ENG vs NZ 1st Test Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI
ENG vs NZ 1st Test , Cricket Tips :England's numbers in Test have declined in the last year or so. They lost the highly anticipated Ashes 2025-26 1-4 in Australia. They will be under pressure as they move for the home series against New Zealand. The English summer will begin with three tests between England and New Zealand. The first game will kick off at Lord's in London on June 4 at 3:30 PM IST. Ben Stokes and co. have announced their playing 12 and given a maiden cap to Sonny Baker and Emilio Gay. New Zealand, on the other hand, will look to put England under a lot of pressure and get a win in the first game. ENG vs NZ: Match Details Date : June 4-8, 2026 (Thursday-Monday) Time : 3:30 PM IST Venue : Lord's Cricket Ground, London ENG vs NZ: Live Streaming Details The first Test between England and New Zealand will be live on Sony Sports Networks, while the live stream will be available on the Sony LIV app or website. ENG vs NZ: Head-to-Head in Test Total Matches : 115 England : 54 New Zealand : 14 Drawn : 47 ENG vs NZ: Ground Pitch Report Lord's Cricket Ground has been a good venue for the bowlers. The surface will be green and is expected to produce seam movement throughout the test. The conditions will become tougher with time, which is why batting first will be ideal in these conditions. ENG vs NZ: Possible XIs England : Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Ben Stokes , Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir New Zealand : Henry Nicholls, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c & wk), Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke ENG vs NZ: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Joe Root and Kane Williamson are two greats of this generation, and their teams depend a lot on them. Probable Best Bowler Gus Atkinson has great numbers at Lord's, and he will get good help from the wicket. Matt Henry is the leader of the pack, and he will be tough to face in these conditions. Today Match Prediction : New Zealand have a poor record in England. We predict England to win the Lord's Test. ENG vs NZ Match 1st Test, Today Match ENG vs NZ, ENG vs NZ Prediction, ENG vs NZ Predicted XIs, Injury Update for England vs New Zealand 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.
Kathryn Bryce's all-round effort takes Scotland to tri-series win
Scotland finished as the table-toppers after beating Netherlands, with three wins in four matches and one match between Bangladesh and Netherlands to go
BCCI To Hold Online Apex Council Meeting On Thursday, T20I Captaincy Discussion Not Known Yet
Triumph Knights Mumbai North East: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will hold its Apex Council Committee meeting in online mode on Thursday, though it remains unclear if the issue of Indias next mens T20I captain will be formally discussed. Yes, the BCCI will have an Apex Council Committee meeting in online mode on Thursday. But a possibility of officials discussing Indias next mens T20I captain is yet to be known, sources told IANS on Wednesday. Speculation has grown over the future of India's mens T20I captaincy after the T20 World Cup triumph in March was achieved under Suryakumar Yadavs leadership. It is understood that eyes are on planning for the next two years, where India will enter the 2028 Mens T20 World Cup as defending champions and feature in the Los Angeles Olympics too. While some believe Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer, the current ODI vice-captain, are in the running to succeed Suryakumar, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, and Ishan Kishan are the dark horses for clinching the leadership role. Suryakumars prolonged lean patch has also been a point of concern, something which cant be ignored for long by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee and Gautam Gambhir-led team management. The right-handed batter managed only 270 runs in 13 innings for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026, while averaging 20.76, as the five-time champions finished at ninth spot on the points table. He also struggled with the bat during the victorious T20 World Cup campaign and didnt get a good score in a recent game for Triumph Knights Mumbai North East in the ongoing Mumbai T20 League. Suryakumars prolonged lean patch has also been a point of concern, something which cant be ignored for long by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee and Gautam Gambhir-led team management. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Indias next T20I assignment is a two-game tour of Ireland, to be played on June 26 and 28. It is understood that the squad selection for the same can happen sometime in mid-June. After this, India will play a five-match T20I series in England, before going on a three-game tour of Zimbabwe. Article Source: IANS
Gill's India Hit Ground Running In New Chandigarh Ahead Of Afghanistan Test
The Lucknow Super Giants: India's focus on red-ball cricket restarted right after the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 ended. Captain Shubman Gill led the first training session in New Chandigarh on Wednesday in preparation for the one-off Test against Afghanistan starting on June 6. With most players arriving fresh from their IPL commitments, the session kicked off India's training for their first Test of the season. The Indian players participated in an intensive net session at the PCA Stadium complex in Mullanpur. Head coach Gautam Gambhir closely watched the practice and had lengthy discussions with the players. Newly-appointed vice-captain KL Rahul spent a lot of time batting in the nets with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant as the batting group shifted its focus from T20 cricket to the longer format. Gill, who recently led the Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2026 final, joined the national team after the tournament. He was actively involved during the session alongside fielding coach T. Dilip. The skipper will lead a Test side that looks somewhat fresh, as it is missing senior players Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja. India's pace attack seemed to be working hard, with fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bowling long spells. However, Siraj's ability to play in the Test is uncertain due to workload-management issues after he participated in every match of the Gujarat Titans' IPL campaign. A decision on his availability is expected soon. If Siraj is rested, uncapped Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi is likely the top candidate for a call-up after an impressive domestic season where he took 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. Nabi is currently among a group of net bowlers helping the Indian squad, which also includes Gurjapneet Singh, Prince Yadav, Saransh Jain, Zeeshan Ansari, and Shivang Kumar. Another key player in the camp is express pacer Mayank Yadav, who has joined as a net bowler. The Lucknow Super Giants speedster, whose career has been impacted by injuries, is helping Indias batters prepare for Afghanistan's pace attack while working on his own return to competitive cricket. If Siraj is rested, uncapped Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi is likely the top candidate for a call-up after an impressive domestic season where he took 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. Nabi is currently among a group of net bowlers helping the Indian squad, which also includes Gurjapneet Singh, Prince Yadav, Saransh Jain, Zeeshan Ansari, and Shivang Kumar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vc), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (wk) Article Source: IANS
England brace for new beginnings as old failings take back seat
New Zealand are perfect opponents to stress-test post-Ashes attitude, as they seek another away series win
Latham relishes rare chance to hit England with full-strength seam attack
Matt Henry will lead the NZ fast bowling unit, which also includes Nathan Smith, Will O'Rourke, Blair Tickner and Zak Foulkes
Stokes Backs Archer Break, Warns England Could Lose Star Pacer If Situation Is Mishandled
Indian Premier League: England captain Ben Stokes has supported the decision to rest fast bowler Jofra Archer for the opening Test against New Zealand at Lord's. He warned that a different approach could drive players away from international cricket. Archer, who played 16 matches for Rajasthan Royals during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season as the team reached the playoffs, was omitted from England's squad for the first match. Head coach Brendon McCullum has also indicated that the 31-year-old might miss the second Test. This decision has faced criticism following England's Ashes defeat in Australia, but Stokes urged people to consider the realities of modern cricket. I know it has been discussed over the past couple of weeks. I completely understand people's frustrations, but there is another side to this, Stokes told reporters on Wednesday. The England captain explained that the changing landscape of the sport has created opportunities that did not exist for players in previous generations. A lot of this has to do with where cricket is right now. There are opportunities for cricketers now that werent available 10 or 20 years ago. Stokes warned that mishandling this situation could have long-term effects on English cricket. If handled poorly, it could get messy, and players like Jofra might not play for England again. That would not be good for anyone. In earlier years, England players typically left their IPL teams before the tournament ended to meet international commitments. However, Archer stayed with the Rajasthan Royals during their playoff campaign and then took a break after a busy period. England starts the New Zealand series under pressure after a disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia, where their aggressive tactics came under fire. Former captain Michael Vaughan was among those suggesting the team should return to basics. Stokes, however, emphasised that outside criticism would not change England's strategy. There has been a lot said for a long time. But what I say doesnt really matter, he said. England starts the New Zealand series under pressure after a disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia, where their aggressive tactics came under fire. Former captain Michael Vaughan was among those suggesting the team should return to basics. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Supporting the philosophy that McCullum has established, Stokes added, You've heard it from Brendon. We'll go out there and try to win this series while playing some good cricket. Article Source: IANS
Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburb: Three days into the T20 Mumbai League 2026, the tournament witnessed its second Super Over as captain Suved Parkar produced a sensational batting display, smashing a record-breaking 46-ball century. However, his brilliant 110 off 54 deliveries was not enough as Ajinkya Rahanes North Mumbai Panthers edged past Bandra Blasters in an edge-of-the-seat thriller to seal their second successive victory at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday. Batting first on a batting-friendly surface, Parkar smashed the fastest in the tournaments history to power the Blasters to a formidable 228/5, the second-highest total of the competition. In response, Hardik Tamore continued his explosive run with a 39-ball 83 before Tanush Kotians late-order fireworks helped the Panthers finish on the same score, forcing the match into a decider. Earlier, the Blasters got off to a flying start as Parkar and Prateekkumar Ravishankar hammered 101 runs for the opening wicket in just eight overs. Ravishankar contributed a brisk 33 off 15 balls before departing, while Parkar launched off-spinner Tanush Kotian for three successive sixes to bring up a stunning century off just 46 balls. The Blasters skipper also shared a 67-run stand with Parag Khanapurkar (22 off 15) before eventually falling for a magnificent 110 off 54 deliveries, studded with 10 fours and seven sixes. Even after Parkars dismissal, the scoring rate never dipped as Jay Jain (28 not out) and Dhrumil Matkar (28) added a rapid 52-run partnership, with Matkar smashing three consecutive sixes to guide Bandra Blasters surge past 200. In reply, Hardik continued his rich vein of form and kept the Panthers firmly in the contest with a blistering half-century. He raced to a 17-ball half-century and stitched together important partnerships with skipper Rahane (15) and Abhigyan Kundu (39). The momentum briefly swung in the Blasters favour when leg-spinner Sagar Chhabriaa struck three crucial blows, dismissing Tamore, Ayush Vartak, and Aayush Zimare in quick succession. However, Tanush Kotian refused to surrender, smashing two sixes and two fours in a 14-ball 32 to help the Panthers finish on 228, forcing the match into a Super Over. In the Super Over, Vaibhav Mali struck two sixes and a four to help the Panthers post 20/1. The Blasters could only manage 7/0 in reply. Later in the day, Shardul Thakurs Eagle Thane Strikers will aim to continue their winning momentum when they face Sarfaraz Khan-led Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburb. The Tigers, meanwhile, will be eager to open their account after suffering a heartbreaking Super Over defeat in their tournament opener. Brief scores: Bandra Blasters 228/5 in 20 overs (Suved Parkar 110, Prateekkumar Ravishankar 33; Pratik Mishra 3/38) tied with North Mumbai Panthers 228/8 in 20 overs (Hardik Tamore 83, Abhigyan Kundu 39, Tanush Kotian 32 not out; Dhrumil Matkar 3/32, Sagarr Chhabriaa 3/9). Brief scores: Also Read: Live Cricket Score North Mumbai Panthers 20/1 (Vaibhav Mali 19, Tanush Kotian 1 not out) bt Bandra Blasters 7/0 (Dhrumil Matkar 6 not out, Suved Parkar 1 not out). Article Source: IANS
Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka goes out of the French Open after quarterfinal defeat to Diana Shnaider
Diana Shnaider is appearing in her first Grand Slam quarterfinal
Dinesh Karthik Hails RCBs Title Defence In IPL 2026, Calls It unbelievable Feeling
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik described the franchises successful defence of their Indian Premier League (IPL) crown in the recent season as an unbelievable feeling, while crediting the players for their consistency and skill in making the side victorious. At the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets to defend the title they won at the same venue in 2025. One thing the plan and another thing the boys have to have skill and deliver it on the given day, which they have done so consistently, and we're so proud of the team. Absolutely ecstatic we were dreaming something like this would happen, but when it does happen in reality, it hits you, and it's definitely an unbelievable feeling, said Karthik in a video posted by the IPL on its social media accounts on Wednesday. RCB became only the third team in IPL history to defend their title after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI). The victory capped a season where senior players and emerging talents combined to deliver for the franchise under pressure. Really happy for all the fans they've been with us through thick and thin, and I'm happy that we're able to put smiles back on their faces. I think, for the whole journey, I'm not able to pinpoint one, because there have been different challenges from the start till the day we finished. RCB became only the third team in IPL history to defend their title after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI). The victory capped a season where senior players and emerging talents combined to deliver for the franchise under pressure. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He also expressed happiness for Rajat Patidar, whos his birthday twin both turned a year older on June 1. It's been as special as it can get you don't get it too many times when you win an IPL on your birthday. So extremely happy. Every year is going to be different, though we'll give it everything we have for sure, concluded Karthik. Article Source: IANS
Pakistan Cricket Is Going Down Fast, Lament Former Stars After Loss To Australia
Telecom Asia Sport: Former Pakistan stars lambasted the current national team after its abject surrender against a depleted Australian side in the first two matches of the ODI series in Lahore on Tuesday, declaring that the countrys cricket is going down at a fast rate, a news report said on Wednesday. The 41-run defeat in the second ODI, which meant Pakistan conceded an unbeatable 0-2 lead in the three-match series, came a fortnight after a humiliating 2-0 whitewash in the Test series in Bangladesh, which was also described as the lowest point in Pakistan cricket. Former captain Rashid Latif said wrong selection and failing in game awareness caused the steep fall. Pakistan cricket is going down in speed, Latif told Telecom Asia Sport. The selection is based on 'take my two and I take your two, ' which is wrong and makes the selection strange. Australia were without seven frontline players, including regular ODI skipper Pat Cummins and his two illustrious pace partners Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Opener Travis Head is also rested, while Mitchell Marsh pulled out of the tour with a calf injury after being named skipper. Its a pathetic performance, but we are now so used to this humiliation that we do not feel pain in our hearts, former pacer Sikander Bakht told www.telecomasia.net. Everyone is biding time, and players with so little experience of first-class cricket are part of the squad. Latif urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to make the management accountable. We have to make the management accountable and make them better. If they are selecting the wrong eleven and squad, then the results will be like this. Latif blamed the ploy of using spin-friendly pitches as the teams bane. We dug a grave where spinners were taking wickets, but in the second match we ourselves fell in that grave, said Latif, referring to spin pitches used in the series. Pakistan took eight wickets through spinners, with debutant Arafat Minhas taking five in the first ODI in Rawalpindi. They won the match by five wickets. We are selecting T20I players in ODIs, which is wrong. Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Abdul Samad are T20 players, and they are not attuned to playing 50-over cricket. Our batters lack quality defense, which is hurting their batting. Pakistan took eight wickets through spinners, with debutant Arafat Minhas taking five in the first ODI in Rawalpindi. They won the match by five wickets. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Basit blamed head coach Mike Hesson for the failure. Hesson should be asked what he is doing with the Pakistan team. Is this the way to prepare for the World Cup? He is damaging Pakistan cricket. Article Source: IANS
Mosaddek, Nurul Return As Bangladesh Announce Squad For First Two ODIs Against Australia
Mahidul Islam Ankon: Bangladesh have recalled middleorder batter Mosaddek Hossain and wicketkeeperbatter Nurul Hasan for the first two ODIs against Australia starting in Mirpur on June 9, with Mahidul Islam Ankon and Afif Hossain making way. Mosaddek, 30, last played an ODI for Bangladesh in August 2022 but has forced his way back on the strength of a prolific Dhaka Premier League campaign. He has already scored a century and two fifties, averaging 89 in five matches, while also claiming 11 wickets at 16.27 with his offspin bowling. Nurul, who missed the New Zealand series, returns to bolster the middleorder as Mahidul and Afif didnt live up to the desired expectations of the selectors. The duos recall comes at a time when Bangladeshs batting has struggled in recent ODIs against Pakistan and New Zealand. Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto have been the sides only consistent scorers while Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz have failed to replicate their earlier good form. Pacer Nahid Rana, who has taken fivewicket hauls in both ODIs and Tests since March, leads the fast bowling attack alongside Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam. Legspinner Rishad Hossain, familiar with Australian batters due to his Big Bash League stint, adds variety to the line-up. Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto have been the sides only consistent scorers while Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz have failed to replicate their earlier good form. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Bangladesh ODI squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana. Article Source: IANS
Balaji and Demoliner bow out of French Open
The Indo-Brazilian duo lost 3-6 4-6 in a match that lasted one hour and 17 minutes
Bangladesh recall Mosaddek after four years for ODIs against Australia
Nurul Hasan also returns to the ODI squad for the first two games. Mahidul Islam and Afif Hossain have been left out
Butcher Questions England Captain Stokes Move To Number Seven Ahead Of Tests Against NZ
Wisden Cricket Weekly: Former England batter Mark Butcher has expressed reservations over skipper Ben Stokes decision to drop down to number seven in the batting order for the first Test against New Zealand, starting at Lords on Thursday. Stokes has batted only 17 times out of 216 innings in Tests, compared to 131 times at number six. His batting returns have dipped since the 2023 Ashes, averaging 28.17 from 23 matches with one century and seven fifties. Why does he need to drop down to seven? I dont understand it. I wonder whether thats a move because Stokes has decided, Im our best bowler, Im going to take the new ball, which would not be the maddest thing in the world at all. That to me is a viable and valid option as far as the guys weve got. Im thinking a very long way back to the eighties when Beefy (Ian Botham) bestrode the earth, and quite often he would bat five and open the bowling in the Test team, said Butcher. He was in the thick of everything. Always. I would rather see Ben at six and get back to his very best with the bat, Butcher said on the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast. England are also scheduled to play two more Tests against New Zealand at The Oval on June 17 and Trent Bridge on June 25. Further speaking about his disbelief in Stokes dropping down to number seven, Butcher said, When he is playing well, in terms of skill and in terms of temperament, he provides a perfect ballast to the more dashing players around the order. Youve got (Joe) Root, who will play at a regular tempo. We dont know what Emilio Gay is going to do, so Root at No.4 playing a regular Test match tempo, Stokes at six playing a regular Test match tempo but able to up it when hes at his best, and then (Jamie) Smith at seven in the Gilchrist role, which hes performed so well, Ashes aside, in Test matches at home. This is why the theory about him opening the bowling pops up, its more likely to happen if (Sonny) Baker plays obviously, but also why does he need to drop down to seven? I dont understand it, unless there is another role that hes decided to take on instead, like taking the new ball. We dont know what Emilio Gay is going to do, so Root at No.4 playing a regular Test match tempo, Stokes at six playing a regular Test match tempo but able to up it when hes at his best, and then (Jamie) Smith at seven in the Gilchrist role, which hes performed so well, Ashes aside, in Test matches at home. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Im baffled, and I also wish I were playing now. I cant understand it. I cant understand how there is a justification for it. My point is Im not slagging off Jofra Archer, Im just in disbelief. There are only six Test matches in the summer; if you dont play the first two, then there are four left. Article Source: IANS
PAK vs AUS 3rd ODI Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI
PAK vs AUS 3rd ODI , Cricket Tips :Pakistan won the first ODI, and Australia bounced back with a win in the second ODI. The series is at 1-1, and the final game will decide which way the series is heading. The third match will commence on Thursday at 5 PM IST at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Pakistan failed with the bat in the chase. They couldn't have a good start and kept losing wickets. Shadab Khan showed some fight but failed eventually. Australia showed good adaptation to the conditions, and they will be confident going into the next game. Pakistan need to change their approach, because they have been struggling on the field. PAK vs AUS: Match Details Date : June 04, 2026 (Thursday) Time : 5:00 PM IST Venue : Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore PAK vs AUS: Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch the third ODI on the FanCode mobile app or website with the active account. PAK vs AUS: Head-to-Head in ODI Total Matches : 114 Pakistan : 37 Australia : 72 No-result : 04 Tied : 01 PAK vs AUS: Ground Pitch Report The surface in Lahore is expected to be another slow and sluggish one. Spinners will have a major role, and batters will have a hard time. It can be tough to bat while chasing, as the wicket will get slower. Hence, the wise decision will be to bat first here. PAK vs AUS: Possible XIs Pakistan : Maaz Sadaqat, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Ghazi Ghori (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed Australia : Matt Short, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis (c & wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Cam Green, Oliver Peake, Matt Renshaw, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha , Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann PAK vs AUS: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Ghazi Ghori has shown great adaptibility and batted well in both matches for Pakistan. For Australia, Matt Short has been pretty consistent with the bat. Probable Best Bowler Abrar Ahmed and Nathan Ellis will be two bowlers who will be the ones to watch out for. Today Match Prediction : Pakistan struggled in their own plans. They will be under pressure, and we predict Australia to win this game. PAK vs AUS Match 3rd 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.
Richa Ghosh Clinches Impact Fielder Award For T20I Series Against England
T20 World Cup: India wicketkeeperbatter Richa Ghosh was named winner of the Impact Fielder medal for the T20I series against England, which ended in a 2-1 defeat for the visitors in their build-up to the upcoming Womens T20 World Cup. While handing out the medal after team analyst Anirudh Deshpande announced her name, fielding coach Munish Bali praised Richas sharp glovework and consistency behind the stumps. Richa Ghosh, three catches, excellent keeping. Very well done and two excellent stops too. Best impact fielder of the series, Richa Ghosh. Well done to you. Very well done. Congratulations, said Bali in a video posted by the BCCI on their social media accounts on Wednesday. Bali was also appreciative of Indias good showing in fielding. As Amol said, lots of positives, especially on the field. Throwing was very good. Our body language was excellent throughout the three-match series. Energy, effort, no complaints, and catching percentage were little good, 87 percent catching. Out of 15, we took 13 catches, 87 percent. Bali further appreciated Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues and Nandni Sharma for being great fielders in the series. Shafali, three catches in the first game, excellent. As I said, her commitment on the field was excellent, with diving stops, well done. Jemmy, as usual, excellent throws, excellent energy. It's not easy to run from mid-wicket to mid-wicket and all the throws were coming towards Jemmy, the balls were coming towards Jemmy. In this series, I think she must have hit 30-35 high-intensity throws. Well done, Jemmy; it was excellent, and especially, on the bigger ground, we were challenging her, she didn't concede a single double. Bali further appreciated Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues and Nandni Sharma for being great fielders in the series. Shafali, three catches in the first game, excellent. As I said, her commitment on the field was excellent, with diving stops, well done. Jemmy, as usual, excellent throws, excellent energy. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India will now play two warm-up games against the West Indies and England on June 8 and 10, respectively, in Cardiff, before opening their Womens T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan in Birmingham on June 14. Article Source: IANS
Very Confident Of Sciver-Brunt Being Available For T20 WC, But May Not Bowl, Says Edwards
T20 World Cup: England head coach Charlotte Edwards said she is very confident that skipper Nat SciverBrunt will be available for the Womens T20 World Cup starting on June 12, though the seam bowling all-rounder may feature only as a batter. Nat is yet to feature for England in their ongoing home summer, missing the ODI and T20I series against New Zealand as well as the recent T20I series win over India after sustaining a calf injury while turning out for The Blaze in the OneDay Cup in April. But Nat is now expected to return as a specialist batter at number three when England begin their Womens T20 World Cup warm-up matches against Australia and India on June 8 and 10 respectively, before starting their main campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12. That makes tonight even more exciting, doesn't it, that we've got Nat SciverBrunt adding to this lineup. I am very confident. She's training this week and Saturday and doing her running and she'll be playing hopefully in the first warmup game next week. All good with her. I'm not sure she's going to be bowling so it'll be in a batting role for us, hence why we've been managing some workloads throughout this series. Freya Kemp didn't bowl tonight, so it's really positive going into next week, said Charlotte at the conclusion of the series. Despite Nats absence, England have won T20I series against New Zealand and India, both 21, with batters stepping up in unfamiliar roles and creating a good selection headache for the team management. Alice Capsey struck a matchwinning 82 off 43 balls in the decider in Taunton, while sharing a 137run stand with Heather Knight, who smashed 70 not out. They're good headaches to have. We're in a really good position in terms of people (being) in form so I'm going to be taking some time away - the players are going home for a few days - and then we'll reset again on Saturday in Cardiff. I'm a big believer of your top six, they should be able to bat anywhere in the order, and the players are really showing that. We want versatility and flexibility within the order, added Charlotte. Despite Nats absence, England have won T20I series against New Zealand and India, both 21, with batters stepping up in unfamiliar roles and creating a good selection headache for the team management. Alice Capsey struck a matchwinning 82 off 43 balls in the decider in Taunton, while sharing a 137run stand with Heather Knight, who smashed 70 not out. Also Read: Live Cricket Score They know if they want to stay in the team they've got to put in big, match-winning performances and Heather and Alice did that superbly. You talk about pressure and playing under pressure, these girls are playing under pressure even for their places now, which is great in many ways because you get performances like that, which is really satisfying. Article Source: IANS
Sayali, Ira Shine As Falcons Register Second Straight Win In T20 Mumbai Womens League
Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs: Continuing her red-hot form in the inaugural T20 Mumbai Womens League, India star Sayali Satghare once again led from the front, delivering a standout all-round performance while 14-year-old teenage sensation Swara Jadhav shone with the ball as SOBO Mumbai Falcons cruised to a seven-wicket win over Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs, registering their second successive victory in the tournament here on Wednesday. Satghare delivered a superb spell with the ball, claiming four wickets and striking in the very first over to put the Tigers under immediate pressure. Operating in tandem with the Falcons disciplined bowling attack, she ensured the opposition never found any rhythm. The teenage left-arm spinner Jadhav (3-19) then tightened the screws further with a fine three-wicket burst, dismantling the middle order and preventing any recovery. Electing to bat, Aakash Tigers struggled throughout their innings against the Falcons attack. Sanika Chalke top-scored with 21 runs but received little support from the rest of the batting line-up as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Unable to build partnerships or accelerate when required, the Tigers limped to a modest 113/9 from their 20 overs. Satghare delivered a superb spell with the ball, claiming four wickets and striking in the very first over to put the Tigers under immediate pressure. Operating in tandem with the Falcons disciplined bowling attack, she ensured the opposition never found any rhythm. The teenage left-arm spinner Jadhav (3-19) then tightened the screws further with a fine three-wicket burst, dismantling the middle order and preventing any recovery. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburb 113/9 in 20 overs (Sanika Chalke 21, Manali Dakshini 18; Sayali Satghare 4/29, Swara Jadhav 3/19) lost to SOBO Mumbai Falcons 117/3 in 15.5 overs (Sarika Koli 33 not out, Sayali Satghare 30 not out, Simran Shaikh 23) by seven wickets. Article Source: IANS
Siraj, Tilak To Headline Inaugural TG20 Player Auction On June 7
Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium: Indian international stars Mohd Siraj and Tilak Verma will spearhead the TG20 Player Auction pool for the inaugural edition of Telanganas premier franchise cricket league on Sunday at the Princess Convention Centre, Ramoji Film City. The auction pool has several established domestic performers, including Rohit Rayudu, Rahul Buddhi, CV Milind and Tanmay Agarwal, all expected to attract significant interest from franchise owners. The list also features some of Telanganas brightest emerging talents, including India U-19 representative Aaron George and members of Telanganas recent Vinoo Mankad Trophy-winning squad. More than 1,300 HCA-registered cricketers will go under the hammer as franchises begin assembling their squads for what promises to be one of the most exciting sporting events ever staged in Telangana. The auction marks another major milestone in the journey of TG20, Telanganas first-ever franchise-based T20 league, which is set to feature eight franchisee teams, 32 matches, and over 21 days of high-quality cricket action, bringing together the finest cricketing talent from across the state. The eight franchises participating in the inaugural season are: Hyderabad e-Champions, Pranava Ranga Reddy Risers, Warangal Warriors, Medak Falcons, Anurag Nalgonda Knights, Karimnagar Diamonds, Palamuru Strikers and Anvita Khammam Aces. The auction process will commence with the Icon Category, followed by the A+, A, B, C1 and C2 Categories, enabling franchises to build balanced and competitive squads of up to 20 players each. Every franchise must include a minimum of four district cricketers in its squad, while at least two district players must feature in the playing XI. Teams will also have the opportunity to select promising U-19 cricketers and players emerging from the leagues extensive open-trial programme. Each franchise will enter the auction with a purse of Rs 60 lakh, with a mandatory minimum spend of Rs 54 lakh, ensuring strong competition and strategic squad-building throughout the day. Former India international Ambati Rayudu, Chairman of HCAs Cricket Operations Committee, and his team have played a pivotal role. They have conducted extensive open-trials which generated unprecedented interest among aspiring cricketers from both urban and district regions. The auction proceedings will be conducted by renowned sports presenter and auctioneer Charu Sharma, whose experience across leading professional sports leagues is expected to add excitement and professionalism to the event. Cricket fans across Telangana and around the world will be able to follow the auction live on JioHotstar, providing a front-row seat to the formation of the inaugural TG20 franchises. The auction proceedings will be conducted by renowned sports presenter and auctioneer Charu Sharma, whose experience across leading professional sports leagues is expected to add excitement and professionalism to the event. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The inaugural edition of TG20 is scheduled to commence on June 21 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Uppal, with all matches being played at one of Indias premier cricket venues. Article Source: IANS
'Just Focus On Your Bat And Yourself': Kohli's Advice To Vaibhav After IPL Heroics
While Royal Challengers Bengaluru: India's charismatic batter Virat Kohli had a special word of advice for teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the IPL 2026 final, urging the youngster to stay focused on his game and continue striving for greater heights following a record-breaking season. After RCB won their second consecutive final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. A video of the interaction between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru stalwart and the 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals prodigy went viral. Their conversation has finally been revealed by RCB in a video posted on their social media handles. In the meetup, Kohli praised Sooryavanshis work ethic and self-belief while reminding him to ignore outside noise and focus on his batting. The former RCB captain also advised the youngster to aim higher. You have to keep going higher from here. Whatever youve achieved is the result of your hard work and belief. Dont pay attention to who is saying what. Just focus on your batting and yourself. Ek Bihari sab par bhari, Kohli told Sooryavanshi. The words from one of Indian crickets modern greats came after a season in which Sooryavanshi established himself as the biggest breakout star of the tournament despite Rajasthan Royals missing out on the title. It is worth mentioning that earlier in the IPL 2026 season, Kohli had given Sooryavanshi an autograph and signed his cap after the left-handed batter smashed the RCB bowlers all around the park in the contest at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. While Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained the IPL crown with a five-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans, Sooryavanshi emerged as the undisputed individual performer of the season, collecting five awards at the post-match presentation ceremony. It is worth mentioning that earlier in the IPL 2026 season, Kohli had given Sooryavanshi an autograph and signed his cap after the left-handed batter smashed the RCB bowlers all around the park in the contest at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He also claimed the Super Striker award after maintaining a remarkable strike rate of 237.31 and won the Super Sixes award by smashing a record 72 sixes during the campaign. Article Source: IANS
Rankings: Abrar Reaches Career-best Fourth In ODIs, Ravindra Breaks Into Test Top 10
Shaheen Shah Afridi: Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed and New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra emerged among the biggest movers in the latest ICC Men's Player Rankings update, with strong performances in recent international fixtures earning them significant gains across formats. Abrar achieved a new career milestone in the ODI bowling rankings after his impactful showing against Australia in the recently concluded series. The mystery spinner climbed seven places to fourth position with a rating of 633, the highest ranking of his ODI career. The 26-year-old's rise came on the back of consistent wicket-taking displays, including two two-wicket hauls during the series, as bowlers dominated contests in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Pakistan's pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi also moved upward in the ODI bowling charts. After collecting four wickets across the series, the left-armer advanced four spots to 13th with 593 rating points. Australia seamer Nathan Ellis enjoyed one of the most notable jumps among bowlers. His six wickets in two matches propelled him 24 places up the rankings to 44th, underlining his growing influence in Australia's limited-overs setup. Batters found scoring difficult throughout the Pakistan-Australia series, making Matt Renshaw's contributions particularly valuable. The Australian left-hander produced innings of 43 and 61, resulting in a dramatic rise of more than 100 places to 78th in the ODI batting rankings. Several of his teammates also made progress. Josh Inglis climbed three spots to 57th, while Cameron Green moved five places to 63rd following useful contributions with the bat. In contrast, Pakistan batter Salman Ali Agha slipped out of the ODI batting top ten, dropping five places to 14th in the latest standings. Meanwhile, New Zealand's convincing Test victory over Ireland triggered a reshuffle in the red-ball rankings ahead of the Black Caps' upcoming World Test Championship assignment against England. Rachin Ravindra was the standout mover among Test batters. His century against Ireland, a composed 121, lifted him into the top ten for the first time in his career, taking him to ninth place with 737 rating points. The rise marks another landmark achievement for the 26-year-old, whose stock has continued to soar across formats over the past two years. Fellow New Zealand batter Tom Blundell also reaped rewards by producing the match's highest score. His innings of 186 helped him gain eight places and move to the 40th position in the Test batting rankings. Rachin Ravindra was the standout mover among Test batters. His century against Ireland, a composed 121, lifted him into the top ten for the first time in his career, taking him to ninth place with 737 rating points. The rise marks another landmark achievement for the 26-year-old, whose stock has continued to soar across formats over the past two years. Also Read: Live Cricket Score New Zealand's pace attack also witnessed upward movement, with Nathan Smith jumping 24 spots to 59th, while Blair Tickner climbed nine places to 54th. Article Source: IANS
Bengal Govt Downgrades Sourav Ganguly's Security Cover From Z To Y Category
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari: The West Bengal government has downgraded the security cover provided to former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, officials said on Wednesday. The move comes as part of an ongoing review of security arrangements extended to politicians, public figures, and other prominent individuals in the state. Ganguly, who previously enjoyed Z-category security, will now be provided Y-category protection. The former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president and current Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president has not issued any official statement on the development. According to officials, Z-category security entails the deployment of around 35 personnel and includes coordination with the state police command. Individuals covered under this category are also provided a pilot vehicle as part of their security detail. In contrast, Y-category security involves a much smaller team of three to four personnel, including two armed security officers assigned for close protection. The decision is the latest in a series of security reviews undertaken by the state government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari since the change in administration following the assembly elections last month. Officials said the exercise was aimed at ensuring that enhanced security is provided only to those facing a genuine threat perception. Soon after assuming office, CM Adhikari had reportedly conveyed that security resources should be allocated strictly based on assessed risk. Following this direction, authorities initiated a comprehensive review of individuals who had been receiving special protection under the previous government. The decision is the latest in a series of security reviews undertaken by the state government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari since the change in administration following the assembly elections last month. Officials said the exercise was aimed at ensuring that enhanced security is provided only to those facing a genuine threat perception. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With the latest decision, Ganguly joins a growing list of prominent personalities whose security arrangements have been reassessed as part of the state's broader effort to rationalise the deployment of security personnel. Article Source: IANS
'I Don't Want To Lock In Anything': Cummins Hints At Missing IPL 2027 Amid Hectic Schedule
ODI World Cup: Australia captain Pat Cummins has indicated that he could sit out IPL 2027 as he looks to manage his workload during what promises to be an intense period for Australian cricket. Australia are scheduled for a four-Test tour of India at the start of the year before taking part in the 150th anniversary Test against England in Melbourne. The team will then head into a demanding Ashes campaign, followed by the ODI World Cup in southern Africa later in the year. Speaking to Australian daily 'The Age', Cummins said Australia's packed schedule next year may force him to make difficult choices, with Test cricket and the ODI World Cup remaining his top priorities and no final decision has been made regarding his availability for the tournament and that discussions with the franchise will take place closer to the event. Something has got to give at some stage next year, and it's not going to be test matches or an ODI World Cup, Cummins said. I will make a call a lot closer and work with the franchise to see what makes sense. Things can change. I've had a couple of injuries pop up, so I don't really want to lock in anything, he added. The fast bowler stressed that representing Australia in Test cricket and the 50-over World Cup would take precedence over franchise commitments. The priorities for me are always the Test matches and that ODI World Cup. I dare say if I play all of India, I need some sort of break before a pretty gruelling Ashes series, Cummins explained. Cummins has previously dealt with injury concerns, including a back issue that affected parts of his international schedule. The Australian skipper also suggested that workload management could extend to other senior quicks, including Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, during parts of Australia's home season. It's possible. I think we're fairly open-minded to anything, as we've seen over the last couple of years. I see a world where we're potentially winding some bowlers down, even say at the back end of an Indian series if they don't look like they're going to play, to give them an extra rest ahead of the Ashes, Cummins said. Despite the demanding calendar, Cummins believes the upcoming stretch could become one of the defining periods for the current Australian side. It's possible. I think we're fairly open-minded to anything, as we've seen over the last couple of years. I see a world where we're potentially winding some bowlers down, even say at the back end of an Indian series if they don't look like they're going to play, to give them an extra rest ahead of the Ashes, Cummins said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, Cummins missed the opening seven matches of IPL 2026 and then led the team to the playoffs. Ishan Kishan, who took over the leadership duties in his absence, will again be the forerunner to replace him as the captain if the Australian great misses out. Article Source: IANS
'We Spoke A Lot About Chasing Big Totals,' Says Capsey After Record Win Over India
Cooper Associates County Ground: Player of the Match Alice Capsey said Englands successful chase of 181 against India at the Cooper Associates County Ground on Wednesday was particularly satisfying because the team had been focusing on improving its ability to hunt down big totals ahead of the Womens T20 World Cup. Capsey smashed a match-winning 82 off just 43 balls and shared a decisive 137-run partnership with Heather Knight (70 not out) as England recovered from 38/3 to register a six-wicket victory in the third and final T20I, sealing the three-match series 2-1. The chase was Englands highest successful pursuit in womens T20Is since 2018 and came after India had posted a competitive 180/5. Obviously really pleasing to get over the line. We spoke a lot as a batting unit about chasing those bigger totals, so to get this one over the line was really pleasing, Capsey said after the match. England were under pressure after losing three wickets inside the power play, but Capsey said the presence of the experienced Heather Knight helped maintain calm in the middle. It was pretty calm over there with Heather. Shes a very experienced campaigner now, so it was always nice batting with her. It was just about hitting through the line of the ball. It was a lovely pitch out there and trying to stay with the rate, she said. When it got to the second ten overs, it was about finishing the game as quickly as possible and not leaving it too late, she added. Capsey credited her aggressive counter-attacking approach for helping England regain momentum after Indias bowlers made an excellent start. I thought upfront they bowled pretty well. When theyre bowling a length, its quite hard to get away. So using my feet was a key one for me. Aiming straight as well. The ball was coming on pretty nicely to bat, so not trying to over-hit it was pretty key and just trying to get that boundary early, she explained. Capsey credited her aggressive counter-attacking approach for helping England regain momentum after Indias bowlers made an excellent start. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I dont think I have a favourite. Just batting for England is amazing and being able to contribute and score runs is the main thing, she said. Article Source: IANS
Battling Australia force series decider as questions grow for Pakistan
Tricky pitches have forced batters to adapt and led to a major role for spin and changes of pace
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T20 World Cup: India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana believes she and her opening partner Shafali Verma must shoulder greater responsibility at the top of the order as the team shifts its attention to the T20 World Cup after a hard-fought series defeat against England. India began the three-match T20I series with an impressive victory but were unable to sustain the momentum, suffering consecutive defeats to hand the hosts a 2-1 series win. While disappointed with the outcome, Mandhana viewed the tour as a valuable exercise ahead of the global tournament that will also be played in English conditions. Coming in early and playing a series in England, where weve a World Cup to play, in terms of preparations, its extremely good to do that. But thinking back, both me and Shafali (Varma) have a huge role to play forward, Smriti said after the third T20I. The opening pair endured an inconsistent series, managing a combined 75 runs across three matches despite showing glimpses of fluency at the crease. Mandhana, however, insisted that neither she nor Shafali was far away from making meaningful contributions. We both are timing the ball well but unfortunately are not able to contribute in big ways for the team. But again for both of us, well go back in the nets and keep working hard and make sure that we come back better as an opening pair because both of us pride ourselves on giving good starts and keeping the momentum going. Well take it in our stride and work hard, she added. India appeared on course to level the series in the deciding contest after reducing England to 38/3 during the chase. However, a game-changing partnership between Heather Knight and Alice Capsey turned the match decisively in the hosts' favour as they chased down 181 with nine deliveries remaining. Reflecting on the defeat, Mandhana pointed to the unpredictability of T20 cricket and acknowledged England's recovery, as she said, In T20 games momentum keeps shifting. We started really well with the ball, putting them at 35/3 (38/3), but then I wouldnt take anything away from the partnership they had. I think they played really good cricketing shots, they played all around the ground. The loss also provided India with important insights regarding their bowling plans in conditions they are likely to encounter again during the World Cup. On bowling, well go to the drawing board, and see which options are better. We did that before this series, maybe we can go back again. Now I think I know in these conditions what balls are to be bowled, the opener noted. One of India's biggest positives from the final T20I was captain Harmanpreet Kaur's unbeaten half-century. Walking in after early setbacks, the skipper steadied the innings and guided India to a competitive 180 with a composed 56 not out. Mandhana was effusive in her praise for the veteran batter's contribution, stating, Harman when shes at her best, its a sight to watch. Really important innings under pressure, especially when we needed that sort of knock to get us to 180-plus. Beyond Harmanpreet's knock, Mandhana took encouragement from the form displayed by several members of India's batting unit ahead of the marquee tournament. Really happy but I just feel that everyone is in a good nick, and its a good sign going into the T20 World Cup that Jemi (Rodrigues), Harman everyone are really looking beautiful to watch from the outside. Hopefully, I can watch them from the inside as well, she mentioned. Beyond Harmanpreet's knock, Mandhana took encouragement from the form displayed by several members of India's batting unit ahead of the marquee tournament. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We did play Pakistan in Birmingham, and it was a sell-out. Not just India-Pakistan, we really need to hype up the T20 World Cup. In fact, its already hyped up. Im sure a lot of people will come and watch us play. Hopefully we can put up a good show for them, Smriti concluded. Article Source: IANS
Pakistan's National T20 Cup final to be played on June 7
The final had to be rescheduled because of persistent rain around the original date of March 18
T20 World Cup: England's stand-in captain Charlotte Dean praised the match-winning partnership of 137 runs between Alice Capsey and Heather Knight after the hosts completed a six-wicket victory over India in the third and final T20I to clinch the series 2-1 ahead of the Womens T20 World Cup, saying the record stand took the team over the line. England looked under pressure while chasing 181 when they slipped to 38/3 early in the innings, with India striking through Kranti Goud and Arundhati Reddy. However, Capseys explosive 82 off 43 balls and Knights unbeaten 70 from 42 deliveries transformed the contest as the pair added 137 runs for the fourth wicket to guide England to 184/4 in 18.3 overs. Asked whether there was any nervousness in the dressing room after the early wickets, Dean said England remained confident in their approach. To be honest, no. The girls took on the powerplay really well, that's what we've asked them to do. And then, how brilliant from Caps and Heather there, a brilliant partnership, and got us to a record chase, Dean said after the victory. Dean reserved special praise for the composure shown by Capsey and Knight during their decisive stand, saying the calmness in the middle spread confidence throughout the team. It was brilliant. The way that they picked their moments as well and picked their bowlers. There was so much calmness that we didnt have doubt for a second in that dugout. The girls who were going to come in as well felt like it was set up perfectly for them, she added. The stand-in skipper was also pleased with Englands fielding display, which helped restrict India to 180/5 despite an unbeaten 56 from Harmanpreet Kaur. I think those are the standards that we want to set for ourselves. The girls were phenomenal today, keeping the energy throughout. India hit lots of boundaries, so it can be hard to keep yourself up when youre leaking runs on occasion, but for our fielding performance to do a lot of talking is all we can ask for, Dean said. Dean, who has led the side in the absence of regular captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, also reflected on her own development during the leadership stint. I think Ive learned a huge deal about myself. Probably a bit of a daunting challenge, but Ive really enjoyed it actually. The girls have supported me so well, and I feel in a stronger place within myself and also my cricket, she said. The off-spinner also expressed satisfaction with her own bowling despite conceding 33 runs in the match. I think Ive learned a huge deal about myself. Probably a bit of a daunting challenge, but Ive really enjoyed it actually. The girls have supported me so well, and I feel in a stronger place within myself and also my cricket, she said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With momentum on their side after sealing the series, England will now turn their attention to the Womens T20 World Cup, beginning later this month. Article Source: IANS
French Open 2026: Jakub Mensik stops teen Joao Fonsecas run, reaches semifinal
Days after collapsing on the court following his second-round victory in sweltering conditions, the 20-year-old Mensik shone on a cool evening to book a last-four clash with title favourite Alexander Zverev
Hockey U18 Asia Cup: India Women Rout Singapore 25-0 To Top Pool A And Seal SF Berth
Hockey U18 Asia Cup: The India women delivered a dominant show to defeat Singapore 25-0 in their final Pool A game of the Hockey U18 Asia Cup and secured a top position in the pool, and advanced to the semifinal with an undefeated record. India's attacking depth was evident on Tuesday as 10 different players scored, with Nousheen Naz leading by netting seven goals (8', 13', 17', 18', 40', 52', 58'). Geethasri Nammi, awarded Player of the Match, scored five goals (13', 28', 47', 48', 60'), while captain Sweety Kujur added four goals (2', 24', 38', 45'). Priyanka Minz also scored a hat-trick (22', 37', 53'), with Diya (27'), Nancy Saroha (36'), Shruti Kumari (40'), Pushpa Manjhi (47'), Rashmeen Kaur (47'), and Sandeepa Kumari (51') completing the rout. India clearly displayed their intent early on, with captain Sweety scoring in the second minute. Nousheen then increased the lead in the eighth minute, and both Geethasri and Nousheen added to the score in the 13th minute, establishing Indias dominance. In the second quarter, the Indian team maintained their dominance, with Nousheen scoring two quick goals. Priyanka and Sweety then helped expand India's lead before halftime. The goal frenzy carried on after the break. Diya and Geethasri scored early in the third quarter, with Nancy, Priyanka, Sweety, Nousheen, and Shruti all finding the net as India dismantled Singapore's defense. In the second quarter, the Indian team maintained their dominance, with Nousheen scoring two quick goals. Priyanka and Sweety then helped expand India's lead before halftime. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India, having achieved wins against Malaysia, Korea, and Singapore, topped Pool A with an undefeated record and nine points. Their semifinal opponents will be determined after the Pool B fixtures conclude later today. Article Source: IANS
Vijay Hazare Trophy: After earning his maiden India call-up for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey expressed that the opportunity to potentially share the field and dressing room with veterans of the game, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, is a dream he has carried throughout his cricketing journey. Dubey, who was one of the stars of Vidarbha's triumphant 2024-25 Ranji Trophy campaign and captained Vidarbha to their maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy title in 2025, is the one of three uncapped players selected in India's ODI squad alongside pacers Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar. If you ask any young cricketer who they want to play with right now, the first two names will be Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. I have grown up watching them. Ever since I started understanding cricket, they have been performing for India and dominating world cricket. So, getting a chance to play with them is a huge achievement for me. I always wanted to play alongside at least one legend before they retire or whenever their final phase comes. Even if I get to play one match with them, it will be a dream-come-true moment for me, Dubey told JioStar. India's ODI squad for the Afghanistan series includes both Kohli and Rohit, although the latter's participation remains subject to fitness clearance following a hamstring injury suffered during IPL 2026. Dubey's call-up comes as India continue their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with the selectors rewarding the youngster after his impressive performances. He had also recently been named in India's Test squad for the one-off game in New Chandigarh. The youngster revealed that despite being selected for the Sri Lanka A ODI tri-series, he never imagined an India call-up would arrive so soon, let alone in both formats. To be honest, as soon as my name came up for Sri Lanka A ODI tri-series, I felt I was not really in the scheme of things yet. So, I told myself to focus on the IPL for now and think about the tri-series when the time came. I genuinely had no idea my name could come up, let alone in both formats. So, honestly, I have no words for it, he said. Dubey then recounted the surreal moment when he first learned about his selection. We had reached the airport and found out our flight was delayed by an hour. I got a call from someone managing a cricket social media page, asking how I felt about my name being in the ODI series. Because of the noise and network issues in the lounge, I thought he was referring to the Sri Lanka A ODI tri-series, so I said it felt like one step closer to the dream and that my focus was still on the IPL. As soon as I hung up, I started getting messages saying I had received both the Test and ODI call-ups. I was confused because the squad had just been announced, so I quickly checked online and saw the news. It honestly took me a few minutes to process what had happened. Even when Murali sir asked me who the other spinners in the squad were, I told him I had only seen my own name. It genuinely felt like I was dreaming, Dubey stated. While many have already begun to view him as a potential long-term option in India's spin department, Dubey insisted he is not looking too far ahead. If you ask any cricketer, he will say that he wants to play for India and play for a long time. But instead of thinking too far ahead, I prefer to focus on what is in my hands, one game at a time. If I am playing an IPL game today, my focus is on what I can do better today. If I am playing for India tomorrow, I will focus on what more I can do for my team, rather than thinking about playing for the next 10 years. I don't want to think too far ahead about playing the 2027 World Cup or winning the WTC for India. I just want to stay in the present and do the best I can with what is in my hands, he expressed. Dubey, who will also get an opportunity to work under Indias ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill during the Afghanistan series, said he is eager to understand the skipper's leadership style up close. I don't want to think too far ahead about playing the 2027 World Cup or winning the WTC for India. I just want to stay in the present and do the best I can with what is in my hands, he expressed. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India will face Afghanistan in a one-off four-day Test in New Chandigarh, followed by a three-match ODI series in Dharamshala, Lucknow and Chennai, with Dubey now set to embark on the most significant chapter of his young career. Article Source: IANS
New Zealand home summer to start with blockbuster all-format India tour
The New Zealand men's side will also host Sri Lanka for an all-format tour, while the women will host Bangladesh for three T20Is and as many ODIs
England Beat India In Third T20I To Seal Series 1-2 Ahead Of Womens T20 WC
T20 World Cup: Alice Capsey and Heather Knight century stand helped England beat India by six wickets in the third and final T20I to seal the series 2-1 ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup, starting from June 12. The two batters shared a massive 137-run stand to recover from a precarious position in the run chase to chase down a target of 181 in 18.3 overs. The effort was England's highest T20I chase since 2018, led by Alice Capsey (82 from 43 balls) and Heather Knight, who finished unbeaten on 70 from just 42 deliveries. Chasing 181, Englan lost their openers in the first three overs when Kranti Goud castled Danni Wyatt-Hodge in the second over and Arundhati Reddy removed Sophia Dunkley in the third over. Kranti also managed to get rid of Amy Jones in the final over of the Powerplay as the host were 53/3. But Capsey continued to punish the Indian bowling attack by fetching boundaries. At the other end, Knight also picked up boundaries against the Indian spinners. The duo were all guns blazing as England took control of the chase at the halfway mark. Capsey soon brought up her half-century off just 26 deliveries whereas Knight inched closer to hers with two more boundaries of Nandni Sharma. Capsey hit a four and two sixes in a row against Shree Charani. This left England needing only 28 runs to win with five overs left. Even though Capsey was eventually caught or bowled out for 82 runs, England was easily going to win. Knight hit a four in the second-to-last over to finish the game and secure the victory for England. Earlier, batting first, even though India lost their opening batters early, just like England did later in the game, they still managed to score 180 runs. Shafali Verma hit a bad shot and was out for 11 runs. Smriti Mandhana was easily trapped lbw by Charlie Dean. Yastika Bhatia, who had been playing well all series, kept India moving fast during the powerplay, hitting seven boundaries to push India's score to 57 runs quickly. Unfortunately, her fast and exciting batting ended suddenly when she was run out. Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur then rebuilt the innings but England struck again when Lauren Bell executed a perfect slow ball that tricked Rodrigues and hit her stumps to get her out. Yastika Bhatia, who had been playing well all series, kept India moving fast during the powerplay, hitting seven boundaries to push India's score to 57 runs quickly. Unfortunately, her fast and exciting batting ended suddenly when she was run out. Also Read: Live Cricket Score England Women 184/4 in 18.3 overs (Alice Capsey 82, Heather Knight 70*; Arundhati Reddy 2-31) bea India 180/5 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 56*, Yastika Bhatia 32; Lauren Bell 2-36) by 6 wickets Article Source: IANS
India's Multi-format Tour Healdines NZ's International Home Season
New Zealand Cricket: New Zealand Cricket has announced its international home season which will see India's blockbuster three-format tour from October 22 until December 1. Team India will take on the New Zealand in five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests, played across the five major centres, with the 12 matches the most internationals scheduled for an in-bound tour in NZC history, NZC said in a realese. The tour will also mark the first time since 2019 that India will play Test cricket in New Zealand, while it will be their first white-ball assignment in the country since 2022. NZC also said that the New Zealand Government will be supporting the in-bound India tour alongside adjacent sporting tours by India later inthe year, as 100 years of sporting ties between New Zealand and India are commemorated. Christchurchs Hagley Oval opens the India tour with back-to-back T20Is on October 22 and 24 respectively, and theGarden City will host the second Test match starting on Friday, November 27. Wellington has been awarded the first Test starting on Thursday November 19 at the Cello Basin Reserve, as well as a T20I and ODI to be held at Hnry Stadium. Aucklands Eden Park and Hamiltons Seddon Park have both received a T20I and ODI, while Taurangas Bay Oval will host games four and five of the ODI series. The BlackCaps will then host Sri Lanka in three ODIs, three T20Is, and two Tests in from January 16 and into February to finish the home international summer, with a much anticipated four-Test away tour in Australia scheduled for December and early January. The women's team, who are currently in England preparing to defend their ICC Womens T20 World Cup title, will host Bangladesh for three T20Is and three ODIs from December 10 to 23. The series will be the WhiteFerns only home tour of the summer, with the inaugural ICC Womens Champions Trophy (T20I) in Sri Lanka rescheduled for February, meaning the sides planned tour of Australia in February-March 2027 will be rescheduled. The home summer, which could include up to 41 days of international cricket, will be played across eight different cities in New Zealand. Schedule- Mens India tour of New Zealand 1st T20I - 22 October, Christchurch 2nd T20I - 24 October, Christchurch 3rd T20I - 27 October, Wellington 4th T20I - 30 October, Auckland 5th T20I - 1 November, Hamilton 1st ODI - 4 November, Auckland 2nd ODI - 7 November, Wellington 3rd ODI - 10 November, Hamilton 4th ODI - 13 November, Mount Maunganui 5th ODI - 15 November, Mount Maunganui 1st Test - 19-23 November, Wellington 2nd Test - 27 November-1 December 2026, Christchurch Sri Lanka Tour of New Zealand 1st ODI - 16 January, Napier 2nd ODI - 19 January, Wellington 3rd ODI - 22 January, Dunedin 1st T20I - 26 January, Christchurch 2nd T20I - 29 January, Nelson 3rd T20I - 31 January, Nelson 1st Test - 4-8 February, Mount Maunganui 2nd Test - 12-16 February, Hamilton Womens Bangladesh Tour of New Zealand 1st T20I - 10 December, Nelson 2nd T20I - 12 December, Nelson 3rd T20I - 15 December, Wellington 1st ODI - 18 December, Wellington 3rd T20I - 15 December, Wellington Also Read: Live Cricket Score 3rd ODI - 23 December, Mount Maunganui Article Source: IANS
Edwards: Sciver-Brunt's return will make competition for places 'even more exciting'
They know if they want to stay in the team they've got to put in big, match-winning performances, Charlotte Edwards says of England's batters ahead of the T20 World Cup
'Batting allrounder' Shadab proves his value despite lean bowling returns
Shadab's 71 nearly helped Pakistan steal the second ODI against Australia, showcasing why he had been recalled after nearly three years out
DPL round 2: Mohammedan sniff rare title but Abahani and Prime still in race
Towhid Hridoy, with 427 runs, is leading Mohammedan's campaign; Aliss, Rubel shine among bowlers
Unchanged England opt to bowl in decider; India bring Gaud back
Play was set to begin in cloudy yet bright conditions with no forecast for rain
WI vs SL 1st ODI Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI
WI vs SL 1stODI , Cricket Tips :West Indies and Sri Lanka will be up against each other in a three-match ODI series. It will be followed by two tests and three T20Is. The action will begin on Wednesday (June 3) at Sabina Park at 8 PM IST. Kusal Mendis has been reappointed as the white-ball captain for Sri Lanka. He will look to start with a win. Shai Hope will be leading the home team. Both teams are preparing for the ODI World Cup 2026, and the road for preparation begins with this series. Wanindu Hasaranga is back for Sri Lanka, while Alzarri Joseph and Shimron Hetmyer are back for West Indies. WI vs SL: Match Details Date : June 03, 2026 (Wednesday) Time : 8:00 PM IST Venue : Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica WI vs SL: Live Streaming Details The only option to watch the WI vs SL ODIs in India is through the FanCode mobile app or website. WI vs SL: Head-to-Head in ODI Total Matches : 68 West Indies : 32 Sri Lanka : 33 No-result : 03 Tied : 00 WI vs SL: Ground Pitch Report The wicket at Sabina Park is slow and low. The bounce here can be uneven as the game goes on. At the start, the new ball will swing and will get good bounce from the wicket. The team that has batted second here has won more matches. WI vs SL: Possible XIs West Indies : Ackeem Auguste, Shai Hope (c), Keacy Carty, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, Matthew Ford, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph Sri Lanka : Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kamil Mishara, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando WI vs SL: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Shai Hope and Pathum Nissanka are two premier batters for their respective teams. These two will be key players in this game. Probable Best Bowler Wanindu Hasaranga is back and will be a tough bowler to face. Gudakesh Motie holds the key for West Indies, who will get a good grip from this wicket. Today Match Prediction : Both teams are on the same page. But Sri Lanka are looking more settled because of the combination of spin and pace bowlers they have. Hence, we predict Sri Lanka to win the first ODI. WI vs SL Match 1st ODI, Today Match WI vs SL, WI vs SL Prediction, WI vs SL Predicted XIs, Injury Update for West Indies vs Sri Lanka 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.
West Indies, Sri Lanka in high-stakes push to claim 2027 World Cup spot
After recent struggles in major tournament qualification, both teams have plenty to play for in this ODI series
Sultana, Moni help Bangladesh bounce back against Scotland
Fast bowler Moni starred with a career-best four-for to trigger Scotland's collapse, in their chase of 153
Sachin Tendulkar Hails 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's IPL 2026 Impact
Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar was impressed with the impact teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had on the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, saying the Rajasthan Royals opener affected the outcome of games in more ways than through the runs he scored. The batting legend also added that whenever Sooryavanshi walked out to bat, Rajasthan Royals seemed to have a renewed sense of belief. In his post looking back at the season, Tendulkar was particular about naming some of the standout performances and trends that caught his attention during the tournament. Amongst them was the phenomenal season of Sooryavanshi. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had an influence on games that went beyond the runs he scored. Oppositions were thinking about him, teams were planning for him, and fans were waiting for him long before he arrived at the crease, Tendulkar said in a post on Reddit. The 15-year-old went on to be the top run-scorer in the tournament and one of the biggest success stories. The former India skipper was more amazed by the young boy's temperament during the playoffs: His ability to score quickly in the Eliminator and Qualifier proved his intent was always the same, even as the stakes were high. Even more importantly, his batting seemed to give Rajasthan Royals an added sense of belief every time he walked out to the middle. Tendulkar also cited the dismissal of Jos Buttler by Josh Hazlewood in the 1st qualifier between RCB and RR, to highlight an instance of brilliant game awareness by a bowler: Josh Hazlewood's dismissal of Jos Buttler in the 5th over of the 1st Qualifier showed the value of deception. Buttler had hit deliveries for a 4, 6, and a 4, and once a batter settles into a rhythm like that, he often tends to commit early. He elaborated on this: What made the wicket special was how he subtly slowed down the next delivery by 10 km/hr, and Buttler had already gone through his shot by the time the ball reached him, the batting maestro said. Looking at the eventual champions, RCB, Tendulkar noted how their win was an all-round effort. Every successful team develops an identity over the course of a campaign. RCB's identity seemed to be built around shared responsibility. He reserved high praise for captain Rajat Patidar. Rajat Patidar led from the front right through, but more importantly, he helped create an environment where others could do the same. The balance between leadership and contribution was an important part of them going all the way to yet another final, he The legendary batsman, however, suggested a change to the rules, keeping in mind the course of most of the games in the season. One trend that I observed through this season was how many games were decided between overs 7 and 15. Teams are now much better prepared for Power-plays and death overs than before. Tendulkar suggested the splitting of the powerplay: I feel the Power-play needs to be split into two parts. First 4 overs as the batting Power-play and two overs of bowling Power-play, which could be utilised at any point in the innings. If implemented, this could become the most strategic phase of T20 cricket, he said. Tendulkar was also full of praise for Punjab Kings for their attitude, despite failing to win the trophy: Punjab Kings brought wonderful energy to the tournament. Their cricket was positive, brave, and at times game-changing. According to him, the lesson learned from Punjab's season was to strike a balance between process and results: Momentum plays a big part in lengthy tournaments, and eventually in such a quick tournament it comes down to process and not attaching yourself to the results. Punjab seemed to focus on the process in the first half, and on results in the second. I feel the Power-play needs to be split into two parts. First 4 overs as the batting Power-play and two overs of bowling Power-play, which could be utilised at any point in the innings. If implemented, this could become the most strategic phase of T20 cricket, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Reflecting on IPL 2026, Tendulkar emphasised the importance of adaptation. When I reflect on IPL 2026, I was once again reminded that tournaments rarely follow a predictable course from the start. More than one instance this season, the table told a very different story at the mid-point compared to what we see at the end of the competition. He added. The teams responded, adjusted, and new strategies were developed as the competition grew. The game is all about continuous development, and that's what makes watching it so compelling. Article Source: IANS
'You're delaying my lunch' - Williamson revels in final Lord's bow
New Zealand batter realised the significance of the occasion only when he addressed the press on Tuesday
Debutants Gay, Baker In England Squad For First New Zealand Test
Debutants Emilio Gay: England have named uncapped batter Emilio Gay and fast bowler Sonny Baker for their 12-man squad for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's. The opening Test of the English home summer, which commences on Thursday, marks the beginning of a crucial rebuilding phase following Englands dismal 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia. England men have named a 12-player squad for the first Test against New Zealand, which begins on Thursday at Lord's. Durham top-order batter Emilio Gay and Hampshire pace bowler Sonny Baker, who are yet to be capped, are included. Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson returns to the England Test squad for the first time since February 2024, England Cricket Board said in a statement. The debutants in the squad are Durham top-order batsman Gay and Hampshire pacer Baker, and Ollie Robinson of Sussex returns to the Test setup for the first time since February 2024. Archer will not feature as he currently has a time out following six months on the road, is currently in Barbados, and will not be arriving in England until after the first Test match. He may be available for the second match of the series starting June 17. England head coach Brendon McCullum insisted a cautious approach would be taken with the paceman. Jofra, we need to assess, McCullum told BBC Sport. He's having a little bit of a break at the moment. We've seen in the past that we can leave Jof to his own devices, work on his game, and follow a plan that has been set. He turns up having followed that plan to a tee. When we see him, we'll work out where he sits and if he's available for the second Test. If not, we'll look at the third Test. Archer spent six months at the Rajasthan Royals' IPL campaign, until they lost in the playoff stages. Archer is one of many to be impacted by the tournament in terms of his preparation for the Test summer. Despite Archer's absence, Jacob Bethell was withdrawn from the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a finger complaint. Bethell withdrew early from the 2026 edition of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad due to his finger injury. He is in line to play at the Lord's. In the squad announcement, it was noted that Brydon Carse suffered a fractured wrist during the IPL. He attended the Loughborough training camp with England and will not be appearing in the New Zealand series. The squad has been shortened from 15 members to 12 for the opening match of the series against the Kiwis. England spinner Shoaib Bashir is back in the fold after missing out during the Ashes campaign, and Robinson provides extra experience in the pace attack alongside Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue. In the squad announcement, it was noted that Brydon Carse suffered a fractured wrist during the IPL. He attended the Loughborough training camp with England and will not be appearing in the New Zealand series. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Ben Stokes (c), Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue. Article Source: IANS
Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20: Kalyani Bengaluru Blasters and Gulbarga Mystics will raise the curtain on the fifth edition of the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 on June 20, before Mysore Warriors take on debutants Shivamogga Yodhas in the second match of the opening-day double-header. The tournament will be held across three centres -- Mysuru, Hubballi, and Bengaluru -- culminating on July 12. Coastal Kings Mangaluru, also a new franchise this season, will make their tournament debut against Hubli Tigers on June 21. In line with the Karnataka State Cricket Association's vision of taking top-quality cricket to fans across the state, the tournament will be staged across three centres. The Mysuru-leg will be held from June 20 to 26, before the action shifts to Hubballi, from June 27 to July 3. The tournament will then move to Bengaluru from July 5 to 12. Mysuru and Hubballi will host 12 matches each, while Bengaluru will stage 10 matches, including Qualifier 1, the Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final, as the six franchises battle for the coveted title. The player auction for Season 5 will be held on June 5 in Bengaluru, with more than 150 players set to go under the hammer as franchises assemble their squads for the upcoming edition of the tournament. The auction will be streamed live between 9 am and 1 pm on Sony Ten 5 HD/SD. Mysuru and Hubballi will host 12 matches each, while Bengaluru will stage 10 matches, including Qualifier 1, the Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final, as the six franchises battle for the coveted title. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We are particularly pleased to see the tournament return to multiple centres, while the addition of Coastal Kings Mangaluru and Shivamogga Yodhas marks an exciting new chapter for the competition. We look forward to another highly competitive season and a wonderful experience for players and fans alike, he added. Article Source: IANS
Zee likely secured 39 FIFA events at sub-$60 mn, prepares for first ask from youth brand advertisers
The sum is much lower than the IPL media rights deal of $6.2 billion for the 2023-2027 period
T20 Mumbai League 2026: Rahanes Panthers Beat SKYs Knights In Their First Match
Triumph Knights Mumbai North East: The Ajinkya Rahane-led North Mumbai Panthers began their T20 Mumbai League 2026 campaign in style with an emphatic 21-run victory over Suryakumar Yadavs Triumph Knights Mumbai North East at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. Chasing a daunting 210, the Knights struggled to keep pace with the required rate despite a valiant effort from impact substitute Nutan Goel, who anchored the innings with a fighting 93 off 56 balls. The chase got off to a shaky start with both openers falling cheaply, bringing India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav (19) to the crease amid loud cheers from the Wankhede crowd. Suryakumar responded with a typically positive approach, striking four boundaries as the Knights raced to 56/2 by the end of the Power-play. However, left-arm spinner Rahul Sawant turned the game in the Panthers favour by dismissing Suryakumar and Sagar Mishra in quick succession. Harshal Jadhav and Nutan attempted a recovery with a 55-run fifth-wicket stand, while the 20-year-old Nutan capitalised on a reprieve on 24 to bring up a 32-ball fifty with back-to-back sixes. But with the required rate steadily climbing, the Knights found it difficult to keep up and eventually finished on 188/8. Earlier, Hardik Tamore starred with the bat, scoring his maiden fifty of the tournament to help North Mumbai Panthers post the first 200-plus total of the season. Sent in to bat on a placid batting turf, the Panthers made a strong start through Rahane (24) and Tamore, who added 67 runs for the opening wicket inside the Powerplay. While Rahane departed after a brisk start, Tamore carried on and struck a fluent 67 off 43 deliveries, laced with nine fours and two sixes. Aayush Zimare (23) and Ayush Vartak (39) kept the scoreboard moving in the middle overs before Tanush Kotian provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 30 off just 15 balls, powering the Panthers past the 200-run mark. Later in the day, Shreyas Iyer-led SOBO Mumbai Falcons will take on ARCS Andheri, captained by India all-rounder Shivam Dube, at the same venue. While Rahane departed after a brisk start, Tamore carried on and struck a fluent 67 off 43 deliveries, laced with nine fours and two sixes. Aayush Zimare (23) and Ayush Vartak (39) kept the scoreboard moving in the middle overs before Tanush Kotian provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 30 off just 15 balls, powering the Panthers past the 200-run mark. Also Read: Live Cricket Score North Mumbai Panthers 209/5 in 20 overs (Hardik Tamore 67, Ayush Vartak 39, Tanush Kotian 30 not out; Sylvester Dsouza 2/23) beat Triumph Knights Mumbai North East 188/8 in 20 overs (Nutan Goel 93, Suryakumar Yadav 19; Rahul Sawant 2/34, Harsh Tanna 2/44) by 21 runs. Article Source: IANS
Team India Arrive In Mullanpur For One-off Test Against Afghanistan
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: The Indian team arrived in the city on Tuesday ahead of their one-off Test against Afghanistan to be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur locality of New Chandigarh from Saturday. With this match, the Shubman Gill-led side is set to return to red-ball cricket after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The Indian squad reached the city and was seen arriving at the team hotel as preparations began for the Test scheduled at the PCA New Chandigarh Stadium from June 6. Captain Shubman Gill led the contingent, while newly-appointed vice-captain KL Rahul, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy were among the players spotted with the squad. The match will mark Indias first Test appearance since their 2-0 home series defeat to South Africa last year. Although the Afghanistan Test is not part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, it serves as an important fixture for India as they gear up for upcoming overseas assignments in Sri Lanka and New Zealand later this year. India will be hoping to use the match to regain momentum in the longest format, with a squad that blends experienced campaigners and promising young talent. The team is expected to begin training sessions in the coming days as it fine-tunes preparations for the encounter. For Afghanistan, the match presents another valuable opportunity to test themselves against one of the worlds strongest Test sides. The visitors have steadily gained experience in the format and will look to put up a competitive performance against the hosts. India and Afghanistan have met only once previously in Test cricket. Their maiden encounter came at Bengalurus M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in 2018, when Afghanistan made their Test debut. India dominated the contest, securing victory by an innings and 262 runs inside two days. For Afghanistan, the match presents another valuable opportunity to test themselves against one of the worlds strongest Test sides. The visitors have steadily gained experience in the format and will look to put up a competitive performance against the hosts. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India Test squad: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vc), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel. Article Source: IANS
BCCI Appoints Sairaj Bahutule As India's Spin Bowling Coach
Mr Sairaj Bahutule: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced the appointment of former India all-rounder Sairaj Bahutule as the spin bowling coach of the senior men's national team. He will guide India's next generation of spinners across formats. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Sairaj Bahutule as the Spin Bowling Coach of the Indian Cricket Team (Senior Men), BCCI said in a statement. Bahutule, who played for India in two Tests and eight One-Day Internationals, steps into this role after gaining extensive coaching experience in domestic, pathway, and international cricket. The former Mumbai player had a notable first-class career lasting nearly two decades, during which he scored 6,176 runs and took 630 wickets, earning a reputation as one of the best all-rounders in the domestic circuit. Reacting to his appointment, Bahutule expressed pride in getting another chance to serve Indian cricket. It is a tremendous honour to be appointed as the Spin Bowling Coach of the Indian Men's Cricket Team. Representing India as a player was a matter of immense pride, and the opportunity to contribute to Indian Cricket once again in a coaching capacity is deeply special. I look forward to working with the players and supporting the team's pursuit of excellence across formats, he said. After retiring, Bahutule became one of Indian cricket's most respected coaches. He held head coaching positions with Vidarbha, Kerala, Gujarat, and Bengal. He also served as a spin-bowling coach for IPL teams like Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings. Reacting to his appointment, Bahutule expressed pride in getting another chance to serve Indian cricket. It is a tremendous honour to be appointed as the Spin Bowling Coach of the Indian Men's Cricket Team. Representing India as a player was a matter of immense pride, and the opportunity to contribute to Indian Cricket once again in a coaching capacity is deeply special. I look forward to working with the players and supporting the team's pursuit of excellence across formats, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Bahutule also worked closely with India A and the senior men's team as a specialist bowling coach on several occasions. From 2021 to 2024, he was an essential part of the coaching staff at the BCCI's National Cricket Academy, now known as the Centre of Excellence, where he helped nurture emerging talent. Article Source: IANS
Melbourne Stars and Renegades set to merge, second franchise to be sold in full
The Stars' name and colours will be rebranded by CV; Renegades could play under caretaker administration in 2026-27
MPL 2026: Rajat Patidar-led Gwalior Cheetahs Challenge Ujjain Falcons In Opener
Madhya Pradesh League: Having successfully guided the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to back-to-back IPL crowns, Rajat Patidar is set to begin a new chapter closer to home as he returns to lead Gwalior Cheetahs in the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup 2026. Patidar will captain a side eager to make a breakthrough after reaching the semifinal in 2025 but narrowly missing out on a place in the final. Gwalior Cheetahs will feature in the opening match of the 2026 season when they face Ujjain Falcons on Wednesday at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. One of the most accomplished cricketers to emerge from Madhya Pradesh in recent years, Patidar has enjoyed a remarkable rise through domestic and franchise cricket. From playing a pivotal role in Madhya Pradesh's historic Ranji Trophy triumph to establishing himself as a leader on the IPL stage, the right-hander now returns to familiar surroundings with the ambition of guiding the Gwalior Cheetahs to their maiden title. The team representing Gwalior will enter the new season with a balanced squad featuring a mix of experienced campaigners and promising young talent. Among them is Mangesh Yadav, the leading wicket-taker from the 2025 edition with 14 wickets, while the side will continue to benefit from the guidance of head coach Aditya Srivastava, under whose captaincy Madhya Pradesh ended a 69-year wait for the Ranji Trophy title in 2022. Speaking ahead of the campaign, Patidar said, It's always a special feeling to come back and play in Madhya Pradesh. The last couple of months have been memorable, but every new tournament brings fresh challenges and fresh motivation. The MPL has become an important platform for cricket in the state, and I'm excited to once again represent the Gwalior Cheetahs. We have a talented squad, a strong support staff, and a group that's hungry to succeed. Our focus is on playing positive cricket and giving ourselves the best chance to bring the trophy home. The team representing Gwalior will enter the new season with a balanced squad featuring a mix of experienced campaigners and promising young talent. Among them is Mangesh Yadav, the leading wicket-taker from the 2025 edition with 14 wickets, while the side will continue to benefit from the guidance of head coach Aditya Srivastava, under whose captaincy Madhya Pradesh ended a 69-year wait for the Ranji Trophy title in 2022. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Alongside Tiwari, Ujjain Falcons feature players like Aryan Pandey, Yash Dubey, Chanchal Rathore, and Soham Patwardhan, making them one of the most intriguing teams in the competition. Former Madhya Pradesh cricketer Sunil Dholpure, who played 17 First-Class matches and 21 List A games, will be the coach for the side. Article Source: IANS
Victorian BBL Shake-up Looms As Melbourne Stars And Renegades Set For Merger: Report
Big Bash League: A major restructuring of the Victorian franchises in the Big Bash League (BBL) is underway, with the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades reportedly poised to be merged into a single franchise as part of broader changes linked to Cricket Australia's privatisation plans. Cricket Victoria staff were informed on Tuesday that the state's two BBL clubs will be consolidated into one Melbourne-based team, bringing an end to a decade-long city rivalry that has been a central feature of the competition since its inception. According to Sen.com.au, the newly formed franchise is expected to be based at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and operate under the name Melbourne, although discussions are continuing regarding a permanent nickname and branding. Sources indicate the club is likely to adopt navy blue as its primary colour. The move is understood to be part of a wider strategy that will see Cricket Victoria retain one BBL licence while committing to the sale of its second licence. The timing of that sale remains uncertain and will largely depend on processes overseen by Cricket Australia. Industry sources familiar with the discussions believe the second Victorian licence could be put on the market as soon as practicable, although questions remain over potential contingencies should a sale not proceed as planned. The merger also raises immediate questions regarding player contracts and squad composition. While the finer details are yet to be resolved, it is expected that the 10 contracted players from each existing franchise will form the foundation of the new Melbourne squad. Notably, players reportedly were not formally informed of the developments on Tuesday, despite Cricket Victoria staff receiving updates earlier in the day. Several players, speaking anonymously, expressed surprise and frustration at learning they had not been briefed alongside administrative staff. The merger also raises immediate questions regarding player contracts and squad composition. While the finer details are yet to be resolved, it is expected that the 10 contracted players from each existing franchise will form the foundation of the new Melbourne squad. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Further clarity is expected later this month, with key stakeholders set to meet in Melbourne on June 15 to discuss the next phase of Cricket Australia's privatisation framework and the future shape of the BBL. Article Source: IANS
Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association: When Aarti Pal began working with cricketers at the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA), she was not trying to turn them into Yogasana athletes. Instead, she wanted to understand how yoga could help improve performance in a sport that demands explosive movement, technical precision, and mental resilience. What she discovered only reinforced a belief she has carried throughout her journey as an athlete, researcher, and educator: yoga belongs far beyond the confines of wellness centres and meditation halls. The inaugural World Yogasana Championship is set to be hosted at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad from June 4 to 8. The historic event features over 500 elite athletes from more than 60 countries, showcasing Yogasana as a globally recognised competitive sport. For Aarti, India's first Yogasana athlete to receive the Arjuna Award, yoga is not simply a practice. It is a science, a sporting discipline, and, increasingly, a performance tool that can benefit athletes across every sport. Actually, I feel that yoga should become an essential part of every sport. Every sport requires certain fundamental skills that can be developed effectively through the practice of Yogasana and other yogic disciplines, Aarti told IANS in an exclusive conversation. Her conviction stems not only from years of academic research but also from hands-on work with athletes. While working with the cricketers of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA), when Amay Khurasiya was serving as the chief coach, we had the opportunity to work closely with the players. Although there is already considerable research available on the subject, our own observations also highlighted several significant benefits of yoga for athletes, she said. One of the clearest improvements, according to Aarti, came in flexibility, a physical attribute often associated with yoga, but equally important in elite sport. One of the most noticeable improvements was in flexibility. Flexibility is a key component in Yogasana, but it is equally important in almost every sport. Through regular Yogasana practice, we observed a marked enhancement in the flexibility levels of the cricketers. She believes the benefits extend much further than mobility and movement. Another important area was injury prevention. For any athlete, staying injury-free is crucial for maintaining performance and consistency. While injury rehabilitation is undoubtedly important after an athlete gets injured, it is always better to focus on prevention whenever possible. Drawing on a principle familiar to both medicine and sport, Aarti added, As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. In this regard, Yogasana and other yoga practices proved to be highly beneficial in reducing the risk of injuries and improving overall physical preparedness. Yet the area she believes is most undervalued is the mental side of the game. Beyond the physical benefits, emotional stability and mental focus are equally important for sporting success. Every athlete faces pressure, expectations, and challenging situations during competition. Practices such as Pranayama and meditation help athletes remain emotionally balanced, mentally focused, and calm under pressure. These practices also contribute significantly to building mental resilience, which is often the difference between success and failure at the highest level of sport, she stated. For Aarti, these lessons from cricket reinforce a larger point. For these reasons, I believe yoga should not be limited to cricket alone. It can become an essential component of training across all sports. Integrating yoga into an athlete's routine can enhance physical fitness, improve mental well-being, and ultimately contribute to better sporting performance. In my view, yoga offers a holistic approach to athlete development and has the potential to positively impact performance in every sporting discipline, she mentioned. That holistic approach is central to Aartis own philosophy. A PhD holder in Yoga Science and former Assistant Professor of Yoga Science at the University of Patanjali, she approaches Yogasana through an interdisciplinary lens that combines sport, science, and lifestyle. As a doctorate in Yoga Science, I have not just studied Asanas. When we study Yoga Science, it involves many different subjects and follows an interdisciplinary approach. Along with Asanas, I have studied the complete philosophy of yoga, as well as its physiological and psychological dimensions. Yoga is a comprehensive science that encompasses a wide range of disciplines, she stated. Her academic background has shaped the way she coaches athletes. Beyond physical training, sports science, sports psychology, and nutrition all play a crucial role in an athlete's performance. These elements are deeply connected to Yogasana as well. When I coach athletes, I do not only train them in Asanas. I also guide them in Pranayama, meditation, dietary habits, and overall lifestyle management. For Aarti, excellence in sport begins with discipline away from competition. Success in any sport, including Yogasana, requires discipline. And discipline is not merely about sitting quietly in a classroom or following instructions. True discipline is reflected in the way you live your life. It is about what time you wake up, what time you sleep, what you eat, how much you eat, and how consistently you follow healthy habits. All these factors are extremely important, Aarti said. While her work with cricketers highlights yoga's sporting applications, Aarti also sees Yogasana itself undergoing a transformation. Once viewed primarily as a wellness practice, it is now attracting a younger generation eager to pursue it competitively. Yogasana, as a part of yoga, is not a new thing. Rather, I would say that it comes from our ancient science and ancient art, which is known as yoga. If we talk about yoga, it is actually a complete tree, and Yogasana is one of its branches. She believes formal recognition has played a major role in changing perceptions. After Yogasana received a formal structure and recognition from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Ayush in 2020, it was recognised as a priority sport. Since then, Yogasana has covered a remarkable journey. Our Prime Minister, through International Yoga Day in 2015, gave yoga recognition as a global subject. But if we look at the audience of yoga, it is often limited to people who are either suffering from diseases or senior citizens. Yogasana, however, is something that has become a point of attraction for youngsters and youth. The historic Arjuna Award recognition, she says, has accelerated that shift. This nomination has once again increased the attraction of youngsters towards the sport. As competitive Yogasana evolves, Aarti believes aspiring athletes must embrace a new mindset. Actually, most people look at yoga primarily as a practice for wellness. So, first of all, I would like to clarify that Yogasana is a part of yoga, and in Yogasana sport, we have adopted Yogasana in a competitive sporting format. Therefore, it is important to understand that when we practise Yogasana as a sport, we need to follow a structured curriculum and a different approach to training, she added. As competitive Yogasana evolves, Aarti believes aspiring athletes must embrace a new mindset. Actually, most people look at yoga primarily as a practice for wellness. So, first of all, I would like to clarify that Yogasana is a part of yoga, and in Yogasana sport, we have adopted Yogasana in a competitive sporting format. Also Read: Live Cricket Score That mindset, she believes, will help Yogasana continue to expand its footprint, not only as a competitive sport but also as a tool capable of shaping stronger, healthier, and more resilient athletes across disciplines. And if her experience with cricketers is any indication, the sport's impact may already be extending well beyond the yoga mat. Article Source: IANS
Nuwan Thushara among 46 men's cricketers to be awarded SLC contracts
The list features Dinesh Chandimal and Kasun Rajitha, who primarily play Tests, as well as limited-overs specialist Binura Fernando
Tennis player Andreeva rips through Cirstea for return to Roland Garros semi-finals
Cirstea steadied herself early in the second set and recovered a break at 3-3, but the 36-year-old could not halt the Andreeva juggernaut
Pakistan bowl; Australia bring in Zampa for Stanlake
The hosts, who are leading 1-0, will be looking to seal the series in Lahore
ICC Cricket World Cup: India all-rounder Vijay Shankar is set to become the lone Indian player in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 after being signed by Kandy Royals, while Sri Lanka international Avishka Fernando emerged as the No. 1 overall pick in the Season 6 Draft as franchises completed their squads for the sixth edition of the tournament. The sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League will feature SC Jaffna Kings, Kandy Royals, Colombo Kaps, Dambulla Sixers and Galle Gallants competing in a double round-robin format followed by the playoffs. The tournament will begin on July 17, 2026, and conclude with the final on August 8, 2026. The draft saw all five franchises strengthen their squads with a mix of established international stars, emerging overseas talent and leading Sri Lankan cricketers, setting the stage for one of the most competitive seasons in the league's history. Holding the first overall selection in the LPL 2026 Draft, defending champions SC Jaffna Kings opened proceedings by selecting Sri Lanka international Avishka Fernando as the No. 1 pick. The Kings further strengthened their squad with the additions of experienced all-rounder David Wiese, Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran and Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who join marquee signings Dunit Wellalage and Bhanuka Rajapaksa as the franchise looks to defend its title and extend its successful run in the competition. One of the biggest talking points for Indian cricket fans will be the participation of Vijay Shankar, who represented India at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. The experienced all-rounder joins a formidable Kandy Royals squad featuring Moeen Ali, Wanindu Hasaranga and Angelo Mathews. The Royals further bolstered their line-up through the draft with the additions of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Daniel Sams, Kusal Perera and Nuwan Thushara. Elsewhere, Colombo Kaps bolstered their line-up with the international recruit Mujeeb Ur Rahman to complement icon players Jimmy Neesham and Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis. Dambulla Sixers added proven match-winners Maheesh Theekshana and Fazalhaq Farooqi to their ranks alongside marquee signings Dinesh Chandimal and Dushmantha Chameera. Galle Gallants strengthened their squad with Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka and South African batter Rassie van der Dussen, who join marquee signings Dasun Shanaka and Eshan Malinga ahead of the new season. The player draft generated significant international interest, with more than 650 overseas cricketers from 21 countries registering for selection, underlining the growing global appeal of the Lanka Premier League and its emergence as one of the region's leading T20 competitions. Galle Gallants strengthened their squad with Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka and South African batter Rassie van der Dussen, who join marquee signings Dasun Shanaka and Eshan Malinga ahead of the new season. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, founder and CEO of IPG Group, the official rights holder of the LPL, said, The response to this year's player draft has been outstanding and highlights the growing reputation of the Lanka Premier League among players around the world. Article Source: IANS
Sairaj Bahutule joins India team as spin-bowling coach ahead of Afghanistan Test
He was recently with PBKS in IPL 2026 in a similar capacity
Robinson, Atkinson, And Tongue Must Drive England's New-era Pace Attack, Says Steven Finn
With Ollie Robinson: Former England pacer Steven Finn believes that the focus on England's batting changes has overshadowed the bowlers, who will be under scrutiny as the English team takes on New Zealand at Lord's on Thursday to begin the home summer season. In a column for the BBC, Finn expressed that England is undergoing a period of rebuilding following their Ashes failures and that the nation will need to develop a new identity as a pace bowling side, due to the retirement of a few established bowlers. With several established stars leaving and a number of players coming in, England is heading into a transitional period following their Ashes downfall, and questions are being raised over their pace bowling capability ahead of a crucial summer, Finn stated. Comparing the situation to the devastating 5-0 Ashes defeat suffered by England in Australia in 2013/14, Finn noted that the Ashes loss had caused a shake-up of England's side. After losing 5-0 in Australia in 2013/14, I, as well as the rest of that team that went down to Mitchell Johnson and co, was sent home with our tails between our legs, Finn said. It was the end of the road for that team as we knew it; a huge shift was required. Although a complete overhaul isn't likely, Finn revealed that Zak Crawley's absence from the Test side has been the biggest consequence of England's poor Ashes performance. ak Crawley is the most high-profile casualty, Finn observed. He has obviously got the skills to be a successful international player, but I don't know whether he might have to come in at No. 3 or No. 4 to make the best use of the raw materials and potential that is obvious in his game. Questioning the choice to select a 15-man squad with eight fast bowling options for the first Test, Finn commented that a squad size like this may be an indication of a lack of direction. It has not been confirmed with me which conversations have taken place, so I do not have insight into what England may be thinking, but selecting eight fast bowlers is indicative of something else happening in the background, Finn wrote. When discussing England's ideal pace bowling attack, Finn suggested a blend of an attack leader, a supporting fast bowler, and an X-factor wicket-taker alongside captain Ben Stokes. With Ollie Robinson recalled to the England side, Finn believes he has been chosen to be the leader of the pack. He's been recalled to lead the pack, and with good reason, Finn explained. The skills to do the job have always been obvious anyone who averages 22.92 with the ball in Test cricket has the technique to be very effective, but more so, the discipline and application to be selected for that role. A key factor to being selected as attack leader is the ability to affect what is happening around you, as the player the rest of the attack are looking towards for inspiration when the pressure is applied to both you and them with the ball in hand and the state of your body language, he stated. Although Robinson has been out with injury and has played just one Test in more than a year, Finn believes he is ready for his latest chance. He needs to show restraint when dealing with the opposition batsmen and not get dragged into it more than is necessary, and he needs to be able to be on the field for five days. If Robinson can execute those two things, I believe he is the leading candidate in England to be the attack leader and put his imprint on this English bowling unit, Finn concluded. For the supporting fast bowler role, Finn has chosen Gus Atkinson to complement Robinson, and his control, pace, and height are perfect qualities to have in the side. The Surrey man is more reserved in nature, Finn wrote. He's an assassin rather than a warrior; the way he uses his height, controls his pace, and length has made him a very strong option. For the X-factor, Finn backed Josh Tongue, whose hostile bowling earned him a spot in the Ashes side. Josh Tongue certainly stood himself up as a nailed-on starter in the Ashes Tests he played in, Finn stated. His hostility and the speed he picked up while being able to trouble any opposition batsmen. His ability to hit an awkward length from an angle behind the perpendicular has created a lot of doubt from opposition batsmen and has made it particularly challenging for them, Finn concluded. Expressing surprise at Tongue being left out of the first Ashes Test in Perth, Finn believes this opportunity would put him on track to become a regular in England's top Test XI. Although both Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer were excluded from England's squad, Finn insists Archer remains England's best fast bowler when fit. With both Brydon Carse and Archer absent from the squad, England's pace attack looks weaker for them now. Archer can certainly return to fill either position or any gap that arises with his ability to swing the ball and bowl pace, Finn stated. Although both Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer were excluded from England's squad, Finn insists Archer remains England's best fast bowler when fit. Also Read: Live Cricket Score While chasing results post-Ashes, England will be aiming for the new engine room of their pace bowling to make sure they maintain standards and achieve their objectives, he added. Article Source: IANS
SLC Announces Central Contracts For 2026-27 Season, 46 Players Included
The Sri Lanka Cricket: The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced national player contracts for 46 cricketers for the 2026-27 season, with a mix of established internationals and emerging talent earning places in the latest list. The contracts will run from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, and cover players selected across multiple categories, including A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and Central Contracts. According to SLC, the categorisation has been determined based on a combination of performance, consistency, fitness levels, future potential and the strategic requirements of Sri Lanka's national teams across formats. Leading players such as Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Wanindu Hasaranga, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis and Maheesh Theekshana were among the prominent names to receive contracts, alongside several experienced campaigners and emerging prospects. The latest contracts also feature seven new inclusions. Wicketkeeper-batter Kamil Mishara, batter Lasith Croospulle, spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, seamer Isitha Wijesundara, all-rounder Wanuja Sahan, left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera and all-rounder Tharindu Ratnayake have all earned national contracts for the first time. SLC said the contracts are designed to provide players with the support structure and resources required to perform at the highest level while contributing to the long-term development of Sri Lankan cricket. The board added that awarding contracts reflects its continued commitment to recognising performances, investing in emerging talent and maintaining a strong pool of players capable of representing the country across international formats. The latest contracts also feature seven new inclusions. Wicketkeeper-batter Kamil Mishara, batter Lasith Croospulle, spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, seamer Isitha Wijesundara, all-rounder Wanuja Sahan, left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera and all-rounder Tharindu Ratnayake have all earned national contracts for the first time. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sri Lanka Cricket congratulates all contracted players and extends a special welcome to those receiving national contracts for the first time. The awarding of these contracts reflects SLCs continued commitment to rewarding performance, nurturing emerging talent, and maintaining a strong pool of players capable of representing Sri Lanka across international formats of the game. Sri Lanka Cricket looks forward to the players continuing to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and excellence as they strive to bring success to the nation during the forthcoming international season, the board said in a statement on Tuesday. Article Source: IANS
Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburb: India star Sayali Satghare led SOBO Mumbai Falcons from the front with a decisive three-wicket spell as her side began their campaign with a convincing 16-run victory over Thane Sky Risers in the tournaments opening match of the inaugural T20 Mumbai Womens League here at the Wankhede Stadium. Chasing a challenging 174, opener Mansi Patil (46) kept the chase alive for Thane Sky Risers despite losing partners at regular intervals. Mahek Pokar (23 retired hurt) and Saima Thakor (29) made promising starts but failed to build on them as the Falcons attack, marshalled brilliantly by Satghare, kept the pressure firmly on the opposition. In the closing stages, wicketkeeper Khushi Bhatia produced a spirited 28 off just 16 balls, striking the ball cleanly to keep Thanes hopes alive. However, her dismissal in the penultimate over all but extinguished the Sky Risers chances and tilted the match decisively in the Falcons favour. Earlier, Thane Sky Risers failed to capitalise on a dream start from skipper Saima Thakor, who created history by striking off the very first ball of the tournament and then claimed another wicket in the same over. Coupled with nine dropped catches, the lapses allowed SOBO Mumbai Falcons to recover through a late onslaught from Hurley Gala (45 not out), supported by important knocks from Riya Chaudhari (43), Simran Shaikh (30) and Sarika Koli (26), as they posted a competitive 173/6 in 20 overs. The opening day of the mens tournament, on Monday, witnessed a nail-biting thriller between Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburb and Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals, with the Siddhesh Lad-led Royals having the last laugh after the contest was decided in a Super Over. After both teams finished on an identical 165 at the end of their respective 20 overs, the match went into a Super Over, where the defending champions Royals posted 16/1 before restricting the Sarfaraz Khan-led Tigers to 11/1 to seal a hard-fought victory. The opening day of the mens tournament, on Monday, witnessed a nail-biting thriller between Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburb and Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals, with the Siddhesh Lad-led Royals having the last laugh after the contest was decided in a Super Over. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: SOBO Mumbai Falcons 173/6 (Hurley Gala 45 not out, Riya Chaudhari 43, Simran Shaikh 30; Soumya Singh 3-17) beat Thane Sky Risers 157/8 (Mansi Patil 46, Saima Thakor 29, Khushi Bhatia 28; Sayali Satghare 3-35) by 16 runs. Article Source: IANS
Rewa Jaguars Name Squad For MPL T20 Scindia Cup 2026
MPL T20 Scindia Cup: Rewa Jaguars have announced their squad for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup. A standout in the team is young, talented batter Akshat Raghuwanshi, who brings significant potential. Alok Birla of Rewa Jaguars said, We are happy with the young talented players and the balance we have in the squad, with a good mix of experienced players and exciting hungry cricketers. The players are motivated and looking forward to playing positive, fearless,& roaring cricket this season. The MPL has grown into a fantastic tournament that gives players the opportunity to showcase their skills, learn from quality competition and take important steps in their cricketing journey. We are excited about the challenge ahead and hopeful of putting together a strong campaign. Rewa Jaguars will face Bundelkhand Bulls in their first match on June 6 at Holkar Stadium during the afternoon. The new Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup season begins on June 3, with Gwalior Cheetahs competing against Ujjain Falcons in the opening game of the mens tournament at Holkar Stadium, Indore. MPL 2026 will be the largest tournament yet, with a broader format including 10 mens teams and five womens franchises. Three new teams join the mens competition: Malwa Stallions, Ujjain Falcons, and Royal Nimar Eagles, alongside defending champions Bhopal Leopards and teams like Bundelkhand Bulls, Chambal Ghariyals, Gwalior Cheetahs, Indore Pink Panthers, Jabalpur Royal Lions, and Rewa Jaguars. Rewa Jaguars will face Bundelkhand Bulls in their first match on June 6 at Holkar Stadium during the afternoon. The new Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup season begins on June 3, with Gwalior Cheetahs competing against Ujjain Falcons in the opening game of the mens tournament at Holkar Stadium, Indore. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rewa Jaguars Squad: Prithviraj Singh Tomar (c), Sagar Solanki (vc), Akshat Raghuwanshi, Ramveeer Singh Gurjar, Atharva Mahajan, Ashwin Das, Anant Verma, Sagar Pratap Singh Baghel, Rohit Rajawat, Prabhanshu Shukla, Mohd. Arham Aquil, Ankit Singh Kushwaha, Ritesh Shakya, Naveen Singh Chouhan, Jaydev Singh, Radhakrishna Dwivedi Article Source: IANS
Ranji Star Auqib Nabi Joins India Camp as Net Bowler for Afghanistan Test
Jammu & Kashmir fast-bowler Auqib Nabi has been called up to join India squad a net bowler for the one-off Test against Afghanistan,to be played in New Chandigarh from June 610. Nabi, one of the standout performers of the Ranji Trophy season, where he led Jammu and Kashmir to victory by picking 60 scalps, was widely tipped to get a maiden Test callup. Despite his remarkable consistency, the selectors opted for lanky Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar as the backup fast bowling option to join Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna in the squad. IANS has learnt that the right-arm pacer has been called up as net bowler to help India prepare for their one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh. While addressing Nabi's omission during the squad announcement, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said, There is always a chat around domestic performances. You do not necessarily pick a lot of seamers when you pick a Test team in India. And he was close. But at this point, we have gone with the three that we have picked. Besides Brar, leftarm spinner Manav Suthar, left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey were also handed maiden callups to Indias squad for the oneoff Test. With Shubman Gill leading the side and KL Rahul replacing Rishabh Pant as the vicecaptain. Brar, Suthar, and Dubey have been India A regulars after being standout performers in domestic cricket. Besides Brar, leftarm spinner Manav Suthar, left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey were also handed maiden callups to Indias squad for the oneoff Test. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This will only be the second Test between the two sides, after India won the first one, played in 2018 by an innings and 262 runs. The Test will not be a part of the ongoing World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Article Source: IANS
Linsey Smith Crowned New No. 1 Bowler Ahead Of Womens T20 WC
T20I Bowling Rankings: Englands left-arm spinner Linsey Smith, who was fighting for a regular place in her sides T20I setup less than two years ago, has now climbed to the summit of the ICC Womens T20I Bowling Rankings for the first time in her career on the eve of the Womens T20 World Cup. The 31-year-old England spinner moved ahead of Pakistans Sadia Iqbal to become the worlds top-ranked T20I bowler following a string of impressive performances against New Zealand and India. Smiths rise comes after a standout Player of the Series display against the White Ferns and another influential outing in Englands recent victory over India in Bristol. The achievement caps a remarkable journey for Smith, who made her international debut in 2018 before spending several years on the fringes of the national side. Having re-established herself as a regular member of Englands T20I squad only late last year, she now enters the World Cup as the highest-ranked bowler in the format. Englands strong run has also been reflected elsewhere in the bowling charts. Fast bowler Lauren Bell climbed one place to third, while stand-in captain Charlie Dean gained two spots to move into fifth position. Indias emerging spinner Shree Charani was among the biggest movers in the latest update. Her three-wicket performance against England helped her leap seven places to fourth, underlining the increasingly competitive nature of the rankings. With only 39 rating points separating the top 10 bowlers, the race for supremacy remains wide open heading into the World Cup. In the batting rankings, Australia opener Georgia Voll retained her position at the top, though several players outside the top 10 made significant gains. Indias Jemimah Rodrigues rose four places to share the 11th spot after a productive run with the bat, while Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast surged 10 positions to joint 16th. Prendergast's rise follows her match-winning unbeaten 71 against the West Indies in Dublin, an innings that also helped propel Ireland to a historic victory. The Irish star enjoyed further success in the all-rounders' rankings, moving up one place to sixth. In the batting rankings, Australia opener Georgia Voll retained her position at the top, though several players outside the top 10 made significant gains. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With the Womens T20 World Cup set to begin on June 12, the latest rankings offer an indication of the form players are carrying into the tournament and suggest the battle for individual honours could be just as compelling as the race for the trophy itself. Article Source: IANS
Diaz Shines As Colombia Beats Costa Rica In International Friendly
FIFA World Cup: Colombia continued its preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a convincing 3-1 victory over Costa Rica in an international friendly at El Campin Stadium on Tuesday. Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz was the star of the evening, scoring one goal and providing an assist as Colombia produced an impressive performance in front of their home fans ahead of the tournament, which begins on June 11. Defender Davinson Sanchez gave Colombia an early advantage when he rose highest to head home from a Diaz corner kick. The hosts maintained control and doubled their lead soon after through Diaz, who combined well with Jorge Carrascal before calmly finishing from close range following a defensive mistake by the visitors, according to Xinhua. Costa Rica responded positively and reduced the deficit in the 33rd minute. Andrey Soto found the net with a header after being set up by Josimar Alcocer, giving the visitors hope of a comeback before halftime. However, Colombia remained the better side for most of the contest and sealed the result 10 minutes from full-time. Sporting Lisbon striker Luis Suarez latched onto a long pass from veteran playmaker James Rodriguez before firing a powerful shot into the far corner to make it 3-1. This was a good test, even though we didnt have the full group with us until yesterday, Lorenzo said after the match. We have a lot of things to improve, but as the days go by, by spending time together and getting all of the players physically up to speed, I am confident that we will be in very good shape for the World Cup, he added. Colombia will play its final warm-up match against Jordan in San Diego on June 7 before beginning its World Cup campaign. We have a lot of things to improve, but as the days go by, by spending time together and getting all of the players physically up to speed, I am confident that we will be in very good shape for the World Cup, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, Costa Rica is not playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The men's national team was eliminated during the CONCACAF qualifying stages after finishing behind Honduras and Haiti. Article Source: IANS
Auqib Nabi, Prince Yadav among seven net bowlers for Afghanistan Test
Among others are Gurjapneet Singh, Shivang Kumar, Saransh Jain and Zeeshan Ansari
While Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajasthan Royals batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi revealed that scoring 700 runs in IPL 2026 was a personal target he had written down in his notes before the tournament, after the teenage prodigy swept the major individual honours following a record-breaking campaign. While Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained the IPL title with a five-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans in Sundays final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi emerged as the undisputed star of the season, collecting five awards at the post-match presentation ceremony. The youngster finished as the tournaments leading run-scorer with 776 runs to claim the Orange Cap and was also named the Most Valuable Player and Emerging Player of the Season. He further won the Super Striker award with a remarkable strike rate of 237.31 and the Super Sixes award after smashing a record 72 sixes during the season. Speaking in a video released by the IPL on X, Sooryavanshi disclosed that his extraordinary season was the fulfilment of a goal he had set for himself months earlier. Actually, in my phone notes, I mentioned that I wanted to score 700 runs in the IPL. I still have it in my phone. After every match, I was mentioning the score below and the team I was playing against. That was my personal goal, and I achieved it, he said. The teenager admitted that winning the Orange Cap was something he once only dreamed about while watching IPL matches on television. It feels good when I watch matches on TV. I used to see that a player got an Orange Cap. Even I used to think that at least I should touch it and see how it is. But God has done all this for me. He has given me a lot of blessings, and I am very grateful for this. It is a proud moment for me personally and for my family, Sooryavanshi said. Despite his remarkable achievements, the young batter remained focused on improving further and helping Rajasthan Royals challenge for the title next season. This year we made a very good comeback. Hopefully, next year we will play the final and win it. Personally, I am very happy that I achieved a lot and learned a lot. I will try to carry this forward next year, he added. Sooryavanshi also hailed the IPL as the ideal platform for young cricketers and domestic players to showcase their talent on the biggest stage. This year we made a very good comeback. Hopefully, next year we will play the final and win it. Personally, I am very happy that I achieved a lot and learned a lot. I will try to carry this forward next year, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Looking beyond the IPL, the teenager outlined his long-term ambitions. I want to play in the IPL for as long as possible. I want to represent India for a long time. I want to achieve a lot for myself and my family. Whether it is domestic cricket, IPL or India, I want to contribute to every team that I play for, he said. Article Source: IANS
Cricket Canada Responds To ICC Membership Suspension, Calls The Decision 'unexpected'
International Cricket Council: After an immediate suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Cricket Canada issued a response calling the ICC's decision unexpected but confirmed that it will comply fully with international directives, pivoting toward restructuring its internal governance and financial administration. The ICC suspended Cricket Canada's membership with immediate effect during its board meeting in Ahmedabad on Monday, citing serious breaches of its membership obligations. But Canadian national representative teams will continue to be eligible to participate in ICC events during the period of suspension. The suspension was unexpected, as the Jurist Led Committee has already commenced its work and is scheduled to deliver interim recommendations within two weeks. Nevertheless, Cricket Canada respects the ICCs decision and is fully committed to meeting all compliance requirements. The Board has directed the Committee to accelerate its investigative and reform mandate to ensure that governance, financial oversight, and reporting systems are strengthened without delay, Cricket Canada said in a statement. In its statement, it gave clarity on the actions taken to address the concerns raised, saying since receiving the ICCs notice, Cricket Canada has undertaken immediate, comprehensive, and structured corrective measures to remedy the governance, financial oversight, and administrative deficiencies identified in the ICCs correspondence. Cricket Canadas board has approved and submitted to the ICC a detailed Corrective & Preventative Action Plan (CAPA), which includes: A full Root Cause Analysis of governance and financial control failures; Corrective actions (090 days) targeting governance, financial controls, reporting accuracy, and executive structure; Preventative actions (90180 days) to ensure long term institutional stability, and; A clear timeline for full remediation aligned with ICC compliance expectations. According to its official statement, the organisation has already established an independent Jurist-Led Committee tasked with driving an investigative and decision-making overhaul. A key component of the CAPA is the establishment of an independent jurist-led committee with full investigative and decision making authority. This committee is chaired by Dasha Peregoudova, an eminent Canadian lawyer, former national team athlete, and respected governance advisor. The Committee has unrestricted access to all financial records, authority to interview personnel, and the mandate to deliver interim recommendations within 14 days, a full investigative report within 45 days, and a comprehensive remediation plan, it said in a statement. According to its official statement, the organisation has already established an independent Jurist-Led Committee tasked with driving an investigative and decision-making overhaul. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Cricket Canada clarified that the core issue does not lie with its current leadership, the board noted, The irregularities identified by the ICC stem from actions and systemic weaknesses under previous Boards and management. The newly elected Board and current management team are fully committed to rectifying these issues and are implementing comprehensive governance, financial control, and administrative reforms at the earliest possible opportunity. Article Source: IANS
Prendergast Eager To Get Going At T20 WC After Ireland's Stunning Win Over WI
T20 World Cup: Orla Prendergast believes Ireland are building momentum at exactly the right time after producing a landmark victory over the West Indies in Dublin, with the star all-rounder delivering a match-winning performance just days before the ICC Womens T20 World Cup. Prendergast starred with both bat and ball, claiming two wickets before smashing 71 off 46 deliveries as Ireland secured their first-ever T20I victory over the West Indies. The result lifted the hosts to the top of the tri-series standings and provided a timely confidence boost ahead of the World Cup, which begins on June 12. Having played a leading role in the historic triumph, Prendergast admitted she is relishing the prospect of carrying that form onto the global stage. I'm definitely feeling good ahead of the World Cup, so just looking forward to get going over there, she said after receiving the Player of the Match award. Ireland's success was made even more significant by the circumstances surrounding it. The hosts had suffered an eight-wicket defeat to the same opponents in the opening match of the tri-series but responded emphatically to level the score and underline the progress they have made as a group. Prendergast pointed to the team's character and ability to recover from setbacks as one of its greatest strengths as she said, It's something we speak about so much as a group is our resilience and ability to bounce back. That resilience was evident throughout a contest in which Ireland were tested by both a competitive West Indies total of 141/8 and the challenging conditions in Dublin. Reflecting on the turnaround from the opening encounter, Prendergast said the performance highlighted the mentality developing within the squad. That resilience was evident throughout a contest in which Ireland were tested by both a competitive West Indies total of 141/8 and the challenging conditions in Dublin. Also Read: Live Cricket Score While Ireland celebrated a breakthrough result, the West Indies were left reflecting on missed opportunities and the impact of Prendergast's innings. Article Source: IANS
World No. 104 Arnaldi defeated Frances Tiafoe in a five-set match that lasted five hours and 26 minutes
Prendergast ensures Ireland's narrow one-run win over West Indies
Ireland move atop the tri-nation series points table after winning via the DLS method in Dublin
Hesson debunks pitches 'myth', says there will be 'variety' at ODI World Cup
Pakistan ODI coach took to social media to defend his side's home pitches against Australia amid criticism that they are not going to help World Cup preparations for southern Africa
LPL introduces impact subs for 2026 season
The tournament also has also created a rule that each team will have to field an under-23 player in their XIs
Wyatt-Hodge expects 'fireworks' from Dunkley as World Cup pressure mounts
Back in the cricket bubble, Danni Wyatt-Hodge backs fellow opener ahead of India series decider
3rd WT20I: Rodrigues Hails Charani And Nandni Ahead Of Series Decider Against England
T20 World Cup: India batter Jemimah Rodrigues praised her young teammates N Sree Charani and Nandni Sharma for their impact and work ethics paying off very well in the ongoing T20I series against England. The series is currently locked at 1-1 and the winner of Tuesdays clash in Taunton will clinch the trophy ahead of the upcoming Womens T20 World Cup. In Indias 28-run defeat in Bristol, Charani stood out to pick a three-for, while Nandni, whos playing her debut international series, has been impactful with her pace and variations, though she and Arundhati Reddy were taken for cleaners in the last two overs by a rampaging Freya Kemp. I think first I'll talk about Charani. I think Charani loves England. The last time she was here, she was the player of the series. But the thing I love about her is, like, being so young, she's just taken up that responsibility as the leftarm spinner in the team and she knows how important her four overs are. The thing I also love about her, she's very hardworking. She'll come and she says, Sir, two overs. It ends up to 24 overs every practice session because she's never satisfied. So I think what I love that about her, she wants to keep getting better, Rodrigues said in a press conference on Monday. On Nandni, Jemimah was effusive in her praise of the Chandigarh-based pacer. About Nandni, I think she speaks for herself. I don't have to talk too much about her. But I love the person she is and the fact that she is bindaas. But at the same time, she's very good at what she does. Whether it's slower balls, whether it's a back of the hand, length ball, a bouncer, I think as a captain, she is the kind of bowler you want in your team because whatever you ask, she always delivers. So that's how good, even under pressure, she is. So a lot of times, you want to, you can have good skill, but it's how you deliver under pressure and she is that one who can deliver under pressure. I'm very happy that she's here and all credit goes to her because of the way she's worked hard. The kind of WPL she's had, I think hats off to her. Jemimah also spoke about her own versatility with the bat, as Yastika Bhatia slotted at three has meant that she has to bat at five. I just read one stat somewhere that I have a 50 as an opener, number three, four, and five. So I think I'm comfortable at all positions. At the end, it is important for me to have clarity. When I have clarity about a certain role, I know I can go out there and deliver. So whatever the team requires, like you said, now is the time where we have few more games to experiment what's the best combination that's working for the team. So I think, because Yasty was not with us also lately because of her injury this is the only game time that she's also getting. So for us to have her here is a great advantage. We saw what she did in the first game, and the way she's batted. To come out after injury and do such a thing, it takes a lot of character and I think she has that character. So I'm very happy with the way she's going and very happy with the fact that we are still willing to add like can we add a little more in batting? Can we do something better? And that's the kind of mindset we have and that's the mindset we are going towards. She also explained a technical tweak in her batting to counter slow batting conditions. It was not change of technique for the World Cup, it had happened a while back. But especially on pitches which are a little faster, I was being fraction second slower because of the short pitch balls. So I kind of got into a prepositioned, like I take the stance and then get into a prepositioned place. Whereas, like, if I explain it to you, it's like, so usually when you bat, you take the bat up and then you come down. So now I'm already up and that fraction of a second, I get time to then judge and then it gave me a lot more power, even in my front foot drives, and even more time on the back foot. So I think that's the only technique change. On conditions in Taunton, Jemimah said, We just arrived, so I didn't see the pitch, but I have played here before in the Kia Super League. I had got good runs also here, so good memories from here. But what I know about this pitch and the conditions is that it is a very good pitch to bat on. Fast outfield and pitch ensures the ball comes on nicely on the bat. So now I'm already up and that fraction of a second, I get time to then judge and then it gave me a lot more power, even in my front foot drives, and even more time on the back foot. So I think that's the only technique change. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But I think because of the heatwave that has been going on for quite some time now, compared to how people used to talk about English pitches, it has now gotten a little bit closer to how it is in India. But I still feel it is a lot more faster than how it is in India. Article Source: IANS
RCB's Tim David suspended for opening game of IPL 2027
David threw an ice bag aggressively in the direction of the umpire after a wicket, and picked up his third sanction of the season
IPL 2026: David Fined 50% Match Fee, To Miss 2027 Season Opener After Collecting Two Demerit Points
Indian Premier League: Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) big-hitting batter Tim David has been fined 50 per cent of his match fee and will miss the opening game of the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season after collecting two demerit points for a Level 1 Code of Conduct breach during the five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in the 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. David, who hit 24 off 17 balls in the final, was found guilty of breaching Article 2.9 of the Code of Conduct, which relates to throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment such as a water bottle) at or near a Player, Team Official, Umpire, Match Referee or any other third person in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during a Match. The incident occurred in the 10th over of the first innings when, following the fall of a wicket, David threw an ice bag aggressively in the direction of onfield umpire Nitin Menon. The Match Referee, former India pacer Javagal Srinath, imposed the sanction after David admitted to the offence and accepted the punishment. This was Davids third Level 1 offence of the season. He had earlier committed breaches in Match 20, for which he was docked one demerit point, and in Match 54, which resulted in two demerit points. With the latest sanction, David has now accumulated five demerit points in total. As per the IPLs Code of Conduct regulations, accumulation of five demerit points triggers a onematch suspension. Accordingly, David, who made 305 runs in 16 games this season, will miss RCBs opening fixture of the next IPL season or, if he represents another franchise in the first game of IPL 2027. RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final to secure their second consecutive title, but Davids suspension means the franchise will begin their title defence next year without one of their experienced finishers. As per the IPLs Code of Conduct regulations, accumulation of five demerit points triggers a onematch suspension. Accordingly, David, who made 305 runs in 16 games this season, will miss RCBs opening fixture of the next IPL season or, if he represents another franchise in the first game of IPL 2027. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajat Patidar added himself to the record books by becoming the first captain to win the IPL in each of his first two seasons. He is only the third skipper to secure backtoback IPL triumphs after MS Dhoni (2010 and 2011) and Rohit Sharma (2019 and 2020). Article Source: IANS
With Royal Challengers Bengaluru: With Royal Challengers Bengaluru winning their second successive IPL title with a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans, the back-to-back wins are not the product of fortune, but of deliberate design, meticulous auction strategy and a dressing room culture being rock-solid in nature. For years, RCB were always regarded as a franchise that had a lot of stars, but were hugely imbalanced batting always got the big money, with bowling being their perennial weak link. But after Andy Flower and Mo Bobat took over as head coach and Director of Cricket respectively, RCB began to have a strong, well-balanced unit which is evident in their back-to-back IPL wins delighting franchise T20 cricket's most passionate fan base. I suppose when Andy and I first joined the franchise and we obviously had a first year that was a season of two halves and pretty challenging. Then we had the benefit of a mega auction and a bit of a reset, having learned some really strong lessons in the year before. The opportunity also to introduce Rajat as a new captain, which felt like a blank slate for us. At that point, I probably looked at this cycle and having come through a really good auction, we were very ambitious and optimistic about what we could do with this squad. I never came here or felt like we wouldn't achieve the elusive first trophy. I know that many teams had tried and many management teams and players had tried over lots of years to try and win that first trophy. I never really doubted that we would do that. I suppose I always had it in my mind that once we won that first one, we needed to not settle for that as being what we've come here to do or what we're all getting together to do, because like any sports team, you want to have almost like a bit of an infinite goal that you're just always striving towards achieving something that constantly inspires your fans, said Bobat in the virtual press conference organised by RCB on Monday. On strategy, Bobat was equally emphatic, revealing that a top-two finish in the group stage was always the north star. So, how has it been different? Well, last year through the season, as we built our confidence, it felt like something we had to achieve and get done and almost tick off that first milestone, whereas this year has felt quite different. From the moment we finished last season, we've tried to push people to be ambitious about going again. There's been probably a deeper confidence amongst the player group this year and probably us as well as a management group around what the players are capable of, which obviously comes from success. Across both seasons, I've probably been personally quite keen and fixed on trying to achieve top two, because I think the 14 game group stage is quite a gruelling campaign. If you can put yourself in a position to finish top two, I think everybody knows historically what that means for your chances. So I guess part of my role is setting that bigger picture ambition and having something on the horizon that everyone's working towards. Andy is excellent at getting people to focus on what's coming in front of us and the game and the game ahead because it's certainly one of the things that I think he did brilliantly, he added. Among the critical changes that RCB have made to the make-up of the squad over the last two auctions is going in search of proven, experienced players rather than taking a punt at unknowns. It meant they had a compact squad at their disposal. I don't know whether you can win a competition at the auction. I think you can probably lose one at the auction. It's quite hard to undo things that you then either regret or don't like about your team structure, or even personnel, once you've got through your first mega auction, and then you're only dealing with mini auctions in the subsequent years. So I would probably say, in my still fairly limited experience, that I'm not sure you win a competition at the auction, but you can certainly lose one there. Then it gets quite difficult in the mini auction years. You're right it's funny - when we finished our mega auction, I think we were ranked second bottom for the quality of the squad by quite a lot of broadcasters and a lot of experts, and many people had us to finish last. That was certainly nothing that affected our thought process or psychology. We were clear on what we were trying to build as a squad in terms of team structure. We were quite clear on the attributes and characteristics that we wanted from players. That's a combination of skill and character. Both of those things are really important and we got pretty much everything we wanted and more at the auction. So we came out of that auction very happy, like most teams tend to do after an auction, but pretty confident that we could do the things that we wanted to do. It's obvious when anyone looks at our squad that we've massively valued experience across key roles. Andy mentioned some of the names earlier, and having the likes of Virat and Rajat as retentions was a really good start, he recalled. The franchise's emphasis on battle-hardened experience was a conscious and calculated call. But then adding players of the calibre of Phil Salt, Tim David, Bhuvi, Hazlewood, Krunal - these are battle-hardened men, and that's quite important, I think, in a competition as demanding as the IPL - the games come thick and fast. You've got to be able to move on from defeats quite quickly, and you need guys that are really calm under pressure. I once heard a phrase used about another elite sportsman that always stuck with me, that some of the best sportsmen, the pressure moments, find them, if that makes sense. We've got quite a few players where the pressure moments gravitate towards them. They seem to be in the middle when these things are happening. Yesterday, our bowling was a great example of that. Bhuvi and Hazlewood started brilliantly, Krunal doing his thing. Great contributions from others, of course. Both Duffy and Rasikh were obviously excellent. The pressure always finds Virat. He finds a way to be in the thick of things when the game's on the line. That's what champion players do. We valued all of those things when we put our squad together. Before we played our first game or bowled our first ball, we were confident that we had a squad that could be competitive. As we described, the confidence builds through the season and a huge amount goes into auction prep. You've probably seen some of our auction videos and seen some of the detail that we go into. As I said, I don't think you win the competition at the auction, but it can make a really big difference. Once you've got that squad together, you've still got to get the togetherness going. You've still got to get them to deliver on their roles and create an environment where they can really go and showcase their strengths. Obviously, a lot of that goes down to the changing room environment that Rajat and Andy have built and created. Flower also threw light on RCB's coaching and scouting infrastructure - specifically on their Indian coaches - Dinesh Karthik (batting coach and mentor), Omkar Salvi (bowling coach), and Malolan Rangarajan (the spin bowling coach and talent identification head, apart from being WPL head coach), whose contributions he described as indispensable to the title success. Well, a couple of things there. Firstly, Mo has set up a scouting system here at RCB that is still in its growth, in its initial phases of growth really. We had the scouts with us at the game last night. They were watching with their families. They came to the after party here at the hotel and it was great to see them all there and that is an important part of what we do in preparation. It is really important to get the best people in the room and we have got a really nice group of scouts. When I say nice, they are guys we trust their cricket opinions. We trust that they are doing their due diligence and they are good guys to have in the system. So Malolan has been with RCB for a number of years and has also been instrumental in setting up that scouting system with Mo. So we trust that and we are going to build on that. The Indian coaches that we have got on our books have been absolutely crucial to the success that we have had so far. Omkar Salvi is one of the nicest men I have ever met and he has been great for us for a couple of seasons. He is an experienced head coach, a very good observer and gives me his very clear opinions when I ask for them. I think he is a bowling coach that the bowlers like working with and trust. So those are all amazing qualities for us to have amongst our coaching staff. Malolan plays a more general role. He does specifically coach the spinners and I know that KP and Suyash trust him completely. But he also plays a wider role not only on the scouting but certainly in our auction prep. Also he is a smart guy and he knows the game. He has also head coached before and having his brain for us to access is really important to our decision making processes. DK is a different kettle of fish altogether - full of energy, ideas and he is a great energy to have around. I think he is a bowling coach that the bowlers like working with and trust. So those are all amazing qualities for us to have amongst our coaching staff. Malolan plays a more general role. He does specifically coach the spinners and I know that KP and Suyash trust him completely. But he also plays a wider role not only on the scouting but certainly in our auction prep. Also Read: Live Cricket Score His energy for the batting group has been unquenchable and I have enjoyed watching him work with our batting group. I know that he has earned the trust of even guys like Virat. So he has done an amazing job for us and to have those three Indian coaches on our books, I think we are very fortunate in that regard and without their influence, I am sure we would not be sitting quite in the same position that we are this morning, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
T20 World Cup: With the three-match T20I series deadlocked at 1-1, Tuesday's blockbuster finale at the County Ground in Taunton is much more than a standard bilateral decider. For both India and England, this clash serves as the ultimate dress rehearsal and a vital psychological shot in the arm just weeks before the Womens T20 World Cup kicks off later this month. While India took first blood with an authoritative 38-run win in Chelmsford, Englands resilient 26-run fightback in Bristol exposed the vulnerabilities of both camps. As the teams head to Taunton, tactical refinement and middle-order execution will decide who lifts the silverware. India's top order has shown immense promise. Yastika Bhatia has been the standout batter of the tour with a classy half-century and a fluent 33 in Bristol. Combined with Jemimah Rodrigues' early-series form and flashes of brilliance from Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, the platform is consistently being laid. However, the final five overs have turned into an unmitigated disaster area. In the opening match, India crawled to the finish line, scoring just 40 runs between overs 16 and 20. The second game saw an even steeper collapse; cruising at 70/1 in pursuit of 169, India lost their bearings in the death overs, imploding to 28/5 in the final stretch. India desperately needs their dependable finish-tank to step up. All eyes will be on Richa Ghosh, who has yet to fire in English conditions. Given India's lack of alternative designated six-hitters, the onus falls heavily on skipper Harmanpreet Kaur to bat deep and anchor the back end. If India is to regularly post or chase winning totals in the 190200 range, Harmanpreet and Deepti Sharma must successfully navigate the middle-order speedbumps. Englands primary concern heading into Tuesday is the distinct lack of conversion at the top of the order. While the veteran opening pair and the top four have regularly found their timing, they have repeatedly failed to construct the long, match-defining innings required on modern T20 tracks. Across both encounters, England's seasoned batters have looked fluid, gotten their eye in, but thrown away promising starts precisely when they needed to shift into fifth gear. Aside from Amy Jones vital, stabilising 67, the established core has lacked a sustained anchor. This inability to build deep partnerships has repeatedly broken Englands mid-innings momentum, forcing the lower-middle order into high-pressure recovery missions rather than allowing them to exploit a platform. The silver lining for England has been the explosive injection of youth, epitomised by the sensational Freya Kemp. Her blistering 13-ball 39* in the second game single-handedly masked the top-order stagnation and propelled England to a winning total. Combined with Lauren Bells lethal opening spells, England's younger crop is currently carrying the team's tactical X-factor. However, relying on a teenage phenom to bail out a world-class batting lineup from the number 6 or 7 spot is an unsustainable strategy with a World Cup on the horizon. Heading into Taunton, a venue famed for true bounce and tiny boundaries, the England camp will be drilling into their senior core the necessity of anchoring the innings, ensuring that Kemps destructive power is utilised to maximise a massive total rather than merely saving face. When: Tuesday, June 2, 11:00 PM Where: County Ground, Taunton Where to Watch: The third T20I between England and India will be live-streamed on the SonyLIV app and will be broadcast on the Sony Sports Network. Squads: Where to Watch: The third T20I between England and India will be live-streamed on the SonyLIV app and will be broadcast on the Sony Sports Network. Also Read: Live Cricket Score England: Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean (c), Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones (wk), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Paige Scholfield, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Issy Wong. Article Source: IANS
Differences Between 2025 And 2026 Campaigns Is Deeper Confidence Within RCB Set-up, Says Flower
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower said the biggest difference between the 2025 and 2026 title winning campaigns was the deeper level of confidence within the squad this year, while acknowledging the lessons of 2024 season also immensely shaped their pursuits of being a trophy winning team. Having won their first IPL title in 2025 and break an 18-year drought in process, RCB joined the likes of Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians as the third team in the IPL to win the tournament successively. If the 2025 win had tons of emotions around, the 2026 triumph was the sign of a confident unit completing the job of defending the title in clinical fashion. There are definite differences between 2025 and 2026 campaigns. But I would also mention the 2024 season, because that was instrumental in setting our determination to do things a little bit differently. The very tough first half of 2024 gave us real clarity about certain strategic things that we wanted to employ, and it gave us the courage through almost through desperation to take those measures. Then we've had 2025 where we were walking into the unknown a little. As RCB had never won the title before, so there was a lot of tension and uncertainty around getting into playoffs and then obviously lifting the trophy. This year has felt a little bit different. I think there's a deeper level of confidence in our squad. Our squad contains a number of very experienced and very successful cricketers, and having the likes of Virat and Bhuvi and Hazelwood and KP in that squad makes it a lot easier for us, the coaching and management team. So that deeper level of confidence after lifting last year's trophy certainly made this year feel slightly different. Didn't make it any easier, but certainly going into playoffs, there was a deeper level of confidence, I think, in the squad, which you may have seen in some of the performances. So they felt very different, but both very satisfying from a professional point and personal point of view, Flower said in a virtual press conference on Monday. Asked on how hes been influential in keeping the RCB culture going for three seasons, including spending more time with the players who didnt get much game time in the high-pressure tournament, Flower explained, There are always challenges and a long list of them you've got a big squad of players to look after. You've got obviously a variety of different people to gather together and get them heading in one direction. You've got young and old, experienced and inexperienced, different nationalities. So, from a professional point of view, it's a really fascinating challenge to get a group of such different characters together and make them cohesive around the task of taking on these other excellent franchises. So, Mo (Bobat, RCB Director of Cricket) and I both really like those challenges. The cultural part around the players that didn't play or didn't play much is a really important part of I'm reticent to say only the success of a cricket squad or a franchise, but more about the feeling that is generated within that group. It's really important to look after people and I've learned those lessons over the years, particularly as a young head coach, how important that is. Those players that aren't playing all the time, they still need to feel valued and also feel as if they're progressing themselves. I think one of the biggest drivers in the human condition is to feel as if you're making progress in the world. We want everyone that's sitting out and not getting the opportunity to showcase what they can do in match situations. We want them also to feel as if they are developing themselves. So, we put as much energy as possible into looking after those players as well. It's not easy because you do have to prioritize those 12 players that are taking the field every few days. But it was lovely to see some young players like Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chouhan come from India under19s. I watched them during the Under19 World Cup where I was commentating. It was lovely to see them go about their business, work at improving themselves. They were listening and watching people like Virat go about their business and you can learn lessons in that sort of environment if you're open to progress and they were, he said. Flower also gave the example of India batting all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer of a player who didnt get game time initially, but made his chances count whenever the combination changed. With a finger injury keeping Phil Salt out, Iyer seamlessly fitted into opening the batting alongside Virat Kohli and hit 209 runs in seven games, including giving a fast start in the final. But the best example, I think, of people sitting out and making sure that they were ready to contribute to the overall cause was Venkatesh Iyer. He sat out after all his experiences, winning IPLs and playing for India. He had to sit out and be really patient and make sure that he was ready to contribute when he got the chance. He never knew when or if that chance was going to come. When it did come, each time he made contributions. It was such a wonderful example of a mature young man being humble enough to take the bad news on the chin that he wasn't going to get initial opportunities, but to make sure that he was competitive and ready when he got the chance and that's what he did. He was a big contributing factor to us closing out this tournament. So you rightly focus on a really important part of the franchise cricket world, that sort of environment that we operate in for 10 or 11 weeks of the year and we work hard at trying to get that as right as you can. You can't be perfect, but you do your best to get it as right as you can, he added. Flower further said the confidence gained from last years breakthrough title was visible in the squads composure this season. Well, I'm glad that it's observable. Sometimes when you're actually in the dressing room or in the dugout or in the training area, you're getting a very closeup view of stuff. But it's nice to see, it's nice to hear that even from an external viewpoint, you're seeing that level of confidence. I alluded to it a little earlier - there was a little more jeopardy and uncertainty around last year's title chase and after winning the trophy last year, and then after playing some outstanding cricket through the group phase this year, our confidence levels have increased. It's also fair to say that you didn't observe many nerves. There would have been a lot of nervous people in our dressing room, in our dugout. I was certainly one of them, but that deeper level of confidence that comes from testing yourselves against good opposition or in challenging circumstances, and proving to yourself or proving to yourselves as a group that you are not only able to handle whatever's thrown at you. But you're able to thrive in that highpressure environment and that produces real confidence. You saw and you would have observed some of that. The other thing about our group feeling confident is we've got some characters in our dressing room that inspire that level of calmness and confidence. We've spoken at length about Virat already today, but bowlers like Hazelwood, Bhuvi and KP, those guys are calm under pressure. The pressure in the IPL is similar to the pressure that you would experience in the playoff stages of World Cups or in Big Ashes matches. Having people there that have been there and done it before, come through in adversity before, those are deeper, stronger levels of confidence than you might have in other individuals that hadn't had those experiences before. But you're able to thrive in that highpressure environment and that produces real confidence. You saw and you would have observed some of that. The other thing about our group feeling confident is we've got some characters in our dressing room that inspire that level of calmness and confidence. We've spoken at length about Virat already today, but bowlers like Hazelwood, Bhuvi and KP, those guys are calm under pressure. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Hazelwood's the same, and we've seen what KP's done. KP's level of confidence, you could easily just attribute it to, he's had five IPL wins in 11 seasons. How amazing is that for different teams? So I think that's what you're observing, and we'd like to build on that for the next season as well, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
The International Cricket Council: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday made a major change to the schedule of the inaugural ICC Women's Champions Trophy 2027. The tournament will now take place from February 14 to 28, 2027, instead of June-July. This decision is part of several measures to strengthen women's cricket worldwide. The Board also approved a new Women's Emerging Nations Trophy and set the qualification pathway for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2028. The Women's Champions Trophy will debut in February, providing a new window in the international calendar. This change is expected to help with scheduling and ensure better conditions for the tournament. In another important development, the ICC confirmed it will launch the Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, featuring ten teams to give greater international exposure to developing nations. The tournament will have five Full Member countries and five Associate Member teams, chosen based on rankings and past T20 World Cup qualifications. This initiative aims to widen competition in women's cricket and support emerging nations. ICC Chairman, Mr Jay Shah, said, Our discussions in Ahmedabad have reinforced the ICCs commitment to governance, administration, and the growth of cricket globally. From womens cricket and emerging nations to the management of franchise competitions, todays discussions and decisions aim to ensure that cricket remains fair, competitive, and exciting for fans worldwide. In another important development, the ICC confirmed it will launch the Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026, featuring ten teams to give greater international exposure to developing nations. The tournament will have five Full Member countries and five Associate Member teams, chosen based on rankings and past T20 World Cup qualifications. This initiative aims to widen competition in women's cricket and support emerging nations. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The 2028 edition will include 12 teams. Ten teams will qualify automatically, including the top eight from the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, the host nation if it is not already qualified, and the next highest-ranked teams in the ICC Women's T20I rankings as of July 6, 2026. The last two spots will be filled through a 10-team Global Qualifier, supported by regional qualifying tournaments. Plans for regional qualification spots are expected to be finalized in the ICC's July meetings. Article Source: IANS
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Sweeps IPL Awards -- But Is Too Young To Drive Prize
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi swept the end-of-season IPL awards and in doing so won an SUV -- but the 15-year-old cricket prodigy will have to wait three years to drive it.The Indian batting sensation plundered 776 runs at an average of 48.50 and a punishing strike-rate of 237.30 in 16 matches. On Sunday he was named most valuable player, despite his team Rajasthan Royals narrowly failing to reach the final, and he also scooped the Orange Cap for leading the batting charts. He was also named emerging player of the season, among other prizes. The boy wonder was gifted a car, a TATA Sierra SUV, which at top price comes in at 2.1 million rupees ($22,000). His total prize money was over $57,000. However, he won't be able to get behind the wheel in the near future because the minimum driving age in India is 18. It feels good, but I'm feeling a little pressure because I'm here for an interview, Sooryavanshi said on winning the awards. But yes, it's a proud moment, it feels great, and I'll try to do even better next season. Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second straight title after they beat Gujarat Titans in the final in Ahmedabad. Player of the match Kohli was seen speaking to Sooryavanshi during the presentation ceremony well past midnight. Sooryavanshi struck 97 and 96 in his final two innings of this edition of the IPL, adding to the growing clamour for him to earn a maiden call-up to the senior national team. Also Read: Live Cricket Score According to Indian media, Sooryavanshi has been included in a 30-member of probables for the Asian Games in September-October in Japan.
Virat Kohli Dubbed 'Heartbeat' Of IPL Champions In Coach Flower Tribute
Virat Kohli was hailed as the heartbeat of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru dressing room after his unbeaten 75 secured a second straight IPL championship. The 37-year-old Kohli was there at the end as Bengaluru chased 156 to beat Gujarat Titans by five wickets in Sunday's final in Ahmedabad. Dubbed the chase master, Kohli finished with a six and a total of 675 runs in the T20 tournament. Virat, I know you get a lot of attention and quite rightly, head coach Andy Flower said in a Royal Challengers Bengaluru video tribute released Monday. But I don't want to downplay that, because you are a heartbeat in this dressing room. Kohli got the team off to a flying start in a 62-run opening stand with Venkatesh Iyer and later anchored the chase. He hammered Gujarat pace bowler Kagiso Rabada for two fours and a six to set the tone for his team's domination at the 130,000-capacity Narendra Modi Stadium, which was packed with Kohli fans. He relishes these situations, he looks forward to these situations where he can show how good a player he is, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar told Sports Today. What kind of a temperament he has, the winning mindset that he has. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal said: Virat doesn't need any trophies. He is a trophy himself. Bengaluru and Kohli have been on a roll in the T20 tournament since winning their first IPL crown at the 18th attempt last year. Bengaluru finished top of the 10-team table after the league stage and hammered Gujarat in the first play-off for a direct entry into the final. A majority of the 90,000 crowd seemed to be wearing Kohli's number 18 shirt, with chants of Kohli, Kohli filling the air. I always say we don't have seven home games, we probably have 14, Kohli said after being named player of the match. Everywhere we go, we have fans cheering the team and really getting behind us. I mean, GT are probably the home side, but you see 90 percent of the guys are RCB fans. Their support is priceless. The team will not stage any public homecoming with the trophy on Monday. A victory parade for their inaugural title win a year ago resulted in a stampede and crush outside Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium that killed 11 people. Obviously, you feel bad -- you lost your fans after winning the game, Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar said after this year's win. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Not just fans, they are the family members. I always want to dedicate this trophy to them. I don't have words to express that feeling.
Women's Champions Trophy 2027 moved from June to February
ICC will also pilot a new version of the Women's Emerging Nations Trophy which will feature five Full Members and five Associate Members
IPL 2026: Were Very Lucky To Have Kohli In The RCB Dressing Room, Says Andy Flower
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Andy Flower said the franchise is very lucky to have veteran batter Virat Kohli in the dressing room, hailing the former skippers hunger and drive as genuinely inspiring after RCB defended their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 crown with a fivewicket win over Gujarat Titans in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Kohli smashed a majestic 42-ball 75 not out, laced with nine fours and three sixes, as RCB completed a chase of 156 to retain the title they won at the same venue in 2025. Kohli also reached his fifty in 25 balls the fastest hes reached the half-century mark in his history of playing the IPL. You asked about Virats hunger and how that affects him. When I was in the dressing room last night after the game, I mentioned it actually. His hunger and drive its genuinely inspiring. Even for older blokes like me, seeing someone as hungry and driven, as disciplined and as ambitious as he still is, its wonderful to witness. And were very lucky to have him in the dressing room. He sets certain standards, like standards of intensity in the field, for instance, that means that anyone falling below those is going to stand out like a sore thumb. So we dont need coaches driving intensity on standards in the field, for instance, because hes living it and doing it. And everyone else has to raise their games to get anywhere near it, Flower said in a virtual press conference on Monday. The former Zimbabwe captain, who coached England to the 2010 Mens T20 World Cup title win, added, He works hard at his game, but you can see that he loves it as well. He loves batting. He loves hitting a ball. He loves the feeling of the ball meeting the middle of the bat. I would imagine the craft and mastery that he feels when hes got a bat in his hands. Again, those standards are easy for people in our training sessions to see, and certainly it just helps everyone head in the right direction. RCB skipper Rajat Patidar also acknowledged Kohlis influence on his own leadership journey after being appointed the sides captain ahead of winning their first title in the 2025 season. Regarding Virat bhai, as I said in many press conferences and interviews, his presence makes a lot of difference. For me, it's great learning. Whenever Im around him on the field and off the field, I always notice him. I dont speak much, but I always notice him. But whenever I have some kind of doubts regarding the leadership role or taking any decision, I always go to Virat bhai. For me, its a great opportunity to learn from the best and the greats of cricket. So, their ideas, inputs, and experience are definitely helping me a lot to grow in my new leadership role, he said. Under Patidars captaincy, RCB have now won backtoback IPL titles and have shed their longstanding reputation as perennial underachievers. The Indore-based batter himself had a standout campaign, scoring 501 runs at a strike rate of 192.69, including a matchwinning 93 not out in Qualifier 1. It's not like I had to go in and target the bowlers from ball number one. No one in the team was doing that. It's important to back your instincts. We did a lot of hard work before the tournament with DK (Dinesh Karthik, batting coach-cum-mentor), Flower, and Mo Bobat (Director of Cricket) were also there. There was more clarity about my role. I was pretty clear that if I'm batting in the middle overs, I can maximise and I can take a risk. I like taking risks, so if I am playing in the middle overs phase, I like to maximise every bowler. If I feel I have to go after the attack on my second delivery, I back myself and go with full clarity, he added. Patidar also drew praise from Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer, who labelled him the most stylish performer of the season. Responding to the compliment, Patidar said, I have spent a lot of time with Shreyas. In my first season in Ranji, we played Mumbai, and at that time, he scored a lot of runs. There was more clarity about my role. I was pretty clear that if I'm batting in the middle overs, I can maximise and I can take a risk. I like taking risks, so if I am playing in the middle overs phase, I like to maximise every bowler. If I feel I have to go after the attack on my second delivery, I back myself and go with full clarity, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Patidar also mentioned Rajasthan Royals 15yearold opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who won the Orange Cap with 776 runs, as the standout performer of the season. Its pretty clear, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Hes so young, and the way hes dominated this tournament. He just didnt play; he dominated every top bowler. So the way he played his shots, hes amazing. Whenever I saw him on TV, it was just superb. I wish him luck. Article Source: IANS
ICC To Trial Pink Balls To Counter Bad Light Stoppages
Cricket's governing body said Monday it would trial the use of pink-coloured balls in Test matches to maximise play during bad light. The red balls usually used in Tests are not easily visible in fading light, while white balls used in limited-overs matches have been found to be not durable enough for the longer format. Pink balls are already used in day-night Tests played under lights. The International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement its executive board had approved the trialling the use of a pink ball in Test matches, with prior agreement from both teams, to maximise play in case of anticipated bad light. The global cricketing body said it had also given approval for new research on lighting technology for match officials and venues to reduce lost play due to poor light. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Our discussions... have reinforced the ICC's commitment to governance, administration and the growth of cricket globally, said council chief Jay Shah, following a meeting in India's Ahmedabad.
PAK vs AUS 2nd ODI Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI
PAK vs AUS 2nd ODI , Cricket Tips :Pakistan carried on spin-dominant plans in the first ODI against Australia and recorded a comprehensive win by five wickets. Debutant Arafat Minhas was the star. He picked up a five-wicket haul on his debut and scored an unbeaten 18 off 17 balls, with a winning six. With a 1-0 lead, Pakistan will face Australia in the second ODI on Tuesday. This game will begin at 5 PM IST at Gaddafi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Pakistan will be keen to win the series. Australia have to find a strong plan to bat in slow conditions. If not, they will lose consecutive series against Pakistan. PAK vs AUS: Match Details Date : June 02, 2026 (Tuesday) Time : 5:00 PM IST Venue : Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore PAK vs AUS: Live Streaming Details The only option to watch the live action of the PAK vs AUS 2nd ODI is through the FanCode streaming platform. PAK vs AUS: Head-to-Head in ODI Total Matches : 113 Pakistan : 37 Australia : 71 No-result : 04 Tied : 01 PAK vs AUS: Ground Pitch Report The wicket in Lahore is expected to be slow and spin-friendly. Just like the first game, we might see a slow track for the second match. The batters will struggle for timing because of the uneven bounce here. Hence, batting second can be a wise decision. PAK vs AUS: Possible XIs Pakistan : Maaz Sadaqat, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Ghazi Ghori (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed Australia : Matt Short, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis (c & wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Cam Green, Oliver Peake, Matt Renshaw, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Kuhnemann PAK vs AUS: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Babar Azam is in excellent form and will be a key batter for Pakistan. For Australia, Matt Short adjusted well in the first game and will have a big role in this game. Probable Best Bowler Abrar Ahmed is still the most dangerous bowler, and he can turn the ball on any surface. For Australia, Matthew Kuhnemann will be a tough bowler to face for the opposition. Today Match Prediction : Pakistan have experience and a good combination for this wicket. Hence, we predict them to win the second ODI. PAK vs AUS Match 2nd 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.
ICC approves red-to-pink ball change to reduce bad-light impact in Test cricket
Both teams will have to agree to changing the ball from red to pink in case of bad light during a Test match
