series sweep over Sri Lanka at home before scripting history in Australia by clinching a 2-1 series victory Indias first bilateral T20I series win there in 10 years. Australia's triumph raised hopes of a strong World Cup campaign as Indias batters played with greater intent while the bowling unit delivered under pressure in unfamiliar conditions. However, the momentum faded during the tour of South Africa, where India suffered a disappointing 1-4 defeat. The batting lacked consistency in key moments, the lower middle-order struggled to finish innings, and the bowling attack failed to maintain control during crunch phases. The England series now gives the team management one final opportunity to settle combinations before India opens its World Cup campaign against Pakistan on June 14. Indias top-order and middle-order largely appear settled, with Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet, and Richa Ghosh expected to form the core batting group. The bigger focus will be on identifying the ideal finishers and finalising the bowling combination. One of the major talking points ahead of the series is the inclusion of young pacer Nandini Sharma, who earned a maiden call-up after impressing with her pace and control in domestic cricket and the Womens Premier League. Whether India hands her an immediate debut remains uncertain. The management could view the England series as the perfect platform to test a fresh option before the World Cup, especially after the pace attack struggled in South Africa. At the same time, there is also a possibility that India may prefer to rely on experienced players in a high-profile series and keep the youngster on the sidelines for now. Indias pace responsibilities are likely to be shared by Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, and Kranti Goud, with English conditions expected to offer movement for seamers. The visitors will need a far more disciplined performance from the fast bowlers after inconsistent outings in recent matches. There is encouraging news on the spin front with Radha Yadav returning to the squad after missing the South Africa tour. The left-arm spinner comes into the series in excellent form after leading strongly in domestic tournaments and India A matches recently, adding both confidence and experience to the bowling unit. Alongside Radha, Indias spin department also includes Deepti Sharma, Shree Charani, and Shreyanka Patil, giving the side multiple options depending on conditions. Another player attracting attention is Bharti Fulmali, who is still new to the international setup but remains an exciting prospect because of her power-hitting ability. While selecting an inexperienced finisher so close to a World Cup carries some risk, her aggressive batting could provide India with the finishing firepower it has often lacked in pressure situations. India will also take confidence from last years successful tour of England, when it secured its first-ever bilateral womens T20I series win on English soil with a 3-2 triumph. With the World Cup just weeks away, Thursdays opening clash could play a major role in shaping Indias final plans for the global tournament. When: Thursday, May 28, 11:00 PM Where: County Ground, Chelmsford Where to Watch: IND W vs ENG W 1st T20 will be live-streamed on the SonyLIV app and across Sony Sports channels on TV. Squads: Where to Watch: IND W vs ENG W 1st T20 will be live-streamed on the SonyLIV app and across Sony Sports channels on TV. Also Read: Live Cricket Score England: Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Paige Scholfield, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Issy Wong. Article Source: IANS

RCB in IPL finals: Virat Kohli runs to hug Anushka Sharma; actor spotted chanting, wearing tulsi mala

RCB secured a dominant 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans on Tuesday to qualify for the IPL 2026 final for the second consecutive season. Following the win, star batter Virat Kohli celebrated emotionally by rushing to the VIP stands to hug his wife, Anushka Sharma.

Supreme Court GST ruling may pressure margins, survival of gaming firms: Experts

The ruling validates the 28 per cent GST on the full face value of bets now increased to 40 per cent from September 2025 and recognises stake-based online gaming as betting and gambling

Erratic Swiatek reaches French Open round three

Swiatek will next face either former champion Jelena Ostapenko or fellow Pole Magda Linette for a place in the last 16

ED Raids 17 Locations In Parimatch Betting Probe, Seizes Cash And Freezes Rs 3.8 Crore

Mumbai Zonal Office: The Directorate of Enforcement's (ED) Mumbai Zonal Office conducted searches at 17 locations across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Daman and Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), in connection with an ongoing probe into the Cyprus-based illegal online betting platform Parimatch. During the raids, the agency seized movable assets worth around Rs 1.56 crore, including cash amounting to nearly Rs 1.2 crore. The ED also froze approximately Rs 3.8 crore lying in various bank accounts. Several incriminating documents and digital devices were recovered during the search operations. The ED initiated the investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by the Cyber Police Station, Mumbai, against Parimatch.com for allegedly duping users through online betting operations. According to investigators, the platform lured investors with promises of high returns and is suspected to have generated more than Rs 3,000 crore in a year. The investigation has revealed that Parimatch and its associates allegedly operated through a complex network of mule accounts, payment intermediaries, and financial inclusion channels to collect, layer and transfer user funds. Officials said that in several instances, user withdrawals were processed without any direct outward payment from accounts controlled by the platform. Instead, deposits made by other users were routed directly into the withdrawing users bank accounts or UPI IDs in multiple tranches to conceal the money trail and avoid direct payment linkage. Investigators further found that user deposits and withdrawals were routed through multiple current accounts opened in the names of software, fintech, and technology-related entities, many of which were engaged in legitimate business activities. These accounts were allegedly used to collect user deposits and route payouts under the guise of vendor payments, business transactions and payment gateway services. The ED also uncovered the alleged misuse of Banking Correspondent (BC) networks, mobile money transfer agents, Grahak Seva Kendras, Cash Management Services (CMS), local kirana stores, and retail outlets for processing payouts and movement of funds linked to the platform. According to the probe, user funds were routed through retailers and Grahak Seva Kendras operating under BC networks. The funds were first transferred to retailers, who then passed them to BC agents. The BCs subsequently recharged retailer wallets, which were later used to make payouts to Parimatch users, thereby masking the actual source and trail of funds. The investigation further revealed that certain agents allegedly diverted cash received through CMS channels and adjusted it against RTGS transfers sourced from deposits made by Parimatch users. The cash was then allegedly transferred outside India through hawala channels. The ED said Parimatch aggressively promoted its betting platform through surrogate advertisements under the names Parimatch Sports and Parimatch News. Unlike several other betting platforms, Parimatch allegedly adopted a hyperlocal marketing strategy by sponsoring teams in local cricket leagues across more than 15 states, apart from hockey and football tournaments. The investigation further revealed that certain agents allegedly diverted cash received through CMS channels and adjusted it against RTGS transfers sourced from deposits made by Parimatch users. The cash was then allegedly transferred outside India through hawala channels. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The ED said it has so far frozen assets worth Rs 112 crore in the case. Further investigation is underway. Article Source: IANS

Alice Tector replaces injured Laura Delany in Ireland's T20 World Cup squad

Tector will also be part of Ireland's home tri-series against West Indies and Pakistan which starts on Thursday

IPL 2026: Vaibhavs Mindset Remains The Same In Any Game,' Says Kumble Ahead Of SRH Clash

Indian Premier League: Former India captain Anil Kumble believes young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has the temperament and maturity to handle the pressure of Wednesdays Eliminator clash between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the New International Stadium in Chandigarh. Kumble said the 15-year-old batters fearless approach and game awareness make him a special talent despite his young age. Vaibhav Suryavanshi will be eager to prove himself in the eliminator. He managed only four runs against MI in the last game, so this is a fresh opportunity, Kumble told Jio Hotstar. I don't think he sees this as a high-pressure knockout game. He should just go out and play his natural game, he added. The former India coach pointed to Vaibhavs crucial 90-plus knock against Lucknow Super Giants earlier in the season, saying the innings showed the youngsters ability to perform under pressure. He is remarkably mature for a 15-year-old. We saw that in his 90-plus knock against LSG, where he helped Rajasthan win a must-win match, Kumble observed. Rajasthan had to win their last two games to qualify, so that innings was under serious pressure as well. Yet, he played with the same freedom, he added. Kumble further stated that Vaibhavs mindset and approach remain unchanged regardless of the occasion, which he believes is a rare quality in a teenager. I don't think he will change his approach just because it's an eliminator. If the ball is in his slot, he will go for it. But if the situation demands, he also knows when to take his time and build an innings. That awareness is rare at his age, Kumble said. Kumble further stated that Vaibhavs mindset and approach remain unchanged regardless of the occasion, which he believes is a rare quality in a teenager. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Vaibhav has emerged as one of the Rajasthan Royals brightest young performers this season. He has scored 583 runs in 14 matches and will once again be crucial to their hopes as they face SRH in the knockout clash. Article Source: IANS

Womens T20 WC: Injury Rules Laura Delany Out As Ireland Add Teenager Alice Tector

T20 World Cup: Ireland have suffered a setback ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup as experienced all-rounder Laura Delany has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury, with 18-year-old Alice Tector drafted into the squad as Delanys replacement for both the World Cup and the upcoming tri-series involving the West Indies and Pakistan. Tector, who made her international debut in 2024, comes from a well-known cricketing family and is the younger sister of Ireland internationals Harry Tector and Tim Tector. Cricket Irelands Director of High Performance, Graeme West, expressed disappointment over Delanys absence while backing Tector to seize the opportunity. We are all devastated for Laura shes one of the toughest competitors that has ever played for Ireland Women, and we wish her well with her recovery. Alice herself has had to deal with injuries over the last 12 months, but has shown a great temperament since returning to play in 2026, West said. Delanys withdrawal leaves a significant void in Irelands setup, given her experience and leadership qualities, but it also opens the door for one of the countrys brightest young prospects. Despite having only five international appearances so far, Tector is now set for the biggest assignment of her young career. Ireland will begin their preparations by hosting a tri-series in Clontarf featuring West Indies and Pakistan before travelling for the World Cup, which runs from June 12 to July 5. Delanys withdrawal leaves a significant void in Irelands setup, given her experience and leadership qualities, but it also opens the door for one of the countrys brightest young prospects. Despite having only five international appearances so far, Tector is now set for the biggest assignment of her young career. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Ireland, ranked ninth in the ICC womens T20I standings, have been placed in a challenging Group 2 alongside hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and Scotland. Group 1 comprises Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh, with the top two teams from each pool progressing to the semi-finals. Article Source: IANS

'SRH Have More Match-winners Than RR,' Says Kumble Ahead Of Eliminator

PCA New International Stadium: Former India captain Anil Kumble believes Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) hold a clear edge over Rajasthan Royals in Wednesdays IPL 2026 Eliminator, saying Hyderabad possesses greater depth and more match-winners across departments. Analysing the knockout clash at the PCA New International Stadium in Chandigarh, Kumble said SRHs balanced squad makes them favourites against a Rajasthan side heavily dependent on a handful of players. If you compare the two teams man for man, SRH have more match-winners. Rajasthan, on the other hand, relies heavily on a few individuals Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, and Jofra Archer, Kumble told Jio Hotstar. The former India coach added that Rajasthans fortunes could largely depend on whether their key players deliver in the pressure game. If those three don't fire, their batting and bowling both look thin. That could be the difference in a knockout game, he added. Kumble also pointed to the league-stage clash between the two sides earlier this season as a major turning point in SRHs campaign. He highlighted the impact made by young pacers Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, who made their IPL debuts in that match. The game that Sunrisers Hyderabad would remember dearly is the one against Rajasthan Royals of the league phase, where Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain made their IPL debuts. That was a turning point for Sunrisers Hyderabad this season, Kumble noted. Before that game, they had a different playing combination. After bringing in those young bowlers, they found a winning formula. Hinge and Hussain tore through RR's top order in that game, he added. Kumble further suggested SRH could once again look towards Hinge for the Eliminator and hinted that the youngster may replace Harshal Patel in the playing XI. Before that game, they had a different playing combination. After bringing in those young bowlers, they found a winning formula. Hinge and Hussain tore through RR's top order in that game, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The winner of the Eliminator will stay alive in the IPL playoffs race, while the losing side will exit the tournament. Article Source: IANS

SC upholds retrospective 28% GST levy on online gaming companies

The apex court said online gaming platforms are suppliers liable for GST and upheld the constitutional validity of the levy

RCB Made A Statement In The Knockout Game: Anil Kumble After Qualifier 1 Win

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium: Former India captain Anil Kumble praised Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for producing a statement performance after the defending champions crushed Gujarat Titans by 92 runs to enter their second consecutive IPL final on Tuesday. RCB delivered a complete all-round performance at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, posting a record-breaking 254/5 before bowling Gujarat Titans out for 162 in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026. Kumble said scoring such a massive total in a playoff match highlighted the confidence and character within the RCB camp. After losing the toss, RCB put their best foot forward by posting a mammoth 254 on the board. Scoring that many runs is difficult in any game, but to do it in a playoff shows real character. The pitch was good for batting, but the batters still had to go out and execute, and they did that brilliantly, Kumble told Jio Hotstar. RCB captain Rajat Patidar led the charge with an unbeaten 93 off just 39 balls, while Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal also made important contributions at the top. Kumble felt the momentum had completely shifted in RCBs favour once the bowlers prevented Gujarat Titans from settling early in the chase. When RCB came out to bowl, they didnt allow GTs openers to settle. They bowled disciplined lines, kept pressure from both ends, and got the early breakthrough through Sai Sudharsans unfortunate dismissal. That wicket opened the door, and after that the bowlers completely controlled the game, Kumble explained. Jacob Duffy starred with three wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Krunal Pandya picked up two wickets each as Gujarat collapsed to 51/5 inside the powerplay. Kumble described the performance as one of RCB's most complete displays this season. It was a clinical performance from start to finish. Batting, bowling, and fielding, everything clicked for RCB on the night. They didnt just win the game; they made a statement. That is exactly the kind of performance you need in a knockout match, He said. The former India spinner also reserved special praise for captain Rajat Patidar, saying big-match performances like this help leaders earn the trust and respect of the dressing room. A player earns the respect of his teammates when he performs in a big game, and Rajat Patidar has done exactly that, Kumble said. This first qualifier was massive because winning it gives you direct entry into the final, along with a few extra days to recover mentally and physically. That is a huge advantage, he added. Kumble further pointed out that RCBs success has come from collective contributions rather than dependence on a few star players. What stands out about RCB is that different players step up in different games. Every match, somebody new becomes the Man of the Match. Thats exactly what happened when they won the title last season, he said. Kumble further pointed out that RCBs success has come from collective contributions rather than dependence on a few star players. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, with this win, RCB have qualified for the IPL 2026 Final to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: GT Becomes Predictable On Flat Pitches, Says Tom Moody After Qualifier 1 Defeat To RCB

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium: Former Australia cricketer and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) global director of cricket Tom Moody believes the Gujarat Titans bowling attack becomes predictable on flat batting surfaces, a weakness that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru exploited perfectly during their dominant win in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. RCB stormed into their second consecutive IPL final after posting a record-breaking 254/5 and then bowling Gujarat Titans out for 162 to secure a commanding 92-run victory at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Tuesday. Speaking after the match, Moody said Gujarats bowling attack thrives when conditions offer movement but struggles badly on surfaces where there is little assistance for fast bowlers. Their predictability is hurting them when the conditions are not to their liking, Moody said during ESPNcricinfos TimeOut show. He compared the Gujarat Titans bowling struggles to the Sunrisers Hyderabads batting problems on difficult pitches, saying both teams rely heavily on specific conditions to succeed. Its a bit like Sunrisers Hyderabad. When the surface starts doing a little bit, their batting line-up struggles. Gujarat are almost the bowling version of that, Moody explained. According to Moody, Gujarats pace attack, featuring Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada, becomes dangerous when there is seam movement or swing available, but on flat surfaces, they lack enough variation to trouble aggressive batting units. When theres movement in the pitch, Siraj and Rabada become extremely difficult to face because they hit those hard lengths and create problems both inside and outside the bat, he said. But on a very flat surface like this one, they become vulnerable because they dont have extreme change-ups, slower balls, or deception as their main strength, Moody added. RCBs batters attacked Gujarats bowling from the very beginning. Venkatesh Iyer, Virat Kohli, and Devdutt Padikkal gave the innings early momentum before captain Rajat Patidar completely took the game away with a sensational unbeaten 93 off just 39 balls. Moody pointed out that Gujarat lacked bowlers with unpredictable, slower deliveries or variations that could force batters into mistakes on batting-friendly wickets. They dont really have those slower-ball specialists or bowlers with deceptive pace changes who can consistently create doubt in the batters mind on flat wickets, Moody said. Thats why on surfaces where the ball is not doing much, teams can line them up more comfortably, he added/ Moody pointed out that Gujarat lacked bowlers with unpredictable, slower deliveries or variations that could force batters into mistakes on batting-friendly wickets. They dont really have those slower-ball specialists or bowlers with deceptive pace changes who can consistently create doubt in the batters mind on flat wickets, Moody said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The defeat means the Gujarat Titans will now have to regroup quickly ahead of their next knockout clash, while RCB head into the IPL 2026 final carrying strong momentum. Article Source: IANS

World Cup contenders England and India hope to get their combinations right

England will want time in the middle for the new opening pair of Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey, while India will want a repeat of the historic first T20I series win in England last year