Cricket

Green returns, Smith out as Australia make four changes and bowl

Boland misses out again; South Africa bring in Coetzee for Nortje

Jess Jonassen ruled out of WBBL due to hip injury

In a major blow, star Brisbane Heat cricketer Jess Jonassen has been ruled out of the entirety of the upcoming WBBL (Womens Big Bash League) season due to a hip complaint. It is worth noting...

Devdutt Padikkal, Auqib Nabi Shine But Bad Light Robs India A Of Win Over New Zealand A

The second unofficial 'A' Test will start on October 31 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Mohit Sharma Named CSK Bowling Coach; Albie To Assist Zak

Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings have strengthened their coaching staff by appointing former India seamer Mohit Sharma as bowling coach and bringing in ex-South Africa all-rounder Albie Morkel.

Unchanged Sri Lanka bowl; Sadaqat and fit Naseem Shah in for Pakistan

Sri Lanka will make the final if they win; England will be watching on nervously

Muneeba Ali To Lead Pakistan In ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy

Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali will captain Pakistan at the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 14-member squad for the tournament on Tuesday.

ICC Upgraded To WADA's Highest Tier Following Olympic Inclusion

The World Anti-Doping Agency has upgraded the International Cricket Council (ICC) to tier 1 under its prioritisation policy owing to cricket's Olympic inclusion.

'It Will Be Healthy Competition': Nitish Says Middle-order Batters Feed Off Each Other

Nitish Kumar Reddy: Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy reflected on the healthy competition in the Indian middle order, which feeds off each other as they keep stepping up in crucial situations. India's middle order has been key to their wins in the ongoing five-match series against New Zealand, first helping them chase a record 226 in the opener and then guiding them to an 181-run chase in the second in tricky conditions. I mean, of course, there will be competition, Nitish said ahead of the third T20I against the Kiwis at the Hnry Stadium in Wellington. It will be healthy competition, I would say, because if you're having a healthy competition, then if Naman is scoring, if Tilak is scoring, I will be eager to wait for my turn to score as well. When they don't score, when I'm scoring, they'll be eager to wait for their chance to score. So that's how a team sport grows, and that's how I would say a healthy competition looks, he added. Speaking on India's success in the ongoing series, the all-rounder highlighted that adapting to the situation has been key. It's simple, I think staying in present and reading the situation well, because you know you have played a lot of cricket in India but not in New Zealand. It's just when you come to New Zealand, you have to read the situation well and according to that, you have certain plans and certain strengths to your gameplay, and you have to apply them. That's it, he stated. Speaking on India's success in the ongoing series, the all-rounder highlighted that adapting to the situation has been key. It's simple, I think staying in present and reading the situation well, because you know you have played a lot of cricket in India but not in New Zealand. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Mushfiqur Rahim Sustains Hand Injury Ahead Of West Indies Test: Report

Bangla National Cricket Stadium: Bangladesh could face a selection concern ahead of the opening Test against the West Indies, with veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim reportedly suffering a hand injury during training on Tuesday. According to The Daily Star, Mushfiqur was struck on the hand during a net session as Bangladesh prepared for the series opener. He received ice treatment at the ground before leaving the training session, with the severity of the injury yet to be established. The development comes a day before the first of the two Tests, which begins on Wednesday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The series forms part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. Mushfiqur was included in Bangladeshs 15-member squad announced last week, alongside captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and fellow experienced batter Litton Das, who has also been dealing with a recent hip injury. Bangladesh have received a boost with the return of fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who missed the one-off Test against Afghanistan earlier this month. His inclusion strengthens the pace attack ahead of a series in which the hosts will be aiming to consolidate their position in the World Test Championship standings. Bangladesh currently occupy fourth place in the standings and will be targeting a strong return from the two-Test assignment as they pursue qualification for the 2027 World Test Championship final. The opening Test will be played in Mirpur from October 28 to November 1, before the teams move to Sylhet for the second match from November 5 to 9. With Mushfiqurs availability now in question, Bangladesh will await further clarity on the extent of the injury before finalising their plans for the series opener. The opening Test will be played in Mirpur from October 28 to November 1, before the teams move to Sylhet for the second match from November 5 to 9. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

India Eye ODI Clean Sweep As Zimbabwe Search For Consolation Win

A dominant India will look to sign off their first-ever bilateral women's ODI series against Zimbabwe with another emphatic win when the two teams square off in the third and final 50-over game on Wednesday.

WPL 2027 Auction: Purse Balance, Top Players, Slots Remaining, Live Streaming, Telecast

The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 auction will witness five franchises competing against each other to strengthen their squads ahead of the tournament.

South Africa vs Australia LIVE Score Updates, 3rd Test Day 1

South Africa vs Australia LIVE Score, 3rd Test Day 1: Australia won the first game by 214 runs before the Proteas bounced back with an innings-and-31-run victory in the second Test.

Bangladesh's chance to bounce back after tough UAE tour

Bangladesh lost both games in the tri-series and failed to win the one-off Test against Afghanistan in the lead-up to this Test series

'With My Brand Of Cricket, Confidence Is Extremely Important': Allen Ahead Of 3rd T20I

T20 World Cup: New Zealand opener Finn Allen stressed the importance of confidence, which plays a crucial role in the brand of cricket he plays in T20Is. Allen is one of the most destructive openers in the format and has a strike rate of 170.36, often setting the stage on fire in the powerplay and possessing all the skills to take the game away from opposition teams. Speaking ahead of the third T20I against India at the Hnry Stadium in Wellington, Allen spoke on his playing style and how confidence plays a role in it. I guess the way I play and my brand of cricket, confidence is extremely important. And I think sometimes you've got to fake it till you make it. You don't feel great every time. So I think you do have to have that element of kind of self-confidence and a bit of body language to kind of get you going sometimes, Allen said in Wellington. And cricket's one of those games where you have more unsuccessful days than successful. You have to be able to pull yourself out of that hole, and again, to me that comes back to if I'm happy off the field, then on the field I'm enjoying it. I'm looking forward to it a lot more and enjoying batting, having fun with it. And I guess just going, whatever happens, happens and kind of works to my favour and it's how I want to continue playing my cricket, he added. Allen was in stellar form in the T20 World Cup 2026, having hit 298 runs in eight innings with a hundred and a half century. His runs came at a strike rate of 200, which was the most for anyone who made more than 50 runs in the tournament. His unbeaten 33-ball hundred helped the Kiwis make light work of South Africa in the semifinal as Allen reflected on the memories of that epic semifinal. Almost blacked out during that. What I remember from it was kind of the build-up to the game, and obviously it's a World Cup semi-final. You're pretty locked in. So that probably the best bowling attack in the tournament as well. So I guess me and Sei, we really wanted to stamp our mark on that game and get us off to a good start, Allen said about the semifinal. The Kiwis ran into a wounded Indian side in the final at the huge Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as the Men in Blue defended their T20 World title. The New Zealand opener also opened up on facing India at the colossal venue. Probably didn't even give myself the chance to like celebrate that (semifinal knock) because the next game was the most important game you'll probably ever play in a World Cup final. So it's not something you can ever practice playing in front of 130,000 away fans. You know, it's challenging, and you're on the biggest stage in the world. It quite literally doesn't get any bigger than that. I probably don't think I enjoyed what it was like at the time because you're thinking so much about the game and how important it is, and you want to do really well and all those external thoughts. But just being able to look around and go, wow, it's pretty cool. Like we're in a World Cup final. Like just take it all in and enjoy those moments because they're the things you'll remember the most in your career, he added. You know, it's challenging, and you're on the biggest stage in the world. It quite literally doesn't get any bigger than that. I probably don't think I enjoyed what it was like at the time because you're thinking so much about the game and how important it is, and you want to do really well and all those external thoughts. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

No pressure, but an inspiration - Shanto on Bangladesh's WTC chances

Bangladesh are currently fourth in the World Test Championship standings

Kohli's Congratulates Harry Kane on Ballon d'Or Win

Former India cricket captain Virat Kohli extended his congratulations to England football captain Harry Kane for winning his maiden Men's Ballon d'Or Award, praising Kane's resilience, hard work, and honesty.

You Deserve Every Bit Of This Award: Kohli Congratulates Kane For Ballon D'Or Honour

London Palladium Theatre: Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli has congratulated England football captain Harry Kane on being honoured with the prestigious Ballon d'Or award and said the striker deserves every bit of this award. The England captain beat the likes of Kylian Mbapp and Lamine Yamal to land the prestigious award, which he was presented with at the ceremony at the London Palladium Theatre. He became just the fifth Englishman to win the award, after Sir Stanley Matthews (1956), Sir Bobby Charlton (1966), Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979), Michael Owen (2001). Harry my friend, you deserve every bit of this award for your resilience, hard work and honesty with which youve carried yourself through all these years playing football at the top. Really happy for you. God bless you and your family. They must all be very proud of you as you would be of your own journey. My best wishes always. Congratulations, Kohli posted on X. Kanes 36 goals for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga in 2025/26 earned the striker a second European Golden Shoe, while his 61 goals across all competitions for the German giant made headlines around the globe. He also received the Gerd Muller Trophy, given to the best mens Striker of the Year. It is the second time he has won the award, having shared the prize with Kylian Mbappe in 2024. The English striker enjoyed a goal-laden season with Bayern Munich and England, scoring 73 times in 65 games 61 of which came for his club and 12 for his country. Kanes contributions helped England to finish third at the FIFA World Cup 2026 earlier this summer, the Three Lions best finish at a World Cup since winning it in 1966. The English striker enjoyed a goal-laden season with Bayern Munich and England, scoring 73 times in 65 games 61 of which came for his club and 12 for his country. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

IND vs NZ third T20I: India opts to bowl against New Zealand

India, who lead the five-match series 2-0, decided to field an unchanged playing XI

Unchanged India bowl, NZ make three changes

Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson are sitting out as expected, and Nathan Smith is also missing out

WADA Upgrades ICC to Top Tier; India Under Strict Scrutiny

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has upgraded the International Cricket Council (ICC) to Tier 1 under its prioritisation policy, primarily due to cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Meanwhile, India continues to be placed in the top tier of signatories, facing the strictest scrutiny in WADA's Compliance Monitoring Program.

Muneeba Ali To Lead Pakistan In ICC Womens Emerging Nations Trophy

Emerging Nations Trophy: Wicketkeeper-batter Muneeba Ali will captain Pakistan at the ICC Womens Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 14-member squad for the tournament on Tuesday. The 10-team competition will be held in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, from November 12 to 25. Pakistan will make their debut in the tournament, which was launched in 2025, with Ayesha Zafar named vice-captain. The squad features six other batters alongside Muneeba and Ayesha: Eman Naseer, Eyman Fatima, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen and Shawaal Zulfiqar. Gull Feroza, recently named the best wicketkeeper-batter at the National Womens T20 Tournament, has also been included. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu will spearhead the bowling attack, supported by fellow spinners Momina Riasat, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-Hani. Tasmia Rubab and Waheeda Akhtar are the frontline pace options. Pakistan will be without regular captain Fatima Sana, who is set to feature in her maiden Womens Big Bash League season in Australia. Twelve players have retained their places from the teams previous assignment, while Sadaf Shamas and Waheeda Akhtar have been recalled. Pakistan, who recently won the bronze medal at the Asian Games in Japan, have been placed in Group B alongside defending champions Thailand, Bangladesh, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe. Group A comprises Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea and hosts the UAE. The tournament will feature 30 matches, beginning with a single-league round-robin stage. The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, where each side will play three matches. The top two teams will then contest the final on November 25. The Pakistan squad will assemble in Lahore on November 6 and undergo a three-day training camp from November 7 to 9 before travelling to the UAE. The tournament will feature 30 matches, beginning with a single-league round-robin stage. The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, where each side will play three matches. The top two teams will then contest the final on November 25. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

India vs New Zealand Free Live Telecast, 3rd T20I Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch

Here is how fans in India can watch the India vs New Zealand third T20I for free.

India vs NZ 3rd T20I: Can Bhuvneshwar Bounce Back After Poor Start?

Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the Indian T20I squad has been challenging, with expensive spells in the first two matches against New Zealand putting his place in the playing XI under scrutiny amidst strong competition from other fast bowlers.

Nissanka Ruled Out Of Pakistan Tests, Udara Named Replacement

The Cricket Selection Committee: Sri Lanka batter Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan as he continues to recover from a left hamstring injury. Lahiru Udara has been named as his replacement, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed on Tuesday. Pathum Nissanka will miss the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, as he is yet to recover from his left hamstring injury. The Cricket Selection Committee has named Lahiru Udara as his replacement. Udara is already in Pakistan as part of Sri Lankas ODI squad, SLC said in a statement. Nissanka was initially included in Sri Lankas 15-member squad for the series, subject to regaining full fitness ahead of the opening Test. His continued recovery from the injury has now forced him out of the tour, providing Udara with an opportunity to feature in the Test setup. Udara was not part of the original squad announcement despite his impressive performance against the West Indies in June, when he scored 188. However, his presence in Pakistan with Sri Lankas ODI squad has made the transition easier following Nissankas withdrawal. The two-Test series, part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle, begins on November 9. The matches will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore, with Sri Lanka looking to improve their position in the standings. Kusal Mendis will captain the visiting side after being appointed skipper earlier this month. The original squad also featured the experienced Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis, while Dilshan Madushanka earned a recall. Eshan Malinga and Anjala Bandara were also handed call-ups. Sri Lanka currently sit seventh in the World Test Championship standings, while Pakistan occupy ninth place. The upcoming series presents both sides with an opportunity to strengthen their positions in the competition, with the hosts set to welcome Sri Lanka for the two fixtures. The Islanders are currently playing Pakistan and England in an ODI tri-series, having lost their first game against hosts Pakistan and won their second game against the three lions in a thrilling manner. The tri-series concludes on October 31. Sri Lanka currently sit seventh in the World Test Championship standings, while Pakistan occupy ninth place. The upcoming series presents both sides with an opportunity to strengthen their positions in the competition, with the hosts set to welcome Sri Lanka for the two fixtures. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

India vs New Zealand LIVE Score, 3rd T20I: Focus On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi As India Aim To Seal Series vs NZ

India vs New Zealand LIVE Score, IND vs NZ 3rd T20I Cricket Match Updates: India are 2-0 up in the series after winning the first two games by an identical margin of four wickets.

Healy, Jones Question Lack Of Spotlight For Australian Womens Cricket

North Sydney Oval: Former Australia captain Alyssa Healy and former international Mel Jones have voiced concerns over the lack of visibility and scheduling space for the countrys womens cricket team, despite its continued success on the global stage. Australias third ODI against New Zealand at North Sydney Oval last Thursday clashed with the final day of the mens Test against South Africa in Gqeberha. Rain in Sydney subsequently restricted the womens match to just 16 balls, bringing an already frustrating evening to an abrupt end. Theyre playing at North Sydney Oval at 7:15pm the Test begins at 7pm. I mean, were even clashing against our own side thats playing overseas. Its disappointing. I think the fact that our girls are playing as well as they are and arent quite getting the spotlight here in our own country is really frustrating, Healy told foxsports.com.au. Jones echoed the sentiment, questioning why Australias womens team was not receiving the platform its performances deserved. I completely agree with Midge (Healy), which might be the first time weve actually agreed on something, Jones laughed. We know that we have probably the best sporting team in the world on our doorstep, and were not allowing that tag and their elite performances and amazing stories and capabilities and athleticism to be showcased. When youve got something like this, you want to show it off and you want to put it on the pedestal it deserves. And having a summer like this in which it has been really difficult for fans to come out and support this team is hugely disappointing, she opined. The scheduling concerns extend beyond the abandoned match. Australias women will go more than four months without an international on home soil, with their October ODI and T20I series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, respectively, confined to Brisbane and Sydney. Even a minor detail youre having the three ODIs in Brisbane and the three T20s in Sydney theres not even an opportunity for the whole of Australia to see a team thats just come off a World Cup win. And that to me is really disappointing, Healy added. The calendar has been complicated by the Womens Premier League (WPL), the Womens Big Bash League (WBBL) and the International Cricket Councils decision to move the inaugural Womens Champions Trophy to February 2027. However, Jones believes scheduling pressures should not come at the expense of the national team. You look at scheduling, and its the most difficult job in cricket at the moment, I think, because we are inundated with overlapping fixtures. We all understand that and we all understand its a tough ask to try and allow everyone to have their space. But youre starting from the top down, arent you? Youve got your two premier sides, the mens teams and the womens teams. There needs to be a more concerted effort to ensure that situations like this dont occur. And thats not just Cricket Australia. There were probably other circumstances around it that played into it, but when you just look at it as a punter and a fan of the game, you just go, well, thats really disappointing. Its a little bit of a lack of respect of the number one team in the world and not giving them space to shine, she said. The fact that the mens Test schedule was finalised relatively late also drew criticism from Jones. I would have thought that its probably more a case of, its going to be harder to shift it than not. But then you go back to South Africa and you say, well, youre late on your scheduling! Id love to know the kind of pushback on the mens side of things once the womens were locked in, she said. Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg has since pledged to explore alternatives and get creative with future scheduling. With the ICCs Future Tours Programme leaving limited opportunities for home internationals during the peak summer period, proposed solutions include staging womens T20Is after mens Tests or aligning the WBBL with the mens tournament. Healy believes adjustments remain possible despite the schedule being largely set. Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg has since pledged to explore alternatives and get creative with future scheduling. With the ICCs Future Tours Programme leaving limited opportunities for home internationals during the peak summer period, proposed solutions include staging womens T20Is after mens Tests or aligning the WBBL with the mens tournament. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

South Africa vs Australia 3rd Test Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch Live Telecast

South Africa vs Australia, 3rd Test Live Streaming: The fate of the series hangs in balance as Australia and South Africa square off for the third time.

Jonassen ruled out of WBBL with hip complaint

Brisbane Heat are now in negotiations to replace her with an international player

Jharkhand and Delhi eye a spruce-up after middling start to the season

While the host is fifth in Group C with four points from two matches, Ayush Badoni & Co., languishing at sixth, have three points in their kitty

Good for Jharkhand that the bench is being tested: coach Ratan

While he is chuffed for Kushagra and Shikhar, having worked with them since their u-16 days, he is left with a depleted outfit now

CSK Appoints Gareth Batty as Assistant Coach

Former England spinner Gareth Batty has been appointed as the assistant coach for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), bringing an end to his 21-year association with Surrey.

India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I Weather Report: Rain Threat Intensifies 'Windy Wellington' Challenge

About three hours of rain is anticipated in Wellington, where India are set to square off against New Zealand in the third T20I.

India vs New Zealand 3rd T20I Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch Live Telecast

India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I Live Streaming: Trailing 0-2 in the 5-match sereis, New Zealand need a win to keep themselves alive.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi At No. 3: Is It A Wrong Move From India?

For the second match, India included Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the playing XI but made him bat at No. 3. The southpaw scored four off eight deliveries.

NZ vs IND: Approaching Milestones and Records Ahead of 3rd T20I, New Zealand vs India series 2026

NZ vs IND 3rd T20I , Approaching Milestones and Records :The New Zealand cricket team and the Indian cricket team will be up against each other in the third game of the five-match T20I series. On Tuesday, this contest will start at Hnry Stadium in Wellington at 12:30 PM IST. Team India are leading the series 2-0 and need one more win to win the series. That is what they will be aiming for in this game. New Zealand have been poor with their tactics and lost both games from a winning position. Poor bowling plans and horrible catching are two major issues with them. Captain Mitchell Santner admitted the mistakes they have made in both matches. But New Zealand can't afford to make many mistakes because the series is on the line. One more mistake and they will lose yet another series. It will be the first T20I series win for Shreyas in SENA countries, and it will be a big achievement for him as the T20I captain. Here, we will talk about big records and milestones which are lined up and can be achieved in the NZ vs IND 3rdT20Iat Hnry Stadium, Wellington. NZ vs IND: Approaching Test Records and Cricket Milestones Ahead of the NZ vs IND 3rdT20I at Hnry Stadium, Wellington 3 - Only Rohit Sharma (205) and Suryakumar Yadav (179) have hit more than 150 sixes in T20Is. Abhishek Sharma can be the next one. He needs three more sixes to become the fastest batter from full-member sides to achieve this feat. 6 - Tilak Varma played a match-winning knock in the second game to take India to win. He is six sixes away from completing 100 T20I sixes and four to reach 150 T20I fours. One more six and he will complete 250 T20 sixes. 62 - Glenn Phillips has scored two consecutive half-centuries in two games. He is just 62 runs away from becoming the only third Kiwi batter to reach 2500 T20I runs. 87 - Daryl Mitchell is 87 runs away from completing 2000 T20I runs for New Zealand. 2 - Arshdeep Singh and Mitchell Santner need two wickets each to complete 150 T20I wickets. Arshdeep will be the fastest pacer ever to achieve this landmark. 2 - Arshdeep has taken 38 wickets in T20Is in 2026. He needs two more wickets to surpass Josh Little and have the most T20I wickets in a calendar year by a bowler from the full-member sides. 6 - Sanju Samson needs six sixes to complete 450 T20 sixes. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories 7 - Abhishek needs seven runs to complete 6500 T20 runs.

Kasvankar, Misal rescue Goa after Vidarbha bowlers make early inroads

Varun Chakaravarthy Over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi? Former India Star Floats Unexpected India XI Idea For 3rd T20I vs New Zealand

India had to dig deep in both the matches so far in the T20I series against New Zealand, but have come out on the winning side. India are 2-0 ahead in the five-match series, and a win in Wellington on Tuesday will see the Shreyas Iyer-led side seal the series

Michael Hussey, Eric Simmons Among Five CSK Exits As Zaheer Khan Revamps Coaching Team Ahead Of IPL 2027

Chennai Super Kings are preparing for a new chapter ahead of the IPL 2027 season, with five members of their coaching and support staff leaving the franchise. The departures come after Zaheer Khan took over as head coach, replacing Stephen Fleming,

CSK Part Ways With Strength And Conditioning Coach Greg King

Chennai Super Kings: Five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) continued their coaching overhaul ahead of the 2027 season, announcing the departure of strength and conditioning coach Greg King on Monday. Earlier on Monday, CSK had confirmed the exits of batting coach Michael Hussey, bowling coach Eric Simons, assistant batting coach Rajiv Kumar and long-serving physiotherapist Tommy Simsek. In an official announcement late in the evening on Monday, the franchise thanked King for his contribution to the teams physical preparation and performances across seasons. Every successful campaign is built on countless hours of preparation, discipline, and hard work. Greg King, your expertise in strength and conditioning has helped our Super Kings overcome physical challenges and perform at the highest level across seasons. We appreciate everything you have brought to the Yellow Army, Greg King, CSK said in a statement on its social media accounts. Kings departure adds to the list of changes in CSKs backroom staff as the franchise looks to reshape its coaching setup ahead of the next IPL season. The team has already appointed former India left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan as head coach and brought in former England off-spinner Gareth Batty as an assistant coach. Former India pacer Mohit Sharma is also set to take over as bowling coach, replacing Simons, who had been associated with the franchise since the 2018 IPL season. Simons, a former South African bowler, previously served as Indias bowling consultant between 2010 and 2012, a period that included the countrys triumph in the 2011 ODI World Cup at home. CSK acknowledged his contribution to the development of its bowling unit during his tenure. Simons has since joined Englands Test team as bowling coach, alongside former CSK fielding coach James Foster. Stephen Fleming, who stepped down after spending 18 years as head coach of the Chennai-based franchise, is also part of Englands coaching setup. Kumar, meanwhile, joined CSK in 2018 as fielding coach, replacing Steve Rixon, before taking on responsibilities as assistant batting coach. The former Jharkhand captain brought considerable coaching experience from the United Kingdom and had also led the state side in first-class cricket, with MS Dhoni among the players who played under his leadership. In its announcement of Kumars departure, CSK acknowledged his role in the teams preparation and player development. Kumar, meanwhile, joined CSK in 2018 as fielding coach, replacing Steve Rixon, before taking on responsibilities as assistant batting coach. The former Jharkhand captain brought considerable coaching experience from the United Kingdom and had also led the state side in first-class cricket, with MS Dhoni among the players who played under his leadership. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Chennai Super Kings Confirm Exit Of Five Coaching Staff As Ex-Champions Eye Fresh Start Under Coach Zaheer Khan

Chennai Super Kings are going through a wholesale change in their coaching line-up. The five-time champions failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2025 and 2026

Ralphie Albert to lead England Under-19 tour of Pakistan

Head coach Neil Killeen oversees tour following Mike Yardy's appointment to National Batting role

CSK Bid Farewell to Hussey After 8 Years as Batting Coach

Chennai Super Kings have parted ways with batting coach Mike Hussey after eight years, as the five-time champions overhaul their coaching staff following three disappointing IPL seasons.

Better Performances Will Lead To Better Pay, Says Sammy Ahead Of WIs Tests Against Banglades

World Test Championship: West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has urged his Test players to let their on-field displays do the talking in the fight for better pay, adding that a top-five finish in the World Test Championship (WTC) would bring additional financial rewards. Last month, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced a 25 per cent cut in the players retainer fees as part of a broader set of measures it described as a comprehensive counterattack against all the challenges we face financially, developmentally and competitively. Sammy, however, said the decision had not dented the morale of the players on the ongoing tour of the subcontinent, by pointing out the white-ball sides recent showing in India. West Indies will meet Bangladesh in the two-match series starting on Wednesday. If you look at the way we played in the India series when the news was put to the players, how they responded shows the drive, the passion, the willingness to help turn around West Indies cricket. I think theres reality and theres understanding where you are as a professional, as a board, and theres no secret where we are, obviously financially. My word to the guys, especially this World Test Championship, you finish in the top five theres extra incentives. ICC has invested a lot of money in the World Test Championship in terms of prize money, and its an opportunity for our boys to come up from the number eight that we have finished last two cycles. I dont think its a conversation thats in the dressing room now, but we are aware. I have challenged the guys to put ourselves in a better position to negotiate and attract sponsors by the performances we put on the field. I thought the white-ball teams did that extremely well in India and hopefully we could do that as a red-ball team here in Bangladesh, Sammy told reporters in a press conference on Monday. The West Indies head into their final series of the 2025-27 WTC cycle unbeaten in Test series this year, having beaten Sri Lanka 1-0 and drawn 1-1 with Pakistan. Sammy saw that results as a sign the team is moving in the right direction. The expectations are always there. The way we have played Test cricket this year, we have not lost a series this year. Its a long time we have gone through a year without losing a series, and this is our last series in the World Test Championship. The message to the guys: give it all. Ten possible days of Test cricket left in this cycle for us and just go out there and give it your all. Whatever motivates you, use that to go out and get performances. We have prepared really well, he added. Sammy also credited the Test squads preparatory camp in Chennai for putting the side in good shape for the series. It is something we as a board have really looked at, giving guys the best possible chance to prepare. We had the ODI team there and we thought Chennai has an amazing facility. The message to the guys: give it all. Ten possible days of Test cricket left in this cycle for us and just go out there and give it your all. Whatever motivates you, use that to go out and get performances. We have prepared really well, he added. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

One Run, Huge Controversy: Jharkhand Lodge Complaint With BCCI After Dramatic Exit

In its complaint, the Jharkhand Cricket Association has alleged that the match actually ended in a tie, but an error by the official scorer resulted in a different outcome.

3rd Test: Australia Hold Their Breath Over Smith's Fitness

Australia captain Pat Cummins will give Steve Smith every chance to recover from a neck injury before the decisive third Test against South Africa at Newlands, with team selection pending.

CSK Part Ways With Batting Coach Michael Hussey Ahead Of IPL 2027 Auction

Chennai Super Kings: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have announced that they have parted ways with batting coach Michael Hussey ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 auction. The development ends the former Australian batters long association with the five-time champions. Hussey had been CSKs batting coach since 2018, after ending his playing career. The franchise confirmed his exit on Monday with a tribute on its social media handles. From the very first season in 2008, you have been an integral part of the Chennai Super Kings family. Your journey in Yellow has been defined not just by the runs you scored and the players you mentored, but by the dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment you brought to this franchise over the years. Your place in our history will forever remain special, Hussmeister. Once a Super King, always a Super King, said CSK in its post. Husseys departure is part of a wider overhaul of the coaching staff that the franchise has undertaken ahead of the 2027 IPL season, after missing the 2024, 2025 and 2026 playoffs. Head coach Stephen Fleming has already been replaced by former India pacer Zaheer Khan, while bowling coach Eric Simons has made way for ex-India and CSK pacer Mohit Sharma. Simons and ex-CSK fielding coach James Foster have joined the England Test team, where the head coach is Stephen Fleming, who left as the franchises head coach after 18 years. CSK are yet to name Husseys successor, though former England off-spinner and Surrey head coach Gareth Batty is joining them as an assistant coach. Hussey enjoyed a successful stint with CSK as a player, scoring 1,768 runs across six seasons. He joined the franchise in 2008, skipped the 2009 edition, and then played four straight seasons from 2010 to 2013. After a year with Mumbai Indians in 2014, he returned to CSK in 2015 and then took over as batting coach in 2018, as the side won the title that year before winning the championship again in the 2021 and 2023 seasons. It remains to be seen if Hussey will join another IPL teams coaching staff, especially with five-time winners Mumbai Indians and two-time runners-up Punjab Kings having coaching vacancies. After a year with Mumbai Indians in 2014, he returned to CSK in 2015 and then took over as batting coach in 2018, as the side won the title that year before winning the championship again in the 2021 and 2023 seasons. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Railways has got a fighting total: Zubair

The No. 8 batter turned things around with a swashbuckling 75 against Tamil Nadu

After Zaheer Khan, CSK Eye Surprise England Name For Key Coaching Role

The report comes around a month after CSK appointed former India pacer Zaheer Khan as their head coach.

Smith faces undergoes fitness test ahead of decider in Cape Town

Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper have been released from the Test squad to play in the Sheffield Shield for their respective sides

Ranji Trophy: Badoni Slams Second Successive Ton, Saranshs Seven-for Puts MP On Top

JSCA International Stadium: Batting all-rounder Ayush Badoni continued his rich vein of form by hitting a second consecutive hundred, while India off-spinner Saransh Jains seven-wicket haul gave Madhya Pradesh firm control on day one of the third-round Ranji Trophy matches on Monday. Fresh from a career-best 217 against Gujarat, Badoni struck an unbeaten 106 off 122 balls, laced with 11 fours and two sixes, to take Delhi to 309/5 against Jharkhand at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi. Badoni, 26, previously hit 205 against the same opponents in the 2024/25 season. A chanceless knock, Badonis sixth first-class hundred, anchored Delhis recovery. He found a reliable ally in all-rounder Sumit Mathur, who was unbeaten on 50, as the pair put together an unbroken 128-run stand for the sixth wicket. Mathur had a lucky escape on 36 when he was caught at long-on, only to be recalled because Anukul Roy had overstepped. At Holkar Stadium in Indore, Saranshs 7-40 helped Madhya Pradesh bowl Bihar out for just 99. The hosts, still looking for their first win of the season after two draws, then reached 261/3 with a lead of 162, after bowling out Bihar for 99. Wicketkeeper-batter Saksham Purohit was unbeaten on 113, and his opening partner Yash Dubey made 84. At the BKC Ground, Mumbai also made a strong start against Haryana at home after being put in to bat first. Angkrish Raghuvanshi made 114 off 180 balls with 13 fours and a six, while Musheer Khan scored 109 off 185 balls with 12 fours and a six. The pair added 208 runs for the second wicket to steer Mumbai to 290/3 at stumps. Defending champions Jammu and Kashmir, also in search of their first win, were frustrated by Priyanshu Moliya at the Reliance Ground in Vadodara. Moliyas patient unbeaten 113 lifted Baroda to 259/6 after they had slipped to 197/6 at one stage. Vidarbha, who have two wins so far, had Goa in trouble at 84/6 after Nachiket Bhute ripped through the top order with four wickets. But Darshan Misal and Yash Kasvankar then struck half-centuries and shared a stand of 104 runs for the seventh wicket to help the visitors reach 204/8. On a rain-hit day, Pondicherry reduced Uttar Pradesh to 67/4. In Mysuru, Karnataka recovered from a sluggish start to bowl Tripura out for 194 at the SDNR Wadiyar Stadium. The hosts, who sprang a surprise by leaving out pacers Vidwath Kaverappa and Abhilash Shetty to accommodate spinners Shikhar Shetty and Ritesh Bhatkal, failed to make use of the new ball as Tripura moved comfortably to 88/2 in the first session. Left-arm spinner Shikhar then claimed his third first-class five-wicket haul, while pacer Manvanth Kumar took three. Karnataka lost Mayank Agarwal early and were 10 for one at stumps. At the DVR Ground in Mulapadu, Chhattisgarhs spinners made full use of a helpful pitch to bowl Andhra out for 231. Veteran off-spinner Jayant Yadav led the way with 4-75, while Ajay Mandal and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja took three and two wickets respectively. In reply, Chhattisgarh lost Ayush Pandey early when he was run out going for an unnecessary quick single. Captain Anuj Tiwary and Mayank Verma then negotiated the final half-hour to take the visitors to 35/1. Wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh laid the foundation with 81 off 126 balls, hitting nine fours and a six, while fifties from Salil Arora and Ramandeep Singh then guided Punjab to 289/6 against Hyderabad in Secunderabad. Denish Das made 90 off 165 balls, with 14 fours, to take Assam to 235/6 against Saurashtra in Rajkot. For the hosts, veteran pacer Jaydev Unadkat picked up three wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja and Arth Yadav took one wicket each. In Thiruvananthapuram, where only 50 overs were possible due to rain, Kerala reduced Bengal to 172/6, with Aditya Sarwate taking three wickets and Nedumankuzhy Basil two scalps. Maharashtra bowled out Gujarat for 233 in Pune, with Siddhesh Veer taking four wickets, while Rajvardhan Hangargekar and Vicky Ostwal claimed three apiece. Maharashtra were 24/1 when stumps were called. Services off-spinner Pulkit Narang returned 6-47, his second five-wicket haul of the season, to bowl Odisha out for 194 in Bhubaneswar. The visitors were 13/0 at stumps. Tamil Nadu bowled out Railways for 184 in Chennai, with R Sai Kishore and Sonu Yadav taking three wickets each, but slipped to 71/3 till stumps arrived. Devendra Singh Boras six-wicket haul helped Uttarakhand dismiss Rajasthan for 272 in Dehradun despite skipper Kartik Sharmas 73. Uttarakhand were 18/0 at stumps. Centuries from Arjun Azad and Nehal Pajni powered Chandigarh past 350 for the loss of three wickets against Himachal Pradesh. In the Plate group, Meghalayas Ajay Duhan (167) and Kishan Lyngdoh (144) shared an unbroken 308-run stand for the second wicket as their side piled up 385/2 against Mizoram in Nadiad. Tamil Nadu bowled out Railways for 184 in Chennai, with R Sai Kishore and Sonu Yadav taking three wickets each, but slipped to 71/3 till stumps arrived. Devendra Singh Boras six-wicket haul helped Uttarakhand dismiss Rajasthan for 272 in Dehradun despite skipper Kartik Sharmas 73. Uttarakhand were 18/0 at stumps. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Ranji Trophy: Jayant shows his mettle as Chhattisgarh takes opening-day honours

Veteran off-spinner makes an immediate impact upon returning to the XI as he bags a four-wicket haul in the first innings against Andhra

IPL retention deadline set for November 15

The mini-auction will be held in Goa on December 16

No One Better: Farokh Engineer Makes Massive James Anderson Claim

Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer believes there was no better bowler on view than James Anderson when the ball swung.

Simmons Shrugs Off Coaching Shake-up As Bangladesh Eye WTC Push Against West Indies

Bangladesh Cricket Board: Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons on Monday played down the upheaval caused by batting coach Mohammad Ashrafuls removal, adding that his sides attention was firmly on putting their best foot forward in the two-match Test series against the West Indies, starting on Wednesday. Bangladesh are currently fourth in the WTC standings, and Simmons said the prospect of reaching the final for the first time was driving the players when they take the field for the series opener in Mirpur. The build-up to the series has been far from smooth. On Saturday, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced that Ashraful had been reassigned from his role, with Mohammad Salahuddin taking over as batting coach on an interim basis. I think everyone is very focused on the Test match. The same in the Test match in Abu Dhabi, I think everyone was focused on the Test match and whats in front of them. I think theres that goal and that desire to play in the World Test Championship and this is the first time weve had that opportunity to be there. So I think everyone is going to be up and ready for the Test matches, Simmons said to reporters in a press conference. The change followed a poor outing in the UAE earlier this month, where Bangladesh drew their one-off Test against Afghanistan before losing both their T20I tri-series matches against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. Ashrafuls removal has been widely viewed as a knee-jerk reaction by the board, though reports also suggest the BCB is close to roping in a new batting coach ahead of the tour of South Africa. Simmons, however, was unfazed. Is this the first time theres chaos before a match? Every series is important. Those that we played earlier in the year were important too. But the thing is how we go about our preparation for the series. I think that the group that was here has been excellent in the last three or four days. Theyve been doing their work and now the whole team joins together. Its what we do over the next two days, its not whats happening outside, its what we do as a team to prepare. The coach also defended his batters over their approach in the drawn Test against Afghanistan, which went down to the final ball but was criticised for a lack of intent. I dont think it was a case where they didnt respond to the match situation. I think that they played it exactly how we wanted to play it. The wicket got better than we thought it would. So on the last day, it was a lot better than we thought it would be on the last day. I think that, at the end of the day, we should have won the Test match. We missed a run-out, we dropped a few catches. So, at the end of the day, we should have won the match, but I dont think we played it in the wrong way. The series will also see Simmons come up against his former team. He was the West Indies head coach when they beat Bangladesh 2-0 in a Test series in 2021, a tour that featured Kyle Mayers memorable 210 in a fourth-innings chase in Chattogram. I have very good memories and pleasant memories of that tour. I was the leader of the winning side and hopefully Ill have the same memories here, being the winner of the winning side. The series will also see Simmons come up against his former team. He was the West Indies head coach when they beat Bangladesh 2-0 in a Test series in 2021, a tour that featured Kyle Mayers memorable 210 in a fourth-innings chase in Chattogram. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Ranji Trophy: Saransh Jain's Stunning Seven-For Puts Madhya Pradesh In Complete Control

India off-spinner Saransh Jain recorded his career-best figures in First-Class cricket to help Madhya Pradesh dismiss Bihar for a mere 99 on Day One of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match.

Bumrah, Pant Close to Match Action in New Zealand A Series

Jasprit Bumrah is likely to feature in the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A, while Rishabh Pant is also in contention as both prepare for India's upcoming Test series.

Cheteshwar Pujara Picks His Current ODI World XI, Shreyas Iyer Finds No Mention

Cheteshwar Pujara has named his current ODI World XI ahead of the five-match series between India and New Zealand.

Sammy tells West Indies Test stars to attract better pay with better play

West Indies' players have been given an incentive to finish in the top five of the WTC cycle with wins in Bangladesh

Series set for dramatic finish as Australia return to Cape Town

With series up for grabs, Australia have questions marks around both disciplines while South Africa's batting has shown it can be shaky

Prabhsimran, Salil and Ramandeep shine as Punjab makes 289 for 6 on opening day

Captain Badoni hits century as Delhi take control on Ranji Day 1

Ayush Badoni struck his second successive century, sharing an unbeaten 124-run stand with Sumit Mathur to lift Delhi from 181/5 to 309/5 against Jharkhand on Day One.

AFG vs ZIM 1st T20I Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XIs

AFG vs ZIM1st T20I, Cricket Tips: After a one-sided tri-series in the UAE, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will be involved in a bilateral T20I series. Afghanistan won the tri-series and were undefeated against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. They won all games easily and will look to carry on the confidence and form. The first T20I will be played in Sharjah on Tuesday. This contest will start at 8 PM IST at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Zimbabwe were horrible with the bat. They were bowled out for 136 and 169 runs in two ODIs against Afghanistan. They need a strong batting display, or else Afghanistan will add another easy win in the first T20I. AFG vs ZIM: Match Details Date : October 27, 2026 (Tuesday) Time : 8:00 PM IST Venue : Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah AFG vs ZIM: Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch the live action of the first T20I between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe on the FanCode mobile app or website. AFG vs ZIM: Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches: 21 Afghanistan : 19 Zimbabwe : 02 No-result : 0 AFG vs ZIM: Ground Pitch Report Sharjah Cricket Stadium offers a slow and tricky surface. The ball spins and grips here more, and the bounce is also not consistent. That makes it difficult to play shots. The conditions are likely to get better in the second innings because of dew. AFG vs ZIM: Possible XIs Afghanistan : Ibrahim Zadran , Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediq Atal, Noor Ul Rahman, Mohammad Akram, Shahidullah Kamal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi Zimbabwe : Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, T Marumani (wk), Innocent Kaia, Sikandar Raza , Ryan Burl, Brad Evans, Wessly Madhevere, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani AFG vs ZIM: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Ibrahim Zadran and Brian Bennett are two aggressive batters, and their technique is solid for this slow track. Probable Best Bowler Rashid Khan created havoc in the tri-series and took 11 wickets. He will be challenging the bowler for Zimbabwe. Blessing Muzarabani will be the leader of the pack for Zimbabwe, because he can take early wickets in the powerplay and put the opposition under pressure. Today Match Prediction: The batting form of Zimbabwe is not encouraging at all. Hence, we predict Afghanistan to win the first T20I. AFG vs ZIM Match 1st T20I, Today Match AFG vs ZIM, AFG vs ZIM Prediction, AFG vs ZIM Predicted XIs, Injury Update for Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Match Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

Batting with Badoni makes my job easier: Mathur

Ex-England Player Batty Leaves Surrey Head Coach Job To Join CSK As Assistant Coach For IPL 2027

Surrey County Cricket Club: Former England off-spinner Gareth Batty will step down as Surrey head coach to join five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as an assistant coach for the tournaments 2027 season, the county club said on Monday. CSK had previously got former India left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan as their new head coach, with former fast bowler Mohit Sharma also in line to join the team as their new bowling coach. The move brings down the curtain on Battys 21-year association with Surrey serving the club as a player, captain and then coach. Batty took charge as head coach in 2022 and guided Surrey to three successive County Championship titles. In doing so, they became the first team in nearly six decades to win the title three years running. Surrey won the County Championship in 2022, his first season in charge, and retained it in the 2023 and 2024 seasons before finishing second in the 2025 edition. Under him, the club also reached the knockout stages of the T20 Blast in each of his five seasons, including two appearances at Finals Day. Thank you hardly seems enough for all that Surrey has meant to me. It has been a privilege to serve this great club, to share in its success and challenges. The new journey is a very exciting one for my family and me with CSK in the IPL, and Im looking forward to getting going. I would like to make a special thank you to Stewie; he has been there throughout -- thank you for the memories and your belief in me, boss. Clubs are built on more than results and trophies; they are built on people, loyalty and a shared sense of purpose, and I look forward to my third chapter as a fan. Thank you, said Batty in a statement issued by Surrey on Monday. Beyond the trophy triumphs, Battys tenure also saw a number of Surrey first-team players graduate to the England set-up. Batty played for Surrey between 1998 and 2001 before returning in 2010. He captained the side from 2015 to 2017 before handing over to current skipper Rory Burns, and moved straight into the coaching staff after retiring as a player in 2021. Batty made more than 350 appearances for Surrey, claiming over 500 wickets across formats, and is the clubs joint-highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket. He also played 20 times for England across all three formats, and picked 20 wickets overall. Surreys Director of Cricket Alec Stewart paid rich tribute to the outgoing Batty. It is difficult to put into words just how much Gareth Batty has given to Surrey County Cricket Club, both as a player and as Head Coach. I have known and worked with Gareth for many years, and throughout that time he has shown an outstanding commitment to this Club. As a player and then as Captain, he has always put the team first and played a significant role in helping to move the Club forward. He has a passion and knowledge for the game as well as a determination to get the very best out of himself and those around him. When he made the transition into coaching, he brought those same qualities with him. Taking on the role of Head Coach is never straightforward, particularly at a Club with the expectations and traditions of Surrey. Gareth embraced that challenge, and his achievement in leading the side to three consecutive County Championship titles is a reflection of his hard work, his understanding of the players and his fierce will to win. Gareth has always cared deeply about the Club. He demands a great deal of himself and those around him, because he wants Surrey to be successful and wants every player to fulfil their potential, he said. Stewart also thanked Batty on a personal level and acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family. On a personal level, I would like to thank him for everything he has contributed to Surrey throughout his time at the Kia Oval. We share a love of the Club and a determination to see Surrey continue to succeed, and we can look back with considerable pride on what has been achieved, both on and off the field during his time as Head Coach. I would also like to thank his family for their understanding and patience with what the role has demanded from him over the last five years. Whilst we are sorry to see him go, I understand that this opportunity was too good for him to pass up and will enable him to spend more time with his family outside of the IPL season. Stewart also thanked Batty on a personal level and acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family. On a personal level, I would like to thank him for everything he has contributed to Surrey throughout his time at the Kia Oval. We share a love of the Club and a determination to see Surrey continue to succeed, and we can look back with considerable pride on what has been achieved, both on and off the field during his time as Head Coach. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Ranji Trophy: Sarvate and Basil strike to help Kerala take control against Bengal

The left-arm spinner scalps three and the pacer two as the visitors lose wickets rapidly after a steady start on a truncated first day; Ankurs good knock undone by a poor choice of stroke

NAM vs IRE 3rd ODI Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XIs

NAM vs IRE 3rdODI, Cricket Tips: The five-match ODI series between Namibia and Ireland is spicing up, as both teams have bagged one win each, and the series is levelled at 1-1. Ireland managed a good defence in the first game, but they conceded 321 runs in the second game. Namibia won the second game by 31 runs. Captain Gerhard Eramus scored an unbeaten 156 off 125 balls and took 2/13 with the ball. His all-round display took Namibia to win. Now, these two sides will take on each other in the third game on Tuesday at 1 PM IST at High Performances Oval, Windhoek. Namibia will look to take a lead here with the momentum they earned from the win. NAM vs IRE: Match Details Date : October 27, 2026 (Tuesday) Time : 1:00 PM IST Venue : High Performance Oval, Windhoek NAM vs IRE: Live Streaming Details In India, fans can access the live action through the FanCode mobile app or website. NAM vs IRE: Head-to-Head in ODIs Total Matches: 02 Namibia : 01 Ireland : 01 No-result: 0 NAM vs IRE: Ground Pitch Report The wicket is expected to be a belter of a surface. Though there will be assistance for the fast bowlers with the new ball, which will be a hard period for the batters. However, the conditions are expected to get better as the game goes on. NAM vs IRE: Predicted XIs Namibia : Michael van Lingen, Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Gerhard Erasmus (c), Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Alexander Volschenk, Zane Green (wk), JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann, Max Heingo, Jack Brassell Ireland : Paul Stirling (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Gavin Hoey, Jai Moondra, Byron McDonough NAM vs IRE: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Paul Stirling and Gerhard Eramus scored most runs for their teams in the last game. They are naturally aggressive batters who can take the game along. Probable Best Bowler Jack Brassell and Gavin Hoey bowled in the tight lines and were rewarded in the last game. They will be aiming to replicate the same success in the third match. Today Match Prediction : Namibia are overly dependent on a few batters, but Ireland have several match-winners with the bat. That is why Ireland have a better chance to win the third ODI. NAM vs IRE Match 3rd ODI, Today Match NAM vs IRE, NAM vs IRE Prediction, NAM vs IRE Predicted XIs, Injury Update for Namibia vs Ireland Match Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

Ranji Trophy: Zubair frustrates TN after hosts bowlers come to the party

The Railways player, walking out at No. 8, dominates the 61-run last-wicket stand with Himanshu to take the visitor to 184; Sonu gets three in his opening burst

Badoni notches up his sixth First Class hundred as Delhi dominates day one

His chanceless unbeaten 105 steers the visitor to 309 for five thanks an unbroken partnership of 128 for the sixth wicket with Mathur

Saransh Jain's career-best seven-for sinks Bihar in Ranji Trophy

Saransh Jain's career-best 7/40 bowled Bihar out for 99 before Saksham Purohit's unbeaten 113 powered Madhya Pradesh to a 162-run lead, while Priyanshu Moliya and Nachiket Bhute impressed elsewhere.

Pant on course to play third red-ball game against New Zealand A; Bumrah also likely to play

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 26 (IANS) Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is likely on track to recover from his side strain in time for India As third red-ball game against New Zealand A in Lincoln from November 7 to 10, 2026. Pant has been out of action since suffering a left-side strain while leading the Rest of India to victory over Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar earlier this month. The injury kept him out of Delhis Ranji Trophy commitments and the first two four-day games against New Zealand A. It is understood that Pant has been at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for rehab and starting light skill-based work. He is on the road to recovery and is likely to be available for the third India A game, provided that he gets his fitness certificate. If everything goes as planned, then he may leave for New Zealand in the first few days of November, said a source to IANS on Monday. In Pants absence, the selectors had picked Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra as his replacement for the first two four-day games. Kushagra has been recently called up as a cover when his Jharkhand captain, Ishan Kishan, was selected for the T20I series in New Zealand, after the latter sustained a low-grade right adductor strain. It is understood that ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is also likely to feature in the India A's third red-ball game, to be played at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln. Bumrah last played at the Asian Games in Japan in early October, where India retained its gold medal. He was then rested for the home white-ball series against the West Indies and the T20I and ODI legs of the ongoing New Zealand tour. It is also understood that fast bowler Prasidh Krishna is on track to play in New Zealand after being out of action since the ODI against the West Indies in Guwahati, where he sustained a hamstring injury. Pant, Bumrah and Prasidh (whos also a part of the first three ODIs) are part of Indias squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand, to be played at Basin Reserve, Wellington from November 19 to 23 and in Hagley Oval, Christchurch from November 27 to December 1.

Head Coach Phil Simmons Breaks Silence On Bangladesh 'Chaos' Ahead Of Crucial West Indies Tests

Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons has dismissed suggestions of turmoil within the team following the removal of batting coach Mohammad Ashraful.

Ranji Trophy: Ton-Up Raghuvanshi, Musheer Script Mumbai's Strong Start

Angkrish Raghuvanshi's maiden first-class century and Musheer Khan's 109 powered Mumbai to 290/3 against Haryana, while Raghuvanshi credited coach Abhishek Nayar with helping overcome red-ball doubts.

Klusener Stresses Importance Of Staying In The Contest As Arabian Aces Prepare For Abu Dhabi T10 Debut

Abu Dhabi T10 League: Former South African all-rounder Lance Klusener believes the ability to remain focused on every delivery, rather than dwell on previous mistakes, is crucial to succeeding in the Abu Dhabi T10 League, as he prepares to coach the Arabian Aces in their debut season of the competition. Klusener, who has coached several franchises in the tournament, said the unforgiving nature of the ten-over format demands sustained concentration, with even a single run saved or conceded potentially influencing the final result. T10 is just about staying in every over, in every ball. As a bowler, youre going to go for runs. Thats just what happens. But its the very next ball that counts. Over 90% of the games go down to the last over, whether youre batting or bowling, Klusener told IANS on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, where he is currently the head coach of the Arabian Aces. He emphasised that players cannot afford to lose their focus after an expensive delivery or a difficult passage of play, particularly in a format where opportunities to recover are limited. The message out there is just to stay in every ball, every over, whether youre batting or bowling, because at the end of those 10 overs or the total of 20 overs, that last over is important. And if youve managed to save a run here or save a run there, that makes a huge difference in the end. So its just about making sure that you never really give up on an over or a delivery; you just got to make the next one count. And if we can just stay in every single over or every single ball, well have half a chance of competing at the end, he stated. The Arabian Aces will enter the competition with a squad featuring established international names, including Moeen Ali, Andre Russell and Liam Livingstone. However, Klusener acknowledged that assembling an experienced group was only the starting point, with his immediate priority being to ensure that each player is prepared to contribute from the outset. Obviously, it is an exciting time. Its a bit of a relaunch of, you know, the T10, and there are a couple of different franchises, a couple of different looks, owners. So its always exciting being part of that. Weve assembled a really nice, strong squad as well. But, you know, that doesnt necessarily guarantee results on the field. So its just got to make sure that, you know, everybody gets what they need and everybody, all those players, are in a space where they can perform on any given day. So most of the cricketers are coming from having been played. So in terms of preparation, hopefully just a couple of days to, I guess, get into what T10 is. But weve just got to make sure, from a coaching point of view, that people get what they need so that theyre in a position to perform the best they can. And fingers crossed, they do that, you know, when the games kick off, he added. The South African, who is entering his fifth season in the Abu Dhabi T10 circuit, said familiarity with several members of the squad could help the new franchise establish itself quickly. Having previously worked with some of the players in T10 and other franchise competitions, he expects the existing relationships to assist during a tournament in which teams have little time to find their rhythm. Ive done Abu Dhabi T10; this is my fifth season. So, Ive been with Moeen before in the same team, Liam Livingstone in the same team, and a number of others, not just maybe in T10, but in other T20 leagues around the world. So thats a step in the right direction. But its a new experience for everyone. Its a new team, and its always an exciting time. Hopefully, we can hit the ground running, because it is a short period; its two weeks or 10 days for the competition. So well need to hit the ground running. But it stands us in good stead. I know the players know me, most of them. So thats important in a short competition. Klusener previously served as head coach of Morrisville Samp Army, guiding the franchise to six victories in seven round-robin matches as it comfortably qualified for the playoff rounds. He has also worked with the Bangla Tigers as team director, giving him considerable experience of the demands of franchise cricket in the competition. Beyond the immediate challenge of building a competitive team, Klusener believes the lessons players learn in T10 can prove valuable in other formats, particularly when it comes to responding to setbacks. Its just about making sure that you never give up on an over if youre bowling or that youve never really got into a position where youve got enough runs. Thats what T10 really teaches cricketers: that its the very next ball that counts if youve gone for runs or youve gone for boundaries before that. Its important that the very next ball you can still have an impact on the outcome of the game. Beyond the immediate challenge of building a competitive team, Klusener believes the lessons players learn in T10 can prove valuable in other formats, particularly when it comes to responding to setbacks. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

PAK vs SL 5th ODI Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XIs

PAK vs SL 5th ODI, Cricket Tips: Pakistan have shown an incredible display in the ongoing tri-series at home, and they have become the first team to qualify for the final. They have bagged three consecutive wins and have found different heroes in all three matches. Pakistan will now be facing the spirited Sri Lankan side in Lahore. On Tuesday, this contest will commence at 1:30 PM IST at Gaddafi Stadium. Sri Lanka need a win here to qualify for the final. If they win, England will be eliminated. But if they lose, they will have to beat England in the last game. So, Sri Lanka will be keen to get a win here to secure a place in the final. PAK vs SL: Match Details Date : October 27, 2026 (Tuesday) Time : 1:30 PM IST Venue : Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore PAK vs SL: Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch live action of the game through the Veto streaming platform. PAK vs SL: Head-to-Head in ODIs Total Matches: 161 Pakistan : 97 Sri Lanka: 59 No-result: 5 PAK vs SL: Ground Pitch Report Gaddafi Stadium has been a good batting wicket. But the surface used in the last game had something in it for the bowlers. Fast bowlers will get seam movement. But the dew in the second innings will be a challenge. PAK vs SL: Possible XIs Pakistan : Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Hasan Nawaz, Saad Baig (wk), Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi (c), Razaullah. Sri Lanka: Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c) (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka. PAK vs SL: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Pavan Rathnayake and Salman Agha are two batters with centuries in this tri-series. They will be the ones to watch out for. Probable Best Bowler Dasun Shanaka and Shaheen Afridi are two bowlers who will get good purchases from the surface. They will be hard to face. Today Match Prediction: With form and momentum on their side, Pakistan will start this game as favourites. PAK vs SL Match 5th ODI, Today Match PAK vs SL, PAK vs SL Prediction, PAK vs SL Predicted XIs, Injury Update for Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Match Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

Jasprit Bumrah Back, Rishabh Pant Next? India Receive Timely Fitness Update Ahead Of New Zealand Tests?

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah is expected to feature in the third unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A, scheduled to be played in Lincoln from November 7 to 10, while wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has also been included

Ranji Trophy: Shetty's five-For Puts Karnataka in Command

Shikhar Shetty's 5/54 and Manvanth Kumar's three wickets bowled Tripura out for 194, before Karnataka lost Mayank Agarwal to finish Day One at 10/1, trailing by 184 runs.

Ranji Trophy: Raghuvanshi, Musheer help Mumbai take opening days honours

The two hit hundreds and put on 208 for the second wicket as the home side reaches 290 for three; Haryana bowlers find the going tough after captain Ankit elects to field

Ranji Trophy: Raghuvanshi, Musheer help Mumbai take opening days honours

The two hit hundreds and put on 208 for the second wicket as the home side reaches 290 for three; Haryana bowlers find the going tough after captain Ankit elects to field

NZ vs IND 3rd T20I Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XIs

NZ vs IND 3rdT20I, Cricket Tips: Team India have been exceptional in both T20Is against New Zealand so far and have earned a 2-0 lead. In both matches, they were on the backfoot but have found their ways. In the last game, Tilak Varma and the lower middle order took the game away from New Zealand's grip. The Black Caps looked frustrated after the defeat and need a quick turnaround. The third T20I will start at 12:30 PM IST on Tuesday at Hnry Stadium, Wellington. New Zealand have rested Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson ahead of the third game. They will be looking for a different bowling combination. NZ vs IND: Match Details Date : October 27, 2026 (Tuesday) Time : 12:30 PM IST Venue : Hnry Stadium, Wellington NZ vs IND: Live Streaming Details To watch the live action, fans need to tune into the Sony Sports Networks. The live stream of the game will be provided on the Sony LIV app or website. NZ vs IND: Head-to-Head in T20Is Total Matches: 33 New Zealand : 11 India : 21 No-result: 1 NZ vs IND: Ground Pitch Report Hnry Stadium has a good wicket, which offers bounce and pace. Fast bowlers will also get movement as the weather is predicted to be overcast. The toss will play a key role, because batting second will be a better choice here. NZ vs IND: Predicted XIs New Zealand : Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Bevon Jacobs, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Adam Milne, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy India : Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer , Nitish Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav NZ vs IND: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Sanju Samson has had starts in both games, and he will be India's key batter at the top. Glenn Phillips has scored two consecutive half-centuries, and he is the man in form for New Zealand. Probable Best Bowler Prince Yadav bowled brilliantly in the last game and showed his skillset. For New Zealand, captain Santner holds the key in the middle. They will be the ones to watch out for. Today Match Prediction : India have proved why they are the best T20I side currently. We predict them to win the third game also. NZ vs IND Match 3rd T20I, Today Match NZ vs IND, NZ vs IND Prediction, NZ vs IND Predicted XIs, Injury Update for New Zealand vs India Match Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

Raghuvanshi sheds self-doubts in style

It Is Time That South Africa Delivered On The Big ICC Stage Again: Klusener

Abu Dhabi T10 League: Former South African all-rounder Lance Klusener believes the ability to score consistently throughout the tournament will be decisive in determining South Africas prospects at the 2027 Mens ODI World Cup, with the co-hosts aiming to turn the advantage of playing at home into a sustained challenge for the title. South Africa will jointly host the tournament with Zimbabwe and Namibia, presenting an opportunity for the region to stage one of crickets biggest events while providing the Proteas with another chance to pursue a major global trophy. Klusener, currently the head coach of the Arabian Aces in the Abu Dhabi T10 League, spoke to IANS on the sidelines of the tournament about the demands of competing at home and the potential long-term benefits for African cricket. The former international said that while home support could provide an important boost, the fundamentals of winning a World Cup remained unchanged. Teams must be able to build competitive totals consistently and chase challenging scores across the tournament rather than depend on isolated performances. The former international said that while home support could provide an important boost, the fundamentals of winning a World Cup remained unchanged. Teams must be able to build competitive totals consistently and chase challenging scores across the tournament rather than depe Obviously, scoring enough runs consistently throughout the tournament is something which is going to be a challenge, not just for South Africa, but for any other team as well that will be hoping to challenge. So the team that can consistently put runs on the board or chase sizeable totals is going to have an opportunity there. That would be something that as a group, as a South African group, they would need to look at. There are pressures. Theres pressures anywhere in a big ICC tournament, whether youre playing it at home or whether youre playing it away. So thats just a given. Its just about making sure that we embrace stadiums that are full of our own supporters, which is something that a home World Cup brings, Klusener said. Klusener acknowledged that South Africa would carry the expectations of a home crowd but said the team should view that support as an opportunity rather than an additional burden. With the tournament bringing international cricket to venues across the three host countries, he believes the occasion could provide the Proteas with the setting to achieve a long-awaited breakthrough. Were excited to host that competition again. And yeah, it is time that South Africa delivered on the big stage, on that big ICC stage again. And were looking forward to hopefully being able to fulfil those dreams of the players and the nation at home. Weve done it in rugby. And it would be just an icing on the top if we get that opportunity to be able to do that at home from a cricketing point of view, he stated. His reference to South Africas success in rugby captures the broader ambition surrounding the tournament: to convert the enthusiasm generated by a major home sporting event into a defining achievement for the national cricket team. However, Klusener believes the significance of the 2027 World Cup will extend beyond South Africas campaign. With Zimbabwe and Namibia also involved in hosting the competition, the event offers an opportunity to bring more spectators into stadiums, strengthen interest in the sport and generate resources that could benefit cricket development across the region. His reference to South Africas success in rugby captures the broader ambition surrounding the tournament: to convert the enthusiasm generated by a major home sporting event into a defining achievement for the national cricket team. However, Klusener believes the significance of the 2027 World Cup will extend beyond South Africas campaign. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

South Africa confirm playing XI for series decider against AUS as Coetzee replaces Nortje

Digital Desk | Cape Town, Oct 26 (IANS) South Africa have confirmed their playing XI for the third and final Test of the series against Australia as Gerald Coetzee replaces the injured Anrich Nortje for the decider that begins on Tuesday at Newlands here. Coetzee returns to the format for the first time after almost two years, having last played against Sri Lanka in Durban in November 2024. He is the only change to the side that defeated the visitors by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha a few days ago, as Norjte was ruled out of the third match a couple of days ago with a groin injury he suffered in the second match. The Proteas have gone with a four-pronged pace attack and Simon Harmer as the lone spinner, with Aiden Markram potentially on part-time duty, after he rolled his arm in both Test matches. Last game's debutant Marques Ackerman will continue to open with Aiden Markram, while Ryan Rickelton will continue in the wicketkeeper's role after having been given the gloves in the previous game. Kyle Verreynne continues to sit out, as does Keshav Maharaj, both of whom were dropped for the second match. The Proteas levelled the series 1-1 in Gqeberha after some heroic efforts from the likes of captain Temba Bavuma, Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer with the bat in the first innings. From 110/6, the Proteas made 425/9d after Bavuma scored a career-best 179 and Jansen and Harmer made 85 and 82, respectively. The bowlers starred as Jansen picked up a five-wicket haul in the first innings to dismiss the visitors for 99 and asked them to follow on. Despite a hundred from Travis Head, South Africa did enough to bowl them out for 295 on the final day and win the match by an innings and 31 runs to level the series going into Cape Town.

IPL 2027 Auction To Take Place On December 16 In Goa, Retention Deadline Is November 15

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 mini-auction will take place in Goa on December 16, with the day-long event scheduled on the same day as the second One-Day International (ODI) between India and Sri Lanka in Bengaluru

Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant likely to feature for India A in unofficial Test vs New Zealand A

Jasprit Bumrah is expected to return to competitive action in the third unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A, scheduled to take place in Lincoln from November 7 to 10. Rishabh Pant could...

Bumrah and Pant likely to play for India A in third unofficial Test against New Zealand A

Pant, who has been out of action with a side strain, will play subject to a fitness clearance

Simmons brushes aside talk of 'chaos' in Bangladesh camp ahead of WI Tests

He insisted that the team remained focused following the removal of batting coach Mohammad Ashraful

India Doesn't Have To Look Far: Lance Klusener Spots 'Next Superstar' After Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

Lance Klusener believes Indian cricket has the talent to move smoothly into its next era, backing Shubman Gill to lead the team for years while identifying young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a potential future superstar

As Good As Virat And Rohit Have Been, Indias Next Superstar Is Already Here: Klusener On Sooryavanshi

Abu Dhabi T10 League: Former South African cricketer Lance Klusener believes Indian cricket has the talent to move smoothly into its next era, backing Shubman Gill to lead the team for years while identifying young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a potential future superstar following the eventual departures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Klusener said Kohli and Rohit's stature should not prevent Indian cricket from embracing its next generation, stressing that the sport has repeatedly produced players capable of carrying forward the legacy of those who came before them. The former Proteas all-rounder, currently the head coach of the Arabian Aces in the Abu Dhabi T10 League, made the remarks while speaking to IANS on the sidelines of an event organised for the tournament, as Indian cricket continues to manage the transition from two of its most influential modern-day players. As good as Virat and as good as Rohit have been in the past, they will have to walk away from the game when their time comes. But the beauty of cricket is that it carries on. It gets stronger sometimes. When we played, people never thought that Sachin Tendulkars records would ever be broken. And people are challenging those already. So, players come and go. Its a sad day when legends of your game and legends of your country step away. But on the bright side, there are always younger, fitter, faster players in the wings as well, Klusener told IANS. The former all-rounder described Gill as an absolute superstar with the bat and said the young captains next challenge would be to separate his responsibilities as a leader from his role as Indias premier batter. For me personally, Im convinced already. I think hes the right man for the job. Hes an absolute superstar with the bat. Its probably just being able to separate Shubman Gill as a batter and Shubman Gill as a captain as well. I think all the great captains have been able to separate that. And Im sure hell have a lot of opportunities and a lot of people to lean on in helping him do that. But absolutely, I think hes as good as it gets with a cricket bat. And captaincy, even for old-established captains, youre learning all the time. Hell do the same. So, Im absolutely excited for him. I think hes a superstar. Hes going to be someone who will serve India with great courage and great purpose for many years to come, hopefully, he opined. Gills emergence as a leader comes as India prepares for life beyond Kohli and Rohit, who have shaped the countrys cricketing fortunes for more than a decade. While their eventual retirements will leave a considerable void, Klusener believes the transition should be viewed as a natural part of the sport rather than a threat to Indias competitiveness. He pointed to Sooryavanshi as evidence that another generation of Indian talent is already emerging. Its a balance. Every team is different. Every nation works the retirement of players differently, and players retire every single season. India are facing that now with those two stars. South Africa have faced that with stars that theyve had as well. But cricket goes on. Stars come and go, and legends retire, and people think that itll never be the same again. But India doesnt have to look further than a youngster like Sooryavanshi. Theres the next superstar, the former Afghanistan head coach stated. Its a balance. Every team is different. Every nation works the retirement of players differently, and players retire every single season. India are facing that now with those two stars. South Africa have faced that with stars that theyve had as well. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Ex-South Africa Star Sends Strong Warning To Australia Ahead Of Test Series Decider

South Africa bounced back from a heavy defeat in the opening Test in Durban with an innings victory in Gqeberha to level the series, setting up a decisive third contest.

South Africa Turn to Coetzee's Extra Pace for Series Decider

South Africa have recalled Gerald Coetzee for injured Anrich Nortje in the series-deciding Newlands Test, targeting a series victory, the world's top ranking and stronger World Test Championship prospects.