Cricket

'Bumrah shouldn't play all three formats till the ODI World Cup': Shastri

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has advised the Indian team management to preserve pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for Test cricket and use him sparingly in other formats to keep him fresh for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Afghanistan Name Gulbadin Naib-led Squad For Hong Kong Sixes

Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground: Afghanistan have named an experienced seven-member squad led by Gulbadin Naib for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, with the side set to compete in the fast-paced tournament at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground from October 30 to November 1. Naib will captain a squad featuring Farmanullah Safi, Imran Mir, Abdul Rahman, Karim Janat, Nangeyalia Kharote and Sediqullah Pacha as Afghanistan prepare to bring their aggressive brand of cricket to the short-format competition. Afghanistan have been placed in Group D alongside South Africa and Oman. With matches played in a six-a-side format, teams will need to maximise scoring opportunities while maintaining discipline with the ball and in the field. The Hong Kong Sixes features six players per side and six overs per innings, placing a premium on explosive batting, inventive bowling and quick decision-making. The condensed format leaves little room for prolonged periods of consolidation, making all-round contributions particularly valuable. Naibs experience at the international level will be central to Afghanistans campaign as they look to make an impression against a competitive field. The squad will aim to adapt quickly to the tournaments demands and deliver an entertaining brand of cricket. Welcoming Afghanistans participation, Anuraag Bhatnagar, Director of Commercial and Marketing at Cricket Hong Kong, China, said the teams approach would add to the tournaments appeal. Afghanistan have consistently brought tremendous energy and competitive spirit to the game, and we are delighted to welcome their squad to the Hong Kong Sixes 2026. The tournament celebrates the excitement, entertainment and fast-paced nature of cricket, and Afghanistans attacking style promises to add to the spectacle. We look forward to welcoming the team and giving fans an unforgettable cricketing experience, Bhatnagar said. Welcoming Afghanistans participation, Anuraag Bhatnagar, Director of Commercial and Marketing at Cricket Hong Kong, China, said the teams approach would add to the tournaments appeal. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Darcie Brown ruled out of the upcoming WBBL season with back injury

In a major blow, Australia and Adelaide Strikers pacer Darcie Brown has been ruled out of the upcoming WBBL (Womens Big Bash League) season. It is interesting to note that Brown has been ruled out...

Why Parthiv Patel Rejected Chief Selector Post

Parthiv Patel turned down the opportunity to become the chairman of selectors, citing 'financial issues' related to the remuneration for the role compared to his existing commitments.

Darcie Brown Ruled Out For WBBL 12 With Back Injury

Big Bash League: Australia fast bowler Darcie Brown has been ruled out of the upcoming Women's Big Bash League as the Adelaide Strikers' bowler continues battling the back injury she suffered recently. Brown was seen in action on Australia A's tour of India last month, where she played two T20s and one one-day game. She picked up a highlight 3-39 in the one-dayer in Mohali but returned home with a disc issue during the tour, which ruled her out of selection for the ODIs against Bangladesh and T20Is against New Zealand. National selector Shawn Flegler stated late last month that the Australian medical staff remained optimistic of the pacer making it in time for the second half of the WBBL. Having been eager to earn a place back in the national team, she headed to the India A tour, and the WBBL could have been crucial for her chances to bring herself back into the reckoning with the inaugural Champions Trophy in February next year. However, a statement from Cricket Australia has confirmed that the speedster would be missing the Big Bash, as she has still not recovered to a point where she can start resuming training. Darcie Brown has been ruled out of the Weber Women's Big Bash League due to an ongoing back injury. Brown was assessed following her return home from India last month, and following a period of de-loading, her injury has not yet recovered to a point where she is ready to resume training. As a result, she will be unable to return to full fitness in time for the upcoming WBBL season, a statement from CA said. Meanwhile, the Strikers have re-signed Zimbabwe leg-spinner Anesu Mushangwe for a fourth season with the club. She was the first Zimbabwean-born player to feature in the WBBL in 2022. I'm really excited to be back with the Strikers for another season, Mushangwe said. Adelaide has become a special place for me over the last few years and is still home for me, and I've made some incredible memories with this group, including being part of a championship-winning team. The Strikers have confirmed 13 of the 15 players for the next season, which also includes the full quota of three international stars. Contracted for WBBL 12: Maia Bouchier (England)(Contracted until WBBL|12), Darcie Brown (W|13), Emma de Broughe (W|12), Sophie Ecclestone (England)(W|12), Ellie Johnston (W|12), Eleanor Larosa (W|12), Tahlia McGrath (W|12), Anesu Mushangwe (W|12), Bridget Patterson (W|12), Maddie Penna (W|12), Megan Schutt (W|13), Amanda-Jade Wellington (W|12), Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)(W|12) In: Maia Bouchier (Stars), Emma de Broughe (Renegades) Out: Tammy Beaumont, Jemma Barsby (Thunder) In: Maia Bouchier (Stars), Emma de Broughe (Renegades) Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Shafali Verma surpasses Smriti Mandhana in an elite list as India women T20I series against Zimbabwe

The Indian womens team put in a strong performance against Zimbabwe in the second T20I of the ongoing three-game series. The two sides met at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur, on October...

India vs New Zealand: 100 Years of Rivalry, World Cup Preparations and a Landmark Tour

India begins its New Zealand tour 2026 in Christchurch on October 22, and the contest will be about much more than runs and wickets. For the hosts, it is a commercial opportunity and a chance to strengthen their growing reputation as one of the most formidable opponents in international cricket. For India, it is an opportunity to play in some of the most testing conditions in world cricket and test themselves ahead of the forthcoming World Cup. Spread across six weeks, the 12-match programme comprises five T20 Internationals, five One-Day Internationals and two Tests. It is the largest inbound international tour in New Zealand Cricket's history by number of matches, with Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga hosting the action. The tour coincides with the commemoration of 100 years of sporting ties between India and New Zealand, which began with an Indian Army hockey team's visit in 1926. India's relationship with New Zealand cricket has a fascinating history. Their first Test tour of New Zealand in 1967-68 became a landmark in Indian cricket, as the team led by Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi won the four-Test series 3-1. It was India's first-ever overseas Test series victory. Over the years, India have experienced both success and frustration on New Zealand soil. Their 2008-09 tour brought a memorable 1-0 Test series victory, India's first Test series triumph there since 1968. The 2013-14 tour was far more closely fought, while the 2019-20 visit ended in a 2-0 Test series defeat. The rivalry has since acquired a new intensity. New Zealand defeated India in the 2019 World Cup semi-final and the inaugural World Test Championship final in 2021. India responded with victories in the 2023 World Cup semi-final and the 2024 Champions Trophy final, before the two sides met again in the 2026 T20 World Cup final. However, in October-November 2024, New Zealand became the first team to defeat India in a three-Test series on Indian soil, recording a historic 3-0 sweep. New Zealand also won their first-ever bilateral ODI series in India, taking the three-match contest 2-1 in January 2026. NZC has indicated that income from India's visit can support the wider game for two or three years. This is significant against the backdrop of a reported NZ$7.3 million deficit for the financial year ended July 2026. It has now projected a surplus exceeding NZ$10 million for the following financial year, with the India tour expected to be a major contributor. For a relatively small cricketing nation, a successful India tour can therefore deliver benefits that go far beyond full stadiums. The money generated can help sustain the system that produces the next generation of New Zealand cricketers. They have even secured major sponsorship contracts from India, with 'Hero MotoCorp' and a new company called 'Ai+ Smartphone'. The ODI leg carries particular significance because it provides a rare opportunity to assess India's white-ball resources ahead of the 2027 World Cup. It could also offer New Zealand supporters the chance to watch Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the defining figures of modern Indian cricket, in the format in which they continue to feature. Clearly, New Zealand aim to capitalise on the buzz generated by their presence in the squad. Incidentally, the matches hold special significance for both players. Among the SENA nations, New Zealand is the only country where Rohit has not scored a hundred and where Virat Kohli has never been named 'Player of the Match'. This represents a final opportunity for them to change that record. In this ODI series, New Zealand players will wear a special jersey designed to mark the completion of 100 years of sporting relations between the two countries. The contrast between the two countries remains striking: India's vast cricketing resources and global following versus New Zealand's compact but highly competitive cricket system. Yet the history of this rivalry shows that size and resources do not guarantee victory. The New Zealand media have dubbed the series the '1.48 billion people vs. 5 million people' contest. When the first ball is bowled in Christchurch, the contest will begin with a century of sporting friendship behind it and the memory of recent battles fresh in the minds of both teams. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories It is also worth noting that, before this tour, India had never played a Test match on New Zealand soil in November. There was a time when tours of Australia and New Zealand were combined rather than playing separate series against New Zealand. Now, thanks to improved travel connectivity and resources, touring New Zealand for a cricket series is no longer as difficult.

Abhimanyu: The 'dream' to play for India is 'still there'

Abhimanyu, 31, was part of the India Test squad on the tour of England in 2025 but has not been picked since

Darcie Brown ruled out of WBBL with a back injury

Brown is yet to return to training after suffering a disc injury on the Australia A tour of India last month

Scoring Runs Is Not Easy: Agha Credits Domestic Cricket For International Turnaround

Salman Agha: Pakistan batter Salman Agha has credited domestic cricket for helping him rediscover his batting rhythm after a difficult spell at the international level, with the 32-year-old making an emphatic return to ODI action through a match-winning century against Sri Lanka on Sunday, during the opening fixture of the tri-series also featuring England. Agha, who had not represented Pakistan internationally since August, struck an unbeaten 107 off 90 deliveries to steer the hosts to victory. His performance came after a challenging period in which he lost his place in Pakistans T20I and Test sides, as well as the captaincy in the shortest format. Rather than allowing the setbacks to derail his campaign, the right-hander returned to Pakistans domestic circuit, where a substantial run-scoring spree helped him rebuild his confidence and correct technical flaws. Speaking after his innings against Sri Lanka, Agha called for greater recognition of domestic cricket, arguing that performances outside the international arena should not be dismissed when established players return to the circuit to regain form. I feel that we dont give enough respect to our domestic cricket, Agha said after his innings of 107 from just 90 deliveries against Sri Lanka. The Pakistan batter had given selectors plenty to consider during his time away from the national team. Representing Kingsmen in the Presidents Trophy Grade-I competition, he struck an unbeaten triple-century in mid-September before registering another hundred towards the end of the following month. Those performances came across five domestic matches and proved instrumental in preparing him for his international comeback. Agha was particularly critical of the perception that runs scored in domestic competitions carry less weight than those made at the highest level, insisting that success in such environments requires considerable effort and consistency. People think conditions there are very easy and scoring runs is a walk in the parkwhich isnt true, otherwise everyone would go and score. When a player like me scores runs there, social media, ex-cricketers, or the media often downplay it by saying, Oh, he just scored runs in domestic (cricket). Let me tell you, scoring runs in domestic cricket is not easy. You have to go there, play well, and fight for your runs; otherwise, runs simply dont come. Its unfortunate when people talk down about domestic cricket, because players who come up through that systemlike me, after 10 years of domestic cricket followed by four or four and a half years of international performance, or Saud (Shakeel), who also came through domestic cricket and played so well todaydeserve recognition. Many others do too. Its time we all respect domestic cricket. Instead of saying that scoring in domestic cricket is easy when an international player goes back out of form and performs there, we should appreciate it. Look at me: I came back after playing five domestic matches. My batting alignment and mechanics were out of place, but I went there, played, performed, and improved significantly. Today, by the grace of Allah, that success translated here. Its time to give domestic cricket the respect it deserves, he expressed. The century also offered a response to the questions surrounding Aghas recent international struggles. Despite having been a consistent performer for Pakistan over several years, a difficult run in Test cricket preceded his omission from the squad for the tour of England, after he had captained the side in the opening Test at Leeds. His exclusion from the T20I setup added to the uncertainty surrounding his position in the national team. However, Agha maintained that a temporary dip in performance should be viewed in the context of a players broader career rather than being treated as a definitive measure of his ability. He also acknowledged the difficulty of recovering from a poor run against international opposition. I mean, three or four Test matches didnt go well, but I had been performing consistently for four years before that, Agha noted. So I dont think being in or out of the limelight changes things drastically. But yes, when you face a rough patch in international cricket, getting out of it isnt easy because you are playing high-risk cricket under immense pressure against the best professionals in the world. So I dont think being in or out of the limelight changes things drastically. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Rinku Singh Slams Second Consecutive Ranji Trophy Ton, Fans Blast BCCI For Ignoring Him

Rinku Singh, who represents Uttar Pradesh, scored 112 against Bihar and followed it up with an unbeaten 118 against Goa.

Indias scheduling SNAFU how much is too much?

In these last 114 days since Shreyas first walked out for the toss, India have played 21 matches against Ireland, England, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Japan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the West Indies. Imagine playing every one of these matches, in different time zones

Kuldeep has been treated unfairly, feels Ashwin

South Africa 20-2 against Australia at stumps as rain spoils day one of second cricket Test

South Africa was struggling at 20-2 at stumps, after the morning session at St. George's Park in Gqeberha was nearly completely lost to the weather.

'That Was A Batting Masterclass': Zimbabwe Captain Nkomo On India's Chase

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Zimbabwe captain Josephine Nkomo hailed India's batting performance in the second T20I of the three-match series at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium here on Sunday. India captain Smriti Mandhana (47* from 25 balls) and vice-captain Shafali Verma (55 from 25 balls) put up a 96-run partnership for the opening wicket off just 47 balls to kill the meagre chase of 103 to win the second match by nine wickets and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Nkomo was in awe of the Indian batters and stated that it was a good learning experience for the team. I thought that was a batting masterclass by the Indian team. We just stood there and had to watch and learn, and there's no better way to learn than actually experiencing the carnage that happened out there, Nkomo said in the post-match presentation. During their 96-run association, Shafali and Mandhana also became the first pair to aggregate 1000-plus runs as a pair for any wicket in a single year in the format. During her 55, Shafali also became the first women's cricketer to aggregate more than 900 runs in a single year in T20Is as she now has 922 runs in 2026, well clear of South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, who has hit 824 runs this year. While India were on a roll with the bat after a strong performance with the ball, Zimbabwe's batters found time pretty hard in the middle. They made 20/1 in the powerplay and played 29 dot balls in the first six overs, which is now the second most by a team in Women T20Is in India. The Women in Blue had played 30 dot balls in the first six overs against Pakistan women in Delhi in 2016 and then against South Africa women in Surat in 2019. Zimbabwe captain reflected on her batting, underlining that they need to do well in the powerplay. Yeah, I think the main difference today was we didn't have a good start in the powerplay, and let's just hope in the next game, hopefully we'll have a good start, set a good foundation for everyone else to finish off the game well and not expose our bowlers, she said. The Women in Blue had played 30 dot balls in the first six overs against Pakistan women in Delhi in 2016 and then against South Africa women in Surat in 2019. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Cricket West Indies name replacement for Keemo Paul ahead of Bangladesh Tests; Check details

With the conclusion of the multi-format series against the Indian team, the West Indies is gearing up for a Test series against Bangladesh. The two sides will take on each other in two Test matches,...

Is fast-rising all-rounder Dhir the missing piece in Indias T20 puzzle?

The Indian bowling attack has been rather mediocre in pace spearheads Bumrahs absence

Boland Strikes Twice On Return Before Rain Brings Early End To Day One Of Second Test

Proteas Men: Scott Boland struck twice on his return to the Australian team before persistent rain brought an early end to the opening day of the second Test against South Africa here at St George's Park on Sunday. South Africa were 20/2 in 12.2 overs when the showers returned in the afternoon, and with no let-up, day ones play was abandoned at 4:15 pm. The lost overs can be made up over the coming days, though more bad weather is forecast. Brought in place of veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon as Australia opted for an all-pace attack, Boland removed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham off consecutive deliveries in his second over. Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bowl first, but drizzle pushed back the start by 90 minutes. Only 5.3 overs were bowled before another interruption forced an early lunch. Mitchell Starc found the going tough as Markram drove him handsomely twice, and Boland was introduced as soon as play resumed. He started with a maiden, including beating the edge of debutant Marques Ackerman. In his next over, Boland got one to nip back and take Markram's inside edge to crash into middle stump. On the next ball, Bedingham pushed away from his body at one in the channel outside off stump and thick edge was pouched safely. South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma survived the hat-trick ball - an inside edge on to his pad drawing only muted appeals. Ackerman, who had never opened in first-class cricket before, endured a testing start, remaining scoreless for 14 balls before a thick edge squeezed past gully. Lyon's omission marked the first time since 2013 that he had been left out of a red-ball Test when available. He was also dropped from day-night Tests in Jamaica and Brisbane last year, much to his displeasure. Australia's spin duties will be shared by part-timers Matt Renshaw, Travis Head, Beau Webster and Marnus Labuschagne. South Africa brought back Kagiso Rabada in place of Keshav Maharaj but retained specialist spinner Simon Harmer. Matthew Breetzke also came in, with Ryan Rickelton being the wicketkeeper. Australia have a 1-0 lead after winning the first Test in Durban by 214 runs. Lyon's omission marked the first time since 2013 that he had been left out of a red-ball Test when available. He was also dropped from day-night Tests in Jamaica and Brisbane last year, much to his displeasure. Australia's spin duties will be shared by part-timers Matt Renshaw, Travis Head, Beau Webster and Marnus Labuschagne. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Tried to use the angles to be successful: Gurjapneet Singh

'I Couldn't Sleep After Last Match': Shafali After Strong Turnaround Vs ZIM

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: India's new vice-captain Shafali Verma had a strong turnaround within two days, from her dismal outing in the first T20I against Zimbabwe to a stellar half-century in the second at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium here on Sunday. Shafali was dismissed by off-spinner Nyasha Gwanzura for four runs in the previous match, but she made strong amends and smashed a strong 55 from 25 balls to help India chase 103 in the second clash that secured them the series. Speaking after the game, the India opener stated that she couldn't even sleep after the opening game after being dismissed in a soft fashion, caught and bowled. After yesterday's match, I can't even sleep, the way I got out in first match. But yeah, I'm just trying to, you know, hold my mind and just try to, you know, last day I'm just trying to, you know, just think what to do tomorrow. So just execute that, Shafali said in the post-match presentation after India's nine-wicket win. Shafali took strike in the chase and smashed the same bowler for a four and a six in the first over and motored her way to a half century off 24 balls, during which she hit six fours and four sixes. She spoke on the amends against spin, stating that she looks to bide her time more. First of all, the way I got out yesterday, first against the spinner, as a righty, it's not the correct thing for me. But yeah, I'm just trying to, you know, bend a bit and time the ball more. So just going simple by simple and just think, you know, if I'm not getting four or six, just trying to give the single and just executing the things which are in my mind, she added. Shafali was running out of the Indian ODI team last year. She stated that she took time to work on her consistency, taking a leaf out of Australian batters. Yeah, of course. As I said, in 2025, when I sat back at home, at that time I just sat and thought about what I could improve. Shafali was running out of the Indian ODI team last year. She stated that she took time to work on her consistency, taking a leaf out of Australian batters. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Ton-Up Agha Helps Pakistan Down Sri Lanka In ODI Tri-Series Opener

India defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the second T20I, chasing 103 in just 8.5 overs. Shafali Verma smashed 55 off 25 balls to set a new calendar-yearSalman Agha marked his return to international cricket with a century as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the one-day tri-series opener in Rawalpindi on Sunday. The 32-year-old scored a 90-ball 107 with a six and 10 fours to anchor Pakistan's 305 in 49.5 overs, before skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi grabbed 3-55 to keep Sri Lanka down to 268 in 48.1 overs. The hosts now play England in the second match on Tuesday -- also in Rawalpindi -- in the series seen as a build-up for next year's 50-over World Cup in southern Africa. Pavan Rathnayake (79) and Janith Liyanage's 60 kept the visitors in the chase during a fighting 119-run fifth wicket stand. Opener Kamindu Mendis also contributed with a fluent 44. Rathnayake cracked two sixes and six boundaries while Liyanage's knock had five boundaries, but once both fell only Dasun Shanaka (28) really troubled the scorers as Sri Lanka lost their last five wickets for just 15 runs. Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf chipped in with two wickets apiece for Pakistan. Earlier, Agha, coming out of a miserable last three months, propelled Pakistan to victory. He was sent home ahead of the third Test in England in August after captaining the team in the first match. These times come on you and I thought that I will go back in domestic cricket and make things right with my performances, said Agha, who was also sacked as Pakistan's T20I captain. I was looking to hit the ball in the pockets to rotate the strike so that we can take our team beyond 300 so we batted aggressively in the end. Agha hit two consecutive boundaries off pacer Asitha Fernando to complete his fourth one-day international hundred, finally falling to the same bowler in the 47th over. He added 97 runs for the fifth wicket with Hasan Nawaz (37) and another 64 for the sixth with Arafat Minhas, who made 18. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka had jolted Pakistan with the wickets of openers Saim Ayub (seven) and Fakhar Zaman (16). Debutant Saad Baig scored a brisk 40-ball 39 with two sixes and three fours. Along with Babar Azam (45), the pair lifted the score during their 74-run stand. Fast bowler Eshan Malinga dismissed both in successive overs to halt Pakistan's progress before Agha came into his own. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Malinga was the pick of the Sri Lanka bowlers with a career-best 4-46, while Fernando took 3-59.

Salman Ali Agha's Comeback Ton Helps Pakistan Beat Sri Lanka In ODI Tri-Series Opener

Salman Agha marked his return to international cricket with a century as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the one-day tri-series opener in Rawalpindi on Sunday.

Shafali Reveals Australian Influence Behind Her Consistency Quest

Indian opener Shafali Verma, after her aggressive fifty against Zimbabwe, revealed she studied Australian batters to improve her consistency. Her 25-ball 55 helped India secure a series-clinching nine-wicket win in the second T20I. Skipper Smriti Mandhana praised Shafali's performance and the team's improved bowling effort, while Zimbabwe's captain Josephine Nkomo acknowledged learning from India's batting masterclass.

Priyansh Arya Agonisingly Falls For 199 As Delhi Dominate Gujarat

Priyansh Arya missed out on a maiden first-class double century by the narrowest of margins, but his superb knock put Delhi in a commanding position on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match against Gujarat as they reached 381/4 on Sunday.

I Was Dreaming Of This Day: Niki Prasad Reflects On Memorable India Debut

India youngster Niki Prasad said she had been dreaming of making her India debut after producing a composed knock against Zimbabwe in the first women's T20I at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium.

'Bowling Unit Really Came Together': Mandhana Credits Bowlers After 2nd T20I Win

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: India's new captain Smriti Mandhana credited her bowlers for having come together during the second T20I against Zimbabwe at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium here on Sunday. The Indian bowlers hunted in a pack as they kept the visitors to 102/8, with Niki Prasad picking up 2-7 in her two overs. Pacers Kranti Gaud and Nandni Sharma and spinners Deepti Sharma and Sree Charani also picked up a wicket each as the Indian bowlers put up an improved performance from the previous match, where the visitors had made 114/5 in their 20 overs. Speaking after the nine-wicket win in the series-sealing second ODI, Mandhana credited the bowlers for their performance. Well, it was a good one today. I felt the bowlers were really on the mark today, much better than the first match. They were executing their yorkers, slower ones, bouncers really well. Then spinners, of course, Deepti, Shree, Niki coming in and bowling those two overs. So overall I feel like, yeah, the bowling unit really came together today. Of course, we could have gotten better with the catching today. That's something which we can be critical about, Mandhana said in the post-match presentation. India also made a tactical adjustment with the ball as they went fuller in the second game, and it reaped rewards as India kept a lid on the visitors. Yeah, as we discussed in the last match, that unknown - of course, we had seen a few batters from the Zimbabwe team, but again today we had much better plans in a way because we knew how they batted in the first game (bowling fuller balls). So yeah, we had a lot of good plans, but you know you can plan as much as you can, but bowlers have to come and execute, and today I felt they were really on the mark, she added. The skipper, who began her full-time captaincy era with a series win, also reflected on the stellar opening partnership of 96 with vice-captain Shafali Verma that killed the chase. Zimbabwe captain Josephine Nkomo had called the Indian chase a masterclass. Mandhana praised Shafali for her 55 from 25 balls while adding that she also made the most of the chances she got during her unbeaten 47 from 25 balls. The skipper, who began her full-time captaincy era with a series win, also reflected on the stellar opening partnership of 96 with vice-captain Shafali Verma that killed the chase. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

India women dominate Zimbabwe to clinch T20I series, register stellar nine-wicket win in Raipur

The ongoing T20I series between India women and Zimbabwe women continued with the two sides taking on each other at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur, on October 18th. It is interesting to...

Shafali, Mandhana shine as India beat Zimbabwe by 9 wickets to take unassailable 2-0 series lead

Opener Shafali Verma scored 55 runs in just 25 balls to lead India to victory over Zimbabwe. After choosing to bat first, Zimbabwe struggled and managed to score only 102 runs in their innings. India's bowlers performed well, restricting the opposition and taking key wickets at crucial moments. Shafali and Smriti Mandhana had a partnership of 96 runs for the first wicket, making the chase easier.

Ranji Trophy: Won't Be Satisfied Until I Play For India, Says Gurjapneet After Four-for Against Uttarakhand

Ranji Trophy Elite Group: After picking a four-wicket haul in Tamil Nadu's dominant day one against Uttarakhand in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh said there would be no satisfaction within him until he gets to play for India. Playing in just his 10th first-class game, Gurjapneet picked 4-34, including three wickets in a probing first spell, as Tamil Nadu bowled out Uttarakhand, last season's semi-finalists, for 134. Gurjapneet had missed the sides match against Rajasthan in Jaipur because of India A 50-over series against Australia in Puducherry. There is no satisfaction unless I play for India. That's the main job, and that box is still empty. I have to tick that. I was just trying to keep it normal, using the angles according to the wicket and batsmen, understanding the batsmen, how they are reacting, Gurjapneet said to reporters at the end of day ones play. Taking the new ball on a red-soil surface that had soaked up heavy overnight rain in Chennai, Gurjapneet took out Aarav Mahajan, before trapping Dega Nischal lbw and dismissing Kunal Chandela, apart from troubling India Under-19 batter Lakshya Raichandani. He completed his four-for by dismissing top-scorer Avneesh Sudha for 54. It (the way of dismissing batters) is just instinct. I watch his feet movement and how he (the batter) is reacting...One ball I bowl from over the stumps and I will (later) come around the stumps. Maybe his conscious mind is ready to play from that angle and the results were positive, he added. Gurjapneet, who has battled injuries in the past, said he had worked hard to manage the switch from white-ball cricket with India A to the rigorous demands of the Ranji Trophy. I was practising a lot with both balls. Coming into the Ranji Trophy, the workload is high and you have to keep maintaining that. It (my body) should not be under-prepared or like overcooked or something. I'm just trying to keep that energy the same because I know (in) red-ball cricket, it's difficult to bowl long spells. I'm trying to keep my body ready for all spells and deliver that. Gurjapneet, who plays for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL and is a part of the BCCI's targeted pool of fast bowlers, also had stints as a net bowler with the Indian team, an experience he stated has given him a lot of belief. You will get the confidence to bowl good batsmen like Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and all other players. So, when you bowl to them and when you come to the Ranji Trophy, you will get a different kind of confidence in your body. Gurjapneet, who plays for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL and is a part of the BCCI's targeted pool of fast bowlers, also had stints as a net bowler with the Indian team, an experience he stated has given him a lot of belief. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Bowlers, Shafali, Mandhana power India to series win

India eased to victory after limiting Zimbabwe to 102 for 8

India's World Cup Winner Questions BCCI Over Yashasvi Jaiswal's ODI Omission

On Friday, the BCCI omitted Yashasvi Jaiswal from the ODI squad while announcing the team for the tour of New Zealand.

2nd T20I: Niki Prasad Picks Two As India Women Keep Zimbabwe To 102/8

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Niki Prasad hogged the limelight once again as India women restricted Zimbabwe women to 102/8 in the first innings of the second T20I at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium here on Sunday. Prasad, who made a stellar debut with a match-winning unbeaten 39 in the first match, picked 2-7 in her two overs during the second match against Zimbabwe. She picked up a wicket off her first ball in international cricket and then another on the next ball. Prasad came close to picking up a hat-trick but was denied when her off-spin missed the leg-stump on an LBW appeal. Prasad also become the first Indian women cricketer to take a wicket off her first career ball in T20I cricket. Pacers Kranti Gaud, Nandni Sharma and spinners Deepti Sharma and Sree Charani also scalped a wicket each as the visitors could not even get past the 114/5 they had made in the first T20I despite the hosts making a few errors in the field. India began well with the ball as Kranti and Nandni kept the lid on the Zimbabwe batters after the Women in Blue were asked to bowl. Kranti conceded just one run from the opening over through a wide, and the visitors were crawling at 5/0 after three overs as openers Beloved Biza and Kelis Ndhlovu failed to provide a strong start. Nandni then struck in the fourth over when she cleaned Ndhlovu for an 11-ball duck. Zimbabwe wasted a lot of deliveries in the powerplay and managed to move only to 20/1 in six overs, which saw as many as 29 balls being dot balls. The 29 dots Zimbabwe faced are also the second-most dots in the powerplay of an innings in a Women's T20I in India. The Women in Blue had played 30 dots in the first six overs against Pakistan women in Delhi in 2016 and then against South Africa women in Surat in 2019. Kranti got the second wicket as Sharne Mayers was caught for nine in the ninth over. Captain Josephine Nkomo and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano looked to put up a fight, but India made errors on the field too. Shafali Verma put down Mugeri at mid-off in the 12th over off Sree Charani before Kranti put down the same batter in the next over at long-on. However, last game's debutant Prasad came just before the death overs and took back-to-back wickets. She first nicked behind Mugeri on a delivery that was on a good length and wide, before she plumbed Nyasha Gwanzura on the next delivery. The 20-year-old came close to taking a hat-trick when Modester Mupachikwa missed her flick and was hit on the pads. The Indians appealed but decided against the review. Modester Mupachikwa was run out when she tried to find a non-existent run in the 18th over. Charani came back and got Michelle Mavunga caught at long-on, while Francisca Chipare was run out on the final ball when the visitors tried to take two runs but managed only one. They ended on 102/8 as Charani continued her strong wicket-taking streak. She now has wickets in each of her last 15 T20Is. Modester Mupachikwa was run out when she tried to find a non-existent run in the 18th over. Charani came back and got Michelle Mavunga caught at long-on, while Francisca Chipare was run out on the final ball when the visitors tried to take two runs but managed only one. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Muhammad Rizwan Gets First Major Relief From Pakistan Cricket Board Amid Betting, Leak Probe

Muhammad Rizwan and his Pakistan teammate Imam-ul-Haq were barred from playing domestic cricket after being called back from England following the second Test in August.

Bowlers Fire in Unison as India Women Keep Zimbabwe Down to 102

Indian bowlers delivered a strong collective performance, limiting an inexperienced Zimbabwe to a low total of 102 for eight in the second women's T20I on Sunday. India now leads the three-match series 1-0, with Zimbabwe struggling to build momentum after electing to bat first. Key contributions from Niki Prasad helped break crucial partnerships, ensuring India maintained control throughout the innings.

Arya's 199, Badoni's Unbeaten Ton Torment Gujarat in Ranji Trophy

Priyansh Arya's 199 and captain Ayush Badoni's unbeaten 115 propelled Delhi to a commanding 381 for 4 against Gujarat on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match. The duo forged a crucial 234-run partnership. Elsewhere in Group C, Bengal faced a tough challenge against Services, while other matches also saw early action.

Ranji Trophy: Gurjapneet Singh, Sai Kishore star as Tamil Nadu enjoys near-perfect day

Scott Boland Strikes Twice For Australia In Rain-Hit South Africa Test

Australia's Scott Boland took two wickets in two balls on a severely rain-shortened first day of the second Test against South Africa at St George's Park on Sunday. South Africa, sent in to bat, were 20 for two when play was called off after two short periods of play during which only 12.2 overs were bowled. But it was enough for Boland to strike two crucial blows. He dismissed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham South Africa's most successful batsmen in their defeat in the first Test in Durban. Coming on as first change, Boland bowled Markram for 11 with his tenth delivery, a ball which nipped in off the pitch to crash into Markram's middle stump off an inside edge. Then he produced a ball which seamed away to have Bedingham caught behind first ball. Boland was making only his 20th appearance in Australia's 50th Test since making a sensational debut when he took six for seven against England in Melbourne in December 2021. He has had to wait his turn behind Australia's world-class pace trio of skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. He got his chance on Sunday, replacing off-spinner Nathan Lyon when Australia decided to field an all-seam attack on a green-tinged pitch in heavily overcast conditions. Scotty Boland has been incredible whenever he's played Test cricket, Cummins said after winning the toss. When there's anything in the wicket, he gets a lot of seam movement, super accurate, and then even if it does flatten out, he brings control, experience. He's the whole package. Rain started falling ten minutes after the toss and delayed the start by two hours. Markram hit two boundaries off Starc before play was halted with South Africa on 11 for no wicket after 5.3 overs. Boland was brought into the attack after the players returned in the afternoon and immediately struck a challenging length. New cap Marques Ackerman was unbeaten on five and captain Temba Bavuma was on four when rain brought what proved to be the final stoppage of the day. Boland for Lyon was the only change from the Australian team that won the first Test by 214 runs. South Africa made three changes, with fast bowler Kagiso Rabada returning after recovering from a hamstring injury. He replaced left-arm spin bowler Keshav Maharaj. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Ackerman and fellow batsman Matthew Breetzke replaced Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne with Ryan Rickelton taking over from Verreynne as wicketkeeper.

Nahida Akter named Bangladesh women's T20I captain

She has been given an initial one-year term, with the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy next month set to be her first assignment

Ranji Trophy: Happy with my century, but disappointed with the way I got out, says Sachin

Indias tour of New Zealand: Medium pacer Bhuvneshwars experience makes him a shoo-in for T20I squad, says Ravi Shastri

The former head coach describes Indias upcoming tour as a crucial examination of the teams direction across formats and a significant challenge for ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill Falls For 1 On Return As Punjab Captain Uday Saharan Rescues Side

Skipper Uday Saharan struck an unbeaten century to rescue Punjab after Shubman Gill's return to the Ranji Trophy lasted just five balls.

'I Was Dreaming For This Day': Niki Prasad On Journey From U19 Title To Strong India Debut

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: India youngster Niki Prasad called that she was dreaming of making her debut for India as she put up a stellar performance with the bat against Zimbabwe during the first T20I against Zimbabwe at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium here. Prasad spoke to the broadcasters ahead of the second T20I in Raipur on Sunday as she was asked about her journey from leading the India U19 side winning the T20 World Cup 2025 to making a strong debut for the senior side a couple of days ago. Prasad, who made an unbeaten 39 from 35 balls on her debut, was pleased with her performance in the opening match of the series. Definitely that innings has given me a lot of confidence, and going forward, whatever opportunity I am put under, I think I'm just going to stick to my basics and play to the merit of the ball, Prasad told broadcasters ahead of the second match. She was asked about her journey and how she is preparing herself mentally for the next stage of her career. You know, I was just dreaming for this day, and the preparation for this journey was quite hard, and I think that hard work has paid off, and I just want to grow from here, the 20-year-old added. Prasad has been part of the Delhi Capitals squad for two seasons and has shown glimpses of her talent. She credited the WPL and India A games helping her in dealing with tough match situations. I think these franchise games and also the India A games, whatever BCCI organised for us, I think that has given me more confidence because I was already put under pressure in those games. So I think it feels quite similar here. With India 1-0 up, the hosts have a chance to wrap the series up with one match to go. India were tested hard in the first match as they lost their top four batters for single-digit scores. Prasad stated that the team's batting group looks to keep things as simple as possible in the second game. I think it's pretty simple to just stick to our strengths and just execute our plans even better when we are batting, she stated. With India 1-0 up, the hosts have a chance to wrap the series up with one match to go. India were tested hard in the first match as they lost their top four batters for single-digit scores. Prasad stated that the team's batting group looks to keep things as simple as possible in the second game. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Ellyse Perry Shines As Australia Beat New Zealand By Two Wickets In 1st T20I

Veteran Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry's half-century powered Australia to a two-wicket win over New Zealand in the first T20I of the three-match series at North Sydney on Sunday.

Ranji Trophy: Sachin, Azharuddeen rescue Kerala on opening day

The former hits his 16th First Class hundred while the latter remains unbeaten on 72 as the two add 141 for the sixth wicket; Odisha medium-pacers exploit the seamer-friendly conditions early on

Consistency Is Overrated In T20s: Cheteshwar Pujara Backs Sanju Samson

Former India cricketer and JioStar expert Cheteshwar Pujara has backed Sanju Samson amid concerns over his inconsistency in T20 cricket, saying that a single good innings can help the wicketkeeper-batter regain his form.

'It Has Been A Massive Confidence Booster': Gwanzura After Strong Performance Against India

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Zimbabwe all-rounder Nyasha Gwanzura called her recent performance against India in the first T20I of the three-match series a massive confidence booster after troubling the Women in Blue at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium here. Gwanzura took three early wickets to put the hosts in choppy waters during the meagre chase of 115 on Friday. She removed newly-appointed India skipper Smriti Mandhana (nine) and rising youngster Anushka Sharma (four) in her first over, which was the second of the innings. She later got rid of India's new vice-captain Shafali Verma with a caught and bowled in the fourth over as the hosts were 19/4. Although India went on to win the match on the back of a strong stand of 82 from debutant Niki Prasad and Deepti Sharma, Gwanzura hogged considerable limelight for her performance. It really felt good, being able to take those wickets for the team and helping my team, backing me all the way, so it really meant a lot, Gwanzura said on her 3-18 in the first T20I ahead of the second match on Sunday. She added that her plan was to keep things simple, highlighting that the performance has been a massive booster for her. I just told myself to keep it simple and just work with the plan. It has been a massive confidence booster, I won't lie. But then the backing from my team has been really helpful and, yeah, just keeping it simple, she added. She revealed that the team would look to do better with strike rotation in the second match as they aim to spring a surprise against the heavyweights India. Our main focus now is to rotate strike and keep the scoreboard ticking, and then we'll start from there. (What are you most looking forward to?) Of course, two more T20s, ODIs, but also off the field. We're looking to enjoy India and learn as much as we can, knowing that India is one of the big teams. We're really looking forward to learning a lot, she added. She revealed that the team would look to do better with strike rotation in the second match as they aim to spring a surprise against the heavyweights India. Our main focus now is to rotate strike and keep the scoreboard ticking, and then we'll start from there. (What are you most looking forward to?) Of course, two more T20s, ODIs, but also off the field. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Ranji Trophy: Priyansh and Badoni hit tons as Delhi dominates opening day

The former piles on a massive 199 while the latter is unbeaten on 115 as the two deflate Gujarats morale with a 234-run stand for the fourth wicket

Perrys Fifty Helps Australia Edge Spirited New Zealand By Two Wickets In T20I Series Opener

North Sydney Oval: Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry's half-century helped Australia survive a late collapse and edge past a spirited New Zealand to win by two wickets and seven balls to spare in the first women's T20I at the North Sydney Oval on Sunday. Chasing 163, Australia, playing their first T20 match since lifting the T20 World Cup in July, were cruising before losing wickets in a heap to slip to 145/7 in the 16th over. Captain Sophie Molineux took them to the brink of reaching home, but was bowled by Rosemary Mair while attempting a lap sweep with four runs still required. Kim Garth then square-drove for four to seal the win and help Australia take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Ellyse smashed 52 off 30 balls, and reached her fifty off 27 deliveries with a straight drive. She added 86 for the second wicket with Beth Mooney (38) after Georgia Voll was trapped lbw by left-arm pacer Bree Illing on the second ball of the chase. Beth, who had to remove her contact lenses early on, was run out in a bizarre fashion after setting off for a non-existent single amidst a loud lbw appeal. Ellyse marched forward, but holed out to deep backward square off a Jess Kerr long hop. Jess (3-25) had Ashleigh Gardner trapped lbw on review, and Nicola Carey was run out in a mix-up as the hosts stumbled. It didnt help New Zealand that skipper Amelia Kerr went for 50 runs in her four overs, the most expensive figures of her T20I career. Earlier, put in to batting first, New Zealand posted 162/2, with Georgia Plimmer hitting a career-best unbeaten 85 off 68 balls and Maddy Green making 56 not out off 37 deliveries. The pair shared an unbroken 129-run stand. Georgia was reprieved on 15 and 39 by Beth, who missed a stumping and dropped a catch while keeping up to the stumps. Australia were without Phoebe Litchfield, ruled out with a hip injury, and brought in Tahlia McGrath. Returning left-arm pacer Lucy Hamilton went wicketless for 23 in two overs, but took a superb diving catch to dismiss Amelia. Earlier, put in to batting first, New Zealand posted 162/2, with Georgia Plimmer hitting a career-best unbeaten 85 off 68 balls and Maddy Green making 56 not out off 37 deliveries. The pair shared an unbroken 129-run stand. Georgia was reprieved on 15 and 39 by Beth, who missed a stumping and dropped a catch while keeping up to the stumps. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Babar Azam Achieves Major Milestone, But Virat Kohli's World Record Remains Untouched

took just 399 innings to complete 16000 runs across the three formats, being third fastest for Pakistan behind Mohammad Yousuf (388 innings) and Javed Miandad (398 innings).

Abhishek Sharma's 30-Ball T20I Ton Record Under Threat? Ex-India Coach Backs New Zealand Star

Abhishek Nayar said that it is possible that explosive New Zealand opener Finn Allen could match Abhishek Sharma's record-breaking 30-ball century during the five-match T20I series at home

Ranji Trophy: Deshpande's 4-Fer Puts Mumbai In Command Vs HP

Mumbai is on the verge of securing a crucial first-innings lead against Himachal Pradesh in their Ranji Trophy Group D match, thanks to pacer Tushar Deshpande's impressive four-wicket haul that bundled out the hosts for 140. Mumbai ended day one at 107 for two, needing just 33 more runs with Musheer Khan and Siddhesh Lad at the crease. In another Group D encounter, Tamil Nadu's bowlers also performed strongly, dismissing Uttarakhand for 134.

Ranji Trophy: Saharans unbeaten ton drives Punjabs innings

2nd T20I: Unchanged India Women Asked To Bowl First By Zimbabwe In Raipur

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: India women were asked to bowl first in the second T20I of the three-match series against Zimbabwe at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium here on Sunday. India and Zimbabwe went unchanged for the second match of this series, two days after the first match took place at the same venue. Zimbabwe captain Josephine Nkomo won the toss and asked the Women in Blue to bowl first. She took confidence from the first T20I, where they pushed India in the meagre chase of 115, but wants more from her middle-order batters. We're looking to have a bat. Last time we had a good start, and we're hoping to carry it forward. (Need more runs through that middle order?) Yeah, definitely. So today the plan is just to try to rotate the strike more and just turn those ones into twos, and I'm sure we'll be good to go. (Can you replicate that performance?) Hopefully, if we go through our process well, we should be able to replicate it. Of course it was a good feeling, and I think it gives our bowlers a bit of confidence. (Are you ready to bowl?) Definitely. No changes, Nkomo said at the toss. Meanwhile, India's newly-appointed skipper Smriti Mandhana stated that she wanted to bowl first anyway. Well, looking to field first today as well. Of course, as a team, we'd like to have a convincing chase last time, so I'll try and get better in this game, Mandhana said at the toss. She reflected on the match being played on a different pitch today with the same conditions on offer. Looks like a similar wicket we played on in the first match, similar conditions. Bowlers did a good job, but we'll look to be more disciplined with the ball, she added. Mandhana also said that the team would need to correct themselves from the trouble they faced in the previous game. (19 for 4, you'd want to correct that today?) Yeah, for sure. I mean, as a batting unit, we pride ourselves on having a really strong batting unit, which we definitely have. So we'll definitely look to get better in that department. (Any changes?) No, we'll be the same XI, she added. Mandhana has a chance to wrap the series and start her full-time captaincy role on a strong note. Well, I'm really looking forward to playing some good cricket. I think we don't do anything in terms of thinking about what's going to happen after the match. We want to come here out there, play the best cricket. So I'm just looking forward to that one, Mandhana said on the possibility of winning the series today. India were tested pretty well in their first international meeting with Zimbabwe in the first T20I two days ago. They were in trouble at 19/4 in their chase of 115 after the top four produced single-digit scores. However, debutant Niki Prasad and veteran all-rounder Deepti Sharma sailed the Indian ship through the tough phase with a composed 82-run stand as they went on to register a four-wicket win. Niki remained unbeaten with her 39 from 45 balls, while Deepti was dismissed on 49, but India crossed the line comfortably in the end with 26 balls to spare. Playing XIs: India Women: Smriti Mandhana(c), Shafali Verma, Anushka Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Niki Prasad, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh(w), Arundhati Reddy, Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Ga Playing XIs: Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Zimbabwe opt to bat; both teams unchanged

Raipur is expected to serve a similarly slow and grippy pitch as the first T20I

Ranji Trophy: Rinku Singh's Ton Lifts UP; Goa Make Steady Start

Rinku Singh's unbeaten 118 helped Uttar Pradesh recover from a collapse to post 202 against Goa in their Ranji Trophy match. Goa ended day one at 43 for no loss, trailing by 159 runs. Other Group A matches saw Baroda struggling against Bihar, MP losing wickets against Puducherry, and J and K posting 260 against Vidarbha.

Shubman Gill Lasts Just Five Balls on Ranji Return

Punjab captain Uday Saharan scored an unbeaten 106 to guide his team to 269 for four against Chhattisgarh on Day 1 of their Ranji Trophy match. This came after India skipper Shubman Gill was dismissed for just one run. In another match, Manvanth Kumar's 86 not out helped Karnataka recover against Saurashtra.

Salman Agha Hits Hundred As Pakistan Make 305 In Tri-Series Opener

Salman Agha returned to international cricket with a century to lift Pakistan to 305 in the one-day tri-series opener against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Sunday. The 32-year-old scored a 90-ball 107 with a six and ten fours to anchor Pakistan, who were bowled out in 49.5 overs after they were sent in to bat on a good-paced pitch. Agha had a miserable last three months. He was sent home ahead of the third Test in England in August after leading the team in the first match. Agha hit two consecutive boundaries off pacer Asitha Fernando to complete his fourth one-day international hundred, finally falling to the same bowler in the 47th over. He added 97 runs for the fifth wicket with Hasan Nawaz (37) and another 64 for the sixth with Arafat Minhas, who made 18. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka had jolted Pakistan with the wickets of openers Saim Ayub (seven) and Fakhar Zaman (16). Debutant Saad Baig scored a brisk 40-ball 39 with two sixes and three fours. Along with Babar Azam (45) they lifted the score during their 74-run stand. Fast bowler Eshan Malinga dismissed both in successive overs to halt Pakistan's progress before Agha came into his own. Malinga was the pick of the Sri Lanka bowlers with a career-best 4-46 while Fernando took 3-59. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories England are the third team in the tri-series.

Ranji Trophy: Hyderabad shades the early part; Andhra takes control at the end

Cricket: The home side claws its way back into the contest after lunch after the visitor seemed to be in control with a first-wicket century stand between Tanmay and Abhirath who absorbed the pressure while keeping the scoreboard moving with well-timed fours

Sent Home, Stripped Of Captaincy: Pakistan Star Smashes Statement Century vs Sri Lanka

Salman Ali Agha, who was recently stripped of the T20I captaincy, slammed 107 off just 90 balls to lead Pakistan's charge in an otherwise disappointing batting display.

Salman Agha ton, Eshan Malinga four-for as Pakistan notch 305

Agha involved in stands of 97 and 64 to lift home side from trouble at 118 for 4

'I Was Little Bit Anxious': Smith Speaks Up On Concussion Scare In Durban

ODI World Cup: Australia veteran batter spoke about his recent concussion scare when he was hit on the helmet during the first Test against South Africa in Durban. Smith, who has been troubled with concussion-related vertigo symptoms in the past, revealed that he felt anxious after his recent head knock but was thankful to be facing no further trouble. He was hit by a bouncer from Anrich Nortje during Day 4 of the Durban Test and continued batting after the physio checked on him. He did not take the field on Day 4 when the Aussies bowled but was back in the slips on Day 5 as Australia registered a strong win. Speaking ahead of the delayed start of the second Test against South Africa at the St George's Park here, he opened up on his recent head knock. I was a little bit anxious to be honest after the hit, he told broadcasters ahead of the start of the Day 1 action in the second Test. I've had a few in the past and had a few concussions. And I really don't like the way that makes me feel. And I think just the anxiety around it after I got hit. He hoped not to feel the way that he has felt in the past, but passed the tests and was later allowed to field on Day 5 of the opening Test. It was a decent knock. And yeah, the rest of that day I wasn't travelling too well. And I think it was more to do with anxiety of hoping not to feel the way that I've felt in the past waking up the next morning and things like that. So yeah, fortunately I woke up well. I passed all the tests, and yeah, things recovered pretty quickly, he added. Smith has had trouble with concussion and vertigo issues in the past. He experienced vertigo symptoms after landing heavily on his head during a T20I between Australia and Sri Lanka at the SCG in February 2022. So yeah, fortunately I woke up well. I passed all the tests, and yeah, things recovered pretty quickly, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Ranji Trophy: Deshpande scalps four as Mumbai shoots out Himachal for 140

Only four home batters manage to make it to double digits on a bouncy track;Musheerand skipper Lad take the visiting side to 107 for two at close on day one

Pakistan To Don Pink Jersey For Breast Cancer Awareness In England ODI At Gaddafi Stadium

The Pakistan Cricket Board: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will use the fourth ODI between Pakistan and England on October 25 to promote breast cancer awareness, with players, match officials and broadcasters set to participate in a campaign aimed at encouraging early detection and timely treatment of the disease. The fixture, part of the tri-series also featuring Sri Lanka, will see Lahores Gaddafi Stadium adopt a pink theme as the PCB marks Breast Cancer Awareness Day under its corporate social responsibility initiatives. The campaign coincides with Pinktober, observed internationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pakistans mens team will take the field in specially designed pink kits, while members of the England team, match officials and commentators will be invited to wear pink ribbons to show their support for patients and survivors. The awareness drive will extend across the stadium, with pink-branded stumps used during the match and campaign messages displayed on the venues big screens and LED perimeter boards. Commentators will also highlight the importance of breast cancer awareness during the live broadcast, taking the message to viewers in Pakistan and overseas. The PCB is planning a digital campaign alongside the match-day activities, with Pakistan players appearing in specially recorded videos encouraging people to learn more about the disease and the importance of early diagnosis. The boards official social media channels will also carry dedicated content to broaden the campaigns reach ahead of the fixture. Spectators attending the match will be able to participate in Pink Ribbon activities at Gaddafi Stadium, which are scheduled to begin two hours before the start of play. The initiatives will focus on spreading awareness, promoting timely medical attention and highlighting support for those affected by breast cancer. The board is also introducing limited-edition pink-themed merchandise, including travel polo shirts and fan shirts, through its official retail store and online platforms. The collection will give supporters another way to participate in the campaign and demonstrate solidarity with the cause. Spectators attending the match will be able to participate in Pink Ribbon activities at Gaddafi Stadium, which are scheduled to begin two hours before the start of play. The initiatives will focus on spreading awareness, promoting timely medical attention and highlighting support for those affected by breast cancer. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Bihar U19 Star Scores 184 Off 86 Balls, Fans Calls For Attention Like Virender Sehwag's Son

Fans criticised the BCCI for not giving the same attention to Anmol Kumar, who hails from Patna, Bihar, as Aaryavir, the elder son of legendary India batter Virender Sehwag.

Steve Smith 'taken Aback' By Gqeberha Pitch For 2nd Test Against SA

Steve Smith: Australia veteran batter Steve Smith said he was aken aback after seeing the pitch at St George's Park for the second Test against South Africa, starting Sunday. Speaking to Mark Howard on Kayo Sports after the toss, the former Aussie skipper stated that the Gqeberha pitch looked green with a little bit of damp and was aken aback after learning that the groundsman did not use the hessian cover to protect and manage the pitch. It looks to be a bit of grass on it, to be fair. Bit of grass, a little bit damp, actually, Smith said before the start of the play. So I just actually spoke to the groundsman. He, I said, do you not use a hessian? And he's like, nah, do for morning games in one-day cricket. But I actually like to see a little bit of moisture in the morning. So I was, yeah, taken aback by that. I don't think I've seen that before. But no, it looks like it's got some grass. Could be interesting, particularly with the overheads as well, he added. Australia won the toss and brought in Scott Boland for Nathan Lyon, opting for an all-four-pace attack, although the visitors have several part-time spin options. Speaking on the conditions at the venue, Smith opined that the surface would seemingly help the pacers more than the spinners. Yeah, could be a handful. I've never played this time of year. When we've played in February, March, it's end of the season. The square's usually a lot drier. Wicket's a bit drier and does take some spin. You know, with a bit of rain forecast for the next couple of days, you know, it might not get as much foot traffic as well. So spin may not play as big a part as it traditionally does here. But we'll wait and see, he added. Lyon missed out on playing a red-ball game for Australia for the first time since 2013, whenever he has been available. You know, with a bit of rain forecast for the next couple of days, you know, it might not get as much foot traffic as well. So spin may not play as big a part as it traditionally does here. But we'll wait and see, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Smith 'anxious' after latest concussion scare

Australian batsman Steve Smith admitted to feeling anxious after being hit on the head during the first Test against South Africa, fearing another concussion, despite passing all protocols.

Perry powers nervy Australia to 1-0 lead

There were several twists with Australia losing regular wickets to slump to 145 for 7 in the 163 chase

Rain Mars 2nd Test as South Africa Crawl to 11-0 Vs Australia

Rain restricted South Africa to 11 without loss after 5.3 overs against Australia in the second Test, with Rabada returning as Australia sought to consolidate their series lead and WTC standing.

Babar Becomes Fifth Pakistan Batter To Complete 16000 International Runs

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium: Veteran batter Babar Azam achieved a significant milestone as he became Pakistan's fifth cricketer to complete 16000 runs in international cricket during the ongoing ODI tri-series on Sunday here. Babar became Pakistan's third fastest player to reach the milestone during the first ODI of the tri-series against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with England being the other side. He took just 399 innings to complete 16000 runs across the three formats, being third fastest for the Men in Green behind Mohammad Yousuf (388 innings) and Javed Miandad (398 innings). He is just the fifth Pakistan player to get to the mark. Apart from him, Miandad and Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Younis Khan have also made more than 16000 runs across the three formats. The former white-ball skipper Babar got to the milestone against Sri Lanka. Coming into the match, he needed only seven runs to reach the mark, and he got there pretty quickly in his innings. After Pakistan were sent in by Sri Lanka, Babar was out to bat at No.3 when Saim Ayub was caught at mid-off in the third over of the innings, bowled by Dilshan Madushanka. Babar opened his account with a beautiful drive off Asitha Fernando before another drive through the off-side brought him three runs. It was enough for him to reach 16000 runs in international cricket, but he wasn't done, though. The recently turned 32-year-old unleashed a few more good-looking strokes as he made 45 from 57 balls before he was dismissed by Eshan Malinga. His stroke-filled knock included six fours. Babar opened his account with a beautiful drive off Asitha Fernando before another drive through the off-side brought him three runs. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Pujara: T20 Consistency Overrated, Backs Samson

Former India player Cheteshwar Pujara believes that consistency is 'overrated' for top-order batters in T20 cricket, expressing confidence in Sanju Samson's ability to regain form with a single impactful innings.

Former India cricketer weighs in on Abhishek Sharma's performances after WI T20I series

The five-game T20I series between India and the West Indies came to an end, the two sides locked horns across five brilliant matches, and the series eventually ended on a score of 2-2 after the fifth and final T20I of the series was abandoned due to rain, playing spoilsport .

Sammy: West Indies Cricket Needs Financial 'Arm Around' It

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has made an emotional appeal for financial support for Caribbean cricket, hoping that a competitive series against India will attract sponsors and alleviate the financial struggles faced by the team under the current ICC revenue-sharing model.

Nahida Named Bangladeshs New Women's T20I Captain, Mostary Appointed Vice-captain

Bangladesh Cricket Board: Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter on Sunday has been named as Bangladeshs new women's T20I captain. Nahida will take over from wicketkeeper-batter Nigar Sultana, who stepped down from the role after the Asian Games. Sobhana Mostary has been named vice-captain of the T20I side. We sat with members of the selection panel along with others and decided to hand over the T20I captaincy to Nahida. Sobhana Mostary will be her deputy, BCB women's wing chairman Rafiqul Islam was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. Nahida had been widely tipped to succeed Nigar, after having served as her deputy ever since the wicketkeeper-batter was handed the T20I captaincy in 2022. Rafiqul added the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) felt it was the right moment to promote her after spending four years as Nigar's understudy. Nahida has been the vice-captain for a pretty long time and now we feel the time is right to give her the responsibility of our T20I squad, he said. After the Asian Games was over in Japan, Nigar had decided to give up the T20I captaincy to concentrate more on her own game, a move that caught the board off guard. The report also mentioned that Nigar, 29, was unhappy with the way she had been treated by the BCB in recent times. Nigar, however, will continue to lead Bangladesh in the 50-over format, having captained the side in the recent three-match ODI tour of Australia. With this, Bangladesh will have separate captains in the two white-ball formats for the foreseeable future. Bangladesh's next T20I assignment is the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy in Thailand, where they open their campaign against Pakistan on November 12. The report also mentioned that Nigar, 29, was unhappy with the way she had been treated by the BCB in recent times. Nigar, however, will continue to lead Bangladesh in the 50-over format, having captained the side in the recent three-match ODI tour of Australia. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

South Africa openers survive before rain returns

The toss took place on time but rain then caused a 90-minute delay until the first ball

'Kill Shreyas Iyer, Marry Abhishek Sharma, Hook Up With Shubman Gill': Anaya Bangar's Clear Take

A video of Anaya Bangar, the daughter of former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar, is going viral on social media.

Nahida Akter named Bangladesh women's new T20I captain, set to succeed Nigar Sultana in the role

In a major development, the BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) came forward and revealed that Nahida Akter will be the new T20I captain of Bangladesh women, taking over in the role from Nigar Sultana, who stepped down as the T20I captain to focus more on her game.

After Drawn T20I Series Against The West Indies, Iyer Bags Impact Player Of The Series Medal

West Indies: India captain Shreyas Iyer was handed the team's Impact Player of the Series medal after the five-match T20I series against the West Indies ended in a 2-2 draw following Saturday's washout at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The presentation was captured in a dressing-room video released by the BCCI on Sunday, in which India's training assistant Nuwan Seneviratne handed the medal to Iyer. Tonight the impact medal goes to someone who scored his first T20I hundred and only a few players in India have scored hundreds in all three formats and he's leading in the front and even in the field and the award goes to Shreyas Iyer, Seneviratne said in the video posted on bcci.tv on Sunday. On its social media accounts, the BCCI captioned the clip as, Rain, runs, and some dressing room BTS. Summing up the series decider, ft. the Impact Player of the Series medal presentation. Iyer enjoyed a productive series with the bat, finishing as the third-highest run-getter with 181 runs from five innings at an average of 45.25 and a strike rate of 205.68. His maiden T20I century during the series opener in Lucknow made him only the seventh Indian men's cricketer to score hundreds in all three international formats. India won the first and third games, but the West Indies hit back in the second and fourth games to draw the series, before rain forced the decider to be called off, leading to the two sides sharing the trophy. Iyer enjoyed a productive series with the bat, finishing as the third-highest run-getter with 181 runs from five innings at an average of 45.25 and a strike rate of 205.68. His maiden T20I century during the series opener in Lucknow made him only the seventh Indian men's cricketer to score hundreds in all three international formats. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Taskin: 'We sometimes collapse quickly under pressure'

Taskin has bemoaned Bangladesh's

Sri Lanka bowl, Pakistan hand debut to Baig

Shaheen, Naseem and Rauf reunited in hosts' pace attack; SL pick Colombage

India's Asian Para Games Jersey Has a 5,000-Year-Old Story

The fifth edition Asian Para Games commenced in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Sunday, with para-athletes from across the continent set to compete in a week-long event. India has sent a 281-member contingent, including 168 athletes, for the October 18 to 24 event.

Gill Falls For One Run Against Chhattisgarh On Ranji Trohpy Return

New PCA Stadium: Indias Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill's much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy ended in disappointment as he was castled for one by left-arm spinner Ajay Mandal in Punjab's ongoing second-round Elite Group B match against Chhattisgarh at the New PCA Stadium here on Sunday. Coming in at number four, after Vihaan Malhotra was trapped lbw by Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Gill lasted just five balls and made one run before Mandal beat him on the third ball of the 27th over with a delivery that held its line and slipped through the gate to hit the middle stump. Gill, 27, had skipped Punjab's opening game of the season against Assam but made himself available for the clash against Chhattisgarh to get some red-ball practice ahead of India's tour of New Zealand. Though Gill is not in the T20I squad, he will be a part of India, playing five ODIs and two Tests on the tour, which forms a crucial part of their build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup and also aim to keep their hopes alive in the race for a World Test Championship (WTC) final berth. Gill, though, will play only three ODIs before missing the last two games to prepare well for the Test series to be played in Christchurch and Wellington. Elsewhere, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has missed Bengals ongoing match against Services at the Air Force Complex ground in Palam. Shami had trained with the Bengal squad on Saturday, but there was no official word for his absence from Bengals second round clash. His younger brother Mohammed Kaif came into the playing eleven in his absence. Shami had made an impressive start to the season by claiming five wickets, including a four-wicket haul, in Bengal's opening game against Delhi in Kalyani. Gill, though, will play only three ODIs before missing the last two games to prepare well for the Test series to be played in Christchurch and Wellington. Elsewhere, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has missed Bengals ongoing match against Services at the Air Force Complex ground in Palam. Shami had trained with the Bengal squad on Saturday, but there was no official word for his absence from Bengals second round clash. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

'Sooryavanshi Will Have To Wait': Nayar Backs Samson, Explains Indias Selection Dilemma

New Delhi: Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar believes Sanju Samsons ability to produce decisive innings after a lean run could keep young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waiting for his opportunity in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Nayar also explained why Indias team combination, particularly the need for a left-right batting pair, could influence the selection call, while backing Finn Allen to potentially challenge Abhishek Sharmas record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian. Samsons inconsistent returns have often triggered debate over his place in Indias T20I setup, with Sooryavanshi emerging as a possible alternative. However, Nayar believes the wicketkeeper-batters capacity to turn the conversation around with one substantial innings makes his selection a more complicated decision. Sanju plays with everyones emotions because he wont score runs for two matches, and everyone starts raising questions, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play, Sanju Samson isnt capitalising on his chances, how long will we wait? And at that very moment, he will score an 80 in no time. Sanju is that kind of player who will repeatedly give you opportunities to raise questions about him and then will play a big knock, making the most of his chances. So, there will be moments when there will be talks about his place, but Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait, Nayar told JioStar. Nayar said the decision would extend beyond individual performances, with team balance and the precedent set by the management also important considerations. He pointed to the potential consequences of frequent changes in selection, arguing that India must protect its team culture while ensuring younger players receive opportunities at the right time. Often, for a teams culture, if you are a coach or a captain, it is crucial to make the right decisions. If you make haphazard decisions, the impact on Vaibhav Sooryavanshis career is one thing, but the impact on team culture will be far greater. So, according to me, the decision will be, Vaibhav, wait for your time; you will also get opportunities. Maybe in a series where Sanju isnt there or is rested, he will play. But as long as there is a left-hander at number three and at the top, you will always think that a right-hander in between is necessary. So, its not so much about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson; its about having that left-right combination so that a bowler like Bracewell doesnt come and bowl out his overs in the powerplay, Nayar added. Meanwhile, Nayar identified New Zealand opener Finn Allen as a potential threat in the upcoming series, citing the conditions that favour his aggressive style of batting. Allens power-hitting could prove particularly effective on smaller grounds, where clearing the boundary can be easier. Maybe in a series where Sanju isnt there or is rested, he will play. But as long as there is a left-hander at number three and at the top, you will always think that a right-hander in between is necessary. So, its not so much about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson; its about having that left-right combination so that a bowler like Bracewell doesnt come and bowl out his overs in the powerplay, Nayar added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Consistency Is Overrated In T20s: Pujara Backs Samson, Questions Dual Opening Option In NZ

Either Sanju Samson: Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has defended Sanju Samsons fluctuating returns in T20 internationals, arguing that occasional failures are part of the format and should not be mistaken for a prolonged loss of form. With India set to tour New Zealand for a multi-format series, beginning with the T20Is, Pujara also expressed doubts over whether Samson and young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could feature together in the playing XI given the demands of New Zealand conditions. India head into the upcoming assignment after sharing the five-match T20I series against the West Indies 2-2. Samson's consistency remains a talking point, but Pujara believes the wicketkeeper-batters ability to produce a substantial innings makes it premature to question his form. He is never out of form. The kind of player Sanju Samson has been in the T20 format; his form fluctuates. But it is always a matter of one innings. He plays one good innings, and he is back in form. So, you cannot say that this player is not in form. In the T20 format, you are bound to have failures. Who doesnt get out in T20s? Consistency should be there, but for the top order, I think consistency is overrated in T20s, Pujara told JioStar. However, Pujara sees a potential selection challenge in accommodating Samson and Sooryavanshi together in New Zealand. He suggested that the conditions could prompt India to prioritise all-rounders, limiting the number of specialist batters required in the top order. Vaibhav playing every game seems a bit difficult in New Zealand because there you need more all-rounders, either a spin all-rounder or a seaming all-rounder. So, there you dont need a lot of batters, especially in the top order. Either Sanju Samson can open or Vaibhav. However, Pujara sees a potential selection challenge in accommodating Samson and Sooryavanshi together in New Zealand. He suggested that the conditions could prompt India to prioritise all-rounders, limiting the number of specialist batters required in the top order. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Rizwan to captain SNGPL in final round of President's Trophy

Cricinfo understands he will also play for Peshawar in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy next month

Why are Nathan Lyon and Cameron Green not playing for Australia vs South Africa in 2nd Test in Gqeberha?

Australia made one change to their playing XI in the second Test against South Africa at St George's Park in Gqeberha. Nathan Lyon has been benched, with ace pacer Scott Boland returning to the playing XI. Australia captain Pat Cummins explained that the overcast conditions played a significant role in the decision and added that he brings in a lot of things, especiallyseam movement.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Will Have To Wait: Ex-India Star's Bold New Zealand Prediction

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi didn't get to play a single game in India's recently-concluded five-match T20I series against West Indies.

Australia bowl, McGrath replaces injured Litchfield

New Zealand begin a new era after the retirements of Devine, Bates and Tahuhu

Lyon left out as Australia go all-pace and bowl first on damp day

Kagiso Rabada returns for South Africa with Keshav Maharaj squeezed out as they look to level the series

Abhishek Was A Bit Below Par By His Standards: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra: Former India opener Aakash Chopra has played down concerns over Abhishek Sharmas returns in the recently concluded T20I series against the West Indies, saying inconsistent performances are an inevitable part of an aggressive batting approach. Reflecting on the left-handers campaign after India and the West Indies shared the five-match series 2-2, Chopra pointed out that a batter operating at a strike rate of around 200 cannot be expected to deliver substantial scores in every outing. Abhishek, known for his attacking approach at the top of the order, did not enjoy the kind of consistency that has characterised some of his recent performances. Chopra acknowledged that the opener was below his usual standards but cautioned against drawing conclusions from a limited run of matches. In the last game, when he didnt get many strikes, he looked a bit scratchy. He didnt get any rhythm at all, and lets discount whatever happened in this game. So, he was a bit below par by his standards in the series, but that is also going to happen, Chopra told JioStar. Drawing a contrast between Abhisheks recent returns, Chopra highlighted how dramatically a batters fortunes can change from one series to another. The youngster had produced prolific scores against Afghanistan, including a century and a 70, but those performances should not become the benchmark for every subsequent assignment. That is another reality of the brand of cricket you play. You will always find that there might be a series, like the one against Afghanistan recently, where he scored a hundred in one game and a 70 in another, but then there will be another series where he would have a soft dismissal in one game, then another soft dismissal, play one good innings, and then get dismissed by a good delivery in another. Drawing a contrast between Abhisheks recent returns, Chopra highlighted how dramatically a batters fortunes can change from one series to another. The youngster had produced prolific scores against Afghanistan, including a century and a 70, but those performances should not become the benchmark for every subsequent assignment. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test Day 1 LIVE Score Updates

South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test Day 1 LIVE Score: Australia are 1-0 up in the three-match series after winning the first Test by 214 runs.