Vaibhav Sooryavanshi or Sanju Samson, who will start for India against Afghanistan in first T20I?
Afghanistan host India in a three-match T20I series at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. It's a perfect opportunity for both the teams to test the squad ahead of the upcoming Asian Games. However,...
Injured Baartman out of Australia ODIs, Duan Jansen named replacement
Baartman is the second South Africa player to be ruled out, after Kagiso Rabada
LSG Owner Sanjiv Goenka Spills Beans On 'Last Conversation' With Rishabh Pant
Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka recently opened up about his relationship with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.
Joe Root hails England's 'excellent' response to chaotic summer
England Test captain Joe Root has lauded his side's 'excellent' response to an 'unusual summer' marked by a captaincy change, a new coach, and off-field incidents, following their dominant 3-0 series sweep against Pakistan.
Namibia opt to bat with two changes; SA bring in Corbin Bosch, Fortuin
South Africa will chase for the first time in the series while eyeing a clean sweep
New Delhi Weather Forecast for India vs Afghanistan: Rain Threat Looms Over Ind vs Afg 1st T20I
Rain could shape the opening night of the India vs Afghanistan T20I series in New Delhi on Sunday, but an improved drainage setup at the Arun Jaitley Stadium may prevent a long delay if showers are brief. The first match of
India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I: Bumrah Returns as Iyer Faces Tough Selection Call
India begin their preparations for the Asian Games as they face Afghanistan in the three-game T20I series in New Delhi on Sunday. The unusual series sees Afghanistan listed as the hosts even as all the games are being played at the
Smriti Mandhana Fights Deep Emotions When Asked About Her 'Hardest Night', Then This Reply
Smriti Mandhana was asked about the 'hardest night' of her life. She visibly got a little emotional before responding to the question.
Motie's late hits clinch thriller; Tridents, Kingsmen through to playoffs
Jamaica Kingsmen finished their league stage just above St Lucia Kings to make the playoffs despite finishing with a loss
Defending champions Kataka Panthers unveil squad ahead of Odisha T20 League 2026
Digital Desk | Cuttack, Sep 13 (IANS) Defending champions Kataka Panthers are fully geared up to conquer the upcoming Odisha T20 League 2026 once again as they unveiled their squad and official team song here at their Ramdaspur facility in Barang. The Panthers begin their title defense in the tournament opener on September 20 against Sambalpur Warriors and are looking ahead with sheer grit and conviction to tackle state-wide challenges head-on and script back-to-back championship triumphs. Organised under the aegis of the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), the 10-day tournament will run from September 20 to September 29, 2026, at the historic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Kataka Panthers represents one of the oldest cities of Odisha, which boasts a glorious history of more than 1,000 years, carrying the deep-rooted emotions of thousands of passionate cricket enthusiasts across the state. Anchoring this legacy is the exuberant pedigree and experience of skipper Biplab Samantaray, who has represented Deccan Chargers Hyderabad (2012) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (2013), and notably has a half-century to his credit in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Leading from the front, Kataka Panthers Captain Biplab Samantaray underlined the squad's synergy, focus on tournament dynamics and relentless hunger: Walking onto the ground as defending champions is a tremendous badge of honor, but it also demands utter responsibility and zero room for complacency. The incredible love and reception from the Bharat Masala family has supercharged our dressing room. In a compact 17-match tournament featuring quality outfits like Sambalpur Warriors, Bhubaneswar Tigers, Puri Titans, Keonjhar Miners, and Rourkela Steelers, every single league game carries massive weight. Our goal is to dominate early, stay consistent, and aim straight for that top spot on the table to secure a direct berth in the final on September 29. We have built an electrifying squad that blends fearless power-hitters, versatile all-rounders, and sharp bowlers. Every player is hungry, locked in on our processes, and prepared to give 200% on the field to bring back-to-back championship trophies home for Cuttack. Echoing the captain's confidence while emphasizing squad readiness, tournament strategy and player progression, head coach Pravanjan Mullick stated, Bharat Masala has demonstrated exemplary trust in this squad, and having lifted the trophy together last season with Biplab steering the ship on the field and myself coaching from the dugout, our winning chemistry is rock solid. With only 17 matches deciding the destiny of the championship, every fixture is virtually a knockout. Beyond defending our title, this league is an extraordinary showcase for our players, with national spotters and IPL scouts analyzing every game. Its been a couple of seasons since Odisha players broke into IPL franchises, and our boys have the raw talent, mental fortitude, and firepower to bridge that gap. We are fully prepared to dictate terms from match one on September 20 right through to the final on September 29. Franchise owner Sri Susanta Kumar Panda, Managing Director of Jay Bharat Spices Pvt. Ltd. (Bharat Masala), lauded the teams fearless spirit and highlighted their long-term vision: As defending champions, we want the boys to pour all their heart and energy into the tournament, working towards our ultimate dream of an Odisha IPL franchise. Final Squad: Biplab Samantaray (Captain), Piyush Mantri, Sibun Nanda, Sourav Gouda, Priyanshu Mohanty, Soumyaranjan Biswal, Subham Satrujit, Raaz Yadav, M Goutam Gopal, Kartik Biswal, Subhasis Mallick, D Ayush, Prasant Rana, Abhiroop Das, Abhishek Singh, Sarthak S Prakash.
Crash And Burn: Pakistan Cricket At A New Low After England Humiliation
Pakistan cricket hit a fresh low during the dismal 3-0 Test whitewash in England, even if a dazzling cameo by debutant Razaullah at least ensured a tour marred by mid-series sackings ended with a flicker of hope. Described as the worst team to tour England in the last 50 years, Pakistan's cycle of chopping and changing continued when head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling chief Umar Gul were sacked from their posts. Seven players were expelled from the squad as the often vulnerable batting fell to a new low, failing to cross 200 in five of the six innings. White-ball coach Mike Hesson was brought in to take charge of the side for the third and final Test, a move which failed to reverse Pakistan's fortunes. The turmoil intensified when expelled players Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq were investigated by the national cybercrime agency on charges of leaking team information. Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said he had predicted this free fall. It's a disappointing state but I could see this coming for the last five years and you can't blame one particular person and one factor because there are many, Akram told AFP. His fellow former star Shahid Afridi described the situation as bleak. These are gloomy times in Pakistan cricket, Afridi told AFP. You don't disrespect players like this and your system is not strong. - Nothing new - Changes and upheaval after defeats are hardly new for Pakistan. The cricket team has had three captains and six head coaches for Tests over the last three years. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also had five different chairmen in as many years, resulting in a lack of consistent planning that has hurt the game's development. Punishing players has often gone hand in hand with those changes. The PCB banned then-captain Mohammad Yousuf and senior batter Younis Khan for an indefinite period and disciplined five other players, including Afridi, after a disastrous 3-0 whitewash in Australia in 2010. The third-test defeat to England at Edgbaston was Pakistan's 16th in their last 21 Tests, leaving them ninth and last on the World Test Championship (WTC) table, the same position in which they finished the previous cycle. Results in white-ball cricket have not been encouraging either. Pakistan crashed out in the first round of the ODI Champions Trophy last year, even though the event had marked the revival of their hosting rights after a 29-year exile caused by security concerns. Their Twenty20 fortunes have also gone into free fall. Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 T20 World Cup, while another campaign two years earlier ended in an embarrassing group-stage exit that included a shock defeat against an unfancied USA side. - No quick fix - Former leg-spinner and 1992 World Cup winner Mushtaq Ahmed blamed the decline on a lack of planning. We had a great number of match-winners and a strong legacy, and that is why we produced results in the past, Ahmed told AFP. Now the decline is steep and will take time to fix. With a flawed and inconsistent domestic system failing to prepare players for the demands of international cricket, an immediate solution appears unlikely. We need to realise that we lack talent in red-ball cricket. White-ball teams are okay, said Akram. It's easy to blame the PCB chairman but when we were sleeping and not addressing the overall flaws then such a fall happens. Meanwhile, fans are fast losing interest. All my four sons and I used to play in a local academy but in the last two years we all have lost interest as our team is not doing well, said Mohammad Afzal, a banker. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Cricket is fast losing ground in Pakistan and we need strong measures to revive the glory.
'Never felt prouder as an Indian': Ravi Shastri hails Modi
Ravi Shastri lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking a leading role in international diplomacy during the ongoing BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Legends Tear Into Board As Pakistan Cricket Crashes Into New Low In England
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said he had predicted this free fall.
Rahul Dravid's Ultimate Sacrifice: When 'The Wall' Proved Why He Was India's Mr. Dependable
Rahul Dravid took up wicket-keeping to strengthen India's ODI team balance, enabling an extra specialist batter and deepening the lineup during the early 2000s cricket evolution.
BRICS Summit: Ravi Shastri's Never Before Post For PM Narendra Modi Is Pure Gold
Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri praised PM Modi at the BRICS Summit for fostering unprecedented international diplomacy with leaders like Putin and Xi Jinping.
India vs Sri Lanka, Women's Asia Cup Final: All You Need To Know
After an unbeaten run in the group stage, Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. will be aiming to clinch a record-extending eighth Women's Asia Cup title.
Glasgow Cosmic Beat Dublin Guardians by 6 Wickets in ETPL Clash
Glasgow Cosmic produced a composed run chase to defeat Dublin Guardians by six wickets in the 23rd match of the ETPL, reaching 162/4 with seven balls to spare after Dublin were bowled out for 159. Having won the toss, Dublin Guardians elected to bat but struggled to build sustained momentum against a disciplined Glasgow attack. Vijay Shankar provided the backbone of the innings, scoring a fluent 67 off 43 balls to keep the Guardians competitive. His innings provided much-needed stability as wickets fell around him, but Dublin were eventually dismissed for 159. Ali Khan was the standout bowler for Cosmic, finishing with figures of 4/22, while Tymal Mills provided excellent support with 3/24. The pair consistently put pressure on the Guardians' batting order and ensured that Glasgow were set a chaseable target rather than a substantially higher total. Dublin's innings was largely dependent on Shankar's contribution, with the middle and lower order unable to produce a sustained partnership capable of taking the Guardians towards a bigger total. The pressure created by Cosmic's bowlers kept the scoring rate in check and Dublin ultimately ran out of wickets before they could make the most of the platform provided by their top scorer. Cosmic's reply began positively, with Finn Allen contributing 30 before Moises Henriques added 25 to keep the chase moving. The visitors maintained control through the middle overs, with George Munsey playing an important role in consolidating the innings and being named man of the match by scoring an unbeaten 50. Munsey's half-century proved particularly important as Cosmic kept the required rate within reach without taking unnecessary risks. With wickets in hand, Glasgow were able to build towards the target steadily, leaving themselves in a strong position for the final stages of the chase. As the target came within reach, Liam Livingstone provided the acceleration Cosmic needed. His 29 off 17 balls added to the chase and helped put Glasgow firmly in control during the closing stages. Richie Berrington helped cross the finish line by smashing three fours in his 15 runs from six balls. Cosmic ultimately reached 162/4, completing the chase with seven deliveries remaining to secure a six-wicket victory. Their successful pursuit was built around contributions throughout the batting order rather than reliance on a single major innings, while the earlier spells from Ali Khan and Tymal Mills had restricted Dublin to a total Glasgow could overhaul. For Dublin, Shankar's 67 was the defining batting contribution, but the Guardians could not convert his innings into a larger total. Glasgow's disciplined bowling effort followed by a measured chase ensured that Cosmic took both points from the contest. The result was secured through a balanced performance, with their bowlers first limiting Dublin and their batters then managing the chase effectively to Also Read: Special Cricket Stories complete a convincing six-wicket win.
How Afghanistan Prepared For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Challenge In T20 Series Opener
Afghanistan have made special preparations for the Vaibhav Sooryavanshi threat in the T20I series against india.
After Mass Sackings, Shaheen Afridi Sets Clear 'Priority' Over His Pakistan Future
Shaheen Shah Afridi has made it clear that reclaiming his place in Pakistan's Test side remains a priority, as he featured in the President's Trophy on Saturday, marking his first competitive red-ball appearance in domestic cricket since 2019.
Pakistan Pacer Fumes Over Teammates' Fielding Blunder During 3rd England Test. Video Viral
Pacer Mohammad Abbas could not control his emotions over the fielding blunder of his teammates and the video of his reaction has gone viral on social media.
Mohammed Shami Ignored Due To Age? Ex-India Star Busts Myth With 'Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma' Example
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra dismissed suggestions that pacer Mohammed Shami is being overlooked for national selection purely because of his age.
PIX: Rybakina wins US Open, denies Sabalenka three-peat
Elena Rybakina defeated top-seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the US Open women's singles final, securing her third career major title and setting her to become the new WTA World No. 1. Rybakina displayed dominant form, especially in the final set, overcoming the two-time defending champion.
PIX: Arsenal maintain perfect start; Liverpool, Chelsea held
Champions Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over Sunderland, maintaining their perfect start to the Premier League season and moving clear at the top. Meanwhile, title contenders Liverpool and Chelsea were held to draws against Fulham and Hull City respectively. Other notable results include Aston Villa's loss to Nottingham Forest, Ipswich's win against Crystal Palace, and Tottenham's continued struggle to score goals.
Gambhir has amazing one-on-one player management approach: Skipper Shreyas Iyer
Asked about his captaincy philosophy Iyer said he doesn't believe in burdening players with specific roles rather he wants them to develop game awareness intrinsic to T20 format
Womens T20 Asia Cup final: India eye record-extending eighth title win against gritty Sri Lanka
Keeping aside Shafalis form and Mandhanas century two games ago, India would still need more from their other batters; fielding still remains a major concern
U.S. Open: Harrison and Skupski win men's doubles title
The reigning Australian Open champions took the first set after Harrison struck a two-handed backhand return winner to break for a 4-3 lead. The American-British duo held serve the rest of the way to take the set 6-4
Ottneil Baartman injury concern for South Africa
Seamer only bowled five overs and did not bat in second innings of Dolphins' four-day series defeat
England Back On Track After 'Chaos', Says Joe Root
Joe Root says England are back on track after descending into chaos in recent months as he celebrated a 3-0 series whitewash over Pakistan on Saturday. Root, who previously served as skipper for five years before standing down in 2022, returned to the role following the dramatic international retirement of Ben Stokes in June. Stokes announced his shock departure during the Trent Bridge decider against New Zealand, having been stood down from the previous match following a disciplinary probe into a nightclub trip with teammate Gus Atkinson. England lost the series 2-1 and head coach Brendon McCullum was subsequently stripped of his red-ball responsibilities. But Root's return, in concert with interim head coach Marcus Trescothick, has brought a hat-trick of comfortable wins over Pakistan at Headingley, Lord's and now Edgbaston, steadying the ship ahead of Stephen Fleming's arrival as McCullum's long-term successor. The New Zealander is expected to arrive in the coming days and Root believes he will find a team on an even keel. There's been a lot of chaos around this series before a ball was bowled, the skipper said after hitting an unbeaten 62 in Saturday's eight-wicket win at Edgbaston. I think the way we've handled it on and off the field, the way everyone understands what is expected of them, both as a player and how we want to carry ourselves, is a really good thing. It's been a very unusual summer, hasn't it? There's been a lot of different things happen. We had a resignation mid-series, there has been a few off-field incidents and we've got a new coach. Whether you call it chaos, whether you call it unusual, whether you call it unsettling, all of those are fair. But ultimately, the thing that I care about and the most important thing is what happens from that. I think the way that we've responded to that has been excellent. England have been accused of a lack of professionalism following several high-profile off-field incidents both overseas and at home. The build-up to the second Test against Pakistan was overshadowed by an incident involving bowler Brydon Carse outside a nightclub. He was removed from the squad and has not been picked since. Root said it would take time to change the team environment. When you're trying to build a culture it doesn't happen overnight and it doesn't happen over the course of three or four weeks, said the Yorkshireman. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories It's going to take time to keep working at that, living it day in and day out, and that's something we'll continue to keep working at. We've made some really good strides in the right direction.
Hollie Armitage ton signs off Durham's campaign with a win
She was well supported by half-centurion Bess Heath as Katie George's hundred goes in vain for Warwickshire
Surrey sneak through to Eliminator with one-wicket win
Despite centuries from Niamh Holland and Sophie Luff, Somerset ended up losing with three balls to spare
Iyer: Game time crucial for Jasprit Bumrah's return
India T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer has highlighted the importance of regular game time and confidence for Jasprit Bumrah, who is returning from injury ahead of the Afghanistan T20I series, the Asian Games, and the ODI World Cup.
Kate Cross, Fi Morris bid farewell with Lancashire win
Retiring duo share five wickets in season-ending match against Yorkshire
England captain Joe Root credited former coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes for laying the foundation for the team's success after England completed a 3-0 Test series sweep against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Saturday.
We Have A Good Plan: Afghanistan Captain Fires Warning To Jasprit Bumrah Ahead Of 1st T20I vs India
Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran said his team has devised specific tactical plans to counter returning fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and hopes to handle him effectively in Sunday's opening T20I game.
Tess Flintoff, Milly Illingworth lead Australia A's rout of India A
India suffered a top order collapse that they never recovered from and Australia chased down a target of 118 with ease
Pakistan captain Babar Azam said the team needs to sit down, assess their mistakes and decide on their best playing XI after England completed a 3-0 Test series sweep with an eight-wicket victory at Edgbaston on Saturday.
Flintoff's 4-Wicket Burst Sinks India A in T20I Opener
Pacer Tess Flintoff's exceptional four-wicket haul dismantled India A's batting line-up, leading Australia A to a comfortable six-wicket victory in the opening match of the women's unofficial T20I series.
IPL Teams Interested To Buy BBL Franchise, Says Report. But Wary Of These Issues
According to a report, IPL team owners have shown interest in BBL stakes but face challenges like limited operational control and concurrent international fixtures.
Big Change For Shreyas Iyer And Co: Asian Games Cricket Schedule Tweaked - Report
India will start the cricket event as defending champions in both the men's and women's categories.
Razaullah's heroics delay Saim Ayub's CPL return by a day
Ayub's CPL franchise Jamaica Kingsmen had initially booked him on a flight to Barbados on the night of the third day of the Edgbaston Test
Shreyas can't wait to meet top Indian athletes at Asiad
India's T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer expressed his excitement about participating in the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, highlighting the opportunity to interact with top athletes and understand their mindset, while also focusing on the team's immediate T20I challenges.
Have Made Plans For Countering Bumrah; Hopefully We Play Better Cricket Against Him, Says Zadran
Arun Jaitley Stadium: Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran said his team has devised specific tactical plans to counter returning fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and hopes to handle him effectively in Sunday's opening T20I game, to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Bumrah is set to return to international action following a layoff due to a left knee injury sustained while fielding in the second ODI against England in Cardiff in July. His return adds the much-needed cutting edge to the Indian bowling attack, but Zadran insisted his side is keeping their approach simple rather than overcomplicating the challenge posed by the ace fast bowler. If you look at Jasprit Bumrah, he is one of the best, and he is my favourite fast bowler. We as a group never think things in a complicated way for ourselves. So we have a very good plan for him, and we just thought about him, how to play against him, and hopefully we are going to play better cricket against Jasprit Bumrah or the Indian Cricket Team, Zadran told reporters in a press conference on Saturday. He also highlighted the research done on India's teenage batting prodigy, left-handed opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, by using IPL intelligence gathered from teammates who have faced him in IPL 2025 and 2026. He is an amazing talent. Recently, he played great cricket in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and he has been performing well at a different level in cricket events. We have thought about him, and we have gained that knowledge from those guys who have played against him in the IPL. We have already watched his videos, and we just try to keep it very simple for ourselves, just to execute the right plans at the right time against him. We are just trying to make things simple for us, not complicated, he stated. Addressing the overall squad preparation, which also involved preparing at the Yamuna Sports Complex, Zadran noted that maintaining physical fitness across continuous assignments has been a major strength for Afghanistan. If you look at the squad for the past couple of years, all are fit enough; we haven't got any injuries or issues. So all are fit guys - you can see and have watched them all the time in the different leagues or at international level. So far there is no issue with the fitness side of things. Zadran, who takes over the T20I leadership from premier leg-spinner Rashid Khan, was confident that their good relationship would help the team start afresh in the shortest format after making an early exit from this years T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. I would say, I was destined to have a captain like Rashid Khan. Alongside him, we had better communication, better understanding between us. When he was a captain, I was helping him as a vice-captain, and the understanding is there. Yes, we have played enough cricket here in India; we all know the conditions, how to play, how to adjust ourselves, and we have played a series here against India, and the T20 World Cup, and the 50-over World Cup as well. We know the conditions really well, and how to play. We just need to execute the plan really well, according to the opposition, and that's it. Targeting a historic first series victory against India, Zadran believes focusing on execution and process will yield positive results. Yes, we have played better cricket against India. In 2024, we had two super overs against them in the T20I series in Bengaluru. At the ICC events, we have played better cricket against them. As you mentioned, we have never beaten them. Hopefully, we are going to play a good series, win a game, and win a series from them. But it's all about execution of the plan and giving your 100 percent. Its about trying to make things easy for ourselves, not complicated. Yes, we just try to give 100 percent. Don't think about the result; just try to think about the process, and how we are going to deliver. I am sure we will have a better series. The soft-spoken and introverted Zadran further stated that coaching continuity under Richard Pybus has effectively carried forward the progress made under his predecessor Jonathan Trott. We have got lots of achievements under Jonathan Trott. The understanding was there. I would say about Richard Pybus, he is amazing. He has been helping and sharing his own experiences with us. We have just thought about the areas where we struggled in the past and where we need to improve to make the standard high at international level. He is also a very good coach. We are so happy with him so far. At the moment, we are just trying to play better cricket. Just to make things easy for ourselves and how we can play better cricket against the opposition at the highest level. We thought about the areas we have to improve, what to do and what not to do. Hosting an away T20I series against India in India sounds a bit unfamiliar, but Zadran felt it represents a historic milestone for Afghan cricket. I would say it's a great sign for us to host India in India in their home country for the first time. It's a great achievement for us and our cricket. I'm sure it will help a lot. I can't say anything about the pitch or the wicket. Yes, we have looked at the pitches and the wicket. As I have mentioned earlier, we have played better cricket. In India, we have played at many different venues. We have the understanding and the idea of how to play here. Yes, we will just try to make things easy for ourselves and not think over a lot. We know the wickets, how it's going to behave. We just need to execute our plans well and give 100 percent and show the energy. I can't say anything about the pitch or the wicket. Yes, we have looked at the pitches and the wicket. As I have mentioned earlier, we have played better cricket. In India, we have played at many different venues. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Like how to handle myself and how to handle my guys, especially during pressure situations. I would say challenges will be there. But how I'm going to improve myself, accept the challenges, and execute my plans according to the situation is going to be the key. Article Source: IANS
Important for Bumrah to get game time: Shreyas
India captain Shreyas Iyer faces a tight selection decision in the make-up of the top order ahead of Sunday's first T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, adding that the depth of talent is more of a luxury for him rather than a headache.
CRICKET | Ibrahim Zadran keen to enjoy new responsibility as full-time skipper
New T20I Captain, Zadran Ready For Responsibility
Afghanistan's new T20I captain, Ibrahim Zadran, is focused on enjoying his new role, taking responsibility, and making sound decisions under pressure, especially with the upcoming series in India.
England V Pakistan Test Series: 3 Talking Points
Pakistan finally found some spark in the third Test against England at Edgbaston but it was too little, too late to avoid a 3-0 whitewash. Captain Joe Root led from the front on Saturday as England shrugged off the loss of two early wickets to win by eight wickets, following decisive victories at Headingley and Lord's. AFP Sport looks at three talking points after the end of a one-sided series. New Root era English cricket was at a low ebb just two months ago following a series loss to New Zealand and the exits of head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. Joe Root was placed in charge again despite a modest record in his first spell, partly due to a lack of strong alternatives. The Yorkshireman, England's record Test runscorer, said he did not want to rip up the Bazball blueprint of ultra-attacking cricket played under McCullum and Stokes as he plotted how to turn the side's fortunes around. In truth, the skipper has had a gentle reintroduction to the job against a weak Pakistan team that have now lost 16 of their past 21 Tests. Root was often criticised for his tactics in his first spell as captain and questions were raised over his handling of the situation as Razaullah cut loose with the bat on Friday. Tougher tests lie ahead, beginning with a three-Test series against South Africa in December and January, but the captain at least has a platform to build on. Batting strength England, boosted by a powerful seam attack, have scored enough runs to see off weak opponents, but they will need their batsmen to step up in tougher tests ahead. The home team scored a total of 14 fifties in the three-match series but not one of those was converted into a century. Former England captain Alastair Cook said the lack of big scores was a concern. The lack of hundreds and whether that's down to the conditions they're facing and the fact that the ball is staying hard throughout the 80 overs the majority of the time, he said. I think it's just a little thing in that dressing room when you get into fifties because it's like a habit to all of them. So it gets broken by two people scoring hundreds and everyone reacts, but the minute until someone does it, it is a concern. England's pace attack has drawn favourable comparisons with the Fab Four who wrested back the Ashes in 2005. But Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson will know conditions will not always be so favourable. Pakistan chaos Pakistan are in desperate need of a reset after three heavy defeats left them rock bottom of the World Test Championship. Wholesale changes to the playing and coaching staff after the second Test at Lord's were deeply disruptive, even though the tourists showed some fight in Birmingham. Captain Babar Azam admitted his team would have to take stock after a miserable series. We need to sit down and look hard at our mistakes, decide our playing XI, he said. Debutant Razaullah showed there is abundant raw talent in Pakistan, taking four wickets and scoring an audacious 81 off 63 balls, but that talent has to be nurtured and channelled. Clear thinking, a process, and a plan that lasts for longer than the next weekend coming (is needed for Pakistan), former England batsman Mark Butcher told Sky Sports. He added: Until things are better at the top of the game, in terms of that decision-making, then the players are always going to be hung out to dry. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories It was only because of Razaullah and his play yesterday that there was anything to smile about for Pakistan at all.
Watch: India Stars Fail To Recognise AI-Generated Vaibhav Sooryavanshi In Viral 1980s Makeover
The popular photo-editing trend going viral has seen users turn ordinary selfies into retro portraits that look as though they were pulled straight from an old family album or a Bollywood studio shoot.
Shreyas Iyer Gives Big Verdict On Gautam Gambhir's Coaching Skills, Reveals His 'Amazing' Quality
Gautam Gambhir's working style has polarised opinion since he took over the reins of the Indian team but skipper Shreyas Iyer says the head coach is a fantastic man-manager, an attribute he admired while working with him at Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024.
'Continuation Of Stuff Happened Before': Joe Root Credits McCullum, Stokes After 3-0 Sweep
Joe Root: England captain Joe Root credited former coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes for laying the foundation for the teams success after England completed a 3-0 Test series sweep against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Saturday. Root, who returned to the captaincy for the series, said Englands dominant run was a continuation of the work done by McCullum and Stokes, who transformed the teams approach during their tenure. I dont think we would have been able to play in the manner that we have without the work that Brendon (McCullum) did as coach and Ben (Stokes) as captain. And I think its a continuation and a small evolution of all the stuff that happened before this, Root said after Englands eight-wicket win in Birmingham. So that has to continue forward, and well continue to keep trying to evolve that and improve on whats been a really good summer here, he added. England chased down 130 with ease in the final innings after Pakistan had put up their strongest batting performance of the series in the second innings, scoring 449. Root remained unbeaten on 62, and Jordan Cox made 59 as the pair shared an unbroken 128-run partnership to take England over the line after Mohammad Abbas had given Pakistan some hope with early wickets. Root said Englands ability to deal with pressure and uncertainty throughout the series was particularly pleasing. Weve had things go our own way a little bit throughout the series, and we had a little bit of pushback yesterday, which was, in a strange way, quite a good thing for the group, he said. But for us to come through it and be so convincing in the way that weve finished the series off, and throughout the whole three games really, has been really pleasing, he added. Pakistans second-innings fight was led by debutant Razaullah, who smashed 81 off 63 balls with nine sixes, while Shan Masood scored 95, Babar Azam made 76 and Azam Awais contributed 59. Root admitted England had little information about Razaullah before the match but praised the youngster for making life difficult for the hosts. He played some wonderful shots, made it quite difficult to set fields to, and struck the ball nicely. I dont know how hes not pulled a side really; hes swinging that hard. But fair play, he played nicely and made it difficult for us, Root said. The England captain also praised stand-in coach Marcus Trescothick for his contribution during the series, saying he had balanced his short-term role with preparing the team for the future. He played some wonderful shots, made it quite difficult to set fields to, and struck the ball nicely. I dont know how hes not pulled a side really; hes swinging that hard. But fair play, he played nicely and made it difficult for us, Root said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Roots comments came after England sealed their first-ever home Test series whitewash over Pakistan, ending the three-match series with a perfect 3-0 record. Article Source: IANS
Mike Hesson 'open' to taking on Pakistan Test head coach role
New Zealander was given interim control for Edgbaston Test and could be appointed across formats
Sher-E-Punjab T20: Amritsar Soormas Storm Into The Final With A 7-wicket Win Over Mohali Kings
Punjab T20 League: Amritsar Soormas marched into the final of the inaugural Sher-E-Punjab T20 League after registering a commanding seven-wicket win over Mohali Kings at the I.S. Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Saturday. The Soormas produced a strong all-round performance, with their bowlers restricting Mohali Kings to 169/7 before Naman Dhir took charge with the bat. His aggressive knock helped Amritsar chase down the target comfortably and book their place in the title clash. Batting first, Mohali Kings were restricted to 169/7 in their 20 overs. Amritsars bowlers kept things under control, especially during the later stages of the innings, preventing the Kings from finishing with a bigger total. Mohali lost a few early wickets before Anmolpreet Singh and Ramandeep Singh came together to steady the innings. The two added 55 runs for the fourth wicket, giving the Kings a much-needed platform. Ramandeep was eventually dismissed for 42 off 28 balls, while Anmolpreet followed soon after, scoring 43 off 26 balls. With Mohali needing another strong partnership, Harpreet Brar and Sohraab Dhaliwal joined hands and added 54 runs for the sixth wicket. Dhaliwal scored a quick 26 off 13 balls before being dismissed, while Brar stayed unbeaten on 33 off 27 balls. For Amritsar, Jaipratap was the most successful bowler, picking up three wickets, although he conceded 45 runs in his four overs. Akash Pandey also chipped in with two wickets for 33 runs in his four overs at the I.S. Bindra Stadium, which has hosted international matches in the past. Shubham Rana impressed with an economical spell, conceding just 21 runs from his three overs and helping keep the scoring under control. In the chase, Amritsar suffered an early setback as Sahaj Dhawan and Jashanpreet Singh were dismissed with only seven runs on the board. With the Soormas under early pressure, Naman Dhir and Abhay Choudhary took charge and began rebuilding the innings. Naman, in particular, took the attack to the Mohali bowlers. The right-hander found the boundary regularly and completely changed the momentum of the chase. His most damaging over came against Harshdeep Singh, when Naman smashed 30 runs, including five sixes, to put Amritsar firmly in control. Naman continued his attacking approach but was eventually dismissed after being trapped in front by Manpreet Singh. He made a brilliant 91 off just 37 balls, leaving Amritsar within touching distance of victory. His most damaging over came against Harshdeep Singh, when Naman smashed 30 runs, including five sixes, to put Amritsar firmly in control. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Abhay remained unbeaten on 48 off 38 balls, while Rahul contributed 26 not out off 16 balls as Amritsar completed a comfortable seven-wicket victory. Article Source: IANS
Joe Root Beats Sachin Tendulkar For Massive All-Time Test Record
England skipper Joe Root surpassed legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar's record for most fifties in Test cricket during England's eight-wicket win over Pakistan in the third and final Test at Edgbaston on Saturday.
England Close In On India In WTC Standings After Birmingham Win, Pakistan Suffer More
World Test Championship: England moved further away from Sri Lanka, and a little closer to India in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table after beating Pakistan in the third Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, which saw them sweep Pakistan at home. Joe Root and Jordan Cox led the way with half centuries as the Three Lions chased down 130 to win by eight wickets and register their first home whitewash of Pakistan as they won the three-match series 3-0. Even though they are unlikely to play the WTC final next year at The Oval, they have consolidated their sixth spot in the nine-team standings, making more ground on Sri Lanka and moving closer to two-time finalists, India. Coming into the third Test, England had 62 points to their name in 15 matches with a PCT of 34.44 after being deducted 14 points for slow-over rate offences. The Edgbaston win saw them take their points tally to 74 from 16 games as their PCT increased to 38.54 per cent, still significantly behind India's 51.51 PCT. Meanwhile, Pakistan have lost further ground in the WTC standings. They were already at the dead bottom ahead of the Birmingham loss, and their PCT has now gone further down from 16.67 per cent to 14.81 per cent as they have just two wins and were also docked eight points for slow-over rate. Australia continue to hold the top spot in the WTC standings. They have 96 points and a PCT of 80 per cent after their 1-1 draw against Bangladesh. South Africa occupy the second spot with 36 points from four matches and a PCT of 75, followed by New Zealand, who sit close in third with a PCT of 72.22 per cent from six matches. Bangladesh are ahead of India due to their Darwin win and occupy the fourth spot with a PCT of 55.56 per cent in six matches. India have 68 points from 11 games and a PCT of 51.52 after winning the two-match Sri Lanka series 1-0, where they failed to win the second rubber. Australia continue to hold the top spot in the WTC standings. They have 96 points and a PCT of 80 per cent after their 1-1 draw against Bangladesh. South Africa occupy the second spot with 36 points from four matches and a PCT of 75, followed by New Zealand, who sit close in third with a PCT of 72.22 per cent from six matches. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The top two will secure the places for the WTC final from June 9 to 13. Article Source: IANS
Not Her Game: Smriti Mandhana Given Big Warning Ahead Of India's Women's Asia Cup Final vs Sri Lanka
Former India men's cricketer Vivek Razdan said that vice-captain Smriti Mandhana must anchor the innings and play to her natural strengths rather than trying to emulate the high-risk aggression of her partner Shafali Verma in the upcoming Women's Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka.
Gautam Gambhir Has Got A Very Aggressive Mindset; I Definitely Know How His Mind Works, Says Iyer
Arun Jaitley Stadium: India captain Shreyas Iyer said he hopes his strong working relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir will drive clear communication and an aggressive approach in the shortest format in the coming times, starting with Sunday's T20I match against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Having previously won an Indian Premier League (IPL) title together as captain-mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024, Iyer highlighted the head coach's aggressive mentality and individual player management as key factors in establishing clarity within the squad. The duo didnt get a great start as India lost series in Ireland and England, before Iyer got a 3-0 win over Zimbabwe in July, with CoE head of cricket VVS Laxman being the stand-in head coach. I feel that he has got a very aggressive mindset. He is someone who is always looking to win when he steps onto the field. He wants every individual to perform, which is pretty much given as a coach. So, he builds a lot of trust and confidence amongst the team, and every player knows what their role and clarity is. So, I think all these alignments are very much important when it comes to coaching skills, and he has got an amazing one-on-one player management approach. So, that is essential going forward in the tournament when you have that kind of relationship with every player because all of us are different in our own ways and you need to understand a certain player. Both of us, Gauti bhai and I, have been in this scenario where we need to know the players and how they can deliver for the team. The more matches we win, the more we would be getting to know each other closely. I have worked with him in the past in KKR. So, I definitely know how his mind works and how his approach is going to be, said Iyer in the pre-match press conference on Saturday. Looking at the immediate challenge posed by Afghanistan, who have a host of players well-aware of the Indian conditions due to playing in the IPL, Iyer stressed the importance of taking one step at a time to build momentum. See, we will go game by game. We don't have to think too much about the future. We are thinking about the first game. We know that Afghanistan is a nice team, and our preparation has also been promising for the last couple of days. Players are in great shape and mindset. So, we have to stay in the present and see to it that we deliver when the time comes. Leading up to the Asian Games, we have got a great opportunity to play against a very quality side. So, looking for a great competition and yes, fingers crossed. We will deliver to the best of our abilities. Iyer also expressed enthusiasm for participating in his first Asian Games, where he will lead Indias gold medal defence, and interact with athletes across different sports disciplines. It is definitely an exciting time for me and also for the team because it is going to be my first time, and there are a couple of players who have already been in the last Asian Games. So, we have to stay in the present and see to it that we deliver when the time comes. Leading up to the Asian Games, we have got a great opportunity to play against a very quality side. So, looking for a great competition and yes, fingers crossed. We will deliver to the best of our abilities. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Definitely would be a great interaction, and I would be eagerly waiting to go there and interact with them and know what their mindset is. Probably go to one of the games and cheer for them as well. So, yes, we are going as a whole nation and then definitely we want to see to it that we come back triumphant, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Injuries, Not Selection, Are India's Biggest Headache Ahead of Asian Games 2026
India's three-match series against Afghanistan, beginning in Delhi on September 13, comes at an important point in the calendar. The same group has the Asian Games in sight, with India looking to defend its gold medal.
AFG vs IND first T20I | Ahead of Asian Games, full-strength India aims to flex muscle
The Men in Blue will start as clear favourites in the three-match T20I series against host Afghanistan; pace ace Bumrahs presence will be a fillip for skipper Shreyas
England overcomes early scare to win Third Test against Pakistan, sweeps series
Captain Joe Root (62 not out) and Jordan Cox (59 not out) came to the hosts rescue at Edgbaston as England successfully chased down a winning target of 130 runs
Bumrah Needs Game Time To Build Confidence On Return From Knee Injury, Says Captain Shreyas Iyer
Arun Jaitley Stadium: India skipper Shreyas Iyer said returning fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah's focus is entirely on match readiness and winning championships as he prepares to return to international action in Sunday's T20I opener against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Bumrahs return after missing England's third ODI and the Sri Lanka Test series delivers a crucial boost for India, whose T20I form has faltered since June via defeats to Ireland and England, before winning the series in Zimbabwe. The two-time T20 World Cup winner boasts 121 wickets in 95 T20Is, a resume highlighted by his Player of the Tournament performance in 2024 and a Player of the Match display in this year's final against New Zealand. Iyer also noted that even established players require time on the field to regain match sharpness following a lay-off. See, as a player comes out of an injury, it's important that he gets game time and you need that sort of confidence when you are coming into the game. He has played so much cricket over the years. He is immensely experienced, but at the end of the day, if you would ask me as an individual who is coming out of an injury, I would want more game time and more confidence leading up to a certain tournament. Definitely, I interacted with him yesterday. He is in that mindset where he wants to come and perform for the team and see to it that we win championships, said Iyer in the pre-match press conference on Saturday. The right-handed batter was optimistic about the squads preparation overall, highlighting that high-intensity training sessions over the past two days have gone well despite ongoing workload management considerations. See, as I mentioned, we are just focusing on tomorrow's game at the moment. Looking at every individual who has come out of an injury, they are looking fit and fine. They are in great shape. We had two high-intensity sessions yesterday and the day before yesterday. So, I honestly can't tell you how we are going to manage it. But all I can assure you is that the team is looking promising. We are having great preparation. I want to be optimistic in terms of how we approach the game. Iyer praised the inclusion of fast bowler Yash Thakur, who was called up to the squad following a fresh thigh injury to Harshit Rana. Nagpur-based Thakur made his T20I debut in July against Zimbabwe and picked up two wickets in as many games. Thakur has also been with the Punjab Kings, a franchise Iyer captains in the IPL since 2025. As you see, Yash, he has been playing a lot of domestic cricket as well. He has performed consistently for his team, Vidarbha. They have won championships, and he has been someone who has been consistent throughout. So, he definitely deserves to be here. Leading up to the Asian Games, his name was already there as a backup. So, he is someone who is a quality bowler who has experience bowling in the domestic and also in the IPL. We have all seen him. He is a fantastic fielder as well. So, looking at all these qualities, I feel that he is the right match-up against a quality opponent and definitely, he has got the mindset of a champion, he said while replying to a query from IANS. As you see, Yash, he has been playing a lot of domestic cricket as well. He has performed consistently for his team, Vidarbha. They have won championships, and he has been someone who has been consistent throughout. So, he definitely deserves to be here. Leading up to the Asian Games, his name was already there as a backup. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories So, whoever gets the opportunity in place of them, they have to see to it that they seize their position and definitely help the team to victory. I am glad that Nitish is back from his injury, and he is looking in great shape, and the efforts that he put in yesterday, I saw the workload was pretty intense. Yes, looking forward to seeing him in this series and then all the games going forward. Article Source: IANS
Delhi weather will be in focus as Afghanistan host India for a three-match T20I series in the national capital from Sunday onwards.
Nepal Qualify For Asia Cup 2027 After Beating UAE In ACC Premier Cup Final
Nepal defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 44 runs to win the Premier Cup for the second time, as opener Aasif Sheikh starred with a century before the bowlers backed him to register a comfortable win.
Root, Cox hit fifties as England cruise to 3-0
Cox and Root helm England's small chase after Abbas' double-strike
History-maker Root overtakes Tendulkar In Edgbaston Test
England captain Joe Root has surpassed Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most half-centuries in Test cricket, achieving his 69th fifty during England's eight-wicket victory over Pakistan.
England Whitewash Pakistan, First Series Win In 19 Months
Joe Root's unbeaten 62 guided England to a dominant eight-wicket victory in the third Test against Pakistan, securing a 3-0 series whitewash despite early batting jitters. This marks England's first series win in 19 months.
India face tough selection calls as Afghanistan play hosts in Delhi
Shreyas Iyer will have to make the unenviable selection of two openers out of Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma
Shreyas Iyer's Biggest Test Yet? Ex-Selector Highlights India's Key Challenge Against Afghanistan
Afghanistan could deploy veteran off-spin bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nabi with the new ball in Sunday's opening T20I to target India's heavily left-handed top order.
From Truck Loaders Brother To Test Hero: Razaullahs Fairytale Pakistan Debut
A young Razaullah arrived in the northern Pakistani city of Mardan with his two elder brothers, dreaming to make it big in cricket with his thunderbolt deliveries and powerful hitting. His brother Samiullah did not want his sibling to be a truck loader like him, and instead made sure the tall and strapping fast bowler went to the town's cricket academy on his way to play for his country. Razaullah dismissed one of the world's best batters Joe Root with his fourth ball on his Test debut before smashing nine sixes in a sensational innings of 81 against England at Edgbaston. The 21-year-old's fearless batting brought Pakistan from the brink of an innings defeat on Friday as he added a fighting 121 runs for the ninth wicket with Mohammad Abbas, who scored 42. His sensational hits -- some landing in the under-construction hotel adjacent to the stadium -- caused a sensation from England's Midlands to Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa back home. This is the beauty of Pakistan's raw talent, said commentator Urooj Mumtaz, a former Pakistan women's captain. He batted fearlessly and entertained all those who were watching. It was sensational. Razaullah himself admitted he wanted to entertain others and enjoy himself. I just had to bat, you are the ones who get to enjoy it, he said in post-match comments on Sky. Just like his sensational Edgbaston knock, Razaullah's induction to the Pakistan team was as much out of the blue. Smarting from humiliating defeats in the first two Tests, Pakistan withdrew seven players in a shock reaction, drafting as many new ones -- with unheralded and uncapped Razaullah one of them. - Number 14 - Razaullah's coming of age at the international level will inspire the next generation of players. The unassuming young man left his remote village of Wari in the hilly parts of Upper Dir -- an area close to Lower Dir from where another fast bowler Naseem Shah emerged in 2019. He endeared himself to everyone at the Mardan academy for his obsession to bowl as fast as Shoaib Akhtar -- the former Pakistan express pacer -- and ability to clear the boundary off many deliveries bowled to him. He (Razaullah) came for Under-19 trials in 2023 wearing spikes bigger than his size and with his first delivery he sent the batter staggering with his speed, Mardan and Abbottabad coach Ahmed Said told AFP earlier this year. I asked him not to bowl another delivery for fear of causing injury to any young and inexperienced batter. Said recalled Razaullah always wanted the Number 14 shirt that Akhtar used to wear. Razaullah insisted he wanted a Number 14 shirt in the National Twenty20 Cup and was elated after he got it, albeit two sizes bigger, and we all started to call him Shobby. Former Pakistan coach Abdul Rehman spotted Razaullah in a Twenty20 tournament in Quetta and recruited him for the Rawalpindiz team in the Pakistan Super League, where he impressed with his speed. Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed helped his growth in the High Performance Center in Lahore, from where he jetted to England. Razaullah's idol Akhtar was impressed with his play. Look at his intent and fearless batting and this was the intent Pakistan players were missing in earlier matches, Akhtar said on television. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories He is a product of the Pakistan Cricket Board's pathway, and it's now the duty of the coaches to manage him properly so that he can progress further.
Nepal qualify for Asia Cup 2027 after winning Premier Cup final
Digital Desk | Kuala Lumpur, Sep 12 (IANS) Nepal have earned their place in the 2027 ODI Asia Cup after winning the ACC Men's Premier Cup on Saturday in Kuala Lumpur. Nepal defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 44 runs to win the Premier Cup for the second time, as opener Aasif Sheikh starred with a century before the bowlers backed him to register a comfortable win. This will be Nepal's second appearance in the Asia Cup, after they were also part of the 2023 ODI Asia Cup. The 2027 edition of the tournament is set to take place in Bangladesh in the middle of 2027. The winners of the Premier Cup are guaranteed a place in the Asia Cup. Nepal posted a strong total of 313/9 in their 50 overs against UAE in the final. Aasif was the star with the bat as he made 102 off 106 balls, with his knock laced with eight fours and four sixes. Nepal were off to a strong start when Aasif and Arjun Kumal put up 97 runs for the opening wicket before Kumal was run out on 43. Aasif then put up another strong stand of 68 runs for the third wicket with Rohit Paudel after Ishan Pandey was dismissed for just 13, as Paudel made an impressive 40. Gulsan Jha played a blistering knock of 52 from 38 balls and gave the fireworks needed for a strong target as he hit four sixes and three fours. Basir Ahamad gave the final touches with a four-ball 15 to push the target beyond 300. In reply, UAE lost early wickets in a heap as they were 56/3 in 8.3 overs. Rahul Chopra smashed an unbeaten century; Sohaib Khan also hit 52, opener Tanish Suri made 52, and captain Harpreet Singh scored 33, but there were not many big knocks to chase the target down. Karan KC was the pick of the bowlers as he scalped three wickets for 49 in his nine overs. Lalit Rajbanshi also picked up a couple of wickets, while Sandeep Lamichhane, Dipendra Singh Airee, Paudel, Jha and Ahamad all picked one wicket each in a strong victory.
England Survive Scare To Seal 3-0 Sweep Vs Pakistan
England overcame a major wobble to beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the third Test at Edgbaston on Saturday, sealing a 3-0 series sweep. The home team, chasing just 130 to win, were in deep trouble when openers Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay were dismissed in the first over, bowled by Mohammad Abbas. Joe Root, England's record runscorer, edged his first ball, bowled by Razaullah, through the slips for four in a nervy start but settled and scored quickly to take the sting out of the situation. The skipper was given a huge reprieve when he chopped onto the stumps off Mohammad Ali, only for the umpire to signal a no ball, leaving the bowler distraught. Root, with Jordan Cox at the other end, had another let-off when he edged an Abbas delivery between first and second slip, with neither fielder moving. But he reached his half-century off 57 balls with a cut for four and Cox matched him shortly afterwards. England reached their target in the 25th over, with Root unbeaten on 62 and Cox 59 not out. Root's men had appeared set for a quickfire win inside three days on Friday before debutant fast bowler Razaullah launched an audacious assault with the bat, clubbing nine sixes as he raced to 81 off 63 balls. The 21-year-old number nine, who also took four wickets in England's first innings, put on 121 for the ninth wicket with fellow paceman Abbas (42) as England floundered. Razaullah's heroics have changed the mood music but they came too little, too late for Pakistan, who have endured a miserable series, losing the first Test by an innings and 103 runs and the second by 194 runs. The tourists sent seven players home after their crushing defeat in the second Test at Lord's and brought in seven replacements, with Razaullah among them. They also sacked head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul as their tour plunged into chaos. Pakistan made four changes to their side for the third Test and they put up a fight despite being dismissed for a paltry 133 in their first innings. The 3-0 whitewash is a huge tonic for England, who were in turmoil just weeks ago following a series loss to New Zealand and the exits of head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories But tougher challenges lie ahead, starting with a Test series in South Africa in December and January, while a home Ashes looms next year.
Updated WTC Points Table After England Complete 3-0 Whitewash Over Pakistan
England registered a 3-0 clean sweep over Pakistan with an eight-wicket win in the final game.
Ex-BCCI Selector Explains Why Jasprit Bumrah May Not Pick Wickets At The Start vs Afghanistan
T20I cricket returns to Delhi with the India vs Afghanistan match on Sunday
As long as Im scoring runs, Im happy: Padikkal
The left-hander stresses the importance of game time and feels that domestic cricket toughens a player
England defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the third and final Test at Edgbaston on Saturday, completing a 3-0 series sweep after chasing down a target of 130 on the fourth day. Joe Root and...
1st Time In 131 Years: India's Manav Suthar Scripts History On England Soil With Unique Record
India's rising star Manav Suthar is showcasing his spin brilliance on English soil.
Punjab Lions Bowler Takes Field After Grandfather's Death
Ludhiana Lions' Krish Bhagat played an important Sher-E-Punjab T20 League match against Amritsar Soormas, dedicating a crucial wicket to his late grandfather, Chunni Lal Bhagat, a former Cabinet Minister. Krish shared how his grandfather's journey from Pakistan inspired him and spoke about his own early start in cricket, his family's support, and his focus on team goals in the league.
Mohammed Siraj named new Hyderabad captain for upcoming Ranji Trophy season
Mohammed Siraj will captain Hyderabad in the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has confirmed the development. They also appointed fellow pacer Chama Milind as the vice-captain of the side. Currently, the team...
1st T20I: Eyes on Delhi skies as Afghanistan-India lock horns in opener
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) Delhi weather will be in focus as Afghanistan host India for a three-match T20I series in the national capital from Sunday onwards. The monsoon in Delhi has brought sparse showers to the national capital in the last fortnight, and weather promises to be one of the things to keep a tap on as the two teams gear up for the clashes at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. As per AccuWeather, there is a 64 per cent chance of precipitation on Sunday as the rain threatens to interrupt the opener. The match is slated to begin at 7 PM and, going by hourly updates, the weather threat looms large in the afternoon and evening, more so than in the morning. Till 12 noon, the rain chances stand at 10 per cent or fewer, but from 1 PM onwards, the precipitation chances hover around the 50 per cent mark. By 6 PM, the precipitation chances stay at 40 per cent, while at 7 they decline further to 37 per cent. The precipitation chance increases a touch to 40 per cent for the next two hours before dropping to 37 per cent at 10 PM and 34 per cent at 11 PM. It seems that the weather won't be able to wash the clash out, but it can intervene with occasional showers. Weather permitting, eyes will be on the Indian big guns, with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Sanju Samson and Axar Patel back in the squad after missing the 3-0 Zimbabwe T20I series. Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar have all been cleared fit to play as the BCCI confirmed that Harshit Rana was out due to a ectus femoris strain, with Yash Thakur replacing him. The series marks Shreyas Iyer's first assignment as India captain in India. Although Afghanistan are the official hosts, Iyer would be leading the Men in Blue for the first time on Indian soil after leading them in the UK and in Zimbabwe. India would look for a strong outing after they lost the two-match T20I series to Ireland 2-0 and a five-game T20I rubber to England 4-0 in their seven-game trip to the UK. However, India bounced back strongly in Zimbabwe with a 3-0 sweep.
Afghanistan Could Start With Nabi To Put Indian Openers On Early Tight Leash, Warns Sarandeep
T20 World Cup: Afghanistan could deploy veteran off-spin bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nabi with the new ball in Sunday's opening T20I game to target India's heavy left-handed top order, warned former off-spinner and national selector Sarandeep Singh. A significant part of the build-up to the three-game series has been how the Indian batting line-up could counter the threat posed by Nabi, ace leg-spinner Rashid Khan and wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad, especially in the power play and middle overs. Bowling Nabi upfront also depends on whether India stick with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to bat alongside Abhishek Sharma or bring back Sanju Samson. I am saying that before Rashid Khan as well, if Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma play as openers, it is possible that Mohammad Nabi can be seen bowling in the first over. That can be a strategy or plan from them, as hes an off-spinner and he will definitely be given a chance. We saw in the T20 World Cup, which we won, Abhishek Sharma was having a tough time in the beginning, Sarandeep told IANS in a select virtual interaction organised by FanCode, the official digital broadcasters of the three-game series. He also reminded of how Abhishek had a rough time against off-spinners in this years T20 World Cup, something which Afghanistan can look to exploit via their crafty spin troika. Everyone began bowling off-spin to him and were able to get Abhishek Sharma out often. But I feel both of them will start hitting from the very first ball. Ishan Kishan will fare sensibly against them, but I think more than Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi will play a role, especially if he bowls with the new ball. We will have to see if Rashid Khan has a strategy or plan to counter them, as he has been playing IPL for so many years. He has played a lot on Indian soil and has shared the dressing room with the Indian players and has got to know each other very well. I think we will see them with a great bowling plan for him tomorrow. There is no doubt that Nabi will bowl the first over against both those openers. Sarandeep also believes that Afghanistan's extensive experience across global T20 leagues makes them a formidable opponent to take on the Shreyas Iyer-led Indian team. I said the same thing a while ago. Their spin bowling attack, 6-7 players in the middle order, pacers and batters play T20 cricket worldwide. They play in big leagues and have a great experience of playing T20s. Rashid Khan will definitely play a big role in bowling against the Indian middle order. Highlighting the conditions at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Sarandeep expected high-scoring encounters could be the norm in three games, while adding that India should look to play Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel as their spin bowling combination. The way Delhi Premier League games happened sometime ago and how Arun Jaitley Stadium wickets usually behave, it supports a lot of batting. We have seen big runs coming off the pitches in the T20 World Cup and domestic season. As far as spinners are concerned, India always likes to go with the all-rounders. Ravi Bishnoi was in the scheme of things, but was not able to perform as well. Varun Chakaravarthy is a regular spinner; Washington Sundar and Axar Patel can bat and bowl as well. I feel it will be a good combination for India, as there should be variations as well. There should be a left-arm spinner and an off-spinner, and India will definitely go with them, he added. Turning to the fast bowling unit, Sarandeep recalled how he met Jasprit Bumrah during his recovery from a left knee injury at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, and the big boost the current T20 World Cup holders, India, get from his return. It is a big advantage for India to have Bumrah back because you get a confidence boost. I was taking a high-performance camp at the Centre of Excellence and was even there with the North Zone team as their coach in the Duleep Trophy games. I saw Bumrah doing his fitness work there. He was becoming fully fit and was bowling his heart out. Whenever he comes, he bowls his heart out. He never plays if he is not fit, as he comes back when he is fully fit. He fared well in the Centre of Excellence practice games and played well in the match simulations and looked fully fit. I was meeting him there every day. Bumrah being fully fit and his arrival in the Indian team is a big boost for us as other fast bowlers start looking better. Addressing pace additions following Harshit Rana's being ruled out due to a fresh thigh strain, Sarandeep highlighted Yash Thakur's earned progression through domestic and international shadow tours. Nagpur-based Thakur made his T20I debut in July against Zimbabwe and picked up two wickets in as many games. Yash Thakur had a very good time with Punjab Kings in the IPL, but when Vidarbha won the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he played really well. He has been performing well in domestic cricket over the past 2-3 years and has earned the opportunity as a result. He performed well in Sri Lanka in the A games and then in the Zimbabwe tour. He got a chance here because Harshit is currently unfit. Hopefully, he can make his place here in the Indian team. We have a lot of injury concerns. The advantage here is that the fast bowler who is fit will get more opportunities. Analysing Shreyas Iyer's task as Indias captain to get some winning momentum for his team after winning just three out of ten games, Sarandeep pointed to tactical adjustments and managing bowler workloads during fast-paced situations as key challenges for him. In T20, its really difficult to tell which areas he should improve because the game ends so soon that you don't know when it began. But there are some crucial points regarding the situation of the game like the bowling changes which are very important. Should the spinners be in the circle or not? Also, who will bowl your final bowlers as Harshit Rana is not there now to do that and Yash Thakur has come in. Nitish Reddy is coming back after injury and where he fits in is important. Then, making crucial bowling changes at the right time is very important. Your batting line-up is set and you have all the batting orders. But when you go to the field, you have to know who will bowl at what phase of the game. In T20, its really difficult to tell which areas he should improve because the game ends so soon that you don't know when it began. But there are some crucial points regarding the situation of the game like the bowling changes which are very important. Should the spinners be in the circle or not? Also Read: Special Cricket Stories So it might be possible that Jasprit Bumrah doesn't take wickets at the start, but your other bowlers should be ready and Yash Thakur should also do well. You already have Ashdeep Singh who always comes and takes wickets for you. The main thing is how you rotate Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel. They have so much experience and won so many matches for you. So how to rotate these three spinners will be a very big challenge for Shreyas Iyer, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Snubbed For First T20I vs Afghanistan In Big Verdict By Ex-India Star
The former India cricketer has backed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer to remain at number four and Sanju Samson to open the innings in the first T20I against Afghanistan.
Nine Years After Brain Fade, Cheteshwar Pujara Drops A Bombshell On Australia
Brain fade. Back in 2017, that was the term that had the cricket world buzzing. During a Test match between India and Australia in Bengaluru, after being given out LBW, Steve Smith was seen seeking an opinion from his dressing room
Delhi Police issues traffic advisory before India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I at Arun Jaitley Stadium
Afghanistan will host India for a three-match T20I series at Arun Jaitley Stadium, starting September 13. Since the opening match will clash with the ongoing BRICS summit in the capital, traffic movement around the stadium...
Big call on India's openers ahead of Afghanistan T20I
Former India cricketer Vivek Razdan has shared his preferred batting lineup for India's first T20I against Afghanistan, advocating for Shreyas Iyer to retain his number four spot and Sanju Samson to open the innings. Razdan emphasized performance over the left-right batting combination, highlighting Samson's recent T20 form. The series opener will also see a selection dilemma with multiple openers available and marks Iyer's first home series as captain.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Sunbbed For First T20I vs Afghanistan In Big Verdict By Ex-India Star
The former India cricketer has backed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer to remain at number four and Sanju Samson to open the innings in the first T20I against Afghanistan.
Mandhana Must Avoid Imitating Shafali In Asia Cup Final Against Sri Lanka, Says Razdan
Dubai International Stadium: Former India mens cricketer Vivek Razdan said that vice-captain Smriti Mandhana must anchor the innings and play to her natural strengths rather than trying to emulate the high-risk aggression of her partner Shafali Verma in the upcoming Women's Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka. Seven-time champions India enter Sunday's final to be played at the Dubai International Stadium as favourites to win the title, though they did lose to Sri Lanka in the 2024 edition final in Dambulla. Razdan warned against taking defending champions Sri Lanka lightly following their hard-fought victory over Pakistan in the semifinal on Friday. The Indian team is a very strong team. But you can't underestimate Sri Lanka, especially the way they played against Pakistan. After being 33/4, they chased down the required target. Despite Athapaththu being out early, you can see how much batting depth the team has, Razdan told IANS in a virtual interaction organised by Sony Sports Network. He also commended the recent form of India's bowling attack, noting key contributions from Sree Charni, Shafali Verma, Prema Rawat and Deepti Sharma, with the spinners taking 26 wickets in all. But Razdan highlighted that Smriti must play her own game rather than replicate what Shafali does. So far, Shafali (168 runs) and Smriti (154 runs) have done the bulk of the scoring, with the rest of the order misfiring so far. The Indian team bowling line-up is very strong. You can talk about N Sree Charni, Shafali, or Deepti. All of them have been very strong in these games. But there is one thing that needs to be worked on - how do you bat in powerplay? In the last game, Shafali scored a fifty against Bangladesh, but she survived three dropped catches and one run-out chance. Regarding Smriti Mandhana, it is very important for her to play for a long time. I don't know why, but I feel that Smriti sometimes tries to be Shafali. That's not her game. So far, Shafali (168 runs) and Smriti (154 runs) have done the bulk of the scoring, with the rest of the order misfiring so far. The Indian team bowling line-up is very strong. You can talk about N Sree Charni, Shafali, or Deepti. All of them have been very strong in these games. But there is one thing that needs to be worked on - how do you bat in powerplay? Also Read: Special Cricket Stories If you can play the powerplay without losing a wicket, you will be able to post a big score because all of this depends on the top four. We have some batters who can help you at the back end. But if you want to win the match and the final, I will have a special eye on someone to do it, and it will be Smriti Mandhana. Article Source: IANS
India-Pakistan Legends Rivalry Returns: WCL 2026 Clash Scheduled for October 10 in Dubai
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry will come head-to-head once again, as the teams have met twice before in World Championship of Legends (WCL). The India Champions are set to clash against Pakistan Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) in Dubai
Delhi Traffic Police Issue Advisory Ahead Of 1st India vs Afghanistan T20I
Delhi Traffic Police on Saturday issued a traffic advisory ahead of the India-Afghanistan T20 cricket match at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 13
Team India's Hilarious Reactions to Their 1980s Avatars!
Indian cricketers were surprised with AI-generated 1980s avatars of themselves during a photo session before the Afghanistan T20I series, leading to humorous reactions from players like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Axar Patel, and Ishan Kishan.
T20Is Against Afghanistan Ideal For match Winner Bumrah's Return: Vivek Razdan
T20 World Cup: Returning to international cricket via the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan offers ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah a nice path to rebuilding his match fitness after recovering from left knee injury, believes former India pacer Vivek Razdan. Bumrah has picked 121 scalps in 95 T20Is and won the T20 World Cup twice, including being Player of the Tournament in the 2024 triumph and winning the Player of the Match award in the final against New Zealand earlier this year. Bumrah's return after missing the third ODI against England and Tests against Sri Lanka gives India a significant boost, considering their fortunes in T20Is havent been the best since June. Bumrah's return is very big news and will always be because you try to understand the player you are talking about. He is a match-winner and an impact player who has the capability to win a match on his own. So, it is very big news. When you come back to full fitness, it is better to choose the smallest format because you get time for achieving that. You have 4 overs and can bowl in 2 spells. So, it is easier for you to catch the rhythm again. If you come back from an injury and choose to return to play via the longest format, there are more chances of getting injured again. So, this shortest format series in which he is coming back from an injury, after being fully fit and healthy, I think it will be better for him in the long run. As I said, Jasprit Bumrah commands a very huge importance in this team, Razdan told IANS in a virtual interaction organised by Sony Sports Network on Saturday. Turning to Shreyas Iyer's fortunes as T20I captain, with a record of just three wins in 10 games since taking charge in June, Razdan cautioned that leading India comes with immense national expectations, particularly given the benchmark set by previous leaders. Regarding Shreyas Iyer's captaincy, I want to say that it can't be the case of not having pressure when you think about captaining India. These two things are totally different. If you want to captain the Indian team, you do carry expectations of more than 140 crore people in the country. That pressure will always be there on you, and you can't run away from it. One more thing to note is, he became captain after his predecessor Suryakumar Yadav won the T20 World Cup. So that comparison will always be there and no escaping it. Shreyas has already shown his capabilities of leading a team via the IPL. I feel, and hope, that some tactical changes will come from him as he progresses and becomes much better at it. When the team performs well, and every player performs according to his reputation and capabilities, the captain's job becomes easier. The captain's problems increase when the team doesn't perform well, and the players are out of touch. One more thing to note is, he became captain after his predecessor Suryakumar Yadav won the T20 World Cup. So that comparison will always be there and no escaping it. Shreyas has already shown his capabilities of leading a team via the IPL. I feel, and hope, that some tactical changes will come from him as he progresses and becomes much better at it. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Watch India tour of Afghanistan 2026 - Afghanistan vs India - 1st T20 on September 13, 2026, from 7:30 PM IST live on Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD. Article Source: IANS
AFG vs IND: Approaching Milestones and Records Ahead of 1st T20I, Afghanistan vs India series 2026
AFG vs IND 1st T20I,Approaching Milestones and Records :The much-awaited T20I series between Afghanistan and India is all set to kick off on Sunday, September 13, in Delhi. The Indian Cricket Team led by Shreyas Iyer will square off with the Afghanistan Cricket Team under Ibrahim Zadran. This match will be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium, starting at 7 PM IST. Shreyas has a chance to add a home series win under his belt as he is coming off a series win in Zimbabwe, after two poor outings in Ireland and England. Jasprit Bumrah is back, which will boost the Indian pace unit. All-rounders Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy are also back after injuries. India are looking very good with their combination. It will be interesting to see who will open for India among Abhishek, Suryavanshi, and Samson. Ibrahim Zadran will lead Afghanistan. He has been appointed as the new captain, replacing Rashid Khan. Afghanistan have not beaten India at the international level. Can they end this draught on Sunday? Here, we will talk about big records and milestones which are lined up and can be achieved in the AFG vs IND 1st T20I at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. AFG vs IND: Approaching Test Records and Cricket Milestones Ahead of the AFG vs IND 1st T20I at Arun Jaitley Stadium 68 - Sanju Samson has 1432 runs in T20Is, and he is just 68 runs away from completing 1500 T20I runs. 85 - Captain Shreyas Iyer needs 85 more runs to reach 1500 T20I runs in his career. 52 - Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi needs 52 more runs to become the first Afghan batter with 2500 T20I runs. 5 - Captain Ibrahim Zadran needs five more sixes to complete 50 T20I sixes. His teammate Gulbadin Naib needs one more six to reach this feat. 7 - Rashid Khan is approaching a big milestone in this series. He is just seven wickets away from becoming the first bowler with 200 T20I wickets. 1 - Nabi needs one more six to surpass the tally of Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli (124 each) on the list of most T20I sixes. 5 - Abhishek Sharma needs five more runs to complete 6000 runs in T20 cricket. 11 - Zadran needs 11 more runs to complete 4000 T20I runs. 14 - Ishan Kishan needs 14 runs to become the only second player after Harry Brook with 1000 international runs in 2026. One more six will help him become the second batter with 50 sixes in this calendar year. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories
