Shafali Verma reprimanded for on-field conduct
India vice-captain Shafali Verma received an official reprimand and one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct by throwing the ball in frustration after dropping a catch during the second T20I against Zimbabwe.
Josh Hazlewood Returns To Field On Day 3 Of Gqeberha Test After Missing Day 2 With Illness
Gqeberha Test: In a boost for Australia on Day 3 of the second Test against South Africa at St George's Park here, Josh Hazlewood was back for the visitors on the moving day after missing the curtailed Day 2 due to illness. Hazlewood was off the field for Day 2 when 30.4 overs were bowled due to consistent rain in the city as South Africa went to stumps at 97/5. Scott Boland ripped through the hosts' batting order with four wickets, while Mitchell Starc took one too. Hazlewood's return now gives a boost to the visitors, but he won't be able to bowl until he spends the time on the field that he was off. This could mean a little more than one session. Going by the laws of cricket, Hazlewood's absence was not related to an external blow, and hence he needed to spend time before resuming his bowling duties. As per Law 24.3, a nominated players absence will not incur Penalty time if, - 24.3.1 the player has suffered an external blow during the match and, as a result, has justifiably left the field or is unable to take the field. - 24.3.2 in the opinion of the umpires, the player has been absent or has left the field for other wholly acceptable reasons, which shall not include illness or internal injury. - 24.3.1 the player has suffered an external blow during the match and, as a result, has justifiably left the field or is unable to take the field. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India, Australia Umpires to Officiate in Domestic Cricket Exchange
Australian umpire Ben Treloar will officiate in two Ranji Trophy matches in India, while India's Parashar Joshi will travel to Australia to stand in two Sheffield Shield matches and one One Day Cup fixture as part of an exchange programme between Cricket Australia and the BCCI.
Duffy says NZ have plans in place for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
New Zealand paceman Jacob Duffy has acknowledged India's 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as an 'incredible talent' but expects home conditions to challenge the power-hitter in the upcoming Twenty20 series.
Umpire exchange programme: Australian umpire Ben Treloar to officiate two Ranji Trophy matches
Treloar will officiate Delhi's Ranji Trophy match against Gujarat from October 18 to 21 in Delhi before standing in Mumbai's clash with Haryana from October 26 to 29 in Mumbai, a Cricket Australia release stated
Former Australia head coach Justin Langer has reignited the debate surrounding the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal. He made a shocking claim that Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft bore the consequences of a practice he...
Scott Boland Eyes Every Australia Test in Next 12 Months After Stellar South Africa Show
Fast bowler Scott Boland wants to feature in every Test match that Australia play in the next 12 months as he keeps pushing his case with stellar performances whenever he gets the chances. Boland, 37, is Australia's oldest specialist Test pacer since Ray Lindwall in 1960. With Australia blessed with the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and spin great Nathan Lyon, Boland has had to wait for his chances more often than not. Since making a breathtaking debut in the 2021 Ashes, he has played only 19 Test matches for the Aussies. He carried the drinks in the first Test of the ongoing series against South Africa but was chosen over Lyon for the second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha with rain around. He had an hour-long spell with the ball three days before the second Test as he looks to stay in rhythm for whenever he gets a chance. I'm not like, 25 (years old), so I know that time's probably running out a little bit, Boland said after Day 2 of the second Test. But we've got so many Tests over the next 12 months that I knew I was going to play a part somewhere, so (I) back that preparation. I want to play every Test, but I probably know that's not 100% realistic, so I just want to be ready for whenever I get an opportunity and then try to get back into the game straight away, he added. He has been the major difference between the two sides until the end of Day 2. With rain washing out more than 100 overs across the two days, Boland's 4-31 has kept South Africa at 97/5 in the first innings and given Australia a chance to win the match. He took two wickets on Day 1 when he made the ball talk with the scalps of Aiden Markram and David Bedingham on back-to-back balls. The speedster then got another couple on the second day as he removed debutant opener Marques Ackerman and wicketkeeper batter Ryan Rickelton. It probably felt like, from the end I started, (there) was probably a little bit less bounce. I felt like the stumps were really in the game, Boland said. My game-plan is pretty simple, I'm just trying to put the pressure on the batter as much as I can, get as many repeat balls in a good area, making them make tough decisions. South Africa batting coach Ashwell Prince heaped praise on Boland, saying that the Aussie speedster reminds him of Vernon Philander. Scott reminds me a little bit of someone like Vernon Philander, Prince said. He doesn't miss his spot often. And because of his height, slightly shorter, (but) not a lot shorter than the other guys, his balls are always in and around the top of the stump ... against taller guys, you can leave a lot more balls on length. It probably felt like, from the end I started, (there) was probably a little bit less bounce. I felt like the stumps were really in the game, Boland said. My game-plan is pretty simple, I'm just trying to put the pressure on the batter as much as I can, get as many repeat balls in a good area, making them make tough decisions. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Fleming to Develop English Coaches During England Tenure
Stephen Fleming, the new head coach of England's Test team, has expressed his desire for future national teams to be led by English coaches, committing to developing home-grown talent during his tenure.
BCCI And Cricket Australia Expand Umpire Exchange Programme Across Domestic Competitions
New South Wales Cricket Umpires: Australian official Ben Treloar and Indias Parashar Joshi will gain experience in each others domestic cricket structures as the BCCI and Cricket Australia continue their umpire exchange programme, with assignments spanning the Ranji Trophy, Sheffield Shield and One Day Cup. The arrangement will see Treloar officiate in two Ranji Trophy fixtures in India, while Joshi will take charge of two Sheffield Shield matches and a One Day Cup game during his stint in Australia. Treloars Indian assignments include Delhis encounter against Gujarat, scheduled from October 18 to 21, followed by Mumbais meeting with Haryana from October 26 to 29. Both matches will be played in their respective home cities. The Australian umpire brings considerable experience across formats, with 30 First-Class matches, 20 List A games and 39 Big Bash League appearances to his name. His officiating record also includes two Womens One Day Internationals and four Womens T20 Internationals. Beyond his on-field responsibilities, Treloar serves as Cricket New South Wales Umpire Education Officer, a role focused on developing emerging match officials. His work in this area has earned him the George Borwick Memorial Award on four occasions from the New South Wales Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association. Joshi, meanwhile, will have opportunities to officiate in some of Australias prominent domestic fixtures after building an extensive record in Indian cricket. He has worked across 19 First-Class matches in the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy, 32 List A games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Deodhar Trophy, and 40 T20 matches. His experience includes appointments in the Indian Premier League and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The Indian umpires Australian schedule begins at the Gabba, where Queensland will face Tasmania in a Sheffield Shield fixture from November 11 to 14. The same teams will meet in a One Day Cup match at the venue on November 16, with Joshi set to officiate that contest as well. His exchange programme will conclude in Sydney, where New South Wales take on Queensland in a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground from November 22 to 25. The Indian umpires Australian schedule begins at the Gabba, where Queensland will face Tasmania in a Sheffield Shield fixture from November 11 to 14. The same teams will meet in a One Day Cup match at the venue on November 16, with Joshi set to officiate that contest as well. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Pakistan vs England LIVE Streaming, ODI Tri-Series LIVE Telecast: When And Where To Watch
Pakistan vs England LIVE Streaming, ODI Tri-Series LIVE Telecast: When And Where To Watch PAK vs ENG
South Africa vs Australia LIVE Score, 2nd Test Day 3 LIVE Updates
South Africa vs Australia LIVE Score Updates: South Africa will resume from 97/5 on Day 3 of the second Test in Gqeberha, with Australia on the front foot and aiming to clinch a series win.
WPL 2026 auction to feature 146 players; several marquee cricketers opt out
The Womens Premier League (WPL) 2027 mini auction will feature 146 players competing for 27 vacancies when franchises assemble in Kochi on October 28. England batter Sophia Dunkley and Australia captain Sophie Molineux headline the...
Team India Arrive In Christchurch Ahead Of New Zealand Multi-format Tour
New Zealand Cricket: The first batch of Indian mens cricket team have touched down here ahead of a packed tour of New Zealand, with the opening T20I scheduled for Thursday. New Zealand Cricket shared pictures of the Indian contingent, which includes coach Gautam Gambhir, along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Varun Chakaravarthy, Naman Dhir, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, fast bowling coach Morne Morkel and members of the support staff, arriving at Christchurch Airport, marking the start of a tour that will see the two sides compete across all three formats until December 1. Indias itinerary features five T20Is, five ODIs and two Test matches, beginning with the shortest format before moving to the 50-over series and concluding with the red-ball contests. The T20I leg will run from October 22 to November 1, with matches scheduled across Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton. The five-match ODI series follows from November 4 to 15, before the teams meet for Tests in Wellington from November 19 to 23 and Christchurch from November 27 to December 1. The tour presents India with multiple objectives. The ODI series will offer valuable preparation ahead of the 2027 ICC Mens Cricket World Cup, while the Test matches carry significance for the teams campaign to reach the World Test Championship final. India have assembled an extensive group of players across the three formats, with leadership responsibilities split between Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. Gill will captain the first three ODIs and the Test side, while Iyer will lead the T20I team and take charge of the final two ODIs. The squad selections also bring opportunities for emerging players, with wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra and fast bowler Yash Thakur earning maiden ODI call-ups for the final two matches. Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj have also returned to the Test squad. India have assembled an extensive group of players across the three formats, with leadership responsibilities split between Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. Gill will captain the first three ODIs and the Test side, while Iyer will lead the T20I team and take charge of the final two ODIs. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Australian Umpire Officiates Ranji Trophy Game. Cricket Australia's Exchange Program Explained
Australian umpire Ben Treloar will officiate two Ranji Trophy matches in India as part of a Cricket Australia and BCCI exchange program with Indian umpire Parashar Joshi.
Sarfaraz Khan Sends Fiery Message To BCCI, Smashes 154 In Ranji Trophy
Sarfaraz Khan brought up 154 for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy match against Himachal Pradesh, sending the BCCI a loud selection message.
Daren Sammy Says West Indies' Swagger Is Back
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressed immense satisfaction with his team's performance against India, stating that the 'swagger is back' after they held the T20 World Cup champions to a 2-2 series draw. He highlighted the team's renewed confidence and willingness to win as key factors.
Sanju Samson Books Entire Theatre For Rajinikanth's Jailer 2, Select India Teammates To Attend
Indian cricketer Sanju Samson has booked the entire theatre for Rajinikanth's new movie Jailer 2.
Atal and Rashid seal Afghanistan's comprehensive win
Zimbabwe would've qualified for the final if they had made 196, but were bowled out for 136 in a chase of 295
Star Cricketer Assaults Spectator At Srinagar Stadium, Video Goes Viral
Popular Kashmiri cricketer Jehangir Lone has courted controversy after a video of him assaulting a spectator at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, went viral, sparking widespread outrage.
IND-W vs ZIM-W 3rd T20I Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XI
IND-W vs ZIM-W 3rd T20I , Cricket Tips :Team India had a dominating win in the second T20I against Zimbabwe Women, and they have taken a 2-0 unbeatable lead in the series. Smriti Mandhana have recorded a series win in her first attempt in the shorter format. It was none other than Shafali Verma, who won the game. The Indian opener recorded a partnership of 96 runs in 7.5 overs and took India to the fastest ever T20I chase in women's cricket. Now, India will take on Zimbabwe Women in the final game on Tuesday. This contest will kick off at 7 PM IST at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur. IND-W vs ZIM-W: Match Details Date : October 20, 2026 (Tuesday) Time : 7:00 PM IST Venue : Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur IND-W vs ZIM-W: Live Streaming Details In India, the live telecast will be available on the Star Sports Networks, and the live stream of the game will be available on the Jio Hotstar app or website. IND-W vs ZIM-W: Head-to-Head in T20I Total Matches : 2 Zimbabwe Women : 0 India Women: 2 No Result: 0 IND-W vs ZIM-W: Ground Pitch Report The surface in Raipur has bounce and pace. Fast bowlers can use it when the ball is new and swinging to trouble the batters. As the game goes on, spinners will get into the game. Batting conditions will remain similar in both innings. IND-W vs ZIM-W: Possible XIs India Women: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana (c), Harmanpreet Kaur, Anushka Sharma, Niki Prasad, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Shree Charani, Arundhati Reddy, Nandani Sharma, Kranti Gaud Zimbabwe Women: Beloved Biza, Kelis Ndhlovu, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Sharne Mayers, Michelle Mavunga, Francisca Chipare, Nyasha Gwanzura, Modester Mupachikwa (wk), Josephine Nkomo (c), Olinder Chare, Tendai Makusha IND-W vs ZIM-W: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Shafali Verma and Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano did well with the bat in the second game. They will be the ones to watch out for. Probable Best Bowler Nandani Sharma and Nyasha Gwanzura have taken joint-most wickets in the series so far. They have found ways to trouble the batters. Today Match Prediction: Zimbabwe are no way near Team India in any aspects. Hence, we back India Women to win this game. IND-W vs ZIM-W Match 3rd T20I, Today Match IND-W vs ZIM-W, IND-W vs ZIM-W Prediction, IND-W vs ZIM-W Predicted XIs, Injury Update for IND-W vs ZIM-W 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.
2nd Test: Aus pacer Boland has Proteas reeling on Day 2
Australian paceman Scott Boland continued his impressive form, taking four wickets to leave South Africa struggling at 97/5 at stumps on Day 2 of the second Test. Captain Temba Bavuma remains unbeaten on 41, offering the only resistance against a dominant Australian attack.
Pakistan And Sri Lanka Fined Over Slow Over-Rates In ODI Tri-Series
Pakistan and Sri Lanka were fined for slow over-rates during the opening tri-series match in Rawalpindi, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Monday. The ICC said match referee Jeff Crowe fined Pakistan 10 percent of their fee from Sunday's opening match, while Sri Lanka were docked five percent. Pakistan were ruled to be two overs short and Sri Lanka one short during the time allotted. Under the ICC code of conduct for players, the players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time, an ICC release said. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs and now meet England on Tuesday, also in Rawalpindi. The teams will play each other twice before the final in Lahore on October 31. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The series is being played as a build-up for next year's 50-over World Cup to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test Day: Scott Boland Sets Pace As Proteas Slump To 97/5
Scott Boland bowled Australia into a strong position after a lengthy rain delay on the second day of the second Test against South Africa at St George's Park on Monday.
Bavuma fights but Boland's four puts Australia in complete control
A total of 146 overs have been lost in the Test so far, but with minimal more rain forecast in Gqeberha, Australia will believe they have enough time to make it 2-0
Sarfaraz ton puts Mumbai on top; Haryana beat Chandigarh
Sarfaraz Khan's magnificent unbeaten 139 helped Mumbai establish a commanding 258-run lead over Himachal Pradesh in their Ranji Trophy Group D match, while Nishant Sindhu's all-round heroics secured an innings victory for Haryana against Chandigarh.
Atal ton, Zadran 90 put Afghanistan on course before Zimbabwe fightback
Afghanistan lost five wickets in the last five overs to be bowled out for 294
Not Somebody Beating His Chest: Ex-India Star's Big Praise For Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar initially earned a recall for India's five-match T20I series in New Zealand starting on October 22. But he was then drafted into the rained-out fifth T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru
Ex-India Star Drops Bombshell On Yashasvi Jaiswal's ODI World Cup Chances
Such is the combination of India's ODI and T20I teams that Yashasvi Jaiswal continues to wait for his chance despite impressive performances.
PAK vs ENG 2nd ODI Prediction, Match Preview And Playing XIs
PAK vs ENG 2nd ODI, Cricket Tips: The ODI tri-series in Pakistan began with a banger. Pakistan and Sri Lanka indulged in a fierce competition, and Pakistan held their nerves to secure a 37-run win. Salman Agha, who was dropped from Test, and was stripped from his T20I captaincy, slammed a match-winning century. Pakistan also produced a great bowling display, especially in death overs. They ticked most of the boxes but need to bat well in the final overs. Pakistan will now face England in the second game, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium at 1:30 PM IST. England have a strong squad, and they will be looking to get points from this win. PAK vs ENG: Match Details Date : October 20, 2026 (Tuesday) Time : 1:30 PM IST Venue : Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi PAK vs ENG: Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch the game through the FanCode mobile app or website. PAK vs ENG: Head-to-Head in ODIs Total Matches : 92 Pakistan : 32 England : 57 No-result : 3 PAK vs ENG: Ground Pitch Report Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium offers a flat deck which has good assistance for the batters. In the first game, 300 was scored, and it was almost chased down. Bowlers wil get assistance with the new ball, but they need to use more change of pace in the backyard. PAK vs ENG: Possible XIs Pakistan : Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Saad Baig (wk), Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (c), Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf. England : Ben Duckett, Tom Banton, Joe Root, Harry Brook , Jordan Cox (wk), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue PAK vs ENG: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Salman Agha and Joe Root are in excellent form, and they have runs under their belts in the last few matches. Probable Best Bowler Naseem Shah and Jamie Overton are two smart operators of the ball who can bowl in any phase of the game. Today Match Prediction : Pakistan won the first game, but England have been the stronger side. Hence, we predict England to win this game. PAK vs ENG 2nd ODI, Today Match PAK vs ENG, PAK vs ENG Prediction, PAK vs ENG Predicted XIs, Injury Update for Pakistan vs England 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.
Gulf Giants Appoint CP Rizwan As Assistant Batting Coach
Batting Coach Michael Klinger: The Adani Sportsline-owned Gulf Giants have appointed former United Arab Emirates (UAE) international cricketer CP Rizwan as their Assistant Batting Coach ahead of the fifth edition of the International League T20 (ILT20), scheduled to run from November 21 to December 20, 2026. Rizwan was part of the Giants title-winning squad in 2023 and moved into coaching after retiring from international cricket. He recently led the franchises development team to victory in the ILT20 Development Tournament, building on the efforts of assistant coach Nael and the wider coaching staff in supporting the teams progress. He will work with Batting Coach Michael Klinger, Head Coach Simon Helmot and the wider coaching staff to prepare the batting unit for the new season. His appointment also creates opportunities for former players to continue contributing to the sport, in line with Adani Sportslines focus on developing sporting talent. Rizwan said, The Gulf Giants have been an important part of my cricketing journey, first as a player and now as a coach. Winning the inaugural ILT20 title in 2023 and then leading the development team to a championship has made this association even more special. I thank Adani Sportsline and the Giants for this opportunity and look forward to working with Simon, Michael and the rest of the staff as we prepare for the season. Helmot said, CP (Rizwan) knows the team well and brings valuable international experience and a sound understanding of UAE cricket. Having played for the Giants and worked with the development side, he understands our ambitions. He will be a valuable addition to the coaching group as we prepare for the new season. Rizwan said, The Gulf Giants have been an important part of my cricketing journey, first as a player and now as a coach. Winning the inaugural ILT20 title in 2023 and then leading the development team to a championship has made this association even more special. I thank Adani Sportsline and the Giants for this opportunity and look forward to working with Simon, Michael and the rest of the staff as we prepare for the season. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Manvanth's Maiden First-Class Ton Puts Karnataka in Command
Manvanth Kumar's brilliant maiden first-class hundred, a composed 135 off 214 balls, enabled Karnataka to post 342 all out before their bowlers rattled Saurashtra's top-order, reducing them to 164 for four at stumps on day two of their Ranji Trophy Group B match.
Nagaland Cricket Stadium: Mizoram's Chinmay Sutar became only the second batter in Ranji Trophy history to hit a quadruple century, while Delhi captain Ayush Badoni struck a double hundred and India batters Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar notched up centuries on an eventful day two of the second round of the Ranji Trophy on Monday. Playing in just his second first-class match, Sutar remained unbeaten on 400 against Nagaland in a Plate group game at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium in Sovima, and become only the second Indian to score a quadruple hundred in first-class cricket. The left-hander went past Prithvi Shaw's 379 to post the second-highest individual score in the history of the competition. Only Bhausaheb Nimbalkar's unbeaten 443 for Maharashtra against Kathiawar in Pune in 1948-49 remains ahead of him. Sutar was on 392 at tea and brought up his 400 in the 155th over, prompting Mizoram to declare at 581/9. He faced 517 balls in all and struck 46 fours and seven sixes. Mizoram, who ended day one on 331/5, slipped to 391/9 and Sutar was on 231 when last man Lalrempuia Chhakchhuak joined him. The pair put on an unbroken 190-run stand to take the game away from Nagaland. It has entered the record books as the third-highest last-wicket partnership in Ranji Trophy history, 43 runs short of the record 233 set by Ajay Sharma and Maninder Singh for Delhi against Mumbai in 1991-92. Sutar also became only the 10th batter to score 400 or more in a first-class innings, joining a list that features batting greats such as Brian Lara and Don Bradman. Sutar made his Ranji debut for Mizoram in last week's season opener against Manipur after obtaining a no-objection certificate from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). He scored 35 and 99 in that game, as Mizoram recovered from a 68-run first-innings deficit before going down narrowly by three wickets. Sutar had played for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy last season on the back of strong showings in Mumbai's local leagues. By the time stumps were called in Sovima, Nagaland reached 50/1. Elsewhere in the Plate group, Parth Palawat and Nilesh Lamichaney scored hundreds as Sikkim piled up 477/4 against Arunachal Pradesh's 121. Meanwhile, Karnajit Yumnam's unbeaten 93 led Manipur's strong reply of 173/2 to Meghalaya's 380, in which Pheiroijam Jotin bagged five wickets in a 29-over spell. In Elite Group A, Patidar's unbeaten 107, studded with 13 fours, took Madhya Pradesh to 302/5 and their lead swelling to 125 against Puducherry. Chanchal Rathore and Shubham Sharma also made half-centuries for Madhya Pradesh. Ravikumar Samarth's 143 rescued Vidarbha in a sensational fashion and took them past Jammu and Kashmir's 260, with number nine Rajneesh Gurbani making an unbeaten 64. Umar Nazir and Sunil Kumar took four wickets each for the hosts and leave Vidarbha at 133/7, before Samarth bailed Vidarbha out of trouble. Nachiket Bhute then rocked J&K's top order to leave them reeling at 7/4 in Srinagar, as the defending champions still trail by 38 runs. In Kanpur, Zeeshan Ansari's five-wicket haul helped Uttar Pradesh bowl out Goa for 164 and take a 38-run lead. At stumps, UP reached 102/4 in their second innings. Priyanshu Moliya's 132, backed by fifties from Mahesh Pithiya and Deepak Hooda, gave Baroda a 250-run lead over Bihar. At stumps, Bihar reached 4/0 in one over of their second innings and still trail by 246 runs. In Group B, Salil Arora (107 off 226 balls) and skipper Uday Saharan (161 off 299 balls) steered Punjab to 456 against Chhattisgarh, with Arora scoring his second hundred in as many games. Left-arm spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja sent down nearly 56 overs for his seven wickets, but got little support from the rest of the attack. Harpreet Brar then ripped through the Chhattisgarh batting with 5-21 in just eight overs, and leave the visitors at 76/5 at stumps, as they still trail by 384 runs. At Alur, resuming on 281/8, Karnataka were bowled out for 342, with Manvanth Kumar hitting 135 off 214 balls, including 11 fours and six sixes, in what is also his maiden first-class century. Saurashtra's openers Hetvik Kotak (46 off 127 balls) and Harvik Desai (77 off 78 balls) gave a strong start with a 110-run stand. Karnataka, however, hit back either side of tea to reduce the visitors to 128/4, before Arpit Vasavada (25 batting) and Prerak Mankad (13 batting) took them to 164/4 at stumps, as Saurashtra are still 178 runs behind. Tanay Thyagarajan continued his fine start to the season with a five-wicket haul as Hyderabad bowled out Andhra for 184 to take a 91-run lead. Hyderabad were 78/2 at stumps. Assam bowled out Tripura for 62, with Mukhtar Hussain taking 3-23, as the hosts enforced the follow-on. Tripura were 143/5 in their second innings at stumps, but are still 129 runs behind. In Group C, Badoni's 217 off 246 balls powered Delhi to declare at 648/6 against Gujarat, with Sumit Mathur and Anuj Rawat also scoring half-centuries. Gujarat ended the day on 98/2 in 35 overs and trail by 550 runs in Palam. Shahbaz Ahmed and Aamir Gani took four wickets apiece as Bengal dismissed Services for 122. Left-arm spinner Rahul Singh then claimed five wickets to bowl Bengal out for 146 in their second innings, leaving Services needing 209 to win and they reached 12/0 in five overs at stumps. Mohammed Azharuddeen remained unbeaten on 139 as Kerala made 404 against Odisha, while sharing a 99-run stand with Aditya Sarvate, who also scored a fifty. Odisha were 114/3 and trail Kerala by 290 runs. Digvijay Patil's 148 and another century from Ankit Bawne took Maharashtra to 403/5 and get a lead of 234 runs against Jharkhand. In Group D, Sarfaraz's unbeaten 139 off 213 balls, his 18th first-class hundred laced with 18 fours, put Mumbai in complete control at 398/4 against Himachal Pradesh at the Luhnu Cricket Ground, Bilaspur and stretch their lead to 258. Captain Siddhesh Lad (87 off 188 balls) and Musheer Khan (57 off 137 balls) had earlier put on 122 runs for the third wicket. Lad shared a 68-run stand with Sarfaraz for the fourth wicket, while Sarfaraz and Akash Anand (58 not out off 152 balls) then added an unbroken 176 for the fifth wicket to bat Himachal out of the contest. In Chennai, Pradosh Ranjan Paul's gritty 136 off 279 balls, including 12 fours, helped Tamil Nadu take a 179-run first-innings lead over Uttarakhand, before being all out for 313. Resuming on 85/2, Paul curbed his usual attacking instincts and, along with Baba Indrajith (77), shared a 171-run stand for the third wicket. Off-spinner Avneesh Sudha (4-34 in 20 overs) and Mayank Mishra, who took five wickets, were the standout bowlers for Uttarakhand. Captain R Sai Kishore removed opener Aarav Mahajan in the first over of Uttarakhand's second innings to leave them at 9/1 at stumps. Karan Lamba and Sachin Yadav were both dismissed for 194 after a 338-run third-wicket stand, as Rajasthan made 497 against Railways, who were 46/1 in 24 overs of the first innings and still trail by 451 runs. Off-spinner Avneesh Sudha (4-34 in 20 overs) and Mayank Mishra, who took five wickets, were the standout bowlers for Uttarakhand. Captain R Sai Kishore removed opener Aarav Mahajan in the first over of Uttarakhand's second innings to leave them at 9/1 at stumps. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Molineux, Dunkley enter WPL 2027 auction with top base price of INR 50 lakh
A total of 146 players will be competing for 27 available slots in the WPL mini auction on October 28 in Kochi
WPL 2027: Dunkley, Molineux At Highest Base Price As 146 Players Enter Auction
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: England batter Sophia Dunkley and Australia captain Sophie Molineux have registered themselves at the highest base price of Rs 50 lakh for the player auction for the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 to be held in Kochi on October 28. Indian wicketkeeper-batter G. Kamalini, who was released by two-time winners Mumbai Indians, and batter Kiran Navgire, let go by the UP Warriorz, along with Australian duo Heather Graham and Jess Jonassen, are in the next bracket with a base price of Rs 40 lakh. Another 30 players have registered at a base price of Rs 30 lakh. In all, 146 players will go under the hammer for 27 available slots at the auction, which will begin at 5:30 pm at the Grand Hyatt hotel. The pool includes 119 Indians - 22 of them capped and 97 uncapped - competing for 20 slots. The overseas contingent comprises 27 players -- 14 capped and 13 uncapped, vying for the remaining seven spots. Six players from Associate nations are also on the list. UP Warriorz will head into the auction with the biggest purse of Rs 3.65 crore and have seven slots to fill, including two for overseas players. MI also have seven vacancies, one of them for an overseas player, but have the smallest purse of Rs 1 crore. Defending champions and two-time winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru have Rs 1.15 crore to fill five slots, including two overseas spots, while four-time runners-up Delhi Capitals have Rs 1.1 crore for five slots, one of which is for an overseas player. Gujarat Giants have the fewest slots to fill, with Rs 1.25 crore available for three players, including one for an overseas cricketer. Australia have the largest overseas presence in the auction pool, with Grace Harris, Tayla Vlaeminck, Tess Flintoff, Charli Knott, Samantha Bates, Maitlan Brown, Maddie Penna and Milly Illingworth registering alongside Sophie, Heather and Jess, who have been a part of the WPL previously. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu and young pacer Mithali Ayodya are also in the pool, along with South Africa's quartet of Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Kayla Reyneke and Chloe Tryon, and Ireland's seam-bowling all-rounder Orla Prendergast. Scotland lead the Associate contingent, with sisters Sarah and Kathryn Bryce, who have played in the WPL previously, as well as Darcey Carter and Kirstie Gordon in the fray. Babette de Leede and Esha Oza, captains of the Netherlands and UAE respectively, complete the list. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu and young pacer Mithali Ayodya are also in the pool, along with South Africa's quartet of Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Kayla Reyneke and Chloe Tryon, and Ireland's seam-bowling all-rounder Orla Prendergast. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Molineux At Highest Base Price; WPL 2027 Auction To Be Held On This Day
England batter Sophia Dunkley and Australia captain Sophie Molineux have registered themselves at the highest base price of Rs 50 lakh for the player auction for the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2027 to be held in Kochi.
WPL Auction: Kamalini, Rana, Molineux in Shortlist
Indian batters G Kamalini and Sneh Rana, Australian captain Sophie Molineux, and Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu are among 146 players shortlisted for the Women's Premier League auction in Kochi on October 28, competing for 27 available slots.
Ranji Trophy: Pradoshs ton puts Tamil Nadu in the drivers seat
At stumps, Uttarakhand was 9 for one in its second innings after Sai Kishore dismissed opener Aarav Mahajan in the first over
Mohammed Shami has been unable to return to the national team despite performing consistently at the domestic level and in IPL 2026.
Ranji trophy: Hyderabad leads by 169 runs at stumps on Day-2
If Andhra had grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck in the second session on Day 1, it was Hyderabads turn to do the same on Day 2, with Tanay once again at the heart of it, as he had been against Tripura in the previous round.
Age Shouldn't Matter If You're Good Enough, Says Kartik On Bhuvneshwar's Recall
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former Indian left-arm spinner Murali Kartik on Monday welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recall to the national T20I side, saying age should never be a barrier to selection as long as a player is good enough and not a liability on the field. Bhuvneshwar initially earned a recall for Indias five-match T20I series in New Zealand starting on October 22. But he was then drafted into the rained-out fifth T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru first as a cover for Arshdeep Singh, before replacing Mayank Yadav in the playing eleven. Bhuvneshwar had played a key role in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru achieving consecutive IPL wins in 2025 and 2026. 100 percent. I am so happy that he has made his comeback. I have never been a huge believer (in age being a criterion for selection). If somebody is good, he should be picked. Somebody is 40, and he is good; as long as he can move and he is not a liability on the field, he should be picked. I have got no issues with that. I have never had. I have always maintained this belief in my life, Kartik told reporters in a select virtual interaction facilitated by Sony Sports Network on Monday. Someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, he has showcased it throughout his life. He has been a quiet and exceptional performer. He is not somebody who is beating his chest and saying, ' Notice me'. He has never done that. Even this year too, in that cauldron called IPL, which is a tough gig for any bowler, he literally was simply the best or, in fact, one of the best in all conditions across all phases. I suppose there is a huge case for him, and there was a national clamour, so to speak, that Bhuvneshwar should be picked primarily based on those performances. So, I am very happy that he is back and so should be for anyone else, he added. Kartik, however, cautioned that the comeback would put Bhuvneshwar under intense scrutiny, and that the outcome could shape how selectors view older players for future assignments. I don't know if you want to use the word litmus. But anyone who is on this side of 30 and making a comeback, it is not going to be easy. The spotlight is always going to be on you. If you do well, people will say, he has continued his form. If he doesn't do well, then people are going to say, we always knew he was on this side. All those things are part of it. From a Bhuvneshwar Kumar point of view, I don't think he is going to be looking at it that way. It is a new lease of life. Anybody who comes to play this game wants to play it for the right reason, and that is to play for the country at any stage at any age. So I am pretty sure that Bhuvneshwar Kumar is taking it that way. But yes, the pressure is on him because if he doesn't do well, if it doesn't go well for him, then obviously, it is like how you are looked at. Say, imagine a 36- or 37-year-old does well. If there is a reason to bring another 36- or 37-year-old at some other stage, people might use this as an example and say, look, he did well, so he can also do well. But if somebody doesn't do well, then there are always going to be doubts about bringing that guy as well. So I hope it goes well for Bhuvneshwar Kumar. But it is definitely going to be a stern test. I don't know whether it is a litmus test, he elaborated. On wrist spinner Varun Chakaravarthy's return, after a side strain led to him being ruled out after the first T20I against Afghanistan in New Delhi last month, Kartik said fitness would be the key. You just hope that Varun Chakaravarthy stays fit because he is also on the other side of 30 and he is not known for his exceptional fitness. So, he is basically a one-dimensional cricketer who has done exceedingly well with what he has got. That is exactly what Varun Chakravarthy is. That is an argument which you can use for other people as well. Someone like Kuldeep Yadav. How is it that Varun Chakaravarthy is solely a bowler? He is not a gazelle on the field, nor is he a Shai Hope with the bat. So, he is seen as a superb bowler because he has won. How is it that the same yardsticks are not used for someone else? So, I hope that really all goes well for India, he said. He also expected spinners to play a big role in the T20Is in New Zealand despite the small grounds. If he is fit, as I said again, in New Zealand, the grounds are small. But not so small that the spinners cannot operate. Most importantly, in T20 cricket, we have seen that it is the spinners who have got the better economy. So, spinners have a huge role. Also, most importantly, the format always demands that you are always thinking on your feet. You are light on your feet. You are thinking as the ball or game evolves. So, I suppose spinners have a huge role. So will the pacers. Again, you will not necessarily get good wickets during the T20s. You don't want extremely seaming wickets during the T20 games. It will be interesting to see how our spinners go because you have got some good ones. Kartik also backed all-rounder Naman Dhir, who smashed an unbeaten 24 off six balls in the abandoned series decider against the West Indies in Bengaluru, to make a strong case for himself, especially after his handy off-spin fetched him five scalps. When you look at what he has done, I think he is a good cricketer to have. He is a very handy three-dimensional cricketer to have. He might not give you four overs every time in a T20, but he will give you handy overs. As we have seen, he has picked up wickets and, more importantly, he has shown some heart, and that is the most important thing, especially in the T20 format, he said. Even when you get hit, he has shown some heart, and he is a quality hitter, down the order. I think he can finish and win games for you. I am pretty sure, at the end of the day, as and when you are presented opportunities, if you take them with both hands, you make an extremely strong case for yourself not to be dropped, he added. On teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has had to wait for his chance to play, Kartik said the youngster's time would come. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a precocious talent. For him, he is just waiting in the wings because of two openers out there and a number three who has done exceptionally well and can also double up as an opener if need be. You have got the top two batters in T20Is right now going around, and you have got a right-left combination. So, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will get his chance because he is an exciting talent. He has a wonderful future ahead. So, it's just a question of biding your time sometimes. On teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has had to wait for his chance to play, Kartik said the youngster's time would come. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a precocious talent. For him, he is just waiting in the wings because of two openers out there and a number three who has done exceptionally well and can also double up as an opener if need be. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Why George Hill faces an uphill battle for higher honours
Lions snub sparked White Rose ire but allrounder told to
Ranji Trophy: Karnataka and Saurashtra share the spoils on day two
Powered by youngster Manvanth Kumars maiden First Class century, Karnataka make 342 first-innings runs; Saurashtra, in reply, reach 164 for four
Ranji Trophy: Juyal, Patidar, Samarth centuries headline Day 2
Captain Aryan Juyal's unbeaten 60 helped Uttar Pradesh recover against Goa, while Rajat Patidar's 107* put Madhya Pradesh in control against Puducherry, and Ravikumar Samarth's 133 kept Vidarbha in contention against Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy.
Aryan Juyal Helps UP Take Control Against Goa In Ranji Trophy
Uttar Pradesh recovered from a shaky start in their second innings to reach 102 for four against Goa at stumps on the second day of their Ranji Trophy Group A match, extending their overall lead to 140 runs after bowling out the visitors for 164.
Shocked By Suthar's Omission For Tests Against NZ, Has Been The Find Of The Season: Murali Kartik
But Manav Suthar: Former India left-arm spinner Murali Kartik said he was shocked by Manav Suthar's exclusion from the Test squad for the tour of New Zealand, adding that the young left-arm spin bowling all-rounder was the sides best bowler in the longer format in recent times. Suthar made a dream start to his Test career by picking 23 wickets in three matches 16 of which came in Indias 1-0 series win over Sri Lanka in August. But he was left out of the squad for the two-game Test series that forms part of India's multi-format tour of New Zealand starting on October 22. India have instead gone with three spin options, with Kuldeep Yadav retaining his place as the only specialist spinner alongside all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Of the three, only Jadeja has bowled before in a Test match in New Zealand. Look, it's a tough one for me to be very honest because when I saw the squads, I was shocked myself. Because, as you rightly said, Manav Suthar has been the find of the season, especially post Ashwin. We have been searching for a Test match bowler, and the most important thing is the rationale which is used behind not picking Kuldeep sometimes is that he is not as good a bat as others. But Manav Suthar fits that bill too. More importantly, take the batting away. I don't even look at somebody as a batter. Yes, you do want to contribute handy runs, especially in the modern version of the game because you don't want any guys who cannot bat. But the most important thing is, Manav Suthar has been the best bowler on view in the Test matches that we have had of late, Kartik told IANS in a virtual interaction facilitated by Sony Sports Network on Monday. Suthar will instead travel to New Zealand with the India A squad for three red-ball matches, where he will have to find ways to be effective in windy conditions and on pitches that may not offer much help to spinners. He also claimed 27 wickets in six County Championship matches for Warwickshire this year, which also sharpened his tactical nous on bowling in overseas conditions. Kartik added that Suthar, along with Kuldeep, gave India a genuine wicket-taking option in Tests. I was massively surprised that he has not been picked. So I don't know the logic. It's not as if you cannot take one extra player. Also, most importantly, he is your wicket-taking bowler. All the others have been - and Kuldeep Yadav is a wicket-taking bowler. But again, Kuldeep Yadav is a very different story. Think of the tour to Sri Lanka. He played the first Test match and the second Test match, he didn't play. Even in the first Test match, when you look at his numbers, he has got a very good set of numbers across formats. There is a lot of stop-start to his sort of games. He is not able to string together games, or he is not stringing together games. So he was not picked in the second game. It was Manav Suthar (who excelled), and I am a bit surprised because he is your genuine wicket-taking option alongside Kuldeep Yadav, he added. On how spinners should go about bowling on New Zealand's grounds with vastly different dimensions and gusty mid-spring winds in both red-ball and white-ball formats, Kartik felt there was no fixed formula. Absolutely. I think you have to play with the dimensions. You have to work with the wind because the breeze can blow. Again, they are very funny-shaped grounds. They are not exactly round. Many of them are really tiny as well. So, you need to have a big heart. Again, it's about working all of that - keeping in mind what the surface is offering on that given day. So, it's not a one size that fits all. Every ground has got its own characteristics. Every place has its own characteristics, and that's why you need to be very light on your feet, thinking on your feet while playing in those conditions over there. With only Jadeja and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant (currently nursing a left side strain) having previously batted in Tests in New Zealand, Kartik expects a stern examination for India's batters in the Tests to be played in Wellington and Christchurch. To counter that huge inexperience, especially with 24 World Test Championship (WTC) points at stake in the race to the 2027 final, the likes of Dhruv Jurel, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, and B Sai Sudharsan have been included in the A team shadow tour, while skipper Shubman Gill will prepare for the series after playing his first three ODIs. Absolutely, I think it's a very, very good question because at the end of the day, we had some questions before heading to England as well. It's going to be a tough tour across formats because you are playing against the New Zealand side at home. They always play well, and they are playing well. So, it's going to be a very, very challenging tour for everyone and challenging for the batters as well because you've got some young guns and guys who will be tested out there, and those guys know how to exploit those conditions. So, yeah, absolutely. I hope they get enough time, and maybe between games or before the Test match, they have enough practice time in replicating those conditions. I know it's never the same as match conditions, but many of them have played Test cricket for a while. They are all established players of that Test team. So, that should give you a bit of confidence going into the Test matches. But again, till the time you have not been there and not done it at the highest level, and when I mean highest level, at the Test level, it's never going to be easy. So, it will make for a good viewing over here, concluded Kartik. I hope they get enough time, and maybe between games or before the Test match, they have enough practice time in replicating those conditions. I know it's never the same as match conditions, but many of them have played Test cricket for a while. They are all established players of that Test team. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Ranji Trophy: Spinners Dominate As 15 Wickets Fall; Bengal-Services Match Finely Poised
Fifteen wickets fell on a gripping second day as Bengal gained a slight advantage over Services in their Ranji Trophy Group C match Monday. Services 12 without loss at stumps in a chase of 197.
Bought For Rs 5.2 Crore After Earning Rs 12.5 Crore, Shikhar Dhawan Recalls IPL Heartbreak
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan recently opened up about the emotional turmoil he endured during the IPL 2018 season while representing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Ramesh Powar appointed to BCCI selection panel; Pragyan Ojha to chair committee
The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape, unanimously recommended Powars appointment after screening and interviewing applicants at the BCCI headquarters
First Time In 78 Years: Chinmay Sutar Scripts History With 400 In Ranji Trophy
India's rising star Manav Suthar is showcasing his spin brilliance on English soil.
Afghanistan bat; Zimbabwe bring in Burl and Masuku
Injuries forced Craig Ervine and Newman Nyamhuri to sit out this game for Zimbabwe
BCCI Appoints Pragyan Ojha as Chief Selector After Ajit Agarkar
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed former India spinner Pragyan Ojha as the chairman of the men's national selection committee while former cricketer Ramesh Powar has been roped in as a new member. As per the
Pragyan Ojha Replaces Ajit Agarkar As BCCI Chief Selector, Ramesh Powar Joins Panel
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday confirmed the appointment of former pacer Pragyan Ojha as the new chief selector of the men's selection committee.
Powar appointed men's national selector; Ojha to serve as chair
Ramesh Powar, who played two Tests and 31 ODIs for India, was picked to fill the vacancy that was created after Ajit Agakar's term ended
Ranji Trophy: 400 Not Out! Chinmay Sutar Joins Elite Club
Mizoram's Chinmay Sutar achieved a rare feat by scoring an unbeaten 400 runs in a first-class Ranji Trophy match against Nagaland, becoming only the second Indian batter to reach this milestone after Bhausahab Babasaheb Nimbalkar in 1948.
Powar Added To Senior Mens Selection Committee, Ojha Becomes Chief Selector
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saika: Former India off-spinner Ramesh Powar has been added to the senior men's selection committee, with ex-left arm spinner Pragyan Ojha taking over as chief selector. The BCCI said on Monday that Ojha has been elevated to the chairman of the selection panel on the basis of seniority, having played the most Tests among the five members of the panel (24). The selection committee now comprises Ojha, Powar, Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, and Ajay Ratra. Powar's name was unanimously recommended by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjape, which screened and interviewed the applicants at the BCCI headquarters last week. IANS understands that Powar was also interviewed for being a member of the junior selection committee. Powar, 48, played two Tests and 31 ODIs for India from 2004 to 2007 and brings vast experience to the role. He edged competition from fellow former India and West Zone players Wasim Jaffer, Salil Ankola, Jacob Martin and Connor Williams. Mumbai-based Powar had two stints as head coach of the India women's team, where he guided the side to an Asia Cup title and a Commonwealth Games silver medal in 2022. His second spell ended when he was moved to the National Cricket Academy, now called the BCCI Centre of Excellence, in Bengaluru as spin-bowling coach. Powar has also coached Mumbai to Vijay Hazare Trophy win and was Gujarat's senior men's head coach for the last two seasons before stepping down from the role recently. He also served as a consultant coach for Australia U-19 during their recent ODI series against India. The vacancy in the senior selection panel arose following the exit of Ajit Agarkar as chief selector. The BCCI places on record its appreciation for Mr Ajit Agarkar for his commitment, conviction and contribution during his tenure as Chairman of the Mens Selection Committee. Since his appointment in July 2023, Agarkar led the committee through a significant period for Indian cricket, with India winning three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals, said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saika in a statement. Agarkar, who took charge in July 2023, oversaw a successful period for Indian mens cricket, during which the side won three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back gold medals at the Asian Games. Since his appointment in July 2023, Agarkar led the committee through a significant period for Indian cricket, with India winning three ICC trophies, two Asia Cup titles and back-to-back Asian Games gold medals, said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saika in a statement. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Pragyan Ojha Replaces Agarkar As Chief Selector; Powar Named New Selector
Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha has been appointed as the new chairman of the Indian men's cricket team's selection committee, with Ramesh Powar joining as a new selector.
Ranji Trophy: Mizoram's Chinmay Sutar becomes second Indian batter to hit quadruple ton
Digital Desk | Sovima, Oct 19 (IANS) Mizoram batter Chinmay Sutar on Monday has become only the second Indian batter to score a quadruple century in first-class cricket. Sutar achieved this landmark feat when he struck an unbeaten 400 against Nagaland in a Ranji Trophy Plate group match at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium in Sovima. Playing in just his second first-class game, left-handed Sutar surpassed Prithvi Shaw's 379 to register the second-highest individual score in Ranji Trophy history. Only Bhausaheb Nimbalkar's unbeaten 443 for Maharashtra against Kathiawar in Pune in 1948/49 stands ahead of Sutar's effort in the competition's record books. Sutar, who was on 392 at tea break, reached the 400-run landmark in the 155th over, after which Mizoram declared at 581/9. In all, he faced 517 balls and hit 46 fours and seven sixes. He was on 231 when the last man, Lalrempuia Chhakchhuak, walked out, and the pair went on to add an unbroken 190 for the tenth wicket. Mizoram, who had ended the opening day on 331/5, slipped to 391/9 on day two before Sutar and Lalrempuia took the game away from Nagaland. Its also a record for the third-highest last-wicket stand in Ranji Trophy history, 43 runs short of the record 233 put on by Ajay Sharma and Maninder Singh for Delhi against Mumbai in 1991/92. Sutar became only the tenth batter to score 400 or more in a first-class innings, joining a list that includes batting greats such as Brian Lara and Don Bradman. Lara holds the record for the highest first-class score with his unbeaten 501 for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994, and also made 400 not out for the West Indies against England in a Test match in 2004. Pakistan's Hanif Mohammed fell one short of 500, and made 499 for Karachi against Bahawalpur in 1959. Sutar had made his Ranji debut for Mizoram in last week's season opener against Manipur after securing a no-objection certificate from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). He scored 35 and 99, being run out one short of a hundred in the second innings, as Mizoram fought back from a 68-run first-innings deficit before losing narrowly by three wickets. Sutar had represented Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in the previous domestic season on the back of strong performances in Mumbai's local leagues. In June, he helped MSC Maratha Royals defend their Mumbai T20 League title and hit back-to-back half-centuries. He finished the season with 212 runs from six innings at a strike rate of nearly 120.
In a major development, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has come forward and named former India cricketer Pragyan Ojha as the new chief selector of the mens national team. Apart from Ojha, Ramesh Powar has also been added to the selection committee as well.
Innovative Four-innings Masters Pro T20 Launched To Reinvent Legends Cricket Experience
Fanwizz Pvt Ltd Salman Khan: The innovative four-innings Masters Pro T20 has been launched on Monday to reinvent the experience of Legends cricket. The league features a four-innings format, and it aims to give a distinctive sporting and entertainment experience for players, fans and other stakeholders. The format also puts its focus on providing the spectators with a legends' experience which they have not seen before and is different from all other legends' leagues. The format will see both teams bat for two separate innings, just like in Test cricket. Here teams will bat in two separate innings of 10 overs and the tam with greater aggregate score will be determined the winner. There is also an option for a Super Sub, which will give the teams a chance to replace one player from their original playing XI, but that can be done only after both teams have completed their first innings. Avishek Mazumdar, Founding Partner, Fanwizz Private Limited, reflected on the league. Fanwizz aims to build distinctive sporting properties that create sustainable, long-term value for all stakeholders, particularly franchise owners and fans. With Masters Pro T20, we seek to combine innovation and a premium sporting experience with a robust commercial model that delivers meaningful engagement and long-term return potential for franchises, sponsors and partners, while aspiring to establish a leading position in legends cricket, he said. Meanwhile, co-founder of Fanwizz Pvt Ltd Salman Khan stated that the league brings an engaging experience to all the stakeholders involved. As a new venture, Fanwizz will approach the sports business with fresh thinking and a strong focus on the audience. With Masters Pro T20, we want to create more than a tournament; we want to build an engaging experience around legends cricket that fans, players and partners can connect with season after season, said Salman. With Masters Pro T20, we seek to combine innovation and a premium sporting experience with a robust commercial model that delivers meaningful engagement and long-term return potential for franchises, sponsors and partners, while aspiring to establish a leading position in legends cricket, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Leask, Sharif Included In Scotlands Seven-member Squad For Hong Kong Sixes
Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground: Experienced campaigners Michael Leask and Safyaan Sharif have been included in Scotland's seven-member squad for the Hong Kong Sixes, to be played from October 30 to November 1. The three-day six-a-side tournament will be staged at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Hong Kong. Scotland are one of 12 invited nations for the event and have been drawn in Pool B alongside Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. They open their campaign against Bangladesh on October 30 before taking on Sri Lanka the following day. Cricket Scotland head of performance Steve Snell said the squad had been picked with the format's all-round demands in mind. We're excited to announce our squad for the Hong Kong Sixes, which presents a fantastic opportunity for our players to experience a unique and challenging format of the game. The Sixes format really promotes the three-dimensional cricketer, with batting, bowling and fielding skills all playing an equally important role. We've selected a squad with that in mind, ensuring we have the versatility and skill sets required to be competitive. It's an exciting opportunity for our players to test themselves against quality opposition, perform under pressure and gain valuable experience in a completely different playing environment, he said in a statement on Monday. Gordon Drummond will be in charge of the side, assisted by Keegan Russell, and Snell said the tournament would be just as valuable for the coaching staff. The tournament also provides a valuable development opportunity for our coaching staff, with Gordon Drummond leading the team, supported by Keegan Russell. It's another chance for our coaches to gain experience in a different format and environment, while taking on greater responsibility at an international tournament. We're really looking forward to seeing how both the players and coaches embrace the challenge, added Snell. The pool winners will progress to the Cup semi-finals to fight for the main title, while the second-placed sides will contest the Plate semi-finals and the third-placed teams will play in the Bowl competition. The semi-finals are scheduled for October 31, with the play-off games and final on November 1. Each side fields six players and bats for six overs. Bowlers generally send down one over each, though one nominated bowler, other than the wicketkeeper, can bowl two. The unique format places a premium on aggressive batting and quick scoring. The pool winners will progress to the Cup semi-finals to fight for the main title, while the second-placed sides will contest the Plate semi-finals and the third-placed teams will play in the Bowl competition. The semi-finals are scheduled for October 31, with the play-off games and final on November 1. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
First Time Since 1948: Chinmay Sutar Scripts History With 400 In Ranji Trophy
Chinmay Sutar now holds the second-highest individual score in Ranji Trophy history, behind Nimbalkar's unbeaten 443. Former India opener Prithvi Shaw occupies the third spot with 379 runs, scored for Mumbai against Assam during the 2022-23 season.
Chinmay Sutar scores 400* for Mizoram in Ranji Trophy
The Mizoram batter became the second India batter to hit a quadruple century after Bhausaheb Nimbalkar in 1948
Former India cricketer opens up on Bhuvneshwar Kumar's comeback in the Indian side
The stage is set for the multi-format series between India and New Zealand. The Men in Blue will be touring New Zealand to take on the Black Caps across five T20Is, five ODIs, and two...
India women aim for T20I series whitewash against Zimbabwe in Raipur
The Indian women's cricket team is set to complete a 3-0 T20I series sweep against Zimbabwe in the final match in Raipur, buoyed by strong performances from captain Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and debutant Niki Prasad.
Victoria Falls Stadium Nears Completion As ICC Inspects Zimbabwe's 2027 ODI WC Venues
Tunya International Cricket Stadium: Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) said the construction of the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium in Victoria Falls has entered its final phase, as an ICC delegation wrapped up an inspection of the country's venues for the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup. ZC added that the main building work at Zimbabwe's newest international venue are largely complete, with the media centre, broadcast centre, changing rooms, medical facility, grandstands and grass banks almost ready. It further said the roofing, fitting of bucket seats and other finishing touches are now under way, while corporate gazebos are also set to be put up. The main building works are as good as complete and we are now concentrating on the finishes that will bring the stadium together, with all the outstanding materials having been delivered. When you look at the outfield and how the facilities are taking shape, there is a real sense of excitement about how close we are to playing cricket here, said ZC managing director Givemore Makoni in a statement on Monday. ZC added that the venue will host a trial match, the date of which is yet to be announced, before the full completion target is reached in mid-2027. An international series is planned around that time to give the ground a more thorough test ahead of the World Cup. The initial trial match will give us an opportunity to assess the playing facilities and essential match-day operations, said Makoni. The 2027 Mens ODI World Cup will be jointly staged by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November. The 14th edition of the tournament will feature 14 teams and 57 matches across 12 venues, and marks the event's return to Africa for the first time since 2003. It will also be the first time Namibia hosts matches at the showpiece event. Once completed, Victoria Falls will join Harare and Bulawayo as Zimbabwe's host cities. The ICC delegation, led by tournament director Sarah Edgar and Zimbabwe tournament director Hamilton Masakadza, began its inspection at Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare, a possible venue for warm-up games, before moving on to Harare Sports Club. We are pleased with the progress made in addressing the baseline requirements to bring the venues up to the standards necessary for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027. The improvements to the stadiums and wider venue infrastructure are clearly evident and will help ensure the grounds are ready to host the tournament. Victoria Falls, in particular, is an exciting project. International fans will be in for a real treat, with the opportunity to experience international cricket at such an iconic destination. Victoria Falls is already a world-renowned tourist attraction and bringing cricket to this remarkable setting will add another dimension to the experience for visiting fans, said Sarah. In Harare and Bulawayo, the focus is on upgrading established grounds to meet tournament requirements, which have changed considerably since Zimbabwe last co-hosted the Mens ODI World Cup in 2003. Selected stands at Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club will be refurbished with bucket seats, while floodlights are set to be installed at Queens Sports Club and the Mosi-oa-Tunya stadium before the tournament. Masakadza, the former Zimbabwe captain, said the inspection had given clarity on the changes needed at the existing venues. In Harare and Bulawayo, the focus is on upgrading established grounds to meet tournament requirements, which have changed considerably since Zimbabwe last co-hosted the Mens ODI World Cup in 2003. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India Can Win Womens Champions Trophy Next Year If They Keep Improving: Poonam Yadav
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Veteran India leg-spinner Poonam Yadav believes the Smriti Mandhana-led side has what it takes to win next year's Champions Trophy, to be played at home next year, provided it keeps learning from its mistakes the way they did on their way to thrashing Zimbabwe by nine wickets. In the game held at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Sunday night, India corrected its mistakes from the series opener win to thrash Zimbabwe by nine wickets and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. After suffering a batting meltdown in the first game before completing the chase of 115 with four wickets in hand, captain Smriti and her deputy Shafali Verma put a 96-run opening stand to chase down 103 in 8.5 overs. This dominating and commanding victory of India in this second T20I against Zimbabwe shows that they did their homework in the right manner. They made a lot of mistakes in the first match of the series and that was okay because these players were playing for the first time against Zimbabwe and they were not really familiar with their bowlers. But coming into the second match of this series, it was important for the Indian team to learn from their mistakes and they did exactly that. They didn't repeat the mistakes and that is the sign of a team being led by a good captain, said Poonam on JioStar. Smriti, who fell for nine in the first game, made an unbeaten 47 off 25 balls, while Shafali smashed 55 off 24 deliveries. She used her feet well, utilised the depth of the crease and forged an excellent partnership with Shafali. If India keeps improving like this game after game, then I see no reason why they cannot go on to win the Champions Trophy next year, added Poonam. She further described the opening duo of Smriti and Shafali as the backbone of India's batting and added that their ability to score through timing, not just power, sets them apart from others. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have become the pillars of Indian batting. A good batting pair in T20 Internationals have the ability to score not just through power, but also through timing. These two do exactly that. They bat as per the demands of the situation, which makes batting look easy and doesn't give the opposition bowlers a chance to dominate them. In the previous game, both Shafali and Smriti got dismissed early, but in this match, they were having none of that, as both of them played good knocks, built a strong partnership, and set the platform for the run chase. She further described the opening duo of Smriti and Shafali as the backbone of India's batting and added that their ability to score through timing, not just power, sets them apart from others. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have become the pillars of Indian batting. A good batting pair in T20 Internationals have the ability to score not just through power, but also through timing. These two do exactly that. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Gannon's five puts Queensland in charge despite McSweeney, Lehmann fifties
Gannon took 5 for 42 to bowl South Australia out for 203 despite 62 from Lehmann and 54 from McSweeney before Queensland reached 63 for 2 at stumps with Burdon 39 not out
Sourav Ganguly offers prayers on Maha Ashtami in Behala
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly offered prayers on Maha Ashtami and expressed profound sadness over the tragic stampede at a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal, urging devotees to exercise extreme caution amidst large crowds.
After Joining Elite Club With Wickets Off First Two Balls, Niki Prasad Vows To Keep Learning
U19 T20 World Cup: Young batting all-rounder Niki Prasad, who joined an exclusive club by picking up wickets with her first two balls in international cricket during the second T20I against Zimbabwe, stated that she prefers to draw lessons from setbacks rather than carry the burden of a poor performance into her next game. Niki, who captained India to its second successive Womens U19 T20 World Cup triumph in Malaysia in 2025, returned with figures of 2-7 from two overs of off-spin as India thrashed Zimbabwe by nine wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Niki became only the third player to strike with each of her first two deliveries in T20Is, after Australia's Michael Kasprowicz and USA's Akshatha Rao. That bowling effort, along with another day of terrific fielding effort, came after a composed debut in the series opener at the same venue, where she made an unbeaten 39 off 35 balls and hit the winning runs. If I keep thinking that my performance is not good, then I think I will play the next matches under the same pressure. So I think about what the lessons were from a match that didn't go well and how to apply them in the next match, Prasad was quoted as saying by the ICC in the post-match press conference. India will look to complete a clean sweep when they take on Zimbabwe in the final T20I here on Tuesday. Despite the emphatic win, Niki felt there was still room for improvement, particularly in the field. I think in every practice session and every match, we try to make as many improvements as possible. There were some misfields here and there, but overall, our team's progress has been really good. She also credited her fellow bowlers for sticking to a simple plan. Our plans were very clear. We wanted to attack the stumps as much as possible. I think all the bowlers were very sharp in executing the plan. Niki further remarked the batters had regrouped well after the opening game. The flow of the batters is not the same every day. We came back and talked about what we could do better. It was very basic: we would focus on our strengths as much as possible. All the batters, Smriti di and Shafali di, went out and played to their strengths. She also credited her fellow bowlers for sticking to a simple plan. Our plans were very clear. We wanted to attack the stumps as much as possible. I think all the bowlers were very sharp in executing the plan. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Couldn't Sleep After My Dismissal In Last Game, Says Shafali After Hitting Fifty Against Zimbabwe
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: India vice-captain Shafali Verma has revealed that her poor body language during her soft dismissal in the series opener against Zimbabwe left her sleepless, and prompted her to go back to watching her old videos, as she slammed a match-winning half-century in the second T20I. Shafali smashed 55 off 24 balls and shared a 96-run opening stand with captain Smriti Mandhana as India raced to victory to seal the three-match series with a game to spare at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium on Sunday night. To be honest, the way I got out in the last match, I couldn't even sleep because of my body language. It's not just because I got caught out. My body language was bad. I went and watched the video. So, I think I went and analysed how I can bat better. I didn't play by bending much. So, I watched 2-3 videos of mine. So, I tried to look at the ball and react and play by bending a little because the wicket is low. So, I was trying to go ball by ball and play till the end, Shafali said in a video posted on bcci.tv on Monday. Though Shafali holed out with India needing just seven more runs for the series win, Smriti stayed till the end to close it out. Shafali dedicated the triumph to the exciting young players in the squad. I think it's a very good feeling. First of all, I'm feeling very happy for the youngsters because we have a lot of young players and this series is a win for them. This series is only for them and we will dedicate this series win to them. We know that there is one more match left. We will try to execute all our plans and support our youngsters, she added. She was particularly impressed with the exploits of Niki Prasad, her teammate at Delhi Capitals in the WPL, who has made an impact with both bat and ball and fielding efforts. The way Niki bowled, I was really happy for her and the way she is doing, not just bowling, not just batting, not just fielding, the way she is creating the impact. So, I'm really happy. She has played with me in Delhi Capitals. The way she caught the catch, she does it the same for the Delhi Capitals. So, it's not a big deal for me. Of course, she is playing in the Indian team. But I have seen this before - so, I'm used to it. Shafali further said her aggressive approach was rooted in mental strength and thorough preparation. It's more than fearless when I'm mentally strong. So, I try to go for a good preparation before the game so that I don't feel that I could have done this or that. So, I stay clear and I think I do my best mentally. So, I'm just trying to keep it simple and execute the things which are in my mind. Reflecting on how her mindset had evolved, especially after being dropped from the team in 2025 before staging a return from the series against England and then becoming Player of the Match in 2025 Womens ODI World Cup final wi, Shafali admitted that in the past she would dwell on good performances for too long, something she learnt to correct. For example, maybe in 2020, 2022, 2023 - the matches in which I used to score, I used to stay in that match only. Like I would go, 'Oh, I scored' and I couldn't think about the next match. So, I think I learnt this in 2025 that how quickly I have to move forward mentally. I have to learn well from the previous game. I have to take what I did well and I have to start from zero in the next match. So, I have improved this thing on my own and I have become mentally stable now. I keep looking at the score again and again. What does the team need? What do I have to do now? So, I'm just trying to do simple things right. Shafali signed off by saying she was relishing her role as Indias vice-captain. I think vice-captaincy, I'm enjoying it a lot. I'm trying to provide everything to the youngsters. Me and Smriti di try to keep them in a good mental space. I have to take what I did well and I have to start from zero in the next match. So, I have improved this thing on my own and I have become mentally stable now. I keep looking at the score again and again. What does the team need? What do I have to do now? So, I'm just trying to do simple things right. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Injured McDermott returns to rescue Tasmania after Hoekstra surges
The home side were 45 for 7 and one stage as the young left-arm quick tore through them
Cheteshwar Pujara Picks India's XI For First New Zealand Test, Makes Big No. 3 Call
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has picked his playing XI for the first Test against New Zealand, which begins on November 19 in Wellington.
'Bumrah shouldn't play all three formats till the ODI World Cup': Shastri
Former India coach Ravi Shastri has advised the Indian team management to preserve pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for Test cricket and use him sparingly in other formats to keep him fresh for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Afghanistan Name Gulbadin Naib-led Squad For Hong Kong Sixes
Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground: Afghanistan have named an experienced seven-member squad led by Gulbadin Naib for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, with the side set to compete in the fast-paced tournament at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground from October 30 to November 1. Naib will captain a squad featuring Farmanullah Safi, Imran Mir, Abdul Rahman, Karim Janat, Nangeyalia Kharote and Sediqullah Pacha as Afghanistan prepare to bring their aggressive brand of cricket to the short-format competition. Afghanistan have been placed in Group D alongside South Africa and Oman. With matches played in a six-a-side format, teams will need to maximise scoring opportunities while maintaining discipline with the ball and in the field. The Hong Kong Sixes features six players per side and six overs per innings, placing a premium on explosive batting, inventive bowling and quick decision-making. The condensed format leaves little room for prolonged periods of consolidation, making all-round contributions particularly valuable. Naibs experience at the international level will be central to Afghanistans campaign as they look to make an impression against a competitive field. The squad will aim to adapt quickly to the tournaments demands and deliver an entertaining brand of cricket. Welcoming Afghanistans participation, Anuraag Bhatnagar, Director of Commercial and Marketing at Cricket Hong Kong, China, said the teams approach would add to the tournaments appeal. Afghanistan have consistently brought tremendous energy and competitive spirit to the game, and we are delighted to welcome their squad to the Hong Kong Sixes 2026. The tournament celebrates the excitement, entertainment and fast-paced nature of cricket, and Afghanistans attacking style promises to add to the spectacle. We look forward to welcoming the team and giving fans an unforgettable cricketing experience, Bhatnagar said. Welcoming Afghanistans participation, Anuraag Bhatnagar, Director of Commercial and Marketing at Cricket Hong Kong, China, said the teams approach would add to the tournaments appeal. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Darcie Brown ruled out of the upcoming WBBL season with back injury
In a major blow, Australia and Adelaide Strikers pacer Darcie Brown has been ruled out of the upcoming WBBL (Womens Big Bash League) season. It is interesting to note that Brown has been ruled out...
Afghanistan Announce Squad For Hong Kong Sixes 2026, Gulbadin Naib To Lead
Afghanistan have announced their squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, with experienced all-rounder Gulbadin Naib named captain.
Why Parthiv Patel Rejected Chief Selector Post
Parthiv Patel turned down the opportunity to become the chairman of selectors, citing 'financial issues' related to the remuneration for the role compared to his existing commitments.
Smriti Mandhana-Led India Eye T20I Series Sweep Against Zimbabwe
With its batting unit back in rhythm, the Indian women's cricket team will aim to extend its winning streak and complete a 3-0 sweep against Zimbabwe in the final T20I.
Shafali Verma surpasses Smriti Mandhana in an elite list as India women T20I series against Zimbabwe
The Indian womens team put in a strong performance against Zimbabwe in the second T20I of the ongoing three-game series. The two sides met at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur, on October...
Where does Matt Renshaw rank in the eyes of the ICC after conquering Kingsmead?
Renshaw came oh so close to racking up two centuries in one match as the Aussies took a series lead in South Africa. The post Where does Matt Renshaw rank in the eyes of the ICC after conquering Kingsmead? appeared first on Cricket365 .
Pakistan Batter Salman Agha Scripts Unique ODI Record With Century Against Sri Lanka
Salman Agha scored 107 off 90 balls with the help of 10 fours and one six against Sri Lanka in the opening game of ODI Tri-Series.
India vs New Zealand: 100 Years of Rivalry, World Cup Preparations and a Landmark Tour
India begins its New Zealand tour 2026 in Christchurch on October 22, and the contest will be about much more than runs and wickets. For the hosts, it is a commercial opportunity and a chance to strengthen their growing reputation as one of the most formidable opponents in international cricket. For India, it is an opportunity to play in some of the most testing conditions in world cricket and test themselves ahead of the forthcoming World Cup. Spread across six weeks, the 12-match programme comprises five T20 Internationals, five One-Day Internationals and two Tests. It is the largest inbound international tour in New Zealand Cricket's history by number of matches, with Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga hosting the action. The tour coincides with the commemoration of 100 years of sporting ties between India and New Zealand, which began with an Indian Army hockey team's visit in 1926. India's relationship with New Zealand cricket has a fascinating history. Their first Test tour of New Zealand in 1967-68 became a landmark in Indian cricket, as the team led by Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi won the four-Test series 3-1. It was India's first-ever overseas Test series victory. Over the years, India have experienced both success and frustration on New Zealand soil. Their 2008-09 tour brought a memorable 1-0 Test series victory, India's first Test series triumph there since 1968. The 2013-14 tour was far more closely fought, while the 2019-20 visit ended in a 2-0 Test series defeat. The rivalry has since acquired a new intensity. New Zealand defeated India in the 2019 World Cup semi-final and the inaugural World Test Championship final in 2021. India responded with victories in the 2023 World Cup semi-final and the 2024 Champions Trophy final, before the two sides met again in the 2026 T20 World Cup final. However, in October-November 2024, New Zealand became the first team to defeat India in a three-Test series on Indian soil, recording a historic 3-0 sweep. New Zealand also won their first-ever bilateral ODI series in India, taking the three-match contest 2-1 in January 2026. NZC has indicated that income from India's visit can support the wider game for two or three years. This is significant against the backdrop of a reported NZ$7.3 million deficit for the financial year ended July 2026. It has now projected a surplus exceeding NZ$10 million for the following financial year, with the India tour expected to be a major contributor. For a relatively small cricketing nation, a successful India tour can therefore deliver benefits that go far beyond full stadiums. The money generated can help sustain the system that produces the next generation of New Zealand cricketers. They have even secured major sponsorship contracts from India, with 'Hero MotoCorp' and a new company called 'Ai+ Smartphone'. The ODI leg carries particular significance because it provides a rare opportunity to assess India's white-ball resources ahead of the 2027 World Cup. It could also offer New Zealand supporters the chance to watch Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the defining figures of modern Indian cricket, in the format in which they continue to feature. Clearly, New Zealand aim to capitalise on the buzz generated by their presence in the squad. Incidentally, the matches hold special significance for both players. Among the SENA nations, New Zealand is the only country where Rohit has not scored a hundred and where Virat Kohli has never been named 'Player of the Match'. This represents a final opportunity for them to change that record. In this ODI series, New Zealand players will wear a special jersey designed to mark the completion of 100 years of sporting relations between the two countries. The contrast between the two countries remains striking: India's vast cricketing resources and global following versus New Zealand's compact but highly competitive cricket system. Yet the history of this rivalry shows that size and resources do not guarantee victory. The New Zealand media have dubbed the series the '1.48 billion people vs. 5 million people' contest. When the first ball is bowled in Christchurch, the contest will begin with a century of sporting friendship behind it and the memory of recent battles fresh in the minds of both teams. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories It is also worth noting that, before this tour, India had never played a Test match on New Zealand soil in November. There was a time when tours of Australia and New Zealand were combined rather than playing separate series against New Zealand. Now, thanks to improved travel connectivity and resources, touring New Zealand for a cricket series is no longer as difficult.
Abhimanyu: The 'dream' to play for India is 'still there'
Abhimanyu, 31, was part of the India Test squad on the tour of England in 2025 but has not been picked since
Darcie Brown ruled out of WBBL with a back injury
Brown is yet to return to training after suffering a disc injury on the Australia A tour of India last month
Scoring Runs Is Not Easy: Agha Credits Domestic Cricket For International Turnaround
Salman Agha: Pakistan batter Salman Agha has credited domestic cricket for helping him rediscover his batting rhythm after a difficult spell at the international level, with the 32-year-old making an emphatic return to ODI action through a match-winning century against Sri Lanka on Sunday, during the opening fixture of the tri-series also featuring England. Agha, who had not represented Pakistan internationally since August, struck an unbeaten 107 off 90 deliveries to steer the hosts to victory. His performance came after a challenging period in which he lost his place in Pakistans T20I and Test sides, as well as the captaincy in the shortest format. Rather than allowing the setbacks to derail his campaign, the right-hander returned to Pakistans domestic circuit, where a substantial run-scoring spree helped him rebuild his confidence and correct technical flaws. Speaking after his innings against Sri Lanka, Agha called for greater recognition of domestic cricket, arguing that performances outside the international arena should not be dismissed when established players return to the circuit to regain form. I feel that we dont give enough respect to our domestic cricket, Agha said after his innings of 107 from just 90 deliveries against Sri Lanka. The Pakistan batter had given selectors plenty to consider during his time away from the national team. Representing Kingsmen in the Presidents Trophy Grade-I competition, he struck an unbeaten triple-century in mid-September before registering another hundred towards the end of the following month. Those performances came across five domestic matches and proved instrumental in preparing him for his international comeback. Agha was particularly critical of the perception that runs scored in domestic competitions carry less weight than those made at the highest level, insisting that success in such environments requires considerable effort and consistency. People think conditions there are very easy and scoring runs is a walk in the parkwhich isnt true, otherwise everyone would go and score. When a player like me scores runs there, social media, ex-cricketers, or the media often downplay it by saying, Oh, he just scored runs in domestic (cricket). Let me tell you, scoring runs in domestic cricket is not easy. You have to go there, play well, and fight for your runs; otherwise, runs simply dont come. Its unfortunate when people talk down about domestic cricket, because players who come up through that systemlike me, after 10 years of domestic cricket followed by four or four and a half years of international performance, or Saud (Shakeel), who also came through domestic cricket and played so well todaydeserve recognition. Many others do too. Its time we all respect domestic cricket. Instead of saying that scoring in domestic cricket is easy when an international player goes back out of form and performs there, we should appreciate it. Look at me: I came back after playing five domestic matches. My batting alignment and mechanics were out of place, but I went there, played, performed, and improved significantly. Today, by the grace of Allah, that success translated here. Its time to give domestic cricket the respect it deserves, he expressed. The century also offered a response to the questions surrounding Aghas recent international struggles. Despite having been a consistent performer for Pakistan over several years, a difficult run in Test cricket preceded his omission from the squad for the tour of England, after he had captained the side in the opening Test at Leeds. His exclusion from the T20I setup added to the uncertainty surrounding his position in the national team. However, Agha maintained that a temporary dip in performance should be viewed in the context of a players broader career rather than being treated as a definitive measure of his ability. He also acknowledged the difficulty of recovering from a poor run against international opposition. I mean, three or four Test matches didnt go well, but I had been performing consistently for four years before that, Agha noted. So I dont think being in or out of the limelight changes things drastically. But yes, when you face a rough patch in international cricket, getting out of it isnt easy because you are playing high-risk cricket under immense pressure against the best professionals in the world. So I dont think being in or out of the limelight changes things drastically. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Rinku Singh Slams Second Consecutive Ranji Trophy Ton, Fans Blast BCCI For Ignoring Him
Rinku Singh, who represents Uttar Pradesh, scored 112 against Bihar and followed it up with an unbeaten 118 against Goa.
Indias scheduling SNAFU how much is too much?
In these last 114 days since Shreyas first walked out for the toss, India have played 21 matches against Ireland, England, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Japan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the West Indies. Imagine playing every one of these matches, in different time zones
Kuldeep has been treated unfairly, feels Ashwin
South Africa 20-2 against Australia at stumps as rain spoils day one of second cricket Test
South Africa was struggling at 20-2 at stumps, after the morning session at St. George's Park in Gqeberha was nearly completely lost to the weather.
Salman's Ton, Fast Bowlers Seal ODI Tri-series Opener For Pakistan Against SL
Salman Ali Agha: Salman Ali Agha's 107 from 90 balls and fast bowlers combined to help Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series opener by 37 runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium here on Sunday. Salman set the tone for Pakistan to make 305 in 49.5 overs in a rollercoaster first innings, which saw momentum swing from one team to the other. Sri Lanka speedsters did the damage with the ball as Eshan Malinga starred with four wickets, while Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka shared five wickets, but Salman's knock had put Pakistan a little beyond what Sri Lanka would have liked. The visitors were put up a strong fight, especially after being 91/4 at one stage to take the game close. Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage scored half-centuries but Shaheen Afridi's three-wicket haul and two wickets each from Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf saw the Men in Green bag the opener of the tri-series, which also features England. Pakistan had started well with Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub hitting a few boundaries. However, they were in trouble soon when they lost both the openers inside the first six overs to be at 32/2 after 5.5 overs. Babar Azam (45 from 57 balls) and Saad Baig (39 from 40 balls) joined hands for a strong 74-run stand for the third wicket; however, the hosts lost both the players in quick succession. Hasan Nawaz (37) and Salman put 97 runs for the fifth wicket, but Pakistan lost their way when they went from 279/6 to 305 all out. Avishka Fernando was dismissed in the sixth over by Naseem, while Kamindu Mendis made a strong 44 from 50 balls. Captain Kusal Mendis struggled at 13 from 31 balls and was dismissed on 18. The visitors were in trouble at 91/4 in 19.3 overs and needed a strong stand. Rathnayake and Liyanage joined hands for a strong 119-run stand for the fifth wicket and brought hope back to the team. But Rathnayake was dismissed by Ashraf on 79 before Liyanage fell to Rauf on 60. Dasun Shanaka made a strong 28 from 18 balls, but when he was removed by Shaheen, the Lankan Lions' tail could not fight, and they were bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs. Rathnayake and Liyanage joined hands for a strong 119-run stand for the fifth wicket and brought hope back to the team. But Rathnayake was dismissed by Ashraf on 79 before Liyanage fell to Rauf on 60. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
